[Title 8 CFR ]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2024 Edition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



[[Page i]]

          
          
          Title 8

Aliens and Nationality

                         Revised as of January 1, 2024

          Containing a codification of documents of general 
          applicability and future effect

          As of January 1, 2024
                    Published by the Office of the Federal Register 
                    National Archives and Records Administration as a 
                    Special Edition of the Federal Register

[[Page ii]]

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[[Page iii]]




                            Table of Contents



                                                                    Page
  Explanation.................................................       v

  Title 8:
          Chapter I--Department of Homeland Security                 3
          Chapter V--Executive Office for Immigration Review, 
          Department of Justice                                    893
  Finding Aids:
      Table of CFR Titles and Chapters........................    1231
      Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR......    1251
      List of CFR Sections Affected...........................    1261

[[Page iv]]





                     ----------------------------

                     Cite this Code: CFR
                     To cite the regulations in 
                       this volume use title, 
                       part and section number. 
                       Thus, 8 CFR 1.1 refers to 
                       title 8, part 1, section 
                       1.

                     ----------------------------

[[Page v]]



                               EXPLANATION

    The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and 
permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive 
departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided 
into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal 
regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the 
name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into 
parts covering specific regulatory areas.
    Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year 
and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:

Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1
Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1
Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1
Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1

    The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each 
volume.

LEGAL STATUS

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evidence of the text of the original documents (44 U.S.C. 1510).

HOW TO USE THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

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OMB CONTROL NUMBERS

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collection request.

[[Page vi]]

Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as 
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that volume.

[[Page vii]]

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    Oliver A. Potts,
    Director,
    Office of the Federal Register
    January 1, 2024







[[Page ix]]



                               THIS TITLE

    Title 8--Aliens and Nationality is composed of one volume. This 
volume contains Chapter I--Department of Homeland Security and Chapter 
V--Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Justice. The 
contents of this volume represent all current regulations codified under 
this title of the CFR as of January 1, 2024.

    For this volume, Gabrielle E. Burns was Chief Editor. The Code of 
Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of John 
Hyrum Martinez, assisted by Stephen J. Frattini.

[[Page 1]]



                     TITLE 8--ALIENS AND NATIONALITY




  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Part

chapter i--Department of Homeland Security..................           1

chapter v--Executive Office for Immigration Review, 
  Department of Justice.....................................        1000

[[Page 3]]



               CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY




  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  Note: This table shows sections of title 8 of the United States Code 
and corresponding sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act and of 
parts in subchapters A, B, and C of chapter I of title 8 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations. Those sections of title 8 of the United States Code 
bearing an asterisk do not have a corresponding part in chapter I of 
title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

 
                                  Sections I. &                      Sections I. &                      Sections I. &                      Sections I. &
         Sections 8 USC           N. Act and 8     Sections 8 USC    N. Act and 8     Sections 8 USC    N. Act and 8     Sections 8 USC    N. Act and 8
                                       CFR                                CFR                                CFR                                CFR
 
1101*..........................  101             1254.............  244             1355*............  285             1438.............  327
1102*..........................  102             1255.............  245             1356*............  286             1439.............  328
1103*..........................  103             1256.............  246             1357.............  287             1440.............  329
1104*..........................  104             1257.............  247             1358*............  288             1441.............  330
1105*..........................  105             1258.............  248             1359.............  289             1442*............  331
1105a*.........................  106             1259.............  249             1360*............  290             1443.............  332
1151*..........................  201             1260.............  250             1361*............  291             1444.............  333
1152*..........................  202             1281.............  251             1362.............  292             1445.............  334
1153*..........................  203             1282.............  252             1401*............  301             1446.............  335
1154...........................  204             1283.............  253             1402*............  302             1447.............  336
1155...........................  205             1284*............  254             1403*............  303             1448.............  337
1156*..........................  206             1285*............  255             1404*............  304             1449.............  338
1181...........................  211             1286*............  256             1405*............  305             1450.............  339
1182...........................  212             1287*............  257             1406.............  306             1451.............  340
1183...........................  213             1301*............  261             1407*............  307             1452.............  341
1184...........................  214             1302*............  262             1408*............  308             1453.............  342
1185...........................  215             1303*............  263             1409*............  309             1454.............  343
1201...........................  221             1304.............  264             1421*............  310             1455.............  344
1202*..........................  222             1305.............  265             1422*............  311             1457*............  346
1203...........................  223             1306*............  266             1423.............  312             1458*............  347
1204*..........................  224             1321*............  271             1424*............  313             1459*............  348
1221...........................  231             1322*............  272             1425*............  314             1481.............  349
1222...........................  232             1323*............  273             1426*............  315             1482*............  350
1223...........................  233             1324.............  274             1427.............  316             1483*............  351
1224...........................  234             1325*............  275             1428*............  317             1484*............  352
1225...........................  235             1326*............  276             1429.............  318             1485*............  353
1226...........................  236             1327*............  277             1430.............  319             1486*............  354
1227...........................  237             1328*............  278             1431*............  320             1487*............  355
1228...........................  238             1329*............  279             1432*............  321             1488*............  356
1229...........................  239             1330.............  280             1433.............  322             1489*............  357
1230*..........................  240             1351*............  281             1434.............  323             1501*............  358
1251...........................  241             1352.............  282             1435.............  324             1502*............  359
1252...........................  242             1353*............  283             1436*............  325             1503*............  360
1253...........................  243             1354*............  284             1437.............  326
 

                    SUBCHAPTER A--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part                                                                Page
1               Definitions.................................           9
2               Authority of the Secretary of Homeland 
                    Security................................          12

[[Page 4]]

3               Executive Office for Immigration Review.....          13
                  SUBCHAPTER B--IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS
100             Statement of organization...................          14
101             Presumption of lawful admission.............          24
103             Immigration benefit requests; USCIS filing 
                    requirements; biometric requirements; 
                    availability of records.................          29
106             USCIS fee schedule..........................          50
109

[Reserved]

204             Immigrant petitions.........................          62
205             Revocation of approval of petitions.........         149
207             Admission of refugees.......................         152
208             Procedures for asylum and withholding of 
                    removal.................................         155
209             Adjustment of status of refugees and aliens 
                    granted asylum..........................         204
210             Special agricultural workers................         206
211             Documentary requirements: Immigrants; 
                    waivers.................................         217
212             Documentary requirements: Nonimmigrants; 
                    waivers; admission of certain 
                    inadmissible aliens; parole.............         220
213             Admission of aliens on giving bond or cash 
                    deposit.................................         276
213a            Affidavits of support on behalf of 
                    immigrants..............................         277
214             Nonimmigrant classes........................         291
215             Controls of aliens departing from the United 
                    States; electronic visa update system...         509
216             Conditional basis of lawful permanent 
                    residence status........................         518
217             Visa waiver program.........................         527
221             Admission of visitors or students...........         532
223             Reentry permits, refugee travel documents, 
                    and advance parole documents............         532
231             Arrival and departure manifests.............         534
232             Detention of aliens for physical and mental 
                    examination.............................         535
233             Contracts with transportation lines.........         537
234             Designation of ports of entry for aliens 
                    arriving by civil aircraft..............         538
235             Inspection of persons applying for admission         539
236             Apprehension and detention of inadmissible 
                    and deportable aliens; removal of aliens 
                    ordered removed.........................         564
237

[Reserved]

238             Expedited removal of aggravated felons......         585
239             Initiation of removal proceedings...........         588
240             Voluntary departure, suspension of 
                    deportation and special rule 
                    cancellation of removal.................         590

[[Page 5]]

241             Apprehension and detention of aliens ordered 
                    removed.................................         603
242-243

[Reserved]

244             Temporary protected status for nationals of 
                    designated states.......................         629
245             Adjustment of status to that of person 
                    admitted for permanent residence........         638
245a            Adjustment of status to that of persons 
                    admitted for temporary or permanent 
                    resident status under section 245A of 
                    the Immigration and Nationality Act.....         685
246             Rescission of adjustment of status..........         737
247             Adjustment of status of certain resident 
                    aliens..................................         738
248             Change of nonimmigrant classification.......         740
249             Creation of records of lawful admission for 
                    permanent residence.....................         743
250             Removal of aliens who have fallen into 
                    distress................................         744
251             Arrival and departure manifests and lists: 
                    Supporting documents....................         745
252             Landing of alien crewmen....................         748
253             Parole of alien crewmen.....................         752
258             Limitations on performance of longshore work 
                    by alien crewmen........................         754
264             Registration and fingerprinting of aliens in 
                    the United States.......................         757
265             Notices of address..........................         762
270             Penalties for document fraud................         762
271             Diligent and reasonable efforts to prevent 
                    the unauthorized entry of aliens by the 
                    owners of railroad lines, international 
                    bridges or toll roads...................         765
273             Carrier responsibilities at foreign ports of 
                    embarkation; reducing, refunding, or 
                    waiving fines under section 273 of the 
                    Act.....................................         765
274             Seizure and forfeiture of conveyances.......         767
274a            Control of employment of aliens.............         767
280             Imposition and collection of fines..........         798
286             Immigration user fee........................         803
287             Field officers; powers and duties...........         807
289             American Indians born in Canada.............         822
292             Representation and appearances..............         823
293             Deposit of and interest on cash received to 
                    secure immigration bonds................         830
299             Immigration forms...........................         831
                  SUBCHAPTER C--NATIONALITY REGULATIONS
301             Nationals and citizens of the United States 
                    at birth................................         833

[[Page 6]]

306             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Virgin Islanders...........         833
310             Naturalization authority....................         834
312             Educational requirements for naturalization.         836
313             Membership in the Communist Party or any 
                    other totalitarian organizations........         838
315             Persons ineligible to citizenship: Exemption 
                    from military service...................         841
316             General requirements for naturalization.....         842
318             Pending removal proceedings.................         851
319             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Spouses of United States 
                    citizens................................         852
320             Child born outside the United States and 
                    residing permanently in the United 
                    States; requirements for automatic 
                    acquisition of citizenship..............         855
322             Child born outside the United States; 
                    requirements for application for 
                    certificate of citizenship..............         857
324             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Women who have lost United 
                    States citizenship by marriage and 
                    former citizens whose naturalization is 
                    authorized by private law...............         860
325             Nationals but not citizens of the United 
                    States; residence within outlying 
                    possessions.............................         862
327             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Persons who lost United 
                    States citizenship through service in 
                    armed forces of foreign country during 
                    World War II............................         863
328             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Persons with 1 year of 
                    service in the United States Armed 
                    Forces..................................         863
329             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Persons with active duty or 
                    certain ready reserve service in the 
                    United States Armed Forces during 
                    specified periods of hostilities........         864
330             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Seamen.....................         866
331             Alien enemies; naturalization under 
                    specified conditions and procedures.....         867
332             Naturalization administration...............         867
333             Photographs.................................         868
334             Application for naturalization..............         869
335             Examination on application for 
                    naturalization..........................         870
336             Hearings on denials of applications for 
                    naturalization..........................         874
337             Oath of allegiance..........................         875
338             Certificate of naturalization...............         879

[[Page 7]]

339             Functions and duties of clerks of court 
                    regarding naturalization proceedings....         880
340             Revocation of naturalization................         881
341             Certificates of citizenship.................         881
342             Administrative cancellation of certificates, 
                    documents, or records...................         883
343             Certificate of naturalization or 
                    repatriation; persons who resumed 
                    citizenship under section 323 of the 
                    Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, or 
                    section 4 of the Act of June 29, 1906...         885
343a            Naturalization and citizenship papers lost, 
                    mutilated, or destroyed; new certificate 
                    in changed name; certified copy of 
                    repatriation proceedings................         886
343b            Special certificate of naturalization for 
                    recognition by a foreign state..........         887
343c            Certifications from records.................         888
349             Loss of nationality.........................         888
392             Special classes of persons who may be 
                    naturalized: Persons who die while 
                    serving on active duty with the United 
                    States Armed Forces during certain 
                    periods of hostilities..................         888
393-499

[Reserved]

[[Page 9]]



                     SUBCHAPTER A_GENERAL PROVISIONS





PART 1_DEFINITIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
1.1 Applicability.
1.2 Definitions.
1.3 Lawfully present aliens for purposes of applying for Social Security 
          benefits.
1.4 Definition of Form I-94

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101; 8 U.S.C. 1103; 5 U.S.C. 301; Pub. L. 107-
296, 116 Stat. 2135; 6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.

    Source: 76 FR 53778, Aug. 29, 2011, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1.1  Applicability.

    This part further defines some of the terms already described in 
section 101 and other sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(66 Stat. 163), as amended, and such other enactments as pertain to 
immigration and nationality. These terms are used consistently by 
components within the Department of Homeland Security including U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 
and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.



Sec.  1.2  Definitions.

    As used in this chapter I, the term:
    Act or INA means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
    Aggravated felony means a crime (or a conspiracy or attempt to 
commit a crime) described in section 101(a)(43) of the Act. This 
definition applies to any proceeding, application, custody 
determination, or adjudication pending on or after September 30, 1996, 
but shall apply under section 276(b) of the Act only to violations of 
section 276(a) of the Act occurring on or after that date.
    Application means benefit request.
    Arriving alien means an applicant for admission coming or attempting 
to come into the United States at a port-of-entry, or an alien seeking 
transit through the United States at a port-of-entry, or an alien 
interdicted in international or United States waters and brought into 
the United States by any means, whether or not to a designated port-of-
entry, and regardless of the means of transport. An arriving alien 
remains an arriving alien even if paroled pursuant to section 212(d)(5) 
of the Act, and even after any such parole is terminated or revoked. 
However, an arriving alien who was paroled into the United States before 
April 1, 1997, or who was paroled into the United States on or after 
April 1, 1997, pursuant to a grant of advance parole which the alien 
applied for and obtained in the United States prior to the alien's 
departure from and return to the United States, will not be treated, 
solely by reason of that grant of parole, as an arriving alien under 
section 235(b)(1)(A)(i) of the Act.
    Attorney means any person who is eligible to practice law in, and is 
a member in good standing of the bar of, the highest court of any State, 
possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or of the 
District of Columbia, and is not under any order suspending, enjoining, 
restraining, disbarring, or otherwise restricting him or her in the 
practice of law.
    Benefit request means any application, petition, motion, appeal, or 
other request relating to an immigration or naturalization benefit, 
whether such request is filed on a paper form or submitted in an 
electronic format, provided such request is submitted in a manner 
prescribed by DHS for such purpose.
    Board means the Board of Immigration Appeals within the Executive 
Office for Immigration Review, Department of Justice, as defined in 8 
CFR 1001.1(e).
    Case, unless the context otherwise requires, means any proceeding 
arising under any immigration or naturalization law, Executive Order, or 
Presidential proclamation, or preparation for or incident to such 
proceeding, including preliminary steps by any private person or 
corporation preliminary to the filing of the application or petition by 
which any proceeding under the jurisdiction of the Service or the Board 
is initiated.
    CBP means U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Commissioner means the Commissioner of the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service prior to March 1,

[[Page 10]]

2003. Unless otherwise specified, references after that date mean the 
Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Commissioner 
of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Director of U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as appropriate in the context in 
which the term appears.
    Day, when computing the period of time for taking any action 
provided in this chapter I including the taking of an appeal, shall 
include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, except that when the 
last day of the period computed falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal 
holiday, the period shall run until the end of the next day which is not 
a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.
    Department or DHS, unless otherwise noted, means the Department of 
Homeland Security.
    Director or district director prior to March 1, 2003, means the 
district director or regional service center director, unless otherwise 
specified. On or after March 1, 2003, pursuant to delegation from the 
Secretary of Homeland Security or any successive re-delegation, the 
terms mean, to the extent that authority has been delegated to such 
official: asylum office director; director, field operations; district 
director for interior enforcement; district director for services; field 
office director; service center director; or special agent in charge. 
The terms also mean such other official, including an official in an 
acting capacity, within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 
or other component of the Department of Homeland Security who is 
delegated the function or authority above for a particular geographic 
district, region, or area.
    EOIR means the Executive Office for Immigration Review within the 
Department of Justice.
    Executed or execute means fully completed.
    Form when used in connection with a benefit or other request to be 
filed with DHS to request an immigration benefit, means a device for the 
collection of information in a standard format that may be submitted in 
paper format or in an electronic format as prescribed by USCIS on its 
official Internet Web site. The term Form followed by an immigration 
form number includes an approved electronic equivalent of such form as 
may be prescribed by the appropriate component on its official Internet 
Web site.
    Form instructions means instructions on how to complete and where to 
file a benefit request, supporting evidence or fees, or any other 
required or preferred document or instrument with a DHS immigration 
component. Form instructions prescribed by USCIS or other DHS 
immigration components on their official Internet Web sites will be 
considered the currently applicable version, notwithstanding paper or 
other versions that may be in circulation, and may be issued through 
non-form guidance such as appendices, exhibits, guidebooks, or manuals.
    ICE means U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    Immigration judge means an immigration judge as defined in 8 CFR 
1001.1(l).
    Immigration officer means the following employees of the Department 
of Homeland Security, including senior or supervisory officers of such 
employees, designated as immigration officers authorized to exercise the 
powers and duties of such officer as specified by the Act and this 
chapter I: aircraft pilot, airplane pilot, asylum officer, refugee corps 
officer, Border Patrol agent, contact representative, deportation 
officer, detention enforcement officer, detention officer, fingerprint 
specialist, forensic document analyst, general attorney (except with 
respect to CBP, only to the extent that the attorney is performing any 
immigration function), helicopter pilot, immigration agent 
(investigations), immigration enforcement agent, immigration information 
officer, immigration inspector, immigration officer, immigration 
services officer, investigator, intelligence agent, intelligence 
officer, investigative assistant, special agent, other officer or 
employee of the Department of Homeland Security or of the United States 
as designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security as provided in 8 CFR 
2.1.
    Lawfully admitted for permanent residence means the status of having 
been

[[Page 11]]

lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United 
States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such 
status not having changed. Such status terminates upon entry of a final 
administrative order of exclusion, deportation, or removal.
    Petition. See Benefit request.
    Practice means the act or acts of any person appearing in any case, 
either in person or through the preparation or filing of any brief or 
other document, paper, application, or petition on behalf of another 
person or client before or with DHS.
    Preparation, constituting practice, means the study of the facts of 
a case and the applicable laws, coupled with the giving of advice and 
auxiliary activities, including the incidental preparation of papers, 
but does not include the lawful functions of a notary public or service 
consisting solely of assistance in the completion of blank spaces on 
printed DHS forms, by one whose remuneration, if any, is nominal and who 
does not hold himself or herself out as qualified in legal matters or in 
immigration and naturalization procedure.
    Representation before DHS includes practice and preparation as 
defined in this section.
    Representative refers to a person who is entitled to represent 
others as provided in 8 CFR 292.1(a)(2) through (6) and 8 CFR 292.1(b).
    Respondent means an alien named in a Notice to Appear issued in 
accordance with section 239(a) of the Act, or in an Order to Show Cause 
issued in accordance with 8 CFR 242.1 (1997) as it existed prior to 
April 1, 1997.
    Secretary, unless otherwise noted, means the Secretary of Homeland 
Security.
    Service means U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection, and/or U.S. Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement, as appropriate in the context in which the term appears.
    Service counsel means any immigration officer assigned to represent 
the Service in any proceeding before an immigration judge or the Board 
of Immigration Appeals.
    Transition program effective date as used with respect to extending 
the immigration laws to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
means November 28, 2009.
    USCIS means U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.



Sec.  1.3  Lawfully present aliens for purposes of applying 
for Social Security benefits.

    (a) Definition of the term an ``alien who is lawfully present in the 
United States.'' For the purposes of 8 U.S.C. 1611(b)(2) only, an 
``alien who is lawfully present in the United States'' means:
    (1) A qualified alien as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1641(b);
    (2) An alien who has been inspected and admitted to the United 
States and who has not violated the terms of the status under which he 
or she was admitted or to which he or she has changed after admission;
    (3) An alien who has been paroled into the United States pursuant to 
section 212(d)(5) of the Act for less than 1 year, except:
    (i) Aliens paroled for deferred inspection or pending removal 
proceedings under section 240 of the Act; and
    (ii) Aliens paroled into the United States for prosecution pursuant 
to 8 CFR 212.5(b)(3);
    (4) An alien who belongs to one of the following classes of aliens 
permitted to remain in the United States because DHS has decided for 
humanitarian or other public policy reasons not to initiate removal 
proceedings or enforce departure:
    (i) Aliens currently in temporary resident status pursuant to 
section 210 or 245A of the Act;
    (ii) Aliens currently under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 
pursuant to section 244 of the Act;
    (iii) Cuban-Haitian entrants, as defined in section 202(b) of Pub. 
L. 99-603, as amended;
    (iv) Family Unity beneficiaries pursuant to section 301 of Pub. L. 
101-649, as amended;
    (v) Aliens currently under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) 
pursuant to a decision made by the President;
    (vi) Aliens currently in deferred action status;
    (vii) Aliens who are the spouse or child of a United States citizen 
whose visa petition has been approved and

[[Page 12]]

who have a pending application for adjustment of status;
    (5) Applicants for asylum under section 208(a) of the Act and 
applicants for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act 
or under the Convention Against Torture who have been granted employment 
authorization, and such applicants under the age of 14 who have had an 
application pending for at least 180 days.
    (b) Non-issuance of a Notice to Appear and non-enforcement of 
deportation, exclusion, or removal orders. An alien may not be deemed to 
be lawfully present solely on the basis of DHS's decision not to, or 
failure to:
    (1) Issue a Notice to Appear; or
    (2) Enforce an outstanding order of deportation, exclusion or 
removal.



Sec.  1.4  Definition of Form I-94

    The term Form I-94, as used in this chapter I, includes the 
collection of arrival/departure and admission or parole information by 
DHS, whether in paper or electronic format, which is made available to 
the person about whom the information has been collected, as may be 
prescribed by DHS. The following terms, when used in the context of the 
Form I-94, are clarified as to their meaning to accommodate the 
collection of such information in an electronic format.
    (a) The terms ``annotate,'' ``note,'' ``indicate on,'' ``stamp,'' 
and ``endorse,'' unless used in part 231 of this chapter, include, but 
are not limited, to DHS amending, including or completing information in 
its electronic record of admission, or arrival/departure. For purposes 
of part 231, the term ``endorse'' includes but is not limited to the 
submission of electronic departure data to CBP.
    (b) The terms ``completed,'' ``completely executed'' and ``completed 
and signed'' include, but are not limited to, DHS completing its 
collection of information into its electronic record of admission, or 
arrival/departure.
    (c) The terms ``issuance'' and ``given'' include, but are not 
limited to, the creation of an electronic record of admission, or 
arrival/departure by DHS following an inspection performed by an 
immigration officer.
    (d) The term ``original I-94'' includes, but is not limited to, any 
printout or electronic transmission of information from DHS systems 
containing the electronic record of admission or arrival/departure.
    (e) The terms ``present,'' ``presentation,'' or ``submission'' of a 
Form I-94, unless they are used in Sec.  231.1 or Sec.  231.2 of this 
chapter, include, but are not limited to, providing a printout of 
information from DHS systems containing an electronic record of 
admission or arrival/departure. For purposes of Sec.  231.1 of this 
chapter, the terms ``present'' or ``submission'' of the Form I-94 
includes ensuring that each passenger presents him/herself to a CBP 
Officer for inspection at a U.S. port-of-entry. For the purposes of 
Sec.  231.2 of this chapter, the terms ``present,'' ``submit,'' or 
``submission'' of the Form I-94 includes ensuring that each passenger is 
available for inspection by a CBP Officer upon request.
    (f) The term ``possession'' with respect to a Form I-94 includes, 
but is not limited to, obtaining a copy or printout of the record of an 
electronic evidence of admission or arrival/departure from the 
appropriate CBP systems.
    (g) The terms ``surrendering,'' ``turning in a Form I-94,'' and 
``departure I-94'' includes, but is not limited to, complying with any 
departure controls under 8 CFR part 215 that may be prescribed by CBP in 
addition to the submission of electronic departure data to CBP by a 
carrier.

[78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



PART 2_AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103; 5 U.S.C. 301; Public Law 107-296, 116 
Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).



Sec.  2.1  Authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

    All authorities and functions of the Department of Homeland Security 
to administer and enforce the immigration laws are vested in the 
Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary of

[[Page 13]]

Homeland Security may, in the Secretary's discretion, delegate any such 
authority or function to any official, officer, or employee of the 
Department of Homeland Security, including delegation through successive 
redelegation, or to any employee of the United States to the extent 
authorized by law. Such delegation may be made by regulation, directive, 
memorandum, or other means as deemed appropriate by the Secretary in the 
exercise of the Secretary's discretion. A delegation of authority or 
function may in the Secretary's discretion be published in the Federal 
Register, but such publication is not required.

[68 FR 10923, Mar. 6, 2003]



PART 3_EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW--Table of Contents



    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note, 1103, 1252 note, 1252b, 
1324b, 1362; 28 U.S.C. 509, 510, 1746; sec. 2, Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 
1950, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 1002; section 203 of Pub. L. 105-100, 
111 Stat. 2196-200; sections 1506 and 1510 of Pub. L. 106-386; 114 Stat. 
1527-29, 1531-32; section 1505 of Pub. L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763A-326 
to -328.



Sec.  3.0  Executive Office for Immigration Review.

    Regulations of the Executive Office for Immigration Review relating 
to the adjudication of immigration matters before immigration judges 
(referred to in some regulations as special inquiry officers) and the 
Board of Immigration Appeals are located in 8 CFR chapter V, part 1003.

[68 FR 9831, Feb. 28, 2003]

[[Page 14]]



                  SUBCHAPTER B_IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS





PART 100_STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
100.1 Introduction.
100.2 [Reserved]
100.3 Places where, and methods whereby, information may be secured or 
          submittals or requests made.
100.4 Field offices.
100.5 Regulations.
100.6 [Reserved]

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note (section 7209 of Pub. 
L. 108-458); 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 32 FR 9616, July 4, 1967, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  100.1  Introduction.

    The following components have been delegated authority under the 
Immigration and Nationality Act to administer and enforce certain 
provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and all other laws 
relating to immigration: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS).

[74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  100.2  [Reserved]



Sec.  100.3  Places where, and methods whereby, information may be secured 
or submittals or requests made.

    Any person desiring information relative to a matter handled by CBP, 
ICE or USCIS or any person desiring to make a submittal or request in 
connection with such a matter, should communicate either orally or in 
writing, with either CBP, ICE or USCIS as appropriate. When the 
submittal or request consists of a formal application for one of the 
documents, privileges, or other benefits provided for in the laws 
administered by CBP, ICE or USCIS or the regulations implementing those 
laws, follow the instructions on the form as to preparation and place of 
submission. Individuals can seek service or assistance from CBP, ICE or 
USCIS by visiting the CBP, ICE or USCIS Web site or calling CBP, ICE or 
USCIS.

[74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  100.4  Field offices.

    (a) Ports-of-Entry for aliens arriving by vessel or by land 
transportation. Subject to the limitations prescribed in this paragraph, 
the following places are hereby designated as Ports-of-Entry for aliens 
arriving by any means of travel other than aircraft. The designation of 
such a Port-of-Entry may be withdrawn whenever, in the judgment of the 
Commissioner, such action is warranted. The ports are listed according 
to location by districts and are designated either Class A, B, or C. 
Class A means that the port is a designated Port-of-Entry for all 
aliens. Class B means that the port is a designated Port-of-Entry for 
aliens who at the time of applying for admission are exempt from 
document requirements by Sec.  212.1(c)(5) of this chapter or who are 
lawfully in possession of valid Permanent Resident Cards, and 
nonimmigrant aliens who are citizens of Canada or Bermuda or nationals 
of Mexico and who at the time of applying for admission are lawfully in 
possession of all valid documents required for admission as set forth in 
Sec. Sec.  212.1(a) and (c) and 235.1(d) and (e) of this chapter and are 
admissible without further arrival documentation or immigration 
processing. Class C means that the port is a designated Port-of-Entry 
only for aliens who are arriving in the United States as crewmen as that 
term is defined in section 101(a)(10) of the Act with respect to 
vessels.

                        District No. 1 [Reserved]

                  District No. 2--Boston, Massachusetts

                                 Class A

Boston, MA (the port of Boston includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Beverly, Braintree, Chelsea, Everett, Hingham, Lynn, 
Manchester, Marblehead, Milton, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Saugus, and 
Weymouth, MA)
Gloucester, MA

[[Page 15]]

Hartford, CT (the port at Hartford includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bridgeport, Groton, New Haven, and New London, CT)
Providence, RI (the port of Providence includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Davisville, Melville, Newport, Portsmouth, Quonset Point, 
Saunderstown, Tiverton, and Warwick, RI; and at Fall River, New Bedford, 
and Somerset, MA)

                                 Class C

Newburyport, MA
Plymouth, MA
Portsmouth, NH
Provincetown, MA
Sandwich, MA
Woods Hole, MA

                   District No. 3--New York, New York

                                 Class A

New York, NY (the port of New York includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bronx, Brooklyn, Buchanan, Manhattan, Montauk, Northport, 
Port Jefferson, Queens, Riverhead, Poughkeepsie, the Stapleton 
Anchorage-Staten Island, Staten Island, Stoney Point, and Yonkers, NY, 
as well as the East Side Passenger Terminal in Manhattan)

               District No. 4--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

                                 Class A

Erie Seaport, PA
Philadelphia, PA (the port of Philadelphia includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Delaware City, Lewes, New Castle, and Wilmington, DE; 
and at Chester, Essington, Fort Mifflin, Marcus Hook, and Morrisville, 
PA)
Pittsburgh, PA

                   District No. 5--Baltimore, Maryland

                                 Class A

Baltimore, MD
Patuxent River, MD

                                 Class C

Piney Point, MD
Salisbury, MD

                     District No. 6--Miami, Florida

                                 Class A

Boca Grande, FL
Fernandina, FL
Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades, FL, Seaport
Fort Pierce, FL
*Jacksonville, FL
Key West, FL
Miami Marine Unit, FL
Panama City, FL
Pensacola, FL
Port Canaveral, FL
St. Augustine, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
*Tampa, FL (includes Fort Myers)
West Palm Beach, FL

                                 Class C

Manatee, FL
Port Dania, FL
Port St. Joe, FL

                    District No. 7--Buffalo, New York

                                 Class A

Albany, NY
Alexandria Bay, NY
Buffalo, NY
Cape Vincent, NY
Champlain, NY
Chateaugay, NY
Ft. Covington, NY
Massena, NY
Mooers, NY
Niagara Falls, NY (the port of Niagara Falls includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Lewiston Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and Whirlpool 
Bridge, NY)
Ogdensburg, NY
Peace Bridge, NY
Rochester, NY
Rouses Point, NY
Thousand Islands Bridge, NY
Trout River, NY

                                 Class B

Cannons Corner, NY
Churubusco, NY

                                 Class C

Oswego, NY

                    District No. 8--Detroit, Michigan

                                 Class A

Algonac, MI
Detroit, MI, Detroit and Canada Tunnel
Detroit, MI, Detroit International Bridge (Ambassador Bridge)
Grosse Isle, MI
Isle Royale, MI
Marine City, MI
Port Huron, MI
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

                                 Class B

Alpena, MI
Detour, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Mackinac Island, MI
Rogers City, MI

                                 Class C

Alpena, MI
Baraga, MI

[[Page 16]]

Bay City, MI
Cheboygan, MI
Detour, MI
Escanaba, MI
Grand Haven, MI
Holland, MI
Houghton, MI
Ludington, MI
Mackinac Island, MI
Manistee, MI
Marquette, MI
Menominee, MI
Monroe, MI
Munising, MI
Muskegon, MI
Pontiac, MI
Port Dolomite, MI
Port Inland, MI
Rogers City (Calcite), MI
Saginaw, MI
South Haven, MI

                    District No. 9--Chicago, Illinois

                                 Class A

Algoma, WI
Bayfield, WI
Chicago, IL
Green Bay, WI
*Milwaukee, WI

                                 Class C

Ashland, WI
East Chicago, IL
Gary, IN
Kenosha, WI
Manitowoc, WI
Marinette, WI
Michigan City, IN
Racine, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Sturgeon Bay, WI

                  District No. 10--St. Paul, Minnesota

                                 Class A

Ambrose, ND
Antler, ND
Baudette, MN
Carbury, ND
Duluth, MN (the port of Duluth includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Superior, WI)
Dunseith, ND
Ely, MN
Fortuna, ND
Grand Portage, MN
Hannah, ND
Hansboro, ND
International Falls, MN
Lancaster, MN
Maida, ND
Neche, ND
Noonan, ND
Northgate, ND
Noyes, MN
Pembina, ND
Pine Creek, MN
Portal, ND
Ranier, MN
Roseau, MN
Sarles, ND
Sherwood, ND
St. John, ND
Walhalla, ND
Warroad, MN
Westhope, ND

                                 Class B

Crane Lake, MN
Oak Island, MN

                                 Class C

Grand Marais, MN
Silver Bay, MN
Taconite Harbor, MN
Two Harbors, MN

                 District No. 11--Kansas City, Missouri

                                 Class A

Kansas City, MO

                                 Class B

Wichita, KS

                  District No. 12--Seattle, Washington

                                 Class A

Aberdeen, WA (the port of Aberdeen includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Raymond and South Bend, WA)
Anacortes, WA
Bellingham, WA
Blaine-Pacific Highway, WA
Blaine-Peach Arch, WA
Boundary, WA
Colville, WA
Danville, WA
Eastport, ID
Ferry, WA
Friday Harbor, WA (the port of Friday Harbor includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Roche Harbor, WA)
Frontier, WA
Kalama, WA
Laurier, WA
Longview, WA
Lynden, WA
Metaline Falls, WA
Neah Bay, WA
Olympia, WA
Oroville, WA
Point Roberts, WA
Port Angeles, WA
Port Townsend, WA
Porthill, WA
Seattle, WA (the port of Seattle includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bangor, Blake Island, Bremerton, Eagle Harbor, Edmonds, 
Everett, Holmes Harbor, Houghton, Kennydale, Keyport, Kingston, 
Manchester, Mukilteo, Orchard Point,

[[Page 17]]

Point Wells, Port Gamble, Port Ludlow, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, 
Shuffleton, and Winslow, WA)
Sumas, WA
Tacoma, WA (the port of Tacoma includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Dupont, WA)
Vancouver, WA
Yakima, WA

                                 Class B

Nighthawk, WA

               District No. 13--San Francisco, California

                                 Class A

San Francisco, CA (the port of San Francisco includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Antioch, Benicia, Martinez, Oakland, Pittsburgh, Port 
Chicago Concord Naval Weapon Station, Redwood City, Richmond, 
Sacramento, San Pablo Bay, and Stockton, CA)

                                 Class C

Eureka, CA

                   District No. 14--San Antonio, Texas

                                 Class A

Amistad Dam, TX
Corpus Christi, TX (the port of Corpus Christi includes, among others, 
the port facilities at Harbor Island, Ingleside, and Port Lavaca-Point 
Comfort, TX)
Del Rio, TX
Laredo, TX (the port of Laredo includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Colombia Bridge, Convent Bridge, and Lincoln-Juarez 
Bridge, TX)
Maverick, TX

                     District No. 15--El Paso, Texas

                                 Class A

Columbus, NM
El Paso, TX (the port of El Paso includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bridge of the Americas, Paso Del Norte Bridge, and Ysleta 
Bridge, TX)
Fabens, TX
Fort Hancock, TX
Presidio, TX
Santa Teresa, NM

                                 Class B

Boquillas, TX

                District No. 16--Los Angeles, California

                                 Class A

Los Angeles, CA (the port of Los Angeles includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Long Beach, Ontario, Port Hueneme, San Pedro, and 
Ventura, CA)
San Luis Obispo, CA (the port of San Luis Obispo includes, among others, 
the port facilities at Avila, Estero Bay, El Capitan, Elwood, Gaviota, 
Morro Bay, and Santa Barbara, CA)

                    District No. 17--Honolulu, Hawaii

                                 Class A

Agana, Guam, M.I (including the port facilities of Apra Harbor, Guam).
Honolulu, HI, Seaport (including all port facilities on the island of 
Oahu).
Rota, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Saipan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Tinian, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

                                 Class C

Hilo, HI
Kahului, HI, Kahului Harbor
Nawiliwilli, HI, Nawiliwilli Harbor
Port Allen, HI, Port Allen Harbor

                    District No. 18--Phoenix, Arizona

                                 Class A

Douglas, AZ
Lukeville, AZ
Mariposa, AZ
Morley Gate, AZ
Naco, AZ
Nogales, AZ
Sasabe, AZ
San Luis, AZ

                    District No. 19--Denver, Colorado

                                 Class A

Denver, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Pueblo, CO
Salt Lake City, UT

                       District No. 20 [Reserved]

                   District No. 21--Newark, New Jersey

                                 Class A

Camden, NJ (the port of Camden includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Artificial Island, Billingsport, Burlington, Cape May, 
Deepwater Point, Fisher's Point, Gibbstown, Gloucester City, Paulsboro, 
Salem, and Trenton, NJ)
Newark, NJ (the port of Newark includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bayonne, Carteret, Edgewater, Elizabeth, Jersey City, 
Leonardo, Linden, Perth Amboy, Port Newark, and Sewaren, NJ)

                    District No. 22--Portland, Maine

                                 Class A

Alburg, VT

[[Page 18]]

Alburg Springs, VT
Bangor, ME (the port of Bangor includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bar Harbor, Belfast, Brewer, Bucksport Harbor, Prospect 
Harbor, Sandypoint, Seal Harbor, Searsport, and South West Harbor, ME)
Beebe Plain, VT
Beecher Falls, VT
Bridgewater, ME
Calais, ME (includes Ferry Point and Milltown Bridges)
Canaan, VT
Coburn Gore, ME
Derby Line, VT
Eastport, ME
East Richford, VT
Fort Fairfield, ME
Fort Kent, ME
Hamlin, ME
Highgate Springs, VT
Houlton, ME
Jackman, ME
Limestone, ME
Lubec, ME
Madawaska, ME
Morses Line, VT
North Troy, VT
Norton, VT
Pittsburgh, NH
Portland, ME
Richford, VT (includes the Pinnacle Port-of-Entry)
* St. Albans, VT
Van Buren, ME
Vanceboro, ME
West Berkshire, VT

                                 Class B

Daaquam, ME
Easton, ME
Eastcourt, ME
Forest City, ME
Monticello, ME
Orient, ME
Robinston, ME
St. Aurelie, ME
St. Pamphile, ME

                                 Class C

Bath, ME
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Kittery, ME
Rockland, ME
Wiscasset, ME

                       District No. 23 [Reserved]

                    District No. 24--Cleveland, Ohio

                                 Class A

Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Put-In-Bay, OH
Sandusky, OH
Toledo, OH

                                 Class C

Ashtabula, OH
Conneaut, OH
Fairport, OH
Huron, OH
Lorain, OH
Marblehead, OH

                     District No. 25--Washington, DC

                                 Class A

Hopewell, VA
* Norfolk, VA--(the port of Norfolk includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Fort Monroe and Newport News, VA)
Richmond, VA
Washington, DC (includes the port facilities at Alexandria, VA)
Yorktown, VA

                    District No. 26--Atlanta, Georgia

                                 Class A

Charleston, SC (the port of Charleston includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Georgetown and Port Royal, SC)
Mobile, AL
Savannah, GA (the port of Savannah includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Brunswick and St. Mary's Seaport, GA)
Wilmington, NC (the port of Wilmington includes the port facilities at 
Morehead City, NC)

                 District No. 27--San Juan, Puerto Rico

                                 Class A

Aguadilla, PR
* Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI
Christiansted, St. Croix, VI
Cruz Bay, St. John, VI
Ensenada, PR
Federiksted, St. Croix, VI
Fajardo, PR
Humacao, PR
Jobos, PR
Mayaguez, PR
Ponce, PR
Red Hook, St. Thomas, VI

                                 Class B

Coral Bay, St. John, VI

                 District No. 28--New Orleans, Louisiana

                                 Class A

Baton Rouge, LA
Gulfport, MS
Lake Charles, LA
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
New Orleans, LA (the port of New Orleans includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Avondale, Bell Chasse, Braithwaite, Burnside, 
Chalmette, Destrahan, Geismar, Gramercy, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero,

[[Page 19]]

Norco, Port Sulphur, St. Rose, and Westwego, LA)

                                 Class C

Morgan City, LA
Pascagoula, MS

                    District No. 29--Omaha, Nebraska

                                 Class A

Omaha, NE
Des Moines, IA

                    District No. 30--Helena, Montana

                                 Class A

Chief Mountain, MT (May-October)
Del Bonita, MT
Morgan, MT
Opheim, MT
Peigan, MT
Raymond, MT
Roosville, MT
Scobey, MT
Sweetgrass, MT
Turner, MT
Wildhorse, MT
Willow Creek, MT

                                 Class B

Goat Haunt, MT
Trail Creek, MT
Whitlash, MT

                    District No. 31--Portland, Oregon

                                 Class A

Astoria, OR (the port of Astoria includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bradwood, Pacific City, Taft, Tilliamook, (including Bay 
City and Garibaldi), Warrenton, Wauna, and Westport, OR)
Coos Bay, OR (the port of Coos Bay includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Bandon, Brookings, Depoe Bay, Florence, Frankfort, Gold 
Beach, Newport (including Toledo), Port Orford, Reedsport, Waldport, and 
Yachats, OR)
Portland, OR (the port of Portland includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Beaver, Columbia City, Prescott, Rainier, and St. Helens, 
OR)

                   District No. 32--Anchorage, Alaska

                                 Class A

Alcan, AK
Anchorage, AK (the port of Anchorage includes, among others (for out of 
port inspections only), Afognak, Barrow, Cold Bay, Cordova, Homer, 
Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nikiski, Seward, Valdez, and Yakutat, AK)
Dalton's Cache, AK
Dutch Harbor, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Gambell, AK
Juneau, AK
Ketchikan, AK
Nome, AK
Poker Creek, AK
Skagway, AK

                                 Class B

Eagle, AK
Hyder, AK

                                 Class C

Valdez, AK

                     District No. 38--Houston, Texas

                                 Class A

Galveston, TX (the port of Galveston includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Freeport, Port Bolivar, and Texas City, TX)
Houston, TX (the port of Houston includes, among others, the port 
facilities at Baytown, TX)
Port Arthur, TX (the port of Port Arthur includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Beaumont, Orange, and Sabine, TX)

                 District No. 39--San Diego, California

                                 Class A

Andrade, CA
Calexico, CA
Otay Mesa, CA
San Ysidro, CA (including the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) facility)
Tecate, CA

                    District No. 40--Harlingen, Texas

                                 Class A

Brownsville, TX (the port of Brownsville includes, among others, the 
port facilities at Brownsville Seaport, Port Isabel, Padre Island and 
Harlingen, TX, Ship Channel)
Brownsville, TX, Gateway Bridge and Brownsville/Matamoros Bridge
Falcon Heights, TX
Hidalgo, TX
Los Ebanos, TX
Los Indios, TX
Pharr, TX
Progreso, TX
Rio Grande City, TX
Roma, TX

    (b) Ports-of-Entry for aliens arriving by aircraft. In addition to 
the following international airports which are hereby designated as 
Ports-of-Entry for aliens arriving by aircraft, other places where 
permission for certain aircraft to land officially has been given and 
places where emergency or forced landings are made under part 239 of 
this chapter shall be regarded as designated

[[Page 20]]

for the entry of aliens arriving by such aircraft:

                        District No. 1 [Reserved]

                  District No. 2--Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA, Logan International Airport
Manchester, NH, Grenier Airport
Portsmouth, NH, Pease Air Force Base
Warwick, RI, T. F. Greene Airport
Windsor Locks, CT, Bradley International Airport

                 District No. 3--New York City, New York

Newburgh, NY, Stewart International Airport
Queens, NY, LaGuardia Airport
Westchester, NY, Westchester County Airport

               District No. 4--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Charlestown, WV, Kanahwa Airport
Dover, DE, Dover Air Force Base
Erie, PA, Erie International Airport (USCS)
Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg International Airport
Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia International Airport
Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh International Airport

                   District No. 5--Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore, MD, Baltimore-Washington International Airport

                     District No. 6--Miami, Florida

Daytona, FL, Daytona International Airport, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL, Executive Airport
Fort Lauderdale, FL, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport
Fort Myers, FL, Southwest Regional International Airport
Freeport, Bahamas, Freeport International Airport
Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville International Airport
Key West, FL, Key West International Airport
Melbourne, FL, Melbourne International Airport
Miami, FL, Chalks Flying Service Seaplane Base
Miami, FL, Miami International Airport
Nassau, Bahamas, Nassau International Airport
Orlando, FL, Orlando International Airport
Palm Beach, FL, Palm Beach International Airport
Paradise Island, Bahamas, Paradise Island Airport
Sanford, FL, Sanford International Airport
Sarasota, FL, Sarasota Airport
St. Petersburg, FL, St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport
Tampa, FL, Tampa International Airport

                    District No. 7--Buffalo, New York

Albany, NY, Albany County Airport
Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Airport
Massena, NY, Massena Airport
Niagara Falls, NY, Niagara Falls International Airport
Ogdensburg, NY, Ogdensburg Municipal Airport
Rochester, NY, Rochester Airport
Syracuse, NY, Hancock International Airport
Watertown, NY, Watertown Municipal Airport

                    District No. 8--Detroit, Michigan

Battle Creek, MI, Battle Creek Airport
Chippewa, MI, Chippewa County International Airport
Detroit, MI, Detroit City Airport
Detroit, MI, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Port Huron, MI, St. Clair County International Airport
Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Sault Ste. Marie Airport

                    District No. 9--Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL, Chicago Midway Airport
Chicago, IL, Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Indianapolis, IN, Indianapolis International Airport
Mitchell, WI, Mitchell International Airport

                  District No. 10--St. Paul, Minnesota

Baudette, MN, Baudette International Airport
Duluth, MN, Duluth International Airport
Duluth, MN, Sky Harbor Airport
Grand Forks, ND, Grand Forks International Airport
International Falls, MN, Falls International Airport
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
Minot, ND, Minot International Airport
Pembina, ND, Port Pembina Airport
Portal, ND, Portal Airport
Ranier, MN, International Seaplane Base
Warroad, MN, Warroad International Airport
Williston, ND, Sioulin Field (Municipal)

                 District No. 11--Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, MO, Kansas City International Airport
Springfield, MO, Springfield Regional Airport
St. Louis, MO, St. Louis Lambert International Airport
St. Louis, MO, Spirit of St. Louis Airport

                  District No. 12--Seattle, Washington

Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Airport

[[Page 21]]

Friday Harbor, WA, Friday Harbor
McChord, WA, McChord Air Force Base
Oroville, WA, Dorothy Scott Municipal Airport
Oroville, WA, Dorothy Scott Seaplane Base
Point Roberts, WA, Point Roberts Airport
Port Townsend, WA, Jefferson County International Airport
SEA-TAC, WA, SEA-TAC International Airport
Seattle, WA, Boeing Municipal Air Field
Seattle, WA, Lake Union
Spokane, WA, Felts Field
Spokane, WA, Spokane International Airport

               District No. 13--San Francisco, California

Alameda, CA, Alemeda Naval Air Station
Oakland, CA, Oakland International Airport
Sacramento, CA, Beale Air Force Base
San Francisco, CA, San Francisco International Airport
San Jose, CA, San Jose International Airport
Travis, CA, Travis Air Force Base

                   District No. 14--San Antonio, Texas

Austin, TX, Austin International Airport
Corpus Christi, TX, Corpus Christi Airport
Del Rio, TX, Del Rio International Airport
Laredo, TX, Laredo International Airport
Maverick, TX, Maverick County Airport
San Antonio, TX, San Antonio International Airport

                     District No. 15--El Paso, Texas

Albuquerque, NM, Albuquerque International Airport
El Paso, TX, International Airport
Presidio, TX, Presidio Airport
Santa Teresa, NM, Santa Teresa Airport

                District No. 16--Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles International Airport
Ontario, CA, Ontario International Airport

                    District No. 17--Honolulu, Hawaii

Agana, Guam, Guam International Airport Terminal.
Honolulu, HI, Honolulu International Airport.
Honolulu, HI, Hickam Air Force Base.
Rota, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Saipan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Tinian, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

                    District No. 18--Phoenix, Arizona

Douglas, AZ, Bisbee-Douglas Airport
Las Vegas, NV, McCarren International Airport
Nogales, AZ, Nogales International Airport
Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Reno, NV, Reno Carron International Airport
Tucson, AZ, Tucson International Airport
Yuma, AZ, Yuma International Airport

                    District No. 19--Denver, Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO, Colorado Springs Airport
Denver, CO, Denver International Airport
Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake City Airport

                     District No. 20--Dallas, Texas

Dallas, TX, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City Airport (includes Altus and Tinker 
AFBs)

                   District No. 21--Newark, New Jersey

Atlantic City, NJ, Atlantic City International Airport
Lakehurst, NJ, Lakehurst Naval Air Station
Morristown, NJ, Morristown Airport
Newark, NJ, Newark International Airport
Newark, NJ, Signature Airport
Teterboro, NJ, Teterboro Airport
Wrightstown, NJ, McGuire Air Force Base

                    District No. 22--Portland, Maine

Bangor, ME, Bangor International Airport
Burlington, VT, Burlington International Airport
Caribou, ME, Caribou Municipal Airport
Highgate Springs, VT, Franklin County Regional Airport
Newport, VT, Newport State Airport

                       District No. 23 [Reserved]

                    District No. 24--Cleveland, Ohio

Akron, OH, Municipal Airport
Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati International Airport
Cleveland, OH, Cleveland Hopkins Airport
Columbus, OH, Port Columbus International Airport
Sandusky, OH, Griffing/Sandusky Airport

                    District No. 25--Washington, D.C.

Camp Springs, MD, Andrews Air Force Base
Chantilly, VA, Washington Dulles International Airport
Winchester, VA, Winchester Airport

                    District No. 26--Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport
Charleston, SC, Charleston International Airport
Charleston, SC, Charleston Air Force Base
Charlotte, NC, Charlotte International Airport
Raleigh, NC, Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Savannah, GA, Savannah International Airport

[[Page 22]]

                 District No. 27--San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, PR, San Juan International Airport

                 District No. 28--New Orleans, Louisiana

Louisville, KY, Louisville International Airport
New Orleans, LA, New Orleans International Airport
Memphis, TN, Memphis International Airport
Nashville, TN, Nashville International Airport

                    District No. 29--Omaha, Nebraska

Des Moines, IA, Des Moines International Airport
Omaha, NE, Eppley International Airport
Omaha, NE, Offutt Air Force Base

                    District No. 30--Helena, Montana

Billings, MT, Billings Airport
Boise, ID, Boise Airport
Cut Bank, MT, Cut Bank Airport
Glasgow, MT, Glasgow International Airport
Great Falls, MT, Great Falls International Airport
Havre, MT, Havre-Hill County Airport
Helena, MT, Helena Airport
Kalispel, MT, Kalispel Airport
Missoula, MT, Missoula Airport

                    District No. 31--Portland, Oregon

Medford, OR, Jackson County Airport
Portland, OR, Portland International Airport

                   District No. 32--Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, AK, Anchorage International Airport
Juneau, AK, Juneau Airport (Seaplane Base Only)
Juneau, AK, Juneau Municipal Airport
Ketchikan, AK, Ketchikan Airport
Wrangell, AK, Wrangell Seaplane Base

                     District No. 38--Houston, Texas

Galveston, TX, Galveston Airport
Houston, TX, Ellington Field
Houston, TX, Hobby Airport
Houston, TX, Houston Intercontinental Airport

                 District No. 39--San Diego, California

Calexico, CA, Calexico International Airport
San Diego, CA, San Diego International Airport
San Diego, CA, San Diego Municipal Airport (Lindbergh Field)

                    District No. 40--Harlingen, Texas

Brownsville, TX, Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport
Harlingen, TX, Valley International Airport
McAllen, TX, McAllen Miller International Airport

    (c) Border patrol sectors. Border Patrol Sector Headquarters and 
Stations are situated at the following locations:

                      Sector No. 1--Houlton, Maine

Calais, ME
Fort Fairfield, ME
Houlton, ME
Jackman, ME
Rangeley, ME
Van Buren, ME

                     Sector No. 2--Swanton, Vermont

Beecher Falls, VT
Burke, NY
Champlain, NY
Massena, NY
Newport, VT
Ogdensburg, NY
Richford, VT
Swanton, VT

                    Sector No. 3--Ramey, Puerto Rico

Ramey, Puerto Rico

                     Sector No. 4--Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, NY
Fulton, NY
Niagara Falls, NY
Watertown, NY

                     Sector No. 5--Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Port Huron, MI
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Trenton, MI

                 Sector No. 6--Grand Forks, North Dakota

Bottineau, ND
Duluth, MN
Grand Forks, ND
Grand Marais, MN
International Falls, MN
Pembina, ND
Portal, ND
Warroad, MN

                      Sector No. 7--Havre, Montana

Billings, MT
Havre, MT
Malta, MT
Plentywood, MT
Scobey, MT
Shelby, MT
St. Mary, MT
Sweetgrass, MT
Twin Falls, ID

                    Sector No. 8--Spokane, Washington

Bonners Ferry, ID
Colville, WA

[[Page 23]]

Eureka, MT
Oroville, WA
Pasco, WA
Spokane, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Whitefish, MT

                    Sector No. 9--Blaine, Washington

Bellingham, WA
Blaine, WA
Lynden, WA
Port Angeles, WA
Roseburg, OR

                  Sector No. 10--Livermore, California

Bakersfield, CA
Fresno, CA
Livermore, CA
Oxnard, CA
Sacramento, CA
Salinas, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Stockton, CA

                  Sector No. 11--San Diego, California

Brown Field, CA
Campo, CA (Boulevard, CA)
Chula Vista, CA
El Cajon, CA (San Marcos and Julian, CA)
Imperial Beach, CA
San Clemente, CA
Temecula, CA

                  Sector No. 12--El Centro, California

Calexico, CA
El Centro, CA
Indio, CA
Riverside, CA

                      Sector No. 13--Yuma, Arizona

Blythe, CA
Boulder City, NV
Wellton, AZ
Yuma, AZ

                     Sector No. 14--Tucson, Arizona

Ajo, AZ
Casa Grande, AZ
Douglas, AZ
Naco, AZ
Nogales, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Sonita, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Willcox, AZ

                      Sector No. 15--El Paso, Texas

Alamogordo, NM
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Deming, NM
El Paso, TX
Fabens, TX
Fort Hancock, TX
Las Cruces, NM,
Lordsburg, NM
Truth or Consequences, NM
Ysleta, TX

                       Sector No. 16--Marfa, Texas

Alpine, TX
Amarillo, TX
Fort Stockton, TX
Lubbock, TX
Marfa, TX
Midland, TX
Pecos, TX
Presidio, TX
Sanderson, TX
Sierra Blanca, TX
Van Horn, TX

                      Sector No. 17--Del Rio, Texas

Abilene, TX
Brackettville, TX
Carrizo Springs, TX
Comstock, TX
Del Rio, TX
Eagle Pass, TX
Llano, TX
Rocksprings, TX
San Angelo, TX
Uvalde, TX

                      Sector No. 18--Laredo, Texas

Cotulla, TX
Dallas, TX
Freer, TX
Hebbronville, TX
Laredo North, TX
Laredo South, TX
San Antonio, TX
Zapata, TX

                      Sector No. 19--McAllen, Texas

Brownsville, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Falfurrias, TX
Harlingen, TX
Kingsville, TX
McAllen, TX
Mercedes, TX
Port Isabel, TX
Rio Grande City, TX

                  Sector No. 20--New Orleans, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA
Gulfport, MS
Lake Charles, LA
Little Rock, AR
Miami, OK
Mobile, AL
New Orleans, LA

                      Sector No. 21--Miami, Florida

Jacksonville, FL
Orlando, FL
Pembroke Pines, FL
Tampa, FL

[[Page 24]]

West Palm Beach, FL


[60 FR 57166, Nov. 14, 1995, as amended at 61 FR 25778, May 23, 1996; 63 
FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 65 FR 39072, June 23, 2000; 66 FR 29672, June 
1, 2001; 74 FR 2833, Jan. 16, 2009; 74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009; 77 FR 
75824, Dec. 26, 2012; 77 FR 76352, Dec. 28, 2012; 79 FR 42451, July 22, 
2014; 80 FR 75632, Dec. 3, 2015]



Sec.  100.5  Regulations.

    The regulations of the Department of Homeland Security, published as 
chapter I of title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations, contain 
information which under the provisions of section 552 of title 5 of the 
United States Code, is required to be published and is subdivided into 
subchapter A (General Provisions, parts 1 through 3, inclusive), 
subchapter B (Immigration Regulations, parts 100 through 299, 
inclusive), and subchapter C (Nationality Regulations, parts 306 through 
499, inclusive). Any person desiring information with respect to a 
particular procedure (other than rule making) under the Immigration and 
Nationality Act should examine the part or section in chapter I of title 
8 of the Code of Federal Regulations dealing with such procedures as 
well as the section of the Act implemented by such part or section.

[32 FR 9616, July 4, 1967, as amended at 74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  100.6  [Reserved]



PART 101_PRESUMPTION OF LAWFUL ADMISSION--Table of Contents



Sec.
101.1 Presumption of lawful admission.
101.2 Presumption of lawful admission; entry under erroneous name or 
          other errors.
101.3 Creation of record of lawful permanent resident status for person 
          born under diplomatic status in the United States.
101.4 Registration procedure.
101.5 Special immigrant status for certain G-4 nonimmigrants.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  101.1  Presumption of lawful admission.

    A member of the following classes shall be presumed to have been 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence even though a record of his 
admission cannot be found, except as otherwise provided in this section, 
unless he abandoned his lawful permanent resident status or subsequently 
lost that status by operation of law:
    (a) Prior to June 30, 1906. An alien who establishes that he entered 
the United States prior to June 30, 1906.
    (b) United States land borders. An alien who establishes that, while 
a citizen of Canada or Newfoundland, he entered the United States across 
the Canadian border prior to October 1, 1906; an alien who establishes 
that while a citizen of Mexico he entered the United States across the 
Mexican border prior to July 1, 1908; an alien who establishes that, 
while a citizen of Mexico, he entered the United States at the port of 
Presidio, Texas, prior to October 21, 1918, and an alien for whom a 
record of his actual admission to the United States does not exist but 
who establishes that he gained admission to the United States prior to 
July 1, 1924, pursuant to preexamination at a United States immigration 
station in Canada and that a record of such preexamination exists.
    (c) Virgin Islands. An alien who establishes that he entered the 
Virgin Islands of the United States prior to July 1, 1938, even though a 
record of his admission prior to that date exists as a non-immigrant 
under the Immigration Act of 1924.
    (d) Asiatic barred zone. An alien who establishes that he is of a 
race indigenous to, and a native of a country within, the Asiatic zone 
defined in section 3 of the Act of February 5, 1917, as amended, that he 
was a member of a class of aliens exempted from exclusion by the 
provisions of that section, and that he entered the United States prior 
to July 1, 1924, provided that a record of his admission exists.
    (e) Chinese and Japanese aliens--(1) Prior to July 1, 1924. A 
Chinese alien for whom there exists a record of his admission to the 
United States prior to July 1, 1924, under the laws and regulations 
formerly applicable to Chinese and who establishes that at the time of 
his admission he was a merchant, teacher, or student, and his son or 
daughter under 21 or wife accompanying or following to join him; a 
traveler for curiosity or pleasure and

[[Page 25]]

his accompanying son or daughter under 21 or accompanying wife; a wife 
of a United States citizen; a returning laborer; and a person 
erroneously admitted as a United States citizen under section 1993 of 
the Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended, his father not 
having resided in the United States prior to his birth.
    (2) On or after July 1, 1924. A Chinese alien for whom there exists 
a record of his admission to the United States as a member of one of the 
following classes; an alien who establishes that he was readmitted 
between July 1, 1924, and December 16, 1943, inclusive, as a returning 
Chinese laborer who acquired lawful permanent residence prior to July 1, 
1924; a person erroneously admitted between July 1, 1924, and June 6, 
1927, inclusive, as a United States citizen under section 1993 of the 
Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended, his father not having 
resided in the United States prior to his birth; an alien admitted at 
any time after June 30, 1924, under section 4 (b) or (d) of the 
Immigration Act of 1924; an alien wife of a United States citizen 
admitted between June 13, 1930, and December 16, 1943, inclusive, under 
section 4(a) of the Immigration Act of 1924; an alien admitted on or 
after December 17, 1943, under section 4(f) of the Immigration Act of 
1924; an alien admitted on or after December 17, 1943, under section 
317(c) of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended; an alien admitted on 
or after December 17, 1943, as a preference or nonpreference quota 
immigrant pursuant to section 2 of that act; and a Chinese or Japanese 
alien admitted to the United States between July 1, 1924, and December 
23, 1952, both dates inclusive, as the wife or minor son or daughter of 
a treaty merchant admitted before July 1, 1924, if the husband-father 
was lawfully admitted to the United States as a treaty merchant before 
July 1, 1924, or, while maintaining another status under which he was 
admitted before that date, and his status changed to that of a treaty 
merchant or treaty trader after that date, and was maintaining the 
changed status at the time his wife or minor son or daughter entered the 
United States.
    (f) Citizens of the Philippine Islands--(1) Entry prior to May 1, 
1934. An alien who establishes that he entered the United States prior 
to May 1, 1934, and that he was on the date of his entry a citizen of 
the Philippine Islands, provided that for the purpose of petitioning for 
naturalization he shall not be regarded as having been lawfully admitted 
for permanent residence unless he was a citizen of the Commonwealth of 
the Philippines on July 2, 1946.
    (2) Entry between May 1, 1934, and July 3, 1946. An alien who 
establishes that he entered Hawaii between May 1, 1934, and July 3, 
1946, inclusive, under the provisions of the last sentence of section 
8(a)(1) of the Act of March 24, 1934, as amended, that he was a citizen 
of the Philippine Islands when he entered, and that a record of such 
entry exists.
    (g) Temporarily admitted aliens. The following aliens who when 
admitted expressed an intention to remain in the United States 
temporarily or to pass in transit through the United States, for whom 
records of admission exist, but who remained in the United States: An 
alien admitted prior to June 3, 1921, except if admitted temporarily 
under the 9th proviso to section 3 of the Immigration Act of 1917, or as 
an accredited official of a foreign government, his suite, family, or 
guest, or as a seaman in pursuit of his calling; an alien admitted under 
the Act of May 19, 1921, as amended, who was admissible for permanent 
residence under that Act notwithstanding the quota limitation's thereof 
and his accompanying wife or unmarried son or daughter under 21 who was 
admissible for permanent residence under that Act notwithstanding the 
quota limitations thereof; and an alien admitted under the Act of May 
19, 1921, as amended, who was charged under that Act to the proper quota 
at the time of his admission or subsequently and who remained so 
charged.
    (h) Citizens of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands who 
entered Guam prior to December 24, 1952. An alien who establishes that 
while a citizen of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands he entered 
Guam prior to December 24, 1952, by records, such as Service records 
subsequent to June 15, 1952, records of the Guamanian Immigration 
Service, records of the Navy or Air Force, or

[[Page 26]]

records of contractors of those agencies, and was residing in Guam on 
December 24, 1952.
    (i) Aliens admitted to Guam. An alien who establishes that he was 
admitted to Guam prior to December 24, 1952, by records such as Service 
records subsequent to June 15, 1952, records of the Guamanian 
Immigration Service, records of the Navy or Air Force, or records of 
contractors of those agencies; that he was not excludable under the Act 
of February 5, 1917, as amended; and that he continued to reside in Guam 
until December 24, 1952, and thereafter was not admitted or readmitted 
into Guam as a nonimmigrant, provided that the provisions of this 
paragraph shall not apply to an alien who was exempted from the contract 
laborer provisions of section 3 of the Immigration Act of February 5, 
1917, as amended, through the exercise, expressly or impliedly, of the 
4th or 9th provisos to section 3 of that act.
    (j) Erroneous admission as United States citizens or as children of 
citizens. (1)(i) An alien for whom there exists a record of admission 
prior to September 11, 1957, as a United States citizen who establishes 
that at the time of such admission he was the child of a United States 
citizen parent; he was erroneously issued a United States passport or 
included in the United States passport of his citizen parent 
accompanying him or to whom he was destined; no fraud or 
misrepresentation was practiced by him in the issuance of the passport 
or in gaining admission; he was otherwise admissible at the time of 
entry except for failure to meet visa or passport requirements; and he 
has maintained a residence in the United States since the date of 
admission, or (ii) an alien who meets all of the foregoing requirements 
except that if he were, in fact, a citizen of the United States a 
passport would not have been required, or it had been individually 
waived, and was erroneously admitted as a United States citizen by a 
Service officer. For the purposes of all of the foregoing, the terms 
child and parent shall be defined as in section 101(b) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
    (2) An alien admitted to the United States before July 1, 1948, in 
possession of a section 4(a) 1924 Act nonquota immigration visa issued 
in accordance with State Department regulations, including a child of a 
United States citizen after he reached the age of 21, in the absence of 
fraud or misrepresentation; a member of a naturalized person's family 
who was admitted to the United States as a United States citizen or as a 
section 4(a) 1924 Act nonquota immigrant on the basis of that 
naturalization, unless he knowingly participated in the unlawful 
naturalization of the parent or spouse rendered void by cancellation, or 
knew at any time prior to his admission to the United States of the 
cancellation; and a member of a naturalized person's family who knew at 
any time prior to his admission to the United States of the cancellation 
of the naturalization of his parent or spouse but was admitted to the 
United States as a United States citizen pursuant to a State Department 
or Service determination based upon a then prevailing administrative 
view, provided the State Department or Service knew of the cancellation.

[23 FR 9119, Nov. 26, 1958, as amended at 24 FR 2583, Apr. 3, 1959; 24 
FR 6476, Aug. 12, 1959; 25 FR 581, Jan. 23, 1960; 31 FR 535, Jan. 15, 
1966]



Sec.  101.2  Presumption of lawful admission; entry under erroneous name 
or other errors.

    An alien who entered the United States as either an immigrant or 
nonimmigrant under any of the following circumstances shall be regarded 
as having been lawfully admitted in such status, except as otherwise 
provided in this part: An alien otherwise admissible whose entry was 
made and recorded under other than his full true and correct name or 
whose entry record contains errors in recording sex, names of relatives, 
or names of foreign places of birth or residence, provided that he 
establishes by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence that the 
record of the claimed admission relates to him, and, if entry occurred 
on or after May 22, 1918, if under other than his full, true and correct 
name that he also establishes that the name was not adopted for the 
purpose of concealing his identity when obtaining a passport

[[Page 27]]

or visa, or for the purpose of using the passport or visa of another 
person or otherwise evading any provision of the immigration laws, and 
that the name used at the time of entry was one by which he had been 
known for a sufficient length of time prior to making application for a 
passport or visa to have permitted the issuing authority or authorities 
to have made any necessary investigation concerning him or that his true 
identity was known to such officials.

[32 FR 9622, July 4, 1967]



Sec.  101.3  Creation of record of lawful permanent resident status 
for person born under diplomatic status in the United States.

    (a) Person born to foreign diplomat--(1) Status of person. A person 
born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer accredited to 
the United States, as a matter of international law, is not subject to 
the jurisdiction of the United States. That person is not a United 
States citizen under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. Such 
a person may be considered a lawful permanent resident at birth.
    (2) Definition of foreign diplomatic officer. Foreign diplomatic 
officer means a person listed in the State Department Diplomatic List, 
also known as the Blue List. It includes ambassadors, ministers, 
charg[eacute]s d'affaires, counselors, secretaries and attach[eacute]s 
of embassies and legations as well as members of the Delegation of the 
Commission of the European Communities. The term also includes 
individuals with comparable diplomatic status and immunities who are 
accredited to the United Nations or to the Organization of American 
States, and other individuals who are also accorded comparable 
diplomatic status.
    (b) Child born subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. A 
child born in the United States is born subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States and is a United States citizen if the parent is not a 
``foreign diplomatic officer'' as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section. This includes, for example, a child born in the United States 
to one of the following foreign government officials or employees:
    (1) Employees of foreign diplomatic missions whose names appear in 
the State Department list entitled ``Employees of Diplomatic Missions 
Not Printed in the Diplomatic List,'' also known as the White List; 
employees of foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the United 
Nations or the Organization of American States; or foreign diplomats 
accredited to other foreign states. The majority of these individuals 
enjoy certain diplomatic immunities, but they are not ``foreign 
diplomatic officers'' as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. 
The immunities, if any, of their family members are derived from the 
status of the employees or diplomats.
    (2) Foreign government employees with limited or no diplomatic 
immunity such as consular officials named on the State Department list 
entitled ``Foreign Consular Officers in the United States'' and their 
staffs.
    (c) Voluntary registration as lawful permanent resident of person 
born to foreign diplomat. Since a person born in the United States to a 
foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States, his/her registration as a lawful permanent resident of 
the United States is voluntary. The provisions of section 262 of the Act 
do not apply to such a person unless and until that person ceases to 
have the rights, privileges, exemptions, or immunities which may be 
claimed by a foreign diplomatic officer.
    (d) Retention of lawful permanent residence. To be eligible for 
lawful permanent resident status under paragraph (a) of this section, an 
alien must establish that he/she has not abandoned his/her residence in 
the United States. One of the tests for retention of lawful permanent 
resident status is continuous residence, not continuous physical 
presence, in the United States. Such a person will not be considered to 
have abandoned his/her residence in the United States solely by having 
been admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant classification 
under paragraph (15)(A) or (15)(G) of section 101(a) of the Act after a 
temporary stay in a

[[Page 28]]

foreign country or countries on one or several occasions.

(Secs. 101(a)(20), 103, 262, 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
as amended; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), 1103, 1302, 1304)

[47 FR 940, Jan. 8, 1982]



Sec.  101.4  Registration procedure.

    The procedure for an application for creation of a record of lawful 
permanent residence and a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, for a 
person eligible for presumption of lawful admission for permanent 
residence under Sec.  101.1 or Sec.  101.2 or for lawful permanent 
residence as a person born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic 
officer under Sec.  101.3 is described in Sec.  264.2 of this chapter.

(Secs. 101(a)(20), 103, 262, 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
as amended; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), 1103, 1302, 1304)

[47 FR 941, Jan. 8, 1982, as amended at 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998]



Sec.  101.5  Special immigrant status for certain G-4 nonimmigrants.

    (a) Application. An application for adjustment to special immigrant 
status under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the INA shall be made on Form I-
485. The application date of the I-485 shall be the date of acceptance 
by the Service as properly filed. If the application date is other than 
the fee receipt date it must be noted and initialed by a Service 
officer. The date of application for adjustment of status is the closing 
date for computing the residence and physical presence requirement. The 
applicant must have complied with all requirements as of the date of 
application.
    (b) Documentation. All documents must be submitted in accordance 
with Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter. The application shall be 
accompanied by documentary evidence establishing the aggregate residence 
and physical presence required. Documentary evidence may include 
official employment verification, records of official or personnel 
transactions or recordings of events occurring during the period of 
claimed residence and physical presence. Affidavits of credible 
witnesses may also be accepted. Persons unable to furnish evidence in 
their own names may furnish evidence in the names of parents or other 
persons with whom they have been living, if affidavits of the parents or 
other persons are submitted attesting to the claimed residence and 
physical presence. The claimed family relationship to the principle G-4 
international organization officer or employee must be substantiated by 
the submission of verifiable civil documents.
    (c) Residence and physical presence requirements. All applicants 
applying under sections 101(a)(27)(I) (i), (ii), and (iii) of the INA 
must have resided and been physically present in the United States for a 
designated period of time.
    For purposes of this section only, an absence from the United States 
to conduct official business on behalf of the employing organization, or 
approved customary leave shall not be subtracted from the aggregated 
period of required residence or physical presence for the current or 
former G-4 officer or employee or the accompanying spouse and unmarried 
sons or daughters of such officer or employee, provided residence in the 
United States is maintained during such absences, and the duty station 
of the principle G-4 nonimmigrant continues to be in the United States. 
Absence from the United States by the G-4 spouse or unmarried son or 
daughter without the principle G-4 shall not be subtracted from the 
aggregate period of residence and physical presence if on customary 
leave as recognized by the international organization employer. Absence 
by the unmarried son or daughter while enrolled in a school outside the 
United States will not be counted toward the physical presence 
requirement.
    (d) Maintenance of nonimmigrant status. Section 101(a)(27)(I) (i), 
and (ii) requires the applicant to accrue the required period of 
residence and physical presence in the United States while maintaining 
status as a G-4 or N nonimmigrant. Section 101(a)(27)(I)(iii) requires 
such time accrued only in G-4 nonimmigrant status.
    Maintaining G-4 status for this purpose is defined as maintaining 
qualified employment with a ``G'' international organization or 
maintaining the qualifying family relationship with the G-4 
international organization officer or

[[Page 29]]

employee. Maintaining status as an N nonimmigrant for this purpose 
requires the qualifying family relationship to remain in effect. 
Unauthorized employment will not remove an otherwise eligible alien from 
G-4 status for residence and physical presence requirements, provided 
the qualifying G-4 status is maintained.

[54 FR 5927, Feb. 7, 1989]



PART 103_IMMIGRATION BENEFIT REQUESTS; USCIS FILING REQUIREMENTS; 
BIOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS; AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS--Table of Contents



           Subpart A_Applying for Benefits, Surety Bonds, Fees

Sec.
103.1 [Reserved]
103.2 Submission and adjudication of benefit requests.
103.3 Denials, appeals, and precedent decisions.
103.4 Certifications.
103.5 Reopening or reconsideration.
103.6 Immigration bonds.
103.7 Fees.
103.8 Service of decisions and other notices.
103.9 Request for further action on an approved benefit request.
103.10 Precedent decisions.

                    Subpart B_Biometric Requirements

103.16 Collection, use and storage of biometric information.
103.17 Biometric services fee.
103.20-103.36 [Reserved]

Subpart C [Reserved]

                    Subpart D_Availability of Records

103.38 Genealogy Program.
103.39 Historical Records.
103.40 Genealogical research requests.
103.41 [Reserved]
103.42 Rules relating to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the 
          Privacy Act.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1304, 1356, 
1365b; 31 U.S.C. 9701; Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 et 
seq.); E.O. 12356, 47 FR 14874, 15557; 3 CFR, 1982 Comp., p. 166; 8 CFR 
part 2; Pub. L. 112-54; 125 Stat. 550; 31 CFR part 223.

    Source: 40 FR 44481, Sept. 26, 1975, unless otherwise noted.



           Subpart A_Applying for Benefits, Surety Bonds, Fees



Sec.  103.1  [Reserved]



Sec.  103.2  Submission and adjudication of benefit requests.

    (a) Filing--(1) Preparation and submission. Every form, benefit 
request, or other document must be submitted to DHS and executed in 
accordance with the form instructions regardless of a provision of 8 CFR 
chapter I to the contrary. The form's instructions are hereby 
incorporated into the regulations requiring its submission. Each form, 
benefit request, or other document must be filed with the fee(s) 
required by regulation. All USCIS fees are generally are non-refundable 
regardless of if the benefit request or other service is approved, 
denied, or selected, or how much time the adjudication or processing 
requires. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter I, fees must be 
paid when the request is filed or submitted.
    (2) Signature. An applicant or petitioner must sign his or her 
benefit request. However, a parent or legal guardian may sign for a 
person who is less than 14 years old. A legal guardian may sign for a 
mentally incompetent person. By signing the benefit request, the 
applicant or petitioner, or parent or guardian certifies under penalty 
of perjury that the benefit request, and all evidence submitted with it, 
either at the time of filing or thereafter, is true and correct. Unless 
otherwise specified in this chapter, an acceptable signature on a 
benefit request that is being filed with the USCIS is one that is either 
handwritten or, for benefit requests filed electronically as permitted 
by the instructions to the form, in electronic format.
    (3) Representation. An applicant or petitioner may be represented by 
an attorney in the United States, as defined in Sec.  1.2 of this 
chapter, by an attorney outside the United States as defined in Sec.  
292.1(a)(6) of this chapter, or by an accredited representative as 
defined in Sec.  292.1(a)(4) of this chapter. A beneficiary of a 
petition is not a recognized party in such a proceeding. A benefit 
request presented in person by someone who is not the applicant or 
petitioner,

[[Page 30]]

or his or her representative as defined in this paragraph, shall be 
treated as if received through the mail, and the person advised that the 
applicant or petitioner, and his or her representative, will be notified 
of the decision. Where a notice of representation is submitted that is 
not properly signed, the benefit request will be processed as if the 
notice had not been submitted.
    (4) Oath. Any required oath may be administered by an immigration 
officer or person generally authorized to administer oaths, including 
persons so authorized by Article 136 of the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice.
    (5) Translation of name. If a document has been executed in an 
anglicized version of a name, the native form of the name may also be 
required.
    (6) Where to file. All benefit requests must be filed in accordance 
with the form instructions.
    (7) Benefit requests submitted. (i) USCIS will consider a benefit 
request received and will record the receipt date as of the actual date 
of receipt at the location designated for filing such benefit request 
whether electronically or in paper format.
    (ii) A benefit request which is rejected will not retain a filing 
date. A benefit request will be rejected if it is not:
    (A) Signed with valid signature;
    (B) Executed;
    (C) Filed in compliance with the regulations governing the filing of 
the specific application, petition, form, or request; and
    (D) Submitted with the correct fee(s). If a check or other financial 
instrument used to pay a fee is returned as unpayable because of 
insufficient funds, USCIS will resubmit the payment to the remitter 
institution one time. If the instrument used to pay a fee is returned as 
unpayable a second time, the filing may be rejected. Financial 
instruments returned as unpayable for a reason other than insufficient 
funds will not be redeposited. If a check or other financial instrument 
used to pay a fee is dated more than one year before the request is 
received, the payment and request may be rejected.
    (iii) A rejection of a filing with USCIS may not be appealed.
    (b) Evidence and processing--(1) Demonstrating eligibility. An 
applicant or petitioner must establish that he or she is eligible for 
the requested benefit at the time of filing the benefit request and must 
continue to be eligible through adjudication. Each benefit request must 
be properly completed and filed with all initial evidence required by 
applicable regulations and other USCIS instructions. Any evidence 
submitted in connection with a benefit request is incorporated into and 
considered part of the request.
    (2) Submitting secondary evidence and affidavits--(i) General. The 
non-existence or other unavailability of required evidence creates a 
presumption of ineligibility. If a required document, such as a birth or 
marriage certificate, does not exist or cannot be obtained, an applicant 
or petitioner must demonstrate this and submit secondary evidence, such 
as church or school records, pertinent to the facts at issue. If 
secondary evidence also does not exist or cannot be obtained, the 
applicant or petitioner must demonstrate the unavailability of both the 
required document and relevant secondary evidence, and submit two or 
more affidavits, sworn to or affirmed by persons who are not parties to 
the petition who have direct personal knowledge of the event and 
circumstances. Secondary evidence must overcome the unavailability of 
primary evidence, and affidavits must overcome the unavailability of 
both primary and secondary evidence.
    (ii) Demonstrating that a record is not available. Where a record 
does not exist, the applicant or petitioner must submit an original 
written statement on government letterhead establishing this from the 
relevant government or other authority. The statement must indicate the 
reason the record does not exist, and indicate whether similar records 
for the time and place are available. However, a certification from an 
appropriate foreign government that a document does not exist is not 
required where the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual 
indicates this type of document generally does not exist. An applicant 
or petitioner who has not been able to acquire the necessary document or 
statement

[[Page 31]]

from the relevant foreign authority may submit evidence that repeated 
good faith attempts were made to obtain the required document or 
statement. However, where USCIS finds that such documents or statements 
are generally available, it may require that the applicant or petitioner 
submit the required document or statement.
    (iii) Evidence provided with a self-petition filed by a spouse or 
child of abusive citizen or resident. The USCIS will consider any 
credible evidence relevant to a self-petition filed by a qualified 
spouse or child of an abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident under 
section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), or 
204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act. The self-petitioner may, but is not 
required to, demonstrate that preferred primary or secondary evidence is 
unavailable. The determination of what evidence is credible and the 
weight to be given that evidence shall be within the sole discretion of 
USCIS.
    (3) Translations. Any document containing foreign language submitted 
to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation 
which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the 
translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from 
the foreign language into English.
    (4) Supporting documents. Original or photocopied documents which 
are required to support any benefit request must be submitted in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (5) Request for an original document. USCIS may, at any time, 
request submission of an original document for review. The request will 
set a deadline for submission of the original document. Failure to 
submit the requested original document by the deadline may result in 
denial or revocation of the underlying benefit request. An original 
document submitted in response to such a request, when no longer 
required by USCIS, will be returned to the petitioner or applicant upon 
completion of the adjudication. If USCIS does not return an original 
document within a reasonable time after completion of the adjudication, 
the petitioner or applicant may request return of the original document 
in accordance with instructions provided by USCIS.
    (6) Withdrawal. An applicant or petitioner may withdraw a benefit 
request at any time until a decision is issued by USCIS or, in the case 
of an approved petition, until the person is admitted or granted 
adjustment or change of status, based on the petition. However, a 
withdrawal may not be retracted.
    (7) Testimony. The USCIS may require the taking of testimony, and 
may direct any necessary investigation. When a statement is taken from 
and signed by a person, he or she shall, upon request, be given a copy 
without fee. Any allegations made subsequent to filing a benefit request 
which are in addition to, or in substitution for, those originally made, 
shall be filed in the same manner as the original benefit request, or 
document, and acknowledged under oath thereon.
    (8) Request for Evidence; Notice of Intent to Deny--(i) Evidence of 
eligibility or ineligibility. If the evidence submitted with the benefit 
request establishes eligibility, USCIS will approve the benefit request, 
except that in any case in which the applicable statute or regulation 
makes the approval of a benefit request a matter entrusted to USCIS 
discretion, USCIS will approve the benefit request only if the evidence 
of record establishes both eligibility and that the petitioner or 
applicant warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. If the record 
evidence establishes ineligibility, the benefit request will be denied 
on that basis.
    (ii) Initial evidence. If all required initial evidence is not 
submitted with the benefit request or does not demonstrate eligibility, 
USCIS in its discretion may deny the benefit request for lack of initial 
evidence or for ineligibility or request that the missing initial 
evidence be submitted within a specified period of time as determined by 
USCIS.
    (iii) Other evidence. If all required initial evidence has been 
submitted but the evidence submitted does not establish eligibility, 
USCIS may: deny the benefit request for ineligibility; request more 
information or evidence from the applicant or petitioner, to be 
submitted within a specified period of time as determined by USCIS; or 
notify the applicant or petitioner of its intent to deny the benefit 
request and the

[[Page 32]]

basis for the proposed denial, and require that the applicant or 
petitioner submit a response within a specified period of time as 
determined by USCIS.
    (iv) Process. A request for evidence or notice of intent to deny 
will be communicated by regular or electronic mail and will specify the 
type of evidence required, and whether initial evidence or additional 
evidence is required, or the bases for the proposed denial sufficient to 
give the applicant or petitioner adequate notice and sufficient 
information to respond. The request for evidence or notice of intent to 
deny will indicate the deadline for response, but in no case shall the 
maximum response period provided in a request for evidence exceed twelve 
weeks, nor shall the maximum response time provided in a notice of 
intent to deny exceed thirty days. Additional time to respond to a 
request for evidence or notice of intent to deny may not be granted.
    (9) Appearance for interview or biometrics. USCIS may require any 
applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or individual filing a 
benefit request, or any group or class of such persons submitting 
requests, to appear for an interview and/or biometric collection. USCIS 
may require the payment of the biometric services fee in 8 CFR 106.2 or 
that the individual obtain a fee waiver. Such appearance and fee may 
also be required by law, regulation, form instructions, or Federal 
Register notice applicable to the request type. USCIS will notify the 
affected person of the date, time and location of any required 
appearance under this paragraph. Any person required to appear under 
this paragraph may, before the scheduled date and time of the 
appearance, either:
    (i) Appear before the scheduled date and time;
    (ii) For good cause, request that the biometric services appointment 
be rescheduled; or
    (iii) Withdraw the benefit request.
    (10) Effect of a request for initial or additional evidence for 
fingerprinting or interview rescheduling--(i) Effect on processing. The 
priority date of a properly filed petition shall not be affected by a 
request for missing initial evidence or request for other evidence. If a 
benefit request is missing required initial evidence, or an applicant, 
petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or other individual who requires 
fingerprinting requests that the fingerprinting appointment or interview 
be rescheduled, any time period imposed on USCIS processing will start 
over from the date of receipt of the required initial evidence or 
request for fingerprint or interview rescheduling. If USCIS requests 
that the applicant or petitioner submit additional evidence or respond 
to other than a request for initial evidence, any time limitation 
imposed on USCIS for processing will be suspended as of the date of 
request. It will resume at the same point where it stopped when USCIS 
receives the requested evidence or response, or a request for a decision 
based on the evidence.
    (ii) Effect on interim benefits. Interim benefits will not be 
granted based on a benefit request held in suspense for the submission 
of requested initial evidence, except that the applicant or beneficiary 
will normally be allowed to remain while a benefit request to extend or 
obtain status while in the United States is pending. The USCIS may 
choose to pursue other actions to seek removal of a person 
notwithstanding the pending application. Employment authorization 
previously accorded based on the same status and employment as that 
requested in the current benefit request may continue uninterrupted as 
provided in 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(20) during the suspense period.
    (11) Responding to a request for evidence or notice of intent to 
deny. In response to a request for evidence or a notice of intent to 
deny, and within the period afforded for a response, the applicant or 
petitioner may: submit a complete response containing all requested 
information at any time within the period afforded; submit a partial 
response and ask for a decision based on the record; or withdraw the 
benefit request. All requested materials must be submitted together at 
one time, along with the original USCIS request for evidence or notice 
of intent to deny. Submission of only some of the requested evidence 
will be considered a request for a decision on the record.

[[Page 33]]

    (12) Effect where evidence submitted in response to a request does 
not establish eligibility at the time of filing. A benefit request shall 
be denied where evidence submitted in response to a request for evidence 
does not establish filing eligibility at the time the benefit request 
was filed. A benefit request shall be denied where any benefit request 
upon which it was based was filed subsequently.
    (13) Effect of failure to respond to a request for evidence or a 
notice of intent to deny or to appear for interview or biometrics 
capture--(i) Failure to submit evidence or respond to a notice of intent 
to deny. If the petitioner or applicant fails to respond to a request 
for evidence or to a notice of intent to deny by the required date, the 
benefit request may be summarily denied as abandoned, denied based on 
the record, or denied for both reasons. If other requested material 
necessary to the processing and approval of a case, such as photographs, 
are not submitted by the required date, the application may be summarily 
denied as abandoned.
    (ii) Failure to appear for biometrics capture, interview or other 
required in-person process. Except as provided in 8 CFR 335.6, if USCIS 
requires an individual to appear for biometrics capture, an interview, 
or other required in-person process but the person does not appear, the 
benefit request shall be considered abandoned and denied unless by the 
appointment time USCIS has received a change of address or rescheduling 
request that the agency concludes warrants excusing the failure to 
appear.
    (14) Effect of request for decision. Where an applicant or 
petitioner does not submit all requested additional evidence and 
requests a decision based on the evidence already submitted, a decision 
shall be issued based on the record. Failure to submit requested 
evidence which precludes a material line of inquiry shall be grounds for 
denying the benefit request. Failure to appear for required 
fingerprinting or for a required interview, or to give required 
testimony, shall result in the denial of the related benefit request.
    (15) Effect of withdrawal or denial due to abandonment. The USCIS 
acknowledgement of a withdrawal may not be appealed. A denial due to 
abandonment may not be appealed, but an applicant or petitioner may file 
a motion to reopen under Sec.  103.5. Withdrawal or denial due to 
abandonment does not preclude the filing of a new benefit request with a 
new fee. However, the priority or processing date of a withdrawn or 
abandoned benefit request may not be applied to a later application 
petition. Withdrawal or denial due to abandonment shall not itself 
affect the new proceeding; but the facts and circumstances surrounding 
the prior benefit request shall otherwise be material to the new benefit 
request.
    (16) Inspection of evidence. An applicant or petitioner shall be 
permitted to inspect the record of proceeding which constitutes the 
basis for the decision, except as provided in the following paragraphs.
    (i) Derogatory information unknown to petitioner or applicant. If 
the decision will be adverse to the applicant or petitioner and is based 
on derogatory information considered by the Service and of which the 
applicant or petitioner is unaware, he/she shall be advised of this fact 
and offered an opportunity to rebut the information and present 
information in his/her own behalf before the decision is rendered, 
except as provided in paragraphs (b)(16)(ii), (iii), and (iv) of this 
section. Any explanation, rebuttal, or information presented by or in 
behalf of the applicant or petitioner shall be included in the record of 
proceeding.
    (ii) Determination of statutory eligibility. A determination of 
statutory eligibility shall be based only on information contained in 
the record of proceeding which is disclosed to the applicant or 
petitioner, except as provided in paragraph (b)(16)(iv) of this section.
    (iii) Discretionary determination. Where an application may be 
granted or denied in the exercise of discretion, the decision to 
exercise discretion favorably or unfavorably may be based in whole or in 
part on classified information not contained in the record and not made 
available to the applicant, provided the USCIS Director or his or her 
designee has determined that such information is relevant and is 
classified under Executive Order No. 12356 (47

[[Page 34]]

FR 14874; April 6, 1982) as requiring protection from unauthorized 
disclosure in the interest of national security.
    (iv) Classified information. An applicant or petitioner shall not be 
provided any information contained in the record or outside the record 
which is classified under Executive Order No. 12356 (47 FR 14874; April 
6, 1982) as requiring protection from unauthorized disclosure in the 
interest of national security, unless the classifying authority has 
agreed in writing to such disclosure. Whenever he/she believes he/she 
can do so consistently with safeguarding both the information and its 
source, the USCIS Director or his or her designee should direct that the 
applicant or petitioner be given notice of the general nature of the 
information and an opportunity to offer opposing evidence. The USCIS 
Director's or his or her designee's authorization to use such classified 
information shall be made a part of the record. A decision based in 
whole or in part on such classified information shall state that the 
information is material to the decision.
    (17) Verifying claimed permanent resident status--(i) Department 
records. The status of an applicant or petitioner who claims that he or 
she is a permanent resident of the United States or was formerly a 
permanent resident of the United States will be verified from official 
Department records. These records include alien and other files, arrival 
manifests, arrival records, Department index cards, Immigrant 
Identification Cards, Certificates of Registry, Declarations of 
Intention issued after July 1, 1929, Permanent Resident Cards, or other 
registration receipt forms (provided that such forms were issued or 
endorsed to show admission for permanent residence), passports, and 
reentry permits. An official record of a Department index card must bear 
a designated immigrant visa symbol and must have been prepared by an 
authorized official of the Department in the course of processing 
immigrant admissions or adjustments to permanent resident status. Other 
cards, certificates, declarations, permits, and passports must have been 
issued or endorsed to show admission for permanent residence. Except as 
otherwise provided in 8 CFR part 101, and in the absence of 
countervailing evidence, such official records will be regarded as 
establishing lawful admission for permanent residence.
    (ii) Assisting self-petitioners who are spousal-abuse victims. If a 
self-petitioner filing a petition under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 
204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act is 
unable to present primary or secondary evidence of the abuser's status, 
USCIS will attempt to electronically verify the abuser's citizenship or 
immigration status from information contained in the Department's 
automated or computerized records. Other Department records may also be 
reviewed at the discretion of the adjudicating officer. If USCIS is 
unable to identify a record as relating to the abuser, or the record 
does not establish the abuser's immigration or citizenship status, the 
self-petition will be adjudicated based on the information submitted by 
the self-petitioner.
    (18) Withholding adjudication. USCIS may authorize withholding 
adjudication of a visa petition or other application if USCIS determines 
that an investigation has been undertaken involving a matter relating to 
eligibility or the exercise of discretion, where applicable, in 
connection with the benefit request, and that the disclosure of 
information to the applicant or petitioner in connection with the 
adjudication of the benefit request would prejudice the ongoing 
investigation. If an investigation has been undertaken and has not been 
completed within one year of its inception, USCIS will review the matter 
and determine whether adjudication of the benefit request should be held 
in abeyance for six months or until the investigation is completed, 
whichever comes sooner. If, after six months of USCIS's determination, 
the investigation has not been completed, the matter will be reviewed 
again by USCIS and, if it concludes that more time is needed to complete 
the investigation, adjudication may be held in abeyance for up to 
another six months. If the investigation is not completed at the end of 
that time, USCIS may authorize that adjudication be held in abeyance for 
another six months. Thereafter, if USCIS determines it is

[[Page 35]]

necessary to continue to withhold adjudication pending completion of the 
investigation, it will review that determination every six months.
    (19) Notification--(i) Unrepresented applicants or petitioners. 
USCIS will only send original notices and documents evidencing lawful 
status based on the approval of a benefit request directly to the 
applicant or petitioner if the applicant or petitioner is not 
represented.
    (ii) Represented applicants or petitioners--(A) Notices. When an 
applicant or petitioner is represented, USCIS will send original notices 
both to the applicant or petitioner and his or her authorized attorney 
or accredited representative. If provided in this title, on the 
applicable form, or on form instructions, an applicant or petitioner 
filing a paper application or petition may request that all original 
notices, such as requests for evidence and notices of decision, only be 
sent to the official business address of the applicant's or petitioner's 
authorized attorney or accredited representative, as reflected on a 
properly executed Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or 
Accredited Representative. In such instances, a courtesy copy of the 
original notice will be sent to the applicant or petitioner.
    (B) Electronic notices. For applications or petitions filed 
electronically, USCIS will notify both the applicant or petitioner and 
the authorized attorney or accredited representative electronically of 
any notices or decisions. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(19)(ii)(C) 
of this section, USCIS will not issue paper notices or decisions for 
electronically-filed applications or petitions, unless:
    (1) The option exists for the applicant or petitioner to request to 
receive paper notices or decisions by mail through the U.S. Postal 
Service, by indicating this preference in his or her electronic online 
account profile in USCIS's electronic immigration system; or
    (2) USCIS, in its discretion, determines that issuing a paper notice 
or decision for an electronically-filed application or petition is 
warranted.
    (C) Approval notices with attached Arrival-Departure Records. USCIS 
will send an original paper approval notice with an attached Arrival-
Departure Record, reflecting USCIS's approval of an applicant's request 
for an extension of stay or change of status, to the official business 
address of the applicant's or petitioner's attorney or accredited 
representative, as reflected on a properly executed Notice of Entry of 
Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative or in the address 
section of the online representative account profile in USCIS's 
electronic immigration system, unless the applicant specifically 
requests that the original approval notice with an attached Arrival-
Departure Record be sent directly to his or her mailing address.
    (iii) Secure identity documents. (A) USCIS may send secure 
identification documents, such as a Permanent Resident Card or 
Employment Authorization Document, only to the applicant or self-
petitioner unless the applicant or self-petitioner specifically consents 
to having his or her secure identification document sent to a designated 
agent, their attorney or accredited representative or record, as 
specified on the form instructions.
    (B) The designated agent, or attorney or accredited representative, 
will be required to provide identification and sign for receipt of the 
secure document.
    (c)-(d) [Reserved]

[29 FR 11956, Aug. 21, 1964]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
103.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  103.3  Denials, appeals, and precedent decisions.

    (a) Denials and appeals--(1) General--(i) Denial of application or 
petition. When a Service officer denies an application or petition filed 
under Sec.  103.2 of this part, the officer shall explain in writing the 
specific reasons for denial. If Form I-292 (a denial form including 
notification of the right of appeal) is used to notify the applicant or 
petitioner, the duplicate of Form I-292 constitutes the denial order.
    (ii) Appealable decisions. Certain unfavorable decisions on 
applications, petitions, and other types of cases may be appealed. 
Decisions under the appellate

[[Page 36]]

jurisdiction of the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) are listed in 
Sec.  3.1(b) of this chapter. Decisions under the appellate jurisdiction 
of the Associate Commissioner, Examinations, are listed in Sec.  
103.1(f)(2) of this part.
    (iii) Appeal--(A) Jurisdiction. When an unfavorable decision may be 
appealed, the official making the decision shall state the appellate 
jurisdiction and shall furnish the appropriate appeal form.
    (B) Meaning of affected party. For purposes of this section and 
Sec. Sec.  103.4 and 103.5 of this part, affected party (in addition to 
the Service) means the person or entity with legal standing in a 
proceeding. It does not include the beneficiary of a visa petition. An 
affected party may be represented by an attorney or representative in 
accordance with part 292 of this chapter.
    (C) Record of proceeding. An appeal and any cross-appeal or briefs 
become part of the record of proceeding.
    (D) Appeal filed by Service officer in case within jurisdiction of 
Board. If an appeal is filed by a Service officer, a copy must be served 
on the affected party.
    (iv) Function of Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU). The AAU is the 
appellate body which considers cases under the appellate jurisdiction of 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations.
    (v) Summary dismissal. An officer to whom an appeal is taken shall 
summarily dismiss any appeal when the party concerned fails to identify 
specifically any erroneous conclusion of law or statement of fact for 
the appeal. The filing by an attorney or representative accredited under 
8 CFR 292.2(d) of an appeal which is summarily dismissed under this 
section may constitute frivolous behavior as defined in 8 CFR 
292.3(a)(15). Summary dismissal of an appeal under Sec.  103.3(a)(1)(v) 
in no way limits the other grounds and procedures for disciplinary 
action against attorneys or representatives provided in 8 CFR 292.2 or 
in any other statute or regulation.
    (2) AAU appeals in other than special agricultural worker and 
legalization cases--(i) Filing appeal. The affected party must submit an 
appeal on Form I-290B. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the 
affected party must pay the fee required by 8 CFR 106.2. The affected 
party must submit the complete appeal including any supporting brief as 
indicated in the applicable form instructions within 30 days after 
service of the decision.
    (ii) Reviewing official. The official who made the unfavorable 
decision being appealed shall review the appeal unless the affected 
party moves to a new jurisdiction. In that instance, the official who 
has jurisdiction over such a proceeding in that geographic location 
shall review it.
    (iii) Favorable action instead of forwarding appeal to AAU. The 
reviewing official shall decide whether or not favorable action is 
warranted. Within 45 days of receipt of the appeal, the reviewing 
official may treat the appeal as a motion to reopen or reconsider and 
take favorable action. However, that official is not precluded from 
reopening a proceeding or reconsidering a decision on his or her own 
motion under Sec.  103.5(a)(5)(i) of this part in order to make a new 
decision favorable to the affected party after 45 days of receipt of the 
appeal.
    (iv) Forwarding appeal to AAU. If the reviewing official will not be 
taking favorable action or decides favorable action is not warranted, 
that official shall promptly forward the appeal and the related record 
of proceeding to the AAU in Washington, DC.
    (v) Improperly filed appeal--(A) Appeal filed by person or entity 
not entitled to file it--(1) Rejection without refund of filing fee. An 
appeal filed by a person or entity not entitled to file it must be 
rejected as improperly filed. In such a case, any filing fee the Service 
has accepted will not be refunded.
    (2) Appeal by attorney or representative without proper Form G-28--
(i) General. If an appeal is filed by an attorney or representative 
without a properly executed Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or 
Representative (Form G-28) entitling that person to file the appeal, the 
appeal is considered improperly filed. In such a case, any filing fee 
the Service has accepted will not be refunded regardless of the action 
taken.
    (ii) When favorable action warranted. If the reviewing official 
decides favorable action is warranted with respect to an otherwise 
properly filed appeal, that

[[Page 37]]

official shall ask the attorney or representative to submit Form G-28 to 
the official's office within 15 days of the request. If Form G-28 is not 
submitted within the time allowed, the official may, on his or her own 
motion, under Sec.  103.5(a)(5)(i) of this part, make a new decision 
favorable to the affected party without notifying the attorney or 
representative.
    (iii) When favorable action not warranted. If the reviewing official 
decides favorable action is not warranted with respect to an otherwise 
properly filed appeal, that official shall ask the attorney or 
representative to submit Form G-28 directly to the AAU. The official 
shall also forward the appeal and the relating record of proceeding to 
the AAU. The appeal may be considered properly filed as of its original 
filing date if the attorney or representative submits a properly 
executed Form G-28 entitling that person to file the appeal.
    (B) Untimely appeal--(1) Rejection without refund of filing fee. An 
appeal which is not filed within the time allowed must be rejected as 
improperly filed. In such a case, any filing fee the Service has 
accepted will not be refunded.
    (2) Untimely appeal treated as motion. If an untimely appeal meets 
the requirements of a motion to reopen as described in Sec.  103.5(a)(2) 
of this part or a motion to reconsider as described in Sec.  103.5(a)(3) 
of this part, the appeal must be treated as a motion, and a decision 
must be made on the merits of the case.
    (vi) Brief. The affected party may submit a brief with Form I-290B.
    (vii) Additional time to submit a brief. The affected party may make 
a written request to the AAU for additional time to submit a brief. The 
AAU may, for good cause shown, allow the affected party additional time 
to submit one.
    (viii) Where to submit supporting brief if additional time is 
granted. If the AAU grants additional time, the affected party shall 
submit the brief directly to the AAU.
    (ix) Withdrawal of appeal. The affected party may withdraw the 
appeal, in writing, before a decision is made.
    (x) Decision on appeal. The decision must be in writing. A copy of 
the decision must be served on the affected party and the attorney or 
representative of record, if any.
    (3) Denials and appeals of special agricultural worker and 
legalization applications and termination of lawful temporary resident 
status under sections 210 and 245A. (i) Whenever an application for 
legalization or special agricultural worker status is denied or the 
status of a lawful temporary resident is terminated, the alien shall be 
given written notice setting forth the specific reasons for the denial 
on Form I-692, Notice of Denial. Form I-692 shall also contain advice to 
the applicant that he or she may appeal the decision and that such 
appeal must be taken within 30 days after service of the notification of 
decision accompanied by any additional new evidence, and a supporting 
brief if desired. The Form I-692 shall additionally provide a notice to 
the alien that if he or she fails to file an appeal from the decision, 
the Form I-692 will serve as a final notice of ineligibility.
    (ii) Form I-694, Notice of Appeal, in triplicate, shall be used to 
file the appeal, and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Form I-
694 shall be furnished with the notice of denial at the time of service 
on the alien.
    (iii) Upon receipt of an appeal, the administrative record will be 
forwarded to the Administrative Appeals Unit as provided by Sec.  
103.1(f)(2) of this part for review and decision. The decision on the 
appeal shall be in writing, and if the appeal is dismissed, shall 
include a final notice of ineligibility. A copy of the decision shall be 
served upon the applicant and his or her attorney or representative of 
record. No further administrative appeal shall lie from this decision, 
nor may the application be filed or reopened before an immigration judge 
or the Board of Immigration Appeals during exclusion or deportation 
proceedings.
    (iv) Any appeal which is filed that:
    (A) Fails to state the reason for appeal;
    (B) Is filed solely on the basis of a denial for failure to file the 
application for adjustment of status under section 210 or 245A in a 
timely manner; or
    (C) Is patently frivolous; will be summarily dismissed. An appeal 
received after the thirty (30) day period has

[[Page 38]]

tolled will not be accepted for processing.
    (4) Denials and appeal of Replenishment Agricultural Worker 
petitions and waivers and termination of lawful temporary resident 
status under section 210A. (i) Whenever a petition for Replenishment 
Agricultural Worker status, or a request for a waiver incident to such 
filing, is denied in accordance with the provisions of part 210a of this 
title, the alien shall be given written notice setting forth the 
specific reasons for the denial on Form I-692, Notice of Denial. Form I-
692 shall also contain advice to the alien that he or she may appeal the 
decision and that such appeal must be taken within thirty (30) days 
after service of the notification of decision accompanied by any 
additional new evidence, and a supporting brief if desired. The Form I-
692 shall additionally provide a notice to the alien that if he or she 
fails to file an appeal from the decision, the Form I-692 shall serve as 
a final notice of ineligibility.
    (ii) Form I-694, Notice of Appeal, in triplicate, shall be used to 
file the appeal, and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Form I-
694 shall be furnished with the notice of denial at the time of service 
on the alien.
    (iii) Upon receipt of an appeal, the administrative record will be 
forwarded to the Administrative Appeals Unit as provided by Sec.  
103.1(f)(2) of this part for review and decision. The decision on the 
appeal shall be in writing, and if the appeal is dismissed, shall 
include a final notice of ineligibility. A copy of the decision shall be 
served upon the petitioner and his or her attorney or representative of 
record. No further administrative appeal shall lie from this decision, 
nor may the petition be filed or reopened before an immigration judge or 
the Board of Immigration Appeals during exclusion or deportation 
proceedings.
    (iv) Any appeal which is filed that: Fails to state the reason for 
the appeal; is filed solely on the basis of a denial for failure to file 
the petition for adjustment of status under part 210a of this title in a 
timely manner; or is patently frivolous, will be summarily dismissed. An 
appeal received after the thirty (30) day period has tolled will not be 
accepted for processing.
    (b) Oral argument regarding appeal before AAU--(1) Request. If the 
affected party desires oral argument, the affected party must explain in 
writing specifically why oral argument is necessary. For such a request 
to be considered, it must be submitted within the time allowed for 
meeting other requirements.
    (2) Decision about oral argument. The Service has sole authority to 
grant or deny a request for oral argument. Upon approval of a request 
for oral argument, the AAU shall set the time, date, place, and 
conditions of oral argument.
    (c) Service precedent decisions. The Secretary of Homeland Security, 
or specific officials of the Department of Homeland Security designated 
by the Secretary with the concurrence of the Attorney General, may file 
with the Attorney General decisions relating to the administration of 
the immigration laws of the United States for publication as precedent 
in future proceedings, and upon approval of the Attorney General as to 
the lawfulness of such decision, the Director of the Executive Office 
for Immigration Review shall cause such decisions to be published in the 
same manner as decisions of the Board and the Attorney General. In 
addition to Attorney General and Board decisions referred to in Sec.  
1003.1(g) of chapter V, designated Service decisions are to serve as 
precedents in all proceedings involving the same issue(s). Except as 
these decisions may be modified or overruled by later precedent 
decisions, they are binding on all Service employees in the 
administration of the Act. Precedent decisions must be published and 
made available to the public as described in 8 CFR 103.10(e).

[31 FR 3062, Feb. 24, 1966, as amended at 37 FR 927, Jan. 21, 1972; 48 
FR 36441, Aug. 11, 1983; 49 FR 7355, Feb. 29, 1984; 52 FR 16192, May 1, 
1987; 54 FR 29881, July 17, 1989; 55 FR 20769, 20775, May 21, 1990; 55 
FR 23345, June 7, 1990; 57 FR 11573, Apr. 6, 1992; 68 FR 9832, Feb. 28, 
2003; 76 FR 53781, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46914, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  103.4  Certifications.

    (a) Certification of other than special agricultural worker and 
legalization cases--(1) General. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's 
delegate may direct that any case or class of cases be

[[Page 39]]

certified to another Service official for decision. In addition, 
regional commissioners, regional service center directors, district 
directors, officers in charge in districts 33 (Bangkok, Thailand), 35 
(Mexico City, Mexico), and 37 (Rome, Italy), and the Director, National 
Fines Office, may certify their decisions to the appropriate appellate 
authority (as designated in this chapter) when the case involves an 
unusually complex or novel issue of law or fact.
    (2) Notice to affected party. When a case is certified to a Service 
officer, the official certifying the case shall notify the affected 
party using a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C). The affected party 
may submit a brief to the officer to whom the case is certified within 
30 days after service of the notice. If the affected party does not wish 
to submit a brief, the affected party may waive the 30-day period.
    (3) Favorable action. The Service officer to whom a case is 
certified may suspend the 30-day period for submission of a brief if 
that officer takes action favorable to the affected party.
    (4) Initial decision. A case within the appellate jurisdiction of 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations, or for which there is no 
appeal procedure may be certified only after an initial decision is 
made.
    (5) Certification to AAU. A case described in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section may be certified to the AAU.
    (6) Appeal to Board. In a case within the Board's appellate 
jurisdiction, an unfavorable decision of the Service official to whom 
the case is certified (whether made initially or upon review) is the 
decision which may be appealed to the Board under Sec.  3.1(b) of this 
chapter.
    (7) Other applicable provisions. The provisions of Sec.  
103.3(a)(2)(x) of this part also apply to decisions on certified cases. 
The provisions of Sec.  103.3(b) of this part also apply to requests for 
oral argument regarding certified cases considered by the AAU.
    (b) Certification of denials of special agricultural worker and 
legalization applications. The Regional Processing Facility director or 
the district director may, in accordance with paragraph (a) of this 
section, certify a decision to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations 
(Administrative Appeals Unit) (the appellate authority designated in 
Sec.  103.1(f)(2)) of this part, when the case involves an unusually 
complex or novel question of law or fact.

[52 FR 661, Jan. 8, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 43985, Oct. 31, 1988; 55 
FR 20770, May 21, 1990]



Sec.  103.5  Reopening or reconsideration.

    (a) Motions to reopen or reconsider in other than special 
agricultural worker and legalization cases--(1) When filed by affected 
party--(i) General. Except where the Board has jurisdiction and as 
otherwise provided in 8 CFR parts 3, 210, 242 and 245a, when the 
affected party files a motion, the official having jurisdiction may, for 
proper cause shown, reopen the proceeding or reconsider the prior 
decision. Motions to reopen or reconsider are not applicable to 
proceedings described in Sec.  274a.9 of this chapter. Any motion to 
reconsider an action by the Service filed by an applicant or petitioner 
must be filed within 30 days of the decision that the motion seeks to 
reconsider. Any motion to reopen a proceeding before the Service filed 
by an applicant or petitioner, must be filed within 30 days of the 
decision that the motion seeks to reopen, except that failure to file 
before this period expires, may be excused in the discretion of the 
Service where it is demonstrated that the delay was reasonable and was 
beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner.
    (ii) Jurisdiction. The official having jurisdiction is the official 
who made the latest decision in the proceeding unless the affected party 
moves to a new jurisdiction. In that instance, the new official having 
jurisdiction is the official over such a proceeding in the new 
geographical locations.
    (iii) Filing Requirements. A motion shall be submitted on Form I-
290B and may be accompanied by a brief. It must be:
    (A) In writing and signed by the affected party or the attorney or 
representative of record, if any;
    (B) Accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in 8 CFR 106.2;
    (C) Accompanied by a statement about whether or not the validity of 
the unfavorable decision has been or is the subject of any judicial 
proceeding

[[Page 40]]

and, if so, the court, nature, date, and status or result of the 
proceeding;
    (D) Addressed to the official having jurisdiction; and
    (E) Submitted to the office maintaining the record upon which the 
unfavorable decision was made for forwarding to the official having 
jurisdiction.
    (iv) Effect of motion or subsequent application or petition. Unless 
the Service directs otherwise, the filing of a motion to reopen or 
reconsider or of a subsequent application or petition does not stay the 
execution of any decision in a case or extend a previously set departure 
date.
    (2) Requirements for motion to reopen. A motion to reopen must state 
the new facts to be provided in the reopened proceeding and be supported 
by affidavits or other documentary evidence. A motion to reopen an 
application or petition denied due to abandonment must be filed with 
evidence that the decision was in error because:
    (i) The requested evidence was not material to the issue of 
eligibility;
    (ii) The required initial evidence was submitted with the 
application or petition, or the request for initial evidence or 
additional information or appearance was complied with during the 
allotted period; or
    (iii) The request for additional information or appearance was sent 
to an address other than that on the application, petition, or notice of 
representation, or that the applicant or petitioner advised the Service, 
in writing, of a change of address or change of representation 
subsequent to filing and before the Service's request was sent, and the 
request did not go to the new address.
    (3) Requirements for motion to reconsider. A motion to reconsider 
must state the reasons for reconsideration and be supported by any 
pertinent precedent decisions to establish that the decision was based 
on an incorrect application of law or Service policy. A motion to 
reconsider a decision on an application or petition must, when filed, 
also establish that the decision was incorrect based on the evidence of 
record at the time of the initial decision.
    (4) Processing motions in proceedings before the Service. A motion 
that does not meet applicable requirements shall be dismissed. Where a 
motion to reopen is granted, the proceeding shall be reopened. The 
notice and any favorable decision may be combined.
    (5) Motion by Service officer--(i) Service motion with decision 
favorable to affected party. When a Service officer, on his or her own 
motion, reopens a Service proceeding or reconsiders a Service decision 
in order to make a new decision favorable to the affected party, the 
Service officer shall combine the motion and the favorable decision in 
one action.
    (ii) Service motion with decision that may be unfavorable to 
affected party. When a Service officer, on his or her own motion, 
reopens a Service proceeding or reconsiders a Service decision, and the 
new decision may be unfavorable to the affected party, the officer shall 
give the affected party 30 days after service of the motion to submit a 
brief. The officer may extend the time period for good cause shown. If 
the affected party does not wish to submit a brief, the affected party 
may waive the 30-day period.
    (6) Appeal to AAU from Service decision made as a result of a 
motion. A field office decision made as a result of a motion may be 
applied to the AAU only if the original decision was appealable to the 
AAU.
    (7) Other applicable provisions. The provisions of Sec.  
103.3(a)(2)(x) of this part also apply to decisions on motions. The 
provisions of Sec.  103.3(b) of this part also apply to requests for 
oral argument regarding motions considered by the AAU.
    (8) Treating an appeal as a motion. The official who denied an 
application or petition may treat the appeal from that decision as a 
motion for the purpose of granting the motion.
    (b) Motions to reopen or reconsider denials of special agricultural 
worker and legalization applications. Upon the filing of an appeal to 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative Appeals Unit), 
the Director of a Regional Processing Facility or the consular officer 
at an Overseas Processing Office may sua sponte reopen any proceeding 
under his or her jurisdiction opened under part 210 or 245a of this

[[Page 41]]

chapter and may reconsider any decision rendered in such proceeding. The 
new decision must be served on the appellant within 45 days of receipt 
of any brief and/or new evidence, or upon expiration of the time allowed 
for the submission of a brief. The Associate Commissioner, Examinations, 
or the Chief of the Administrative Appeals Unit may sua sponte reopen 
any proceeding conducted by that Unit under part 210 or 245a of this 
chapter and reconsider any decision rendered in such proceeding. Motions 
to reopen a proceeding or reconsider a decision under part 210 or 245a 
of this chapter shall not be considered.
    (c) Motions to reopen or reconsider decisions on replenishment 
agricultural worker petitions. (1) The director of a regional processing 
facility may sua sponte reopen any proceeding under part 210a of this 
title which is within his or her jurisdiction and may render a new 
decision. This decision may reverse a prior favorable decision when it 
is determined that there was fraud during the registration or petition 
processes and the petitioner was not entitled to the status granted. The 
petitioner must be given an opportunity to offer evidence in support of 
the petition and in opposition to the grounds for reopening the petition 
before a new decision is rendered.
    (2) The Associate Commissioner, Examinations or the Chief of the 
Administrative Appeals Unit may sua sponte reopen any proceeding 
conducted by that unit under part 210a of this title and reconsider any 
decision rendered in such proceeding.
    (3) Motions to reopen a proceeding or reconsider a decision under 
part 210a of this title shall not be considered.

[27 FR 7562, Aug. 1, 1962, as amended at 30 FR 12772, Oct. 7, 1965; 32 
FR 271, Jan. 11, 1967; 52 FR 16193, May 1, 1987; 54 FR 29881, July 17, 
1989; 55 FR 20770, 20775, May 21, 1990; 55 FR 25931, June 25, 1990; 56 
FR 41782, Aug. 23, 1991; 59 FR 1463, Jan. 11, 1994; 61 FR 18909, Apr. 
29, 1996; 62 FR 10336, Mar. 6, 1997; 70 FR 50957, Aug. 29, 2005; 85 FR 
46914, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  103.6  Immigration bonds.

    (a) Posting of surety bonds--(1) Extension agreements; consent of 
surety; collateral security. All surety bonds posted in immigration 
cases shall be executed on Form I-352, Immigration Bond, a copy of 
which, and any rider attached thereto, shall be furnished the obligor. A 
district director is authorized to approve a bond, a formal agreement to 
extension of liability of surety, a request for delivery of collateral 
security to a duly appointed and undischarged administrator or executor 
of the estate of a deceased depositor, and a power of attorney executed 
on Form I-312, Designation of Attorney in Fact. All other matters 
relating to bonds, including a power of attorney not executed on Form I-
312 and a request for delivery of collateral security to other than the 
depositor or his or her approved attorney in fact, shall be forwarded to 
the regional director for approval.
    (2) Bond riders--(i) General. Bond riders shall be prepared on Form 
I-351, Bond Riders, and attached to Form I-352. If a condition to be 
included in a bond is not on Form I-351, a rider containing the 
condition shall be executed.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (b) Acceptable sureties--(1) Acceptable sureties generally. 
Immigration bonds may be posted by a company holding a certificate from 
the Secretary of the Treasury under 31 U.S.C. 9304-9308 as an acceptable 
surety on Federal bonds (a Treasury-certified surety). They may also be 
posted by an entity or individual who deposits cash or cash equivalents, 
such as postal money orders, certified checks, or cashier's checks, in 
the face amount of the bond.
    (2) Authority to decline bonds underwritten by Treasury-certified 
surety. In its discretion, ICE may decline to accept an immigration bond 
underwritten by a Treasury-certified surety when--
    (i) Ten or more invoices issued to the surety on administratively 
final breach determinations are past due at the same time;
    (ii) The surety owes a cumulative total of $50,000 or more on past-
due invoices issued to the surety on administratively final breach 
determinations, including interest and other fees assessed by law on 
delinquent debt; or
    (iii) The surety has a breach rate of 35 percent or greater in any 
Federal fiscal year after August 31, 2020.The surety's breach rate will 
be calculated in the month of January following each

[[Page 42]]

Federal fiscal year after the effective date of this rule by dividing 
the sum of administratively final breach determinations for that surety 
during the fiscal year by the total of such sum and bond cancellations 
for that surety during that same year. For example, if 50 bonds posted 
by a surety company were declared breached from October 1 to September 
30, and 50 bonds posted by that same surety were cancelled during the 
same fiscal year (for a total of 100 bond dispositions), that surety 
would have a breach rate of 50 percent for that fiscal year.
    (iv) Consistent with 31 CFR 223.17(b)(5)(i), ICE may not decline a 
future bond from a Treasury-certified surety when a court of competent 
jurisdiction has stayed or enjoined enforcement of a breach 
determination that would support ICE's decision to decline future bonds. 
For example, if collection of a past-due invoice has been stayed by a 
court, it cannot be counted as one of the ten or more invoices under 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.
    (3) Definitions. For purposes of paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this section--
    (i) A breach determination is administratively final when the time 
to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) has 
expired or when the appeal is dismissed or rejected.
    (ii) An invoice is past due if it is delinquent, meaning either that 
it has not been paid or disputed in writing within 30 days of issuance 
of the invoice; or, if it is a debt upon which the surety has submitted 
a written dispute within 30 days of issuance of the invoice, ICE has 
issued a written explanation to the surety of the agency's determination 
that the debt is valid, and the debt has not been paid within 30 days of 
issuance of such written explanation that the debt is valid.
    (4) Notice of intention to decline future bonds. When one or more of 
the for cause standards provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section 
applies to a Treasury-certified surety, ICE may, in its discretion, 
initiate the process to notify the surety that it will decline future 
bonds. To initiate this process, ICE will issue written notice to the 
surety stating ICE's intention to decline bonds underwritten by the 
surety and the reasons for the proposed non-acceptance of the bonds. 
This notification will inform the surety of its opportunity to rebut the 
stated reasons set forth in the notice, and its opportunity to cure the 
stated reasons, i.e., deficient performance.
    (5) Surety's response. The Treasury-certified surety must send any 
response to ICE's notice in writing to the office that sent the notice. 
The surety's response must be received by the designated office on or 
before the 30th calendar day following the date the notice was issued. 
If the surety or agent fails to submit a timely response, the surety 
will have waived the right to respond, and ICE will decline any future 
bonds submitted for approval that are underwritten by the surety.
    (6) Written determination. After considering any timely response 
submitted by the Treasury-certified surety to the written notice issued 
by ICE, ICE will issue a written determination stating whether future 
bonds issued by the surety will be accepted or declined. This written 
determination constitutes final agency action. If the written 
determination concludes that future bonds will be declined from the 
surety, ICE will decline any future bonds submitted for approval that 
are underwritten by the surety.
    (7) Effect of decision to decline future bonds. Consistent with 31 
CFR 223.17(b)(4), ICE will use best efforts to ensure persons conducting 
business with the agency are aware that future bonds underwritten by the 
surety will be declined by ICE. For example, ICE will notify any bonding 
agents who have served as co-obligors with the surety that ICE will 
decline future bonds underwritten by the surety.
    (c) Cancellation and breach--(1) Public charge bonds. A public 
charge bond posted for an alien will be cancelled when the alien dies, 
departs permanently from the United States, or is naturalized, provided 
the alien did not breach such bond by receiving either public cash 
assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at 
government expense prior to death, permanent departure, or 
naturalization. USCIS may cancel a public charge bond at any time after 
determining that the alien is not likely

[[Page 43]]

at any time to become a public charge. A bond may also be cancelled in 
order to allow substitution of another bond. A public charge bond will 
be cancelled by USCIS upon review following the fifth anniversary of the 
admission or adjustment of status of the alien, provided that the alien 
has filed Form I-356, Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond, 
and USCIS finds that the alien did not receive either public cash 
assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at 
government expense prior to the fifth anniversary. If Form I-356 is not 
filed, the public charge bond will remain in effect until the form is 
filed and USCIS reviews the evidence supporting the form, and renders a 
decision regarding the breach of the bond, or a decision to cancel the 
bond.
    (2) Maintenance of status and departure bonds. When the status of a 
nonimmigrant who has violated the conditions of his admission has been 
adjusted as a result of administrative or legislative action to that of 
a permanent resident retroactively to a date prior to the violation, any 
outstanding maintenance of status and departure bond shall be canceled. 
If an application for adjustment of status is made by a nonimmigrant 
while he is in lawful temporary status, the bond shall be canceled if 
his status is adjusted to that of a lawful permanent resident or if he 
voluntarily departs within any period granted to him. As used in this 
paragraph, the term lawful temporary status means that there must not 
have been a violation of any of the conditions of the alien's 
nonimmigrant classification by acceptance of unauthorized employment or 
otherwise during the time he has been accorded such classification, and 
that from the date of admission to the date of departure or adjustment 
of status he must have had uninterrupted Service approval of his 
presence in the United States in the form of regular extensions of stay 
or dates set by which departure is to occur, or a combination of both. 
An alien admitted as a nonimmigrant shall not be regarded as having 
violated his nonimmigrant status by engaging in employment subsequent to 
his proper filing of an application for adjustment of status under 
section 245 of the Act and part 245 of this chapter. A maintenance of 
status and departure bond posted at the request of an American consular 
officer abroad in behalf of an alien who did not travel to the United 
States shall be canceled upon receipt of notice from an American 
consular officer that the alien is outside the United States and the 
nonimmigrant visa issued pursuant to the posting of the bond has been 
canceled or has expired.
    (3) Substantial performance. Substantial performance of all 
conditions imposed by the terms of a bond shall release the obligor from 
liability.
    (d) Bond schedules--(1) Blanketbonds for departure of visitors and 
transits. The amount of bond required for various numbers of 
nonimmigrant visitors or transits admitted under bond on Forms I-352 
shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

                                 Aliens

1 to 4--$500 each.
5 to 9--$2,500 total bond.
10 to 24--$3,500 total bond.
25 to 49--$5,000 total bond.
50 to 74--$6,000 total bond.
75 to 99--$7,000 total bond.
100 to 124--$8,000 total bond.
125 to 149--$9,000 total bond.
150 to 199--$10,000 total bond.
200 or more--$10,000 plus $50 for each alien over 200.

    (2) Blanket bonds for importation of workers classified as 
nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15)(H). The following schedule shall 
be employed by district directors when requiring employers or their 
agents or representatives to post bond as a condition to importing alien 
laborers into the United States from the West Indies, the British Virgin 
Islands, or from Canada:

Less than 500 workers--$15 each
500 to 1,000 workers--$10 each
1,000 or more workers--$5 each


A bond shall not be posted for less than $1,000 or for more than $12,000 
irrespective of the number of workers involved. Failure to comply with 
conditions of the bond will result in the employer's liability in the 
amount of $200 as liquidated damages for each alien involved.

[[Page 44]]

    (e) Breach of bond. A bond is breached when there has been a 
substantial violation of the stipulated conditions. A final 
determination that a bond has been breached creates a claim in favor of 
the United States which may not be released or discharged by a Service 
officer. The district director having custody of the file containing the 
immigration bond executed on Form I-352 shall determine whether the bond 
shall be declared breached or cancelled, and shall notify the obligor on 
Form I-323 or Form I-391 of the decision, and, if declared breached, of 
the reasons therefor, and of the right to appeal in accordance with the 
provisions of this part.
    (f) Appeals of Breached Bonds Issued by Treasury-Certified 
Sureties--(1) Final agency action. Consistent with section 10(c) of the 
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 704, the AAO's decision on appeal 
of a breach determination constitutes final agency action. The initial 
breach determination remains inoperative during the administrative 
appeal period and while a timely administrative appeal is pending. 
Dismissal of an appeal is effective upon the date of the AAO decision. 
Only the granting of a motion to reopen or reconsider by the AAO makes 
the dismissal decision no longer final.
    (2) Exhaustion of administrative remedies. The failure by a 
Treasury-certified surety or its bonding agent to exhaust administrative 
appellate review before the AAO, or the lapse of time to file an appeal 
to the AAO without filing an appeal to the AAO, constitutes waiver and 
forfeiture of all claims, defenses, and arguments involving the bond 
breach determination. A Treasury-certified surety's or its agent's 
failure to move to reconsider or to reopen a breach decision does not 
constitute failure to exhaust administrative remedies.
    (3) Requirement to raise all issues. A Treasury-certified surety or 
its bonding agent must raise all issues and present all facts relied 
upon in the appeal to the AAO. A Treasury-certified surety's or its 
agent's failure to timely raise any claim, defense, or argument before 
the AAO in support of reversal or remand of a breach decision waives and 
forfeits that claim, defense, or argument.
    (4) Failure to file a timely administrative appeal. If a Treasury-
certified surety or its bonding agent does not timely file an appeal 
with the AAO upon receipt of a breach notice, a claim in favor of ICE is 
created on the bond breach determination, and ICE may seek to collect 
the amount due on the breached bond.
    (g) Delivery bond notifications to surrender aliens. Notwithstanding 
the requirements of Sec.  103.8 for the service of other notices, ICE 
may serve demand notices electronically or by any mail service that 
allows delivery confirmation to bond obligors, who consent to electronic 
delivery of service, to cause an alien who has been released from DHS 
custody on an immigration delivery bond to appear at an ICE office or an 
immigration court. An electronic record from the ICE bonds system 
showing that the obligor opened the demand notice will constitute valid 
proof of receipt service of the notice. If ICE cannot confirm receipt of 
the electronic notice, ICE will reissue a new another demand notice to 
the bond obligor's last known address using any mail service that allows 
delivery confirmation.
    (h) Bond breach, bond cancellation, and other bond notifications. 
Notwithstanding the service requirements for demand notices in paragraph 
(g) of this section, ICE may serve any other bond-related notifications 
electronically or by first-class mail to obligors, who consent to 
electronic delivery of service, that pertain to delivery, order of 
supervision, or voluntary departure immigration bonds, such as bond 
breach or cancellation notifications. An electronic record from the ICE 
bonds system showing that the obligor opened the bond-related 
notification will constitute valid proof of receipt service of the 
notice. If ICE cannot confirm receipt of the electronic notice, ICE will 
reissue another notice to the obligor's last known address using regular 
mail.

[31 FR 11713, Sept. 7, 1966]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
103.6, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

[[Page 45]]



Sec.  103.7  Fees.

    (a) DOJ fees. Fees for proceedings before immigration judges and the 
Board of Immigration Appeals are described in 8 CFR 1003.8, 1003.24, and 
1103.7.
    (1) USCIS may accept DOJ fees. Except as provided in 8 CFR 1003.8, 
or as the Attorney General otherwise may provide by regulation, any fee 
relating to any EOIR proceeding may be paid to USCIS. Payment of a fee 
under this section does not constitute filing of the document with the 
Board or with the immigration court. DHS will provide the payer with a 
receipt for a fee and return any documents submitted with the fee 
relating to any immigration court proceeding.
    (2) DHS-EOIR biometric services fee. Fees paid to and accepted by 
DHS relating to any immigration proceeding as provided in 8 CFR 
1103.7(a)(3) must include an additional $30 for DHS to collect, store, 
and use biometric information.
    (3) Waiver of Immigration Court fees. An immigration judge or the 
Board may waive any fees prescribed under this chapter for cases under 
their jurisdiction to the extent provided in 8 CFR 1003.8 and 1003.24.
    (b) USCIS fees. USCIS fees will be required as provided in 8 CFR 
part 106.
    (c) Remittances. Remittances to the Board of Immigration Appeals 
must be made payable to the ``United States Department of Justice,'' in 
accordance with 8 CFR 1003.8.
    (d) Non-USCIS DHS immigration fees. The following fees are 
applicable to one or more of the immigration components of DHS:
    (1) DCL System Costs Fee. For use of a Dedicated Commuter Lane (DCL) 
located at specific U.S. ports-of-entry by an approved participant in a 
designated vehicle:
    (i) $80.00, or
    (ii) $160.00 for a family (applicant, spouse and minor children); 
plus,
    (iii) $42 for each additional vehicle enrolled.
    (iv) The fee is due after approval of the application but before use 
of the DCL.
    (v) This fee is non-refundable, but may be waived by DHS.
    (2) Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant 
Student (Form I-17). (i) For filing a petition for school certification: 
$3,000 plus, a site visit fee of $655 for each location required to be 
listed on the form;
    (ii) For filing a petition for school recertification: $1,250 plus a 
site visit fee of $655 for each new location required to be listed on 
the form.
    (3) Form I-68. For application for issuance of the Canadian Border 
Boat Landing Permit under section 235 of the Act:
    (i) $16.00, or
    (ii) $32 for a family (applicant, spouse and unmarried children 
under 21 years of age, and parents of either spouse).
    (4) Form I-94. For issuance of Arrival/Departure Record at a land 
border port-of-entry: $6.00.
    (5) Form I-94W. For issuance of Form I-94W or other Nonimmigrant 
Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure record at a land border port-of-entry 
under section 217 of the Act: $6.00. The term `issuance' includes, but 
is not limited to, the creation of an electronic record of admission or 
arrival/departure by DHS following an inspection performed by a CBP 
officer, which may be provided to the nonimmigrant as a printout or 
other confirmation of the electronic record stored in DHS systems.
    (6) Form I-246. For filing application for stay of deportation under 
8 CFR part 243: $155.00.
    (7) Form I-823. For application to a PORTPASS program under section 
286 of the Act:
    (i) $25.00, or
    (ii) $50.00 for a family (applicant, spouse, and minor children).
    (iii) The application fee may be waived by DHS.
    (iv) If biometrics, such as fingerprints, are required, the 
inspector will inform the applicant of the current Federal Bureau of 
Investigation fee for conducting background checks prior to accepting 
the application fee.
    (v) The application fee (if not waived) and fingerprint fee must be 
paid to CBP before the application will be processed. The fingerprint 
fee may not be waived.
    (vi) For replacement of PORTPASS documentation during the 
participation period: $25.00.

[[Page 46]]

    (8) Fee Remittance for F, J, and M Nonimmigrants (Form I-901). The 
fee for Form I-901 is:
    (i) For F and M students: $350.
    (ii) For J-1 au pairs, camp counselors, and participants in a summer 
work or travel program: $35.
    (iii) For all other J exchange visitors (except those participating 
in a program sponsored by the Federal Government): $220.
    (iv) There is no Form I-901 fee for J exchange visitors in federally 
funded programs with a program identifier designation prefix that begins 
with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7.
    (9) Special statistical tabulations: The DHS cost of the work 
involved.
    (10) Monthly, semiannual, or annual ``Passenger Travel Reports via 
Sea and Air'' tables. (i) For the years 1975 and before: $7.00.
    (ii) For after 1975: Contact: U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Transportation Systems Center, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142.
    (11) Request for Classification of a citizen of Canada to engage in 
professional business activities pursuant to section 214(e) of the Act 
(Chapter 16 of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the 
United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA)): $50.00.
    (12) Request for authorization for parole of an alien into the 
United States: $65.00.
    (13) Global Entry. Application for Global Entry: $100.
    (14) U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel 
Card. Application fee: $70.
    (15) Notice of Appeal or Motion (Form I-290B) filed with ICE SEVP. 
For a Form I-290B filed with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program 
(SEVP): $675.

[85 FR 46914, Aug. 3, 2020, as amended at 87 FR 18980, Apr. 1, 2022; 87 
FR 41029, July 11, 2022]



Sec.  103.8  Service of decisions and other notices.

    This section states authorized means of service by the Service on 
parties and on attorneys and other interested persons of notices, 
decisions, and other papers (except warrants and subpoenas) in 
administrative proceedings before Service officers as provided in this 
chapter.
    (a) Types of service--(1) Routine service. (i) Routine service 
consists of mailing the notice by ordinary mail addressed to the 
affected party and his or her attorney or representative of record at 
his or her last known address, or
    (ii) If so requested by a party, advising the party of such notice 
by electronic mail and posting the decision to the party's USCIS 
account.
    (2) Personal service. Personal service, which shall be performed by 
a Government employee, consists of any of the following, without 
priority or preference:
    (i) Delivery of a copy personally;
    (ii) Delivery of a copy at a person's dwelling house or usual place 
of abode by leaving it with some person of suitable age and discretion;
    (iii) Delivery of a copy at the office of an attorney or other 
person, including a corporation, by leaving it with a person in charge;
    (iv) Mailing a copy by certified or registered mail, return receipt 
requested, addressed to a person at his last known address; or
    (v) If so requested by a party, advising the party by electronic 
mail and posting the decision to the party's USCIS account.
    (3) Personal service involving notices of intention to fine. In 
addition to any of the methods of personal service listed in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, personal service of Form I-79, Notice of 
Intention to Fine, may also consist of delivery of the Form I-79 by a 
commercial delivery service at the carrier's address on file with the 
National Fines Office, the address listed on the Form I-849, Record for 
Notice of Intent to Fine, or to the office of the attorney or agent 
representing the carrier, provided that such a commercial delivery 
service requires the addressee or other responsible party accepting the 
package to sign for the package upon receipt.
    (b) Effect of service by mail. Whenever a person has the right or is 
required to do some act within a prescribed period after the service of 
a notice upon him and the notice is served by mail, 3 days shall be 
added to the prescribed period. Service by mail is complete upon 
mailing.

[[Page 47]]

    (c) When personal service required--(1) Generally. In any proceeding 
which is initiated by the Service, with proposed adverse effect, service 
of the initiating notice and of notice of any decision by a Service 
officer shall be accomplished by personal service, except as provided in 
section 239 of the Act.
    (2) Persons confined, minors, and incompetents--(i) Persons 
confined. If a person is confined in a penal or mental institution or 
hospital and is competent to understand the nature of the proceedings 
initiated against him, service shall be made both upon him and upon the 
person in charge of the institution or the hospital. If the confined 
person is not competent to understand, service shall be made only on the 
person in charge of the institution or hospital in which he is confined, 
such service being deemed service on the confined person.
    (ii) Incompetents and minors. In case of mental incompetency, 
whether or not confined in an institution, and in the case of a minor 
under 14 years of age, service shall be made upon the person with whom 
the incompetent or the minor resides; whenever possible, service shall 
also be made on the near relative, guardian, committee, or friend.
    (d) When personal service not required. Service of other types of 
papers in proceedings described in paragraph (c) of this section, and 
service of any type of papers in any other proceedings, may be 
accomplished either by routine service or by personal service.

[37 FR 11470, June 8, 1972, as amended at 39 FR 23247, June 27, 1974; 62 
FR 10336, Mar. 6, 1997; 64 FR 17944, Apr. 13, 1999. Redesignated and 
amended at 76 FR 53781, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  103.9  Request for further action on an approved benefit request.

    (a) Filing a request. A person may request further action on an 
approved benefit request as prescribed by the form instructions. 
Requests for further action may be submitted with the original benefit 
request or following the approval of such benefit.
    (b) Processing. The request will be approved if the requester has 
demonstrated eligibility for the requested action. There is no appeal 
from the denial of such request.

[Redesignated and amended at 76 FR 53781, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  103.10  Precedent decisions.

    (a) Proceedings before the immigration judges, the Board of 
Immigration Appeals and the Attorney General are governed by part 1003 
of 8 CFR chapter V.
    (b) Decisions as precedents. Except as Board decisions may be 
modified or overruled by the Board or the Attorney General, decisions of 
the Board, and decisions of the Attorney General, shall be binding on 
all officers and employees of the Department of Homeland Security or 
immigration judges in the administration of the immigration laws of the 
United States. By majority vote of the permanent Board members, selected 
decisions of the Board rendered by a three-member panel or by the Board 
en banc may be designated to serve as precedents in all proceedings 
involving the same issue or issues. Selected decisions designated by the 
Board, decisions of the Attorney General, and decisions of the Secretary 
of Homeland Security to the extent authorized in paragraph (i) of this 
section, shall serve as precedents in all proceedings involving the same 
issue or issues.
    (c) Referral of cases to the Attorney General. (1) The Board shall 
refer to the Attorney General for review of its decision all cases 
which:
    (i) The Attorney General directs the Board to refer to him.
    (ii) The Chairman or a majority of the Board believes should be 
referred to the Attorney General for review.
    (iii) The Secretary of Homeland Security, or specific officials of 
the Department of Homeland Security designated by the Secretary with the 
concurrence of the Attorney General, refers to the Attorney General for 
review.
    (2) In any case the Attorney General decides, the Attorney General's 
decision shall be stated in writing and shall be transmitted to the 
Board or Secretary, as appropriate, for transmittal and service as 
provided in paragraph (c) of this section or 8 CFR 1003.1(h)(2).

[[Page 48]]

    (d) Publication of Secretary's precedent decisions. The Secretary of 
Homeland Security, or specific officials of the Department of Homeland 
Security designated by the Secretary with the concurrence of the 
Attorney General, may file with the Attorney General Service precedent 
decisions as set forth in Sec.  103.3(c).
    (e) Precedent decisions. Bound volumes of designated precedent 
decisions, entitled ``Administrative Decisions under Immigration and 
Nationality Laws of the United States,'' may be purchased from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office. Prior to 
publication in volume form, current precedent decisions are available 
from the Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration 
Review's Virtual Law Library at: http://www.justice.gov/eoir/vll/
libindex.html.
    (f) [Reserved]

[68 FR 9832, Feb. 28, 2003. Redesignated and amended at 76 FR 53781, 
Aug. 29, 2011]



                    Subpart B_Biometric Requirements



Sec.  103.16  Collection, use and storage of biometric information.

    (a) Use of biometric information. An individual may be required to 
submit biometric information by law, regulation, Federal Register notice 
or the form instructions applicable to the request type or if required 
in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(9). DHS may collect and store for 
present or future use, by electronic or other means, the biometric 
information submitted by an individual. DHS may use this biometric 
information to conduct background and security checks, adjudicate 
immigration and naturalization benefits, and perform other functions 
related to administering and enforcing the immigration and 
naturalization laws.
    (b) Individuals residing abroad. An individual who is required to 
provide biometric information and who is residing outside of the United 
States must report to a DHS-designated location to have his or her 
biometric information collected, whether by electronic or non-electronic 
means.

[76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 73331, Oct. 24, 2016]



Sec.  103.17  Biometric services fee.

    DHS may charge a fee to collect biometric information, to provide 
biometric collection services, to conduct required national security and 
criminal history background checks, to verify an individual's identity, 
and to store and maintain this biometric information for reuse to 
support other benefit requests. If a benefit request as defined in 8 CFR 
1.2 must be submitted with a biometric services fee, 8 CFR part 106 will 
contain the requirement. When a biometric services fee is required, a 
benefit request submitted without the correct biometric services fee may 
be rejected.

[85 FR 46915, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec. Sec.  103.20-103.36  [Reserved]

Subpart C [Reserved]



                    Subpart D_Availability of Records



Sec.  103.38  Genealogy Program.

    (a) Purpose. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship 
and Immigration Services Genealogy Program is a fee-for-service program 
designed to provide genealogical and historical records and reference 
services to genealogists, historians, and others seeking documents 
maintained within the historical record systems.
    (b) Scope and limitations. Sections 103.38 through 103.41 comprise 
the regulations of the Genealogy Program. These regulations apply only 
to searches for and retrieval of records from the file series described 
as historical records in 8 CFR 103.39. These regulations set forth the 
procedures by which individuals may request searches for historical 
records and, if responsive records are located, obtain copies of those 
records.

[73 FR 28030, May 15, 2008]



Sec.  103.39  Historical Records.

    Historical Records are files, forms, and documents now located 
within the following records series:
    (a) Naturalization Certificate Files (C-Files), from September 27, 
1906 to April 1, 1956. Copies of records relating to all U.S. 
naturalizations in Federal, State,

[[Page 49]]

county, or municipal courts, overseas military naturalizations, 
replacement of old law naturalization certificates, and the issuance of 
Certificates of Citizenship in derivative, repatriation, and resumption 
cases. The majority of C-Files exist only on microfilm. Standard C-Files 
generally contain at least one application form (Declaration of 
Intention and/or Petition for Naturalization, or other application) and 
a duplicate certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship. 
Many files contain additional documents, including correspondence, 
affidavits, or other records. Only C-Files dating from 1929 onward 
include photographs.
    (b) Microfilmed Alien Registration Forms, from August 1, 1940 to 
March 31, 1944. Microfilmed copies of 5.5 million Alien Registration 
Forms (Form AR-2) completed by all aliens age 14 and older, residing in 
or entering the United States between August 1, 1940 and March 31, 1944. 
The two-page form called for the following information: Name; name at 
arrival; other names used; street address; post-office address; date of 
birth; place of birth; citizenship; sex; marital status; race; height; 
weight; hair and eye color; date, place, vessel, and class of admission 
of last arrival in United States; date of first arrival in United 
States; number of years in United States; usual occupation; present 
occupation; name, address, and business of present employer; membership 
in clubs, organizations, or societies; dates and nature of military or 
naval service; whether citizenship papers filed, and if so date, place, 
and court for declaration or petition; number of relatives living in the 
United States; arrest record, including date, place, and disposition of 
each arrest; whether or not affiliated with a foreign government; 
signature; and fingerprint.
    (c) Visa Files, from July 1, 1924 to March 31, 1944. Original 
arrival records of immigrants admitted for permanent residence under 
provisions of the Immigration Act of 1924. Visa forms contain all 
information normally found on a ship passenger list of the period, as 
well as the immigrant's places of residence for 5 years prior to 
emigration, names of both the immigrant's parents, and other data. In 
most cases, birth records or affidavits are attached to the visa, and in 
some cases, marriage, military, or police records may also be attached 
to the visa.
    (d) Registry Files, from March 2, 1929 to March 31, 1944. Original 
records documenting the creation of immigrant arrival records for 
persons who entered the United States prior to July 1, 1924, and for 
whom no arrival record could later be found. Most files also include 
documents supporting the immigrant's claims regarding arrival and 
residence (e.g., proofs of residence, receipts, and employment records).
    (e) Alien-Files numbered below 8 million (A8000000), and documents 
therein dated prior to May 1, 1951. Individual alien case files (A-
files) became the official file for all immigration records created or 
consolidated after April 1, 1944. The United States issued A-numbers 
ranging up to approximately 6 million to aliens and immigrants who were 
within or entered the United States between 1940 and 1945. The United 
States entered the 6 million and 7 million series of A-numbers between 
circa 1944 and May 1, 1951. Any documents dated after May 1, 1951, 
though found in an A-File numbered below 8 million, will remain subject 
to FOIA/PA restrictions.

[73 FR 28030, May 15, 2008]



Sec.  103.40  Genealogical research requests.

    (a) Nature of requests. Genealogy requests are requests for searches 
and/or copies of historical records relating to a deceased person, 
usually for genealogy and family history research purposes.
    (b) Forms. USCIS provides on its website at https://www.uscis.gov/
genealogy the required forms in electronic versions: Genealogy Index 
Search Request, or Genealogy Records Request.
    (c) Required information. Genealogical Research Requests may be 
submitted to request one or more separate records relating to an 
individual. A separate request must be submitted for each individual 
searched. All requests for records or index searches must include the 
individual's:
    (1) Full name (including variant spellings of the name and/or 
aliases, if any).

[[Page 50]]

    (2) Date of birth, at least as specific as a year.
    (3) Place of birth, at least as specific as a country and preferably 
the country name at the time of the individual's immigration or 
naturalization.
    (d) Optional information. To better ensure a successful search, a 
Genealogical Research Request may include each individual's:
    (1) Date of arrival in the United States.
    (2) Residence address at time of naturalization.
    (3) Names of parents, spouse, and children if applicable and 
available.
    (e) Additional information required to retrieve records. For a 
Genealogy Records Request, requests for copies of historical records or 
files must:
    (1) Identify the record by number or other specific data used by the 
Genealogy Program Office to retrieve the record as follows:
    (i) C-Files must be identified by a naturalization certificate 
number.
    (ii) Forms AR-2 and A-Files numbered below 8 million must be 
identified by Alien Registration Number.
    (iii) Visa Files must be identified by the Visa File Number. 
Registry Files must be identified by the Registry File Number (for 
example, R-12345).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (f) Information required for release of records. (1) Documentary 
evidence must be attached to a Genealogy Records Request or submitted in 
accordance with the instructions on the Genealogy Records Request form.
    (2) Search subjects will be presumed deceased if their birth dates 
are more than 100 years before the date of the request. In other cases, 
the subject is presumed to be living until the requestor establishes to 
the satisfaction of USCIS that the subject is deceased.
    (3) Documentary evidence of the subject's death is required 
(including but not limited to death records, published obituaries or 
eulogies, published death notices, church or bible records, photographs 
of gravestones, and/or copies of official documents relating to payment 
of death benefits).
    (g) Index search. Requestors who are unsure whether USCIS has any 
record of their ancestor, or who suspect a record exists but cannot 
identify that record by number, may submit a request for index search. 
An index search will determine the existence of responsive historical 
records. If no record is found, USCIS will notify the requestor 
accordingly. If records are found, USCIS will give the requestor 
electronic copies of records stored in digital format for no additional 
fee. For records found that are stored in paper format, USCIS will give 
the requestor the search results, including the type of record found and 
the file number or other information identifying the record. The 
requestor can use index search results to submit a Genealogy Records 
Request.
    (h) Processing of paper record copy requests. This service is 
designed for requestors who can identify a specific record or file to be 
retrieved, copied, reviewed, and released. Requestors may identify one 
or more files in a single request.

[85 FR 46915, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  103.41  [Reserved]



Sec.  103.42  Rules relating to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 
and the Privacy Act.

    Immigration-related regulations relating to FOIA and the Privacy Act 
are located in 6 CFR part 5.

[76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 106_USCIS FEE SCHEDULE--Table of Contents



Sec.
106.1 Fee requirements.
106.2 Fees.
106.3 Fee waivers and exemptions.
106.4 Premium processing service.
106.5 Authority to certify records.
106.6 DHS severability.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1254a, 1254b, 1304, 1356; Pub. L. 
107-609; 48 U.S.C. 1806; Pub. L. 115-218; Pub. L. 116-159.

    Source: 85 FR 46916, Aug. 3, 2020, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  106.1  Fee requirements.

    (a) Fees must be submitted with any USCIS benefit request or other 
request in the amount and subject to the conditions provided in this 
part and remitted in the manner prescribed in the relevant form 
instructions, on the USCIS

[[Page 51]]

website, or in a Federal Register document. The fees established in this 
part are associated with the benefit, the adjudication, or the type of 
request and not solely determined by the form number listed in 8 CFR 
106.2.
    (b) Fees must be remitted from a bank or other institution located 
in the United States and payable in U.S. currency. The fee must be paid 
using the method that USCIS prescribes for the request, office, filing 
method, or filing location, as provided in the form instructions or by 
individual notice.
    (c) If a remittance in payment of a fee or any other matter is not 
honored by the bank or financial institution on which it is drawn:
    (1) The provisions of 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii) apply, no receipt will 
be issued, and if a receipt was issued, it is void and the benefit 
request loses its receipt date; and
    (2) If the benefit request was approved, the approval may be revoked 
upon notice. If the approved benefit request requires multiple fees, 
this provision will apply if any fee submitted is not honored. Other 
fees that were paid for a benefit request that is revoked under this 
provision will be retained and not refunded. A revocation of an approval 
because the fee submitted is not honored may be appealed to the USCIS 
Administrative Appeals Office, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3 and the 
applicable form instructions.



Sec.  106.2  Fees.

    (a) I Forms--(1) Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, 
Form I-90. For filing an application for a Permanent Resident Card, Form 
I-551, to replace an obsolete card or to replace one lost, mutilated, or 
destroyed, or for a change in name: $415.
    (2) Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-
Departure Document, Form I-102. For filing an application for Arrival/
Departure Record, Form I-94, or Crewman's Landing Permit, Form I-95, to 
replace one lost, mutilated, or destroyed: $485.
    (i) For nonimmigrant member of the U.S. armed forces: No fee for 
initial filing;
    (ii) For a nonimmigrant member of the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization (NATO) armed forces or civil component: No fee for initial 
filing;
    (iii) For nonimmigrant member of the Partnership for Peace military 
program under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA): No fee for initial 
filing.
    (3) Petition or Application for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129. 
For filing a petition or application for a nonimmigrant worker:
    (i) Petition for H-1B Nonimmigrant Worker or H-1B1 Free Trade 
Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129H1: $555.
    (ii) Petition for H-2A Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129H2A, with 1 to 
25 named beneficiaries: $850.
    (iii) Petition for H-2A Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129H2A, with 
only unnamed beneficiaries: $415.
    (iv) Petition for H-2B Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129H2B, with 1 to 
25 named beneficiaries: $715.
    (v) Petition for H-2B Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129H2B, with only 
unnamed beneficiaries: $385.
    (vi) Petition for L Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129L: $805.
    (vii) Petition for O Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129O, with 1 to 25 
named beneficiaries: $705.
    (viii) Petition or Application for E, H-3, P, Q, R, or TN 
Nonimmigrant Worker, Forms I-129E or I-129MISC, with 1 to 25 named 
beneficiaries: $695.
    (4) Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, Form 
I-129CW. For an employer to petition on behalf of beneficiaries in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): $695, plus the 
following fees:
    (i) CNMI education funding fee:
    (A) $200 per beneficiary per year.
    (B) DHS may adjust this fee once per year by notice in the Federal 
Register based on the amount of inflation according to the change in the 
unadjusted All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-
U) for the U.S. City Average published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
since the fee was set on June 18, 2020.
    (ii) A fraud prevention and detection fee: $50 per employer filing a 
petition.
    (iii) For filing Form I-129CWR, Semiannual Report for CW-1 
Employers: No fee.
    (5) Petition for Alien Fianc[eacute](e), Form I-129F. (i) For filing 
a petition to classify

[[Page 52]]

a nonimmigrant as a fianc[eacute]e or fianc[eacute] under section 214(d) 
of the Act: $510.
    (ii) For a K-3 spouse as designated in 8 CFR 214.1(a)(2) who is the 
beneficiary of an immigrant petition filed by a U.S. citizen on a 
Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130: No fee.
    (6) Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130. For filing a petition 
to classify status of a foreign national relative for issuance of an 
immigrant visa under section 204(a) of the Act: $560.
    (7) Application for Travel Document, Form I-131. For filing an 
application for travel document:
    (i) $145 for a Refugee Travel Document for someone 16 or older.
    (ii) $115 for a Refugee Travel Document for a child under 16.
    (iii) $590 for advance parole and any other travel document except 
Form I-131A.
    (iv) There is no fee for applicants who filed USCIS Form I-485 on or 
after July 30, 2007, and before October 2, 2020, and paid the Form I-485 
fee, or for applicants for Special Immigrant Status based on an approved 
Form I-360 as an Afghan or Iraqi Interpreter, or Iraqi National employed 
by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or Afghan National employed by 
the U.S. Government or the International Security Assistance Forces 
(``ISAF'').
    (8) Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), Form I-
131A. For filing an application to allow a lawful permanent resident, 
conditional permanent resident or other alien traveling abroad on an 
Advance Parole Document (Form I-512 or I-512L) or Employment 
Authorization Documents (EAD) with travel endorsement (Form I-766), to 
apply for carrier documentation to board an airline or other 
transportation carrier to return to the United States: $1,010.
    (9) Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, Form I-140. For filing a 
petition to classify preference status of an alien on the basis of 
profession or occupation under section 204(a) of the Act: $555.
    (10) Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Form I-191. For filing an 
application for discretionary relief under section 212(c) of the Act: 
$790.
    (11) Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant, 
Form I-192. For filing an application for discretionary relief under 
section 212(d)(3), (d)(13), or (d)(14) of the Act, except in an 
emergency case or where the approval of the application is in the 
interest of the U.S. Government: $1,400.
    (12) Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa, Form I-193. For 
filing an application for waiver of passport and/or visa: $2,790.
    (13) Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the 
United States After Deportation or Removal, Form I-212. For filing an 
application for permission to reapply for admission by an excluded, 
deported or removed alien, an alien who has fallen into distress, an 
alien who has been removed as an alien enemy, or an alien who has been 
removed at government expense: $1,050.
    (14) Notice of Appeal or Motion, Form I-290B. For appealing a 
decision under the immigration laws in any type of proceeding over which 
the Board of Immigration Appeals does not have appellate jurisdiction: 
$700. In addition:
    (i) The fee will be the same for appeal or a motion to reopen a 
denial of a benefit request with one or multiple beneficiaries.
    (ii) There is no fee for an appeal or motion associated with a 
denial of a petition for a special immigrant visa filed by or on behalf 
of an individual seeking special immigrant status as an Afghan or Iraqi 
Interpreter, or Iraqi National employed by or on behalf of the U.S. 
Government or Afghan National employed by the U.S. Government or the 
International Security Assistance Forces (``ISAF'').
    (15) [Reserved]
    (16) Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, Form 
I-360. For filing a petition for an Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special 
Immigrant: $450. The following requests are exempt from this fee:
    (i) A petition seeking classification as an Amerasian;
    (ii) A self-petition for immigrant classification as an abused 
spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident or an 
abused parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter; or

[[Page 53]]

    (iii) A petition for special immigrant juvenile classification; or
    (iv) A petition seeking special immigrant visa or status an Afghan 
or Iraqi Interpreter, or Iraqi National employed by or on behalf of the 
U.S. Government or Afghan National employed by the U.S. Government or 
the International Security Assistance Forces (``ISAF'').
    (17) Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, 
Form I-485--(i) Most permanent residence applications. For filing an 
application for permanent resident status or creation of a record of 
lawful permanent residence: $1,130.
    (ii) Asylees. For the first Form I-485, Application to Register 
Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed by individuals who have paid 
the $50 fee for Form I-589 and are subsequently granted asylum based on 
that Form I-589: $1,080.
    (iii) Refugees and Special Immigrants. There is no fee if an 
applicant is filing as a refugee under section 209(a) of the Act or for 
applicants for Special Immigrant Status based on an approved Form I-360 
as an Afghan or Iraqi Interpreter, or Iraqi National employed by or on 
behalf of the U.S. Government or Afghan National employed by the U.S. 
Government or the International Security Assistance Forces (``ISAF'').
    (iv) Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i), Form I-485 
Supplement A. Persons seeking to adjust status under the provisions of 
section 245(i) of the Act must submit a sum of $1,000 in addition to the 
fee for filing the Form I-485, unless payment of the additional sum is 
not required under section 245(i) of the Act. The additional sum is not 
required when the applicant is an unmarried child less than 17 years of 
age, when the applicant is the spouse, or the unmarried child less than 
21 years of age of a legalized alien and who is qualified for and has 
properly filed an application for voluntary departure under the family 
unity program.
    (18) Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, Form I-526. For filing a 
petition for an alien investor: $4,010.
    (19) Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, Form I-539. 
For filing an application to extend or change nonimmigrant status: $400. 
For nonimmigrant A, G, and NATO: No fee.
    (20) Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, Form I-
589. For filing an application for asylum status: $50. There is no fee 
for applications filed by unaccompanied alien children who are in 
removal proceedings.
    (21) Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, Form I-
600. For filing a petition to classify an orphan as an immediate 
relative for issuance of an immigrant visa under section 204(a) of the 
Act.
    (i) There is no fee for the first Form I-600 filed for a child on 
the basis of an approved Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan 
Petition, Form I-600A, during the Form I-600A approval or extended 
approval period.
    (ii) Except as specified in paragraph (a)(21)(iii) of this section, 
if more than one Form I-600 is filed during the Form I-600A approval 
period, the fee is $805 for the second and each subsequent Form I-600 
petition submitted.
    (iii) If more than one Form I-600 is filed during the Form I-600A 
approval period on behalf of beneficiary birth siblings, no additional 
fee is required.
    (22) Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, Form 
I-600A. For filing an application for determination of suitability and 
eligibility to adopt an orphan: $805.
    (23) Request for Action on Approved Form I-600A/I-600, Form I-600A/
I-600 Supplement 3: $400.
    (i) This filing fee:
    (A) Is not charged if Form I-600A/I-600 Supplement 3 is filed in 
order to obtain a first extension of the approval of the Form I-600A or 
to obtain a first time change of non-Hague Adoption Convention country 
during the Form I-600A approval period.
    (B) Is charged if Form I-600A/I-600 Supplement 3 is filed in order 
to request a new approval notice based on a significant change and 
updated home study, unless a first extension of the Form I-600A approval 
or first time change of non-Hague Adoption Convention country is also 
being requested on the same Supplement 3.
    (C) Is $400 for second or subsequent extensions of the approval of 
the Form I-600A, second or subsequent changes of non-Hague Adoption 
Convention country, requests for a new approval notice

[[Page 54]]

based on a significant change and updated home study, and requests for a 
duplicate approval notice permitted with Form I-600A/I-600 Supplement 3 
with the filing fee.
    (ii) Form I-600A/I-600 Supplement 3 cannot be used to:
    (A) Extend eligibility to proceed as a Hague Adoption Convention 
transition case beyond the first extension once the Convention enters 
into force for the new Convention country.
    (B) Request a change of country to a Hague Adoption Convention 
transition country for purposes of becoming a transition case if another 
country was already designated on the Form I-600A or prior change of 
country request.
    (iii) Form I-600A/I-600 Supplement 3 may only be used to request an 
increase the number of children the applicant/petitioner is approved to 
adopt from a transition country if the additional child is a birth 
sibling of a child who the applicant/petitioner has adopted or is in the 
process of adopting, as a transition case, and is identified and 
petitioned for while the Form I-600A approval is valid, unless the new 
Convention country prohibits such birth sibling cases from proceeding as 
transition cases.
    (24) Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, Form I-
601. For filing an application for waiver of grounds of inadmissibility: 
$1,010.
    (25) Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, Form I-
601A. For filing an application for provisional unlawful presence 
waiver: $960.
    (26) Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement 
(under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as 
Amended), Form I-612. For filing an application for waiver of the 
foreign-residence requirement under section 212(e) of the Act: $515.
    (27) Application for Status as a Temporary Resident under Section 
245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Form I-687. For filing an 
application for status as a temporary resident under section 245A(a) of 
the Act: $1,130.
    (28) Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, Form I-
690. For filing an application for waiver of a ground of inadmissibility 
under section 212(a) of the Act as amended, in conjunction with the 
application under sections 210 or 245A of the Act, or a petition under 
section 210A of the Act: $765.
    (29) Notice of Appeal of Decision under Sections 245A or 210 of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act (or a petition under section 210A of the 
Act), Form I-694. For appealing the denial of an application under 
sections 210 or 245A of the Act, or a petition under section 210A of the 
Act: $715.
    (30) Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent 
Resident (Under Section 245A of the INA), Form I-698. For filing an 
application to adjust status from temporary to permanent resident (Pub. 
L. 99-603): $1,615.
    (31) Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, Form I-751. For 
filing a petition to remove the conditions on residence based on 
marriage: $760.
    (32) Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765: $550.
    (i) A $30 biometric services must be included with a Form I-765 
filed by:
    (A) An asylum applicant with a pending Form I-589.
    (B) An applicant for status as a long-term resident of the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    (ii) There is no fee for an initial Employment Authorization 
Document for:
    (A) An applicant who filed USCIS Form I-485 on or after July 30, 
2007, and before October 2, 2020, and paid the Form I-485 fee;
    (B) Refugees and aliens paroled as a refugee;
    (C) Aliens granted asylee status;
    (D) Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking (T-1);
    (E) Nonimmigrant Victim of Criminal Activity (U-1);
    (F) Dependents of certain government and internal organizations or 
NATO personnel;
    (G) N-8 (Parent of alien classed as SK3) and N-9 (Child of N-8) 
nonimmigrants;
    (H) Principal VAWA Self-Petitioners who have approved petitions 
pursuant to section 204(a) of the Act;
    (I) VAWA Self-Petitioners as defined in section 101(a)(51)(D), (E), 
and (F) of the Act;
    (J) Applicants for Special Immigrant Status based on an approved 
Form I-360 as an Afghan or Iraqi Interpreter, or Iraqi National employed 
by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or Afghan

[[Page 55]]

National employed by the U.S. Government or the International Security 
Assistance Forces (``ISAF''); and
    (iii) Request for replacement Employment Authorization Document 
based on USCIS error: No fee.
    (iv) There is no fee for a renewal or replacement Employment 
Authorization Document for:
    (A) Any current Adjustment of Status or Registry applicant who filed 
for adjustment of status on or after July 30, 2007, and before October 
2, 2020, and paid the appropriate Form I-485 filing fee.
    (B) Applicants for Special Immigrant Status based on an approved 
Form I-360 as an Afghan or Iraqi Translator or Interpreter, Iraqi 
National employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government, or Afghan 
National employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or employed by 
the International Security Assistance Forces: And
    (C) Dependent of certain foreign government, international 
organization, or NATO personnel.
    (v) An Application for Employment Authorization for Abused 
Nonimmigrant Spouse, Form I-765V: No fee.
    (vi) The Form I-765 fee for initial and renewal requestors of 
Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is $410. 
Requestors of Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 
must also pay a biometric services fee of $85 for an initial, renewal 
of, or to replace their employment authorization document.
    (33) Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate 
Relative, Form I-800. (i) There is no fee for the first Form I-800 filed 
for a child on the basis of an approved Application for Determination of 
Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, Form I-800A, 
during the Form I-800A approval period.
    (ii) Except as specified in paragraph (a)(33)(iii) of this section, 
if more than one Form I-800 is filed during the Form I-800A approval 
period, the fee is $805 for the second and each subsequent Form I-800 
petition submitted.
    (iii) If more than one Form I-800 is filed during the Form I-800A 
approval period on behalf of beneficiary birth siblings, no additional 
fee is required.
    (34) Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child 
from a Convention Country, Form I-800A. For filing an application for 
determination of suitability and eligibility to adopt a child from a 
Hague Adoption Convention country: $805.
    (35) Request for Action on Approved Application for Determination of 
Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, Form I-800A 
Supplement 3: $400.
    (i) This filing fee:
    (A) Is not charged if Form I-800A Supplement 3 is filed in order to 
obtain a first extension of the approval of the Form I-800A or to obtain 
a first time change of Hague Adoption Convention country during the Form 
I-800A approval period.
    (B) Is charged if Form I-800A Supplement 3 is filed in order to 
request a new approval notice based on a significant change and updated 
home study, unless a first extension of the Form I-800A approval or 
first time change of Hague Adoption Convention country is also being 
requested on the same Supplement 3.
    (ii) Is $400 for second or subsequent extensions of the Form I-800A 
approval, second or subsequent changes of Hague Adoption Convention 
country, requests for a new approval notice based on a significant 
change and updated home study, and requests for a duplicate approval 
notice, permitted with the filing of a Form I-800A, Supplement 3 and the 
required filing fee: $400.
    (36) Application for Family Unity Benefits, Form I-817. For filing 
an application for voluntary departure under the Family Unity Program: 
$590.
    (37) Application for Temporary Protected Status, Form I-821. (i) For 
first time applicants: $50 or the maximum permitted by section 
244(c)(1)(B) of the Act.
    (ii) There is no fee for re-registration.
    (iii) A Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicant or re-registrant 
must pay $30 for biometric services unless exempted in the applicable 
form instructions.
    (38) Application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Form I-
821D: $85.
    (39) Application for Action on an Approved Application, Form I-824: 
$495.

[[Page 56]]

    (40) Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions, Form I-829. For 
filing a petition by an investor to remove conditions: $3,900.
    (41) Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule 
Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Pub. L. 105-100), 
Form I-881.
    (i) $1,810 for adjudication by DHS.
    (ii) $165 for adjudication by EOIR. If the Form I-881 is referred to 
the immigration court by DHS, the $1,810 fee is required.
    (42) Application for Authorization to Issue Certification for Health 
Care Workers, Form I-905: $230.
    (43) Request for Premium Processing Service, Form I-907. The Request 
for Premium Processing Service fee will be as provided in 8 CFR 106.4.
    (44) Application for Civil Surgeon Designation, Form I-910: $635. 
There is no filing fee for:
    (i) A medical officer in the U.S. Armed Forces or
    (ii) A civilian physician employed by the U.S. Government who 
examines members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their 
dependents at a military, Department of Veterans Affairs, or U.S. 
Government facility in the United States.
    (45) Application for T Nonimmigrant Status, Form I-914: No fee.
    (46) Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, Form I-918: No fee.
    (47) Application for Regional Center Designation under the Immigrant 
Investor Program, Form I-924: $17,795.
    (48) Annual Certification of Regional Center, Form I-924A. To 
provide updated information and certify that a Regional Center under the 
Immigrant Investor Program has maintained its eligibility: $4,465.
    (49) Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, 
Form I-929. For a principal U-1 nonimmigrant to request immigration 
benefits on behalf of a qualifying family member who has never held U 
nonimmigrant status: $1,485.
    (50) Application for Entrepreneur Parole, Form I-941. For filing an 
application for parole for an entrepreneur: $1,200.
    (b) N Forms--(1) Application to File Declaration of Intention, Form 
N-300. For filing an application for declaration of intention to become 
a U.S. citizen: $1,305.
    (2) Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization 
Proceedings (under section 336 of the Act), Form N-336. For filing a 
request for hearing on a decision in naturalization proceedings under 
section 336 of the Act: $1,735. There is no fee for an applicant who has 
filed an Application for Naturalization under sections 328 or 329 of the 
Act with respect to military service and whose application has been 
denied.
    (3) Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. For filing an 
application for naturalization: $1,170. No fee is charged an applicant 
who meets the requirements of sections 328 or 329 of the Act with 
respect to military service.
    (4) Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, 
Form N-470. For filing an application for benefits under section 316(b) 
or 317 of the Act: $1,585.
    (5) Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, 
Form N-565: $545.
    (i) This fee is for filing an application for:
    (A) A certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship;
    (B) A declaration of intention in place of a certificate or 
declaration alleged to have been lost, mutilated, or destroyed;
    (C) A changed name under section 343(c) of the Act; or
    (D) A special certificate of naturalization to obtain recognition as 
a citizen of the United States by a foreign state under section 343(b) 
of the Act;
    (ii) There is no fee when this application is submitted under 8 CFR 
338.5(a) or 343a.1 to request correction of a certificate of 
naturalization or certificate of citizenship that contains an error.
    (6) Application for Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-600. For 
filing an application for a certificate of citizenship under section 
309(c) or section 341 of the Act: $1,000. There is no fee for any 
application filed by a member or veteran of any branch of the U.S. Armed 
Forces.
    (7) Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under 
Section 322, Form N-600K. For filing an application

[[Page 57]]

for citizenship and issuance of certificate under section 322 of the 
Act: $945.
    (c) G Forms, Statutory Fees, and Non-Form Fees--(1) Genealogy Index 
Search Request, Form G-1041: $170. The fee is due regardless of the 
search results.
    (2) Genealogy Records Request, Form G-1041A: $265. USCIS will refund 
the records request fee when it is unable to locate any file previously 
identified in response to the index search request.
    (3) USCIS Immigrant Fee. For DHS domestic processing and issuance of 
required documents after an immigrant visa is issued by the U.S. 
Department of State: $190.
    (4) American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) 
fee. For filing certain H-1B petitions as described in 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(19) and USCIS form instructions: $1,500 or $750.
    (5) Fraud detection and prevention fee. (i) For filing certain H-1B 
and L petitions as described in 8 U.S.C. 1184(c) and USCIS form 
instructions: $500.
    (ii) For filing certain H-2B petitions as described in 8 U.S.C. 
1184(c) and USCIS form instructions: $150.
    (6) Fraud detection and prevention fee for CNMI. For employer 
petitions in CNMI as described in Public Law 115-218 and USCIS form 
instructions: $50.
    (7) 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B Visa. For 
all petitioners filing an H-1B petition who employ 50 or more employees 
in the United States if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's 
employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A or L-1B nonimmigrant 
status, except for petitioners filing an amended petition without an 
extension of stay request: $4,000. This fee will apply to petitions 
filed on or before September 30, 2027.
    (8) 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for L-1 Visa. For all 
petitioners filing an L-1 petition who employ 50 or more employees in 
the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees 
in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A or L-1B nonimmigrant status, except 
for petitioners filing an amended petition without an extension of stay 
request: $4,500. This fee will apply to petitions filed on or before 
September 30, 2027.
    (9) Claimant under section 289 of the Act: No fee.
    (10) Registration requirement for petitioners seeking to file H-1B 
petitions on behalf of cap-subject aliens. For each registration 
submitted to register for the H-1B cap or advanced degree exemption 
selection process: $10. This fee will not be refunded if the 
registration is not selected or is withdrawn.
    (d) Online forms. The fee for the following forms is $10.00 lower 
than the fee established in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section 
when submitted to USCIS online and not in paper form:
    (1) I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card;
    (2) N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization 
Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA);
    (3) N-400, Application for Naturalization;
    (4) N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship 
Document;
    (5) I-130/130A, Petition for Alien Relative;
    (6) N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship;
    (7) N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate 
Under Section 322;
    (8) I-539/539A, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status;
    (9) G-1041, Genealogy Index Search Request; and
    (10) G-1041A, Genealogy Records Request.

[85 FR 46916, Aug. 3, 2020, as amended at 86 FR 14227, Mar. 15, 2021; 87 
FR 53297, Aug. 30, 2022]



Sec.  106.3  Fee waivers and exemptions.

    (a) Fee waiver. No fee relating to any benefit request submitted to 
USCIS may be waived unless otherwise provided in this paragraph.
    (1) An alien may apply for a fee waiver if there is a statutory or 
regulatory provision allowing for fee waivers including as provided by 
section 245(l)(7) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1255(l)(7). Specifically, the 
following categories of requestors may apply for a waiver of any fees 
for an immigration benefit and any associated filing up to and including 
an application for adjustment of status:
    (i) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and 
derivatives as defined under section 101(a)(51)

[[Page 58]]

and anyone otherwise self-petitioning due to battery or extreme cruelty 
pursuant to the procedures in section 204(a) of the Act;
    (ii) T nonimmigrants;
    (iii) U nonimmigrants;
    (iv) Battered spouses of A, G, E-3, or H nonimmigrants;
    (v) Battered spouses or children of a lawful permanent resident or 
U.S. citizen and derivatives as provided under section 240A(b)(2) of the 
Act; and
    (vi) Applicants for Temporary Protected Status, including both 
initial applicants and re-registering TPS beneficiaries.
    (2) The following categories of requestors may apply for a waiver of 
any fees for an immigration benefit and any associated filing up to and 
including an application for adjustment of status:
    (i) Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs) who have been placed in out-
of-home care under the supervision of a juvenile court or a state child 
welfare agency at the time of filing; and
    (ii) Afghan or Iraqi Translator or Interpreter, Iraqi National 
employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government, or Afghan National 
employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or employed by the 
International Security Assistance Forces.
    (3) Requestors who have been approved for the immigration benefits 
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section may apply for a waiver of 
any fees for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, Form N-600 
Application for Certificate of Citizenship, or Form N-600K, Application 
for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322, as 
applicable.
    (b) Director's exception. The Director of USCIS may authorize the 
waiver, in whole or in part, of a form fee required by 8 CFR 106.2 that 
is not otherwise waivable under this section, if the Director determines 
that such action is an emergent circumstance, or if a major natural 
disaster has been declared in accordance with 44 CFR part 206, subpart 
B. This discretionary authority may be delegated only to the USCIS 
Deputy Director. The Director may not waive the requirements of 
paragraph (c) or (d) of this section. An applicant, petitioner, or 
requestor may not directly submit a request to the Director. In 
addition, a waiver of fees as provided in this paragraph may not be 
provided to a requestor who is seeking an immigration benefit for which 
he or she:
    (1) Is subject to the affidavit of support requirements under 
section 213A of the Act or is already a sponsored immigrant as defined 
in 8 CFR 213a.1 unless the applicant is seeking a waiver of the joint 
filing requirement to remove conditions on his or her residence based on 
abuse; or
    (2) Is subject to the public charge inadmissibility ground under 
section 212(a)(4) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4).
    (c) Eligibility for fee waiver. A waiver of fees is limited to an 
alien with an annual gross household income at or below 125 percent of 
the Federal Poverty Guidelines as updated periodically in the Federal 
Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the 
authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2).
    (d) Form required. A person must submit a request for a fee waiver 
on the form prescribed by USCIS in accordance with the instructions on 
the form.
    (e) Exemptions. The Director of USCIS may provide an exemption for 
any fee required by 8 CFR 106.2. This discretionary authority may only 
be delegated to the USCIS Deputy Director. The Director must determine 
that such action would be in the public interest, the action is 
consistent with the applicable law, and the exemption is related to one 
of the following:
    (1) Asylees;
    (2) Refugees;
    (3) National security;
    (4) Emergencies or major disasters declared in accordance with 44 
CFR part 206, subpart B;
    (5) An agreement between the U.S. government and another nation or 
nations; or
    (6) USCIS error.
    (f) Documentation of gross household income. A person submitting a 
request for a fee waiver must submit the following documents as evidence 
of annual gross household income:
    (1) A transcript(s) from the United States Internal Revenue Service 
(IRS) of the person's IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return;

[[Page 59]]

    (2) If the person was not required to file a Federal income tax 
return, he or she must submit their most recent IRS Form W-2, Wage and 
Tax Statement, Form 1099G, Certain Government Payments, or Social 
Security Benefit Form SSA-1099, if applicable;
    (3) If the person filed a Federal income tax return, and has 
recently changed employment or had a change in salary, the person must 
also submit copies of consecutive pay statements (stubs) for the most 
recent month or longer;
    (4) If the person does not have income and has not filed income tax 
returns, he or she must submit documentation from the IRS that indicates 
that no Federal income tax transcripts and no IRS Form W-2s were found;
    (5) An alien who is applying for or has been granted benefits or 
status as a VAWA self-petitioner or derivative or a T or U nonimmigrant, 
who does not have any income or cannot provide proof of income may:
    (i) Describe the situation in sufficient detail as provided in the 
form and form instructions prescribed by DHS to substantiate that he or 
she has income at or below 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines 
as well as the inability to obtain the required documentation; and
    (ii) Provide pay statements (stubs) or affidavits from religious 
institutions, non-profits, or other community-based organizations 
verifying that he or she is currently receiving some benefit or support 
from that entity and attesting to his or her financial situation as 
documentation of income, if available; and
    (6) For applications related to Special Immigrant Juvenile 
classification, the applicant must provide the following in lieu of 
documentation of gross household income:
    (i) Evidence that the applicant is approved for or filed for Special 
Immigrant Juvenile classification, and
    (ii) Evidence that the applicant remains in out-of-home care such as 
foster care.



Sec.  106.4  Premium processing service.

    (a) General. A person may submit a request to USCIS for premium 
processing of certain immigration benefit requests, subject to 
processing timeframes and fees, as described in this section.
    (b) Submitting a request. A request must be submitted on the form 
and in the manner prescribed by USCIS in the form instructions. If the 
request for premium processing is submitted together with the underlying 
immigration benefit request, all required fees in the correct amount 
must be paid. The fee to request premium processing service may not be 
waived and must be paid in addition to, and in a separate remittance 
from, other filing fees.
    (c) Designated benefit requests and fee amounts. Benefit requests 
designated for premium processing and the corresponding fees to request 
premium processing service are as follows:
    (1) Application for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(E)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the INA--$2,500.
    (2) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the INA or section 222(a) of the 
Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649--$2,500.
    (3) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the INA--$1,500.
    (4) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of the INA--$2,500.
    (5) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(L) of the INA--$2,500.
    (6) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) or (ii) of the INA--$2,500.
    (7) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(P)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the INA--$2,500.
    (8) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(Q) of the INA--$2,500.
    (9) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(R) of the INA--$1,500.
    (10) Application for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 214(e) of the INA--$2,500.
    (11) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(A) of the 
INA--$2,500.
    (12) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(B) of the 
INA--$2,500.

[[Page 60]]

    (13) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(2)(A) of the 
INA not involving a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) of the INA--
$2,500.
    (14) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of 
the INA--$2,500.
    (15) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(ii) of 
the INA--$2,500.
    (16) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) of 
the INA--$2,500.
    (17) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(C) of the 
INA--$2,500.
    (18) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(2) of the INA 
involving a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) of the INA--$2,500.
    (19) Application under section 248 of the INA to change status to a 
classification described in section 101(a)(15)(F), (J), or (M) of the 
INA--$1,750.
    (20) Application under section 248 of the INA to change status to be 
classified as a dependent of a nonimmigrant described in section 
101(a)(15)(E), (H), (L), (O), (P), or (R) of the INA, or to extend stay 
in such classification--$1,750.
    (21) Application for employment authorization--$1,500.
    (d) Fee adjustments. The fee to request premium processing service 
may be adjusted by notice in the Federal Register on a biennial basis 
based on the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban 
Consumers for the month of June preceding the date on which such 
adjustment takes effect exceeds the Consumer Price Index for All Urban 
Consumers for the same month of the second preceding calendar year.
    (e) Processing timeframes. The processing timeframes for a request 
for premium processing are as follows:
    (1) Application for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(E)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the INA--15 days.
    (2) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the INA or section 222(a) of the 
Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649--15 days.
    (3) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the INA--15 days.
    (4) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of the INA--15 days.
    (5) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(L) of the INA--15 days.
    (6) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) or (ii) of the INA--15 days.
    (7) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(P)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the INA--15 days.
    (8) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(Q) of the INA--15 days.
    (9) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(R) of the INA--15 days.
    (10) Application for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 214(e) of the INA--15 days.
    (11) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(A) of the 
INA--15 days.
    (12) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(B) of the 
INA--15 days.
    (13) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(2)(A) of the 
INA not involving a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) of the INA--15 
days.
    (14) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of 
the INA--15 days.
    (15) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(ii) of 
the INA--15 days.
    (16) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) of 
the INA--15 days.
    (17) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(C) of the 
INA--45 days.
    (18) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(2) of the INA 
involving a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) of the INA--45 days.
    (19) Application under section 248 of the INA to change status to a 
classification described in section 101(a)(15)(F), (J), or (M) of the 
INA--30 days.
    (20) Application under section 248 of the INA to change status to be 
classified as a dependent of a nonimmigrant described in section 
101(a)(15)(E), (H), (L), (O), (P), or (R) of the INA, or to extend stay 
in such classification--30 days.

[[Page 61]]

    (21) Application for employment authorization--30 days.
    (f) Processing requirements and refunds. (1) USCIS will issue an 
approval notice, denial notice, a notice of intent to deny, or a request 
for evidence within the premium processing timeframe.
    (2) Premium processing timeframes will commence:
    (i) For those benefits described in paragraphs (e)(1) through (16) 
of this section, on the date the form prescribed by USCIS, together with 
the required fee(s), are received by USCIS.
    (ii) For those benefits described in paragraphs (e)(17) through (21) 
of this section, on the date that all prerequisites for adjudication, 
the form prescribed by USCIS, and fee(s) are received by USCIS.
    (3) In the event USCIS issues a notice of intent to deny or a 
request for evidence, the premium processing timeframe will stop. The 
premium processing timeframe as specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through 
(21) of this section will start over on the date that USCIS receives a 
response to the notice of intent to deny or the request for evidence.
    (4) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(5) of this section, USCIS 
will refund the premium processing service fee but continue to process 
the case if USCIS does not take adjudicative action described in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section within the applicable processing 
timeframe as required in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (5) USCIS may retain the premium processing fee and not take an 
adjudicative action described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section on the 
request within the applicable processing timeframe, and not notify the 
person who filed the request, if USCIS opens an investigation for fraud 
or misrepresentation relating to the immigration benefit request.
    (g) Availability. (1) USCIS will announce by its official internet 
website, currently http://www.uscis.gov, the benefit requests described 
in paragraph (c) of this section for which premium processing may be 
requested, the dates upon which such availability commences or ends, and 
any conditions that may apply.
    (2) USCIS may suspend the availability of premium processing for 
immigration benefit requests designated for premium processing if 
circumstances prevent the completion of processing of a significant 
number of such requests within the applicable processing timeframe.

[87 FR 18260, Mar. 30, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 88 FR 89550, Dec. 28, 2023, Sec.  106.4 was 
amended by revising paragraph (c), effective Feb. 26, 2024. For the 
convenience of the user, the added and revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec.  106.4  Premium processing service.

                                * * * * *

    (c) Designated benefit requests and fee amounts. Benefit requests 
designated for premium processing and the corresponding fees to request 
premium processing service are as follows:
    (1) Application for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(E)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the INA--$2,805.
    (2) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the INA or section 222(a) of the 
Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649--$2,805.
    (3) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the INA--$1,685.
    (4) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of the INA--$2,805.
    (5) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(L) of the INA--$2,805.
    (6) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) or (ii) of the INA--$2,805.
    (7) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(P)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the INA--$2,805.
    (8) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(Q) of the INA--$2,805.
    (9) Petition for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 101(a)(15)(R) of the INA--$1,685.
    (10) Application for classification of a nonimmigrant described in 
section 214(e) of the INA--$2,805.
    (11) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(A) of the 
INA--$2,805.
    (12) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(B) of the 
INA--$2,805.
    (13) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(2)(A) of the 
INA not involving a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) of the INA--
$2,805.

[[Page 62]]

    (14) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of 
the INA--$2,805.
    (15) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(ii) of 
the INA--$2,805.
    (16) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) of 
the INA--$2,805.
    (17) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(C) of the 
INA--$2,805.
    (18) Petition for classification under section 203(b)(2) of the INA 
involving a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) of the INA--$2,805.
    (19) Application under section 248 of the INA to change status to a 
classification described in section 101(a)(15)(F), (J), or (M) of the 
INA--$1,965.
    (20) Application under section 248 of the INA to change status to be 
classified as a dependent of a nonimmigrant described in section 
101(a)(15)(E), (H), (L), (O), (P), or (R) of the INA, or to extend stay 
in such classification--$1,965.
    (21) Application for employment authorization--$1,685.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  106.5  Authority to certify records.

    The Director of USCIS, or such officials as he or she may designate, 
may certify records when authorized under 5 U.S.C. 552 or any other law 
to provide such records.



Sec.  106.6  DHS severability.

    Each provision of this part is separate and severable from one 
another. If any provision is stayed or determined to be invalid, the 
remaining provisions will continue in effect.

                           PART 109 [RESERVED]



PART 204_IMMIGRANT PETITIONS--Table of Contents



                   Subpart A_Immigrant Visa Petitions

Sec.
204.1 General information about immediate relative and family-sponsored 
          petitions.
204.2 Petitions for relatives, widows and widowers, and abused spouses 
          and children.
204.3 Orphan cases under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act (non-Hague 
          Adoption Convention cases).
204.4 Amerasian child of a United States citizen.
204.5 Petitions for employment-based immigrants.
204.6 Petitions for employment creation immigrants.
204.7 Preservation of benefits contained in savings clause of 
          Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1976.
204.8 [Reserved]
204.9 Special immigrant status for certain aliens who have served 
          honorably (or are enlisted to serve) in the Armed Forces of 
          the United States for at least 12 years.
204.10 [Reserved]
204.11 Special immigrant juvenile classification.
204.12 How can second-preference immigrant physicians be granted a 
          national interest waiver based on service in a medically 
          underserved area or VA facility?
204.13 How can the International Broadcasting Bureau of the United 
          States Broadcasting Board of Governors petition for a fourth 
          preference special immigrant broadcaster?

Subpart B [Reserved]

         Subpart C_Intercountry Adoption of a Convention Adoptee

204.300 Scope of this subpart.
204.301 Definitions.
204.302 Role of service providers.
204.303 Determination of habitual residence.
204.304 Improper inducement prohibited.
204.305 State preadoption requirements.
204.306 Classification as an immediate relative based on Convention 
          adoption.
204.307 Who may file a Form I-800A or Form I-800.
204.308 Where to file Form I-800A or Form I-800.
204.309 Factors requiring denial of a Form I-800A or Form I-800.
204.310 Filing requirements for Form I-800A.
204.311 Convention adoption home study requirements.
204.312 Adjudication of the Form I-800A.
204.313 Filing and adjudication of the Form I-800.
204.314 Appeal.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1151, 1153, 1154, 1182, 1184, 1186a, 
1255, 1324a, 1641; 8 CFR part 2.



                   Subpart A_Immigrant Visa Petitions



Sec.  204.1  General information about immediate relative 
and family-sponsored petitions.

    (a) Types of petitions. Petitions may be filed for an alien's 
classification as an immediate relative under section 201(b) of the Act 
or as a preference immigrant under section 203(a) of the Act based on a 
qualifying relationship to a

[[Page 63]]

citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, as follows:
    (1) A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
petitioning under section 204(a)(1)(A)(i) or 204(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Act 
for a qualifying relative's classification as an immediate relative 
under section 201(b) of the Act or as a preference immigrant under 
section 203(a) of the Act must file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien 
Relative. These petitions are described in Sec.  204.2;
    (2) A widow or widower of a United States citizen self-petitioning 
under section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act as an immediate relative under 
section 201(b) of the Act must file a Form I-360, Petition for 
Amerasian, Widow, or Special Immigrant. These petitions are described in 
Sec.  204.2;
    (3) A spouse or child of an abusive citizen or lawful permanent 
resident of the United States self-petitioning under section 
204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), or 
204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act for classification as an immediate relative 
under section 201(b) of the Act or as a preference immigrant under 
section 203(a) of the Act must file a Form I-360, Petition for 
Amerasian, Widow, or Special Immigrant. These petitions are described in 
Sec.  204.2;
    (4) A U.S. citizen seeking to have USCIS accord immediate relative 
status to a child based on the citizen's adoption of the child as an 
orphan, as defined in section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act, must follow the 
procedures in Sec.  204.3.
    (5) A U.S. citizen seeking to have USCIS accord immediate relative 
status to a child under section 101(b)(1)(G) of the Act on the basis of 
a Convention adoption must:
    (i) File a Form I-800A, Application to Determine Suitability as 
Adoptive Parents for a Convention adoptee; and
    (ii) After USCIS approves the Form I-800A, file a Form I-800, 
Petition to Classify Convention adoptee as Immediate Relative, as 
provided in 8 CFR part 204, subpart C.
    (6) Any person filing a petition under section 204(f) of the Act as, 
or on behalf of, an Amerasian for classification as an immediate 
relative under section 201(b) of the Act or as a preference immigrant 
under section 203(a)(1) or 203(a)(3) of the Act must file a Form I-360, 
Petition for Amerasian, Widow, or Special Immigrant. These petitions are 
described in Sec.  204.4.
    (b) Proper filing. A petition for alien relative and a petition for 
Amerasian, widow(er), or special immigrant must be filed on the form 
prescribed by USCIS in accordance with the form instructions, and will 
be considered properly filed when the petition is filed in accordance 
with 8 CFR 103.2. The filing date of a petition is the date it is 
properly filed and received by USCIS. That date will constitute the 
priority date.
    (c)-(e) [Reserved].
    (f) Supporting documentation. (1) Documentary evidence consists of 
those documents which establish the United States citizenship or lawful 
permanent resident status of the petitioner and the claimed relationship 
of the petitioner to the beneficiary. They must be in the form of 
primary evidence, if available. When it is established that primary 
evidence is not available, secondary evidence may be accepted. To 
determine the availability of primary documents, the Service will refer 
to the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). When the FAM 
shows that primary documents are generally available in the country of 
issue but the petitioner claims that his or her document is unavailable, 
a letter from the appropriate registrar stating that the document is not 
available will not be required before the Service will accept secondary 
evidence. The Service will consider any credible evidence relevant to a 
self-petition filed by a qualified spouse or child of an abusive citizen 
or lawful permanent resident under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 
204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act. The 
self-petitioner may, but is not required to, demonstrate that preferred 
primary or secondary evidence is unavailable. The determination of what 
evidence is credible and the weight to be given that evidence shall be 
within the sole discretion of the Service.
    (2) Original documents or legible, true copies of original documents 
are acceptable. The Service reserves the right to require submission of 
original documents when deemed necessary.

[[Page 64]]

Documents submitted with the petition will not be returned to the 
petitioner, except when originals are requested by the Service. If 
original documents are requested by the Service, they will be returned 
to the petitioner after a decision on the petition has been rendered, 
unless their validity or authenticity is in question. When an interview 
is required, all original documents must be presented for examination at 
the interview.
    (3) Foreign language documents must be accompanied by an English 
translation which has been certified by a competent translator.
    (g) Evidence of petitioner's United States citizenship or lawful 
permanent residence--(1) Primary evidence. A petition must be 
accompanied by one of the following:
    (i) A birth certificate that was issued by a civil authority and 
that establishes the petitioner's birth in the United States;
    (ii) An unexpired United States passport issued initially for a full 
ten-year period to a petitioner over the age of eighteen years as a 
citizen of the United States (and not merely as a noncitizen national);
    (iii) An unexpired United States passport issued initially for a 
full five-year period to the petitioner under the age of eighteen years 
as a citizen of the United States (and not merely as a noncitizen 
national);
    (iv) A statement executed by a United States consular officer 
certifying the petitioner to be a United States citizen and the bearer 
of a currently valid United States passport;
    (v) The petitioner's Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of 
Citizenship;
    (vi) Department of State Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of a 
Citizen of the United States, relating to the petitioner;
    (vii) The petitioner's Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, or other 
proof given by the Service as evidence of lawful permanent residence. 
Photocopies of Form I-551 or of a Certificate of Naturalization or 
Certificate of Citizenship may be submitted as evidence of status as a 
lawfully permanent resident or United States citizen, respectively.
    (2) Secondary evidence. If primary evidence is unavailable, the 
petitioner must present secondary evidence. Any evidence submitted as 
secondary evidence will be evaluated for authenticity and credibility. 
Secondary evidence may include, but is not limited to, one or more of 
the following documents:
    (i) A baptismal certificate with the seal of the church, showing the 
date and place of birth in the United States and the date of baptism;
    (ii) Affidavits sworn to by persons who were living at the time and 
who have personal knowledge of the event to which they attest. The 
affidavits must contain the affiant's full name and address, date and 
place of birth, relationship to the parties, if any, and complete 
details concerning how the affiant acquired knowledge of the event;
    (iii) Early school records (preferably from the first school) 
showing the date of admission to the school, the child's date and place 
of birth, and the name(s) and place(s) of birth of the parent(s);
    (iv) Census records showing the name, place of birth, and date of 
birth or age of the petitioner; or
    (v) If it is determined that it would cause unusual delay or 
hardship to obtain documentary proof of birth in the United States, a 
United States citizen petitioner who is a member of the Armed Forces of 
the United States and who is serving outside the United States may 
submit a statement from the appropriate authority of the Armed Forces. 
The statement should attest to the fact that the personnel records of 
the Armed Forces show that the petitioner was born in the United States 
on a certain date.
    (3) Evidence submitted with a self-petition. If a self-petitioner 
filing under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 
204(a)(1)(B)(ii), or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act is unable to present 
primary or secondary evidence of the abuser's status, the Service will 
attempt to electronically verify the abuser's citizenship or immigration 
status from information contained in Service computerized records. Other 
Service records may also be reviewed at the discretion of the 
adjudicating officer. If the Service

[[Page 65]]

is unable to identify a record as relating to the abuser or the record 
does not establish the abuser's immigration or citizenship status, the 
self-petition will be adjudicated based on the information submitted by 
the self-petitioner.

[57 FR 41056, Sept. 9, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 48778, Sept. 20, 1993; 
61 FR 13072, 13073, Mar. 26, 1996; 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 72 FR 
19106, Apr. 17, 2007; 72 FR 56853, Oct. 4, 2007; 74 FR 26936, June 5, 
2009; 76 FR 28305, May 17, 2011]



Sec.  204.2  Petitions for relatives, widows and widowers, 
and abused spouses and children.

    (a) Petition for a spouse--(1) Eligibility. A United States citizen 
or alien admitted for lawful permanent residence may file a petition on 
behalf of a spouse.
    (i) Marriage within five years of petitioner's obtaining lawful 
permanent resident status. (A) A visa petition filed on behalf of an 
alien by a lawful permanent resident spouse may not be approved if the 
marriage occurred within five years of the petitioner being accorded the 
status of lawful permanent resident based upon a prior marriage to a 
United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence, unless:
    (1) The petitioner establishes by clear and convincing evidence that 
the marriage through which the petitioner gained permanent residence was 
not entered into for the purposes of evading the immigration laws; or
    (2) The marriage through which the petitioner obtained permanent 
residence was terminated through death.
    (B) Documentation. The petitioner should submit documents which 
cover the period of the prior marriage. The types of documents which may 
establish that the prior marriage was not entered into for the purpose 
of evading the immigration laws include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
    (2) A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;
    (3) Documentation showing commingling of financial resources;
    (4) Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to the petitioner and 
prior spouse;
    (5) Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal 
knowledge of the bona fides of the prior marital relationship. (Each 
affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of 
birth of the person making the affidavit; his or her relationship, if 
any, to the petitioner, beneficiary or prior spouse; and complete 
information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her 
knowledge of the prior marriage. The affiant may be required to testify 
before an immigration officer about the information contained in the 
affidavit. Affidavits should be supported, if possible, by one or more 
types of documentary evidence listed in this paragraph.); or
    (6) Any other documentation which is relevant to establish that the 
prior marriage was not entered into in order to evade the immigration 
laws of the United States.
    (C) The petitioner must establish by clear and convincing evidence 
that the prior marriage was not entered into for the purpose of evading 
the immigration laws. Failure to meet the ``clear and convincing 
evidence'' standard will result in the denial of the petition. Such a 
denial shall be without prejudice to the filing of a new petition once 
the petitioner has acquired five years of lawful permanent residence. 
The director may choose to initiate deportation proceedings based upon 
information gained through the adjudication of the petition; however, 
failure to initiate such proceedings shall not establish that the 
petitioner's prior marriage was not entered into for the purpose of 
evading the immigration laws. Unless the petition is approved, the 
beneficiary shall not be accorded a filing date within the meaning of 
section 203(c) of the Act based upon any spousal second preference 
petition.
    (ii) Fraudulent marriage prohibition. Section 204(c) of the Act 
prohibits the approval of a visa petition filed on behalf of an alien 
who has attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage for the purpose 
of evading the immigration laws. The director will deny a petition for 
immigrant visa classification filed on behalf of any alien for whom 
there is substantial and probative evidence of such an attempt or 
conspiracy, regardless of whether that alien received a benefit through 
the attempt or conspiracy. Although it is not necessary

[[Page 66]]

that the alien have been convicted of, or even prosecuted for, the 
attempt or conspiracy, the evidence of the attempt or conspiracy must be 
contained in the alien's file.
    (iii) Marriage during proceedings--general prohibition against 
approval of visa petition. A visa petition filed on behalf of an alien 
by a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident spouse shall 
not be approved if the marriage creating the relationship occurred on or 
after November 10, 1986, and while the alien was in exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings, or judicial proceedings relating 
thereto. Determination of commencement and termination of proceedings 
and exemptions shall be in accordance with Sec.  245.1(c)(9) of this 
chapter, except that the burden in visa petition proceedings to 
establish eligibility for the exemption in Sec.  245.1(c)(9)(iii)(F) of 
this chapter shall rest with the petitioner.
    (A) Request for exemption. No application or fee is required to 
request an exemption. The request must be made in writing and submitted 
with the Form I-130. The request must state the reason for seeking the 
exemption and must be supported by documentary evidence establishing 
eligibility for the exemption.
    (B) Evidence to establish eligibility for the bona fide marriage 
exemption. The petitioner should submit documents which establish that 
the marriage was entered into in good faith and not entered into for the 
purpose of procuring the alien's entry as an immigrant. The types of 
documents the petitioner may submit include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
    (2) Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;
    (3) Documentation showing commingling of financial resources;
    (4) Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to the petitioner and 
beneficiary;
    (5) Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the bona fides 
of the marital relationship (Such persons may be required to testify 
before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the 
affidavit. Affidavits must be sworn to or affirmed by people who have 
personal knowledge of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must 
contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person 
making the affidavit and his or her relationship to the spouses, if any. 
The affidavit must contain complete information and details explaining 
how the person acquired his or her knowledge of the marriage. Affidavits 
should be supported, if possible, by one or more types of documentary 
evidence listed in this paragraph); or
    (6) Any other documentation which is relevant to establish that the 
marriage was not entered into in order to evade the immigration laws of 
the United States.
    (C) Decision. Any petition filed during the prohibited period shall 
be denied, unless the petitioner establishes eligibility for an 
exemption from the general prohibition. The petitioner shall be notified 
in writing of the decision of the director.
    (D) Denials. The denial of a petition because the marriage took 
place during the prohibited period shall be without prejudice to the 
filing of a new petition after the beneficiary has resided outside the 
United States for the required period of two years following the 
marriage. The denial shall also be without prejudice to the 
consideration of a new petition or a motion to reopen the visa petition 
proceedings if deportation or exclusion proceedings are terminated after 
the denial other than by the beneficiary's departure from the United 
States. Furthermore, the denial shall be without prejudice to the 
consideration of a new petition or motion to reopen the visa petition 
proceedings, if the petitioner establishes eligibility for the bona fide 
marriage exemption contained in this part: Provided, That no motion to 
reopen visa petition proceedings may be accepted if the approval of the 
motion would result in the beneficiary being accorded a priority date 
within the meaning of section 203(c) of the Act earlier than November 
29, 1990.
    (E) Appeals. The decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals 
concerning the denial of a relative visa petition because the petitioner 
failed to establish eligibility for the bona fide marriage exemption 
contained in this part will constitute the single level of appellate 
review established by statute.

[[Page 67]]

    (F) Priority date. A preference beneficiary shall not be accorded a 
priority date within the meaning of section 203(c) of the Act based upon 
any relative petition filed during the prohibited period, unless an 
exemption contained in this part has been granted. Furthermore, a 
preference beneficiary shall not be accorded a priority date prior to 
November 29, 1990, based upon the approval of a request for 
consideration for the bona fide marriage exemption contained in this 
part.
    (2) Evidence for petition for a spouse. In addition to evidence of 
United States citizenship or lawful permanent residence, the petitioner 
must also provide evidence of the claimed relationship. A petition 
submitted on behalf of a spouse must be accompanied by a recent ADIT-
style photograph of the petitioner, a recent ADIT-style photograph of 
the beneficiary, a certificate of marriage issued by civil authorities, 
and proof of the legal termination of all previous marriages of both the 
petitioner and the beneficiary. However, non-ADIT-style photographs may 
be accepted by the district director when the petitioner or beneficiary 
reside(s) in a country where such photographs are unavailable or cost 
prohibitive.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of petition. The approved petition 
will be forwarded to the Department of State's Processing Center. If the 
beneficiary is in the United States and is eligible for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the petition is denied, the petitioner will 
be notified of the reasons for the denial and of the right to appeal in 
accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 3.3.
    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. No alien may be classified as an 
immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) of the Act unless he or 
she is the direct beneficiary of an approved petition for that 
classification. Therefore, a child of an alien approved for 
classification as an immediate relative spouse is not eligible for 
derivative classification and must have a separate petition filed on his 
or her behalf. A child accompanying or following to join a principal 
alien under section 203(a)(2) of the Act may be included in the 
principal alien's second preference visa petition. The child will be 
accorded second preference classification and the same priority date as 
the principal alien. However, if the child reaches the age of twenty-one 
prior to the issuance of a visa to the principal alien parent, a 
separate petition will be required. In such a case, the original 
priority date will be retained if the subsequent petition is filed by 
the same petitioner. Such retention of priority date will be accorded 
only to a son or daughter previously eligible as a derivative 
beneficiary under a second preference spousal petition.
    (b) Petition by widow or widower of a United States citizen--(1) 
Eligibility. A widow or widower of a United States citizen may file a 
petition and be classified as an immediate relative under section 201(b) 
of the Act if:
    (i) He or she had been married for at least two years to a United 
States citizen.

    (Note: The United States citizen is not required to have had the 
status of United States citizen for the entire two year period, but must 
have been a United States citizen at the time of death.)

    (ii) The petition is filed within two years of the death of the 
citizen spouse or before November 29, 1992, if the citizen spouse died 
before November 29, 1990;
    (iii) The alien petitioner and the citizen spouse were not legally 
separated at the time of the citizen's death; and
    (iv) The alien spouse has not remarried.
    (2) Evidence for petition of widow or widower. If a petition is 
submitted by the widow or widower of a deceased United States citizen, 
it must be accompanied by evidence of citizenship of the United States 
citizen and primary evidence, if available, of the relationship in the 
form of a marriage certificate issued by civil authorities, proof of the 
termination of all prior marriages of both husband and wife, and the 
United States citizen's death certificate issued by civil authorities. 
To determine the availability of primary documents, the Service will 
refer to the Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). When 
the FAM shows that primary documents are generally available in the 
country at issue but the petitioner claims that his or

[[Page 68]]

her document is unavailable, a letter from the appropriate registrar 
stating that the document is not available will be required before the 
Service will accept secondary evidence. Secondary evidence will be 
evaluated for its authenticity and credibility. Secondary evidence may 
include:
    (i) Such evidence of the marriage and termination of prior marriages 
as religious documents, tribal records, census records, or affidavits; 
and
    (ii) Such evidence of the United States citizen's death as religious 
documents, funeral service records, obituaries, or affidavits. 
Affidavits submitted as secondary evidence pursuant to paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this section must be sworn to or affirmed by 
people who have personal knowledge of the event to which they attest. 
Each affidavit should contain the full name and address, date and place 
of birth of the person making the affidavit and his or her relationship, 
if any, to the widow or widower. Any such affidavit must contain 
complete information and details explaining how knowledge of the event 
was acquired.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of petition. The approved petition 
will be forwarded to the Department of State's Processing Center. If the 
widow or widower is in the United States and is eligible for adjustment 
of status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the petition is denied, the widow or widower 
will be notified of the reasons for the denial and of the right to 
appeal in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 3.3.
    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. A child of an alien widow or widower 
classified as an immediate relative is eligible for derivative 
classification as an immediate relative. Such a child may be included in 
the principal alien's immediate relative visa petition, and may 
accompany or follow to join the principal alien to the United States. 
Derivative benefits do not extend to an unmarried or married son or 
daughter of an alien widow or widower.
    (c) Self-petition by spouse of abusive citizen or lawful permanent 
resident--(1) Eligibility--(i) Basic eligibility requirements. A spouse 
may file a self-petition under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 
204(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act for his or her classification as an 
immediate relative or as a preference immigrant if he or she:
    (A) Is the spouse of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the 
United States;
    (B) Is eligible for immigrant classification under section 
201(b)(2)(A)(i) or 203(a)(2)(A) of the Act based on that relationship;
    (C) Is residing in the United States;
    (D) Has resided in the United States with the citizen or lawful 
permanent resident spouse;
    (E) Has been battered by, or has been the subject of extreme cruelty 
perpetrated by, the citizen or lawful permanent resident during the 
marriage; or is that parent of a child who has been battered by, or has 
been the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by, the citizen or 
lawful permanent resident during the marriage;
    (F) Is a person of good moral character;
    (G) Is a person whose deportation would result in extreme hardship 
to himself, herself, or his or her child; and
    (H) Entered into the marriage to the citizen or lawful permanent 
resident in good faith.
    (ii) Legal status of the marriage. The self-petitioning spouse must 
be legally married to the abuser when the petition is properly filed 
with the Service. A spousal self-petition must be denied if the marriage 
to the abuser legally ended through annulment, death, or divorce before 
that time. After the self-petition has been properly filed, the legal 
termination of the marriage will have no effect on the decision made on 
the self-petition. The self-petitioner's remarriage, however, will be a 
basis for the denial of a pending self-petition.
    (iii) Citizenship or immigration status of the abuser. The abusive 
spouse must be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent 
resident of the United States when the petition is filed and when it is 
approved. Changes in the abuser's citizenship or lawful permanent 
resident status after the approval will have no effect on the self-
petition. A self-petition approved on the basis of a relationship to an 
abusive lawful permanent resident spouse will not be automatically 
upgraded to immediate

[[Page 69]]

relative status. The self-petitioner would not be precluded, however, 
from filing a new self-petition for immediate relative classification 
after the abuser's naturalization, provided the self-petitioner 
continues to meet the self-petitioning requirements.
    (iv) Eligibility for immigrant classification. A self-petitioner is 
required to comply with the provisions of section 204(c) of the Act, 
section 204(g) of the Act, and section 204(a)(2) of the Act.
    (v) Residence. A self-petition will not be approved if the self-
petitioner is not residing in the United States when the self-petition 
is filed. The self-petitioner is not required to be living with the 
abuser when the petition is filed, but he or she must have resided with 
the abuser in the United States in the past.
    (vi) Battery or extreme cruelty. For the purpose of this chapter, 
the phrase ``was battered by or was the subject of extreme cruelty'' 
includes, but is not limited to, being the victim of any act or 
threatened act of violence, including any forceful detention, which 
results or threatens to result in physical or mental injury. 
Psychological or sexual abuse or exploitation, including rape, 
molestation, incest (if the victim is a minor), or forced prostitution 
shall be considered acts of violence. Other abusive actions may also be 
acts of violence under certain circumstances, including acts that, in 
and of themselves, may not initially appear violent but that are a part 
of an overall pattern of violence. The qualifying abuse must have been 
committed by the citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, must have 
been perpetrated against the self-petitioner or the self-petitioner's 
child, and must have taken place during the self-petitioner's marriage 
to the abuser.
    (vii) Good moral character. A self-petitioner will be found to lack 
good moral character if he or she is a person described in section 
101(f) of the Act. Extenuating circumstances may be taken into account 
if the person has not been convicted of an offense or offenses but 
admits to the commission of an act or acts that could show a lack of 
good moral character under section 101(f) of the Act. A person who was 
subjected to abuse in the form of forced prostitution or who can 
establish that he or she was forced to engage in other behavior that 
could render the person excludable under section 212(a) of the Act would 
not be precluded from being found to be a person of good moral 
character, provided the person has not been convicted for the commission 
of the offense or offenses in a court of law. A self-petitioner will 
also be found to lack good moral character, unless he or she establishes 
extenuating circumstances, if he or she willfully failed or refused to 
support dependents; or committed unlawful acts that adversely reflect 
upon his or her moral character, or was convicted or imprisoned for such 
acts, although the acts do not require an automatic finding of lack of 
good moral character. A self-petitioner's claim of good moral character 
will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the 
provisions of section 101(f) of the Act and the standards of the average 
citizen in the community. If the results of record checks conducted 
prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa or approval of an application 
for adjustment of status disclose that the self-petitioner is no longer 
a person of good moral character or that he or she has not been a person 
of good moral character in the past, a pending self-petition will be 
denied or the approval of a self-petition will be revoked.
    (viii) Extreme hardship. The Service will consider all credible 
evidence of extreme hardship submitted with a self-petition, including 
evidence of hardship arising from circumstances surrounding the abuse. 
The extreme hardship claim will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis 
after a review of the evidence in the case. Self-petitioners are 
encouraged to cite and document all applicable factors, since there is 
no guarantee that a particular reason or reasons will result in a 
finding that deportation would cause extreme hardship. Hardship to 
persons other than the self-petitioner or the self-petitioner's child 
cannot be considered in determining whether a self-petitioning spouse's 
deportation would cause extreme hardship.
    (ix) Good faith marriage. A spousal self-petition cannot be approved 
if the self-petitioner entered into the marriage to the abuser for the 
primary

[[Page 70]]

purpose of circumventing the immigration laws. A self-petition will not 
be denied, however, solely because the spouses are not living together 
and the marriage is no longer viable.
    (2) Evidence for a spousal self-petition--(i) General. Self-
petitioners are encouraged to submit primary evidence whenever possible. 
The Service will consider, however, any credible evidence relevant to 
the petition. The determination of what evidence is credible and the 
weight to be given that evidence shall be within the sole discretion of 
the Service.
    (ii) Relationship. A self-petition filed by a spouse must be 
accompanied by evidence of citizenship of the United States citizen or 
proof of the immigration status of the lawful permanent resident abuser. 
It must also be accompanied by evidence of the relationship. Primary 
evidence of a marital relationship is a marriage certificate issued by 
civil authorities, and proof of the termination of all prior marriages, 
if any, of both the self-petitioner and the abuser. If the self-petition 
is based on a claim that the self-petitioner's child was battered or 
subjected to extreme cruelty committed by the citizen or lawful 
permanent resident spouse, the self-petition should also be accompanied 
by the child's birth certificate or other evidence showing the 
relationship between the self-petitioner and the abused child.
    (iii) Residence. One or more documents may be submitted showing that 
the self-petitioner and the abuser have resided together in the United 
States. One or more documents may also be submitted showing that the 
self-petitioner is residing in the United States when the self-petition 
is filed. Employment records, utility receipts, school records, hospital 
or medical records, birth certificates of children born in the United 
States, deeds, mortgages, rental records, insurance policies, affidavits 
or any other type of relevant credible evidence of residency may be 
submitted.
    (iv) Abuse. Evidence of abuse may include, but is not limited to, 
reports and affidavits from police, judges and other court officials, 
medical personnel, school officials, clergy, social workers, and other 
social service agency personnel. Persons who have obtained an order of 
protection against the abuser or have taken other legal steps to end the 
abuse are strongly encouraged to submit copies of the relating legal 
documents. Evidence that the abuse victim sought safe-haven in a 
battered women's shelter or similar refuge may be relevant, as may a 
combination of documents such as a photograph of the visibly injured 
self-petitioner supported by affidavits. Other forms of credible 
relevant evidence will also be considered. Documentary proof of non-
qualifying abuses may only be used to establish a pattern of abuse and 
violence and to support a claim that qualifying abuse also occurred.
    (v) Good moral character. Primary evidence of the self-petitioner's 
good moral character is the self-petitioner's affidavit. The affidavit 
should be accompanied by a local police clearance or a state-issued 
criminal background check from each locality or state in the United 
States in which the self-petitioner has resided for six or more months 
during the 3-year period immediately preceding the filing of the self-
petition. Self-petitioners who lived outside the United States during 
this time should submit a police clearance, criminal background check, 
or similar report issued by the appropriate authority in each foreign 
country in which he or she resided for six or more months during the 3-
year period immediately preceding the filing of the self-petition. If 
police clearances, criminal background checks, or similar reports are 
not available for some or all locations, the self-petitioner may include 
an explanation and submit other evidence with his or her affidavit. The 
Service will consider other credible evidence of good moral character, 
such as affidavits from responsible persons who can knowledgeably attest 
to the self-petitioner's good moral character.
    (vi) Extreme hardship. Evidence of extreme hardship may include 
affidavits, birth certificates of children, medical reports, protection 
orders and other court documents, police reports, and other relevant 
credible evidence.
    (vii) Good faith marriage. Evidence of good faith at the time of 
marriage may include, but is not limited to, proof that one spouse has 
been listed as the

[[Page 71]]

other's spouse on insurance policies, property leases, income tax forms, 
or bank accounts; and testimony or other evidence regarding courtship, 
wedding ceremony, shared residence and experiences. Other types of 
readily available evidence might include the birth certificates of 
children born to the abuser and the spouse; police, medical, or court 
documents providing information about the relationship; and affidavits 
of persons with personal knowledge of the relationship. All credible 
relevant evidence will be considered.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of the petition--(i) Petition 
approved. If the self-petitioning spouse will apply for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the self-petitioner will apply for an 
immigrant visa abroad, the approved self-petition will be forwarded to 
the Department of State's National Visa Center.
    (ii) Petition denied. If the self-petition is denied, the self-
petitioner will be notified in writing of the reasons for the denial and 
of the right to appeal the decision.
    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. A child accompanying or following-to-
join the self-petitioning spouse may be accorded the same preference and 
priority date as the self-petitioner without the necessity of a separate 
petition, if the child has not been classified as an immigrant based on 
his or her own self-petition. A derivative child who had been included 
in a parent's self-petition may later file a self-petition, provided the 
child meets the self-petitioning requirements. A child who has been 
classified as an immigrant based on a petition filed by the abuser or 
another relative may also be derivatively included in a parent's self-
petition. The derivative child must be unmarried, less than 21 years 
old, and otherwise qualify as the self-petitioner's child under section 
101(b)(1)(F) of the Act until he or she becomes a lawful permanent 
resident based on the derivative classification.
    (5) Name change. If the self-petitioner's current name is different 
than the name shown on the documents, evidence of the name change (such 
as the petitioner's marriage certificate, legal document showing name 
change, or other similar evidence) must accompany the self-petition.
    (6) Prima facie determination. (i) Upon receipt of a self-petition 
under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the Service shall make a 
determination as to whether the petition and the supporting 
documentation establish a ``prima facie case'' for purposes of 8 U.S.C. 
1641, as amended by section 501 of Public Law 104-208.
    (ii) For purposes of paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section, a prima 
facie case is established only if the petitioner submits a completed 
Form I-360 and other evidence supporting all of the elements required of 
a self-petitioner in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. A finding of 
prima facie eligibility does not relieve the petitioner of the burden of 
providing additional evidence in support of the petition and does not 
establish eligibility for the underlying petition.
    (iii) If the Service determines that a petitioner has made a ``prima 
facie case,'' the Service shall issue a Notice of Prima Facie Case to 
the petitioner. Such Notice shall be valid until the Service either 
grants or denies the petition.
    (iv) For purposes of adjudicating the petition submitted under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, a prima facie determination--
    (A) Shall not be considered evidence in support of the petition;
    (B) Shall not be construed to make a determination of the 
credibility or probative value of any evidence submitted along with that 
petition; and,
    (C) Shall not relieve the self-petitioner of his or her burden of 
complying with all of the evidentiary requirements of paragraph (c)(2) 
of this section.
    (d) Petition for a child or son or daughter--(1) Eligibility. A 
United States citizen may file a petition on behalf of an unmarried 
child under twenty-one years of age for immediate relative 
classification under section 201(b) of the Act. A United States citizen 
may file a petition on behalf of an unmarried son or daughter over 
twenty-one years of age under section 203(a)(1) or for a married son or 
daughter for preference classification under section 203(a)(3) of the 
Act. An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence may

[[Page 72]]

file a petition on behalf of a child or an unmarried son or daughter for 
preference classification under section 203(a)(2) of the Act.
    (2) Evidence to support petition for child or son or daughter. In 
addition to evidence of United States citizenship or lawful permanent 
resident, the petitioner must also provide evidence of the claimed 
relationship.
    (i) Primary evidence for a legitimate child or son or daughter. If a 
petition is submitted by the mother, the birth certificate of the child 
showing the mother's name must accompany the petition. If the mother's 
name on the birth certificate is different from her name on the 
petition, evidence of the name change must also be submitted. If a 
petition is submitted by the father, the birth certificate of the child, 
a marriage certificate of the parents, and proof of legal termination of 
the parents' prior marriages, if any, issued by civil authorities must 
accompany the petition. If the father's name has been legally changed, 
evidence of the name change must also accompany the petition.
    (ii) Primary evidence for a legitimated child or son or daughter. A 
child can be legitimated through the marriage of his or her natural 
parents, by the laws of the country or state of the child's residence or 
domicile, or by the laws of the country or state of the father's 
residence or domicile. If the legitimation is based on the natural 
parents' marriage, such marriage must have taken place while the child 
was under the age of eighteen. If the legitimation is based on the laws 
of the country or state of the child's residence or domicile, the law 
must have taken effect before the child's eighteenth birthday. If the 
legitimation is based on the laws of the country or state of the 
father's residence or domicile, the father must have resided--while the 
child was under eighteen years of age--in the country or state under 
whose laws the child has been legitimated. Primary evidence of the 
relationship should consist of the beneficiary's birth certificate and 
the parents' marriage certificate or other evidence of legitimation 
issued by civil authorities.
    (iii) Primary evidence for an illegitimate child or son or daughter. 
If a petition is submitted by the mother, the child's birth certificate, 
issued by civil authorities and showing the mother's name, must 
accompany the petition. If the mother's name on the birth certificate is 
different from her name as reflected in the petition, evidence of the 
name change must also be submitted. If the petition is submitted by the 
purported father of a child or son or daughter born out of wedlock, the 
father must show that he is the natural father and that a bona fide 
parent-child relationship was established when the child or son or 
daughter was unmarried and under twenty-one years of age. Such a 
relationship will be deemed to exist or to have existed where the father 
demonstrates or has demonstrated an active concern for the child's 
support, instruction, and general welfare. Primary evidence to establish 
that the petitioner is the child's natural father is the beneficiary's 
birth certificate, issued by civil authorities and showing the father's 
name. If the father's name has been legally changed, evidence of the 
name change must accompany the petition. Evidence of a parent/child 
relationship should establish more than merely a biological 
relationship. Emotional and/or financial ties or a genuine concern and 
interest by the father for the child's support, instruction, and general 
welfare must be shown. There should be evidence that the father and 
child actually lived together or that the father held the child out as 
being his own, that he provided for some or all of the child's needs, or 
that in general the father's behavior evidenced a genuine concern for 
the child. The most persuasive evidence for establishing a bona fide 
parent/child relationship and financial responsibility by the father is 
documentary evidence which was contemporaneous with the events in 
question. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to: money order 
receipts or cancelled checks showing the father's financial support of 
the beneficiary; the father's income tax returns; the father's medical 
or insurance records which include the beneficiary as a dependent; 
school records

[[Page 73]]

for the beneficiary; correspondence between the parties; or notarized 
affidavits of friends, neighbors, school officials, or other associates 
knowledgeable about the relationship.
    (iv) Primary evidence for a stepchild. If a petition is submitted by 
a stepparent on behalf of a stepchild or stepson or stepdaughter, the 
petition must be supported by the stepchild's or stepson's or 
stepdaughter's birth certificate, issued by civil authorities and 
showing the name of the beneficiary's parent to whom the petitioner is 
married, a marriage certificate issued by civil authorities which shows 
that the petitioner and the child's natural parent were married before 
the stepchild or stepson or stepdaughter reached the age of eighteen; 
and evidence of the termination of any prior marriages of the petitioner 
and the natural parent of the stepchild or stepson or stepdaughter.
    (v) Secondary evidence. When it is established that primary evidence 
is not available, secondary evidence may be accepted. To determine the 
availability of primary documents, the Service will refer to the 
Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). When the FAM shows 
that primary documents are generally available in the country at issue 
but the petitioner claims that his or her document is unavailable, a 
letter from the appropriate registrar stating that the document is not 
available will be required before the Service will accept secondary 
evidence. Secondary evidence will be evaluated for its authenticity and 
credibility. Secondary evidence may take the form of historical 
evidence; such evidence must have been issued contemporaneously with the 
event which it documents any may include, but is not limited to, medical 
records, school records, and religious documents. Affidavits may also by 
accepted. When affidavits are submitted, they must be sworn to by 
persons who were born at the time of and who have personal knowledge of 
the event to which they attest. Any affidavit must contain the affiant's 
full name and address, date and place of birth, relationship to the 
party, if any, and complete details concerning how the affiant acquired 
knowledge of the event.
    (vi) Blood tests. The director may require that a specific Blood 
Group Antigen Test be conducted of the beneficiary and the beneficiary's 
father and mother. In general, blood tests will be required only after 
other forms of evidence have proven inconclusive. If the specific Blood 
Group Antigen Test is also found not to be conclusive and the director 
determines that additional evidence is needed, a Human Leucocyte Antigen 
(HLA) test may be requested. Tests will be conducted, at the expense of 
the petitioner or beneficiary, by the United States Public Health 
Service physician who is authorized overseas or by a qualified medical 
specialist designated by the district director. The results of the test 
should be reported on Form G-620. Refusal to submit to a Specific Blood 
Group Antigen or HLA test when requested may constitute a basis for 
denial of the petition, unless a legitimate religious objection has been 
established. When a legitimate religious objection is established, 
alternate forms of evidence may be considered based upon documentation 
already submitted.
    (vii) Primary evidence for an adopted child or son or daughter. A 
petition may be submitted on behalf of an adopted child or son or 
daughter by a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident if the 
adoption took place before the beneficiary's sixteenth birthday, and if 
the child has been in the legal custody of the adopting parent or 
parents and has resided with the adopting parent or parents for at least 
two years. A copy of the adoption decree, issued by the civil 
authorities, must accompany the petition.
    (A) Legal custody means the assumption of responsibility for a minor 
by an adult under the laws of the state and under the order or approval 
of a court of law or other appropriate government entity. This provision 
requires that a legal process involving the courts or other recognized 
government entity take place. If the adopting parent was granted legal 
custody by the court or recognized governmental entity prior to the 
adoption, that period may be counted toward fulfillment of the two-year 
legal custody requirement. However, if custody was not granted prior to 
the adoption, the adoption decree

[[Page 74]]

shall be deemed to mark the commencement of legal custody. An informal 
custodial or guardianship document, such as a sworn affidavit signed 
before a notary public, is insufficient for this purpose.
    (B) Evidence must also be submitted to show that the beneficiary 
resided with the petitioner for at least two years. Generally, such 
documentation must establish that the petitioner and the beneficiary 
resided together in a familial relationship. Evidence of parental 
control may include, but is not limited to, evidence that the adoptive 
parent owns or maintains the property where the child resides and 
provides financial support and day-to-day supervision. The evidence must 
clearly indicate the physical living arrangements of the adopted child, 
the adoptive parent(s), and the natural parent(s) for the period of time 
during which the adoptive parent claims to have met the residence 
requirement. When the adopted child continued to reside in the same 
household as a natural parent(s) during the period in which the adoptive 
parent petitioner seeks to establish his or her compliance with this 
requirement, the petitioner has the burden of establishing that he or 
she exercised primary parental control during that period of residence.
    (C) Legal custody and residence occurring prior to or after the 
adoption will satisfy both requirements. Legal custody, like residence, 
is accounted for in the aggregate. Therefore, a break in legal custody 
or residence will not affect the time already fulfilled. To meet the 
definition of child contained in sections 101(b)(1)(E) and 101(b)(2) of 
the Act, the child must have been under 16 years of age when the 
adoption is finalized.
    (D) On or after the Convention effective date, as defined in 8 CFR 
part 204.301, a United States citizen who is habitually resident in the 
United States, as determined under 8 CFR 204.303, may not file a Form I-
130 under this section on behalf of child who was habitually resident in 
a Convention country, as determined under 8 CFR 204.303, unless the 
adoption was completed before the Convention effective date. In the case 
of any adoption occurring on or after the Convention effective date, a 
Form I-130 may be filed and approved only if the United States citizen 
petitioner was not habitually resident in the United States at the time 
of the adoption.
    (E) For purposes of paragraph (d)(2)(vii)(D) of this section, USCIS 
will deem a United States citizen, 8 CFR 204.303 notwithstanding, to 
have been habitually resident outside the United States, if the citizen 
satisfies the 2-year joint residence and custody requirements by 
residing with the child outside the United States.
    (F) For purposes of paragraph (d)(2)(vii)(D) of this section, USCIS 
will not approve a Form I-130 under section 101(b)(1)(E) of the Act on 
behalf of an alien child who is present in the United States based on an 
adoption that is entered on or after the Convention effective date, but 
whose habitual residence immediately before the child's arrival in the 
United States was in a Convention country. However, the U.S. citizen 
seeking the child's adoption may file a Form I-800A and Form I-800 under 
8 CFR part 204, subpart C.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of petition. The approved petition 
will be forwarded to the Department of State's Processing Center. If the 
beneficiary is in the United States and is eligible for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the petition is denied, the petitioner will 
be notified of the reasons for the denial and of the right to appeal in 
accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 3.3.
    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. A spouse or child accompanying or 
following to join a principal alien as used in this section may be 
accorded the same preference and priority date as the principal alien 
without the necessity of a separate petition. However, a child of an 
alien who is approved for classification as an immediate relative is not 
eligible for derivative classification and must have a separate petition 
approved on his or her behalf.
    (5) Name change. When the petitioner's name does not appear on the 
child's birth certificate, evidence of the name change (such as the 
petitioner's marriage certificate, legal document showing name change, 
or other similar

[[Page 75]]

evidence) must accompany the petition. If the beneficiary's name has 
been legally changed, evidence of the name change must also accompany 
the petition.
    (e) Self-petition by child of abusive citizen or lawful permanent 
resident--(1) Eligibility. (i) A child may file a self-petition under 
section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act if he or she:
    (A) Is the child of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the 
United States;
    (B) Is eligible for immigrant classification under section 
201(b)(2)(A)(i) or 203(a)(2)(A) of the Act based on that relationship;
    (C) Is residing in the United States;
    (D) Has resided in the United States with the citizen or lawful 
permanent resident parent;
    (E) Has been battered by, or has been the subject of extreme cruelty 
perpetrated by, the citizen or lawful permanent resident parent while 
residing with that parent;
    (F) Is a person of good moral character; and
    (G) Is a person whose deportation would result in extreme hardship 
to himself or herself.
    (ii) Parent-child relationship to the abuser. The self-petitioning 
child must be unmarried, less than 21 years of age, and otherwise 
qualify as the abuser's child under the definition of child contained in 
section 101(b)(1) of the Act when the petition is filed and when it is 
approved. Termination of the abuser's parental rights or a change in 
legal custody does not alter the self-petitioning relationship provided 
the child meets the requirements of section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    (iii) Citizenship or immigration status of the abuser. The abusive 
parent must be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent 
resident of the United States when the petition is filed and when it is 
approved. Changes in the abuser's citizenship or lawful permanent 
resident status after the approval will have no effect on the self-
petition. A self-petition approved on the basis of a relationship to an 
abusive lawful permanent resident will not be automatically upgraded to 
immediate relative status. The self-petitioning child would not be 
precluded, however, from filing a new self-petition for immediate 
relative classification after the abuser's naturalization, provided the 
self-petitioning child continues to meet the self-petitioning 
requirements.
    (iv) Eligibility for immigrant classification. A self-petitioner is 
required to comply with the provisions of section 204(c) of the Act, 
section 204(g) of the Act, and section 204(a)(2) of the Act.
    (v) Residence. A self-petition will not be approved if the self-
petitioner is not residing in the United States when the self-petition 
is filed. The self-petitioner is not required to be living with the 
abuser when the petition is filed, but he or she must have resided with 
the abuser in the United States in the past.
    (vi) Battery or extreme cruelty. For the purpose of this chapter, 
the phrase ``was battered by or was the subject of extreme cruelty'' 
includes, but is not limited to, being the victim of any act or 
threatened act of violence, including any forceful detention, which 
results or threatens to result in physical or mental injury. 
Psychological or sexual abuse or exploitation, including rape, 
molestation, incest (if the victim is a minor), or forced prostitution 
shall be considered acts of violence. Other abusive actions may also be 
acts of violence under certain circumstances, including acts that, in 
and of themselves, may not initially appear violent but are a part of an 
overall pattern of violence. The qualifying abuse must have been 
committed by the citizen or lawful permanent resident parent, must have 
been perpetrated against the self-petitioner, and must have taken place 
while the self-petitioner was residing with the abuser.
    (vii) Good moral character. A self-petitioner will be found to lack 
good moral character if he or she is a person described in section 
101(f) of the Act. Extenuating circumstances may be taken into account 
if the person has not been convicted of an offense or offenses but 
admits to the commission of an act or acts that could show a lack of 
good moral character under section 101(f) of the Act. A person who was 
subjected to abuse in the form of forced prostitution or who can 
establish that he or she was forced to engage in other behavior that 
could render the person excludable under section 212(a) of the Act would

[[Page 76]]

not be precluded from being found to be a person of good moral 
character, provided the person has not been convicted for the commission 
of the offense or offenses in a court of law. A self-petitioner will 
also be found to lack good moral character, unless he or she establishes 
extenuating circumstances, if he or she willfully failed or refused to 
support dependents; or committed unlawful acts that adversely reflect 
upon his or her moral character, or was convicted or imprisoned for such 
acts, although the acts do not require an automatic finding of lack of 
good moral character. A self-petitioner's claim of good moral character 
will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the 
provisions of section 101(f) of the Act and the standards of the average 
citizen in the community. If the results of record checks conducted 
prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa or approval of an application 
for adjustment of status disclose that the self-petitioner is no longer 
a person of good moral character or that he or she has not been a person 
of good moral character in the past, a pending self-petition will be 
denied or the approval of a self-petition will be revoked.
    (viii) Extreme hardship. The Service will consider all credible 
evidence of extreme hardship submitted with a self-petition, including 
evidence of hardship arising from circumstances surrounding the abuse. 
The extreme hardship claim will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis 
after a review of the evidence in the case. Self-petitioners are 
encouraged to cite and document all applicable factors, since there is 
no guarantee that a particular reason or reasons will result in a 
finding that deportation would cause extreme hardship. Hardship to 
persons other than the self-petitioner cannot be considered in 
determining whether a self-petitioning child's deportation would cause 
extreme hardship.
    (2) Evidence for a child's self-petition--(i) General. Self-
petitioners are encouraged to submit primary evidence whenever possible. 
The Service will consider, however, any credible evidence relevant to 
the petition. The determination of what evidence is credible and the 
weight to be given that evidence shall be within the sole discretion of 
the Service.
    (ii) Relationship. A self-petition filed by a child must be 
accompanied by evidence of citizenship of the United States citizen or 
proof of the immigration status of the lawful permanent resident abuser. 
It must also be accompanied by evidence of the relationship. Primary 
evidence of the relationship between:
    (A) The self-petitioning child and an abusive biological mother is 
the self-petitioner's birth certificate issued by civil authorities;
    (B) A self-petitioning child who was born in wedlock and an abusive 
biological father is the child's birth certificate issued by civil 
authorities, the marriage certificate of the child's parents, and 
evidence of legal termination of all prior marriages, if any;
    (C) A legitimated self-petitioning child and an abusive biological 
father is the child's birth certificate issued by civil authorities, and 
evidence of the child's legitimation;
    (D) A self-petitioning child who was born out of wedlock and an 
abusive biological father is the child's birth certificate issued by 
civil authorities showing the father's name, and evidence that a bona 
fide parent-child relationship has been established between the child 
and the parent;
    (E) A self-petitioning stepchild and an abusive stepparent is the 
child's birth certificate issued by civil authorities, the marriage 
certificate of the child's parent and the stepparent showing marriage 
before the stepchild reached 18 years of age, and evidence of legal 
termination of all prior marriages of either parent, if any; and
    (F) An adopted self-petitioning child and an abusive adoptive parent 
is an adoption decree showing that the adoption took place before the 
child reached 16 years of age, and evidence that the child has been 
residing with and in the legal custody of the abusive adoptive parent 
for at least 2 years.
    (iii) Residence. One or more documents may be submitted showing that 
the self-petitioner and the abuser have resided together in the United 
States. One or more documents may also be submitted showing that the 
self-petitioner is residing in the United States

[[Page 77]]

when the self-petition is filed. Employment records, school records, 
hospital or medical records, rental records, insurance policies, 
affidavits or any other type of relevant credible evidence of residency 
may be submitted.
    (iv) Abuse. Evidence of abuse may include, but is not limited to, 
reports and affidavits from police, judges and other court officials, 
medical personnel, school officials, clergy, social workers, and other 
social service agency personnel. Persons who have obtained an order of 
protection against the abuser or taken other legal steps to end the 
abuse are strongly encouraged to submit copies of the relating legal 
documents. Evidence that the abuse victim sought safe-haven in a 
battered women's shelter or similar refuge may be relevant, as may a 
combination of documents such as a photograph of the visibly injured 
self-petitioner supported by affidavits. Other types of credible 
relevant evidence will also be considered. Documentary proof of non-
qualifying abuse may only be used to establish a pattern of abuse and 
violence and to support a claim that qualifying abuse also occurred.
    (v) Good moral character. Primary evidence of the self-petitioner's 
good moral character is the self-petitioner's affidavit. The affidavit 
should be accompanied by a local police clearance or a state-issued 
criminal background check from each locality or state in the United 
States in which the self-petitioner has resided for six or more months 
during the 3-year period immediately preceding the filing of the self-
petition. Self-petitioners who lived outside the United States during 
this time should submit a police clearance, criminal background check, 
or similar report issued by the appropriate authority in the foreign 
country in which he or she resided for six or more months during the 3-
year period immediately preceding the filing of the self-petition. If 
police clearances, criminal background checks, or similar reports are 
not available for some or all locations, the self-petitioner may include 
an explanation and submit other evidence with his or her affidavit. The 
Service will consider other credible evidence of good moral character, 
such as affidavits from responsible persons who can knowledgeably attest 
to the self-petitioner's good moral character. A child who is less than 
14 years of age is presumed to be a person of good moral character and 
is not required to submit affidavits of good moral character, police 
clearances, criminal background checks, or other evidence of good moral 
character.
    (vi) Extreme hardship. Evidence of extreme hardship may include 
affidavits, medical reports, protection orders and other court 
documents, police reports, and other relevant credible evidence.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of the petition--(i) Petition 
approved. If the self-petitioning child will apply for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the self-petitioner will apply for an 
immigrant visa abroad, the approved self-petition will be forwarded to 
the Department of State's National Visa Center.
    (ii) Petition denied. If the self-petition is denied, the self-
petitioner will be notified in writing of the reasons for the denial and 
of the right to appeal the decision.
    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. A child of a self-petitioning child is 
not eligible for derivative classification and must have a petition 
filed on his or her behalf if seeking immigrant classification.
    (5) Name change. If the self-petitioner's current name is different 
than the name shown on the documents, evidence of the name change (such 
as the petitioner's marriage certificate, legal document showing the 
name change, or other similar evidence) must accompany the self-
petition.
    (6) Prima facie determination. (i) Upon receipt of a self-petition 
under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the Service shall make a 
determination as to whether the petition and the supporting 
documentation establish a ``prima facie case'' for purposes of 8 U.S.C. 
1641, as amended by section 501 of Public Law 104-208.
    (ii) For purposes of paragraph (e)(6)(i) of this section, a prima 
facie case is established only if the petitioner submits a completed 
Form I-360 and other evidence supporting all of the elements required of 
a self-petitioner in paragraph (e)(1) of this section. A finding of 
prima facie eligibility does not relieve

[[Page 78]]

the petitioner of the burden of providing additional evidence in support 
of the petition and does not establish eligibility for the underlying 
petition.
    (iii) If the Service determines that a petitioner has made a ``prima 
facie case'' the Service shall issue a Notice of Prima Facie Case to the 
petitioner. Such Notice shall be valid until the Service either grants 
or denies the petition.
    (iv) For purposes of adjudicating the petition submitted under 
paragraph (e)(1) of this section, a prima facie determination:
    (A) Shall not be considered evidence in support of the petition;
    (B) Shall not be construed to make a determination of the 
credibility or probative value of any evidence submitted along with that 
petition; and,
    (C) Shall not relieve the self-petitioner of his or her burden of 
complying with all of the evidentiary requirements of paragraph (e)(2) 
of this section.
    (f) Petition for a parent--(1) Eligibility. Only a United States 
citizen who is twenty-one years of age or older may file a petition on 
behalf of a parent for classification under section 201(b) of the Act.
    (2) Evidence to support a petition for a parent. In addition to 
evidence of United States citizenship as listed in Sec.  204.1(g) of 
this part, the petitioner must also provide evidence of the claimed 
relationship.
    (i) Primary evidence if petitioner is a legitimate son or daughter. 
If a petition is submitted on behalf of the mother, the birth 
certificate of the petitioner showing the mother's name must accompany 
the petition. If the mother's name on the birth certificate is different 
from her name as reflected in the petition, evidence of the name change 
must also be submitted. If a petition is submitted on behalf of the 
father, the birth certificate of the petitioner, a marriage certificate 
of the parents, and proof of legal termination of the parents' prior 
marriages, if any, issued by civil authorities must accompany the 
petition. If the father's name on the birth certificate has been legally 
changed, evidence of the name change must also accompany the petition.
    (ii) Primary evidence if petitioner is a legitimated son or 
daughter. A child can be legitimated through the marriage of his or her 
natural parents, by the laws of the country or state of the child's 
residence or domicile, or by the laws of the country or state of the 
father's residence or domicile. If the legitimation is based on the 
natural parent's marriage, such marriage must have taken place while the 
child was under the age of eighteen. If the legitimation is based on the 
laws of the country or state of the child's residence or domicile, the 
law must have taken effect before the child's eighteenth birthday. If 
the legitimation is based on the laws of the country or state of the 
father's residence or domicile, the father must have resided--while the 
child was under eighteen years of age--in the country or state under 
whose laws the child has been legitimated. Primary evidence of the 
relationship should consist of petitioner's birth certificate and the 
parents' marriage certificate or other evidence of legitimation issued 
by civil authorities.
    (iii) Primary evidence if the petitioner is an illegitimate son or 
daughter. If a petition is submitted on behalf of the mother, the 
petitioner's birth certificate, issued by civil authorities and showing 
the mother's name, must accompany the petition. If the mother's name on 
the birth certificate is different from her name as reflected in the 
petition, evidence of the name change must also be submitted. If the 
petition is submitted on behalf of the purported father of the 
petitioner, the petitioner must show that the beneficiary is his or her 
natural father and that a bona fide parent-child relationship was 
established when the petitioner was unmarried and under twenty-one years 
of age. Such a relationship will be deemed to exist or to have existed 
where the father demonstrates or has demonstrated an active concern for 
the child's support, instruction, and general welfare. Primary evidence 
to establish that the beneficiary is the petitioner's natural father is 
the petitioner's birth certificate, issued by civil authorities and 
showing the father's name. If the father's name has been legally 
changed, evidence of the

[[Page 79]]

name change must accompany the petition. Evidence of a parent/child 
relationship should establish more than merely a biological 
relationship. Emotional and/or financial ties or a genuine concern and 
interest by the father for the child's support, instruction, and general 
welfare must be shown. There should be evidence that the father and 
child actually lived together or that the father held the child out as 
being his own, that he provided for some or all of the child's needs, or 
that in general the father's behavior evidenced a genuine concern for 
the child. The most persuasive evidence for establishing a bona fide 
parent/child relationship is documentary evidence which was 
contemporaneous with the events in question. Such evidence may include, 
but is not limited to: money order receipts or cancelled checks showing 
the father's financial support of the beneficiary; the father's income 
tax returns; the father's medical or insurance records which include the 
petitioner as a dependent; school records for the petitioner; 
correspondence between the parties; or notarized affidavits of friends, 
neighbors, school officials, or other associates knowledgeable as to the 
relationship.
    (iv) Primary evidence if petitioner is an adopted son or daughter. A 
petition may be submitted for an adoptive parent by a United States 
citizen who is twenty-one years of age or older if the adoption took 
place before the petitioner's sixteenth birthday and if the two year 
legal custody and residence requirements have been met. A copy of the 
adoption decree, issued by the civil authorities, must accompany the 
petition.
    (A) Legal custody means the assumption of responsibility for a minor 
by an adult under the laws of the state and under the order or approval 
of a court of law or other appropriate government entity. This provision 
requires that a legal process involving the courts or other recognized 
government entity take place. If the adopting parent was granted legal 
custody by the court or recognized governmental entity prior to the 
adoption, that period may be counted toward fulfillment of the two-year 
legal custody requirement. However, if custody was not granted prior to 
the adoption, the adoption decree shall be deemed to mark the 
commencement of legal custody. An informal custodial or guardianship 
document, such as a sworn affidavit signed before a notary public, is 
insufficient for this purpose.
    (B) Evidence must also be submitted to show that the beneficiary 
resided with the petitioner for at least two years. Generally, such 
documentation must establish that the petitioner and the beneficiary 
resided together in a parental relationship. The evidence must clearly 
indicate the physical living arrangements of the adopted child, the 
adoptive parent(s), and the natural parent(s) for the period of time 
during which the adoptive parent claims to have met the residence 
requirement.
    (C) Legal custody and residence occurring prior to or after the 
adoption will satisfy both requirements. Legal custody, like residence, 
is accounted for in the aggregate. Therefore, a break in legal custody 
or residence will not affect the time already fulfilled. To meet the 
definition of child contained in sections 101(b)(1)(E) and 101(b)(2) of 
the Act, the child must have been under 16 years of age when the 
adoption is finalized.
    (v) Name change. When the petition is filed by a child for the 
child's parent, and the parent's name is not on the child's birth 
certificate, evidence of the name change (such as the parent's marriage 
certificate, a legal document showing the parent's name change, or other 
similar evidence) must accompany the petition. If the petitioner's name 
has been legally changed, evidence of the name change must also 
accompany the petition.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of petition. The approved petition 
will be forwarded to the Department of State's Processing Center. If the 
beneficiary is in the United States and is eligible for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the petition is denied, the petitioner will 
be notified of the reasons for the denial and of the right to appeal in 
accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 3.3.

[[Page 80]]

    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. A child or a spouse of a principal 
alien who is approved for classification as an immediate relative is not 
eligible for derivative classification and must have a separate petition 
approved on his or her behalf.
    (g) Petition for a brother or sister--(1) Eligibility. Only a United 
States citizen who is twenty-one years of age or older may file a 
petition of a brother or sister for classification under section 
203(a)(4) of the Act.
    (2) Evidence to support a petition for brother or sister. In 
addition to evidence of United States citizenship, the petitioner must 
also provide evidence of the claimed relationship.
    (i) Primary evidence if the siblings share a common mother or are 
both legitimate children of a common father. If a sibling relationship 
is claimed through a common mother, the petition must be supported by a 
birth certificate of the petitioner and a birth certificate of the 
beneficiary showing a common mother. If the mother's name on one birth 
certificate is different from her name as reflected on the other birth 
certificate or in the petition, evidence of the name change must also be 
submitted. If a sibling relationship is claimed through a common father, 
the birth certificates of the beneficiary and petitioner, a marriage 
certificate of the parents' and proof of legal termination of the 
parents, prior marriage(s), if any, issued by civil authorities must 
accompany the petition. If the father's name has been legally changed, 
evidence of the name change must also accompany the petition.
    (ii) Primary evidence if either or both siblings are legitimated. A 
child can be legitimated through the marriage of his or her natural 
parents, by the laws of the country or state of the child's residence or 
domicile, or by the laws of the country or state of the father's 
residence or domicile. If the legitimation is based on the natural 
parents' marriage, such marriage must have taken place while the child 
was under the age of eighteen. If the legitimation is based on the laws 
of the country or state of the child's residence or domicile, the law 
must have taken effect before the child's eighteenth birthday. If based 
on the laws of the country or state of the father's residence or 
domicile, the father must have resided--while the child was under 
eighteen years of age--in the country or state under whose laws the 
child has been legitimated. Primary evidence of the relationship should 
consist of the petitioner's birth certificate, the beneficiary's birth 
certificate, and the parents' marriage certificate or other evidence of 
legitimation issued by civil authorities.
    (iii) Primary evidence if either sibling is illegitimate. If one or 
both of the siblings is (are) the illegitimate child(ren) of a common 
father, the petitioner must show that they are the natural children of 
the father and that a bona fide parent-child relationship was 
established when the illegitimate child(ren) was (were) unmarried and 
under twenty-one years of age. Such a relationship will be deemed to 
exist or to have existed where the father demonstrates or has 
demonstrated an active concern for the child's support, instruction, and 
general welfare. Primary evidence is the petitioner's and beneficiary's 
birth certificates, issued by civil authorities and showing the father's 
name, and evidence that the siblings have or had a bona fide parent/
child relationship with the natural father. If the father's name has 
been legally changed, evidence of the name change must accompany the 
petition. Evidence of a parent/child relationship should establish more 
than merely a biological relationship. Emotional and/or financial ties 
or a genuine concern and interest by the father for the child's support, 
instruction, and general welfare must be shown. There should be evidence 
that the father and child actually lived together or that the father 
held the child out as being his own, that he provided for some or all of 
the child's needs, or that in general the father's behavior evidenced a 
genuine concern for the child. The most persuasive evidence for 
establishing a bona fide parent/child relationship is documentary 
evidence which was contemporaneous with the events in question. Such 
evidence may include, but is not limited to: money order receipts or 
canceled checks showing the father's financial support of the

[[Page 81]]

beneficiary; the father's income tax returns; the father's medical or 
insurance records which include the beneficiary as a dependent; school 
records for the beneficiary; correspondence between the parties; or 
notarized affidavits of friends, neighbors, school officials, or other 
associates knowledgeable about the relationship.
    (iv) Primary evidence for stepsiblings. If the petition is submitted 
on behalf of a brother or sister having a common father, the 
relationship of both the petitioner and the beneficiary to the father 
must be established as required in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(2)(iii) 
of this section. If the petitioner and beneficiary are stepsiblings 
through the marriages of their common father to different mothers, the 
marriage certificates of the parents and evidence of the termination of 
any prior marriages of the parents must be submitted.
    (3) Decision on and disposition of petition. The approved petition 
will be forwarded to the Department of State's Processing Center. If the 
beneficiary is in the United States and is eligible for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the approved petition will be 
retained by the Service. If the petition is denied, the petitioner will 
be notified of the reasons for the denial and of the right to appeal in 
accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 3.3.
    (4) Derivative beneficiaries. A spouse or a child accompanying or 
following to join a principal alien beneficiary under this section may 
be accorded the same preference and priority date as the principal alien 
without the necessity of a separate petition.
    (5) Name change. If the name of the petitioner, the beneficiary, or 
both has been legally changed, evidence showing the name change (such as 
a marriage certificate, a legal document showing the name change, or 
other similar evidence) must accompany the petition.
    (h) Validity of approved petitions--(1) General. Unless terminated 
pursuant to section 203(g) of the Act or revoked pursuant to part 205 of 
this chapter, the approval of a petition to classify an alien as a 
preference immigrant under paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) 
of section 203 of the Act, or as an immediate relative under section 
201(b) of the Act, shall remain valid for the duration of the 
relationship to the petitioner and of the petitioner's status as 
established in the petition.
    (2) Subsequent petition by same petitioner for same beneficiary. 
When a visa petition has been approved, and subsequently a new petition 
by the same petitioner is approved for the same preference 
classification on behalf of the same beneficiary, the latter approval 
shall be regarded as a reaffirmation or reinstatement of the validity of 
the original petition, except when the original petition has been 
terminated pursuant to section 203(g) of the Act or revoked pursuant to 
part 205 of this chapter, or when an immigrant visa has been issued to 
the beneficiary as a result of the petition approval. A self-petition 
filed under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 
204(a)(1)(B)(ii), 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act based on the relationship 
to an abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States 
will not be regarded as a reaffirmation or reinstatement of a petition 
previously filed by the abuser. A self-petitioner who has been the 
beneficiary of a visa petition filed by the abuser to accord the self-
petitioner immigrant classification as his or her spouse or child, 
however, will be allowed to transfer the visa petition's priority date 
to the self-petition. The visa petition's priority date may be assigned 
to the self-petition without regard to the current validity of the visa 
petition. The burden of proof to establish the existence of and the 
filing date of the visa petition lies with the self-petitioner, although 
the Service will attempt to verify a claimed filing through a search of 
the Service's computerized records or other records deemed appropriate 
by the adjudicating officer. A new self-petition filed under section 
204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), or 
204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act will not be regarded as a reaffirmation or 
reinstatement of the original self-petition unless the prior and the 
subsequent self-petitions are based on the relationship to the same 
abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
    (i) Automatic conversion of preference classification--(1) By change 
in beneficiary's marital status. (i) A currently

[[Page 82]]

valid petition previously approved to classify the beneficiary as the 
unmarried son or daughter of a United States citizen under section 
203(a)(1) of the Act shall be regarded as having been approved for 
preference status under section 203(a)(3) of the Act as of the date the 
beneficiary marries. The beneficiary's priority date is the same as the 
date the petition for classification under section 203(a)(1) of the Act 
was properly filed.
    (ii) A currently valid petition previously approved to classify a 
child of a United States citizen as an immediate relative under section 
201(b) of the Act shall be regarded as having been approved for 
preference status under section 203(a)(3) of the Act as of the date the 
beneficiary marries. The beneficiary's priority date is the same as the 
date the petition for 201(b) classification was properly filed.
    (iii) A currently valid petition classifying the married son or 
married daughter of a United States citizen for preference status under 
section 203(a)(3) of the Act shall, upon legal termination of the 
beneficiary's marriage, be regarded as having been approved under 
section 203(a)(1) of the Act if the beneficiary is over twenty-one years 
of age. The beneficiary's priority date is the same as the date the 
petition for classification under section 203(a)(3) of the Act was 
properly filed. If the beneficiary is under twenty-one years of age, the 
petition shall be regarded as having been approved for classification as 
an immediate relative under section 201(b) of the Act as of the date the 
petition for classification under section 203(a)(3) of the Act was 
properly filed.
    (iv) A currently valid visa petition previously approved to classify 
the beneficiary as an immediate relative as the spouse of a United 
States citizen must be regarded, upon the death of the petitioner, as 
having been approved as a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) 
or Special Immigrant for classification under paragraph (b) of this 
section, if, on the date of the petitioner's death, the beneficiary 
satisfies the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section. If the 
petitioner dies before the petition is approved, but, on the date of the 
petitioner's death, the beneficiary satisfies the requirements of 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, then the petition shall be adjudicated 
as if it had been filed as a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, 
Widow(er) or Special Immigrant under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) By the beneficiary's attainment of the age of twenty-one years. 
A currently valid petition classifying the child of a United States 
citizen as an immediate relative under section 201(b) of the Act shall 
be regarded as having been approved for preference status under section 
203(a)(1) of the Act as of the beneficiary's twenty-first birthday. The 
beneficiary's priority date is the same as the date the petition for 
section 201(b) classification was filed.
    (3) By the petitioner's naturalization. Effective upon the date of 
naturalization of a petitioner who had been lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence, a currently valid petition according preference 
status under section 203(a)(2) of the Act to the petitioner's spouse and 
unmarried children under twenty-one years of age shall be regarded as 
having been approved for immediate relative status under section 201(b) 
of the Act. Similarly, a currently valid petition according preference 
status under section 203(a)(2) of the Act for the unmarried son or 
daughter over twenty-one years of age shall be regarded as having been 
approved under section 203(a)(1) of the Act. In any case of conversion 
to classification under section 203(a)(1) of the Act, the beneficiary's 
priority date is the same as the date the petition for classification 
under section 203(a)(2) of the Act was properly filed. A self-petition 
filed under section 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act 
based on the relationship to an abusive lawful permanent resident of the 
United States for classification under section 203(a)(2) of the Act will 
not be affected by the abuser's naturalization and will not be 
automatically converted to a petition for immediate relative 
classification.

[57 FR 41057, Sept. 9, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 34090, June 30, 1995; 
60 FR 38948, July 31, 1995; 61 FR 13073, 13075, 13077, Mar. 26, 1996; 62 
FR 10336, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 60771, Nov. 13, 1997; 71 FR 35749, June 
21, 2006; 72 FR 19107, Apr. 17, 2007; 72 FR 56853, Oct. 4, 2007]

[[Page 83]]



Sec.  204.3  Orphan cases under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act 
(non-Hague Adoption Convention cases).

    (a) This section addresses the immigration classification of alien 
orphans as provided for in section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act.
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a child 
who meets the definition of orphan contained in section 101(b)(1)(F) of 
the Act is eligible for classification as the immediate relative of a 
U.S. citizen if:
    (i) The U.S. citizen seeking the child's immigration can document 
that the citizen (and his or her spouse, if any) are capable of 
providing, and will provide, proper care for an alien orphan; and
    (ii) The child is an orphan under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act.


A U.S. citizen may submit the documentation necessary for each of these 
determinations separately or at one time, depending on when the orphan 
is identified.
    (2) Form I-600A or Form I-600 may not be filed under this section on 
or after the Convention effective date, as defined in 8 CFR 204.301, on 
behalf of a child who is habitually resident in a Convention country, as 
defined in 8 CFR 204.301. On or after the Convention effective date, 
USCIS may approve a Form I-600 on behalf of a child who is habitually 
resident in a Convention country only if the Form I-600A or Form I-600 
was filed before the Convention effective date.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, the term:
    Abandonment by both parents means that the parents have willfully 
forsaken all parental rights, obligations, and claims to the child, as 
well as all control over and possession of the child, without intending 
to transfer, or without transferring, these rights to any specific 
person(s). Abandonment must include not only the intention to surrender 
all parental rights, obligations, and claims to the child, and control 
over and possession of the child, but also the actual act of surrending 
such rights, obligations, claims, control, and possession. A 
relinquishment or release by the parents to the prospective adoptive 
parents or for a specific adoption does not constitute abandonment. 
Similarly, the relinquishment or release of the child by the parents to 
a third party for custodial care in anticipation of, or preparation for, 
adoption does not constitute abandonment unless the third party (such as 
a governmental agency, a court of competent jurisdiction, an adoption 
agency, or an orphanage) is authorized under the child welfare laws of 
the foreign-sending country to act in such a capacity. A child who is 
placed temporarily in an orphanage shall not be considered to be 
abandoned if the parents express an intention to retrieve the child, are 
contributing or attempting to contribute to the support of the child, or 
otherwise exhibit ongoing parental interest in the child. A child who 
has been given unconditionally to an orphanage shall be considered to be 
abandoned.
    Adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' household means an 
individual, other than a prospective adoptive parent, over the age of 18 
whose principal or only residence is the home of the prospective 
adoptive parents. This definition excludes any child of the prospective 
adoptive parents, whose principal or only residence is the home of the 
prospective adoptive parents, who reaches his or her eighteenth birthday 
after the prospective adoptive parents have filed the advanced 
processing application (or the advanced processing application 
concurrently with the orphan petition) unless the director has an 
articulable and substantive reason for requiring an evaluation by a home 
study preparer and/or fingerprint check.
    Advanced processing application means Form I-600A (Application for 
Advanced Processing of Orphan Petition) completed in accordance with the 
form's instructions and submitted with the required supporting 
documentation and the fee as required in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1). The 
application must be signed in accordance with the form's instructions by 
the married petitioner and spouse, or by the unmarried petitioner.
    Application is synonymous with advanced processing application.

[[Page 84]]

    Competent authority means a court or governmental agency of a 
foreign-sending country having jurisdiction and authority to make 
decisions in matters of child welfare, including adoption.
    Desertion by both parents means that the parents have willfully 
forsaken their child and have refused to carry out their parental rights 
and obligations and that, as a result, the child has become a ward of a 
competent authority in accordance with the laws of the foreign-sending 
country.
    Disappearance of both parents means that both parents have 
unaccountably or inexplicably passed out of the child's life, their 
whereabouts are unknown, there is no reasonable hope of their 
reappearance, and there has been a reasonable effort to locate them as 
determined by a competent authority in accordance with the laws of the 
foreign-sending country.
    Foreign-sending country means the country of the orphan's 
citizenship, or if he or she is not permanently residing in the country 
of citizenship, the country of the orphan's habitual residence. This 
excludes a country to which the orphan travels temporarily, or to which 
he or she travels either as a prelude to, or in conjunction with, his or 
her adoption and/or immigration to the United States.
    Home study preparer means any party licensed or otherwise authorized 
under the law of the State of the orphan's proposed residence to conduct 
the research and preparation for a home study, including the required 
personal interview(s). This term includes a public agency with authority 
under that State's law in adoption matters, public or private adoption 
agencies licensed or otherwise authorized by the laws of that State to 
place children for adoption, and organizations or individuals licensed 
or otherwise authorized to conduct the research and preparation for a 
home study, including the required personal interview(s), under the laws 
of the State of the orphan's proposed residence. In the case of an 
orphan whose adoption has been finalized abroad and whose adoptive 
parents reside abroad, the home study preparer includes any party 
licensed or otherwise authorized to conduct home studies under the law 
of any State of the United States, or any party licensed or otherwise 
authorized by the foreign country's adoption authorities to conduct home 
studies under the laws of the foreign country.
    Incapable of providing proper care means that a sole or surviving 
parent is unable to provide for the child's basic needs, consistent with 
the local standards of the foreign sending country.
    Loss from both parents means the involuntary severance or detachment 
of the child from the parents in a permanent manner such as that caused 
by a natural disaster, civil unrest, or other calamitous event beyond 
the control of the parents, as verified by a competent authority in 
accordance with the laws of the foreign sending country.
    Orphan petition means Form I-600 (Petition to Classify Orphan as an 
Immediate Relative). The petition must be completed in accordance with 
the form's instructions and submitted with the required supporting 
documentation and, if there is not a pending, or currently valid and 
approved advanced processing application, the fee as required in 8 CFR 
106.2. The petition must be signed in accordance with the form's 
instructions by the married petitioner and spouse, or the unmarried 
petitioner.
    Overseas site means the Department of State immigrant visa-issuing 
post having jurisdiction over the orphan's residence, or in foreign 
countries in which the Services has an office or offices, the Service 
office having jurisdiction over the orphan's residence.
    Petition is synonymous with orphan petition.
    Petitioner means a married United States citizen of any age, or an 
unmarried United States citizen who is at least 24 years old at the time 
he or she files the advanced processing application and at least 25 
years old at the time he or she files the orphan petition. In the case 
of a married couple, both of whom are United States citizens, either 
party may be the petitioner.
    Prospective adoptive parents means a married United States citizen 
of any age and his or her spouse of any age, or an unmarried United 
States citizen who is at least 24 years old at the time he or she files 
the advanced processing

[[Page 85]]

application and at least 25 years old at the time he or she files the 
orphan petition. The spouse of the United States citizen may be a 
citizen or an alien. An alien spouse must be in lawful immigration 
status if residing in the United States.
    Separation from both parents means the involuntary severance of the 
child from his or her parents by action of a competent authority for 
good cause and in accordance with the laws of the foreign-sending 
country. The parents must have been properly notified and granted the 
opportunity to contest such action. The termination of all parental 
rights and obligations must be permanent and unconditional.
    Sole parent means the mother when it is established that the child 
is illegitimate and has not acquired a parent within the meaning of 
section 101(b)(2) of the Act. An illegitimate child shall be considered 
to have a sole parent if his or her father has severed all parental 
ties, rights, duties, and obligations to the child, or if his or her 
father has, in writing, irrevocably released the child for emigration 
and adoption. This definition is not applicable to children born in 
countries which make no distinction between a child born in or out of 
wedlock, since all such children are considered to be legitimate. In all 
cases, a sole parent must be incapable of providing proper care as that 
term is defined in this section.
    Surviving parent means the child's living parent when the child's 
other parent is dead, and the child has not acquired another parent 
within the meaning of section 101(b)(2) of the Act. In all cases, a 
surviving parent must be incapable of providing proper care as that term 
is defined in this section.
    (c) Supporting documentation for an advanced processing application. 
The prospective adoptive parents may file an advanced processing 
application before an orphan is identified in order to secure the 
necessary clearance to file the orphan petition. Any document not in the 
English language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
    (1) Required supporting documentation that must accompany the 
advanced processing application. The following supporting documentation 
must accompany an advanced processing application at the time of filing:
    (i) Evidence of the petitioner's United States citizenship as set 
forth in Sec.  204.1(g) and, if the petitioner is married and the 
married couple is residing in the United States, evidence of the 
spouse's United States citizenship or lawful immigration status;
    (ii) A copy of the petitioner's marriage certificate to his or her 
spouse, if the petitioner is currently married;
    (iii) Evidence of legal termination of all previous marriages for 
the petitioner and/or spouse, if previously married; and
    (iv) Evidence of compliance with preadoption requirements, if any, 
of the State of the orphan's proposed residence in cases where it is 
known that there will be no adoption abroad, or that both members of the 
married prospective adoptive couple or the unmarried prospective 
adoptive parent will not personally see the child prior to, or during, 
the adoption abroad, and/or that the adoption abroad will not be full 
and final. Any preadoption requirements which cannot be met at the time 
the advanced processing application is filed because of operation of 
State law must be noted and explained when the application is filed. 
Preadoption requirements must be met at the time the petition is filed, 
except for those which cannot be met until the orphan arrives in the 
United States.
    (2) Home study. The home study must comply with the requirements 
contained in paragraph (e) of this section. If the home study is not 
submitted when the advanced processing application is filed, it must be 
submitted within one year of the filing date of the advanced processing 
application, or the application will be denied pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(5) of this section.
    (3) After receipt of a properly filed advanced processing 
application, USCIS will fingerprint each member of the married 
prospective adoptive couple or the unmarried prospective adoptive 
parent, as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.16. USCIS will also fingerprint each 
additional adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' household, 
as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.16. USCIS may waive the requirement that each

[[Page 86]]

additional adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' household 
be fingerprinted when it determines that such adult is physically unable 
to be fingerprinted because of age or medical condition.
    (d) Supporting documentation for a petition for an identified 
orphan. Any document not in the English language must be accompanied by 
a certified English translation. If an orphan has been identified for 
adoption and the advanced processing application is pending, the 
prospective adoptive parents may file the orphan petition at the Service 
office where the application is pending. The prospective adoptive 
parents who have an approved advanced processing application must file 
an orphan petition and all supporting documents within eighteen months 
of the date of the approval of the advanced processing application. If 
the prospective adoptive parents fail to file the orphan petition within 
the approval validity period of the advanced processing application, the 
advanced processing application will be deemed abandoned pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(7) of this section. If the prospective adoptive parents 
file the orphan petition after the approval period of the advanced 
processing application has expired, the petition will be denied pursuant 
to paragraph (h)(13) of this section. Prospective adoptive parents who 
do not have an advanced processing application approved or pending may 
file the application and petition concurrently on one Form I-600 if they 
have identified an orphan for adoption. An orphan petition must be 
accompanied by full documentation as follows:
    (1) Filing an orphan petition after the advanced processing 
application has been approved. The following supporting documentation 
must accompany an orphan petition filed after approval of the advanced 
processing application:
    (i) Evidence of approval of the advanced processing application;
    (ii) The orphan's birth certificate, or if such a certificate is not 
available, an explanation together with other proof of identity and age;
    (iii) Evidence that the child is an orphan as appropriate to the 
case:
    (A) Evidence that the orphan has been abandoned or deserted by, 
separated or lost from both parents, or that both parents have 
disappeared as those terms are defined in paragraph (b) of this section; 
or
    (B) The death certificate(s) of the orphan's parent(s), if 
applicable;
    (C) If the orphan has only a sole or surviving parent, as defined in 
paragraph (b) of this section, evidence of this fact and evidence that 
the sole or surviving parent is incapable of providing for the orphan's 
care and has irrevocably released the orphan for emigration and 
adoption; and
    (iv) Evidence of adoption abroad or that the prospective adoptive 
parents have, or a person or entity working on their behalf has, custody 
of the orphan for emigration and adoption in accordance with the laws of 
the foreign-sending country:
    (A) A legible, certified copy of the adoption decree, if the orphan 
has been the subject of a full and final adoption abroad, and evidence 
that the unmarried petitioner, or married petitioner and spouse, saw the 
orphan prior to or during the adoption proceeding abroad; or
    (B) If the orphan is to be adopted in the United States because 
there was no adoption abroad, or the unmarried petitioner, or married 
petitioner and spouse, did not personally see the orphan prior to or 
during the adoption proceeding abroad, and/or the adoption abroad was 
not full and final:
    (1) Evidence that the prospective adoptive parents have, or a person 
or entity working on their behalf has, secured custody of the orphan in 
accordance with the laws of the foreign-sending country;
    (2) An irrevocable release of the orphan for emigration and adoption 
from the person, organization, or competent authority which had the 
immediately previous legal custody or control over the orphan if the 
adoption was not full and final under the laws of the foreign-sending 
country;
    (3) Evidence of compliance with all preadoption requirements, if 
any, of the State of the orphan's proposed residence. (Any such 
requirements that cannot be complied with prior to the orphan's arrival 
in the United States because of State law must be noted and explained); 
and

[[Page 87]]

    (4) Evidence that the State of the orphan's proposed residence 
allows readoption or provides for judicial recognition of the adoption 
abroad if there was an adoption abroad which does not meet statutory 
requirements pursuant to section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act, because the 
unmarried petitioner, or married petitioner and spouse, did not 
personally see the orphan prior to or during the adoption proceeding 
abroad, and/or the adoption abroad was not full and final.
    (2) Filing an orphan petition while the advanced processing 
application is pending. An orphan petition filed while an advanced 
processing application is pending must be filed at the Service office 
where the application is pending. The following supporting documentation 
must accompany an orphan petition filed while the advanced processing 
application is pending:
    (i) A photocopy of the fee receipt relating to the advanced 
processing application, or if not available, other evidence that the 
advanced processing application has been filed, such as a statement 
including the date when the application was filed;
    (ii) The home study, if not already submitted; and
    (iii) The supporting documentation for an orphan petition required 
in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, except for paragraph (d)(1)(i) of 
this section.
    (3) Filing an orphan petition concurrently with the advanced 
processing application. A petition filed concurrently with the advanced 
processing application must be submitted on Form I-600, completed and 
signed in accordance with the form's instructions. (Under this 
concurrent procedure, Form I-600 serves as both the Forms I-600A and I-
600, and the prospective adoptive parents should not file a separate 
Form I-600A). The following supporting documentation must accompany a 
petition filed concurrently with the application under this provision:
    (i) The supporting documentation for an advanced processing 
application required in paragraph (c) of this section; and
    (ii) The supporting documentation for an orphan petition required in 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section, except for paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this 
section.
    (e) Home study requirements. For immigration purposes, a home study 
is a process for screening and preparing prospective adoptive parents 
who are interested in adopting an orphan from another country. The home 
study should be tailored to the particular situation of the prospective 
adoptive parents: for example, a family which previously has adopted 
children will require different preparation than a family that has no 
adopted children. If there are any additional adult members of the 
prospective adoptive parents' household, the home study must address 
this fact. The home study preparer must interview any additional adult 
member of the prospective adoptive parents' household and assess him or 
her in light of the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2)(i), (iii), 
(iv), and (v) of this section. A home study must be conducted by a home 
study preparer, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section. The home 
study, or the most recent update to the home study, must not be more 
than six months old at the time the home study is submitted to the 
Service. Only one copy of the home study must be submitted to the 
Service. Ordinarily, a home study (or a home study and update as 
discussed above) will not have to be updated after it has been submitted 
to the Service unless there is a significant change in the household of 
the prospective adoptive parents such as a change in residence, marital 
status, criminal history, financial resources, and/or the addition of 
one or more children or other dependents to the family prior to the 
orphan's immigration into the United States. In addition to meeting any 
State, professional, or agency requirements, a home study must include 
the following:
    (1) Personal interview(s) and home visit(s). The home study preparer 
must conduct at least one interview in person, and at least one home 
visit, with the prospective adoptive couple or the unmarried prospective 
adoptive parent. Each additional adult member of the prospective 
adoptive parents' household must also be interviewed in person at least 
once. The home study report must state the number of such interviews and 
visits, and must specify any other contacts with the prospective

[[Page 88]]

adoptive parents and any adult member of the prospective adoptive 
parents' household.
    (2) Assessment of the capabilities of the prospective adoptive 
parents to properly parent the orphan. The home study must include a 
discussion of the following areas:
    (i) Assessment of the physical, mental, and emotional capabilities 
of the prospective adoptive parents to properly parent the orphan. The 
home study preparer must make an initial assessment of how the physical, 
mental, and emotional health of the prospective adoptive parents would 
affect their ability to properly care for the prospective orphan. If the 
home study preparer determines that there are areas beyond his or her 
expertise which need to be addressed, he or she shall refer the 
prospective adoptive parents to an appropriate licensed professional, 
such as a physician, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or clinical 
social worker for an evaluation. Some problems may not necessarily 
disqualify applicants. For example, certain physical limitations may 
indicate which categories of children may be most appropriately placed 
with certain prospective adoptive parents. Certain mental and emotional 
health problems may be successfully treated. The home study must include 
the home study preparer's assessment of any such potential problem 
areas, a copy of any outside evaluation(s), and the home study 
preparer's recommended restrictions, if any, on the characteristics of 
the child to be placed in the home. Additionally, the home study 
preparer must apply the requirements of this paragraph to each adult 
member of the prospective adoptive parents' household.
    (ii) Assessment of the finances of the prospective adoptive parents. 
The financial assessment must include a description of the income, 
financial resources, debts, and expenses of the prospective adoptive 
parents. A statement concerning the evidence that was considered to 
verify the source and amount of income and financial resources must be 
included. Any income designated for the support of one or more children 
in the care and custody of the prospective adoptive parents, such as 
funds for foster care, or any income designated for the support of 
another member of the household must not be counted towards the 
financial resources available for the support of a prospective orphan. 
The Service will not routinely require a detailed financial statement or 
supporting financial documents. However, should the need arise, the 
Service reserves the right to ask for such detailed documentation.
    (iii) History of abuse and/or violence--(A) Screening for abuse and 
violence--(1) Checking available child abuse registries. The home study 
preparer must ensure that a check of each prospective adoptive parent 
and each adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' household has 
been made with available child abuse registries and must include in the 
home study the results of the checks including, if applicable, a report 
that no record was found to exist. Depending on the access allowed by 
the state of proposed residence of the orphan, the home study preparer 
must take one of the following courses of action:
    (i) If the home study preparer is allowed access to information from 
the child abuse registries, he or she shall make the appropriate checks 
for each of the prospective adoptive parents and for each adult member 
of the prospective adoptive parents' household;
    (ii) If the State requires the home study preparer to secure 
permission from each of the prospective adoptive parents and for each 
adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' household before 
gaining access to information in such registries, the home study 
preparer must secure such permission from those individuals, and make 
the appropriate checks;
    (iii) If the State will only release information directly to each of 
the prospective adoptive parents and directly to the adult member of the 
prospective adoptive parents' household, those individuals must secure 
such information and provide it to the home study preparer. The home 
study preparer must include the results of these checks in the home 
study;
    (iv) If the State will not release information to either the home 
study preparer or the prospective adoptive parents and the adult members 
of the prospective adoptive parents' household,

[[Page 89]]

this must be noted in the home study; or
    (v) If the State does not have a child abuse registry, this must be 
noted in the home study.
    (2) Inquiring about abuse and violence. The home study preparer must 
ask each prospective adoptive parent whether he or she has a history of 
substance abuse, sexual or child abuse, or domestic violence, even if it 
did not result in an arrest or conviction. The home study preparer must 
include each prospective adoptive parent's response to the questions 
regarding abuse and violence. Additionally, the home study preparer must 
apply the requirements of this paragraph to each adult member of the 
prospective adoptive parents' household.
    (B) Information concerning history of abuse and/or violence. If the 
petitioner and/or spouse, if married, disclose(s) any history of abuse 
and/or violence as set forth in paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(A) of this 
section, or if, in the absence of such disclosure, the home study 
preparer becomes aware of any of the foregoing, the home study report 
must contain an evaluation of the suitability of the home for adoptive 
placement of an orphan in light of this history. This evaluation must 
include information concerning all arrests or convictions or history of 
substance abuse, sexual or child abuse, and/or domestic violence and the 
date of each occurrence. A certified copy of the documentation showing 
the final disposition of each incident, which resulted in arrest, 
indictment, conviction, and/or any other judicial or administrative 
action, must accompany the home study. Additionally, the prospective 
adoptive parent must submit a signed statement giving details including 
mitigating circumstances, if any, about each incident. The home study 
preparer must apply the requirements of this paragraph to each adult 
member of the prospective adoptive parents' household.
    (C) Evidence of rehabilitation. If a prospective adoptive parent has 
a history of substance abuse, sexual or child abuse, and/or domestic 
violence, the home study preparer may, nevertheless, make a favorable 
finding if the prospective adoptive parent has demonstrated appropriate 
rehabilitation. In such a case, a discussion of such rehabilitation 
which demonstrates that the prospective adoptive parent is and will be 
able to provide proper care for the orphan must be included in the home 
study. Evidence of rehabilitation may include an evaluation of the 
seriousness of the arrest(s), conviction(s), or history of abuse, the 
number of such incidents, the length of time since the last incident, 
and any type of counseling or rehabilitation programs which have been 
successfully completed. Evidence of rehabilitation may also be provided 
by an appropriate licensed professional, such as a psychiatrist, 
clinical psychologist, or clinical social worker. The home study report 
must include all facts and circumstances which the home study preparer 
has considered, as well as the preparer's reasons for a favorable 
decision regarding the prospective adoptive parent. Additionally, if any 
adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' household has a 
history of substance abuse, sexual or child abuse, and/or domestic 
violence, the home study preparer must apply the requirements of this 
paragraph to that adult member of the prospective adoptive parents' 
household.
    (D) Failure to disclose or cooperate. Failure to disclose an arrest, 
conviction, or history of substance abuse, sexual or child abuse, and/or 
domestic violence by the prospective adoptive parents or an adult member 
of the prospective adoptive parents' household to the home study 
preparer and to the Service, may result in the denial of the advanced 
processing application or, if applicable, the application and orphan 
petition, pursuant to paragraph (h)(4) of this section. Failure by the 
prospective adoptive parents or an adult member of the prospective 
adoptive parents' household to cooperate in having available child abuse 
registries in accordance with paragraphs (e)(2)(iii)(A)(1) and 
(e)(2)(iii)(A)(1)(i) through (e)(2)(iii)(A)(1)(iii) of this section will 
result in the denial of the advanced processing application or, if 
applicable, the application and orphan petition, pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(4) of this section.
    (iv) Previous rejection for adoption or prior unfavorable home 
study. The home

[[Page 90]]

study preparer must ask each prospective adoptive parent whether he or 
she previously has been rejected as a prospective adoptive parent or has 
been the subject of an unfavorable home study, and must include each 
prospective adoptive parent's response to this question in the home 
study report. If a prospective adoptive parent previously has been 
rejected or found to be unsuitable, the reasons for such a finding must 
be set forth as well as the reason(s) why he or she is not being 
favorably considered as a prospective adoptive parent. A copy of each 
previous rejection and/or unfavorable home study must be attached to the 
favorable home study. Additionally, the home study preparer must apply 
the requirements of this paragraph to each adult member of the 
prospective adoptive parents' household.
    (v) Criminal history. The prospective adoptive parents and the adult 
members of the prospective adoptive parents' household are expected to 
disclose to the home study preparer and the Service any history of 
arrest and/or conviction early in the advanced processing procedure. 
Failure to do so may result in denial pursuant to paragraph (h)(4) of 
this section or in delays. Early disclosure provides the prospective 
adoptive parents with the best opportunity to gather and present 
evidence, and it gives the home study preparer and the Service the 
opportunity to properly evaluate the criminal record in light of such 
evidence. When such information is not presented early in the process, 
it comes to light when the fingerprint checks are received by the 
Service. By that time, the prospective adoptive parents are usually well 
into preadoption proceedings of identifying a child and may even have 
firm travel plans. At times, the travel plans have to be rescheduled 
while the issues raised by the criminal record are addressed. It is in 
the best interests of all parties to have any criminal records disclosed 
and resolved early in the process.
    (3) Living accommodations. The home study must include a detailed 
description of the living accommodations where the prospective adoptive 
parents currently reside. If the prospective adoptive parents are 
planning to move, the home study must include a description of the 
living accommodations where the child will reside with the prospective 
adoptive parents, if known. If the prospective adoptive parents are 
residing abroad at the time of the home study, the home study must 
include a description of the living accommodations where the child will 
reside in the United States with the prospective adoptive parents, if 
known. Each description must include an assessment of the suitability of 
accommodations for a child and a determination whether such space meets 
applicable State requirements, if any.
    (4) Handicapped or special needs orphan. A home study conducted in 
conjunction with the proposed adoption of a special needs or handicapped 
orphan must contain a discussion of the prospective adoptive parents' 
preparation, willingness, and ability to provide proper care for such an 
orphan.
    (5) Summary of the counseling given and plans for post-placement 
counseling. The home study must include a summary of the counseling 
given to prepare the prospective adoptive parents for an international 
adoption and any plans for post-placement counseling. Such preadoption 
counseling must include a discussion of the processing, expenses, 
difficulties, and delays associated with international adoptions.
    (6) Specific approval of the prospective adoptive parents for 
adoption. If the home study preparer's findings are favorable, the home 
study must contain his or her specific approval of the prospective 
adoptive parents for adoption and a discussion of the reasons for such 
approval. The home study must include the number of orphans which the 
prospective adoptive parents may adopt. The home study must state 
whether there are any specific restrictions to the adoption such as 
nationality, age, or gender of the orphan. If the home study preparer 
has approved the prospective parents for a handicapped or special needs 
adoption, this fact must be clearly stated.
    (7) Home study preparer's certification and statement of authority 
to conduct home studies. The home study must include a statement in 
which the home study preparer certifies that he or she is licensed or 
otherwise authorized by

[[Page 91]]

the State of the orphan's proposed residence to research and prepare 
home studies. In the case of an orphan whose adoption was finalized 
abroad and whose adoptive parents reside abroad, the home study preparer 
must certify that he or she is licensed or otherwise authorized to 
conduct home studies under the law of any State of the United States, or 
authorized by the adoption authorities of the foreign country to conduct 
home studies under the laws of the foreign country. In every case, this 
statement must cite the State or country under whose authority the home 
study preparer is licensed or authorized, the specific law or regulation 
authorizing the preparer to conduct home studies, the license number, if 
any, and the expiration date, if any, of this authorization or license.
    (8) Review of home study. If the prospective adoptive parents reside 
in a State which requires the State to review the home study, such a 
review must occur and be documented before the home study is submitted 
to the Service. If the prospective adoptive parents reside abroad, an 
appropriate public or private adoption agency licensed, or otherwise 
authorized, by any State of the United States to place children for 
adoption, must review and favorably recommend the home study before it 
is submitted to the Service.
    (9) Home study updates and amendments--(i) Updates. If the home 
study is more than six months old at the time it would be submitted to 
the Service, the prospective adoptive parents must ensure that it is 
updated by a home study preparer before it is submitted to the Service. 
Each update must include screening in accordance with paragraphs 
(e)(2)(iii) (A) and (B) of this section.
    (ii) Amendments. If there have been any significant changes, such as 
a change in the residence of the prospective adoptive parents, marital 
status, criminal history, financial resources, and/or the addition of 
one or more children or other dependents to the family, the prospective 
adoptive parents must ensure that the home study is amended by a home 
study preparer to reflect any such changes. If the orphan's proposed 
State of residence has changed, the home study amendment must contain a 
recommendation in accordance with paragraph (e)(8) of this section, if 
required by State law. Any preadoption requirements of the new State 
must be complied with in the case of an orphan coming to the United 
States to be adopted.
    (10) ``Grandfather'' provision for home study. A home study properly 
completed in conformance with the regulations in force prior to 
September 30, 1994, shall be considered acceptable if submitted to the 
Service within 90 days of September 30, 1994. Any such home study 
accepted under this ``grandfather'' provision must include screening in 
accordance with paragraphs (e)(2)(iii) (A) and (B) of this section. 
Additionally, any such home study submitted under this ``grandfather'' 
provision which is more than six months old at the time of its 
submission must be amended or updated pursuant to the requirements of 
paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
    (f) State preadoption requirements--(1) General. Many States have 
preadoption requirements which, under the Act, must be complied with in 
every case in which a child is coming to such a State as an orphan to be 
adopted in the United States.
    (2) Child coming to be adopted in the United States. An orphan is 
coming to be adopted in the United States if he or she will not be or 
has not been adopted abroad, or if the unmarried petitioner or both the 
married petitioner and spouse did not or will not personally see the 
orphan prior to or during the adoption proceeding abroad, and/or if the 
adoption abroad will not be, or was not, full and final. If the 
prospective adoptive parents reside in a State with preadoption 
requirements and they plan to have the child come to the United States 
for adoption, they must submit evidence of compliance with the State's 
preadoption requirements to the Service. Any preadoption requirements 
which by operation of State law cannot be met before filing the advanced 
processing application must be noted. Such requirements must be met 
prior to filing the petition, except for those which cannot be met by 
operation of State law until the orphan is physically in the United

[[Page 92]]

States. Those requirements which cannot be met until the orphan is 
physically present in the United States must be noted.
    (3) Special circumstances. If both members of the prospective 
adoptive couple or the unmarried prospective adoptive parent intend to 
travel abroad to see the child prior to or during the adoption, the Act 
permits the application and/or petition, if otherwise approvable, to be 
approved without preadoption requirements having been met. However, if 
plans change and both members of the prospective adoptive couple or the 
unmarried prospective adoptive parent fail to see the child prior to or 
during the adoption, then preadoption requirements must be met before 
the immigrant visa can be issued, except for those preadoption 
requirements that cannot be met until the child is physically in the 
United States because of operation of State law.
    (4) Evidence of compliance. In every case where compliance with 
preadoption requirements is required, the evidence of compliance must be 
in accordance with applicable State law, regulation, and procedure.
    (g) Where to file. Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an 
Immediate Relative, and Form I-600A, Application for Advanced Processing 
of Orphan Petition, must be filed in accordance with the instructions on 
the form.
    (h) Adjudication and decision--(1) ``Grandfather'' provision for 
advanced processing application and/or orphan petition. All applications 
and petitions filed under prior regulations which are filed before and 
are still pending on September 30, 1994, shall be processed and 
adjudicated under the prior regulations.
    (2) Director's responsibility to make an independent decision in an 
advanced processing application. No advanced processing application 
shall be approved unless the director is satisfied that proper care will 
be provided for the orphan. If the director has reason to believe that a 
favorable home study, or update, or both are based on an inadequate or 
erroneous evaluation of all the facts, he or she shall attempt to 
resolve the issue with the home study preparer, the agency making the 
recommendation pursuant to paragraph (e)(8) of this section, if any, and 
the prospective adoptive parents. If such consultations are 
unsatisfactory, the director may request a review and opinion from the 
appropriate State Government authorities.
    (3) Advanced processing application approved. (i) If the advanced 
processing application is approved:
    (A) The prospective adoptive parents will be advised in writing. A 
notice of approval expires 15 months after the date on which USCIS 
received the FBI response on the applicant's, and any additional adult 
member of the household's, biometrics, unless approval is revoked. If 
USCIS received the responses on different days, the 15-month period 
begins on the earliest response date. The notice of approval will 
specify the expiration date.
    (B) USCIS may extend the validity period for the approval of a Form 
I-600A as provided in paragraph (h)(3)(ii) of this section or if 
requested in accordance with 8 CFR 106.2(a)(23). During this time, the 
prospective adoptive parents may file an orphan petition for one orphan 
without fee.
    (C) If the Form I-600A approval is for more than one orphan, the 
prospective adoptive parents may file a petition for each of the 
additional children, to the maximum number approved.
    (D) If the orphans are birth siblings, no additional fee is 
required. If the orphans are not birth siblings, an additional fee is 
required for each orphan beyond the first orphan.
    (E) It does not guarantee that the orphan petition will be approved.
    (ii) In the case of an outbreak affecting a public health or other 
emergency:
    (A) The USCIS Director or his or her designee, may extend the 
validity period of the approval of the advance processing application, 
either in an individual case or for a class of cases if the Director or 
designee determines that the ability of a prospective adoptive parent to 
timely file a petition has been adversely affected.
    (B) An extension of the validity of the approval of the advance 
processing application may be subject to such conditions as the USCIS 
Director, or officer designated by the USCIS Director, may establish.

[[Page 93]]

    (4) Advanced processing application denied for failure to disclose 
history of abuse and/or violence, or for failure to disclose a criminal 
history, or for failure to cooperate in checking child abuse registries. 
Failure to disclose an arrest, conviction, or history of substance 
abuse, sexual or child abuse, and/or domestic violence, or a criminal 
history to the home study preparer and to the Service in accordance with 
paragraphs (e)(2)(iii) (A) and (B) and (e)(2)(v) of this section may 
result in the denial of the advanced processing application, or if 
applicable, the application and orphan petition filed concurrently. 
Failure by the prospective adoptive parents or an adult member of the 
prospective adoptive parents' household to cooperate in having available 
child abuse registries checked in accordance with paragraphs 
(e)(2)(iii)(A)(1) and (e)(2)(iii)(A)(1)(i) through 
(e)(2)(iii)(A)(1)(iii) of this section will result in the denial of the 
advanced processing application or, if applicable, the application and 
orphan petition filed concurrently. Any new application and/or petition 
filed within a year of such denial will also be denied.
    (5) Advanced processing denied for failure to submit home study. If 
the home study is not submitted within one year of the filing date of 
the advanced processing application, the application shall be denied. 
This action shall be without prejudice to a new filing at any time with 
fee.
    (6) Advanced processing application otherwise denied. If the 
director finds that the prospective adoptive parents have otherwise 
failed to establish eligibility, the applicable provisions of 8 CFR part 
103 regarding a letter of intent to deny, if appropriate, and denial and 
notification of appeal rights shall govern.
    (7) Advanced processing application deemed abandoned for failure to 
file orphan petition within the approval validity period of the advanced 
processing application. If an orphan petition is not properly filed 
within 15 months of the approval date of the advanced processing 
application:
    (i) The application will be deemed abandoned;
    (ii) Supporting documentation will be returned to the prospective 
adoptive parents, except for documentation submitted by a third party 
which will be returned to the third party, and documentation relating to 
the biometrics checks;
    (iii) The director will dispose of documentation relating to 
biometrics checks in accordance with current policy; and
    (iv) Such abandonment will be without prejudice to a new filing at 
any time with fee.
    (8) Orphan petition approved by a stateside Service office. If the 
orphan petition is approved by a stateside Service office, the 
prospective adoptive parents shall be advised in writing, telegraphic 
notification shall be sent to the immigrant visa-issuing post pursuant 
to paragraph (j)(3) of this section, and the petition and supporting 
documents shall be forwarded to the Department of State.
    (9) Orphan petition approved by an overseas Service office. If the 
orphan petition is approved by an overseas Service office located in the 
country of the orphan's residence, the prospective adoptive parents 
shall be advised in writing, and the petition and supporting documents 
shall be forwarded to the immigrant visa-issuing post having 
jurisdiction for immigrant visa processing.
    (10) Orphan petition approved at an immigrant visa-issuing post. If 
the orphan petition is approved at an immigrant visa-issuing post, the 
post shall initiate immigrant visa processing.
    (11) Orphan petition found to be ``not readily approvable'' by a 
consular officer. If the consular officer adjudicating the orphan 
petition finds that it is ``not readily approvable,'' he or she shall 
notify the prospective adoptive parents in his or her consular district 
and forward the petition, the supporting documents, the findings of the 
I-604 investigation conducted pursuant to paragraph (k)(1) of this 
section, and any other relating documentation to the overseas Service 
office having jurisdiction pursuant to Sec.  100.4(b) of this chapter.
    (12) Orphan petition denied: petitioner fails to establish that the 
child is an orphan. If the director finds that the petitioner has failed 
to establish that the child is an orphan who is eligible for

[[Page 94]]

the benefits sought, the applicable provisions of 8 CFR part 103 
regarding a letter of intent to deny and notification of appeal rights 
shall govern.
    (13) Orphan petition denied: petitioner files orphan petition after 
the approval of the advanced processing application has expired. If the 
petitioner files the orphan petition after the advanced processing 
application has expired, the petition will be denied. This action will 
be without prejudice to a new filing at any time with fee.
    (14) Revocation. The approval of an advanced processing application 
or an orphan petition shall be automatically revoked in accordance with 
Sec.  205.1 of this chapter, if an applicable reason exists. The 
approval of an advanced processing application or an orphan petition 
shall be revoked if the director becomes aware of information that would 
have resulted in denial had it been known at the time of adjudication. 
Such a revocation or any other revocation on notice shall be made in 
accordance with Sec.  205.2 of this chapter.
    (i) Child-buying as a ground for denial. An orphan petition must be 
denied under this section if the prospective adoptive parents or 
adoptive parent(s), or a person or entity working on their behalf, have 
given or will given money or other consideration either directly or 
indirectly to the child's parent(s), agent(s), other individual(s), or 
entity as payment for the child or as an inducement to release the 
child. Nothing in this paragraph shall be regarded as precluding 
reasonable payment for necessary activities such as administrative, 
court, legal, translation, and/or medical services related to the 
adoption proceedings.
    (j) Telegraphic notifications--(1) Telegraphic notification of 
approval of advanced processing application. Unless conditions preclude 
normal telegraphic transmissions, whenever an advanced processing 
application is approved in the United States, the director shall send 
telegraphic notification of the approval to the overseas site if a 
prospective adoptive parent advises the director that the petitioner 
intends to travel abroad and file the orphan petition abroad.
    (2) Requesting a change in visa-issuing posts. If a prospective 
adoptive parent is in the United States, he or she may request the 
director to transfer notification of the approved advanced processing 
application to another visa-issuing post. Such a request shall be made 
on Form I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or 
Petition) with the appropriate fee. The director shall send a Visas 37 
telegram to both the previously and the newly designated posts. The 
following shall be inserted after the last numbered standard entry. 
``To: [insert name of previously designated visa-issuing post or 
overseas Service office]. Pursuant to the petitioner's request, the 
Visas 37 cable previously sent to your post/office in this matter is 
hereby invalidated. The approval is being transferred to the other post/
office addressed in this telegram. Please forward the approved advanced 
processing application to that destination.'' Prior to sending such a 
telegram, the director must ensure that the change in posts does not 
alter any conditions of the approval.
    (3) Telegraphic notification of approval of an orphan petition. 
Unless conditions preclude normal telegraphic transmissions, whenever a 
petition is approved by a stateside Service office, the director shall 
send telegraphic notification of the approval to the immigrant visa-
issuing post.
    (k) Other considerations--(1) I-604 investigations. An I-604 
investigation must be completed in every orphan case. The investigation 
must be completed by a consular officer except when the petition is 
properly filed at a Service office overseas, in which case it must be 
completed by a Service officer. An I-604 investigation shall be 
completed before a petition is adjudicated abroad. When a petition is 
adjudicated by a stateside Service office, the I-604 investigation is 
normally completed after the case has been forwarded to visa-issuing 
post abroad. However, in a case where the director of a stateside 
Service office adjudicating the petition has articulable concerns that 
can only be resolved through the I-604 investigation, he or she shall 
request the investigation prior to adjudication. In any case in which 
there are significant differences between the facts presented in

[[Page 95]]

the approved advanced processing application and/or orphan petition and 
the facts uncovered by the I-604 investigation, the overseas site may 
consult directly with the appropriate Service office. In any instance 
where an I-604 investigation reveals negative information sufficient to 
sustain a denial or revocation, the investigation report, supporting 
documentation, and petition shall be forwarded to the appropriate 
Service office for action. Depending on the circumstances surrounding 
the case, the I-604 investigation shall include, but shall not 
necessarily be limited to, document checks, telephonic checks, 
interview(s) with the natural parent(s), and/or a field investigation.
    (2) Authority of consular officers. An American consular officer is 
authorized to approve an orphan petition if the Service has made a 
favorable determination on the related advanced processing application, 
and the petitioner, who has traveled abroad to a country with no Service 
office in order to locate or adopt an orphan, has properly filed the 
petition, and the petition is approvable. A consular officer, however, 
shall refer any petition which is ``not clearly approvable'' for a 
decision by the Service office having jurisdiction pursuant to Sec.  
100.4(b) of this chapter. The consular officer's adjudication includes 
all aspects of eligibility for classification as an orphan under section 
101(b)(1)(F) of the Act other than the issue of the ability of the 
prospective adoptive parents to furnish proper care to the orphan. 
However, if the consular officer has a well-founded and substantive 
reason to believe that the advanced processing approval was obtained on 
the basis of fraud or misrepresentation, or has knowledge of a change in 
material fact subsequent to the approval of the advanced processing 
application, he or she shall consult with the Service office having 
jurisdiction pursuant to Sec.  100.4(b) of this chapter.
    (3) Child in the United States. A child who is in parole status and 
who has not been adopted in the United States is eligible for the 
benefits of an orphan petition when all the requirements of sections 
101(b)(1)(F) and 204 (d) and (e) of the Act have been met. A child in 
the United States either illegally or as a nonimmigrant, however, is 
ineligible for the benefits of an orphan petition.
    (4) Liaison. Each director shall develop and maintain liaison with 
State Government adoption authorities having jurisdiction within his or 
her jurisdiction, including the administrator(s) of the Interstate 
Compact on the Placement of Children, and with other parties with 
interest in international adoptions. Such parties include, but are not 
necessarily limited to, adoption agencies, organizations representing 
adoption agencies, organizations representing adoptive parents, and 
adoption attorneys.

[59 FR 38881, Aug. 1, 1994; 59 FR 42878, Aug. 19, 1994, as amended at 63 
FR 12986, Mar. 17, 1998; 68 FR 46926, Aug. 7, 2003; 72 FR 56853, Oct. 4, 
2007; 74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 
46921, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.4  Amerasian child of a United States citizen.

    (a) Eligibility. An alien is eligible for benefits under Public Law 
97-359 as the Amerasian child or son or daughter of a United States 
citizen if there is reason to believe that the alien was born in Korea, 
Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand after December 31, 1950, and 
before October 22, 1982, and was fathered by a United States citizen. 
Such an alien is eligible for classification under sections 201(b), 
203(a)(1), or 203(a)(3) of the Act as the Amerasian child or son or 
daughter of a United States citizen, pursuant to section 204(f) of the 
Act.
    (b) Filing petition. Any alien claiming to be eligible for benefits 
as an Amerasian under Public Law 97-359, or any person on the alien's 
behalf, may file a petition, Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow, 
or Special Immigrant. Any person filing the petition must either be 
eighteen years of age or older or be an emancipated minor. In addition, 
a corporation incorporated in the United States may file the petition on 
the alien's behalf.
    (c) Jurisdiction. The petition must be filed in accordance with the 
instructions on the form.
    (d) Two-stage processing--(1) Preliminary processing. Upon initial 
submission of a petition with the documentary evidence required in 
paragraph

[[Page 96]]

(f)(1) of this section, the director shall adjudicate the petition to 
determine whether there is reason to believe the beneficiary was 
fathered by a United States citizen. If the preliminary processing is 
completed in a satisfactory manner, the director shall advise the 
petitioner to submit the documentary evidence required in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this section and shall fingerprint the sponsor in accordance 
with 8 CFR 103.16. The petitioner must submit all required documents 
within one year of the date of the request or the petition will be 
considered to have been abandoned. To reactivate an abandoned petition, 
the petitioner must submit a new petition, without the previously 
submitted documentation, to the Service office having jurisdiction over 
the prior petition.
    (2) Final processing. Upon submission of the documentary evidence 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the director shall 
complete the adjudication of the petition.
    (e) One-stage processing. If all documentary evidence required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section is available when the petition is 
initially filed, the petitioner may submit it at that time. In that 
case, the director shall consider all evidence without using the two-
stage processing procedure set out in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (f) Evidence to support a petition for an Amerasian child of a 
United States citizen--(1) Two-stage processing of petition--(i) 
Preliminary processing. (A) A petition filed by or on behalf of an 
Amerasian under this section must be accompanied by evidence that the 
beneficiary was born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand 
after December 31, 1950, and before October 22, 1982. If the beneficiary 
was born in Vietnam, the beneficiary's ID card must be submitted, if 
available. If it is not available, the petitioner must submit an 
affidavit explaining why the beneficiary's ID card is not available. 
Evidence that the beneficiary was fathered by a United States citizen 
must also be presented. The putative father must have been a United 
States citizen at the time of the beneficiary's birth or at the time of 
the father's death, if his death occurred prior to the beneficiary's 
birth. It is not required that the name of the father be given. Such 
evidence may include, but need not be limited to:
    (1) The beneficiary's birth and baptismal certificates or other 
religious documents;
    (2) Local civil records;
    (3) Affidavits from knowledgeable witnesses;
    (4) Letters or evidence of financial support from the beneficiary's 
putative father;
    (5) Photographs of the beneficiary's putative father, especially 
with the beneficiary; and
    (6) Evidence of the putative father's United States citizenship.
    (B) The beneficiary's photograph must be submitted.
    (C) The beneficiary's marriage certificate, if married, and evidence 
of the termination of any previous marriages, if applicable, is 
required.
    (D) If the beneficiary is under eighteen years of age, a written 
irrevocable release for emigration must be received from the 
beneficiary's mother or legal guardian. The mother or legal guardian 
must authorize the placing agency or agencies to make decisions 
necessary for the child's immediate care until the sponsor receives 
custody. Interim costs are the responsibility of the sponsor. The mother 
or legal guardian must show an understanding of the effects of the 
release and state before signing the release whether any money was paid 
or any coercion was used. The signature of the mother or legal guardian 
must be authenticated by the local registrar, the court of minors, or a 
United States immigration or consular officer. The release must include 
the mother's or legal guardian's full name, date and place of birth, and 
current or permanent address.
    (ii) Final processing. (A) If the director notifies the petitioner 
that all preliminary processing has been completed in a satisfactory 
manner, the petitioner must then submit Form I-361, Affidavit of 
Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal Custody for Public 
Law 97-359 Amerasian, executed by the beneficiary's sponsor, along with 
the documentary evidence of the sponsor's financial ability required by 
that form. If the beneficiary is under eighteen years of age, the 
sponsor must

[[Page 97]]

agree to petition the court having jurisdiction, within thirty days of 
the beneficiary's arrival in the United States, for legal custody under 
the laws of the state where the beneficiary will reside until the 
beneficiary is eighteen years of age. The term ``legal custody'' as used 
in this section means the assumption of responsibility for a minor by an 
adult under the laws of the state in a court of law. The sponsor must be 
a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who is twenty-one 
years of age or older and who is of good moral character.
    (B) Other documents necessary to support the petition are:
    (1) Evidence of the age of the beneficiary's sponsor;
    (2) Evidence of United States citizenship or lawful permanent 
residence of the sponsor as provided in Sec.  204.1(f); and
    (C) If the beneficiary is under eighteen years of age, evidence that 
a public, private, or state agency licensed in the United States to 
place children and actively involved, with recent experience, in the 
intercountry placement of children has arranged the beneficiary's 
placement in the United States. Evidence must also be provided that the 
sponsor with whom the beneficiary is being placed is able to accept the 
beneficiary for care in the sponsor's home under the laws of the state 
of the beneficiary's intended residence. The evidence must demonstrate 
the agency's capability, including financial capability, to arrange the 
placement as described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, either 
directly or through cooperative agreement with other suitable 
provider(s) of service.
    (iii) Arrangements for placement of beneficiary under eighteen years 
of age. (A) If the beneficiary is under eighteen years of age, the 
petitioner must submit evidence of the placement arrangement required 
under paragraph (f)(1) of this section. A favorable home study of the 
sponsor is necessary and must be conducted by an agency in the United 
States legally authorized to conduct that study. If the sponsor resides 
outside the United States, a home study of the sponsor must be conducted 
by an agency legally authorized to conduct home studies in the state of 
the sponsor's and beneficiary's intended residence in the United States 
and must be submitted with a favorable recommendation by the agency.
    (B) A plan from the agency to provide follow-up services, including 
mediation and counselling, is required to ensure that the sponsor and 
the beneficiary have satisfactorily adjusted to the placement and to 
determine whether the terms of the sponsorship are being observed. A 
report from the agency concerning the placement, including information 
regarding any family separation or dislocation abroad that results from 
the placement, must also be submitted. In addition, the agency must 
submit to the Director, Outreach Program, Immigration and Naturalization 
Service, Washington, DC, within 90 days of each occurrence, reports of 
any breakdowns in sponsorship that occur, and reports of the steps taken 
to remedy these breakdowns. The petitioner must also submit a statement 
from the agency:
    (1) Indicating that, before signing the sponsorship agreement, the 
sponsor has been provided a report covering pre-placement screening and 
evaluation, including a health evaluation, of the beneficiary;
    (2) Describing the agency's orientation of both the sponsor and the 
beneficiary on the legal and cultural aspects of the placement;
    (3) Describing the initial facilitation of the placement through 
introduction, translation, and similar services; and
    (4) Describing the contingency plans to place the beneficiary in 
another suitable home if the initial placement fails. The new sponsor 
must execute and submit a Form I-361 to the Service office having 
jurisdiction over the beneficiary's residence in the United States. The 
original sponsor nonetheless retains financial responsibility for the 
beneficiary under the terms of the guarantee of financial support and 
intent to petition for legal custody which that sponsor executed, unless 
that responsibility is assumed by a new sponsor. In the event that the 
new sponsor does not comply with the terms of the new guarantee of 
financial support and intent to petition for legal custody and if, for 
any reason, that guarantee is not

[[Page 98]]

enforced, the original sponsor again becomes financially responsible for 
the beneficiary.
    (2) One-stage processing of petition. If the petitioner chooses to 
have the petition processed under the one-stage processing procedure 
described in paragraph (e) of this section, the petitioner must submit 
all evidence required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (g) Decision--(1) General. The director shall notify the petitioner 
of the decision and, if the petition is denied, of the reasons for the 
denial. If the petition is denied, the petitioner may appeal the 
decision under part 103 of this chapter.
    (2) Denial upon completion of preliminary processing. The director 
may deny the petition upon completion of the preliminary processing 
under paragraph (d) of this section for:
    (i) Failure to establish that there is reason to believe the alien 
was fathered by a United States citizen; or
    (ii) Failure to meet the sponsorship requirements if the 
fingerprints of the sponsor, required in paragraph (f)(1) of this 
section, were submitted during the preliminary processing and the 
completed background check of the sponsor discloses adverse information 
resulting in a finding that the sponsor is not of good moral character.
    (3) Denial upon completion of final processing. The director may 
deny the petition upon completion of final processing if it is 
determined that the sponsorship requirements, or one or more of the 
other applicable requirements, have not been met.
    (4) Denial upon completion of one-stage processing. The director may 
deny the petition upon completion of all processing if any of the 
applicable requirements in a case being processed under the one-stage 
processing described in paragraph (e) of this section are not met.
    (h) Classification of Public Law 97-359 Amerasian. If the petition 
is approved the beneficiary is classified as follows:
    (1) An unmarried beneficiary under the age of twenty-one is 
classified as the child of a United States citizen under section 201(b) 
of the Act;
    (2) An unmarried beneficiary twenty-one years of age or older is 
classified as the unmarried son or daughter of a United States citizen 
under section 203(a)(1) of the Act; and
    (3) A married beneficiary is classified as the married son or 
daughter of a United States citizen under section 203(a)(3) of the Act.
    (i) Enforcement of affidavit of financial support and intent to 
petition for legal custody. A guarantee of financial support and intent 
to petition for legal custody on Form I-361 may be enforced against the 
alien's sponsor in a civil suit brought by the Attorney General in the 
United States District Court for the district in which the sponsor 
resides, except that the sponsor's estate is not liable under the 
guarantee if the sponsor dies or is adjudicated as bankrupt under title 
11, United States Code. After admission to the United States, if the 
beneficiary of a petition requires enforcement of the guarantee of 
financial support and intent to petition for legal custody executed by 
the beneficiary's sponsor, the beneficiary may file Form I-363 with 
USCIS. If the beneficiary is under eighteen years of age, any agency or 
individual (other than the sponsor) having legal custody of the 
beneficiary, or a legal guardian acting on the alien's behalf, may file 
Form I-363.

[57 FR 41066, Sept. 9, 1992, as amended at 63 FR 12986, Mar. 17, 1998; 
74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  204.5  Petitions for employment-based immigrants.

    (a) General. A petition to classify an alien under section 
203(b)(1), 203(b)(2), or 203(b)(3) of the Act must be filed on Form I-
140, Petition for Immigrant Worker. A petition to classify an alien 
under section 203(b)(4) (as it relates to special immigrants under 
section 101(a)(27)(C)) must be filed on kForm I-360, Petition for 
Amerasian, Widow, or Special Immigrant. A separate Form I-140 or I-360 
must be filed for each beneficiary, accompanied by the applicable fee. A 
petition is considered properly filed if it is:
    (1) Accepted for processing under the provisions of part 103;
    (2) Accompanied by any required individual labor certification, 
application for Schedule A designation, or evidence that the alien's 
occupation qualifies as a shortage occupation within

[[Page 99]]

the Department of Labor's Labor Market Information Pilot Program; and
    (3) Accompanied by any other required supporting documentation.
    (b) Jurisdiction. Form I-140 or I-360 must be filed in accordance 
with the instructions on the form.
    (c) Filing petition. Any United States employer desiring and 
intending to employ an alien may file a petition for classification of 
the alien under section 203(b)(1)(B), 203(b)(1)(C), 203(b)(2), or 
203(b)(3) of the Act. An alien, or any person in the alien's behalf, may 
file a petition for classification under section 203(b)(1)(A) or 
203(b)(4) of the Act (as it relates to special immigrants under section 
101(a)(27)(C) of the Act).
    (d) Priority date. The priority date of any petition filed for 
classification under section 203(b) of the Act which is accompanied by 
an individual labor certification from the Department of Labor shall be 
the date the labor certification application was accepted for processing 
by any office of the Department of Labor. The priority date of any 
petition filed for a classification under section 203(b) of the Act 
which does not require a labor certification from the Department of 
Labor shall be the date the completed, signed petition (including all 
initial evidence and the correct fee) is properly filed with USCIS. The 
priority date of any petition filed for classification under section 
203(b) of the Act which is accompanied by an application for Schedule A 
designation shall be the date the completed, signed petition (including 
all initial evidence and the correct fee) is properly filed with USCIS. 
The priority date of an alien who filed for classification as a special 
immigrant under section 203(b)(4) of the Act prior to October 1, 1991, 
and who is the beneficiary of an approved petition for special immigrant 
status after October 1, 1991, shall be the date the alien applied for an 
immigrant visa or adjustment of status.
    (e) Retention of section 203(b)(1), (2), or (3) priority date. (1) A 
petition approved on behalf of an alien under sections 203(b)(1), (2), 
or (3) of the Act accords the alien the priority date of the approved 
petition for any subsequently filed petition for any classification 
under section 203(b)(1), (2), or (3) of the Act for which the alien may 
qualify. In the event that the alien is the beneficiary of multiple 
approved petitions under section 203(b)(1), (2), or (3) of the Act, the 
alien shall be entitled to the earliest priority date.
    (2) The priority date of a petition may not be retained under 
paragraph (e)(1) of this section if at any time USCIS revokes the 
approval of the petition because of:
    (i) Fraud, or a willful misrepresentation of a material fact;
    (ii) Revocation by the Department of Labor of the approved permanent 
labor certification that accompanied the petition;
    (iii) Invalidation by USCIS or the Department of State of the 
permanent labor certification that accompanied the petition; or
    (iv) A determination by USCIS that petition approval was based on a 
material error.
    (3) A denied petition will not establish a priority date.
    (4) A priority date is not transferable to another alien.
    (5) A petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(F) of the Act for an 
alien shall remain valid with respect to a new employment offer as 
determined by USCIS under section 204(j) of the Act and 8 CFR 245.25. An 
alien will continue to be afforded the priority date of such petition, 
if the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section are met.
    (f) Maintaining the priority date of a third or sixth preference 
petition filed prior to October 1, 1991. Any petition filed before 
October 1, 1991, and approved on any date, to accord status under 
section 203(a)(3) or 203(a)(6) of the Act, as in effect before October 
1, 1991, shall be deemed a petition approved to accord status under 
section 203(b)(2) or within the appropriate classification under section 
203(b)(3), respectively, of the Act as in effect on or after October 1, 
1991, provided that the alien applies for an immigrant visa or 
adjustment of status within the two years following notification that an 
immigrant visa is immediately available for his or her use.
    (g) Initial evidence--(1) General. Specific requirements for initial 
supporting documents for the various employment-based immigrant 
classifications are set forth in this section. In

[[Page 100]]

general, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (except for 
labor certifications from the Department of Labor) will be acceptable 
for initial filing and approval. However, at the discretion of the 
director, original documents may be required in individual cases. 
Evidence relating to qualifying experience or training shall be in the 
form of letter(s) from current or former employer(s) or trainer(s) and 
shall include the name, address, and title of the writer, and a specific 
description of the duties performed by the alien or of the training 
received. If such evidence is unavailable, other documentation relating 
to the alien's experience or training will be considered.
    (2) Ability of prospective employer to pay wage. Any petition filed 
by or for an employment-based immigrant which requires an offer of 
employment must be accompanied by evidence that the prospective United 
States employer has the ability to pay the proffered wage. The 
petitioner must demonstrate this ability at the time the priority date 
is established and continuing until the beneficiary obtains lawful 
permanent residence. Evidence of this ability shall be either in the 
form of copies of annual reports, federal tax returns, or audited 
financial statements. In a case where the prospective United States 
employer employs 100 or more workers, the director may accept a 
statement from a financial officer of the organization which establishes 
the prospective employer's ability to pay the proffered wage. In 
appropriate cases, additional evidence, such as profit/loss statements, 
bank account records, or personnel records, may be submitted by the 
petitioner or requested by the Service.
    (h) Aliens with extraordinary ability. (1) An alien, or any person 
on behalf of the alien, may file an I-140 visa petition for 
classification under section 203(b)(1)(A) of the Act as an alien of 
extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or 
athletics.
    (2) Definition. As used in this section:
    Extraordinary ability means a level of expertise indicating that the 
individual is one of that small percentage who have risen to the very 
top of the field of endeavor.
    (3) Initial evidence. A petition for an alien of extraordinary 
ability must be accompanied by evidence that the alien has sustained 
national or international acclaim and that his or her achievements have 
been recognized in the field of expertise. Such evidence shall include 
evidence of a one-time achievement (that is, a major, international 
recognized award), or at least three of the following:
    (i) Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or 
internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field 
of endeavor;
    (ii) Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the 
field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding 
achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or 
international experts in their disciplines or fields;
    (iii) Published material about the alien in professional or major 
trade publications or other major media, relating to the alien's work in 
the field for which classification is sought. Such evidence shall 
include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary 
translation;
    (iv) Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or 
on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied 
field of specification for which classification is sought;
    (v) Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, 
artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major 
significance in the field;
    (vi) Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the 
field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
    (vii) Evidence of the display of the alien's work in the field at 
artistic exhibitions or showcases;
    (viii) Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or 
critical role for organizations or establishments that have a 
distinguished reputation;
    (ix) Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other 
significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in 
the field; or
    (x) Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as 
shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disk, or video 
sales.

[[Page 101]]

    (4) If the above standards do not readily apply to the beneficiary's 
occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence to establish 
the beneficiary's eligibility.
    (5) No offer of employment required. Neither an offer for employment 
in the United States nor a labor certification is required for this 
classification; however, the petition must be accompanied by clear 
evidence that the alien is coming to the United States to continue work 
in the area of expertise. Such evidence may include letter(s) from 
prospective employer(s), evidence of prearranged commitments such as 
contracts, or a statement from the beneficiary detailing plans on how he 
or she intends to continue his or her work in the United States.
    (i) Outstanding professors and researchers. (1) Any United States 
employer desiring and intending to employ a professor or researcher who 
is outstanding in an academic field under section 203(b)(1)(B) of the 
Act may file an I-140 visa petition for such classification.
    (2) Definitions. As used in this section:
    Academic field means a body of specialized knowledge offered for 
study at an accredited United States university or institution of higher 
education.
    Permanent, in reference to a research position, means either 
tenured, tenure-track, or for a term of indefinite or unlimited 
duration, and in which the employee will ordinarily have an expectation 
of continued employment unless there is good cause for termination.
    (3) Initial evidence. A petition for an outstanding professor or 
researcher must be accompanied by:
    (i) Evidence that the professor or researcher is recognized 
internationally as outstanding in the academic field specified in the 
petition. Such evidence shall consist of at least two of the following:
    (A) Documentation of the alien's receipt of major prizes or awards 
for outstanding achievement in the academic field;
    (B) Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the 
academic field which require outstanding achievements of their members;
    (C) Published material in professional publications written by 
others about the alien's work in the academic field. Such material shall 
include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary 
translation;
    (D) Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on 
a panel, as the judge of the work of others in the same or an allied 
academic field;
    (E) Evidence of the alien's original scientific or scholarly 
research contributions to the academic field; or
    (F) Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly books or 
articles (in scholarly journals with international circulation) in the 
academic field;
    (ii) If the standards in paragraph (i)(3)(i) of this section do not 
readily apply, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence to 
establish the beneficiary's eligibility.
    (iii) Evidence that the alien has at least three years of experience 
in teaching and/or research in the academic field. Experience in 
teaching or research while working on an advanced degree will only be 
acceptable if the alien has acquired the degree, and if the teaching 
duties were such that he or she had full responsibility for the class 
taught or if the research conducted toward the degree has been 
recognized within the academic field as outstanding. Evidence of 
teaching and/or research experience shall be in the form of letter(s) 
from current or former employer(s) and shall include the name, address, 
and title of the writer, and a specific description of the duties 
performed by the alien; and
    (iv) An offer of employment from a prospective United States 
employer. A labor certification is not required for this classification. 
The offer of employment shall be in the form of a letter from:
    (A) A United States university or institution of higher learning 
offering the alien a tenured or tenure-track teaching position in the 
alien's academic field;
    (B) A United States university or institution of higher learning 
offering the alien a permanent research position in the alien's academic 
field; or
    (C) A department, division, or institute of a private employer 
offering the alien a permanent research position in

[[Page 102]]

the alien's academic field. The department, division, or institute must 
demonstrate that it employs at least three persons full-time in research 
positions, and that it has achieved documented accomplishments in an 
academic field.
    (j) Certain multinational executives and managers. (1) A United 
States employer may file a petition on Form I-140 for classification of 
an alien under section 203(b)(1)(C) of the Act as a multinational 
executive or manager.
    (2) Definitions. As used in this section:
    Affiliate means:
    (A) One of two subsidiaries both of which are owned and controlled 
by the same parent or individual;
    (B) One of two legal entities owned and controlled by the same group 
of individuals, each individual owning and controlling approximately the 
same share or proportion of each entity; or
    (C) In the case of a partnership that is organized in the United 
States to provide accounting services, along with managerial and/or 
consulting services, and markets its accounting services under an 
internationally recognized name under an agreement with a worldwide 
coordinating organization that is owned and controlled by the member 
accounting firms, a partnership (or similar organization) that is 
organized outside the United States to provide accounting' services 
shall be considered to be an affiliate of the United States partnership 
if it markets its accounting services under the same internationally 
recognized name under the agreement with the worldwide coordinating 
organization of which the United States partnership is also a member.
    Doing business means the regular, systematic, and continuous 
provision of goods and/or services by a firm, corporation, or other 
entity and does not include the mere presence of an agent or office.
    Executive capacity means an assignment within an organization in 
which the employee primarily:
    (A) Directs the management of the organization or a major component 
or function of the organization;
    (B) Establishes the goals and policies of the organization, 
component, or function;
    (C) Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decisionmaking; and
    (D) Receives only general supervision or direction from higher level 
executives, the board of directors, or stockholders of the organization.
    Managerial capacity means an assignment within an organization in 
which the employee primarily:
    (A) Manages the organization, or a department, subdivision, 
function, or component of the organization;
    (B) Supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, 
professional, or managerial employees, or manages an essential function 
within the organization, or a department or subdivision of the 
organization;
    (C) If another employee or other employees are directly supervised, 
has the authority to hire and fire or recommend those as well as other 
personnel actions (such as promotion and leave authorization), or, if no 
other employee is directly supervised, functions at a senior level 
within the organizational hierarchy or with respect to the function 
managed; and
    (D) Exercises direction over the day-to-day operations of the 
activity or function for which the employee has authority.
    Multinational means that the qualifying entity, or its affiliate, or 
subsidiary, conducts business in two or more countries, one of which is 
the United States.
    Subsidiary means a firm, corporation, or other legal entity of which 
a parent owns, directly or indirectly, more than half of the entity and 
controls the entity; or owns, directly or indirectly, half of the entity 
and controls the entity; or owns, directly or indirectly, 50 percent of 
a 50-50 joint venture and has equal control and veto power over the 
entity; or owns, directly or indirectly, less than half of the entity, 
but in fact controls the entity.
    (3) Initial evidence--(i) Required evidence. A petition for a 
multinational executive or manager must be accompanied by a statement 
from an authorized official of the petitioning United States employer 
which demonstrates that:
    (A) If the alien is outside the United States, in the three years 
immediately preceding the filing of the petition the

[[Page 103]]

alien has been employed outside the United States for at least one year 
in a managerial or executive capacity by a firm or corporation, or other 
legal entity, or by an affiliate or subsidiary of such a firm or 
corporation or other legal entity; or
    (B) If the alien is already in the United States working for the 
same employer or a subsidiary or affiliate of the firm or corporation, 
or other legal entity by which the alien was employed overseas, in the 
three years preceding entry as a nonimmigrant, the alien was employed by 
the entity abroad for at least one year in a managerial or executive 
capacity;
    (C) The prospective employer in the United States is the same 
employer or a subsidiary or affiliate of the firm or corporation or 
other legal entity by which the alien was employed overseas; and
    (D) The prospective United States employer has been doing business 
for at least one year.
    (ii) Appropriate additional evidence. In appropriate cases, the 
director may request additional evidence.
    (4) Determining managerial or exectuve capacities--(i) Supervisors 
as managers. A first-line supervisor is not considered to be acting in a 
managerial capacity merely by virtue of his or her supervisory duties 
unless the employees supervised are professional.
    (ii) Staffing levels. If staffing levels are used as a factor in 
determining whether an individual is acting in a managerial or executive 
capacity, the reasonable needs of the organization, component, or 
function, in light of the overall purpose and stage of development of 
the organization, component, or function, shall be taken into account. 
An individual shall not be considered to be acting in a managerial or 
executive capacity merely on the basis of the number of employees that 
the individual supervises or has supervised or directs or has directed.
    (5) Offer of employment. No labor certification is required for this 
classification; however, the prospective employer in the United States 
must furnish a job offer in the form of a statement which indicates that 
the alien is to be employed in the United States in a managerial or 
executive capacity. Such letter must clearly describe the duties to be 
performed by the alien.
    (k) Aliens who are members of the professions holding advanced 
degrees or aliens of exceptional ability. (1) Any United States employer 
may file a petition on Form I-140 for classification of an alien under 
section 203(b)(2) of the Act as an alien who is a member of the 
professions holding an advanced degree or an alien of exceptional 
ability in the sciences, arts, or business. If an alien is claiming 
exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business and is seeking an 
exemption from the requirement of a job offer in the United States 
pursuant to section 203(b)(2)(B) of the Act, then the alien, or anyone 
in the alien's behalf, may be the petitioner.
    (2) Definitions. As used in this section: Advanced degree means any 
United States academic or professional degree or a foreign equivalent 
degree above that of baccalaureate. A United States baccalaureate degree 
or a foreign equivalent degree followed by at least five years of 
progressive experience in the specialty shall be considered the 
equivalent of a master's degree. If a doctoral degree is customarily 
required by the specialty, the alien must have a United States doctorate 
or a foreign equivalent degree.
    Exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business means a 
degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in 
the sciences, arts, or business.
    Profession means one of the occupations listed in section 101(a)(32) 
of the Act, as well as any occupation for which a United States 
baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent is the minimum 
requirement for entry into the occupation.
    (3) Initial evidence. The petition must be accompanied by 
documentation showing that the alien is a professional holding an 
advanced degree or an alien of exceptional ability in the sciences, the 
arts, or business.
    (i) To show that the alien is a professional holding an advanced 
degree, the petition must be accompanied by:
    (A) An official academic record showing that the alien has a United 
States advanced degree or a foreign equivalent degree; or

[[Page 104]]

    (B) An official academic record showing that the alien has a United 
States baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent degree, and evidence 
in the form of letters from current or former employer(s) showing that 
the alien has at least five years of progressive post-baccalaureate 
experience in the specialty.
    (ii) To show that the alien is an alien of exceptional ability in 
the sciences, arts, or business, the petition must be accompanied by at 
least three of the following:
    (A) An official academic record showing that the alien has a degree, 
diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, 
school, or other institution of learning relating to the area of 
exceptional ability;
    (B) Evidence in the form of letter(s) from current or former 
employer(s) showing that the alien has at least ten years of full-time 
experience in the occupation for which he or she is being sought;
    (C) A license to practice the profession or certification for a 
particular profession or occupation;
    (D) Evidence that the alien has commanded a salary, or other 
renumeration for services, which demonstrates exceptional ability;
    (E) Evidence of membership in professional associations; or
    (F) Evidence of recognition for achievements and significant 
contributions to the industry or field by peers, governmental entities, 
or professional or business organizations.
    (iii) If the above standards do not readily apply to the 
beneficiary's occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence 
to establish the beneficiary's eligibility.
    (4) Labor certification or evidence that alien qualifies for Labor 
Market Information Pilot Program--(i) General. Every petition under this 
classification must be accompanied by an individual labor certification 
from the Department of Labor, by an application for Schedule A 
designation (if applicable), or by documentation to establish that the 
alien qualifies for one of the shortage occupations in the Department of 
Labor's Labor Market Information Pilot Program. To apply for Schedule A 
designation or to establish that the alien's occupation is within the 
Labor Market Information Program, a fully executed uncertified Form ETA-
750 in duplicate must accompany the petition. The job offer portion of 
the individual labor certification, Schedule A application, or Pilot 
Program application must demonstrate that the job requires a 
professional holding an advanced degree or the equivalent or an alien of 
exceptional ability.
    (ii) Exemption from job offer. The director may exempt the 
requirement of a job offer, and thus of a labor certification, for 
aliens of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business if 
exemption would be in the national interest. To apply for the exemption, 
the petitioner must submit Form ETA-750B, Statement of Qualifications of 
Alien, in duplicate, as well as evidence to support the claim that such 
exemption would be in the national interest.
    (l) Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. (1) Any 
United States employer may file a petition on Form I-140 for 
classification of an alien under section 203(b)(3) as a skilled worker, 
professional, or other (unskilled) worker.
    (2) Definitions. As used in this part:
    Other worker means a qualified alien who is capable, at the time of 
petitioning for this classification, of performing unskilled labor 
(requiring less than two years training or experience), not of a 
temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not 
available in the United States.
    Professional means a qualified alien who holds at least a United 
States baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent degree and who is a 
member of the professions.
    Skilled worker means an alien who is capable, at the time of 
petitioning for this classification, of performing skilled labor 
(requiring at least two years training or experience), not of a 
temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not 
available in the United States. Relevant post-secondary education may be 
considered as training for the purposes of this provision.
    (3) Initial evidence--(i) Labor certification or evidence that alien 
qualifies for Labor Market Information Pilot Program. Every petition 
under this classification

[[Page 105]]

must be accompanied by an individual labor certification from the 
Department of Labor, by an application for Schedule A designation, or by 
documentation to establish that the alien qualifies for one of the 
shortage occupations in the Department of Labor's Labor Market 
Information Pilot Program. To apply for Schedule A designation or to 
establish that the alien's occupation is a shortage occupation with the 
Labor Market Pilot Program, a fully executed uncertified Form ETA-750 in 
duplicate must accompany the petition. The job offer portion of an 
individual labor certification, Schedule A application, or Pilot Program 
application for a professional must demonstrate that the job requires 
the minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
    (ii) Other documentation--(A) General. Any requirements of training 
or experience for skilled workers, professionals, or other workers must 
be supported by letters from trainers or employers giving the name, 
address, and title of the trainer or employer, and a description of the 
training received or the experience of the alien.
    (B) Skilled workers. If the petition is for a skilled worker, the 
petition must be accompanied by evidence that the alien meets the 
educational, training or experience, and any other requirements of the 
individual labor certification, meets the requirements for Schedule A 
designation, or meets the requirements for the Labor Market Information 
Pilot Program occupation designation. The minimum requirements for this 
classification are at least two years of training or experience.
    (C) Professionals. If the petition is for a professional, the 
petition must be accompanied by evidence that the alien holds a United 
States baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent degree and by 
evidence that the alien is a member of the professions. Evidence of a 
baccalaureate degree shall be in the form of an official college or 
university record showing the date the baccalaureate degree was awarded 
and the area of concentration of study. To show that the alien is a 
member of the professions, the petitioner must submit evidence showing 
that the minimum of a baccalaureate degree is required for entry into 
the occupation.
    (D) Other workers. If the petition is for an unskilled (other) 
worker, it must be accompanied by evidence that the alien meets any 
educational, training and experience, and other requirements of the 
labor certification.
    (4) Differentiating between skilled and other workers. The 
determination of whether a worker is a skilled or other worker will be 
based on the requirements of training and/or experience placed on the 
job by the prospective employer, as certified by the Department of 
Labor. In the case of a Schedule A occupation or a shortage occupation 
within the Labor Market Pilot Program, the petitioner will be required 
to establish to the director that the job is a skilled job, i.e., one 
which requires at least two years of training and/or experience.
    (m) Religious workers. This paragraph governs classification of an 
alien as a special immigrant religious worker as defined in section 
101(a)(27)(C) of the Act and under section 203(b)(4) of the Act. To be 
eligible for classification as a special immigrant religious worker, the 
alien (either abroad or in the United States) must:
    (1) For at least the two years immediately preceding the filing of 
the petition have been a member of a religious denomination that has a 
bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States.
    (2) Be coming to the United States to work in a full time (average 
of at least 35 hours per week) compensated position in one of the 
following occupations as they are defined in paragraph (m)(5) of this 
section:
    (i) Solely in the vocation of a minister of that religious 
denomination;
    (ii) A religious vocation either in a professional or 
nonprofessional capacity; or
    (iii) A religious occupation either in a professional or 
nonprofessional capacity.
    (3) Be coming to work for a bona fide non-profit religious 
organization in the United States, or a bona fide organization which is 
affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States.

[[Page 106]]

    (4) Have been working in one of the positions described in paragraph 
(m)(2) of this section, either abroad or in lawful immigration status in 
the United States, and after the age of 14 years continuously for at 
least the two-year period immediately preceding the filing of the 
petition. The prior religious work need not correspond precisely to the 
type of work to be performed. A break in the continuity of the work 
during the preceding two years will not affect eligibility so long as:
    (i) The alien was still employed as a religious worker;
    (ii) The break did not exceed two years; and
    (iii) The nature of the break was for further religious training or 
for sabbatical that did not involve unauthorized work in the United 
States. However, the alien must have been a member of the petitioner's 
denomination throughout the two years of qualifying employment.
    (5) Definitions. As used in paragraph (m) of this section, the term:
    Bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States 
means a religious organization exempt from taxation as described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, subsequent 
amendment or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal 
Revenue Code, and possessing a currently valid determination letter from 
the IRS confirming such exemption.
    Bona fide organization which is affiliated with the religious 
denomination means an organization which is closely associated with the 
religious denomination and which is exempt from taxation as described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, subsequent 
amendment or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal 
Revenue Code and possessing a currently valid determination letter from 
the IRS confirming such exemption.
    Denominational membership means membership during at least the two-
year period immediately preceding the filing date of the petition, in 
the same type of religious denomination as the United States religious 
organization where the alien will work.
    Minister means an individual who:
    (A) Is fully authorized by a religious denomination, and fully 
trained according to the denomination's standards, to conduct such 
religious worship and perform other duties usually performed by 
authorized members of the clergy of that denomination;
    (B) Is not a lay preacher or a person not authorized to perform 
duties usually performed by clergy;
    (C) Performs activities with a rational relationship to the 
religious calling of the minister; and
    (D) Works solely as a minister in the United States, which may 
include administrative duties incidental to the duties of a minister.
    Petition means USCIS Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), 
or Special Immigrant, a successor form, or other form as may be 
prescribed by USCIS, along with a supplement containing attestations 
required by this section, the fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2, and 
supporting evidence filed as provided by this part.
    Religious denomination means a religious group or community of 
believers that is governed or administered under a common type of 
ecclesiastical government and includes one or more of the following:
    (A) A recognized common creed or statement of faith shared among the 
denomination's members;
    (B) A common form of worship;
    (C) A common formal code of doctrine and discipline;
    (D) Common religious services and ceremonies;
    (E) Common established places of religious worship or religious 
congregations; or
    (F) Comparable indicia of a bona fide religious denomination.
    Religious occupation means an occupation that meets all of the 
following requirements:
    (A) The duties must primarily relate to a traditional religious 
function and be recognized as a religious occupation within the 
denomination.
    (B) The duties must be primarily related to, and must clearly 
involve, inculcating or carrying out the religious creed and beliefs of 
the denomination.
    (C) The duties do not include positions that are primarily 
administrative

[[Page 107]]

or support such as janitors, maintenance workers, clerical employees, 
fund raisers, persons solely involved in the solicitation of donations, 
or similar positions, although limited administrative duties that are 
only incidental to religious functions are permissible.
    (D) Religious study or training for religious work does not 
constitute a religious occupation, but a religious worker may pursue 
study or training incident to status.
    Religious vocation means a formal lifetime commitment, through vows, 
investitures, ceremonies, or similar indicia, to a religious way of 
life. The religious denomination must have a class of individuals whose 
lives are dedicated to religious practices and functions, as 
distinguished from the secular members of the religion. Examples of 
individuals practicing religious vocations include nuns, monks, and 
religious brothers and sisters.
    Religious worker means an individual engaged in and, according to 
the denomination's standards, qualified for a religious occupation or 
vocation, whether or not in a professional capacity, or as a minister.
    Tax-exempt organization means an organization that has received a 
determination letter from the IRS establishing that it, or a group that 
it belongs to, is exempt from taxation in accordance with sections 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or subsequent amendments 
or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal Revenue Code.
    (6) Filing requirements. A petition must be filed as provided in the 
petition form instructions either by the alien or by his or her 
prospective United States employer. After the date stated in section 
101(a)(27)(C) of the Act, immigration or adjustment of status on the 
basis of this section is limited solely to ministers.
    (7) Attestation. An authorized official of the prospective employer 
of an alien seeking religious worker status must complete, sign and date 
an attestation prescribed by USCIS and submit it along with the 
petition. If the alien is a self-petitioner and is also an authorized 
official of the prospective employer, the self-petitioner may sign the 
attestation. The prospective employer must specifically attest to all of 
the following:
    (i) That the prospective employer is a bona fide non-profit 
religious organization or a bona fide organization which is affiliated 
with the religious denomination and is exempt from taxation;
    (ii) The number of members of the prospective employer's 
organization;
    (iii) The number of employees who work at the same location where 
the beneficiary will be employed and a summary of the type of 
responsibilities of those employees. USCIS may request a list of all 
employees, their titles, and a brief description of their duties at its 
discretion;
    (iv) The number of aliens holding special immigrant or nonimmigrant 
religious worker status currently employed or employed within the past 
five years by the prospective employer's organization;
    (v) The number of special immigrant religious worker and 
nonimmigrant religious worker petitions and applications filed by or on 
behalf of any aliens for employment by the prospective employer in the 
past five years;
    (vi) The title of the position offered to the alien, the complete 
package of salaried or non-salaried compensation being offered, and a 
detailed description of the alien's proposed daily duties;
    (vii) That the alien will be employed at least 35 hours per week;
    (viii) The specific location(s) of the proposed employment;
    (ix) That the alien has worked as a religious worker for the two 
years immediately preceding the filing of the application and is 
otherwise qualified for the position offered;
    (x) That the alien has been a member of the denomination for at 
least two years immediately preceding the filing of the application;
    (xi) That the alien will not be engaged in secular employment, and 
any salaried or non-salaried compensation for the work will be paid to 
the alien by the attesting employer; and
    (xii) That the prospective employer has the ability and intention to 
compensate the alien at a level at which the alien and accompanying 
family members will not become public charges, and that funds to pay the

[[Page 108]]

alien's compensation do not include any monies obtained from the alien, 
excluding reasonable donations or tithing to the religious organization.
    (8) Evidence relating to the petitioning organization. A petition 
shall include the following initial evidence relating to the petitioning 
organization:
    (i) A currently valid determination letter from the Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS) establishing that the organization is a tax-exempt 
organization; or
    (ii) For a religious organization that is recognized as tax-exempt 
under a group tax-exemption, a currently valid determination letter from 
the IRS establishing that the group is tax-exempt; or
    (iii) For a bona fide organization that is affiliated with the 
religious denomination, if the organization was granted tax-exempt 
status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or 
subsequent amendment or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the 
Internal Revenue Code, as something other than a religious organization:
    (A) A currently valid determination letter from the IRS establishing 
that the organization is a tax-exempt organization;
    (B) Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose 
of the organization, such as a copy of the organizing instrument of the 
organization that specifies the purposes of the organization;
    (C) Organizational literature, such as books, articles, brochures, 
calendars, flyers and other literature describing the religious purpose 
and nature of the activities of the organization; and
    (D) A religious denomination certification. The religious 
organization must complete, sign and date a religious denomination 
certification certifying that the petitioning organization is affiliated 
with the religious denomination. The certification is to be submitted by 
the petitioner along with the petition.
    (9) Evidence relating to the qualifications of a minister. If the 
alien is a minister, the petitioner must submit the following:
    (i) A copy of the alien's certificate of ordination or similar 
documents reflecting acceptance of the alien's qualifications as a 
minister in the religious denomination; and
    (ii) Documents reflecting acceptance of the alien's qualifications 
as a minister in the religious denomination, as well as evidence that 
the alien has completed any course of prescribed theological education 
at an accredited theological institution normally required or recognized 
by that religious denomination, including transcripts, curriculum, and 
documentation that establishes that the theological institution is 
accredited by the denomination, or
    (iii) For denominations that do not require a prescribed theological 
education, evidence of:
    (A) The denomination's requirements for ordination to minister;
    (B) The duties allowed to be performed by virtue of ordination;
    (C) The denomination's levels of ordination, if any; and
    (D) The alien's completion of the denomination's requirements for 
ordination.
    (10) Evidence relating to compensation. Initial evidence must 
include verifiable evidence of how the petitioner intends to compensate 
the alien. Such compensation may include salaried or non-salaried 
compensation. This evidence may include past evidence of compensation 
for similar positions; budgets showing monies set aside for salaries, 
leases, etc.; verifiable documentation that room and board will be 
provided; or other evidence acceptable to USCIS. If IRS documentation, 
such as IRS Form W-2 or certified tax returns, is available, it must be 
provided. If IRS documentation is not available, an explanation for its 
absence must be provided, along with comparable, verifiable 
documentation.
    (11) Evidence relating to the alien's prior employment. Qualifying 
prior experience during the two years immediately preceding the petition 
or preceding any acceptable break in the continuity of the religious 
work, must have occurred after the age of 14, and if acquired in the 
United States, must have been authorized under United States immigration 
law. If the alien was employed in the United States during the two years 
immediately preceding the filing of the application and:

[[Page 109]]

    (i) Received salaried compensation, the petitioner must submit IRS 
documentation that the alien received a salary, such as an IRS Form W-2 
or certified copies of income tax returns.
    (ii) Received non-salaried compensation, the petitioner must submit 
IRS documentation of the non-salaried compensation if available.
    (iii) Received no salary but provided for his or her own support, 
and provided support for any dependents, the petitioner must show how 
support was maintained by submitting with the petition additional 
documents such as audited financial statements, financial institution 
records, brokerage account statements, trust documents signed by an 
attorney, or other verifiable evidence acceptable to USCIS.
    If the alien was employed outside the United States during such two 
years, the petitioner must submit comparable evidence of the religious 
work.
    (12) Inspections, evaluations, verifications, and compliance 
reviews. The supporting evidence submitted may be verified by USCIS 
through any means determined appropriate by USCIS, up to and including 
an on-site inspection of the petitioning organization. The inspection 
may include a tour of the organization's facilities, an interview with 
the organization's officials, a review of selected organization records 
relating to compliance with immigration laws and regulations, and an 
interview with any other individuals or review of any other records that 
the USCIS considers pertinent to the integrity of the organization. An 
inspection may include the organization headquarters, satellite 
locations, or the work locations planned for the applicable employee. If 
USCIS decides to conduct a pre-approval inspection, satisfactory 
completion of such inspection will be a condition for approval of any 
petition.
    (n) Closing action--(1) Approval. An approved employment-based 
petition will be forwarded to the National Visa Center of the Department 
of State if the beneficiary resides outside of the United States. If the 
Form I-140 petition indicates that the alien has filed or will file an 
application for adjustment to permanent residence in the United States 
(Form I-485) the approved visa petition (Form I-140), will be retained 
by the Service for consideration with the application for permanent 
residence (Form I-485). If a visa is available, and Form I-485 has not 
been filed, the alien will be instructed on the Form I-797, Notice of 
Action, (mailed out upon approval of the Form I-140 petition) to file 
the Form I-485.
    (2) Denial. The denial of a petition for classification under 
section 203(b)(1), 203(b)(2), 203(b)(3), or 203(b)(4) of the Act (as it 
relates to special immigrants under section 101(a)(27)(C) of the Act) 
shall be appealable to the Associate Commissioner for Examinations. The 
petitioner shall be informed in plain language of the reasons for denial 
and of his or her right to appeal.
    (3) Validity of approved petitions. Unless approval is revoked under 
section 203(g) or 205 of the Act, an employment-based petition is valid 
indefinitely.
    (o) Denial of petitions under section 204 of the Act based on a 
finding by the Department of Labor. Upon debarment by the Department of 
Labor pursuant to 20 CFR 655.31, USCIS may deny any employment-based 
immigrant petition filed by that petitioner for a period of at least 1 
year but not more than 5 years. The time period of such bar to petition 
approval shall be based on the severity of the violation or violations. 
The decision to deny petitions, the time period for the bar to 
petitions, and the reasons for the time period will be explained in a 
written notice to the petitioner.
    (p) Eligibility for employment authorization in compelling 
circumstances--(1) Eligibility of principal alien. An individual who is 
the principal beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition for 
classification under sections 203(b)(1), 203(b)(2) or 203(b)(3) of the 
Act may be eligible to receive employment authorization, upon 
application, if:
    (i) In the case of an initial request for employment authorization, 
the individual is in E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, or L-1 nonimmigrant status, 
including the periods authorized by Sec.  214.1(l)(l) and (2), as well 
as any other periods of admission authorized by this chapter before a 
validity period begins or after the expiration of a validity period, on

[[Page 110]]

the date the application for employment authorization (Form I-765) is 
filed;
    (ii) An immigrant visa is not authorized for issuance to the 
principal beneficiary based on his or her priority date on the date the 
application for employment authorization is filed; and
    (iii) USCIS determines, as a matter of discretion, that the 
principal beneficiary demonstrates compelling circumstances that justify 
the issuance of employment authorization.
    (2) Eligibility of spouses and children. The family members, as 
described in section 203(d) of the Act, of a principal beneficiary, who 
are in nonimmigrant status at the time the principal beneficiary applies 
for employment authorization under paragraph (p)(1) of this section, are 
eligible to apply for employment authorization provided that the 
principal beneficiary has been granted employment authorization under 
paragraph (p) of this section and such employment authorization has not 
been terminated or revoked. Such family members may apply for employment 
authorization concurrently with the principal beneficiary, but cannot be 
granted employment authorization until the principal beneficiary is so 
authorized. The validity period of employment authorization granted to 
family members may not extend beyond the validity period of employment 
authorization granted to the principal beneficiary.
    (3) Eligibility for renewal of employment authorization. An alien 
may be eligible to renew employment authorization granted under 
paragraph (p) of this section, upon submission of a new application 
before the expiration of such employment authorization, if:
    (i) He or she is the principal beneficiary of an approved immigrant 
petition for classification under section 203(b)(1), 203(b)(2) or 
203(b)(3) of the Act and either:
    (A) An immigrant visa is not authorized for issuance to the 
principal beneficiary based on his or her priority date on the date the 
application for employment authorization, (Form I-765) is filed; and 
USCIS determines, as a matter of discretion that the principal 
beneficiary demonstrates compelling circumstances that justify the 
issuance of employment authorization; or
    (B) The difference between the principal beneficiary's priority date 
and the date upon which immigrant visas are authorized for issuance for 
the principal beneficiary's preference category and country of 
chargeability is 1 year or less according to the Department of State 
Visa Bulletin in effect on the date the application for employment 
authorization (Form I-765), is filed. For example, if the Department of 
State Visa Bulletin in effect on the date the renewal application is 
filed indicates immigrant visas are authorized for issuance for the 
applicable preference category and country of chargeability to 
individuals with priority dates earlier than November 1, 2000, USCIS may 
grant a renewal to a principal beneficiary whose priority date is on or 
between October 31, 1999 and October 31, 2001; or
    (ii) He or she is a family member, as described under paragraph 
(p)(2) of this section, of a principal beneficiary granted a renewal of 
employment authorization under paragraph (p)(3)(i) that remains valid, 
except that the family member need not be maintaining nonimmigrant 
status at the time the principal beneficiary applies for renewal of 
employment authorization under paragraph (p) of this section. A family 
member may file an application to renew employment authorization 
concurrently with an application to renew employment authorization filed 
by the principal beneficiary or while such application by the principal 
beneficiary is pending, but the family member's renewal application 
cannot be approved unless the principal beneficiary's application is 
granted. The validity period of a renewal of employment authorization 
granted to family members may not extend beyond the validity period of 
the renewal of employment authorization granted to the principal 
beneficiary.
    (4) Application for employment authorization. (i) To request 
employment authorization, an eligible applicant described in paragraph 
(p)(1), (2), or (3) of this section must:
    (A) File an application for employment authorization (Form I-765), 
with

[[Page 111]]

USCIS, in accordance with 8 CFR 274a.13(a) and the form instructions.
    (B) Submit biometric information as may be provided in the 
applicable form instructions.
    (ii) Employment authorization under this paragraph may be granted 
solely in 1-year increments, but not to exceed the period of the alien's 
authorized admission.
    (5) Ineligibility for employment authorization. An alien is not 
eligible for employment authorization, including renewal of employment 
authorization, under this paragraph if the alien has been convicted of 
any felony or two or more misdemeanors.

[56 FR 60905, Nov. 29, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 502, Jan. 5, 1994; 59 
FR 27229, May 26, 1994; 60 FR 29753, June 6, 1995; 61 FR 33305, June 27, 
1996; 67 FR 49563, July 31, 2002; 73 FR 72291, Nov. 26, 2008; 73 FR 
78127, Dec. 19, 2008; 74 FR 26936, June 5, 2009; 81 FR 2083, Jan. 15, 
2016; 81 FR 82484, Nov. 18, 2016; 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.6  Petitions for employment creation immigrants.

    (a) General. An EB-5 immigrant petition to classify an alien under 
section 203(b)(5) of the Act must be properly filed in accordance with 
the form instructions, with the appropriate fee(s), initial evidence, 
and any other supporting documentation.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Eligibility to file and continued eligibility. An alien may file 
a petition for classification as an investor on his or her own behalf.
    (d) Priority date. The priority date of a petition for 
classification as an investor is the date the completed, signed petition 
(including all initial evidence and the correct fee) is properly filed. 
The priority date of an immigrant petition approved for classification 
as an investor, including immigrant petitions whose approval was revoked 
on grounds other than those set forth below, will apply to any 
subsequently filed petition for classification under section 203(b)(5) 
of the Act for which the alien qualifies. A denied petition will not 
establish a priority date. A priority date is not transferable to 
another alien. In the event that the alien is the petitioner of multiple 
immigrant petitions approved for classification as an investor, the 
alien shall be entitled to the earliest qualifying priority date. The 
priority date of an immigrant petition approved for classification as an 
investor shall not be conferred to a subsequently filed petition if the 
alien was lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence 
under section 203(b)(5) of the Act using the priority date of the 
earlier-approved petition or if at any time USCIS revokes the approval 
of the petition based on:
    (1) Fraud or a willful misrepresentation of a material fact by the 
petitioner; or
    (2) A determination by USCIS that the petition approval was based on 
a material error.
    (e) Definitions. As used in this section:
    Capital means cash, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, 
cash equivalents, and indebtedness secured by assets owned by the alien 
investor, provided that the alien investor is personally and primarily 
liable and that the assets of the new commercial enterprise upon which 
the petition is based are not used to secure any of the indebtedness. 
All capital shall be valued at fair market value in United States 
dollars. Assets acquired, directly or indirectly, by unlawful means 
(such as criminal activities) shall not be considered capital for the 
purposes of section 203(b)(5) of the Act.
    Commercial enterprise means any for-profit activity formed for the 
ongoing conduct of lawful business including, but not limited to, a sole 
proprietorship, partnership (whether limited or general), holding 
company, joint venture, corporation, business trust, or other entity 
which may be publicly or privately owned. This definition includes a 
commercial enterprise consisting of a holding company and its wholly-
owned subsidiaries, provided that each such subsidiary is engaged in a 
for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of a lawful business. 
This definition shall not include a noncommercial activity such as 
owning and operating a personal residence.
    Employee means an individual who provides services or labor for the 
new

[[Page 112]]

commercial enterprise and who receives wages or other remuneration 
directly from the new commercial enterprise. In the case of the Regional 
Center Program, ``employee'' also means an individual who provides 
services or labor in a job which has been created indirectly through 
investment in the new commercial enterprise. This definition shall not 
include independent contractors.
    Full-time employment means employment of a qualifying employee by 
the new commercial enterprise in a position that requires a minimum of 
35 working hours per week. In the case of the Regional Center Program, 
``full-time employment'' also means employment of a qualifying employee 
in a position that has been created indirectly through revenues 
generated from increased exports resulting from the Regional Center 
Program that requires a minimum of 35 working hours per week. A job-
sharing arrangement whereby two or more qualifying employees share a 
full-time position shall count as full-time employment provided the 
hourly requirement per week is met. This definition shall not include 
combinations of part-time positions even if, when combined, such 
positions meet the hourly requirement per week.
    High employment area means a part of a metropolitan statistical area 
that at the time of investment:
    (i) Is not a targeted employment area; and
    (ii) Is an area with an unemployment rate significantly below the 
national average unemployment rates.
    Invest means to contribute capital. A contribution of capital in 
exchange for a note, bond, convertible debt, obligation, or any other 
debt arrangement between the alien investor and the new commercial 
enterprise does not constitute a contribution of capital for the 
purposes of this part.
    New means established after November 29, 1990.
    Qualifying employee means a United States citizen, a lawfully 
admitted permanent resident, or other immigrant lawfully authorized to 
be employed in the United States including, but not limited to, a 
conditional resident, a temporary resident, an asylee, a refugee, or an 
alien remaining in the United States under suspension of deportation. 
This definition does not include the alien investor, the alien 
investor's spouse, sons, or daughters, or any nonimmigrant alien.
    Regional center means any economic unit, public or private, which is 
involved with the promotion of economic growth, including increased 
export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, and 
increased domestic capital investment.
    Regional Center Program means the program established by Public Law 
102-395, Section 610, as amended.
    Rural area means any area other than an area within a standard 
metropolitan statistical area (as designated by the Office of Management 
and Budget) or within the outer boundary of any city or town having a 
population of 20,000 or more based on the most recent decennial census 
of the United States.
    Targeted employment area means an area that, at the time of 
investment, is a rural area or is designated as an area that has 
experienced unemployment of at least 150 percent of the national average 
rate.
    Troubled business means a business that has been in existence for at 
least two years, has incurred a net loss for accounting purposes 
(determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles) 
during the twelve- or twenty-four month period prior to the priority 
date on the alien investor's EB-5 immigrant petition, and the loss for 
such period is at least equal to twenty percent of the troubled 
business's net worth prior to such loss. For purposes of determining 
whether or not the troubled business has been in existence for two 
years, successors in interest to the troubled business will be deemed to 
have been in existence for the same period of time as the business they 
succeeded.
    (f) Required amounts of capital--(1) General. Unless otherwise 
specified, for EB-5 immigrant petitions filed on or after November 21, 
2019, the amount of capital necessary to make a qualifying investment in 
the United States is one million eight hundred thousand United States 
dollars ($1,800,000). Beginning on October 1, 2024, and every five years

[[Page 113]]

thereafter, this amount will automatically adjust for petitions filed on 
or after each adjustment's effective date, based on the cumulative 
annual percentage change in the unadjusted All Items Consumer Price 
Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the U.S. City Average reported 
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as compared to $1,000,000 in 1990. 
The qualifying investment amount will be rounded down to the nearest 
hundred thousand. DHS may update this figure by publication of a 
technical amendment in the Federal Register.
    (2) Targeted employment area. Unless otherwise specified, for EB-5 
immigrant petitions filed on or after November 21, 2019, the amount of 
capital necessary to make a qualifying investment in a targeted 
employment area in the United States is nine hundred thousand United 
States dollars ($900,000). Beginning on October 1, 2024, and every five 
years thereafter, this amount will automatically adjust for petitions 
filed on or after each adjustment's effective date, to be equal to 50 
percent of the standard minimum investment amount described in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this section. DHS may update this figure by publication of a 
technical amendment in the Federal Register.
    (3) High employment area. Unless otherwise specified, for EB-5 
immigrant petitions filed on or after November 21, 2019, the amount of 
capital necessary to make a qualifying investment in a high employment 
area in the United States is one million eight hundred thousand United 
States dollars ($1,800,000). Beginning on October 1, 2024, and every 
five years thereafter, this amount will automatically adjust for 
petitions filed on or after each adjustment's effective date, based on 
the cumulative annual percentage change in the unadjusted All Items 
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the U.S. City 
Average reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as compared to 
$1,000,000 in 1990. The qualifying investment amount will be rounded 
down to the nearest hundred thousand. DHS may update this figure by 
publication of a technical amendment in the Federal Register.
    (g) Multiple investors--(1) General. The establishment of a new 
commercial enterprise may be used as the basis of a petition for 
classification as an alien investor by more than one investor, provided 
each petitioning investor has invested or is actively in the process of 
investing the required amount for the area in which the new commercial 
enterprise is principally doing business, and provided each individual 
investment results in the creation of at least ten full-time positions 
for qualifying employees. The establishment of a new commercial 
enterprise may be used as the basis of a petition for classification as 
an alien investor even though there are several owners of the 
enterprise, including persons who are not seeking classification under 
section 203(b)(5) of the Act and non-natural persons, both foreign and 
domestic, provided that the source(s) of all capital invested is 
identified and all invested capital has been derived by lawful means.
    (2) Employment creation allocation. The total number of full-time 
positions created for qualifying employees shall be allocated solely to 
those alien investors who have used the establishment of the new 
commercial enterprise as the basis for a petition. No allocation must be 
made among persons not seeking classification under section 203(b)(5) of 
the Act or among non-natural persons, either foreign or domestic. USCIS 
will recognize any reasonable agreement made among the alien investors 
in regard to the identification and allocation of such qualifying 
positions.
    (h) Establishment of a new commercial enterprise. The establishment 
of a new commercial enterprise may consist of:
    (1) The creation of an original business;
    (2) The purchase of an existing business and simultaneous or 
subsequent restructuring or reorganization such that a new commercial 
enterprise results; or
    (3) The expansion of an existing business through the investment of 
the required amount, so that a substantial change in the net worth or 
number of employees results from the investment of capital. Substantial 
change means a 40 percent increase either in the net worth, or in the 
number of employees,

[[Page 114]]

so that the new net worth, or number of employees amounts to at least 
140 percent of the pre-expansion net worth or number of employees. 
Establishment of a new commercial enterprise in this manner does not 
exempt the petitioner from the requirements of 8 CFR 204.6(j) (2) and 
(3) relating to the required amount of capital investment and the 
creation of full-time employment for ten qualifying employees. In the 
case of a capital investment in a troubled business, employment creation 
may meet the criteria set forth in 8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii).
    (i) Special designation of a high unemployment area. USCIS may 
designate as an area of high unemployment (at least 150 percent of the 
national average rate) a census tract or contiguous census tracts in 
which the new commercial enterprise is principally doing business, and 
may also include any or all census tracts directly adjacent to such 
census tract(s). The weighted average of the unemployment rate for the 
subdivision, based on the labor force employment measure for each census 
tract, must be at least 150 percent of the national average unemployment 
rate.
    (j) Initial evidence to accompany petition. A petition submitted for 
classification as an alien entrepreneur must be accompanied by evidence 
that the alien has invested or is actively in the process of investing 
lawfully obtained capital in a new commercial enterprise in the United 
States which will create full-time positions for not fewer than 10 
qualifying employees. In the case of petitions submitted under the 
Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, a petition must be accompanied by 
evidence that the alien has invested, or is actively in the process of 
investing, capital obtained through lawful means within a regional 
center designated by the Service in accordance with paragraph (m)(4) of 
this section. The petitioner may be required to submit information or 
documentation that the Service deems appropriate in addition to that 
listed below.
    (1) To show that a new commercial enterprise has been established by 
the petitioner in the United States, the petition must be accompanied 
by:
    (i) As applicable, articles of incorporation, certificate of merger 
or consolidation, partnership agreement, certificate of limited 
partnership, joint venture agreement, business trust agreement, or other 
similar organizational document for the new commercial enterprise;
    (ii) A certificate evidencing authority to do business in a state or 
municipality or, if the form of the business does not require any such 
certificate or the State or municipality does not issue such a 
certificate, a statement to that effect; or
    (iii) Evidence that, as of a date certain after November 29, 1990, 
the required amount of capital for the area in which an enterprise is 
located has been transferred to an existing business, and that the 
investment has resulted in a substantial increase in the net worth or 
number of employees of the business to which the capital was 
transferred. This evidence must be in the form of stock purchase 
agreements, investment agreements, certified financial reports, payroll 
records, or any similar instruments, agreements, or documents evidencing 
the investment in the commercial enterprise and the resulting 
substantial change in the net worth, number of employees.
    (2) To show that the petitioner has invested or is actively in the 
process of investing the required amount of capital, the petition must 
be accompanied by evidence that the petitioner has placed the required 
amount of capital at risk for the purpose of generating a return on the 
capital placed at risk. Evidence of mere intent to invest, or of 
prospective investment arrangements entailing no present commitment, 
will not suffice to show that the petitioner is actively in the process 
of investing. The alien must show actual commitment of the required 
amount of capital. Such evidence may include, but need not be limited 
to:
    (i) Bank statement(s) showing amount(s) deposited in United States 
business account(s) for the enterprise;
    (ii) Evidence of assets which have been purchased for use in the 
United States enterprise, including invoices, sales receipts, and 
purchase contracts containing sufficient information to identify such 
assets, their purchase

[[Page 115]]

costs, date of purchase, and purchasing entity;
    (iii) Evidence of property transferred from abroad for use in the 
United States enterprise, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
commercial entry documents, bills of lading, and transit insurance 
policies containing ownership information and sufficient information to 
identify the property and to indicate the fair market value of such 
property;
    (iv) Evidence of monies transferred or committed to be transferred 
to the new commercial enterprise in exchange for shares of stock (voting 
or nonvoting, common or preferred). Such stock may not include terms 
requiring the new commercial enterprise to redeem it at the holder's 
request; or
    (v) Evidence of any loan or mortgage agreement, promissory note, 
security agreement, or other evidence of borrowing which is secured by 
assets of the petitioner, other than those of the new commercial 
enterprise, and for which the petitioner is personally and primarily 
liable.
    (3) To show that the petitioner has invested, or is actively in the 
process of investing, capital obtained through lawful means, the 
petition must be accompanied, as applicable, by:
    (i) Foreign business registration records;
    (ii) Corporate, partnership (or any other entity in any form which 
has filed in any country or subdivision thereof any return described in 
this subpart), and personal tax returns including income, franchise, 
property (whether real, personal, or intangible), or any other tax 
returns of any kind filed within five years, with any taxing 
jurisdiction in or outside the United States by or on behalf of the 
petitioner;
    (iii) Evidence identifying any other source(s) of capital; or
    (iv) Certified copies of any judgments or evidence of all pending 
governmental civil or criminal actions, governmental administrative 
proceedings, and any private civil actions (pending or otherwise) 
involving monetary judgments against the petitioner from any court in or 
outside the United States within the past fifteen years.
    (4) Job creation--(i) General. To show that a new commercial 
enterprise will create not fewer than ten (10) full-time positions for 
qualifying employees, the petition must be accompanied by:
    (A) Documentation consisting of photocopies of relevant tax records, 
Form I-9, or other similar documents for ten (10) qualifying employees, 
if such employees have already been hired following the establishment of 
the new commercial enterprise; or
    (B) A copy of a comprehensive business plan showing that, due to the 
nature and projected size of the new commercial enterprise, the need for 
not fewer than ten (10) qualifying employees will result, including 
approximate dates, within the next two years, and when such employees 
will be hired.
    (ii) Troubled business. To show that a new commercial enterprise 
which has been established through a capital investment in a troubled 
business meets the statutory employment creation requirement, the 
petition must be accompanied by evidence that the number of existing 
employees is being or will be maintained at no less than the pre-
investment level for a period of at least two years. Photocopies of tax 
records, Forms I-9, or other relevant documents for the qualifying 
employees and a comprehensive business plan shall be submitted in 
support of the petition.
    (iii) Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. To show that the new 
commercial enterprise located within a regional center approved for 
participation in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program meets the 
statutory employment creation requirement, the petition must be 
accompanied by evidence that the investment will create full-time 
positions for not fewer than 10 persons either directly or indirectly 
through revenues generated from increased exports resulting from the 
Pilot Program. Such evidence may be demonstrated by reasonable 
methodologies including those set forth in paragraph (m)(3) of this 
section.
    (5) Petitioner engagement. To show that the petitioner is or will be 
engaged in the new commercial enterprise, either through the exercise of 
day-to-day managerial control or

[[Page 116]]

through policy formulation, the petition must be accompanied by:
    (i) A statement of the position title that the petitioner has or 
will have in the new enterprise and a complete description of the 
position's duties;
    (ii) Evidence that the petitioner is a corporate officer or a member 
of the corporate board of directors; or
    (iii) Evidence that the petitioner is engaged in policy making 
activities. For purposes of this section, a petitioner will be 
considered sufficiently engaged in policy making activities if the 
petitioner is an equity holder in the new commercial enterprise and the 
organizational documents of the new commercial enterprise provide the 
petitioner with certain rights, powers, and duties normally granted to 
equity holders of the new commercial enterprise's type of entity in the 
jurisdiction in which the new commercial enterprise is organized.
    (6) If applicable, to show that the new commercial enterprise has 
created or will create employment in a targeted employment area, the 
petition must be accompanied by:
    (i) In the case of a rural area, evidence that the new commercial 
enterprise is principally doing business within an area not located 
within any standard metropolitan statistical area as designated by the 
Office of Management and Budget, nor within any city or town having a 
population of 20,000 or more as based on the most recent decennial 
census of the United States; or
    (ii) In the case of a high unemployment area:
    (A) Evidence that the metropolitan statistical area, the specific 
county within a metropolitan statistical area, the county in which a 
city or town with a population of 20,000 or more is located, or the city 
or town with a population of 20,000 or more outside of a metropolitan 
statistical area, in which the new commercial enterprise is principally 
doing business has experienced an average unemployment rate of at least 
150 percent of the national average rate; or
    (B) A description of the boundaries and the unemployment statistics 
for the area for which designation is sought as set forth in paragraph 
(i) of this section, and the reliable method or methods by which the 
unemployment statistics were obtained.
    (k) Decision. The petitioner will be notified of the decision, and, 
if the petition is denied, of the reasons for the denial. The petitioner 
has the right to appeal the denial to the Administrative Appeals Office 
in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this chapter.
    (l) [Reserved]
    (m) Immigrant Investor Pilot Program--(1) Scope. The Immigrant 
Investor Pilot Program is established solely pursuant to the provisions 
of section 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the 
Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, and subject to all 
conditions and restrictions stipulated in that section. Except as 
provided herein, aliens seeking to obtain immigration benefits under 
this paragraph continue to be subject to all conditions and restrictions 
set forth in section 203(b)(5) of the Act and this section.
    (2) Number of immigrant visas allocated. The annual allocation of 
the visas available under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program is set at 
300 for each of the five fiscal years commencing on October 1, 1993.
    (3) Requirements for regional centers. Each regional center wishing 
to participate in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program shall submit a 
proposal to the Assistant Commissioner for Adjudications, which:
    (i) Clearly describes how the regional center focuses on a 
geographical region of the United States, and how it will promote 
economic growth through increased export sales, improved regional 
productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment;
    (ii) Provides in verifiable detail how jobs will be created 
indirectly through increased exports;
    (iii) Provides a detailed statement regarding the amount and source 
of capital which has been committed to the regional center, as well as a 
description of the promotional efforts taken and planned by the sponsors 
of the regional center;

[[Page 117]]

    (iv) Contains a detailed prediction regarding the manner in which 
the regional center will have a positive impact on the regional or 
national economy in general as reflected by such factors as increased 
household earnings, greater demand for business services, utilities, 
maintenance and repair, and construction both within and without the 
regional center; and
    (v) Is supported by economically or statistically valid forecasting 
tools, including, but not limited to, feasibility studies, analyses of 
foreign and domestic markets for the goods or services to be exported, 
and/or multiplier tables.
    (4) Submission of proposals to participate in the Immigrant Investor 
Pilot Program. On August 24, 1993, the Service will accept proposals 
from regional centers seeking approval to participate in the Immigrant 
Investor Pilot Program. Regional centers that have been approved by the 
Assistant Commissioner for Adjudications will be eligible to participate 
in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.
    (5) Decision to participate in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. 
The Assistant Commissioner for Adjudications shall notify the regional 
center of his or her decision on the request for approval to participate 
in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, and, if the petition is denied, 
of the reasons for the denial and of the regional center's right of 
appeal to the Associate Commissioner for Examinations. Notification of 
denial and appeal rights, and the procedure for appeal shall be the same 
as those contained in 8 CFR 103.3.
    (6) Continued participation requirements for regional centers. (i) 
Regional centers approved for participation in the program must:
    (A) Continue to meet the requirements of section 610(a) of the 
Appropriations Act.
    (B) Provide USCIS with updated information annually, and/or as 
otherwise requested by USCIS, to demonstrate that the regional center is 
continuing to promote economic growth, including increased export sales, 
improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic 
capital investment in the approved geographic area, using a form 
designated for this purpose; and
    (C) Pay the fee provided by 8 CFR 106.2.
    (ii) USCIS will issue a notice of intent to terminate the 
designation of a regional center in the program if:
    (A) A regional center fails to submit the information required in 
paragraph (m)(6)(i)(B) of this section, or pay the associated fee; or
    (B) USCIS determines that the regional center no longer serves the 
purpose of promoting economic growth, including increased export sales, 
improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic 
capital investment.
    (iii) A notice of intent to terminate the designation of a regional 
center will be sent to the regional center and set forth the reasons for 
termination.
    (iv) The regional center will be provided 30 days from receipt of 
the notice of intent to terminate to rebut the ground or grounds stated 
in the notice of intent to terminate.
    (v) USCIS will notify the regional center of the final decision. If 
USCIS determines that the regional center's participation in the program 
should be terminated, USCIS will state the reasons for termination. The 
regional center may appeal the final termination decision in accordance 
with 8 CFR 103.3.
    (vi) A regional center may elect to withdraw from the program and 
request a termination of the regional center designation. The regional 
center must notify USCIS of such election in the form of a letter or as 
otherwise requested by USCIS. USCIS will notify the regional center of 
its decision regarding the withdrawal request in writing.
    (7) Requirements for alien entrepreneurs. An alien seeking an 
immigrant visa as an alien entrepreneur under the Immigrant Investor 
Pilot Program must demonstrate that his or her qualifying investment is 
within a regional center approved pursuant to paragraph (m)(4) of this 
section and that such investment will create jobs indirectly through 
revenues generated from increased exports resulting from the new 
commercial enterprise.
    (i) Exports. For purposes of paragraph (m) of this section, the term 
``exports''

[[Page 118]]

means services or goods which are produced directly or indirectly 
through revenues generated from a new commercial enterprise and which 
are transported out of the United States;
    (ii) Indirect job creation. To show that 10 or more jobs are 
actually created indirectly by the business, reasonable methodologies 
may be used. Such methodologies may include multiplier tables, 
feasibility studies, analyses of foreign and domestic markets for the 
goods or services to be exported, and other economically or 
statistically valid forecasting devices which indicate the likelihood 
that the business will result in increased employment.
    (8) Time for submission of petitions for classification as an alien 
entrepreneur under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. Commencing on 
October 1, 1993, petitions will be accepted for filing and adjudicated 
in accordance with the provisions of this section if the alien 
entrepreneur has invested or is actively in the process of investing 
within a regional center which has been approved by the Service for 
participation in the Pilot Program.
    (9) Effect of termination of approval of regional center to 
participate in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. Upon termination of 
approval of a regional center to participate in the Immigrant Investor 
Pilot Program, the director shall send a formal written notice to any 
alien within the regional center who has been granted lawful permanent 
residence on a conditional basis under the Pilot Program, and who has 
not yet removed the conditional basis of such lawful permanent 
residence, of the termination of the alien's permanent resident status, 
unless the alien can establish continued eligibility for alien 
entrepreneur classification under section 203(b)(5) of the Act.
    (n) Offering amendments or supplements. Amendments or supplements to 
any offering necessary to maintain compliance with applicable securities 
laws based upon changes to this section effective on November 21, 2019 
shall not independently result in denial or revocation of a petition for 
classification under section 203(b)(5) of the Act, provided that the 
petitioner:
    (1) Filed the petition for classification under section 203(b)(5) of 
the Act prior to November 21, 2019;
    (2) Was eligible for classification under 203(b)(5) of the Act at 
the time the petition was filed; and
    (3) Is eligible for classification under 203(b)(5) of the Act, 
including having no right to withdraw or rescind the investment or 
commitment to invest into such offering, at the time of adjudication of 
the petition.

[56 FR 60910, Nov. 29, 1991, as amended at 57 FR 1860, Jan. 16, 1992; 58 
FR 44608, 44609, Aug. 24, 1993; 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009; 75 FR 58990, 
Sept. 24, 2010; 76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011; 81 FR 73332, Oct. 24, 2016; 
84 FR 35808, July 24, 2019; 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.7  Preservation of benefits contained in savings clause 
of Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1976.

    In order to be considered eligible for the benefits of the savings 
clause contained in section 9 of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
Amendments of 1976, an alien must show that the facts established prior 
to January 1, 1977 upon which the entitlement to such benefits was based 
continue to exist.

[41 FR 55849, Dec. 23, 1976]



Sec.  204.8  [Reserved]



Sec.  204.9  Special immigrant status for certain aliens who have served 
honorably (or are enlisted to serve) in the Armed Forces of the United States 
for at least 12 years.

    (a) Petition for Armed Forces special immigrant. An alien may not be 
classified as an Armed Forces special immigrant unless the alien is the 
beneficiary of an approved petition to classify such an alien as a 
special immigrant under section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act. The petition 
must be filed on Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow or Special 
Immigrant.
    (1) Who may file. An alien Armed Forces enlistee or veteran may file 
the petition for Armed Forces special immigrant status in his or her own 
behalf. The person filing the petition is not required to be a citizen 
or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

[[Page 119]]

    (2) Where to file. The petition must be filed in accordance with the 
instructions on the form.
    (b) Eligibility. An alien is eligible for classification as a 
special immigrant under section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act if:
    (1) The alien has served honorably on active duty in the Armed 
Forces of the United States after October 15, 1978;
    (2) The alien's original lawful enlistment was outside the United 
States (under a treaty or agreement in effect October 1, 1991) for a 
period or periods aggregating--
    (i) Twelve years, and who, if separated from such service, was never 
separated except under honorable conditions; or
    (ii) Six years, in the case of an immigrant who is on active duty at 
the time of seeking special immigrant status under this rule and who has 
reenlisted to incur a total active duty service obligation of at least 
12 years;
    (3) The alien is a national of an independent state which maintains 
a treaty or agreement allowing nationals of that state to enlist in the 
United States Armed Forces each year; and
    (4) The executive department under which the alien has served or is 
serving has recommended the granting of special immigrant status to the 
immigrant.
    (c) Derivative beneficiaries. A spouse or child accompanying or 
following to join a principal immigrant who has requested benefits under 
this section may be accorded the same special immigrant classification 
as the principal alien. This may occur whether or not the spouse or 
child is named in the petition and without the approval of a separate 
petition, but only if the executive department under which the immigrant 
serves or served recommends the granting of special immigrant status to 
the principal immigrant.
    (1) The relationship of spouse and child as defined in section 
101(b)(1) of the Act must have existed at the time the principal alien's 
special immigrant application under section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act was 
approved. The spouse or child of an immigrant classified as a section 
103(a)(27)(K) special immigrant is entitled to a derivative status 
corresponding to the classification and priority date of the beneficiary 
of the petition.
    (2) When a spouse or child of an alien granted special immigrant 
status under section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act is in the United States 
but was not included in the principal alien's application, the spouse or 
child shall file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence 
or Adjust Status, in accordance with the instructions on the form, 
regardless of the status of that spouse or child in the United States. 
The application must be supported by evidence that the principal alien 
has been granted special immigrant status under section 101(a)(27)(K) of 
the Act.
    (3) Revocation of derivative status. The termination of special 
immigrant status for a person who was the principal applicant shall 
result in termination of the special immigrant status of a spouse or 
child whose status was based on the special immigrant application of the 
principal.
    (d) Documents which must be submitted in support of the petition. 
(1) A petition to classify an immigrant as a special immigrant under 
section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act must be accompanied by the following:
    (i) Certified proof of reenlistment (after 6 years of active duty 
service), or certification of past active duty status of 12 years, 
issued by the authorizing official of the executive department in which 
the applicant serves or has served, which certifies that the applicant 
has the required honorable active duty service and commitment. The 
authorizing official need not be at a level above the ``local command''. 
The certification must be submitted with Form I-360, Petition for 
Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant; and
    (ii) Birth certificate of the applicant establishing that the 
applicant is a national of an independent state which maintains a treaty 
or agreement allowing nationals of that state to enlist in the United 
States Armed Forces each year.
    (2) Any documents submitted in support of the petition must meet the 
evidentiary requirements as set forth in 8 CFR part 103.
    (3) Submission of an original Form DD-214, Certificate of Release or 
Discharge from Active Duty; Form G-325b,

[[Page 120]]

Biographic Information; and Form N-426, Request for Certification of 
Military or Naval Service, is not required for approval of a petition 
for special immigrant status.
    (e) Decision. The petitioner will be notified of the director's 
decision and, if the petition is denied, of the reasons for the denial. 
If the petition is denied, the petitioner will also be notified of the 
petitioner's right to appeal the decision to the Associate Commissioner 
for Examinations in accordance with 8 CFR part 103.
    (f) Revocation under section 205 of the Act. An alien who has been 
granted special immigrant classification under section 101(a)(27)(K) of 
the Act must meet the qualifications set forth in the Act at the time he 
or she is admitted to the United States for lawful permanent residence. 
If an Armed Forces special immigrant ceases to be a qualified enlistee 
by failing to complete the required active duty service obligation for 
reasons other than an honorable discharge prior to entering the United 
States with an immigrant visa or approval of an application for 
adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence, the petition designating his or her classification as a 
special immigrant is revoked automatically under the general provisions 
of section 205 of the Act. The Service shall obtain a current Form DD-
214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, from the 
appropriate executive department for verification of the alien's failure 
to maintain eligibility for the classification under section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act.

[57 FR 33861, July 31, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 50836, Sept. 29, 1993; 
74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  204.10  [Reserved]



Sec.  204.11  Special immigrant juvenile classification.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following definitions 
apply to a request for classification as a special immigrant juvenile.
    Judicial determination means a conclusion of law made by a juvenile 
court.
    Juvenile court means a court located in the United States that has 
jurisdiction under State law to make judicial determinations about the 
dependency and/or custody and care of juveniles.
    Petition means the form designated by USCIS to request 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile and the act of filing the 
request.
    Petitioner means the alien seeking special immigrant juvenile 
classification.
    State means the definition set out in section 101(a)(36) of the Act, 
including an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium, 
operating a program under a plan approved under 42 U.S.C. 671.
    United States means the definition set out in section 101(a)(38) of 
the Act.
    (b) Eligibility. A petitioner is eligible for classification as a 
special immigrant juvenile under section 203(b)(4) of the Act as 
described at section 101(a)(27)(J) of the Act, if they meet all of the 
following requirements:
    (1) Is under 21 years of age at the time of filing the petition;
    (2) Is unmarried at the time of filing and adjudication;
    (3) Is physically present in the United States;
    (4) Is the subject of a juvenile court order(s) that meets the 
requirements under paragraph (c) of this section; and
    (5) Obtains consent from the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile. For USCIS to consent, 
the request for SIJ classification must be bona fide, which requires the 
petitioner to establish that a primary reason the required juvenile 
court determinations were sought was to obtain relief from parental 
abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under State law. USCIS 
may withhold consent if evidence materially conflicts with the 
eligibility requirements in paragraph (b) of this section such that the 
record reflects that the request for SIJ classification was not bona 
fide. USCIS approval of the petition constitutes the granting of 
consent.
    (c) Juvenile court order(s)--(1) Court-ordered dependency or custody 
and parental reunification determination. The juvenile court must have 
made certain judicial determinations related to the petitioner's custody 
or dependency and determined that the petitioner cannot

[[Page 121]]

reunify with their parent(s) due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a 
similar basis under State law.
    (i) The juvenile court must have made at least one of the following 
judicial determinations related to the petitioner's custodial placement 
or dependency in accordance with State law governing such 
determinations:
    (A) Declared the petitioner dependent upon the juvenile court; or
    (B) Legally committed to or placed the petitioner under the custody 
of an agency or department of a State, or an individual or entity 
appointed by a State or juvenile court.
    (ii) The juvenile court must have made a judicial determination that 
parental reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to 
abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a similar basis under State law. The 
court is not required to terminate parental rights to determine that 
parental reunification is not viable.
    (2) Best interest determination. (i) A determination must be made in 
judicial or administrative proceedings by a court or agency recognized 
by the juvenile court and authorized by law to make such decisions that 
it would not be in the petitioner's best interest to be returned to the 
petitioner's or their parent's country of nationality or last habitual 
residence.
    (ii) Nothing in this part should be construed as altering the 
standards for best interest determinations that juvenile court judges 
routinely apply under relevant State law.
    (3) Qualifying juvenile court order(s). (i) The juvenile court must 
have exercised its authority over the petitioner as a juvenile and made 
the requisite judicial determinations in this paragraph under applicable 
State law to establish eligibility.
    (ii) The juvenile court order(s) must be in effect on the date the 
petitioner files the petition and continue through the time of 
adjudication of the petition, except when the juvenile court's 
jurisdiction over the petitioner terminated solely because:
    (A) The petitioner was adopted, placed in a permanent guardianship, 
or another child welfare permanency goal was reached, other than 
reunification with a parent or parents with whom the court previously 
found that reunification was not viable; or
    (B) The petitioner was the subject of a qualifying juvenile court 
order that was terminated based on age, provided the petitioner was 
under 21 years of age at the time of filing the petition.
    (d) Petition requirements. A petitioner must submit all of the 
following evidence, as applicable to their petition:
    (1) Petition. A petition by or on behalf of a juvenile, filed on the 
form prescribed by USCIS in accordance with the form instructions.
    (2) Evidence of age. Documentary evidence of the petitioner's age, 
in the form of a valid birth certificate, official government-issued 
identification, or other document that in USCIS' discretion establishes 
the petitioner's age. Under no circumstances is the petitioner compelled 
to submit evidence that would conflict with paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (3) Juvenile court order(s). Juvenile court order(s) with the 
judicial determinations required by paragraph (c) of this section. Where 
the best interest determination was made in administrative proceedings, 
the determination may be provided in a separate document issued in those 
proceedings.
    (4) Evidence of a similar basis. When the juvenile court determined 
parental reunification was not viable due to a basis similar to abuse, 
neglect, or abandonment, the petitioner must provide evidence of how the 
basis is legally similar to abuse, neglect, or abandonment under State 
law. Such evidence must include:
    (i) The juvenile court's determination as to how the basis is 
legally similar to abuse, neglect, or abandonment under State law; or
    (ii) Other evidence that establishes the juvenile court made a 
judicial determination that the legal basis is similar to abuse, 
neglect, or abandonment under State law.
    (5) Evidentiary requirements for DHS consent. For USCIS to consent, 
the juvenile court order(s) and any supplemental evidence submitted by 
the petitioner must include the following:
    (i) The factual basis for the requisite determinations in paragraph 
(c) of this section; and

[[Page 122]]

    (ii) The relief from parental abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a 
similar basis under State law granted or recognized by the juvenile 
court. Such relief may include:
    (A) The court-ordered custodial placement; or
    (B) The court-ordered dependency on the court for the provision of 
child welfare services and/or other court-ordered or court-recognized 
protective or remedial relief, including recognition of the petitioner's 
placement in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, 
Office of Refugee Resettlement.
    (6) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) consent. The 
petitioner must provide documentation of specific consent from HHS with 
the petition when:
    (i) The petitioner is, or was previously, in the custody of HHS; and
    (ii) While in the custody of HHS, the petitioner obtained a juvenile 
court order that altered the petitioner's HHS custody or placement 
status.
    (e) No contact. During the petition or interview process, USCIS will 
take no action that requires a petitioner to contact the person(s) who 
allegedly battered, abused, neglected, or abandoned the petitioner (or 
the family member of such person(s)).
    (f) Interview. USCIS may interview a petitioner for special 
immigrant juvenile classification in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b). If 
an interview is conducted, the petitioner may be accompanied by a 
trusted adult at the interview. USCIS may limit the number of persons 
present at the interview, except that the petitioner's attorney or 
accredited representative of record may be present.
    (g) Time for adjudication. (1) In general, USCIS will make a 
decision on a petition for classification as a special immigrant 
juvenile within 180 days of receipt of a properly filed petition. The 
180 days does not begin until USCIS has received all of the required 
evidence in paragraph (d), and the time period will be reset or 
suspended as described in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(10)(i).
    (2) When a petition for special immigrant juvenile classification 
and an application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident 
are pending at the same time, a request for evidence relating to the 
separate application for adjustment of status will not stop or suspend 
the 180-day period for USCIS to decide on the petition for SIJ 
classification.
    (h) Decision. USCIS will notify the petitioner of the decision made 
on the petition, and, if the petition is denied, of the reasons for the 
denial, pursuant to 8 CFR 103.2(b) and 103.3. If the petition is denied, 
USCIS will provide notice of the petitioner's right to appeal the 
decision, pursuant to 8 CFR 103.3.
    (i) No parental immigration rights based on special immigrant 
juvenile classification. The natural or prior adoptive parent(s) of a 
petitioner granted special immigrant juvenile classification will not be 
accorded any right, privilege, or status under the Act by virtue of 
their parentage. This prohibition applies to all of the petitioner's 
natural and prior adoptive parent(s).
    (j) Revocation--(1) Automatic revocation. USCIS will issue a notice 
to the beneficiary of an approved petition for special immigrant 
juvenile classification of an automatic revocation under this paragraph 
as provided in 8 CFR 205.1. The approval of a petition for 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile made under this section 
is revoked as of the date of approval if any one of the following 
circumstances occurs before the decision on the beneficiary's 
application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident 
becomes final:
    (i) Reunification of the beneficiary with one or both parents by 
virtue of a juvenile court order, where a juvenile court previously 
deemed reunification with that parent, or both parents, not viable due 
to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under State law; or
    (ii) Administrative or judicial proceedings determine that it is in 
the beneficiary's best interest to be returned to the country of 
nationality or last habitual residence of the beneficiary or of their 
parent(s).
    (2) Revocation on notice. USCIS may revoke an approved petition for 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile for good and sufficient 
cause as provided in 8 CFR 205.2.

[87 FR 13111, Mar. 8, 2022]

[[Page 123]]



Sec.  204.12  How can second-preference immigrant physicians be granted 
a national interest waiver based on service in a medically underserved area 
or VA facility?

    (a) Which physicians qualify? Any alien physician (namely doctors of 
medicine and doctors of osteopathy) for whom an immigrant visa petition 
has been filed pursuant to section 203(b)(2) of the Act shall be granted 
a national interest waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act if 
the physician requests the waiver in accordance with this section and 
establishes that:
    (1) The physician agrees to work full-time (40 hours per week) in a 
clinical practice for an aggregate of 5 years (not including time served 
in J-1 nonimmigrant status); and
    (2) The service is;
    (i) In a geographical area or areas designated by the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Medically Underserved Area, a 
Primary Medical Health Professional Shortage Area, or a Mental Health 
Professional Shortage Area, and in a medical speciality that is within 
the scope of the Secretary's designation for the geographical area or 
areas; or
    (ii) At a health care facility under the jurisdiction of the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA); and
    (3) A Federal agency or the department of public health of a State, 
territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, has 
previously determined that the physician's work in that area or facility 
is in the public interest.
    (b) Is there a time limit on how long the physician has to complete 
the required medical service? (1) If the physician already has 
authorization to accept employment (other than as a J-1 exchange alien), 
the beneficiary physician must complete the aggregate 5 years of 
qualifying full-time clinical practice during the 6-year period 
beginning on the date of approval of the Form I-140.
    (2) If the physician must obtain authorization to accept employment 
before the physician may lawfully begin working, the physician must 
complete the aggregate 5 years of qualifying full-time clinical practice 
during the 6-year period beginning on the date of the Service issues the 
necessary employment authorization document.
    (c) Are there special requirements for these physicians? Petitioners 
requesting the national interest waiver as described in this section on 
behalf of a qualified alien physician, or alien physicians self-
petitioning for second preference classification, must meet all 
eligibility requirements found in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(3) of 
Sec.  204.5. In addition, the petitioner or self-petitioner must submit 
the following evidence with Form I-140 to support the request for a 
national interest waiver. Physicians planning to divide the practice of 
full-time clinical medicine between more than one underserved area must 
submit the following evidence for each area of intended practice.
    (1)(i) If the physician will be an employee, a full-time employment 
contract for the required period of clinical medical practice, or an 
employment commitment letter from a VA facility. The contract or letter 
must have been issued and dated within 6 months prior to the date the 
petition is filed.
    (ii) If the physician will establish his or her own practice, the 
physician's sworn statement committing to the full-time practice of 
clinical medicine for the required period, and describing the steps the 
physician has taken or intends to actually take to establish the 
practice.
    (2) Evidence that the physician will provide full-time clinical 
medical service:
    (i) In a geographical area or areas designated by the Secretary of 
HHS as having a shortage of health care professionals and in a medical 
speciality that is within the scope of the Secretary's designation for 
the geographical area or areas; or
    (ii) In a facility under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of VA.
    (3) A letter (issued and dated within 6 months prior to the date on 
which the petition is filed) from a Federal agency or from the 
department of public health (or equivalent) of a State or territory of 
the United States or the District of Columbia, attesting that the alien 
physician's work is or will be in the public interest.
    (i) An attestation from a Federal agency must reflect the agency's

[[Page 124]]

knowledge of the alien's qualifications and the agency's background in 
making determinations on matters involving medical affairs so as to 
substantiate the finding that the alien's work is or will be in the 
public interest.
    (ii) An attestation from the public health department of a State, 
territory, or the District of Columbia must reflect that the agency has 
jurisdiction over the place where the alien physician intends to 
practice clinical medicine. If the alien physician intends to practice 
clinical medicine in more than one underserved area, attestations from 
each intended area of practice must be included.
    (4) Evidence that the alien physician meets the admissibility 
requirements established by section 212(a)(5)(B) of the Act.
    (5) Evidence of the Service-issued waivers, if applicable, of the 
requirements of sections 212(e) of the Act, if the alien physician has 
been a J-1 nonimmigrant receiving medical training within the United 
States.
    (d) How will the Service process petitions filed on different 
dates?--(1) Petitions filed on or after November 12, 1999. For petitions 
filed on or after November 12, 1999, the Service will approve a national 
interest waiver provided the petitioner or beneficiary (if self-
petitioning) submits the necessary documentation to satisfy the 
requirements of section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act and this section, 
and the physician is otherwise eligible for classification as a second 
preference employment-based immigrant. Nothing in this section relieves 
the alien physician from any other requirement other than that of 
fulfilling the labor certification process as provided in Sec.  
204.5(k)(4).
    (2) Petitions pending on November 12, 1999. Section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) 
of the Act applies to all petitions that were pending adjudication as of 
November 12, 1999 before a Service Center, before the associate 
Commissioner for Examinations, or before a Federal court. Petitioners 
whose petitions were pending on November 12, 1999, will not be required 
to submit a new petition, but may be required to submit supplemental 
evidence noted in paragraph (c) of this section. The requirement that 
supplemental evidence be issued and dated within 6 months prior to the 
date on which the petition is filed is not applicable to petitions that 
were pending as of November 12, 1999. If the case was pending before the 
Associate Commissioner for Examinations or a Federal court on November 
12, 1999, the petitioner should ask for a remand to the proper Service 
Center for consideration of this new evidence.
    (3) Petitions denied on or after November 12, 1999. The Service 
Center or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations shall reopen any 
petition affected by the provision of section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the 
Act that the Service denied on or after November 12, 1999, but prior to 
the effective date of this rule.
    (4) Petitions filed prior to November 1, 1998. For petitions filed 
prior to November 1, 1998, and still pending as of November 12, 1999, 
the Service will approve a national interest waiver provided the 
beneficiary fulfills the evidence requirements of paragraph (c) of this 
section. Alien physicians that are beneficiaries of pre-November 1, 
1998, petitions are only required to work full-time as a physician 
practicing clinical medicine for an aggregate of 3 years, rather than 5 
years, not including time served in J-1 nonimmigrant status, prior to 
the physician either adjusting status under section 245 of the Act or 
receiving a visa issued under section 204(b) of the Act. The physician 
must complete the aggregate of 3 years of medical service within the 4-
year period beginning on the date of the approval of the petition, if 
the physician already has authorization to accept employment (other than 
as a J-1 exchange alien). If the physician does not already have 
authorization to accept employment, the physician must perform the 
service within the 4-year period beginning the date the Service issues 
the necessary employment authorization document.
    (5) Petitions filed and approved before November 12, 1999. An alien 
physician who obtained approval of a second preference employment-based 
visa petition and a national interest waiver before November 12, 1999, 
is not subject to the service requirements imposed in section 
203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act. If the physician obtained under section 
214(1)

[[Page 125]]

of the Act a waiver of the foreign residence requirement imposed under 
section 212(e) of the Act, he or she must comply with the requirements 
of section 214(1) of the Act in order to continue to have the benefit of 
that waiver.
    (6) Petitions denied prior to November 12, 1999. If a prior Service 
decision denying a national interest waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B) 
of the Act became administratively final before November 12, 1999, an 
alien physician who believes that he or she is eligible for the waiver 
under the provisions of section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act may file a 
new Form I-140 petition accompanied by the evidence required in 
paragraph (c) of this section. The Service must deny any motion to 
reopen or reconsider a decision denying an immigrant visa petition if 
the decision became final before November 12, 1999, without prejudice to 
the filing of a new visa petition with a national interest waiver 
request that comports with section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act.
    (e) May physicians file adjustment of status applications? Upon 
approval of a second preference employment-based immigrant petition, 
Form I-140, and national interest waiver based on a full-time clinical 
practice in a shortage area or areas of the United States, an alien 
physician may submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent 
Residence or Adjust Status, to the appropriate Service Center. The 
Service will not approve the alien physician's application for 
adjustment of status until the alien physician submits evidence 
documenting that the alien physician has completed the period of 
required service. Specific instructions for alien physicians filing 
adjustment applications are found in Sec.  245.18 of this chapter.
    (f) May a physician practice clinical medicine in a different 
underserved area? Physicians in receipt of an approved Form I-140 with a 
national interest waiver based on full-time clinical practice in a 
designated shortage area and a pending adjustment of status application 
may apply to the Service if the physician is offered new employment to 
practice full-time in another underserved area of the United States.
    (1) If the physician beneficiary has found a new employer desiring 
to petition the Service on the physician's behalf, the new petitioner 
must submit a new Form I-140 (with fee) with all the evidence required 
in paragraph (c) of this section, including a copy of the approval 
notice from the initial Form I-140. If approved, the new petition will 
be matched with the pending adjustment of status application. The 
beneficiary will retain the priority date from the initial Form I-140. 
The Service will calculate the amount of time the physician was between 
employers so as to adjust the count of the aggregate time served in an 
underserved area. This calculation will be based on the evidence the 
physician submits pursuant to the requirements of Sec.  245.18(d) of 
this chapter. An approved change of practice to another underserved area 
does not constitute a new 6-year period in which the physician must 
complete the aggregate 5 years of service.
    (2) If the physician intends to establish his or her own practice, 
the physician must submit a new Form I-140 (with fee) will all the 
evidence required in paragraph (c) of this section, including the 
special requirement of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section and a copy 
of the approval notice from the initial Form I-140. If approved, the new 
petition will be matched with the pending adjustment of status 
application. The beneficiary will retain the priority date from the 
initial Form I-140. The Service will calculate the amount of time the 
physician was between practices so as to adjust the count of the 
aggregate time served in an underserved area. This calculation will be 
based on the evidence the physician submits pursuant to the requirements 
of Sec.  245.18(d) of this chapter. An approved change of practice to 
another underserved area does not constitute a new 6-year period in 
which the physician must complete the aggregate 5 years of service.
    (g) Do these provisions have any effect on physicians with foreign 
residence requirements? Because the requirements of section 
203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act are not exactly the same as the requirements 
of section 212(e) or 214(l) of the Act, approval of a national interest

[[Page 126]]

waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act and this paragraph does 
not relieve the alien physician of any foreign residence requirement 
that the alien physician may have under section 212(e) of the Act.

[65 FR 53893, Sept. 6, 2000; 65 FR 57861, Sept. 26, 2000]



Sec.  204.13  How can the International Broadcasting Bureau of 
the United States Broadcasting Board of Governors petition for a fourth 
preference special immigrant broadcaster?

    (a) Which broadcasters qualify? Under section 203(b)(4) of the Act, 
the International Broadcasting Bureau of the United States Broadcasting 
Board of Governors (BBG), or a grantee of the BBG, may petition for an 
alien (and the alien's accompanying spouse and children) to work as a 
broadcaster for the BBG or a grantee of the BBG in the United States. 
For the purposes of this section, the terms:
    BBG grantee means Radio Free Asia, Inc (RFA) or Radio Free Europe/
Radio Liberty, Inc. (RFE/RL); and
    Broadcaster means a reporter, writer, translator, editor, producer 
or announcer for news broadcasts; hosts for news broadcasts, news 
analysis, editorial and other broadcast features; or a news analysis 
specialist. The term broadcaster does not include individuals performing 
purely technical or support services for the BBG or a BBG grantee.
    (b) Is there a yearly limit on the number of visas available for 
alien broadcasters petitioned by the BBG or a BBG grantee? (1) Under the 
provisions of section 203(b)(4) of the Act, a yearly limit of 100 fourth 
preference special immigrant visas are available to aliens intending to 
work as broadcasters in the United States for the BBG or a BBG grantee. 
These 100 visas are available in any fiscal year beginning on or after 
October 1, 2000.
    (2) The alien broadcaster's accompanying spouse and children are not 
counted towards the 100 special broadcaster visa limit.
    (c) What form should the BBG use to petition for these special alien 
broadcasters? The BBG or a BBG grantee shall use Form I-360, Petition 
for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to petition for an alien 
broadcaster. The petition must be submitted with the correct fee noted 
on the form.
    (d) Will the BBG need to submit supplemental evidence with Form I-
360 for alien broadcasters? (1) All Form I-360 petitions submitted by 
the BBG or a BBG grantee on behalf of an alien for a broadcaster 
position with the BBG or BBG grantee must be accompanied by a signed and 
dated supplemental attestation that contains the following information 
about the prospective alien broadcaster:
    (i) The job title and a full description of the job to be performed; 
and
    (ii) The broadcasting expertise held by the alien, including how 
long the alien has been performing duties that relate to the prospective 
position or a statement as to how the alien possesses the necessary 
skills that make him or her qualified for the broadcasting-related 
position within the BBG or BBG grantee.
    (2) [Reserved]

[66 FR 51821, Oct. 11, 2001, as amended at 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009]

Subpart B [Reserved]



         Subpart C_Intercountry Adoption of a Convention Adoptee

    Source: 72 FR 56854, Oct. 4, 2007, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  204.300  Scope of this subpart.

    (a) Convention adoptees. This subpart governs the adjudication of a 
Form I-800A or Form I-800 for a Convention adoptee under section 
101(b)(1)(G) of the Act. The provisions of this subpart enter into force 
on the Convention effective date, as defined in 8 CFR 204.301.
    (b) Orphan cases. On or after the Convention effective date, no Form 
I-600A or I-600 may be filed under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act and 8 
CFR 204.3 in relation to the adoption of a child who is habitually 
resident in a Convention country. If a Form I-600A or Form I-600 was 
filed before the Convention effective date, the case will continue to be 
governed by 8 CFR 204.3, as in effect before the Convention effective 
date.

[[Page 127]]

    (c) Adopted children. This subpart does not apply to the immigrant 
visa classification of adopted children, as defined in section 
101(b)(1)(E) of the Act. For the procedures that govern classification 
of adopted children as defined in section 101(b)(1)(E) of the Act, see 8 
CFR 204.2.



Sec.  204.301  Definitions.

    The definitions in 22 CFR 96.2 apply to this subpart C. In addition, 
as used in this subpart C, the term:
    Abandonment means:
    (1) That a child's parent has willfully forsaken all parental 
rights, obligations, and claims to the child, as well as all custody of 
the child without intending to transfer, or without transferring, these 
rights to any specific individual(s) or entity.
    (2) The child's parent must have actually surrendered such rights, 
obligations, claims, control, and possession.
    (3) That a parent's knowledge that a specific person or persons may 
adopt a child does not void an abandonment; however, a purported act of 
abandonment cannot be conditioned on the child's adoption by that 
specific person or persons.
    (4) That if the parent(s) entrusted the child to a third party for 
custodial care in anticipation of, or preparation for, adoption, the 
third party (such as a governmental agency, a court of competent 
jurisdiction, an adoption agency, or an orphanage) must have been 
authorized under the Convention country's child welfare laws to act in 
such a capacity.
    (5) That, if the parent(s) entrusted the child to an orphanage, the 
parent(s) did not intend the placement to be merely temporary, with the 
intention of retaining the parent-child relationship, but that the child 
is abandoned if the parent(s) entrusted the child permanently and 
unconditionally to an orphanage.
    (6) That, although a written document from the parent(s) is not 
necessary to prove abandonment, if any written document signed by the 
parent(s) is presented to prove abandonment, the document must specify 
whether the parent(s) who signed the document was (were) able to read 
and understand the language in which the document is written. If the 
parent is not able to read or understand the language in which the 
document is written, then the document is not valid unless the document 
is accompanied by a declaration, signed by an identified individual, 
establishing that that identified individual is competent to translate 
the language in the document into a language that the parent understands 
and that the individual, on the date and at the place specified in the 
declaration, did in fact read and explain the document to the parent in 
a language that the parent understands. The declaration must also 
indicate the language used to provide this explanation. If the person 
who signed the declaration is an officer or employee of the Central 
Authority (but not of an agency or entity authorized to perform a 
Central Authority function by delegation) or any other governmental 
agency, the person must certify the truth of the facts stated in the 
declaration. Any other individual who signs a declaration must sign the 
declaration under penalty of perjury under United States law.
    Adoption means the judicial or administrative act that establishes a 
permanent legal parent-child relationship between a minor and an adult 
who is not already the minor's legal parent and terminates the legal 
parent-child relationship between the adoptive child and any former 
parent(s).
    Adult member of the household means:
    (1) Any individual other than the applicant, who has the same 
principal residence as the applicant and who had reached his or her 18th 
birthday on or before the date a Form I-800A is filed; or
    (2) Any person who has not yet reached his or her 18th birthday 
before the date a Form I-800A is filed, or who does not actually live at 
the same residence, but whose presence in the residence is relevant to 
the issue of suitability to adopt, if the officer adjudicating the Form 
I-800A concludes, based on the facts of the case, that it is necessary 
to obtain an evaluation of how that person's presence in the home 
affects the determination whether the applicant is suitable as the 
adoptive parent(s) of a Convention adoptee.

[[Page 128]]

    Applicant means the U.S. citizen (and his or her spouse, if any) who 
has filed a Form I-800A under this subpart C. The applicant may be an 
unmarried U.S. citizen who is at least 24 years old when the Form I-800A 
is filed, or a married U.S. citizen of any age and his or her spouse of 
any age. Although the singular term ``applicant'' is used in this 
subpart, the term includes both a married U.S. citizen and his or her 
spouse.
    Birth parent means a ``natural parent'' as used in section 
101(b)(1)(G) of the Act.
    Central Authority means the entity designated as such under Article 
6(1) of the Convention by any Convention country or, in the case of the 
United States, the United States Department of State. Except as 
specified in this Part, ``Central Authority'' also means, solely for 
purposes of this Part, an individual who or entity that is performing a 
Central Authority function, having been authorized to do so by the 
designated Central Authority, in accordance with the Convention and the 
law of the Central Authority's country.
    Competent authority means a court or governmental agency of a 
foreign country that has jurisdiction and authority to make decisions in 
matters of child welfare, including adoption.
    Convention means the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-
operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, opened for signature at 
The Hague on May 29, 1993.
    Convention adoptee means a child habitually resident in a Convention 
country who is eligible to immigrate to the United States on the basis 
of a Convention adoption.
    Convention adoption, except as specified in 8 CFR 204.300(b), means 
the adoption, on or after the Convention effective date, of an alien 
child habitually resident in a Convention country by a U.S. citizen 
habitually resident in the United States, when in connection with the 
adoption the child has moved, or will move, from the Convention country 
to the United States.
    Convention country means a country that is a party to the Convention 
and with which the Convention is in force for the United States.
    Convention effective date means the date on which the Convention 
enters into force for the United States as announced by the Secretary of 
State under 22 CFR 96.17.
    Custody for purposes of emigration and adoption exists when:
    (1) The competent authority of the country of a child's habitual 
residence has, by a judicial or administrative act (which may be either 
the act granting custody of the child or a separate judicial or 
administrative act), expressly authorized the petitioner, or an 
individual or entity acting on the petitioner's behalf, to take the 
child out of the country of the child's habitual residence and to bring 
the child to the United States for adoption in the United States.
    (2) If the custody order shows that custody was given to an 
individual or entity acting on the petitioner's behalf, the custody 
order must indicate that the child is to be adopted in the United States 
by the petitioner.
    (3) A foreign judicial or administrative act that is called an 
adoption but that does not terminate the legal parent-child relationship 
between the former parent(s) and the adopted child and does not create 
the permanent legal parent-child relationship between the petitioner and 
the adopted child will be deemed a grant of custody of the child for 
purposes of this part, but only if the judicial or administrative act 
expressly authorizes the custodian to take the child out of the country 
of the child's habitual residence and to bring the child to the United 
States for adoption in the United States by the petitioner.
    Deserted or desertion means that a child's parent has willfully 
forsaken the child and has refused to carry out parental rights and 
obligations and that, as a result, the child has become a ward of a 
competent authority in accordance with the laws of the Convention 
country.
    Disappeared or Disappearance means that a child's parent has 
unaccountably or inexplicably passed out of the child's life so that the 
parent's whereabouts are unknown, there is no reasonable expectation of 
the parent's reappearance, and there has been a reasonable effort to 
locate the parent as

[[Page 129]]

determined by a competent authority in accordance with the laws of the 
Convention country. A stepparent who under the definition of ``Parent'' 
in this section is deemed to be a child's legal parent, may be found to 
have disappeared if it is established that the stepparent either never 
knew of the child's existence, or never knew of their legal relationship 
to the child.
    Home study preparer means a person (whether an individual or an 
agency) authorized under 22 CFR part 96 to conduct home studies for 
Convention adoption cases, either as a public domestic authority, an 
accredited agency, a temporarily accredited agency, approved person, 
supervised provider, or exempted provider and who (if not a public 
domestic authority) holds any license or other authorization that may be 
required to conduct adoption home studies under the law of the 
jurisdiction in which the home study is conducted.
    Incapable of providing proper care means that, in light of all the 
relevant circumstances including but not limited to economic or 
financial concerns, extreme poverty, medical, mental, or emotional 
difficulties, or long term-incarceration, the child's two living birth 
parents are not able to provide for the child's basic needs, consistent 
with the local standards of the Convention country.
    Irrevocable consent means a document which indicates the place and 
date the document was signed by a child's legal custodian, and which 
meets the other requirements specified in this definition, in which the 
legal custodian freely consents to the termination of the legal 
custodian's legal relationship with the child. If the irrevocable 
consent is signed by the child's birth mother or any legal custodian 
other than the birth father, the irrevocable consent must have been 
signed after the child's birth; the birth father may sign an irrevocable 
consent before the child's birth if permitted by the law of the child's 
habitual residence. This provision does not preclude a birth father from 
giving consent to the termination of his legal relationship to the child 
before the child's birth, if the birth father is permitted to do so 
under the law of the country of the child's habitual residence.
    (1) To qualify as an irrevocable consent under this definition, the 
document must specify whether the legal custodian is able to read and 
understand the language in which the consent is written. If the legal 
custodian is not able to read or understand the language in which the 
document is written, then the document does not qualify as an 
irrevocable consent unless the document is accompanied by a declaration, 
signed, by an identified individual, establishing that that identified 
individual is competent to translate the language in the irrevocable 
consent into a language that the parent understands, and that the 
individual, on the date and at the place specified in the declaration, 
did in fact read and explain the consent to the legal custodian in a 
language that the legal custodian understands. The declaration must also 
indicate the language used to provide this explanation. If the person 
who signed the declaration is an officer or employee of the Central 
Authority (but not of an agency or entity authorized to perform a 
Central Authority function by delegation) or any other governmental 
agency, the person must certify the truth of the facts stated in the 
declaration. Any other individual who signs a declaration must sign the 
declaration under penalty of perjury under United States law.
    (2) If more than one individual or entity is the child's legal 
custodian, the consent of each legal custodian may be recorded in one 
document, or in an additional document, but all documents, taken 
together, must show that each legal custodian has given the necessary 
irrevocable consent.
    Legal custodian means the individual who, or entity that, has legal 
custody of a child, as defined in 22 CFR 96.2.
    Officer means a USCIS officer with jurisdiction to adjudicate Form 
I-800A or Form I-800 or a Department of State officer with jurisdiction, 
by delegation from USCIS, to grant either provisional or final approval 
of a Form I-800.
    Parent means any person who is related to a child as described in 
section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), or (G) and section 
101(b)(2) of the Act, except that a stepparent described in section 
101(b)(1)(B) of the Act is not considered

[[Page 130]]

a child's parent, solely for purposes of classification of the child as 
a Convention adoptee, if the petitioner establishes that, under the law 
of the Convention country, there is no legal parent-child relationship 
between a stepparent and stepchild. This definition includes a 
stepparent if the stepparent adopted the child, or if the stepparent, 
under the law of the Convention country, became the child's legal parent 
by marrying the other legal parent. A stepparent who is a legal parent 
may consent to the child's adoption, or may be found to have abandoned 
or deserted the child, or to have disappeared from the child's life, in 
the same manner as would apply to any other legal parent.
    Petitioner means the U.S. citizen (and his or her spouse, if any) 
who has filed a Form I-800 under this subpart C. The petitioner may be 
an unmarried U.S. citizen who is at least 25 years old when the Form I-
800 is filed, or a married U.S. citizen of any age and his or her spouse 
of any age. Although the singular term ``petitioner'' is used in this 
subpart, the term includes both a married U.S. citizen and his or her 
spouse.
    Sole parent means:
    (1) The child's mother, when the competent authority has determined 
that the child's father has abandoned or deserted the child, or has 
disappeared from the child's life; or
    (2) The child's father, when the competent authority has determined 
that the child's mother has abandoned or deserted the child, or has 
disappeared from the child's life; except that
    (3) A child's parent is not a sole parent if the child has acquired 
another parent within the meaning of section 101(b)(2) of the Act and 
this section.
    Suitability as adoptive parent(s) means that USCIS is satisfied, 
based on the evidence of record, that it is reasonable to conclude that 
the applicant is capable of providing, and will provide, proper parental 
care to an adopted child.
    Surviving parent means the child's living parent when the child's 
other parent is dead, and the child has not acquired another parent 
within the meaning of section 101(b)(2) of the Act and this section.



Sec.  204.302  Role of service providers.

    (a) Who may provide services in Convention adoption cases. Subject 
to the limitations in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, a U.S. 
citizen seeking to file a Form I-800A or I-800 may use the services of 
any individual or entity authorized to provide services in connection 
with adoption, except that the U.S. citizen must use the services of an 
accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, approved person, 
supervised provider public domestic authority or exempted provider when 
required to do so under 22 CFR part 96.
    (b) Unauthorized practice of law prohibited. An adoption agency or 
facilitator, including an individual or entity authorized under 22 CFR 
part 96 to provide the six specific adoption services identified in 22 
CFR 96.2, may not engage in any act that constitutes the legal 
representation, as defined in 8 CFR 1.2, of the applicant (for a Form I-
800A case) or petitioner (for a Form I-800 case) unless authorized to do 
so as provided in 8 CFR part 292. An individual authorized under 8 CFR 
part 292 to practice before USCIS may provide legal services in 
connection with a Form I-800A or I-800 case, but may not provide any of 
the six specific adoption services identified in 22 CFR 96.2, unless the 
individual is authorized to do so under 22 CFR part 96 (for services 
provided in the United States) or under the laws of the country of the 
child's habitual residence (for services performed outside the United 
States). The provisions of 8 CFR 292.5 concerning sending notices about 
a case do not apply to an adoption agency or facilitator that is not 
authorized under 8 CFR part 292 to engage in representation before 
USCIS.
    (c) Application of the Privacy Act. Except as permitted by the 
Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a and the relevant Privacy Act notice 
concerning the routine use of information, USCIS may not disclose or 
give access to any information or record relating to any applicant or 
petitioner who has filed a Form I-800A or Form I-800 to any individual 
or entity other than that person, including but not limited to an 
accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, approved person, 
public domestic authority, exempted provider, or supervised

[[Page 131]]

provider, unless the applicant who filed the Form I-800A or the 
petitioner who filed Form I-800 has filed a written consent to 
disclosure, as provided by the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a.

[72 FR 56854, Oct. 4, 2007, as amended at 76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  204.303  Determination of habitual residence.

    (a) U.S. Citizens. For purposes of this subpart, a U.S. citizen who 
is seeking to have an alien classified as the U.S. citizen's child under 
section 101(b)(1)(G) of the Act is deemed to be habitually resident in 
the United States if the individual:
    (1) Has his or her domicile in the United States, even if he or she 
is living temporarily abroad; or
    (2) Is not domiciled in the United States but establishes by a 
preponderance of the evidence that:
    (i) The citizen will have established a domicile in the United 
States on or before the date of the child's admission to the United 
States for permanent residence as a Convention adoptee; or
    (ii) The citizen indicates on the Form I-800 that the citizen 
intends to bring the child to the United States after adopting the child 
abroad, and before the child's 18th birthday, at which time the child 
will be eligible for, and will apply for, naturalization under section 
322 of the Act and 8 CFR part 322. This option is not available if the 
child will be adopted in the United States.
    (b) Convention adoptees. A child whose classification is sought as a 
Convention adoptee is, generally, deemed for purposes of this subpart C 
to be habitually resident in the country of the child's citizenship. If 
the child's actual residence is outside the country of the child's 
citizenship, the child will be deemed habitually resident in that other 
country, rather than in the country of citizenship, if the Central 
Authority (or another competent authority of the country in which the 
child has his or her actual residence) has determined that the child's 
status in that country is sufficiently stable for that country properly 
to exercise jurisdiction over the child's adoption or custody. This 
determination must be made by the Central Authority itself, or by 
another competent authority of the country of the child's habitual 
residence, but may not be made by a nongovernmental individual or entity 
authorized by delegation to perform Central Authority functions. The 
child will not be considered to be habitually resident in any country to 
which the child travels temporarily, or to which he or she travels 
either as a prelude to, or in conjunction with, his or her adoption and/
or immigration to the United States.



Sec.  204.304  Improper inducement prohibited.

    (a) Prohibited payments. Neither the applicant/petitioner, nor any 
individual or entity acting on behalf of the applicant/petitioner may, 
directly or indirectly, pay, give, offer to pay, or offer to give to any 
individual or entity or request, receive, or accept from any individual 
or entity, any money (in any amount) or anything of value (whether the 
value is great or small), directly or indirectly, to induce or influence 
any decision concerning:
    (1) The placement of a child for adoption;
    (2) The consent of a parent, a legal custodian, individual, or 
agency to the adoption of a child;
    (3) The relinquishment of a child to a competent authority, or to an 
agency or person as defined in 22 CFR 96.2, for the purpose of adoption; 
or
    (4) The performance by the child's parent or parents of any act that 
makes the child a Convention adoptee.
    (b) Permissible payments. Paragraph (a) of this section does not 
prohibit an applicant/petitioner, or an individual or entity acting on 
behalf of an applicant/petitioner, from paying the reasonable costs 
incurred for the services designated in this paragraph. A payment is not 
reasonable if it is prohibited under the law of the country in which the 
payment is made or if the amount of the payment is not commensurate with 
the costs for professional and other services in the country in which 
any particular service is provided. The permissible services are:
    (1) The services of an adoption service provider in connection with 
an adoption;
    (2) Expenses incurred in locating a child for adoption;

[[Page 132]]

    (3) Medical, hospital, nursing, pharmaceutical, travel, or other 
similar expenses incurred by a mother or her child in connection with 
the birth or any illness of the child;
    (4) Counseling services for a parent or a child for a reasonable 
time before and after the child's placement for adoption;
    (5) Expenses, in an amount commensurate with the living standards in 
the country of the child's habitual residence, for the care of the birth 
mother while pregnant and immediately following the birth of the child;
    (6) Expenses incurred in obtaining the home study;
    (7) Expenses incurred in obtaining the reports on the child as 
described in 8 CFR 204.313(d)(3) and (4);
    (8) Legal services, court costs, and travel or other administrative 
expenses connected with an adoption, including any legal services 
performed for a parent who consents to the adoption of a child or 
relinquishes the child to an agency; and
    (9) Any other service the payment for which the officer finds, on 
the basis of the facts of the case, was reasonably necessary.
    (c) Department of State requirements. See 22 CFR 96.34, 96.36 and 
96.40 for additional regulatory information concerning fees in relation 
to Convention adoptions.



Sec.  204.305  State preadoption requirements.

    State preadoption requirements must be complied with when a child is 
coming into the State as a Convention adoptee to be adopted in the 
United States. A qualified Convention adoptee is deemed to be coming to 
be adopted in the United States if either of the following factors 
exists:
    (a) The applicant/petitioner will not complete the child's adoption 
abroad; or
    (b) In the case of a married applicant/petitioner, the child was 
adopted abroad only by one of the spouses, rather than by the spouses 
jointly, so that it will be necessary for the other spouse to adopt the 
child after the child's admission.



Sec.  204.306  Classification as an immediate relative based on 
a Convention adoption.

    (a) Unless 8 CFR 204.309 requires the denial of a Form I-800A or 
Form I-800, a child is eligible for classification as an immediate 
relative, as defined in section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Act, on the basis 
of a Convention adoption, if the U.S. citizen who seeks to adopt the 
child establishes that:
    (1) The United States citizen is (or, if married, the United States 
citizen and the United States citizen's spouse are) eligible and 
suitable to adopt; and
    (2) The child is a Convention adoptee.
    (b) A U.S. citizen seeking to have USCIS classify an alien child as 
the U.S. citizen's child under section 101(b)(1)(G) of the Act must 
complete a two-step process:
    (1) First, the U.S. citizen must file a Form I-800A under 8 CFR 
204.310;
    (2) Then, once USCIS has approved the Form I-800A and a child has 
been identified as an alien who may qualify as a Convention adoptee, the 
U.S. citizen must file a Form I-800 under 8 CFR 204.313.



Sec.  204.307  Who may file a Form I-800A or Form I-800.

    (a) Eligibility to file Form I-800A. Except as provided in paragraph 
(c) of this section, the following persons may file a Form I-800A:
    (1) An unmarried United States citizen who is at least 24 years old 
and who is habitually resident in the United States, as determined under 
8 CFR 204.303(a); or
    (2) A married United States citizen, who is habitually resident in 
the United States, as determined under 8 CFR 204.303(a), and whose 
spouse will also adopt any child adopted by the citizen based on the 
approval of a Form I-800A; and
    (3) The citizen's spouse must also be either a U.S. citizen, a non-
citizen U.S. national, or an alien who, if living in the United States, 
holds a lawful status under U.S. immigration law. If an alien spouse is 
present in a lawful status other than the status of an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence, such status will be a factor evaluated 
in determining whether the family's situation is sufficiently stable to

[[Page 133]]

support a finding that the applicant is suitable as the adoptive parents 
of a Convention adoptee.
    (b) Eligibility to file a Form I-800. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section, the following persons may file a Form I-
800:
    (1) An unmarried United States citizen who is at least 25 years old 
and who is habitually resident in the United States, as determined under 
8 CFR 204.303(a); or
    (2) A married United States citizen, who is habitually resident in 
the United States as determined under 8 CFR 204.303(a), and whose spouse 
will also adopt the child the citizen seeks to adopt. The spouse must be 
either a United States citizen or a non-citizen U.S. national or an 
alien who, if living in the United States, holds a lawful status under 
U.S. immigration law; and
    (3) The person has an approved and unexpired Form I-800A.
    (c) Exceptions. (1) No applicant may file a Form I-800A, and no 
petitioner may file a Form I-800, if:
    (i) The applicant filed a prior Form I-800A that USCIS denied under 
8 CFR 204.309(a); or
    (ii) The applicant filed a prior Form I-600A under 8 CFR 204.3 that 
USCIS denied under 8 CFR 204.3(h)(4); or
    (iii) The petitioner filed a prior Form I-800 that USCIS denied 
under 8 CFR 204.309(b)(3); or
    (iv) The petitioner filed a prior Form I-600 under 8 CFR 204.3 that 
USCIS denied under 8 CFR 204.3(i).
    (2) This bar against filing a subsequent Form I-800A or Form I-800 
expires one year after the date on which the decision denying the prior 
Form I-800A, I-600A, I-800 or I-600 became administratively final. If 
the applicant (for a Form I-800A or I-600A case) or the petitioner (for 
a Form I-800 or I-600 case) does not appeal the prior decision, the one-
year period ends one year after the date of the original decision 
denying the prior Form I-800A, I-600A, I-800 or I-600. Any Form I-800A, 
or Form I-800 filed during this one-year period will be denied. If the 
applicant (for a Form I-800A or Form I-600A case) or petitioner (for a 
Form I-800 or I-600 case) appeals the prior decision, the bar to filing 
a new Form I-800A or I-800 applies while the appeal is pending and ends 
one year after the date of an Administrative Appeals Office decision 
affirming the denial.
    (3) Any facts underlying a prior denial of a Form I-800A, I-800, I-
600A, or I-600 are relevant to the adjudication of any subsequently 
filed Form I-800A or Form I-800 that is filed after the expiration of 
this one year bar.



Sec.  204.308  Where to file Form I-800A or Form I-800.

    (a) Form I-800A. An applicant must file a Form I-800A with the USCIS 
office identified in the instructions that accompany Form I-800A.
    (b) Form I-800. After a Form I-800A has been approved, a petitioner 
may file a Form I-800 on behalf of a Convention adoptee with the 
stateside or overseas USCIS office identified in the instructions that 
accompany Form I-800. The petitioner may also file the Form I-800 with a 
visa-issuing post that would have jurisdiction to adjudicate a visa 
application filed by or on behalf of the Convention adoptee, when filing 
with the visa-issuing post is permitted by the instructions that 
accompany Form I-800.
    (c) Final approval of Form I-800. Once a Form I-800 has been 
provisionally approved under 8 CFR 204.313(g) and the petitioner has 
either adopted or obtained custody of the child for purposes of 
emigration and adoption, the Department of State officer with 
jurisdiction to adjudicate the child's application for an immigrant or 
nonimmigrant visa has jurisdiction to grant final approval of the Form 
I-800. The Department of State officer may approve the Form I-800, but 
may not deny it; the Department of State officer must refer any Form I-
800 that is ``not clearly approvable'' for a decision by a USCIS office 
having jurisdiction over Form I-800 cases. If the Department of State 
officer refers the Form I-800 to USCIS because it is ``not clearly 
approvable,'' then USCIS has jurisdiction to approve or deny the Form I-
800. In the case of an alien child who is in the United States and who 
is eligible both under 8 CFR 204.309(b)(4) for approval of a Form I-800 
and under 8 CFR part 245 for adjustment of status, the USCIS office with 
jurisdiction to adjudicate the child's adjustment of status

[[Page 134]]

application also has jurisdiction to grant final approval of the Form I-
800.
    (d) Use of electronic filing. When, and if, USCIS adopts electronic, 
internet-based or other digital means for filing Convention cases, the 
terms ``filing a Form I-800A'' and ``filing a Form I-800'' will include 
an additional option. Rather than filing the Form I-800A or Form I-800 
and accompanying evidence in a paper format, the submission of the same 
required information and accompanying evidence may be filed according to 
the digital filing protocol that USCIS adopts.



Sec.  204.309  Factors requiring denial of a Form I-800A or Form I-800.

    (a) Form I-800A. A USCIS officer must deny a Form I-800A if:
    (1) The applicant or any additional adult member of the household 
failed to disclose to the home study preparer or to USCIS, or concealed 
or misrepresented, any fact(s) about the applicant or any additional 
member of the household concerning the arrest, conviction, or history of 
substance abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, and/or family violence, or 
any other criminal history as an offender; the fact that an arrest or 
conviction or other criminal history has been expunged, sealed, 
pardoned, or the subject of any other amelioration does not relieve the 
applicant or additional adult member of the household of the obligation 
to disclose the arrest, conviction or other criminal history;
    (2) The applicant, or any additional adult member of the household, 
failed to cooperate in having available child abuse registries checked 
in accordance with 8 CFR 204.311;
    (3) The applicant, or any additional adult member of the household, 
failed to disclose, as required by 8 CFR 204.311, each and every prior 
adoption home study, whether completed or not, including those that did 
not favorably recommend for adoption or custodial care, the person(s) to 
whom the prior home study related; or
    (4) The applicant is barred by 8 CFR 204.307(c) from filing the Form 
I-800A.
    (b) Form I-800. A USCIS officer must deny a Form I-800 if:
    (1) Except as specified in 8 CFR 204.312(e)(2)(ii) with respect to a 
new Form I-800 filed with a new Form I-800A to reflect a change in 
marital status, the petitioner completed the adoption of the child, or 
acquired legal custody of the child for purposes of emigration and 
adoption, before the provisional approval of the Form I-800 under 8 CFR 
204.313(g). This restriction will not apply if a competent authority in 
the country of the child's habitual residence voids, vacates, annuls, or 
terminates the adoption or grant of custody and then, after the 
provisional approval of the Form I-800, and after receipt of notice 
under article 5(c) of the Convention that the child is, or will be, 
authorized to enter and reside permanently in the United States, permits 
a new grant of adoption or custody. The prior adoption must be voided, 
vacated, annulled or otherwise terminated before the petitioner files a 
Form I-800.
    (2) Except as specified in 8 CFR 204.312(e)(2)(ii) with respect to a 
new Form I-800 filed with a new Form I-800A to reflect a change in 
marital status, the petitioner, or any additional adult member of the 
household had met with, or had any other form of contact with, the 
child's parents, legal custodian, or other individual or entity who was 
responsible for the child's care when the contact occurred, unless the 
contact was permitted under this paragraph. An authorized adoption 
service provider's sharing of general information about a possible 
adoption placement is not ``contact'' for purposes of this section. 
Contact is permitted under this paragraph if:
    (i) The first such contact occurred only after USCIS had approved 
the Form I-800A filed by the petitioner, and after the competent 
authority of the Convention country had determined that the child is 
eligible for intercountry adoption and that the required consents to the 
adoption have been given; or
    (ii) The competent authority of the Convention country had permitted 
earlier contact, either in the particular instance or through laws or 
rules of general application, and the contact occurred only in 
compliance with the particular authorization or generally applicable 
laws or rules. If the petitioner first adopted the child without 
complying with the Convention, the

[[Page 135]]

competent authority's decision to permit the adoption to be vacated, and 
to allow the petitioner to adopt the child again after complying with 
the Convention, will also constitute approval of any prior contact; or
    (iii) The petitioner was already, before the adoption, the father, 
mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin (that 
is, the petitioner, or either spouse, in the case of a married 
petitioner had at least one grandparent in common with the child's 
parent), second cousin (that is, the petitioner, or either spouse, in 
the case of a married petitioner, had at least one great-grandparent in 
common with the child's parent) nephew, niece, husband, former husband, 
wife, former wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-
in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, 
stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, or half sister of 
the child's parent(s).
    (3) The USCIS officer finds that the petitioner, or any individual 
or entity acting on behalf of the petitioner has engaged in any conduct 
related to the adoption or immigration of the child that is prohibited 
by 8 CFR 204.304, or that the petitioner has concealed or misrepresented 
any material facts concerning payments made in relation to the adoption;
    (4) The child is present in the United States, unless the 
petitioner, after compliance with the requirements of this subpart, 
either adopt(s) the child in the Convention country, or else, after 
having obtained custody of the child under the law of the Convention 
country for purposes of emigration and adoption, adopt(s) the child in 
the United States. This subpart does not require the child's actual 
return to the Convention country; whether to permit the child's adoption 
without the child's return is a matter to be determined by the Central 
Authority of the country of the child's habitual residence, but approval 
of a Form I-800 does not relieve an alien child of his or her 
ineligibility for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, if 
the child is present in the United States without inspection or is 
otherwise ineligible for adjustment of status. If the child is in the 
United States but is not eligible for adjustment of status, the Form I-
800 may be provisionally approved only if the child will leave the 
United States after the provisional approval and apply for a visa abroad 
before the final approval of the Form I-800.
    (5) Except as specified in 8 CFR 204.312(e)(2)(ii) with respect to a 
new Form I-800 filed with a new Form I-800A to reflect a change in 
marital status, the petitioner files the Form I-800:
    (i) Before the approval of a Form I-800A, or
    (ii) After the denial of a Form I-800A; or
    (iii) After the expiration of the approval of a Form I-800A;
    (6) The petitioner is barred by 8 CFR 204.307(c) from filing the 
Form I-800.
    (c) Notice of intent to deny. Before denying a Form I-800A under 
paragraph (a) or a Form I-800 under paragraph (b) of this section, the 
USCIS officer will notify the applicant (for a Form I-800A case) or 
petitioner (for a Form I-800 case) in writing of the intent to deny the 
Form I-800A or Form I-800 and provide 30 days in which to submit 
evidence and argument to rebut the claim that this section requires 
denial of the Form I-800A or Form I-800.
    (d) Rebuttal of intent to deny. If USCIS notifies the applicant that 
USCIS intends to deny a Form I-800A under paragraph (a) of this section, 
because the applicant or any additional adult member(s) of the household 
failed to disclose to the home study preparer or to USCIS, or concealed 
or misrepresented, any fact(s) concerning the arrest, conviction, or 
history of substance abuse, sexual abuse or child abuse, and/or family 
violence, or other criminal history, or failed to cooperate in search of 
child abuse registries, or failed to disclose a prior home study, the 
applicant may rebut the intent to deny only by establishing, by clear 
and convincing evidence that:
    (1) The applicant or additional adult member of the household did, 
in fact, disclose the information; or
    (2) If it was an additional adult member of the household who failed 
to cooperate in the search of child abuse registries, or who failed to 
disclose to the home study preparer or to USCIS, or concealed or 
misrepresented, any

[[Page 136]]

fact(s) concerning the arrest, conviction, or history of substance 
abuse, sexual abuse or child abuse, and/or family violence, or other 
criminal history, or failed to disclose a prior home study, that that 
person is no longer a member of the household and that that person's 
conduct is no longer relevant to the suitability of the applicant as the 
adoptive parent of a Convention adoptee.



Sec.  204.310  Filing requirements for Form I-800A.

    (a) Completing and filing the Form. A United States citizen seeking 
to be determined eligible and suitable as the adoptive parent of a 
Convention adoptee must:
    (1) Complete Form I-800A, including a Form I-800A Supplement 1 for 
each additional adult member of the household, in accordance with the 
instructions that accompany the Form I-800A.
    (2) Sign the Form I-800A personally. One spouse cannot sign for the 
other, even under a power of attorney or similar agency arrangement.
    (3) File the Form I-800A with the USCIS office that has jurisdiction 
under 8 CFR 204.308(a) to adjudicate the Form I-800A, together with:
    (i) The fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2 for the filing of Form I-800A;
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Evidence that the applicant is a United States citizen, as set 
forth in 8 CFR 204.1(g), or, in the case of a married applicant, 
evidence either that both spouses are citizens or, if only one spouse is 
a United States citizen, evidence of that person's citizenship and 
evidence that the other spouse, if he or she lives in the United States, 
is either a non-citizen United States national or an alien who holds a 
lawful status under U.S. immigration law.
    (iv) A copy of the current marriage certificate, unless the 
applicant is not married;
    (v) If the applicant has been married previously, a death 
certificate or divorce or dissolution decree to establish the legal 
termination of all previous marriages, regardless of current marital 
status;
    (vi) If the applicant is not married, his or her birth certificate, 
U.S. passport biographical information page, naturalization or 
citizenship certificate, or other evidence, to establish that he or she 
is at least 24 years old;
    (vii) A written description of the preadoption requirements, if any, 
of the State of the child's proposed residence in cases where it is 
known that any child the applicant may adopt will be adopted in the 
United States, and of the steps that have already been taken or that are 
planned to comply with these requirements. The written description must 
include a citation to the State statutes and regulations establishing 
the requirements. Any preadoption requirements which cannot be met at 
the time the Form I-800A is filed because of the operation of State law 
must be noted and explained when the Form I-800A is filed.
    (viii) A home study that meets the requirements of 8 CFR 204.311 and 
that bears the home study preparer's original signature. If the home 
study is not included with the Form I-800A, the director of the office 
that has jurisdiction to adjudicate the Form I-800A will make a written 
request for evidence, directing the applicant to submit the home study. 
If the applicant fails to submit the home study within the period 
specified in the request for evidence, the director of the office that 
has jurisdiction to adjudicate the Form I-800A will deny the Form I-
800A. Denial of a Form I-800A under this paragraph for failure to submit 
a home study is not subject to appeal, but the applicant may file a new 
Form I-800A, accompanied by a new filing fee.
    (b) Biometrics. Upon the proper filing of a Form I-800A, USCIS will 
arrange for the collection of biometrics from the applicant and each 
additional adult member of the household, as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.16, 
but with no upper age limit. It will be necessary to collect the 
biometrics of each of these persons again, if the initial collection 
expires before approval of the Form I-800A. USCIS may waive this 
requirement for any particular individual if USCIS determines that that 
person is physically unable to comply. However, USCIS will require the 
submission of affidavits, police clearances, or other evidence relating 
to whether that person has a criminal history in lieu of collecting the 
person's biometrics.

[[Page 137]]

    (c) Change in marital status. If, while a Form I-800A is pending, an 
unmarried applicant marries, or the marriage of a married applicant 
ends, an amended Form I-800A and amended home study must be filed to 
reflect the change in marital status. No additional filing fee is 
required to file an amended Form I-800A while the original Form I-800A 
is still pending. See 8 CFR 204.312(e)(2) concerning the need to file a 
new Form I-800A if the marital status changes after approval of a Form 
I-800A.

[72 FR 56854, Oct. 4, 2007, as amended at 76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 
FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.311  Convention adoption home study requirements.

    (a) Purpose. For immigration purposes, a home study is a process for 
screening and preparing an applicant who is interested in adopting a 
child from a Convention country.
    (b) Preparer. Only an individual or entity defined under 8 CFR 
204.301 as a home study preparer for Convention cases may complete a 
home study for a Convention adoption. In addition, the individual or 
entity must be authorized to complete adoption home studies under the 
law of the jurisdiction in which the home study is conducted.
    (c) Study requirements. The home study must:
    (1) Be tailored to the particular situation of the applicant and to 
the specific Convention country in which the applicant intends to seek a 
child for adoption. For example, an applicant who has previously adopted 
children will require different preparation than an applicant who has no 
adopted children. A home study may address the applicant's suitability 
to adopt in more than one Convention country, but if the home study does 
so, the home study must separately assess the applicant's suitability as 
to each specific Convention country.
    (2) If there are any additional adult members of the household, 
identify each of them by name, alien registration number (if the 
individual has one), and date of birth.
    (3) Include an interview by the preparer of any additional adult 
member of the household and an assessment of him or her in light of the 
requirements of this section.
    (4) Be no more than 6 months old at the time the home study is 
submitted to USCIS.
    (5) Include the home study preparer's assessment of any potential 
problem areas, a copy of any outside evaluation(s), and the home study 
preparer's recommended restrictions, if any, on the characteristics of 
the child to be placed in the home. See 8 CFR 204.309(a) for the 
consequences of failure to disclose information or cooperate in 
completion of a home study.
    (6) Include the home study preparer's signature, in accordance with 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (7) State the number of interviews and visits, the participants, 
date and location of each interview and visit, and the date and location 
of any other contacts with the applicant and any additional adult member 
of the household.
    (8) Summarize the pre-placement preparation and training already 
provided to the applicant concerning the issues specified in 22 CFR 
96.48(a) and (b), the plans for future preparation and training with 
respect to those issues, or with respect to a particular child, as 
specified in 22 CFR 96.48(c), and the plans for post-placement 
monitoring specified in 22 CFR 96.50, in the event that the child will 
be adopted in the United States rather than abroad.
    (9) Specify whether the home study preparer made any referrals as 
described in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, and include a copy of the 
report resulting from each referral, the home study preparer's 
assessment of the impact of the report on the suitability of the 
applicant to adopt, and the home study preparer's recommended 
restrictions, if any, on the characteristics of the child to be placed 
in the home.
    (10) Include results of the checks conducted in accordance with 
paragraph (i) of this section including that no record was found to 
exist, that the State or foreign country will not release information to 
the home study preparer or anyone in the household, or that the State or 
foreign country does not have a child abuse registry.
    (11) Include each person's response to the questions regarding abuse 
and violence in accordance with paragraph (j) of this section.

[[Page 138]]

    (12) Include a certified copy of the documentation showing the final 
disposition of each incident which resulted in arrest, indictment, 
conviction, and/or any other judicial or administrative action for 
anyone subject to the home study and a written statement submitted with 
the home study giving details, including any mitigating circumstances 
about each arrest, signed, under penalty of perjury, by the person to 
whom the arrest relates.
    (13) Contain an evaluation of the suitability of the home for 
adoptive placement of a child in light of any applicant's or additional 
adult member of the household's history of abuse and/or violence as an 
offender, whether this history is disclosed by an applicant or any 
additional adult member of the household or is discovered by home study 
preparer, regardless of the source of the home study preparer's 
discovery. A single incident of sexual abuse, child abuse, or family 
violence is sufficient to constitute a ``history'' of abuse and/or 
violence.
    (14) Contain an evaluation of the suitability of the home for 
adoptive placement of a child in light of disclosure by an applicant, or 
any additional adult member of the household, of a history of substance 
abuse. A person has a history of substance abuse if his or her current 
or past use of alcohol, controlled substances, or other substances 
impaired or impairs his or her ability to fulfill obligations at work, 
school, or home, or creates other social or interpersonal problems that 
may adversely affect the applicant's suitability as an adoptive parent.
    (15) Include a general description of the information disclosed in 
accordance with paragraph (m) of this section concerning the physical, 
mental, and emotional health of the applicant and of any additional 
adult member of the household.
    (16) Identify the agency involved in each prior or terminated home 
study in accordance with paragraph (o) of this section, when the prior 
home study process began, the date the prior home study was completed, 
and whether the prior home study recommended for or against finding the 
applicant or additional adult member of the household suitable for 
adoption, foster care, or other custodial care of a child. If a prior 
home study was terminated without completion, the current home study 
must indicate when the prior home study began, the date of termination, 
and the reason for the termination.
    (d) Duty to disclose. (1) The applicant, and any additional adult 
members of the household, each has a duty of candor and must:
    (i) Give true and complete information to the home study preparer.
    (ii) Disclose any arrest, conviction, or other adverse criminal 
history, whether in the United States or abroad, even if the record of 
the arrest, conviction or other adverse criminal history has been 
expunged, sealed, pardoned, or the subject of any other amelioration. A 
person with a criminal history may be able to establish sufficient 
rehabilitation.
    (iii) Disclose other relevant information, such as physical, mental 
or emotional health issues, or behavioral issues, as specified in 
paragraph (m) of this section. Such problems may not necessarily 
preclude approval of a Form I-800A, if, for example, they have been or 
are being successfully treated.
    (2) This duty of candor is an ongoing duty, and continues while the 
Form I-800A is pending, after the Form I-800A is approved, and while any 
subsequent Form I-800 is pending, and until there is a final decision 
admitting the Convention adoptee to the United States with a visa. The 
applicant and any additional adult member of the household must notify 
the home study preparer and USCIS of any new event or information that 
might warrant submission of an amended or updated home study.
    (e) State standards. In addition to the requirements of this 
section, the home study preparer must prepare the home study according 
to the requirements that apply to a domestic adoption in the State of 
the applicant's actual or proposed residence in the United States.
    (f) Home study preparer's signature. The home study preparer (or, if 
the home study is prepared by an entity, the officer or employee who has 
authority to sign the home study for the entity) must personally sign 
the home

[[Page 139]]

study, and any updated or amended home study. The home study preparer's 
signature must include a declaration, under penalty of perjury under 
United States law, that:
    (1) The signer personally, and with the professional diligence 
reasonably necessary to protect the best interests of any child whom the 
applicant might adopt, either actually conducted or supervised the home 
study, including personal interview(s), the home visits, and all other 
aspects of the investigation needed to prepare the home study; if the 
signer did not personally conduct the home study, the person who 
actually did so must be identified;
    (2) The factual statements in the home study are true and correct, 
to the best of the signer's knowledge, information and belief; and
    (3) The home study preparer has advised the applicant of the duty of 
candor under paragraph (d) of this section, specifically including the 
on-going duty under paragraph (d)(2) of this section concerning 
disclosure of new events or information warranting submission of an 
updated or amended home study.
    (g) Personal interview(s) and home visit(s). The home study preparer 
must:
    (1) Conduct at least one interview in person, and at least one home 
visit, with the applicant.
    (2) Interview, at least once, each additional adult member of the 
household, as defined in 8 CFR 204.301. The interview with an additional 
adult member of the household should also be in person, unless the home 
study preparer determines that interviewing that individual in person is 
not reasonably feasible and explains in the home study the reason for 
this conclusion.
    (3) Provide information on and assess the suitability of the 
applicant as the adoptive parent of a Convention adoptee based on the 
applicant's background, family and medical history (including physical, 
mental and emotional health), social environment, reasons for adoption, 
ability to undertake an intercountry adoption, and the characteristics 
of the child(ren) for whom they would be qualified to care.
    (4) Refer the applicant to an appropriate licensed professional, 
such as a physician, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, clinical 
social worker, or professional substance abuse counselor, for an 
evaluation and written report, if the home study preparer determines 
that there are areas beyond his or her expertise that need to be 
addressed. The home study preparer must also make such a referral if 
such a referral would be required for a domestic adoption under the law 
of the State of the applicant's actual or proposed place of residence in 
the United States.
    (5) Apply the requirements of this paragraph to each additional 
adult member of the household.
    (h) Financial considerations. (1) Assessment of the finances of the 
applicant must include:
    (i) A description of the applicant's income, financial resources, 
debts, and expenses.
    (ii) A statement concerning the evidence that was considered to 
verify the source and amount of income and financial resources.
    (2) Any income designated for the support of one or more children in 
the applicant's care and custody, such as funds for foster care, or any 
income designated for the support of another member of the household, 
must not be counted towards the financial resources available for the 
support of a prospective adoptive child.
    (3) USCIS will not routinely require a detailed financial statement 
or supporting financial documents. However, should the need arise, USCIS 
reserves the right to ask for such detailed documentation.
    (i) Checking available child abuse registries. The home study 
preparer must ensure that a check of the applicant, and of each 
additional adult member of the household, has been made with available 
child abuse registries in any State or foreign country that the 
applicant, or any additional adult member of the household, has resided 
in since that person's 18th birthday. USCIS may also conduct its own 
check of any child abuse registries to which USCIS has access. Depending 
on the extent of access to a relevant registry allowed by the State or 
foreign law, the home study preparer must take one of the following 
courses of action:
    (1) If the home study preparer is allowed access to information from 
the

[[Page 140]]

child abuse registries, he or she must make the appropriate checks for 
the applicant and each additional adult member of the household;
    (2) If the State or foreign country requires the home study preparer 
to secure permission from the applicant and each additional adult member 
of the household before gaining access to information in such 
registries, the home study preparer must secure such permission from 
those individuals and make the appropriate checks;
    (3) If the State or foreign country will only release information 
directly to an individual to whom the information relates, then the 
applicant and the additional adult member of the household must secure 
such information and provide it to the home study preparer.
    (4) If the State or foreign country will release information neither 
to the home study preparer nor to the person to whom the information 
relates, or has not done so within 6 months of a written request for the 
information, this unavailability of information must be noted in the 
home study.
    (j) Inquiring about history of abuse or violence as an offender. The 
home study preparer must ask each applicant and each additional adult 
member of the household whether he or she has a history as an offender, 
whether in the United States or abroad, of substance abuse, sexual 
abuse, or child abuse, or family violence, even if such history did not 
result in an arrest or conviction. This evaluation must include:
    (1) The dates of each arrest or conviction or history of substance 
abuse, sexual abuse or child abuse, and/or family violence; or,
    (2) If not resulting in an arrest, the date or time period (if 
occurring over an extended period of time) of each occurrence and
    (3) Details including any mitigating circumstances about each 
incident.
    Each statement must be signed, under penalty of perjury, by the 
person to whom the incident relates.
    (k) Criminal history. The applicant, and any additional adult 
members of the household, must also disclose to the home study preparer 
and USCIS any history, whether in the United States or abroad, of any 
arrest and/or conviction (other than for minor traffic offenses) in 
addition to the information that the person must disclose under 
paragraph (j) of this section. If an applicant or an additional adult 
member of the household has a criminal record, the officer may still 
find that the applicant will be suitable as the adoptive parent of a 
Convention adoptee, if there is sufficient evidence of rehabilitation as 
described in paragraph (l) of this section.
    (l) Evidence of rehabilitation. If an applicant, or any additional 
adult member of the household, has a history of substance abuse, sexual 
abuse or child abuse, and/or family violence as an offender, or any 
other criminal history, the home study preparer may, nevertheless, make 
a favorable finding if the applicant has demonstrated that the person 
with this adverse history has achieved appropriate rehabilitation. A 
favorable recommendation cannot be made based on a claim of 
rehabilitation while an applicant or any additional adult member of the 
household is on probation, parole, supervised release, or other similar 
arrangement for any conviction. The home study must include a discussion 
of the claimed rehabilitation, which demonstrates that the applicant is 
suitable as the adoptive parent(s) of a Convention adoptee. Evidence of 
rehabilitation may include:
    (1) An evaluation of the seriousness of the arrest(s), 
conviction(s), or history of abuse, the number of such incidents, the 
length of time since the last incident, the offender's acceptance of 
responsibility for his or her conduct, and any type of counseling or 
rehabilitation programs which have been successfully completed, or
    (2) A written opinion from an appropriate licensed professional, 
such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or clinical social 
worker.
    (m) Assessment with respect to physical, mental and emotional health 
or behavioral issues. The home study must address the current physical, 
mental and emotional health of the applicant, or any additional adult 
member of the household, as well as any history of illness or of any 
mental, emotional, psychological, or behavioral instability if the home 
study preparer determines, in the exercise of reasonable professional

[[Page 141]]

judgment, that the suitability of the applicant as an adoptive parent 
may be affected adversely by such history. Paragraph (g)(4) of this 
section, regarding referral to professionals, applies to any home study 
involving prior psychiatric care, or issues arising from sexual abuse, 
child abuse, or family violence issues if, in the home study preparer's 
reasonable professional judgment, such referral(s) may be necessary or 
helpful to the proper completion of the home study.
    (n) Prior home study. The home study preparer must ask each 
applicant, and any additional adult member of the household, whether he 
or she previously has had a prior home study completed, or began a home 
study process in relation to an adoption or to any form of foster or 
other custodial care of a child that was not completed, whether or not 
the prior home study related to an intercountry adoption, and must 
include each individual's response to this question in the home study 
report. A copy of any previous home study that did not favorably 
recommend the applicant or additional adult member of the household must 
be attached to any home study submitted with a Form I-800A. If a copy of 
any prior home study that did not favorably recommend the applicant or 
additional adult member of the household is no longer available, the 
current home study must explain why the prior home study is no longer 
available. The home study preparer must evaluate the relevance of any 
prior unfavorable or uncompleted home study to the suitability of the 
applicant as the adoptive parent of a Convention adoptee.
    (o) Living accommodations. The home study must include a detailed 
description of the living accommodations where the applicant currently 
resides. If the applicant is planning to move, the home study must 
include a description of the living accommodations where the child will 
reside with the applicant, if known. If the applicant is residing abroad 
at the time of the home study, the home study must include a description 
of the living accommodations where the child will reside in the United 
States with the applicant, if known. Each description must include an 
assessment of the suitability of accommodations for a child and a 
determination whether such space meets applicable State requirements, if 
any.
    (p) Handicapped or special needs child. A home study conducted in 
conjunction with the proposed adoption of a special needs or handicapped 
child must contain a discussion of the preparation, willingness, and 
ability of the applicant to provide proper care for a child with the 
handicap or special needs. This information will be used to evaluate the 
suitability of the applicant as the adoptive parent of a special needs 
or handicapped child. If this information is not included in the home 
study, an updated or amended home study will be necessary if the 
applicant seeks to adopt a handicapped or special needs child.
    (q) Addressing a Convention country's specific requirements. If the 
Central Authority of the Convention country has notified the Secretary 
of State of any specific requirements that must be met in order to adopt 
in the Convention country, the home study must include a full and 
complete statement of all facts relevant to the applicant's eligibility 
for adoption in the Convention country, in light of those specific 
requirements.
    (r) Specific approval for adoption. If the home study preparer's 
findings are favorable, the home study must contain his or her specific 
approval of the applicant for adoption of a child from the specific 
Convention country or countries, and a discussion of the reasons for 
such approval. The home study must include the number of children the 
applicant may adopt at the same time. The home study must state whether 
there are any specific restrictions to the adoption based on the age or 
gender, or other characteristics of the child. If the home study 
preparer has approved the applicant for a handicapped or special needs 
adoption, this fact must be clearly stated.
    (s) Home study preparer's authority to conduct home studies. The 
home study must include a statement in which the home study preparer 
certifies that he or she is authorized under 22 CFR part 96 to complete 
home studies for Convention adoption cases. The certification must 
specify the State or country under whose authority the home

[[Page 142]]

study preparer is licensed or authorized, cite the specific law or 
regulation authorizing the preparer to conduct home studies, and 
indicate the license number, if any, and the expiration date, if any, of 
this authorization or license. The certification must also specify the 
basis under 22 CFR part 96 (public domestic authority, accredited 
agency, temporarily accredited agency, approved person, exempted 
provider, or supervised provider) for his or her authorization to 
conduct Convention adoption home studies.
    (t) Review of home study. (1) If the law of the State in which the 
applicant resides requires the competent authority in the State to 
review the home study, such a review must occur and be documented before 
the home study is submitted to USCIS.
    (2) When the home study is not performed in the first instance by an 
accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency, as defined in 22 CFR 
part 96, then an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency, as 
defined in 22 CFR part 96, must review and approve the home study as 
specified in 22 CFR 96.47(c) before the home study is submitted to 
USCIS. This requirement for review and approval by an accredited agency 
or temporarily accredited agency does not apply to a home study that was 
actually prepared by a public domestic authority, as defined in 22 CFR 
96.2.
    (u) Home study updates and amendments. (1) A new home study 
amendment or update will be required if there is:
    (i) A significant change in the applicant's household, such as a 
change in residence, marital status, criminal history, financial 
resources; or
    (ii) The addition of one or more children in the applicant's home, 
whether through adoption or foster care, birth, or any other means. Even 
if the original home study provided for the adoption of more than one 
adopted child, the applicant must submit an amended home study 
recommending adoption of an additional child, because the addition of 
the already adopted child(ren) to the applicant's household is a 
significant change in the household that should be assessed before the 
adoption of any additional child(ren);
    (iii) The addition of other dependents or additional adult member(s) 
of the household to the family prior to the prospective child's 
immigration into the United States;
    (iv) A change resulting because the applicant is seeking to adopt a 
handicapped or special needs child, if the home study did not already 
address the applicant's suitability as the adoptive parent of a child 
with the particular handicap or special need;
    (v) A change to a different Convention country. This change requires 
the updated home study to address suitability under the requirements of 
the new Convention country;
    (vi) A lapse of more than 6 months between the date the home study 
is completed and the date it is submitted to USCIS; or
    (vii) A change to the child's proposed State of residence. The 
preadoption requirements of the new State must be complied with in the 
case of a child coming to the United States to be adopted.
    (2) Any updated or amended home study must:
    (i) Meet the requirements of this section;
    (ii) Be accompanied by a copy of the home study that is being 
updated or amended, including all prior updates and amendments;
    (iii) Include a statement from the preparer that he or she has 
reviewed the home study that is being updated or amended and is 
personally and fully aware of its contents; and
    (iv) Address whether the home study preparer recommends approval of 
the proposed adoption and the reasons for the recommendation.
    (3) If submission of an updated or amended home study becomes 
necessary before USCIS adjudicates the Form I-800A, the applicant may 
simply submit the updated or amended home study to the office that has 
jurisdiction over the Form I-800A.
    (4) If it becomes necessary to file an updated or amended home study 
after USCIS has approved the Form I-800A, the applicant must file a Form 
I-800A Supplement 3 with the filing fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2 and the 
amended or updated home study. If USCIS determines that the amended or 
updated

[[Page 143]]

home study shows that the applicant remains suitable as the adoptive 
parent(s) of a Convention adoptee, USCIS will issue a new approval 
notice that will expire on the same date as the original approval. If 
the applicant also wants to have USCIS extend the approval period for 
the Form I-800A, the applicant must submit the updated or amended home 
study with an extension request under 8 CFR 204.312(e)(3), rather than 
under this paragraph (u) of this section.
    (5) Each update must indicate that the home study preparer has 
updated the screening of the applicant and any additional adult member 
of the household under paragraphs (i) through (l) of this section, and 
must indicate the results of this updated screening.

[72 FR 56854, Oct. 4, 2007, as amended at 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.312  Adjudication of the Form I-800A.

    (a) USCIS action. The USCIS officer must approve a Form I-800A if 
the officer finds, based on the evidence of record, that the applicant 
is eligible under 8 CFR 204.307(a) to file a Form I-800A and the USCIS 
officer is satisfied that the applicant is suitable as the adoptive 
parent of a child from the specified Convention country. If the 
applicant sought approval for more than one Convention country, the 
decision will specify each country for which the Form I-800A is 
approved, and will also specify whether the Form I-800A is denied with 
respect to any particular Convention country.
    (b) Evaluation of the home study. In determining suitability to 
adopt, the USCIS officer will give considerable weight to the home 
study, but is not bound by it. Even if the home study is favorable, the 
USCIS officer must deny the Form I-800A if, on the basis of the evidence 
of record, the officer finds, for a specific and articulable reason, 
that the applicant has failed to establish that he or she is suitable as 
the adoptive parent of a child from the Convention country. The USCIS 
officer may consult the accredited agency or temporarily accredited 
agency that approved the home study, the home study preparer, the 
applicant, the relevant State or local child welfare agency, or any 
appropriate licensed professional, as needed to clarify issues 
concerning whether the applicant is suitable as the adoptive parent of a 
Convention adoptee. If this consultation yields evidence that is adverse 
to the applicant, the USCIS officer may rely on the evidence only after 
complying with the provisions of 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16) relating to the 
applicant's right to review and rebut adverse information.
    (c) Denial of application. (1) The USCIS officer will deny the Form 
I-800A if the officer finds that the applicant has failed to establish 
that the applicant is:
    (i) Eligible under 8 CFR 204.307(a) to file Form I-800A; or
    (ii) Suitable as the adoptive parent of a child from the Convention 
country.
    (2) Before denying a Form I-800A, the USCIS officer will comply with 
8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), if required to do so under that provision, and may 
issue a request for evidence or a notice of intent to deny under 8 CFR 
103.2(b)(8).
    (3) A denial will be in writing, giving the reason for the denial 
and notifying the applicant of the right to appeal, if any, as provided 
in 8 CFR 204.314.
    (4) It is for the Central Authority of the other Convention country 
to determine how its own adoption requirements, as disclosed in the home 
study under 8 CFR 204.311(q), should be applied in a given case. For 
this reason, the fact that the applicant may be ineligible to adopt in 
the other Convention country under those requirements, will not warrant 
the denial of a Form I-800A, if USCIS finds that the applicant has 
otherwise established eligibility and suitability as the adoptive parent 
of a Convention adoptee.
    (d) Approval notice. (1) If USCIS approves the Form I-800A, USCIS 
will notify the applicant in writing as well as the Department of State. 
The notice of approval will specify:
    (i) The expiration date for the notice of approval, as determined 
under paragraph (e) of this section, and
    (ii) The name(s) and marital status of the applicant; and
    (iii) If the applicant is not married and not yet 25 years old, the 
applicant's date of birth.
    (2) Once USCIS approves the Form I-800A, or extends the validity 
period for

[[Page 144]]

a prior approval under paragraph (e) of this section, any submission of 
the home study to the Central Authority of the country of the child's 
habitual residence must consist of the entire and complete text of the 
same home study and of any updates or amendments submitted to USCIS.
    (e) Duration or revocation of approval. (1) A notice of approval 
expires 15 months after the date on which USCIS received the FBI 
response on the applicant's, and any additional adult member of the 
household's, biometrics, unless approval is revoked. If USCIS received 
the responses on different days, the 15-month period begins on the 
earliest response date. The notice of approval will specify the 
expiration date. USCIS may extend the validity period for the approval 
of a Form I-800A only as provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
    (2) (i) The approval of a Form I-800A is automatically revoked if 
before the final decision on a Convention adoptee's application for 
admission with an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status:
    (A) The marriage of the applicant terminates; or
    (B) An unmarried applicant marries; or
    (C) In the case of a married applicant, either spouse files with a 
USCIS or Department of State officer a written document withdrawing his 
or her signature on the Form I-800A.
    (ii) This revocation is without prejudice to the filing of a new 
Form I-800A, with fee, accompanied by a new or amended home study, 
reflecting the change in marital status. If a Form I-800 had already 
been filed based on the approval of the prior Form I-800A, a new Form I-
800 must also be filed with the new Form I-800A under this paragraph. 
The new Form I-800 will be adjudicated only if the new Form I-800A is 
approved. The new Form I-800 will not be subject to denial under 8 CFR 
204.309(b)(1) or (2), unless the original Form I-800 would have been 
subject to denial under either of those provisions.
    (3)(i) If the 15-month validity period for a Form I-800A approval is 
about to expire, the applicant:
    (A) May file Form I-800A Supplement 3, with the filing fee under 8 
CFR 106.2, if required.
    (B) May not file a Form I-800A Supplement 3 seeking extension of an 
approval notice more than 90 days before the expiration of the validity 
period for the Form I-800A approval, but must do so on or before the 
date on which the validity period expires.
    (C) Is not required to pay the Form I-800A Supplement 3 filing fee 
for the first request to extend the approval of a Form I-800A, or to 
obtain a first time change of Hague Convention country during the Form 
I-800A approval period.
    (D) Must pay the Form I-800A Supplement 3 filing fee, as specified 
in 8 CFR 106.2, for the second, or any subsequent, Form I-800A 
Supplement 3 that is filed, if the applicant files a second or 
subsequent Form I-800A Supplement 3 to obtain a second or subsequent 
extension or a second or subsequent change of Hague Convention country.
    (ii) Any Form I-800A Supplement 3 that is filed to obtain an 
extension of the approval of a Form I-800A or a change of Hague 
Convention country must be accompanied by:
    (A) A statement, signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury, 
detailing any changes to the answers given to the questions on the 
original Form I-800A;
    (B) An updated or amended home study as required under 8 CFR 
204.311(u); and
    (C) A photocopy of the Form I-800A approval notice.
    (iii) If USCIS continues to be satisfied that the applicant remains 
suitable as the adoptive parent of a Convention adoptee, USCIS will 
extend the approval of the Form I-800A to a date not more than 15 months 
after the date on which USCIS received the new biometric responses. If 
new responses are received on different dates, the new 15-month period 
begins on the earliest response date. The new notice of approval will 
specify the new expiration date.
    (iv) There is no limit to the number of extensions that may be 
requested and granted under this section, so long

[[Page 145]]

as each request is supported by an updated or amended home study that 
continues to recommend approval of the applicant for intercountry 
adoption and USCIS continues to find that the applicant remain suitable 
as the adoptive parent(s) of a Convention adoptee.
    (4) In addition to the automatic revocation provided for in 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section, the approval of a Form I-800A may be 
revoked pursuant to 8 CFR 205.1 or 205.2.

[72 FR 56854, Oct. 4, 2007, as amended at 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.313  Filing and adjudication of a Form I-800.

    (a) When to file. Once a Form I-800A has been approved and the 
Central Authority has proposed placing a child for adoption by the 
petitioner, the petitioner may file the Form I-800. The petitioner must 
complete the Form I-800 in accordance with the instructions that 
accompany the Form I-800, and must sign the Form I-800 personally. In 
the case of a married petitioner, one spouse cannot sign for the other, 
even under a power of attorney or similar agency arrangement. The 
petitioner may then file the Form I-800 with the stateside or overseas 
USCIS office or the visa issuing post that has jurisdiction under 8 CFR 
204.308(b) to adjudicate the Form I-800, together with the evidence 
specified in this section and the filing fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2, 
if more than one Form I-800 is filed for children who are not birth 
siblings.
    (b) What to include on the Form. (1) The petitioner must specify on 
the Form I-800 either that:
    (i) The child will seek an immigrant visa, if the Form I-800 is 
approved, because the child will reside in the United States with the 
petitioner (in the case of a married petitioner, if only one spouse is a 
United States citizen, with that spouse) after the child's admission to 
the United States on the basis of the proposed adoption; or
    (ii) The child will seek a nonimmigrant visa, in order to travel to 
the United States to obtain naturalization under section 322 of the Act, 
because the petitioner intends to complete the adoption abroad and the 
petitioner and the child will continue to reside abroad immediately 
following the adoption, rather than residing in the United States with 
the petitioner. This option is not available if the child will be 
adopted in the United States.
    (2) In applying this paragraph (b), if a petitioner is a United 
States citizen who is domiciled in the United States, but who is posted 
abroad temporarily under official orders as a member of the Uniformed 
Services as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2101, or as a civilian officer or 
employee of the United States Government, the child will be deemed to be 
coming to the United States to reside in the United States with that 
petitioner.
    (c) Filing deadline. (1) The petitioner must file the Form I-800 
before the expiration of the notice of the approval of the Form I-800A 
and before the child's 16th birthday. Paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this 
section provide special rules for determining that this requirement has 
been met.
    (2) If the appropriate Central Authority places the child with the 
petitioner for intercountry adoption more than 6 months after the 
child's 15th birthday but before the child's 16th birthday, the 
petitioner must still file the Form I-800 before the child's 16th 
birthday. If the evidence required by paragraph (d)(3) or (4) of this 
section is not yet available, instead of that evidence, the petitioner 
may submit a statement from the primary provider, signed under penalty 
of perjury under United States law, confirming that the Central 
Authority has, in fact, made the adoption placement on the date 
specified in the statement. Submission of a Form I-800 with this 
statement will satisfy the statutory requirement that the petition must 
be submitted before the child's 16th birthday, but no provisional or 
final approval of the Form I-800 will be granted until the evidence 
required by paragraph (d)(3) or (4) of this section has been submitted. 
When submitted, the evidence required by paragraph (d)(3) and (4) must 
affirmatively show that the Central Authority did, in fact, make the 
adoption placement decision before the child's 16th birthday.
    (3) If the Form I-800A was filed after the child's 15th birthday but 
before the child's 16th birthday, the filing date of

[[Page 146]]

the Form I-800A will be deemed to be the filing date of the Form I-800, 
provided the Form I-800 is filed not more than 180 days after the 
initial approval of the Form I-800A.
    (d) Required evidence. Except as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section, the petitioner must submit the following evidence with the 
properly completed Form I-800:
    (1) The Form I-800A approval notice and, if applicable, proof that 
the approval period has been extended under 8 CFR 204.312(e);
    (2) A statement from the primary provider, as defined in 22 CFR 
96.2, signed under penalty of perjury under United States law, 
indicating that all of the pre-placement preparation and training 
provided for in 22 CFR 96.48 has been completed;
    (3) The report required under article 16 of the Convention, 
specifying the child's name and date of birth, the reasons for making 
the adoption placement, and establishing that the competent authority 
has, as required under article 4 of the Convention:
    (i) Established that the child is eligible for adoption;
    (ii) Determined, after having given due consideration to the 
possibility of placing the child for adoption within the Convention 
country, that intercountry adoption is in the child's best interests;
    (iii) Ensured that the legal custodian, after having been counseled 
as required, concerning the effect of the child's adoption on the legal 
custodian's relationship to the child and on the child's legal 
relationship to his or her family of origin, has freely consented in 
writing to the child's adoption, in the required legal form;
    (iv) Ensured that if any individual or entity other than the legal 
custodian must consent to the child's adoption, this individual or 
entity, after having been counseled as required concerning the effect of 
the child's adoption, has freely consented in writing, in the required 
legal form, to the child's adoption;
    (v) Ensured that the child, after having been counseled as 
appropriate concerning the effects of the adoption; has freely consented 
in writing, in the required legal form, to the adoption, if the child is 
of an age that, under the law of the country of the child's habitual 
residence, makes the child's consent necessary, and that consideration 
was given to the child's wishes and opinions; and
    (vi) Ensured that no payment or inducement of any kind has been 
given to obtain the consents necessary for the adoption to be completed.
    (4) The report under paragraph (d)(3) of this section must be 
accompanied by:
    (i) A copy of the child's birth certificate, or secondary evidence 
of the child's age; and
    (ii) A copy of the irrevocable consent(s) signed by the legal 
custodian(s) and any other individual or entity who must consent to the 
child's adoption unless, as permitted under article 16 of the 
Convention, the law of the country of the child's habitual residence 
provides that their identities may not be disclosed, so long as the 
Central Authority of the country of the child's habitual residence 
certifies in its report that the required documents exist and that they 
establish the child's age and availability for adoption;
    (iii) A statement, signed under penalty of perjury by the primary 
provider (or an authorized representative if the primary provider is an 
agency or other juridical person), certifying that the report is a true, 
correct, and complete copy of the report obtained from the Central 
Authority of the Convention country;
    (iv) A summary of the information provided to the petitioner under 
22 CFR 96.49(d) and (f) concerning the child's medical and social 
history. This summary, or a separate document, must include:
    (A) A statement concerning whether, from any examination as 
described in 22 CFR 96.49(e) or for any other reason, there is reason to 
believe that the child has any medical condition that makes the child 
inadmissible under section 212(a)(1) of the Act; if the medical 
information that is available at the provisional approval stage is not 
sufficient to assess whether the child may be inadmissible under section 
212(a)(1), the submission of this information may be deferred until the 
petitioner seeks final approval of the Form I-800;

[[Page 147]]

    (B) If both of the child's birth parents were the child's legal 
custodians and signed the irrevocable consent, the factual basis for 
determining that they are incapable of providing proper care for the 
child, as defined in 8 CFR 204.301;
    (C) Information about the circumstances of the other birth parent's 
death, if applicable, supported by a copy of the death certificate, 
unless paragraph (d)(4)(ii) of this section makes it unnecessary to 
provide a copy of the death certificate;
    (D) If a sole birth parent was the legal custodian, the 
circumstances leading to the determination that the other parent 
abandoned or deserted the child, or disappeared from the child's life; 
and
    (E) If the legal custodian was the child's prior adoptive parent(s) 
or any individual or entity other than the child's birth parent(s), the 
circumstances leading to the custodian's acquisition of custody of the 
child and the legal basis of that custody.
    (v) If the child will be adopted in the United States, the primary 
provider's written report, signed under penalty of perjury by the 
primary provider (or an authorized representative if the primary 
provider is an agency or other juridical person) detailing the primary 
adoption service provider's plan for post-placement duties, as specified 
in 22 CFR 96.50; and
    (5) If the child may be inadmissible under any provision of section 
212(a) for which a waiver is available, a properly completed waiver 
application for each such ground; and
    (6) Either a Form I-864W, Intending Immigrant's I-864 Exemption, or 
a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, as specified in 8 CFR 213a.2.
    (e) Obtaining the home study and supporting evidence. The materials 
from the Form I-800A proceeding will be included in the record of the 
Form I-800 proceeding.
    (f) Investigation. An investigation concerning the alien child's 
status as a Convention adoptee will be completed before the Form I-800 
is adjudicated in any case in which the officer with jurisdiction to 
grant provisional or final approval of the Form I-800 determines, on the 
basis of specific facts, that completing the investigation will aid in 
the provisional or final adjudication of the Form I-800. Depending on 
the circumstances surrounding the case, the investigation may include, 
but is not limited to, document checks, telephone checks, interview(s) 
with the birth or prior adoptive parent(s), a field investigation, and 
any other appropriate investigatory actions. In any case in which there 
are significant differences between the facts presented in the approved 
Form I-800A or Form I-800 and the facts uncovered by the investigation, 
the office conducting the investigation may consult directly with the 
appropriate USCIS office. In any instance where the investigation 
reveals negative information sufficient to sustain a denial of the Form 
I-800 (including a denial of a Form I-800 that had been provisionally 
approved) or the revocation of the final approval of the Form I-800, the 
results of the investigation, including any supporting documentation, 
and the Form I-800 and its supporting documentation will be forwarded to 
the appropriate USCIS office for action. Although USCIS is not precluded 
from denying final approval of a Form I-800 based on the results of an 
investigation under this paragraph, the grant of provisional approval 
under paragraph (g), and the fact that the Department of State has given 
the notice contemplated by article 5(c) of the Convention, shall 
constitute prima facie evidence that the grant of adoption or custody 
for purposes of adoption will, ordinarily, warrant final approval of the 
Form I-800. The Form I-800 may still be denied, however, if the 
Secretary of State declines to issue the certificate provided for under 
section 204(d)(2) of the Act or if the investigation under this 
paragraph establishes the existence of facts that clearly warrant denial 
of the petition.
    (g) Provisional approval. (1) The officer will consider the evidence 
described in paragraph (d) of this section and any additional evidence 
acquired as a result of any investigation completed under paragraph (f) 
of this section, to determine whether the preponderance of the evidence 
shows that the child qualifies as a Convention adoptee. Unless 8 CFR 
204.309(b) prohibits approval of the Form I-800, the officer will serve

[[Page 148]]

the petitioner with a written order provisionally approving the Form I-
800 if the officer determines that the child does qualify for 
classification as a ``child'' under section 101(b)(1)(G), and that the 
proposed adoption or grant of custody will meet the Convention 
requirements.
    (i) The provisional approval will expressly state that the child 
will, upon adoption or acquisition of custody, be eligible for 
classification as a Convention adoptee, adjudicate any waiver 
application and (if any necessary waiver of inadmissibility is granted) 
direct the petitioner to obtain and present the evidence required under 
paragraph (h) of this section in order to obtain final approval of the 
Form I-800.
    (ii) The grant of a waiver of inadmissibility in conjunction with 
the provisional approval of a Form I-800 is conditioned upon the 
issuance of an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa for the child's admission 
to the United States based on the final approval of the same Form I-800. 
If the Form I-800 is finally denied or the immigrant or nonimmigrant 
visa application is denied, the waiver is void.
    (2) If the petitioner filed the Form I-800 with USCIS and the child 
will apply for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, then, upon provisional 
approval of the Form I-800, the officer will forward the notice of 
provisional approval, Form I-800, and all supporting evidence to the 
Department of State. If the child will apply for adjustment of status, 
USCIS will retain the record of proceeding.
    (h) Final approval. (1) To obtain final approval of a provisionally 
approved Form I-800, the petitioner must submit to the Department of 
State officer who has jurisdiction of the child's application for an 
immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, or to the USCIS officer who has 
jurisdiction of the child's adjustment of status application, a copy of 
the following document(s):
    (i) If the child is adopted in the Convention country, the adoption 
decree or administrative order from the competent authority in the 
Convention country showing that the petitioner has adopted the child; in 
the case of a married petitioner, the decree or order must show that 
both spouses adopted the child; or
    (ii) If the child will be adopted in the United States:
    (A) The decree or administrative order from the competent authority 
in the Convention country giving custody of the child for purposes of 
emigration and adoption to the petitioner or to an individual or entity 
acting on behalf of the petitioner. In the case of a married petitioner, 
an adoption decree that shows that the child was adopted only by one 
spouse, but not by both, will be deemed to show that the petitioner has 
acquired sufficient custody to bring the child to the United States for 
adoption by the other spouse;
    (B) If not already provided before the provisional approval 
(because, for example, the petitioner thought the child would be adopted 
abroad, but that plan has changed so that the child will now be adopted 
in the United States), a statement from the primary provider, signed 
under penalty of perjury under United States law, summarizing the plan 
under 22 CFR 96.50 for monitoring of the placement until the adoption is 
finalized in the United States;
    (C) If not already provided before the provisional approval 
(because, for example, the petitioner thought the child would be adopted 
abroad, but that plan has changed so that the child will now be adopted 
in the United States), a written description of the preadoption 
requirements that apply to adoptions in the State of the child's 
proposed residence and a description of when and how, after the child's 
immigration, the petitioner intends to complete the child's adoption. 
The written description must include a citation to the relevant State 
statutes or regulations and specify how the petitioner intends to comply 
with any requirements that can be satisfied only after the child arrives 
in the United States.
    (2) If the Secretary of State, after reviewing the evidence that the 
petitioner provides under paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, 
issues the certificate required under section 204(d)(2) of the Act, the 
Department of State officer who has jurisdiction over the child's visa 
application has authority, on behalf of USCIS, to grant final approval 
of a Form I-800. In the case of

[[Page 149]]

an alien who will apply for adjustment of status, the USCIS officer with 
jurisdiction of the adjustment application has authority to grant this 
final approval upon receiving the Secretary of State's certificate under 
section 204(d)(2) of the Act.
    (i) Denial of Form I-800. (1) A USCIS officer with authority to 
grant provisional or final approval will deny the Form I-800 if the 
officer finds that the child does not qualify as a Convention adoptee, 
or that 8 CFR 204.309(b) of this section requires denial of the Form I-
800. Before denying a Form I-800, the officer will comply with the 
requirements of 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16)), if required to do so under that 
provision, and may issue a request for evidence or a notice of intent to 
deny under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8).
    (2) The decision will be in writing, specifying the reason(s) for 
the denial and notifying the petitioner of the right to appeal, if any, 
as specified in 8 CFR 204.314.
    (3) If a Department of State officer finds, either at the 
provisional approval stage or the final approval stage, that the Form I-
800 is ``not clearly approvable,'' or that 8 CFR 204.309(b) warrants 
denial of the Form I-800, the Department of State officer will forward 
the Form I-800 and accompanying evidence to the USCIS office with 
jurisdiction over the place of the child's habitual residence for review 
and decision.

[72 FR 56854, Oct. 4, 2007, as amended at 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  204.314  Appeal.

    (a) Decisions that may be appealed. (1) Except as provided in 
paragraph (b) of this section:
    (i) An applicant may appeal the denial of a Form I-800A (including 
the denial of a request to extend the prior approval of a Form I-800A) 
and
    (ii) A petitioner may appeal the denial of a Form I-800.
    (2) The provisions of 8 CFR 103.3, concerning how to file an appeal, 
and how USCIS adjudicates an appeal, apply to the appeal of a decision 
under this subpart C.
    (b) Decisions that may not be appealed. There is no appeal from the 
denial of:
    (1) Form I-800A because the Form I-800A was filed during any period 
during which 8 CFR 204.307(c) bars the filing of a Form I-800A; or
    (2) Form I-800A for failure to timely file a home study as required 
by 8 CFR 204.310(a)(3)(viii); or
    (3) Form I-800 that is denied because the Form I-800 was filed 
during any period during which 8 CFR 204.307(c) bars the filing of a 
Form I-800;
    (4) Form I-800 filed either before USCIS approved a Form I-800A or 
after the expiration of the approval of a Form I-800A.



PART 205_REVOCATION OF APPROVAL OF PETITIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
205.1 Automatic revocation.
205.2 Revocation on notice.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1151, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1182, 1186a, 
and 1324a.



Sec.  205.1  Automatic revocation.

    (a) Reasons for automatic revocation. The approval of a petition or 
self-petition made under section 204 of the Act and in accordance with 
part 204 of this chapter is revoked as of the date of approval:
    (1) If the Secretary of State shall terminate the registration of 
the beneficiary pursuant to the provisions of section 203(e) of the Act 
before October 1, 1991, or section 203(g) of the Act on or after October 
1, 1994;
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) If any of the following circumstances occur before the 
beneficiary's or self-petitioner's journey to the United States 
commences or, if the beneficiary or self-petitioner is an applicant for 
adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident, before the 
decision on his or her adjustment application becomes final:
    (i) Immediate relative and family-sponsored petitions, other than 
Amerasian petitions. (A) Upon written notice of withdrawal filed by the 
petitioner or self-petitioner with any officer of the Service who is 
authorized to grant or deny petitions.
    (B) Upon the death of the beneficiary or the self-petitioner.
    (C) Upon the death of the petitioner, unless:

[[Page 150]]

    (1) The petition is deemed under 8 CFR 204.2(i)(1)(iv) to have been 
approved as a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special 
Immigrant under 8 CFR 204.2(b); or
    (2) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines, as 
a matter of discretion exercised for humanitarian reasons in light of 
the facts of a particular case, that it is inappropriate to revoke the 
approval of the petition. USCIS may make this determination only if the 
principal beneficiary of the visa petition asks for reinstatement of the 
approval of the petition and establishes that a person related to the 
principal beneficiary in one of the ways described in section 
213A(f)(5)(B) of the Act is willing and able to file an affidavit of 
support under 8 CFR part 213a as a substitute sponsor.
    (D) Upon the legal termination of the marriage when a citizen or 
lawful permanent resident of the United States has petitioned to accord 
his or her spouse immediate relative or family-sponsored preference 
immigrant classification under section 201(b) or section 203(a)(2) of 
the Act. The approval of a spousal self-petition based on the 
relationship to an abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident of the 
United States filed under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) 
of the Act, however, will not be revoked solely because of the 
termination of the marriage to the abuser.
    (E) Upon the remarriage of the spouse of an abusive citizen or 
lawful permanent resident of the United States when the spouse has self-
petitioned under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the 
Act for immediate relative classification under section 201(b) of the 
Act or for preference classification under section 203(a)(2) of the Act.
    (F) Upon a child reaching the age of 21, when he or she has been 
accorded immediate relative status under section 201(b) of the Act. A 
petition filed on behalf of a child under section 204(a)(1)(A)(i) of the 
Act or a self-petition filed by a child of an abusive United States 
citizen under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Act, however, will remain 
valid for the duration of the relationship to accord preference status 
under section 203(a)(1) of the Act if the beneficiary remains unmarried, 
or to accord preference status under section 203(a)(3) of the Act if he 
or she marries.
    (G) Upon the marriage of a child, when he or she has been accorded 
immediate relative status under section 201(b) of the Act. A petition 
filed on behalf of the child under section 204(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Act or 
a self-petition filed by a child of an abusive United States citizen 
under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Act, however, will remain valid 
for the duration of the relationship to accord preference status under 
section 203(a)(3) of the Act if he or she marries.
    (H) Upon the marriage of a person accorded preference status as a 
son or daughter of a United States citizen under section 203(a)(1) of 
the Act. A petition filed on behalf of the son or daughter, however, 
will remain valid for the duration of the relationship to accord 
preference status under section 203(a)(3) of the Act.
    (I) Upon the marriage of a person accorded status as a son or 
daughter of a lawful permanent resident alien under section 203(a)(2) of 
the Act.
    (J) Upon legal termination of the petitioner's status as an alien 
admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States unless the 
petitioner became a United States citizen. The provisions of 8 CFR 
204.2(i)(3) shall apply if the petitioner became a United States 
citizen.
    (ii) Petition for Pub. L. 97-359 Amerasian. (A) Upon formal notice 
of withdrawal filed by the petitioner with the officer who approved the 
petition.
    (B) Upon the death of the beneficiary.
    (C) Upon the death or bankruptcy of the sponsor who executed Form I-
361, Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal 
Custody for Pub. L. 97-359 Amerasian. In that event, a new petition may 
be filed in the beneficiary's behalf with the documentary evidence 
relating to sponsorship and, in the case of a beneficiary under 18 years 
of age, placement. If the new petition is approved, it will be given the 
priority date of the previously approved petition.
    (D) Upon the death or substitution of the petitioner if other than 
the beneficiary or sponsor. However, if the petitioner dies or no longer 
desires or is

[[Page 151]]

able to proceed with the petition, and another person 18 years of age or 
older, an emancipated minor, or a corporation incorporated in the United 
States desires to be substituted for the deceased or original 
petitioner, a written request may be submitted to the Service or 
American consular office where the petition is located to reinstate the 
petition and restore the original priority date.
    (E) Upon the beneficiary's reaching the age of 21 when the 
beneficiary has been accorded classification under section 201(b) of the 
Act. Provided that all requirements of section 204(f) of the Act 
continue to be met, however, the petition is to be considered valid for 
purposes of according the beneficiary preference classification under 
section 203(a)(1) of the Act if the beneficiary remains unmarried or 
under section 203(a)(3) if the beneficiary marries.
    (F) Upon the beneficiary's marriage when the beneficiary has been 
accorded classification under section 201(b) or section 203(a)(1) of the 
Act. Provided that all requirements of section 204(f) of the Act 
continue to be met, however, the petition is to be considered valid for 
purposes of according the beneficiary preference classification under 
section 203(a)(3) of the Act.
    (iii) Petitions under section 203(b), other than special immigrant 
juvenile petitions. (A) Upon invalidation pursuant to 20 CFR Part 656 of 
the labor certification in support of the petition.
    (B) Upon the death of the petitioner or beneficiary.
    (C) In employment-based preference cases, upon written notice of 
withdrawal filed by the petitioner to any officer of USCIS who is 
authorized to grant or deny petitions, where the withdrawal is filed 
less than 180 days after approval of the employment-based preference 
petition, unless an associated adjustment of status application has been 
pending for 180 days or more. A petition that is withdrawn 180 days or 
more after its approval, or 180 days or more after the associated 
adjustment of status application has been filed, remains approved unless 
its approval is revoked on other grounds. If an employment-based 
petition on behalf of an alien is withdrawn, the job offer of the 
petitioning employer is rescinded and the alien must obtain a new 
employment-based preference petition in order to seek adjustment of 
status or issuance of an immigrant visa as an employment-based 
immigrant, unless eligible for adjustment of status under section 204(j) 
of the Act and in accordance with 8 CFR 245.25.
    (D) Upon termination of the petitioning employer's business less 
than 180 days after petition approval under section 203(b)(1)(B), 
203(b)(1)(C), 203(b)(2), or 203(b)(3) of the Act, unless an associated 
adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more. 
If a petitioning employer's business terminates 180 days or more after 
petition approval, or 180 days or more after an associated adjustment of 
status application has been filed, the petition remains approved unless 
its approval is revoked on other grounds. If a petitioning employer's 
business terminates the job offer of the petitioning employer is 
rescinded and the beneficiary must obtain a new employment-based 
preference petition on his or her behalf in order to seek adjustment of 
status or issuance of an immigrant visa as an employment-based 
immigrant, unless eligible for adjustment of status under section 204(j) 
of the Act and in accordance with 8 CFR 245.25.
    (iv) Special immigrant juvenile petitions. An approved petition for 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile will be revoked as 
provided in 8 CFR 204.11(j)(1).
    (b) Notice. When it shall appear to the director that the approval 
of a petition has been automatically revoked, he or she shall cause a 
notice of such revocation to be sent promptly to the consular office 
having jurisdiction over the visa application and a copy of such notice 
to be mailed to the petitioner's last known address.

[61 FR 13077, Mar. 26, 1996, as amended at 71 FR 35749, June 21, 2006; 
81 FR 73332, Oct. 24, 2016; 81 FR 82486, Nov. 18, 2016; 87 FR 13112, 
Mar. 8, 2022]



Sec.  205.2  Revocation on notice.

    (a) General. Any Service officer authorized to approve a petition 
under section 204 of the Act may revoke the approval of that petition 
upon notice to the petitioner on any ground other than those specified 
in Sec.  205.1 when the

[[Page 152]]

necessity for the revocation comes to the attention of this Service.
    (b) Notice of intent. Revocation of the approval of a petition of 
self-petition under paragraph (a) of this section will be made only on 
notice to the petitioner or self-petitioner. The petitioner or self-
petitioner must be given the opportunity to offer evidence in support of 
the petition or self-petition and in opposition to the grounds alleged 
for revocation of the approval.
    (c) Notification of revocation. If, upon reconsideration, the 
approval previously granted is revoked, the director shall provide the 
petitioner or the self-petitioner with a written notification of the 
decision that explains the specific reasons for the revocation. The 
director shall notify the consular officer having jurisdiction over the 
visa application, if applicable, of the revocation of an approval.
    (d) Appeals. The petitioner or self-petitioner may appeal the 
decision to revoke the approval within 15 days after the service of 
notice of the revocation. The appeal must be filed as provided in part 3 
of this chapter, unless the Associate Commissioner for Examinations 
exercises appellate jurisdiction over the revocation under part 103 of 
this chapter. Appeals filed with the Associate Commissioner for 
Examinations must meet the requirements of part 103 of this chapter.

[48 FR 19156, Apr. 28, 1983, as amended at 58 FR 42851, Aug. 12, 1993; 
61 FR 13078, Mar. 26, 1996]



PART 207_ADMISSION OF REFUGEES--Table of Contents



Sec.
207.1 Eligibility.
207.2 Applicant processing.
207.3 Waivers of inadmissibility.
207.4 Approved application.
207.5 Waiting lists and priority handling.
207.6 Control over approved refugee numbers.
207.7 Derivatives of refugees.
207.8 Physical presence in the United States.
207.9 Termination of refugee status.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1151, 1157, 1159, 1182; 8 CFR part 
2.

    Source: 46 FR 45118, Sept. 10, 1981, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  207.1  Eligibility.

    (a) Filing. Any alien who believes he or she is a refugee as defined 
in section 101(a)(42) of the Act, and is included in a refugee group 
identified in section 207(a) of the Act, may apply for admission to the 
United States by submitting an application, including biometric 
information, in accordance with the form instructions, as defined in 8 
CFR 1.2.
    (b) Firmly resettled. Any applicant (other than an applicant for 
derivative refugee status under 8 CFR 207.7) who has become firmly 
resettled in a foreign country is not eligible for refugee status under 
this chapter I. A refugee is considered to be ``firmly resettled'' if he 
or she has been offered resident status, citizenship, or some other type 
of permanent resettlement by a country other than the United States and 
has traveled to and entered that country as a consequence of his or her 
flight from persecution. Any applicant who claims not to be firmly 
resettled in a foreign country must establish that the conditions of his 
or her residence in that country are so restrictive as to deny 
resettlement. In determining whether or not an applicant is firmly 
resettled in a foreign country, the officer reviewing the matter shall 
consider the conditions under which other residents of the country live:
    (1) Whether permanent or temporary housing is available to the 
refugee in the foreign country;
    (2) Nature of employment available to the refugee in the foreign 
country; and
    (3) Other benefits offered or denied to the refugee by the foreign 
country which are available to other residents, such as right to 
property ownership, travel documentation, education, public welfare, and 
citizenship.
    (c) Immediate relatives and special immigrants. Any applicant for 
refugee status who qualifies as an immediate relative or as a special 
immigrant shall not be processed as a refugee unless it is in the public 
interest. The alien shall be advised to obtain an immediate relative or 
special immigrant visa and shall be provided with the proper petition 
forms to send to any prospective petitioners. An applicant who may be

[[Page 153]]

eligible for classification under sections 203(a) or 203(b) of the Act, 
and for whom a visa number is now available, shall be advised of such 
eligibility but is not required to apply.

[76 FR 53782, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  207.2  Applicant processing.

    (a) Interview. Each applicant 14 years old or older shall appear in 
person before an immigration officer for inquiry under oath to determine 
his or her eligibility for admission as a refugee.
    (b) Medical examination. Each applicant shall submit to a medical 
examination as required by sections 221(d) and 232(b) of the Act.
    (c) Sponsorship. Each applicant must be sponsored by a responsible 
person or organization. Transportation for the applicant from his or her 
present abode to the place of resettlement in the United States must be 
guaranteed by the sponsor.

[76 FR 53783, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  207.3  Waivers of inadmissibility.

    (a) Authority. Section 207(c)(3) of the Act sets forth grounds of 
inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act which are not applicable 
and those which may be waived in the case of an otherwise qualified 
refugee and the conditions under which such waivers may be approved.
    (b) Filing requirements. An applicant may request a waiver by 
submitting an application for a waiver in accordance with the form 
instructions. The burden is on the applicant to show that the waiver 
should be granted based upon humanitarian grounds, family unity, or the 
public interest. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the 
decision, including the reasons for denial if the application is denied. 
There is no appeal from such decision.

[76 FR 53783, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  207.4  Approved application.

    Approval of a refugee application by USCIS outside the United States 
authorizes CBP to admit the applicant conditionally as a refugee upon 
arrival at the port within four months of the date the refugee 
application was approved. There is no appeal from a denial of refugee 
status under this chapter.

[76 FR 53783, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  207.5  Waiting lists and priority handling.

    Waiting lists are maintained for each designated refugee group of 
special humanitarian concern. Each applicant whose application is 
accepted for filing by USCIS shall be registered as of the date of 
filing. The date of filing is the priority date for purposes of case 
control. Refugees or groups of refugees may be selected from these lists 
in a manner that will best support the policies and interests of the 
United States. The Secretary may adopt appropriate criteria for 
selecting the refugees and assignment of processing priorities for each 
designated group based upon such considerations as reuniting families, 
close association with the United States, compelling humanitarian 
concerns, and public interest factors.

[76 FR 53783, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  207.6  Control over approved refugee numbers.

    Current numerical accounting of approved refugees is maintained for 
each special group designated by the President. As refugee status is 
authorized for each applicant, the total count is reduced 
correspondingly from the appropriate group so that information is 
readily available to indicate how many refugee numbers remain available 
for issuance.



Sec.  207.7  Derivatives of refugees.

    (a) Eligibility. A spouse, as defined in section 101(a)(35) of the 
Act, and/or child(ren), as defined in section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), 
(D), or (E) of the Act, shall be granted refugee status if accompanying 
or following-to-join the principal alien. An accompanying derivative is 
a spouse or child of a refugee who is in the physical company of the 
principal refugee when he or she is admitted to the United States, or a 
spouse or child of a refugee who is admitted within 4 months following 
the principal refugee's admission. A following-to-join derivative, on 
the other hand, is a spouse or child of a refugee who seeks admission 
more than 4

[[Page 154]]

months after the principal refugee's admission to the United States.
    (b) Ineligibility. The following relatives of refugees are 
ineligible for accompanying or following-to-join benefits:
    (1) A spouse or child who has previously been granted asylee or 
refugee status;
    (2) An adopted child, if the adoption took place after the child 
became 16 years old, or if the child has not been in the legal custody 
and living with the parent(s) for at least 2 years;
    (3) A stepchild, if the marriage that created this relationship took 
place after the child became 18 years old;
    (4) A husband or wife if each/both were not physically present at 
the marriage ceremony, and the marriage was not consummated (section 
101(a)(35) of the Act);
    (5) A husband or wife if the Secretary has determined that such 
alien has attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage for the 
purpose of evading immigration laws; and
    (6) A parent, sister, brother, grandparent, grandchild, nephew, 
niece, uncle, aunt, cousin or in-law.
    (c) Relationship. The relationship of a spouse and child as defined 
in sections 101(a)(35) and 101(b) (1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E), 
respectively, of the Act, must have existed prior to the refugee's 
admission to the United States and must continue to exist at the time of 
filing for accompanying or following-to-join benefits and at the time of 
the spouse or child's subsequent admission to the United States. If the 
refugee proves that the refugee is the parent of a child who was born 
after the refugee's admission as a refugee, but who was in utero on the 
date of the refugee's admission as a refugee, the child shall be 
eligible to accompany or follow-to-join the refugee. The child's mother, 
if not the principal refugee, shall not be eligible to accompany or 
follow-to-join the principal refugee unless the child's mother was the 
principal refugee's spouse on the date of the principal refugee's 
admission as a refugee.
    (d) Filing. A refugee may request accompanying or following-to-join 
benefits for his or her spouse and unmarried, minor child(ren) (whether 
the spouse and children are inside or outside the United States) by 
filing a separate Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative in accordance with 
the form instructions for each qualifying family member. The request may 
only be filed by the principal refugee. Family members who derived their 
refugee status are not eligible to request derivative benefits on behalf 
of their spouse and child(ren). A separate Request for Refugee/Asylee 
Relative must be filed for each qualifying family member within two 
years of the refugee's admission to the United States unless USCIS 
determines that the filing period should be extended for humanitarian 
reasons. There is no time limit imposed on a family member's travel to 
the United States once the Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative has been 
approved, provided that the relationship of spouse or child continues to 
exist and approval of the Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative has not 
been subsequently revoked. There is no fee for this benefit request.
    (e) Evidence. Documentary evidence consists of those documents which 
establish that the petitioner is a refugee, and evidence of the claimed 
relationship of the petitioner to the beneficiary. The burden of proof 
is on the petitioner to establish by a preponderance of the evidence 
that any person on whose behalf he/she is making a request under this 
section is an eligible spouse or unmarried, minor child. Evidence to 
establish the claimed relationship for a spouse or unmarried, minor 
child as set forth in 8 CFR part 204 must be submitted with the request 
for accompanying or following-to-join benefits. Where possible this will 
consist of the documents specified in Sec.  204.2(a)(1)(i)(B), 
(a)(1)(iii)(B), (a)(2), (d)(2), and (d)(5) of this chapter.
    (f) Approvals--(1) Spouse or child in the United States. When a 
spouse or child of a refugee is in the United States and the Request for 
Refugee/Asylee Relative is approved, USCIS will notify the refugee of 
such approval. Employment will be authorized incident to status.
    (2) Spouse or child outside the United States. When a spouse or 
child of a refugee is outside the United States and the Request for 
Refugee/Asylee Relative is approved, USCIS will notify

[[Page 155]]

the refugee of such approval. USCIS will send the approved request to 
the Department of State for transmission to the U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate having jurisdiction over the area in which the refugee's 
spouse or child is located.
    (3) Benefits. The approval of the Request for Refugee/Asylee 
Relative will remain valid for the duration of the relationship to the 
refugee and, in the case of a child, while the child is under 21 years 
of age and unmarried, provided also that the principal's status has not 
been revoked. However, the approved Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative 
will cease to confer immigration benefits after it has been used by the 
beneficiary for admission to the United States as a derivative of a 
refugee. For a derivative inside or arriving in the United States, USCIS 
will issue a document reflecting the derivative's current status as a 
refugee to demonstrate employment authorization, or the derivative may 
apply, under 8 CFR 274a.12(a), for evidence of employment authorization.
    (g) Denials. If the spouse or child of a refugee is found to be 
ineligible for derivative status, a written notice explaining the basis 
for denial shall be forwarded to the principal refugee. There shall be 
no appeal from this decision. However, the denial shall be without 
prejudice to the consideration of a new petition or motion to reopen the 
refugee or asylee relative petition proceeding, if the refugee 
establishes eligibility for the accompanying or following-to-join 
benefits contained in this part.

[63 FR 3795, Jan. 27, 1998, as amended at 76 FR 53783, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 
FR 73476, Nov. 29, 2011]



Sec.  207.8  Physical presence in the United States.

    For the purpose of adjustment of status under section 209(a)(1) of 
the Act, the required one year physical presence of the applicant in the 
United States is computed from the date the applicant entered the United 
States as a refugee.

[46 FR 45118, Sept. 10, 1981. Redesignated at 63 FR 3795, Jan. 27, 1998]



Sec.  207.9  Termination of refugee status.

    The refugee status of any alien (and of the spouse or child of the 
alien) admitted to the United States under section 207 of the Act will 
be terminated by USCIS if the alien was not a refugee within the meaning 
of section 101(a)(42) of the Act at the time of admission. USCIS will 
notify the alien in writing of its intent to terminate the alien's 
refugee status. The alien will have 30 days from the date notice is 
served upon him or her in accordance with 8 CFR 103.8, to present 
written or oral evidence to show why the alien's refugee status should 
not be terminated. There is no appeal under this chapter I from the 
termination of refugee status by USCIS. Upon termination of refugee 
status, USCIS will process the alien under sections 235, 240, and 241 of 
the Act.

[76 FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 208_PROCEDURES FOR ASYLUM AND WITHHOLDING OF REMOVAL--Table of Contents



               Subpart A_Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Sec.
208.1 General.
208.2 Jurisdiction.
208.3 Form of application.
208.4 Filing the application.
208.5 Special duties toward aliens in custody of DHS.
208.6 Disclosure to third parties.
208.7 Employment authorization.
208.8 Limitations on travel outside the United States.
208.9 Procedure for interview before an asylum officer.
208.10 Failure to appear at an interview before an asylum officer or 
          failure to follow requirements for fingerprint processing.
208.11 Comments from the Department of State.
208.12 Reliance on information compiled by other sources.
208.13 Establishing asylum eligibility.
208.14 Approval, denial, referral, or dismissal of application.
208.15 Definition of ``firm resettlement.''
208.16 Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act and 
          withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture.
208.17 Deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture.
208.18 Implementation of the Convention Against Torture.
208.19 Decisions.
208.20 Determining if an asylum application is frivolous.

[[Page 156]]

208.21 Admission of the asylee's spouse and children.
208.22 Effect on exclusion, deportation, and removal proceedings.
208.23 Restoration of status.
208.24 Termination of asylum or withholding of removal or deportation.
208.25 Severability.
208.26-208.29 [Reserved]

                 Subpart B_Credible Fear of Persecution

208.30 Credible fear determinations involving stowaways and applicants 
          for admission found inadmissible pursuant to section 
          212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act.
208.31 Reasonable fear of persecution or torture determinations 
          involving aliens ordered removed under section 238(b) of the 
          Act and aliens whose removal is reinstated under section 
          241(a)(5) of the Act.

Subpart C_Lawful Pathways and Asylum Eligibility for Certain Aliens Who 
             Entered Between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025

208.33 Lawful pathways condition on asylum eligibility.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1158, 1226, 1252, 1282; Title VII of 
Pub. L. 110-229; 8 CFR part 2; Pub. L. 115-218.

    Source: 62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



               Subpart A_Asylum and Withholding of Removal



Sec.  208.1  General.

    (a) Applicability--(1) General. Unless otherwise provided in this 
chapter I, this subpart A shall apply to all applications for asylum 
under section 208 of the Act or for withholding of deportation or 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or under the 
Convention Against Torture, whether before an asylum officer or an 
immigration judge, regardless of the date of filing. For purposes of 
this chapter I, withholding of removal shall also mean withholding of 
deportation under section 243(h) of the Act, as it appeared prior to 
April 1, 1997, except as provided in Sec.  208.16(d). Such applications 
are referred to as ``asylum applications.'' The provisions of this part 
208 shall not affect the finality or validity of any decision made by a 
district director, an immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals in any such case prior to April 1, 1997. No asylum application 
that was filed with a district director, asylum officer, or immigration 
judge prior to April 1, 1997, may be reopened or otherwise reconsidered 
under the provisions of this part 208 except by motion granted in the 
exercise of discretion by the Board of Immigration Appeals, an 
immigration judge, or an asylum officer for proper cause shown. Motions 
to reopen or reconsider must meet the requirements of sections 240(c)(6) 
and (c)(7) of the Act, and 8 CFR parts 103 and 1003, as applicable.
    (2) Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The provisions of 
this subpart A shall not apply prior to January 1, 2030, to an alien 
physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands seeking to apply for asylum. No application for asylum 
may be filed prior to January 1, 2030, pursuant to section 208 of the 
Act by an alien physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands. Effective on the transition program 
effective date, the provisions of this subpart A shall apply to aliens 
physically present in or arriving in the CNMI with respect to 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and 
withholding and deferral of removal under the Convention Against 
Torture.
    (b) Training of asylum officers. The Associate Director of USCIS 
Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations (RAIO) shall ensure that 
asylum officers receive special training in international human rights 
law, nonadversarial interview techniques, and other relevant national 
and international refugee laws and principles. The Associate Director of 
USCIS Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations (RAIO) shall also, 
in cooperation with the Department of State and other appropriate 
sources, compile and disseminate to asylum officers information 
concerning the persecution of persons in other countries on account of 
race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or 
political opinion, torture of persons in other countries, and other 
information relevant to asylum determinations, and shall maintain a 
documentation center with information on human rights conditions.

[[Page 157]]

    (c) Particular social group. For purposes of adjudicating an 
application for asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application 
for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, a 
particular social group is one that is based on an immutable or 
fundamental characteristic, is defined with particularity, and is 
recognized as socially distinct in the society at question. Such a 
particular social group cannot be defined exclusively by the alleged 
persecutory acts or harms and must also have existed independently of 
the alleged persecutory acts or harms that form the basis of the claim. 
The Secretary, in general, will not favorably adjudicate claims of 
aliens who claim a fear of persecution on account of membership in a 
particular social group consisting of or defined by the following 
circumstances: Past or present criminal activity or association 
(including gang membership); presence in a country with generalized 
violence or a high crime rate; being the subject of a recruitment effort 
by criminal, terrorist, or persecutory groups; the targeting of the 
applicant for criminal activity for financial gain based on perceptions 
of wealth or affluence; interpersonal disputes of which governmental 
authorities were unaware or uninvolved; private criminal acts of which 
governmental authorities were unaware or uninvolved; past or present 
terrorist activity or association; past or present persecutory activity 
or association; or status as an alien returning from the United States. 
This list is nonexhaustive, and the substance of the alleged particular 
social group, rather than the precise form of its delineation, shall be 
considered in determining whether the group falls within one of the 
categories on the list. No alien shall be found to be a refugee or have 
it decided that the alien's life or freedom would be threatened based on 
membership in a particular social group in any case unless that person 
articulates on the record, or provides a basis on the record for 
determining, the definition and boundaries of the alleged particular 
social group. A failure to define, or provide a basis for defining, a 
formulation of a particular social group before an immigration judge 
shall waive any such claim for all purposes under the Act, including on 
appeal. Any waived claim on this basis shall not serve as the basis for 
any motion to reopen or reconsider for any reason, including a claim of 
ineffective assistance of counsel unless the alien complies with the 
procedural requirements for such a motion and demonstrates that 
counsel's failure to define, or provide a basis for defining, a 
formulation of a particular social group constituted egregious conduct.
    (d) Political opinion. For purposes of adjudicating an application 
for asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application for 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, a political 
opinion is one expressed by or imputed to an applicant in which the 
applicant possesses an ideal or conviction in support of the furtherance 
of a discrete cause related to political control of a State or a unit 
thereof. The Secretary, in general, will not favorably adjudicate claims 
of aliens who claim a fear of persecution on account of a political 
opinion defined solely by generalized disapproval of, disagreement with, 
or opposition to criminal, terrorist, gang, guerilla, or other non-state 
organizations absent expressive behavior in furtherance of a cause 
against such organizations related to efforts by the State to control 
such organizations or behavior that is antithetical to or otherwise 
opposes the ruling legal entity of the State or a legal sub-unit of the 
State. A person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo 
involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for failure or 
refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance to a 
coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been 
persecuted on account of political opinion, and a person who has a well-
founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure 
or subject to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance shall 
be deemed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of 
political opinion.
    (e) Persecution. For purposes of screening or adjudicating an 
application for asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application 
for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, 
persecution requires an intent

[[Page 158]]

to target a belief or characteristic, a severe level of harm, and the 
infliction of a severe level of harm by the government of a country or 
by persons or an organization that the government was unable or 
unwilling to control. For purposes of evaluating the severity of the 
level of harm, persecution is an extreme concept involving a severe 
level of harm that includes actions so severe that they constitute an 
exigent threat. Persecution does not encompass the generalized harm that 
arises out of civil, criminal, or military strife in a country, nor does 
it encompass all treatment that the United States regards as unfair, 
offensive, unjust, or even unlawful or unconstitutional. It does not 
include intermittent harassment, including brief detentions; threats 
with no actual effort to carry out the threats, except that 
particularized threats of severe harm of an immediate and menacing 
nature made by an identified entity may constitute persecution; or, non-
severe economic harm or property damage, though this list is 
nonexhaustive. The existence of laws or government policies that are 
unenforced or infrequently enforced do not, by themselves, constitute 
persecution, unless there is credible evidence that those laws or 
policies have been or would be applied to an applicant personally.
    (f) Nexus. For purposes of adjudicating an application for asylum 
under section 208 of the Act or an application or withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, the Secretary, in general, will not 
favorably adjudicate the claims of aliens who claim persecution based on 
the following list of nonexhaustive circumstances:
    (1) Interpersonal animus or retribution;
    (2) Interpersonal animus in which the alleged persecutor has not 
targeted, or manifested an animus against, other members of an alleged 
particular social group in addition to the member who has raised the 
claim at issue;
    (3) Generalized disapproval of, disagreement with, or opposition to 
criminal, terrorist, gang, guerilla, or other non-state organizations 
absent expressive behavior in furtherance of a discrete cause against 
such organizations related to control of a State or expressive behavior 
that is antithetical to the State or a legal unit of the State;
    (4) Resistance to recruitment or coercion by guerilla, criminal, 
gang, terrorist or other non-state organizations;
    (5) The targeting of the applicant for criminal activity for 
financial gain based on wealth or affluence or perceptions of wealth or 
affluence;
    (6) Criminal activity;
    (7) Perceived, past or present, gang affiliation; or,
    (8) Gender.
    (g) Evidence based on stereotypes. For purposes of adjudicating an 
application for asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application 
for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, evidence 
offered in support of such an application which promotes cultural 
stereotypes about a country, its inhabitants, or an alleged persecutor, 
including stereotypes based on race, religion, nationality, or gender, 
shall not be admissible in adjudicating that application, provided that 
nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting the 
submission of evidence that an alleged persecutor holds stereotypical 
views of the applicant.

[64 FR 8487, Feb. 19, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 55736, Oct. 28, 2009; 76 
FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 29310, May 14, 2020; 85 FR 80385, Dec. 
11, 2020]



Sec.  208.2  Jurisdiction.

    (a) Jurisdiction of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 
(USCIS). (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, 
USCIS shall have initial jurisdiction over:
    (i) An asylum application filed by an alien physically present in 
the United States or seeking admission at a port-of-entry; and
    (ii) Interviews provided in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(B)(ii) 
of the Act to further consider the application for asylum of an alien, 
other than a stowaway or alien physically present in or arriving in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, found to have a credible 
fear of persecution or torture in accordance with Sec.  208.30(f) and 
retained by USCIS, or referred to USCIS by an immigration judge pursuant 
to 8 CFR 1003.42 and 1208.30 after the immigration judge has vacated a 
negative credible fear determination.

[[Page 159]]

Interviews to further consider applications for asylum under this 
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) are governed by the procedures provided for under 
Sec.  208.9. Further consideration of an asylum application filed by a 
stowaway who has received a positive credible fear determination will be 
under the jurisdiction of an immigration judge pursuant to paragraph (c) 
of this section.
    (2) USCIS shall also have initial jurisdiction over credible fear 
determinations under Sec.  208.30 and reasonable fear determinations 
under Sec.  208.31.
    (b) Jurisdiction of Immigration Court in general. Immigration judges 
shall have exclusive jurisdiction over asylum applications filed by an 
alien who has been served a Form I-221, Order to Show Cause; Form I-122, 
Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for a Hearing before an 
Immigration Judge; or Form I-862, Notice to Appear, after the charging 
document has been filed with the Immigration Court. Immigration judges 
shall also have jurisdiction over any asylum applications filed prior to 
April 1, 1997, by alien crewmembers who have remained in the United 
States longer than authorized, by applicants for admission under the 
Visa Waiver Pilot Program, and by aliens who have been admitted to the 
United States under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Immigration judges 
shall also have the authority to review reasonable fear determinations 
referred to the Immigration Court under Sec.  208.31, and credible fear 
determinations referred to the Immigration Court under Sec.  208.30.
    (c) Certain aliens not entitled to proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act--(1) Asylum applications and withholding of removal applications 
only. After Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, has 
been filed with the Immigration Court, an immigration judge shall have 
exclusive jurisdiction over any asylum application filed on or after 
April 1, 1997, by:
    (i) An alien crewmember who:
    (A) Is an applicant for a landing permit;
    (B) Has been refused permission to land under section 252 of the 
Act; or
    (C) On or after April 1, 1997, was granted permission to land under 
section 252 of the Act, regardless of whether the alien has remained in 
the United States longer than authorized;
    (ii) An alien stowaway who has been found to have a credible fear of 
persecution or torture pursuant to the procedures set forth in subpart B 
of this part;
    (iii) An alien who is an applicant for admission pursuant to the 
Visa Waiver Program under section 217 of the Act, except that if such an 
alien is an applicant for admission to the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for asylum prior 
to January 1, 2030;
    (iv) An alien who was admitted to the United States pursuant to the 
Visa Waiver Program under section 217 of the Act and has remained longer 
than authorized or has otherwise violated his or her immigration status, 
except that if such an alien was admitted to the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for 
asylum in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands prior to 
January 1, 2030;
    (v) An alien who has been ordered removed under Sec.  235(c) of the 
Act, as described in Sec.  235.8(a) of this chapter (applicable only in 
the event that the alien is referred for proceedings under this 
paragraph by the Regional Director pursuant to section 235.8(b)(2)(ii) 
of this chapter);
    (vi) An alien who is an applicant for admission, or has been 
admitted, as an alien classified under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act 
(applicable only in the event that the alien is referred for proceedings 
under this paragraph by the district director);
    (vii) An alien who is an applicant for admission to Guam or the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pursuant to the Guam-CNMI 
Visa Waiver Program under section 212(l) of the Act, except that if such 
an alien is an applicant for admission to the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for 
asylum prior to January 1, 2030;
    (viii) An alien who was admitted to Guam or the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands pursuant to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program 
under section 212(l) of the Act and has remained longer than authorized 
or has

[[Page 160]]

otherwise violated his or her immigration status, except that if such an 
alien was admitted to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
then he or she shall not be eligible for asylum in the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands prior to January 1, 2030; or
    (ix) [Reserved]
    (2) Withholding of removal applications only. After Form I-863, 
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, has been filed with the 
Immigration Court, an immigration judge shall have exclusive 
jurisdiction over any application for withholding of removal filed by:
    (i) An alien who is the subject of a reinstated removal order 
pursuant to section 241(a)(5) of the Act; or
    (ii) An alien who has been issued an administrative removal order 
pursuant to section 238 of the Act as an alien convicted of committing 
an aggravated felony.
    (3) Rules of procedure--(i) General. Except as provided in this 
section, proceedings falling under the jurisdiction of the immigration 
judge pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section shall be 
conducted in accordance with the same rules of procedure as proceedings 
conducted under 8 CFR part 240, subpart A. The scope of review in 
proceedings conducted pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall 
be limited to a determination of whether the alien is eligible for 
asylum or withholding or deferral of removal, and whether asylum shall 
be granted in the exercise of discretion. The scope of review in 
proceedings conducted pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall 
be limited to a determination of whether the alien is eligible for 
withholding or deferral of removal. During such proceedings, all parties 
are prohibited from raising or considering any other issues, including 
but not limited to issues of admissibility, deportability, eligibility 
for waivers, and eligibility for any other form of relief.
    (ii) Notice of hearing procedures and in-absentia decisions. The 
alien will be provided with notice of the time and place of the 
proceeding. The request for asylum and withholding of removal submitted 
by an alien who fails to appear for the hearing shall be denied. The 
denial of asylum and withholding of removal for failure to appear may be 
reopened only upon a motion filed with the immigration judge with 
jurisdiction over the case. Only one motion to reopen may be filed, and 
it must be filed within 90 days, unless the alien establishes that he or 
she did not receive notice of the hearing date or was in Federal or 
State custody on the date directed to appear. The motion must include 
documentary evidence, which demonstrates that:
    (A) The alien did not receive the notice;
    (B) The alien was in Federal or State custody and the failure to 
appear was through no fault of the alien; or
    (C) ``Exceptional circumstances,'' as defined in section 240(e)(1) 
of the Act, caused the failure to appear.
    (iii) Relief. The filing of a motion to reopen shall not stay 
removal of the alien unless the immigration judge issues an order 
granting a stay pending disposition of the motion. An alien who fails to 
appear for a proceeding under this section shall not be eligible for 
relief under section 240A, 240B, 245, 248, or 249 of the Act for a 
period of 10 years after the date of the denial, unless the applicant 
can show exceptional circumstances resulted in his or her failure to 
appear.

[65 FR 76130, Dec. 6, 2000, as amended at 74 FR 55736, Oct. 28, 2009; 76 
FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 29310, May 14, 2020; 85 FR 80386, Dec. 
11, 2020; 87 FR 18215, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  208.3  Form of application.

    (a)(1) Except for applicants described in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, an asylum applicant must file Form I-589, Application for 
Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, together with any additional 
supporting evidence in accordance with the instructions on the form. The 
applicant's spouse and children shall be listed on the application and 
may be included in the request for asylum if they are in the United 
States. One additional copy of the principal applicant's Form I-589 must 
be submitted for each dependent included in the principal's application.
    (2) For asylum applicants, other than stowaways, who are awaiting 
further consideration of an asylum application pursuant to section 
235(b)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act following a positive credible

[[Page 161]]

fear determination, the written record of a positive credible fear 
finding issued in accordance with Sec.  208.30(f) or 8 CFR 1003.42 or 
1208.30 satisfies the application filing requirements in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section for purposes of consideration by USCIS pursuant 
to the jurisdiction provided at Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii). The written 
record of the positive credible fear determination shall be considered a 
complete asylum application for purposes of Sec. Sec.  208.4(a), 208.7, 
and 208.9(a); shall not be subject to the requirements of 8 CFR 103.2; 
and shall be subject to the conditions and consequences in paragraph (c) 
of this section upon signature at the asylum interview. The date that 
the positive credible fear determination is served on the alien shall be 
considered the date of filing and receipt. Application information 
collected electronically will be preserved in its native format. The 
applicant's spouse and children may be included in the request for 
asylum only if they were included in the credible fear determination 
pursuant to Sec.  208.30(c), or also presently have an application for 
asylum pending adjudication with USCIS pursuant to Sec.  
208.2(a)(1)(ii). If USCIS does not grant the applicant's asylum 
application after an interview conducted in accordance with Sec.  208.9 
and if a spouse or child who was included in the request for asylum does 
not separately file an asylum application that is adjudicated by USCIS, 
the application will also be deemed to satisfy the application filing 
requirements of 8 CFR 1208.4(b) for a spouse or child who was included 
in the request for asylum. The biometrics captured during expedited 
removal for the principal applicant and any dependents may be used to 
verify identity and for criminal and other background checks for 
purposes of an asylum application under the jurisdiction of USCIS 
pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a)(1) and any subsequent immigration benefit.
    (b) An asylum application shall be deemed to constitute at the same 
time an application for withholding of removal, unless adjudicated in 
deportation or exclusion proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997. 
In such instances, the asylum application shall be deemed to constitute 
an application for withholding of deportation under section 243(h) of 
the Act, as that section existed prior to April 1, 1997. Where a 
determination is made that an applicant is ineligible to apply for 
asylum under section 208(a)(2) of the Act, an asylum application shall 
be construed as an application for withholding of removal.
    (c) Form I-589 shall be filed under the following conditions and 
shall have the following consequences:
    (1) If the application was filed on or after January 4, 1995, 
information provided in the application may be used as a basis for the 
initiation of removal proceedings, or to satisfy any burden of proof in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings;
    (2) The applicant and anyone other than a spouse, parent, son, or 
daughter of the applicant who assists the applicant in preparing the 
application must sign the application under penalty of perjury. The 
applicant's signature establishes a presumption that the applicant is 
aware of the contents of the application. A person other than a relative 
specified in this paragraph who assists the applicant in preparing the 
application also must provide his or her full mailing address;
    (3) An asylum application that does not include a response to each 
of the questions contained in the Form I-589, is unsigned, or is 
unaccompanied by the required materials specified in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section is incomplete. The filing of an incomplete application 
shall not commence the 150-day period after which the applicant may file 
an application for employment authorization in accordance with Sec.  
208.7. An application that is incomplete shall be returned by mail to 
the applicant within 30 days of the receipt of the application by the 
Service. If the Service has not mailed the incomplete application back 
to the applicant within 30 days, it shall be deemed complete. An 
application returned to the applicant as incomplete shall be resubmitted 
by the applicant with the additional information if he or she wishes to 
have the application considered;
    (4) Knowing placement of false information on the application may 
subject the person placing that information on the application to 
criminal penalties

[[Page 162]]

under title 18 of the United States Code and to civil or criminal 
penalties under section 274C of the Act; and
    (5) Knowingly filing a frivolous application on or after April 1, 
1997, so long as the applicant has received the notice required by 
section 208(d)(4) of the Act, shall render the applicant permanently 
ineligible for any benefits under the Act pursuant to Sec.  208.20.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 76131, Dec. 6, 2000; 85 
FR 38626, June 26, 2020; 87 FR 18216, Mar. 29, 2022; 87 FR 57797, Sept. 
22, 2022]



Sec.  208.4  Filing the application.

    Except as prohibited in paragraph (a) of this section, asylum 
applications shall be filed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (a) Prohibitions on filing. Section 208(a)(2) of the Act prohibits 
certain aliens from filing for asylum on or after April 1, 1997, unless 
the alien can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Attorney General 
that one of the exceptions in section 208(a)(2)(D) of the Act applies. 
Such prohibition applies only to asylum applications under section 208 
of the Act and not to applications for withholding of removal under 
Sec.  208.16. If an applicant files an asylum application and it appears 
that one or more of the prohibitions contained in section 208(a)(2) of 
the Act apply, an asylum officer, in an interview, or an immigration 
judge, in a hearing, shall review the application and give the applicant 
the opportunity to present any relevant and useful information bearing 
on any prohibitions on filing to determine if the application should be 
rejected. For the purpose of making determinations under section 
208(a)(2) of the Act, the following rules shall apply:
    (1) Authority. Only an asylum officer, an immigration judge, or the 
Board of Immigration Appeals is authorized to make determinations 
regarding the prohibitions contained in section 208(a)(2)(B) or (C) of 
the Act.
    (2) One-year filing deadline. (i) For purposes of section 
208(a)(2)(B) of the Act, an applicant has the burden of proving:
    (A) By clear and convincing evidence that the application has been 
filed within 1 year of the date of the alien's arrival in the United 
States, or
    (B) To the satisfaction of the asylum officer, the immigration 
judge, or the Board that he or she qualifies for an exception to the 1-
year deadline.
    (ii) The 1-year period shall be calculated from the date of the 
alien's last arrival in the United States or April 1, 1997, whichever is 
later. When the last day of the period so computed falls on a Saturday, 
Sunday, or legal holiday, the period shall run until the end of the next 
day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For the purpose of 
making determinations under section 208(a)(2)(B) of the Act only, an 
application is considered to have been filed on the date it is received 
by the Service, pursuant to Sec.  103.2(a)(7) of this chapter. In a case 
in which the application has not been received by the Service within 1 
year from the applicant's date of entry into the United States, but the 
applicant provides clear and convincing documentary evidence of mailing 
the application within the 1-year period, the mailing date shall be 
considered the filing date. For cases before the Immigration Court in 
accordance with Sec.  3.13 of this chapter, the application is 
considered to have been filed on the date it is received by the 
Immigration Court. For cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals, 
the application is considered to have been filed on the date it is 
received by the Board. In the case of an application that appears to 
have been filed more than a year after the applicant arrived in the 
United States, the asylum officer, the immigration judge, or the Board 
will determine whether the applicant qualifies for an exception to the 
deadline. For aliens present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, the 1-year period shall be calculated from 
either January 1, 2030 or the date of the alien's last arrival in the 
United States (including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands), whichever is later. No period of physical presence in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands prior to January 1, 2030, 
shall count toward the 1-year period. After November 28, 2009, any 
travel to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from any 
other

[[Page 163]]

State shall not re-start the calculation of the 1-year period.
    (3) Prior denial of application. For purposes of section 
208(a)(2)(C) of the Act, an asylum application has not been denied 
unless denied by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals.
    (4) Changed circumstances. (i) The term ``changed circumstances'' in 
section 208(a)(2)(D) of the Act shall refer to circumstances materially 
affecting the applicant's eligibility for asylum. They may include, but 
are not limited to:
    (A) Changes in conditions in the applicant's country of nationality 
or, if the applicant is stateless, country of last habitual residence;
    (B) Changes in the applicant's circumstances that materially affect 
the applicant's eligibility for asylum, including changes in applicable 
U.S. law and activities the applicant becomes involved in outside the 
country of feared persecution that place the applicant at risk; or
    (C) In the case of an alien who had previously been included as a 
dependent in another alien's pending asylum application, the loss of the 
spousal or parent-child relationship to the principal applicant through 
marriage, divorce, death, or attainment of age 21.
    (ii) The applicant shall file an asylum application within a 
reasonable period given those ``changed circumstances.'' If the 
applicant can establish that he or she did not become aware of the 
changed circumstances until after they occurred, such delayed awareness 
shall be taken into account in determining what constitutes a 
``reasonable period.''
    (5) The term ``extraordinary circumstances'' in section 208(a)(2)(D) 
of the Act shall refer to events or factors directly related to the 
failure to meet the 1-year deadline. Such circumstances may excuse the 
failure to file within the 1-year period as long as the alien filed the 
application within a reasonable period given those circumstances. The 
burden of proof is on the applicant to establish to the satisfaction of 
the asylum officer, the immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals that the circumstances were not intentionally created by the 
alien through his or her own action or inaction, that those 
circumstances were directly related to the alien's failure to file the 
application within the 1-year period, and that the delay was reasonable 
under the circumstances. Those circumstances may include but are not 
limited to:
    (i) Serious illness or mental or physical disability, including any 
effects of persecution or violent harm suffered in the past, during the 
1-year period after arrival;
    (ii) Legal disability (e.g., the applicant was an unaccompanied 
minor or suffered from a mental impairment) during the 1-year period 
after arrival;
    (iii) Ineffective assistance of counsel, provided that:
    (A) The alien files an affidavit setting forth in detail the 
agreement that was entered into with counsel with respect to the actions 
to be taken and what representations counsel did or did not make to the 
respondent in this regard;
    (B) The counsel whose integrity or competence is being impugned has 
been informed of the allegations leveled against him or her and given an 
opportunity to respond; and
    (C) The alien indicates whether a complaint has been filed with 
appropriate disciplinary authorities with respect to any violation of 
counsel's ethical or legal responsibilities, and if not, why not;
    (iv) The applicant maintained Temporary Protected Status, lawful 
immigrant or nonimmigrant status, or was given parole, until a 
reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application;
    (v) The applicant filed an asylum application prior to the 
expiration of the 1-year deadline, but that application was rejected by 
the Service as not properly filed, was returned to the applicant for 
corrections, and was refiled within a reasonable period thereafter; and
    (vi) The death or serious illness or incapacity of the applicant's 
legal representative or a member of the applicant's immediate family.
    (6) Asylum Cooperative Agreements. Immigration officers have 
authority to apply section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, relating to the 
determination that the

[[Page 164]]

alien may be removed to a third country pursuant to a bilateral or 
multilateral agreement, as provided in Sec.  208.30(e). For provisions 
relating to the authority of immigration judges with respect to section 
208(a)(2)(A), see 8 CFR 1240.11(g) and (h).
    (b) Amending an application after filing. (1) For applications being 
considered by USCIS pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(i), upon the request 
of the alien, and as a matter of discretion, the asylum officer or 
immigration judge with jurisdiction may permit an asylum applicant to 
amend or supplement the application. Any delay in adjudication or in 
proceedings caused by a request to amend or supplement the application 
will be treated as a delay caused by the applicant for purposes of Sec.  
208.7 and 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8).
    (2) For applications being considered by USCIS pursuant to Sec.  
208.2(a)(1)(ii), the asylum applicant may subsequently amend or correct 
the biographic or credible fear information in the Form I-870, Record of 
Determination/Credible Fear Worksheet, or supplement the information 
collected during the process that concluded with a positive credible 
fear determination, provided the information is submitted directly to 
the asylum office no later than 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled 
asylum interview, or for documents submitted by mail, postmarked no 
later than 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled asylum interview. The 
asylum officer, finding good cause in an exercise of USCIS's discretion, 
may consider amendments or supplements submitted after the 7- or 10-day 
(depending on the method of submission) deadline or may grant the 
applicant an extension of time during which the applicant may submit 
additional evidence, subject to the limitation on extensions described 
at Sec.  208.9(e)(2). Any amendment, correction, or supplement shall be 
included in the record.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 
FR 13881, Mar. 23, 1999; 65 FR 76131, Dec. 6, 2000; 69 FR 69488, Nov. 
29, 2004; 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009; 74 FR 55737, Oct. 28, 2009; 84 FR 
64008, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 29310, May 14, 2020; 85 FR 38626, June 26, 
2020; 87 FR 18216, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  208.5  Special duties toward aliens in custody of DHS.

    (a) General. When an alien in the custody of DHS requests asylum or 
withholding of removal, or expresses a fear of persecution or harm upon 
return to his or her country of origin or to agents thereof, DHS shall 
make available the appropriate application forms and shall provide the 
applicant with the information required by section 208(d)(4) of the Act, 
including in the case of an alien who is in custody with a positive 
credible fear or reasonable fear determination under 8 CFR 208.30 or 
208.31, and except in the case of an alien who is in custody pending a 
credible fear determination under 8 CFR 208.30 or a reasonable fear 
determination pursuant to 8 CFR 208.31. Although DHS does not have a 
duty in the case of an alien who is in custody pending a credible fear 
or reasonable fear determination under either 8 CFR 208.30 or 8 CFR 
208.31, DHS may provide the appropriate forms, upon request. Where 
possible, expedited consideration shall be given to applications of 
detained aliens. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, 
such alien shall not be excluded, deported, or removed before a decision 
is rendered on his or her asylum application. Furthermore, except as 
provided in paragraph (c) of this section, an alien physically present 
in or arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall 
not be excluded, deported, or removed before a decision is rendered on 
his or her application for withholding of removal pursuant to section 
241(b)(3) of the Act and withholding of removal under the Convention 
Against Torture. No application for asylum may be filed prior to January 
1, 2030, under section 208 of the Act by an alien physically present in 
or arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    (b) Certain aliens aboard vessels. (1) If an alien crewmember or 
alien stowaway on board a vessel or other conveyance alleges, claims, or 
otherwise makes known to an immigration inspector or other official 
making an examination on the conveyance that he or she is unable or 
unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality or

[[Page 165]]

last habitual residence (if not a national of any country) because of 
persecution or a fear of persecution in that country on account of race, 
religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or 
political opinion, or if the alien expresses a fear of torture upon 
return to that country, the alien shall be promptly removed from the 
conveyance. If the alien makes such fear known to an official while off 
such conveyance, the alien shall not be returned to the conveyance but 
shall be retained in or transferred to the custody of the Service.
    (i) An alien stowaway will be referred to an asylum officer for a 
credible fear determination under Sec.  208.30.
    (ii) An alien crewmember shall be provided the appropriate 
application forms and information required by section 208(d)(4) of the 
Act and may then have 10 days within which to submit an asylum 
application in accordance with the instructions on the form. DHS may 
extend the 10-day filing period for good cause. Once the application has 
been filed, DHS shall serve Form I-863 on the alien and immediately 
forward any such application to the appropriate Immigration Court with a 
copy of the Form I-863 being filed with that court.
    (iii) An alien crewmember physically present in or arriving in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands can request withholding of 
removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) of the Act and withholding of 
removal under the Convention Against Torture. However, such an alien 
crewmember is not eligible to request asylum pursuant to section 208 of 
the Act prior to January 1, 2030.
    (2) Pending adjudication of the application, and, in the case of a 
stowaway the credible fear determination and any review thereof, the 
alien may be detained by the Service or otherwise paroled in accordance 
with Sec.  212.5 of this chapter. However, pending the credible fear 
determination, parole of an alien stowaway may be permitted only when 
the Secretary determines, in the exercise of discretion, that parole is 
required to meet a medical emergency or is necessary for a legitimate 
law enforcement objective.
    (c) Exception to prohibition on removal. A motion to reopen or an 
order to remand accompanied by an asylum application pursuant to Sec.  
208.4(b)(3)(iii) shall not stay execution of a final exclusion, 
deportation, or removal order unless such stay is specifically granted 
by the Board of Immigration Appeals or the immigration judge having 
jurisdiction over the motion.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76132, Dec. 6, 2000; 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009; 74 FR 55737, Oct. 28, 
2009; 76 FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 29310, May 14, 2020; 85 FR 
80386, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  208.6  Disclosure to third parties.

    (a) Information contained in or pertaining to any application for 
refugee admission, asylum, withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of the Act, or protection under regulations issued pursuant to 
the Convention Against Torture's implementing legislation, records 
pertaining to any credible fear determination conducted pursuant to 
Sec.  208.30, and records pertaining to any reasonable fear 
determination conducted pursuant to Sec.  208.31, shall not be disclosed 
without the written consent of the applicant, except as permitted by 
this section or at the discretion of the Secretary.
    (b) The confidentiality of other records kept by DHS and the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review that indicate that a specific 
alien has applied for refugee admission, asylum, withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or protection under regulations 
issued pursuant to the Convention Against Torture's implementing 
legislation, or has received a credible fear or reasonable fear 
interview, or received a credible fear or reasonable fear review shall 
also be protected from disclosure, except as permitted in this section. 
DHS will coordinate with the Department of State to ensure that the 
confidentiality of those records is maintained if they are transmitted 
to Department of State offices in other countries.
    (c) This section shall not apply to any disclosure to:
    (1) Any United States Government official or contractor having a 
need to examine information in connection with:
    (i) The adjudication of asylum applications;

[[Page 166]]

    (ii) The consideration of a request for a credible fear or 
reasonable fear interview, or a credible fear or reasonable fear review;
    (iii) The defense of any legal action arising from the adjudication 
of, or failure to adjudicate, the asylum application, or from a credible 
fear determination or reasonable fear determination under Sec.  208.30 
or Sec.  208.31;
    (iv) The defense of any legal action of which the asylum 
application, credible fear determination, or reasonable fear 
determination is a part; or
    (v) Any United States Government investigation concerning any 
criminal or civil matter; or
    (2) Any Federal, State, or local court in the United States 
considering any legal action:
    (i) Arising from the adjudication of, or failure to adjudicate, the 
asylum application, or from a credible fear or reasonable fear 
determination under Sec.  208.30 or Sec.  208.31; or
    (ii) Arising from the proceedings of which the asylum application, 
credible fear determination, or reasonable fear determination is a part.
    (d)(1) Any information contained in an application for refugee 
admission, asylum, withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the 
Act, or protection under regulations issued pursuant to the Convention 
Against Torture's implementing legislation, any relevant and applicable 
information supporting that application, any information regarding an 
alien who has filed such an application, and any relevant and applicable 
information regarding an alien who has been the subject of a reasonable 
fear or credible fear determination may be disclosed:
    (i) As part of an investigation or adjudication of the merits of 
that application or of any other application under the immigration laws,
    (ii) As part of any State or Federal criminal investigation, 
proceeding, or prosecution;
    (iii) Pursuant to any State or Federal mandatory reporting 
requirement;
    (iv) To deter, prevent, or ameliorate the effects of child abuse;
    (v) As part of any proceeding arising under the immigration laws, 
including proceedings arising under the Act; and
    (vi) As part of the Government's defense of any legal action 
relating to the alien's immigration or custody status including 
petitions for review filed in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1252.
    (2) If information may be disclosed under paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section, the disclosure provisions in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of 
this section shall not apply.
    (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the 
disclosure of information contained in an application for refugee 
admission, asylum, withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of 
the Act, or protection under regulations issued pursuant to the 
Convention Against Torture's implementing legislation, information 
supporting that application, information regarding an alien who has 
filed such an application, or information regarding an alien who has 
been the subject of a reasonable fear or credible fear determination:
    (1) Among employees and officers of the Department of Justice, the 
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, the Department 
of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, or a U.S. 
national security agency having a need to examine the information for an 
official purpose; or
    (2) Where a United States Government employee or contractor has a 
good faith and reasonable belief that disclosure is necessary to prevent 
the commission of a crime, the furtherance of an ongoing crime, or to 
ameliorate the effects of a crime.

[65 FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000, as amended at 85 FR 80386, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  208.7  Employment authorization.

    (a) Application and approval. (1) Subject to the restrictions 
contained in sections 208(d) and 236(a) of the Act, an applicant for 
asylum who is not an aggravated felon shall be eligible pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  274a.12(c)(8) and 274a.13(a) of this chapter to request 
employment authorization. Except in the case of an alien whose asylum 
application has been recommended for approval, or in the case of an 
alien who filed an asylum application prior to January 4, 1995, the 
application shall be submitted no earlier than 150 days after the date

[[Page 167]]

on which a complete asylum application submitted in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  208.3 and 208.4 has been received. In the case of an 
applicant whose asylum application has been recommended for approval, 
the applicant may apply for employment authorization when he or she 
receives notice of the recommended approval. If an asylum application 
has been returned as incomplete in accordance with Sec.  208.3(c)(3), 
the 150-day period will commence upon receipt by the Service of a 
complete asylum application. An applicant whose asylum application has 
been denied by an asylum officer or by an immigration judge within the 
150-day period shall not be eligible to apply for employment 
authorization. If an asylum application is denied prior to a decision on 
the application for employment authorization, the application for 
employment authorization shall be denied. If the asylum application is 
not so denied, the Service shall have 30 days from the date of filing of 
the request employment authorization to grant or deny that application, 
except that no employment authorization shall be issued to an asylum 
applicant prior to the expiration of the 180-day period following the 
filing of the asylum application filed on or after April 1, 1997.
    (2) The time periods within which the alien may not apply for 
employment authorization and within which USCIS must respond to any such 
application and within which the asylum application must be adjudicated 
pursuant to section 208(d)(5)(A)(iii) of the Act shall begin when the 
alien has filed a complete asylum application in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  208.3 and 208.4. Any delay requested or caused by the 
applicant shall not be counted as part of these time periods, including 
delays caused by failure without good cause to follow the requirements 
for fingerprint processing. Such time periods shall also be extended by 
the equivalent of the time between issuance of a request for evidence 
pursuant to Sec.  103.2(b)(8) of this chapter and the receipt of the 
applicant's response to such request.
    (3) The provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section 
apply to applications for asylum filed on or after January 4, 1995.
    (4) Employment authorization pursuant to Sec.  274a.12(c)(8) of this 
chapter may not be granted to an alien who fails to appear for a 
scheduled interview before an asylum officer or a hearing before an 
immigration judge, unless the applicant demonstrates that the failure to 
appear was the result of exceptional circumstances.
    (b) Renewal and termination. Employment authorization shall be 
renewable, in increments to be determined by USCIS, for the continuous 
period of time necessary for the asylum officer or immigration judge to 
decide the asylum application and, if necessary, for completion of any 
administrative or judicial review.
    (1) If the asylum application is denied by the asylum officer, the 
employment authorization shall terminate at the expiration of the 
employment authorization document or 60 days after the denial of asylum, 
whichever is longer.
    (2) If the application is denied by the immigration judge, the Board 
of Immigration Appeals, or a Federal court, the employment authorization 
terminates upon the expiration of the employment authorization document, 
unless the applicant has filed an appropriate request for administrative 
or judicial review.
    (c) Supporting evidence for renewal of employment authorization. In 
order for employment authorization to be renewed under this section, the 
alien must request employment authorization in accordance with the form 
instructions. USCIS may require that an alien establish that he or she 
has continued to pursue an asylum application before an immigration 
judge or sought administrative or judicial review. For purposes of 
employment authorization, pursuit of an asylum application is 
established by presenting one of the following, depending on the stage 
of the alien's immigration proceedings:
    (1) If the alien's case is pending in proceedings before the 
immigration judge, and the alien wishes to continue to pursue his or her 
asylum application, a copy of any asylum denial, referral notice, or 
charging document placing the alien in such proceedings;
    (2) If the immigration judge has denied asylum, a copy of the 
document

[[Page 168]]

issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals to show that a timely appeal 
has been filed from a denial of the asylum application by the 
immigration judge; or
    (3) If the Board of Immigration Appeals has dismissed the alien's 
appeal of a denial of asylum, or sustained an appeal by the Service of a 
grant of asylum, a copy of the petition for judicial review or for 
habeas corpus pursuant to section 242 of the Act, date stamped by the 
appropriate court.
    (d) In order for employment authorization to be renewed before its 
expiration, the application for renewal must be received by the Service 
90 days prior to expiration of the employment authorization.

[87 FR 57797, Sept. 22, 2022]



Sec.  208.8  Limitations on travel outside the United States.

    (a) An applicant who leaves the United States without first 
obtaining advance parole under Sec.  212.5(f) of this chapter shall be 
presumed to have abandoned his or her application under this section.
    (b) An applicant who leaves the United States pursuant to advance 
parole under Sec.  212.5(f) of this chapter and returns to the country 
of claimed persecution shall be presumed to have abandoned his or her 
application, unless the applicant is able to establish compelling 
reasons for such return.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 82255, Dec. 28, 2000]



Sec.  208.9  Procedure for interview before an asylum officer.

    (a) Claims adjudicated. USCIS shall adjudicate the claim of each 
asylum applicant whose application is complete within the meaning of 
Sec.  208.3(a)(2) or (c)(3), when applicable, and is within the 
jurisdiction of USCIS pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a). In all cases, such 
proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with section 208 of the 
Act.
    (1) Timing of interview. For interviews on asylum applications 
within the jurisdiction of USCIS pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii), 
USCIS shall not schedule the interview to take place fewer than 21 days 
after the applicant has been served with a record of the positive 
credible fear determination pursuant to Sec.  208.30(f), unless the 
applicant requests in writing that an interview be scheduled sooner. The 
asylum officer shall conduct the interview within 45 days of the 
applicant being served with a positive credible fear determination made 
by an asylum officer pursuant to Sec.  208.30(f) or made by an 
immigration judge pursuant to 8 CFR 1208.30, subject to the need to 
reschedule an interview due to exigent circumstances, such as the 
unavailability of an asylum officer to conduct the interview, the 
inability of the applicant to attend the interview due to illness, the 
inability to timely secure an appropriate interpreter pursuant to 
paragraph (g)(2) of this section, or the closure of the asylum office.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (b) Conduct and purpose of interview. The asylum officer shall 
conduct the interview in a nonadversarial manner and, except at the 
request of the applicant, separate and apart from the general public. 
The purpose of the interview shall be to elicit all relevant and useful 
information bearing on the applicant's eligibility for asylum. For 
interviews on applications within the jurisdiction of USCIS pursuant to 
Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii), the asylum officer shall also elicit all relevant 
and useful information bearing on the applicant's eligibility for 
withholding of removal under the Act and protection under the Convention 
Against Torture, and, as appropriate, elicit sufficient information to 
make a determination whether there is a significant possibility that the 
applicant's spouse or child, if included in the request for asylum, has 
experienced or fears harm that would be an independent basis for asylum, 
withholding of removal under the Act, or protection under the Convention 
Against Torture in the event that the principal applicant is not granted 
asylum. If the asylum officer determines that there is a significant 
possibility that the applicant's spouse or child has experienced or 
fears harm that would be an independent basis for asylum, withholding of 
removal under the Act, or protection under the Convention Against 
Torture, the asylum officer shall inform the spouse or child of that 
determination. At the time of the

[[Page 169]]

interview, the applicant must provide complete information regarding the 
applicant's identity, including name, date and place of birth, and 
nationality, and may be required to register this identity. The 
applicant may have counsel or a representative present, may present 
witnesses, and may submit affidavits of witnesses and other evidence.
    (c) Authority of asylum officer. The asylum officer shall have 
authority to administer oaths, verify the identity of the applicant 
(including through the use of electronic means), verify the identity of 
any interpreter, present evidence, receive evidence, and question the 
applicant and any witnesses.
    (d) Completion of the interview. Upon completion of the interview 
before an asylum officer:
    (1) The applicant or the applicant's representative will have an 
opportunity to make a statement or comment on the evidence presented. 
The representative will also have the opportunity to ask follow-up 
questions of the applicant and any witness. The asylum officer may, in 
the asylum officer's discretion, limit the length of any statement or 
comment and may require its submission in writing.
    (2) USCIS shall inform the applicant that the applicant must appear 
in person to receive and to acknowledge receipt of the decision of the 
asylum officer and any other accompanying material at a time and place 
designated by the asylum officer, except as otherwise provided by the 
asylum officer. An applicant's failure to appear to receive and 
acknowledge receipt of the decision will be treated as delay caused by 
the applicant for purposes of Sec.  208.7.
    (e) Extensions. The asylum officer will consider evidence submitted 
by the applicant together with the applicant's asylum application.
    (1) For applications being considered under Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(i), 
the applicant must submit any documentary evidence at least 14 calendar 
days in advance of the interview date. As a matter of discretion, the 
asylum officer may consider evidence submitted within the 14-day period 
prior to the interview date or may grant the applicant a brief extension 
of time during which the applicant may submit additional evidence. Any 
such extension will be treated as a delay caused by the applicant for 
purposes of Sec.  208.7.
    (2) For applications being considered under Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii), 
the asylum officer may grant the applicant a brief extension of time 
during which the applicant may submit additional evidence, but the 
asylum officer shall not grant any extension to submit additional 
evidence that would prevent a decision from being issued on the 
application within 60 days of service of the positive credible fear 
determination made by an asylum officer pursuant to Sec.  208.30(f) or 
made by an immigration judge pursuant to 8 CFR 1208.30 except when the 
interview has been rescheduled due to exigent circumstances pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (f) Record. (1) The asylum application, as defined in Sec.  
208.3(a), all supporting information provided by the applicant, any 
comments submitted by the Department of State or by DHS, and any other 
unclassified information considered by the asylum officer in the written 
decision shall comprise the record.
    (2) For interviews on asylum applications within the jurisdiction of 
USCIS pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii), except for statements made off 
the record with the permission of the asylum officer, the interview 
shall be recorded. A verbatim transcript of the interview shall be 
prepared and included in the referral package to the immigration judge 
as described in Sec.  208.14(c)(1), with a copy also provided to the 
applicant.
    (g) Interpreters. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section, an applicant unable to proceed with the interview in English 
must provide, at no expense to USCIS, a competent interpreter fluent in 
both English and the applicant's native language or any other language 
in which the applicant is fluent. The interpreter must be at least 18 
years of age. Neither the applicant's attorney or representative of 
record, a witness testifying on the applicant's behalf, nor a 
representative or employee of the applicant's country of nationality, or 
if stateless, country of last habitual residence, may serve as the 
applicant's interpreter. Failure without good cause to comply with this 
paragraph (g)(1) may be considered a

[[Page 170]]

failure to appear for the interview for purposes of Sec.  208.10.
    (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (h) of this section, for interviews on 
asylum applications within the jurisdiction of USCIS pursuant to Sec.  
208.2(a)(1)(ii), if the applicant is unable to proceed effectively in 
English, the asylum officer shall arrange for the assistance of an 
interpreter in conducting the interview. The interpreter must be at 
least 18 years of age. Neither the applicant's attorney or 
representative of record, a witness testifying on the applicant's 
behalf, nor a representative or employee of the applicant's country of 
nationality, or if stateless, country of last habitual residence, may 
serve as the applicant's interpreter. If a USCIS interpreter is 
unavailable, USCIS will attribute any resulting delay to USCIS for the 
purposes of employment authorization pursuant to Sec.  208.7.
    (h) [Reserved]
    (i) Dependents of applicants being considered under Sec.  
208.2(a)(1)(ii). This paragraph (i) governs when an applicant whose 
application for asylum is being considered under Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii) 
is not granted asylum pursuant to Sec.  208.14(c) and has included a 
spouse or children within their request for asylum. The asylum officer 
will make a determination whether there is a significant possibility 
that the spouse or child has experienced or fears harm that would be an 
independent basis for asylum, withholding of removal under the Act, or 
protection under the Convention Against Torture, based on the 
information elicited pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. This 
determination will be included in the record, as otherwise described in 
paragraph (f) of this section. Referral of the principal applicant's 
application to an immigration judge, along with the appropriate charging 
documents, will not be made until any pending application by the spouse 
or child as a principal applicant is adjudicated.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000; 76 
FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 38627, June 26, 2020; 85 FR 59660, Sept. 
23, 2020; 86 FR 15076, Mar. 22, 2021; 86 FR 51788, Sept. 17, 2021; 87 FR 
14763, Mar. 16, 2022; 87 FR 18216, Mar. 29, 2022; 88 FR 16372, Mar. 17, 
2023]



Sec.  208.10  Failure to appear at an interview before an asylum officer 
or failure to follow requirements for fingerprint processing.

    Failure to appear for a scheduled interview without prior 
authorization may result in dismissal of the application or waiver of 
the right to an interview. Failure to comply with fingerprint processing 
requirements without good cause may result in dismissal of the 
application or waiver of the right to an adjudication by an asylum 
officer. Failure to appear shall be excused if the notice of the 
interview or fingerprint appointment was not mailed to the applicant's 
current address and such address had been provided to the USCIS by the 
applicant prior to the date of mailing in accordance with section 265 of 
the Act and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the asylum 
officer determines that the applicant received reasonable notice of the 
interview or fingerprinting appointment. Failure to appear at the 
interview or fingerprint appointment will be excused if the applicant 
demonstrates that such failure was the result of exceptional 
circumstances.

[87 FR 57798, Sept. 22, 2022]



Sec.  208.11  Comments from the Department of State.

    (a) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may request, 
at its discretion, specific comments from the Department of State 
regarding individual cases or types of claims under consideration, or 
such other information as USCIS deems appropriate.
    (b) With respect to any asylum application, the Department of State 
may provide, at its discretion, to USCIS:
    (1) Detailed country conditions information relevant to eligibility 
for asylum or withholding of removal;
    (2) An assessment of the accuracy of the applicant's assertions 
about conditions in his or her country of nationality or habitual 
residence and his or her particular situation;
    (3) Information about whether persons who are similarly situated to 
the applicant are persecuted or tortured in the applicant's country of 
nationality or habitual residence and the frequency of such persecution 
or torture; or

[[Page 171]]

    (4) Such other information as it deems relevant.
    (c) Any comments received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section 
shall be made part of the record. Unless the comments are classified 
under the applicable Executive Order, the applicant shall be provided an 
opportunity to review and respond to such comments prior to the issuance 
of any decision to deny the application.

[74 FR 15369, Apr. 6, 2009]



Sec.  208.12  Reliance on information compiled by other sources.

    (a) In deciding an asylum application, or in deciding whether the 
alien has a credible fear of persecution or torture pursuant to Sec.  
208.30 of this part, or a reasonable fear of persecution or torture 
pursuant to Sec.  208.31, the asylum officer may rely on material 
provided by the Department of State, other USCIS offices, or other 
credible sources, such as international organizations, private voluntary 
agencies, news organizations, or academic institutions.
    (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to entitle the applicant 
to conduct discovery directed toward the records, officers, agents, or 
employees of the Service, the Department of Justice, or the Department 
of State. Persons may continue to seek documents available through a 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request pursuant to 8 CFR part 103.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000; 76 FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  208.13  Establishing asylum eligibility.

    (a) Burden of proof. The burden of proof is on the applicant for 
asylum to establish that he or she is a refugee as defined in section 
101(a)(42) of the Act. The testimony of the applicant, if credible, may 
be sufficient to sustain the burden of proof without corroboration. The 
fact that the applicant previously established a credible fear of 
persecution for purposes of section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act does not 
relieve the alien of the additional burden of establishing eligibility 
for asylum.
    (b) Eligibility. The applicant may qualify as a refugee either 
because he or she has suffered past persecution or because he or she has 
a well-founded fear of future persecution.
    (1) Past persecution. An applicant shall be found to be a refugee on 
the basis of past persecution if the applicant can establish that he or 
she has suffered persecution in the past in the applicant's country of 
nationality or, if stateless, in his or her country of last habitual 
residence, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion, and is unable or 
unwilling to return to, or avail himself or herself of the protection 
of, that country owing to such persecution. An applicant who has been 
found to have established such past persecution shall also be presumed 
to have a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of the original 
claim. That presumption may be rebutted if an asylum officer or 
immigration judge makes one of the findings described in paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section. If the applicant's fear of future persecution 
is unrelated to the past persecution, the applicant bears the burden of 
establishing that the fear is well-founded.
    (i) Discretionary referral or denial. Except as provided in 
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, an asylum officer shall, in the 
exercise of his or her discretion, refer or deny, or an immigration 
judge, in the exercise of his or her discretion, shall deny the asylum 
application of an alien found to be a refugee on the basis of past 
persecution if any of the following is found by a preponderance of the 
evidence:
    (A) There has been a fundamental change in circumstances such that 
the applicant no longer has a well-founded fear of persecution in the 
applicant's country of nationality or, if stateless, in the applicant's 
country of last habitual residence, on account of race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political 
opinion; or
    (B) The applicant could avoid future persecution by relocating to 
another part of the applicant's country of nationality or, if stateless, 
another part of the applicant's country of last habitual residence, and 
under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect the 
applicant to do so.

[[Page 172]]

    (ii) Burden of proof. In cases in which an applicant has 
demonstrated past persecution under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, 
the Service shall bear the burden of establishing by a preponderance of 
the evidence the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(A) or (B) of this 
section.
    (iii) Grant in the absence of well-founded fear of persecution. An 
applicant described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section who is not 
barred from a grant of asylum under paragraph (c) of this section, may 
be granted asylum, in the exercise of the decision-maker's discretion, 
if:
    (A) The applicant has demonstrated compelling reasons for being 
unwilling or unable to return to the country arising out of the severity 
of the past persecution; or
    (B) The applicant has established that there is a reasonable 
possibility that he or she may suffer other serious harm upon removal to 
that country.
    (2) Well-founded fear of persecution. (i) An applicant has a well-
founded fear of persecution if:
    (A) The applicant has a fear of persecution in his or her country of 
nationality or, if stateless, in his or her country of last habitual 
residence, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion;
    (B) There is a reasonable possibility of suffering such persecution 
if he or she were to return to that country; and
    (C) He or she is unable or unwilling to return to, or avail himself 
or herself of the protection of, that country because of such fear.
    (ii) An applicant does not have a well-founded fear of persecution 
if the applicant could avoid persecution by relocating to another part 
of the applicant's country of nationality or, if stateless, another part 
of the applicant's country of last habitual residence, if under all the 
circumstances it would be reasonable to expect the applicant to do so.
    (iii) In evaluating whether the applicant has sustained the burden 
of proving that he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution, the 
asylum officer or immigration judge shall not require the applicant to 
provide evidence that there is a reasonable possibility he or she would 
be singled out individually for persecution if:
    (A) The applicant establishes that there is a pattern or practice in 
his or her country of nationality or, if stateless, in his or her 
country of last habitual residence, of persecution of a group of persons 
similarly situated to the applicant on account of race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political 
opinion; and
    (B) The applicant establishes his or her own inclusion in, and 
identification with, such group of persons such that his or her fear of 
persecution upon return is reasonable.
    (3) Reasonableness of internal relocation. For purposes of 
determinations under paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) and (b)(2) of this 
section, adjudicators should consider the totality of the relevant 
circumstances regarding an applicant's prospects for relocation, 
including the size of the country of nationality or last habitual 
residence, the geographic locus of the alleged persecution, the size, 
reach, or numerosity of the alleged persecutor, and the applicant's 
demonstrated ability to relocate to the United States in order to apply 
for asylum.
    (i) In cases in which the applicant has not established past 
persecution, the applicant shall bear the burden of establishing that it 
would not be reasonable for him or her to relocate, unless the 
persecution is by a government or is government-sponsored.
    (ii) In cases in which the persecutor is a government or is 
government-sponsored, it shall be presumed that internal relocation 
would not be reasonable, unless DHS establishes by a preponderance of 
the evidence that, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable 
for the applicant to relocate.
    (iii) Regardless of whether an applicant has established persecution 
in the past, in cases in which the persecutor is not the government or a 
government-sponsored actor, or otherwise is a private actor, there shall 
be a presumption that internal relocation would be reasonable unless the 
applicant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it would 
be unreasonable to relocate.
    (iv) For purposes of determinations under paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) and 
(iii) of

[[Page 173]]

this section, persecutors who are private actors--including persecutors 
who are gang members, officials acting outside their official capacity, 
family members who are not themselves government officials, or neighbors 
who are not themselves government officials--shall not be considered to 
be persecutors who are the government or government-sponsored absent 
evidence that the government sponsored the persecution.
    (c) Mandatory denials--(1) Applications filed on or after April 1, 
1997. For applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, an applicant 
shall not qualify for asylum if section 208(a)(2) or 208(b)(2) of the 
Act applies to the applicant. If the applicant is found to be ineligible 
for asylum under either section 208(a)(2) or 208(b)(2) of the Act, the 
applicant shall be considered for eligibility for withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act. The applicant shall also be 
considered for eligibility for withholding of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture if the applicant requests such consideration 
or if the evidence presented by the alien indicates that the alien may 
be tortured in the country of removal.
    (2) Applications filed before April 1, 1997. (i) An immigration 
judge or asylum officer shall not grant asylum to any applicant who 
filed his or her application before April 1, 1997, if the alien:
    (A) Having been convicted by a final judgment of a particularly 
serious crime in the United States, constitutes a danger to the 
community;
    (B) Has been firmly resettled within the meaning of Sec.  208.15;
    (C) Can reasonably be regarded as a danger to the security of the 
United States;
    (D) Has been convicted of an aggravated felony, as defined in 
section 101(a)(43) of the Act; or
    (E) Ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the 
persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, 
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
    (F) Is described within section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)(I),(II), and (III) 
of the Act as it existed prior to April 1, 1997, and as amended by the 
Anti-terrorist and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), unless 
it is determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that 
the individual is a danger to the security of the United States.
    (ii) If the evidence indicates that one of the above grounds apply 
to the applicant, he or she shall have the burden of proving by a 
preponderance of the evidence that he or she did not so act.
    (3)-(5) [Reserved]
    (6) Additional limitations on eligibility for asylum. For 
applications filed on or after November 20, 2020, an alien shall be 
found ineligible for asylum if:
    (i) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of an offense 
arising under sections 274(a)(1)(A), 274(a)(2), or 276 of the Act;
    (ii) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of a 
Federal, State, tribal, or local crime that the asylum officer knows or 
has reason to believe was committed in support, promotion, or 
furtherance of the activity of a criminal street gang as that term is 
defined either under the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred or 
in section 521(a) of title 18;
    (iii) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of an 
offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired as those terms are 
defined under the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred (including 
a conviction for driving while under the influence of or impaired by 
alcohol or drugs) without regard to whether the conviction is classified 
as a misdemeanor or felony under Federal, State, tribal, or local law, 
in which such impaired driving was a cause of serious bodily injury or 
death of another person;
    (iv)(A) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of a 
second or subsequent offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired 
as those terms are defined under the jurisdiction where the conviction 
occurred (including a conviction for driving while under the influence 
of or impaired by alcohol or drugs) without regard to whether the 
conviction is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under Federal, 
State, tribal, or local law;
    (B) A finding under paragraph (c)(6)(iv)(A) of this section does not 
require the asylum officer to find the

[[Page 174]]

first conviction for driving while intoxicated or impaired (including a 
conviction for driving while under the influence of or impaired by 
alcohol or drugs) as a predicate offense. The asylum officer need only 
make a factual determination that the alien was previously convicted for 
driving while intoxicated or impaired as those terms are defined under 
the jurisdiction where the convictions occurred (including a conviction 
for driving while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or 
drugs).
    (v)(A) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of a crime 
that involves conduct amounting to a crime of stalking; or a crime of 
child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment; or that involves 
conduct amounting to a domestic assault or battery offense, including a 
misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, as described in section 
922(g)(9) of title 18, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as 
described in section 921(a)(33) of title 18, a crime of domestic 
violence as described in section 12291(a)(8) of title 34, or any crime 
based on conduct in which the alien harassed, coerced, intimidated, 
voluntarily or recklessly used (or threatened to use) force or violence 
against, or inflicted physical injury or physical pain, however slight, 
upon a person, and committed by:
    (1) An alien who is a current or former spouse of the person;
    (2) An alien with whom the person shares a child in common;
    (3) An alien who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the person 
as a spouse;
    (4) An alien similarly situated to a spouse of the person under the 
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction where the offense 
occurs; or
    (5) Any other alien against a person who is protected from that 
alien's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the United 
States or any State, tribal government, or unit of local government.
    (B) In making a determination under paragraph (c)(6)(v)(A) of this 
section, including in determining the existence of a domestic 
relationship between the alien and the victim, the underlying conduct of 
the crime may be considered and the asylum officer is not limited to 
facts found by the criminal court or provided in the underlying record 
of conviction.
    (C) An alien who was convicted of offenses described in paragraph 
(c)(6)(v)(A) of this section is not subject to ineligibility for asylum 
on that basis if the alien would be described in section 237(a)(7)(A) of 
the Act were the crimes or conduct considered grounds for deportability 
under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) through (ii) of the Act.
    (vi) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of--
    (A) Any felony under Federal, State, tribal, or local law;
    (B) Any misdemeanor offense under Federal, State, tribal, or local 
law involving:
    (1) The possession or use of an identification document, 
authentication feature, or false identification document without lawful 
authority, unless the alien can establish that the conviction resulted 
from circumstances showing that the document was presented before 
boarding a common carrier, that the document related to the alien's 
eligibility to enter the United States, that the alien used the document 
to depart a country in which the alien has claimed a fear of 
persecution, and that the alien claimed a fear of persecution without 
delay upon presenting himself or herself to an immigration officer upon 
arrival at a United States port of entry;
    (2) The receipt of Federal public benefits, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 
1611(c), from a Federal entity, or the receipt of similar public 
benefits from a State, tribal, or local entity, without lawful 
authority; or
    (3) Possession or trafficking of a controlled substance or 
controlled-substance paraphernalia, other than a single offense 
involving possession for one's own use of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
    (vii) The asylum officer knows or has reason to believe that the 
alien has engaged on or after such date in acts of battery or extreme 
cruelty as defined in 8 CFR 204.2(c)(1)(vi), upon a person, and 
committed by:
    (A) An alien who is a current or former spouse of the person;
    (B) An alien with whom the person shares a child in common;

[[Page 175]]

    (C) An alien who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the person 
as a spouse;
    (D) An alien similarly situated to a spouse of the person under the 
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction where the offense 
occurs; or
    (E) Any other alien against a person who is protected from that 
alien's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the United 
States or any State, tribal government, or unit of local government, 
even if the acts did not result in a criminal conviction;
    (F) Except that an alien who was convicted of offenses or engaged in 
conduct described in paragraph (c)(6)(vii) of this section is not 
subject to ineligibility for asylum on that basis if the alien would be 
described in section 237(a)(7)(A) of the Act were the crimes or conduct 
considered grounds for deportability under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i)-(ii) 
of the Act.
    (7) For purposes of paragraph (c)(6) of this section:
    (i) The term ``felony'' means any crime defined as a felony by the 
relevant jurisdiction (Federal, State, tribal, or local) of conviction, 
or any crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.
    (ii) The term ``misdemeanor'' means any crime defined as a 
misdemeanor by the relevant jurisdiction (Federal, State, tribal, or 
local) of conviction, or any crime not punishable by more than one year 
of imprisonment.
    (iii) Whether any activity or conviction also may constitute a basis 
for removability under the Act is immaterial to a determination of 
asylum eligibility.
    (iv) All references to a criminal offense or criminal conviction 
shall be deemed to include any attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to 
commit the offense or any other inchoate form of the offense.
    (v) No order vacating a conviction, modifying a sentence, clarifying 
a sentence, or otherwise altering a conviction or sentence, shall have 
any effect unless the asylum officer determines that--
    (A) The court issuing the order had jurisdiction and authority to do 
so; and
    (B) The order was not entered for rehabilitative purposes or for 
purposes of ameliorating the immigration consequences of the conviction 
or sentence.
    (8) For purposes of paragraph (c)(7)(v)(B) of this section, the 
order shall be presumed to be for the purpose of ameliorating 
immigration consequences if:
    (i) The order was entered after the initiation of any proceeding to 
remove the alien from the United States; or
    (ii) The alien moved for the order more than one year after the date 
of the original order of conviction or sentencing.
    (9) An asylum officer is authorized to look beyond the face of any 
order purporting to vacate a conviction, modify a sentence, or clarify a 
sentence to determine whether the requirements of paragraph (c)(7)(v) of 
this section have been met in order to determine whether such order 
should be given any effect under this section.
    (d) Discretion. Factors that fall short of grounds of mandatory 
denial of an asylum application may constitute discretionary 
considerations.
    (1) The following are significant adverse discretionary factors that 
a decision-maker shall consider, if applicable, in determining whether 
an alien merits a grant of asylum in the exercise of discretion:
    (i) An alien's unlawful entry or unlawful attempted entry into the 
United States unless such entry or attempted entry was made in immediate 
flight from persecution in a contiguous country or unless such entry or 
attempted entry was made by an alien under the age of 18 at the time the 
entry or attempted entry was made;
    (ii) The failure of an alien to apply for protection from 
persecution or torture in at least one country outside the alien's 
country of citizenship, nationality, or last lawful habitual residence 
through which the alien transited before entering the United States 
unless:
    (A) The alien received a final judgment denying the alien protection 
in such country;
    (B) The alien demonstrates that he or she satisfies the definition 
of ``victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 
CFR 214.11; or
    (C) Such country or all such countries were, at the time of the 
transit,

[[Page 176]]

not parties to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 
the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Convention 
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or 
Punishment; and
    (iii) An alien's use of fraudulent documents to enter the United 
States, unless the alien arrived in the United States by air, sea, or 
land directly from the applicant's home country without transiting 
through any other country.
    (2)(i) The Secretary, except as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of 
this section, will not favorably exercise discretion under section 208 
of the Act for an alien who:
    (A) Immediately prior to his arrival in the United States or en 
route to the United States from the alien's country of citizenship, 
nationality, or last lawful habitual residence, spent more than 14 days 
in any one country unless:
    (1) The alien demonstrates that he or she applied for protection 
from persecution or torture in such country and the alien received a 
final judgment denying the alien protection in such country;
    (2) The alien demonstrates that he or she satisfies the definition 
of ``victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 
CFR 214.11; or
    (3) Such country was, at the time of the transit, not a party to the 
1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 Protocol 
relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Convention against Torture 
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
    (B) Transits through more than one country between his country of 
citizenship, nationality, or last habitual residence and the United 
States unless:
    (1) The alien demonstrates that he or she applied for protection 
from persecution or torture in at least one such country and received a 
final judgment denying the alien protection in that country;
    (2) The alien demonstrates that he or she satisfies the definition 
of ``victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 
CFR 214.11; or
    (3) All such countries were, at the time of the transit, not parties 
to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 
Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Convention against 
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
    (C) Would otherwise be subject to Sec.  208.13(c) but for the 
reversal, vacatur, expungement, or modification of a conviction or 
sentence, unless the alien was found not guilty;
    (D) Accrued more than one year of unlawful presence in the United 
States, as defined in sections 212(a)(9)(B)(ii) and (iii) of the Act, 
prior to filing an application for asylum;
    (E) At the time the asylum application is filed with DHS has:
    (1) Failed to timely file (or timely file a request for an extension 
of time to file) any required Federal, State, or local income tax 
returns;
    (2) Failed to satisfy any outstanding Federal, State, or local tax 
obligations; or
    (3) Has income that would result in tax liability under section 1 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that was not reported to the 
Internal Revenue Service;
    (F) Has had two or more prior asylum applications denied for any 
reason;
    (G) Has withdrawn a prior asylum application with prejudice or been 
found to have abandoned a prior asylum application;
    (H) Failed to attend an interview regarding his asylum application 
with DHS, unless the alien shows by a preponderance of the evidence 
that:
    (1) Exceptional circumstances prevented the alien from attending the 
interview; or
    (2) The interview notice was not mailed to the last address provided 
by the alien or his or her representative and neither the alien nor the 
alien's representative received notice of the interview; or
    (I) Was subject to a final order of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion and did not file a motion to reopen to seek asylum based on 
changed country conditions within one year of those changes in country 
conditions.
    (ii) Where one or more of the adverse discretionary factors set 
forth in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section are

[[Page 177]]

present, the Secretary, in extraordinary circumstances, such as those 
involving national security or foreign policy considerations, or cases 
in which an alien, by clear and convincing evidence, demonstrates that 
the denial or referral (which may result in the denial by an immigration 
judge) of the application for asylum would result in exceptional and 
extremely unusual hardship to the alien, may favorably exercise 
discretion under section 208 of the Act, notwithstanding the 
applicability of paragraph (d)(2)(i). Depending on the gravity of the 
circumstances underlying the application of paragraph (d)(2)(i), a 
showing of extraordinary circumstances might still be insufficient to 
warrant a favorable exercise of discretion under section 208 of the Act.
    (e) [Reserved]
    (f) Lawful pathways condition. For applications filed by aliens who 
entered the United States between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025, also 
refer to the provisions on asylum eligibility described in Sec.  208.33.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000; 83 FR 55952, Nov. 9, 2018; 84 FR 33843, July 16, 
2019; 85 FR 67258, Oct. 21, 2020; 85 FR 80387, Dec. 11, 2020; 85 FR 
82289, Dec. 17, 2020; 88 FR 31449, May 16, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84193, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  208.13 was 
amended by adding paragraph (c)(10), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The 
amendment to Sec.  208.13 was delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 
6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 
15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of the user, the added text is 
set forth as follows:



Sec.  208.13  Establishing asylum eligibility.

                                * * * * *

    (c) * * *
    (10) Aliens who pose a danger to the security of the United States--
(i) Public health emergencies. If a communicable disease has triggered 
an ongoing declaration of a public health emergency under Federal law, 
such as under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 
247d, or section 564 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 
360bbb-3, then an alien is ineligible for asylum under section 208 of 
the Act on the basis of there being reasonable grounds for regarding the 
alien as a danger to the security of the United States under section 
208(b)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act if the alien:
    (A) Exhibits symptoms indicating that he or she is afflicted with 
the disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney 
General, as appropriate, or
    (B) Has come into contact with the disease within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney General, 
as appropriate.
    (ii) Danger to the public health caused by an epidemic outside of 
the United States. If, regarding a communicable disease of public health 
significance as defined at 42 CFR 34.2(b), the Secretary and the 
Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, have jointly--
    (A) Determined that the physical presence in the United States of 
aliens who are coming from a country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or have embarked at a place or places, 
where such disease is prevalent or epidemic (or had come from that 
country or countries (or one or more subdivisions or regions thereof), 
or had embarked at that place or places, during a period in which the 
disease was prevalent or epidemic there) would cause a danger to the 
public health in the United States; and
    (B) Designated the foreign country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or place or places, and the period of 
time or circumstances under which they jointly deem it necessary for the 
public health that aliens or classes of aliens described in paragraph 
(c)(10)(ii)(A) of this section who are still within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease be regarded as a danger to the security of the United States 
under section 208(b)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act, including any relevant 
exceptions as appropriate, then--
    (C) An alien or class of aliens are ineligible for asylum under 
section 208 of the Act on the basis of there being reasonable grounds 
for regarding the alien or class of aliens as a danger to the security 
of the United States under section 208(b)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act if the 
alien or class of aliens are described in (c)(10)(ii)(A) of this section 
and are regarded as a danger to the security of the United States as 
provided for in paragraph (c)(10)(ii)(B) of this section.
    (iii) The grounds for mandatory denial described in paragraphs 
(c)(10)(i) and (ii) of this section shall not apply to an alien who is 
applying for asylum or withholding of removal in the United States upon 
return from Canada to the United States and pursuant to the Agreement 
Between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada

[[Page 178]]

for Cooperation in the Examination of Refugee Status Claims from 
Nationals of Third Countries.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  208.14  Approval, denial, referral, or dismissal of application.

    (a) By an immigration judge. Unless otherwise prohibited in Sec.  
208.13(c), an immigration judge may grant or deny asylum in the exercise 
of discretion to an applicant who qualifies as a refugee under section 
101(a)(42) of the Act.
    (b) Approval by an asylum officer. In any case within the 
jurisdiction of USCIS, unless otherwise prohibited in Sec.  208.13(c), 
an asylum officer, subject to review within USCIS, may grant, in the 
exercise of his or her discretion, asylum to an applicant who qualifies 
as a refugee under section 101(a)(42) of the Act, and whose identity has 
been checked pursuant to section 208(d)(5)(A)(i) of the Act.
    (c) Denial, referral, or dismissal by an asylum officer. If the 
asylum officer, subject to review within USCIS, does not grant asylum to 
an applicant after an interview conducted in accordance with Sec.  
208.9, or if, as provided in Sec.  208.10, the applicant is deemed to 
have waived the applicant's right to an interview or an adjudication by 
an asylum officer, the asylum officer shall deny, refer, or dismiss the 
application as follows:
    (1) Inadmissible or deportable aliens. Except for applicants 
described in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section who have not already 
been subject to proceedings in accordance with Sec.  235.3(b) of this 
chapter, in the case of an applicant who appears to be inadmissible or 
deportable under section 212(a) or 237(a) of the Act, the asylum officer 
shall refer the application to an immigration judge, together with the 
appropriate charging document, for adjudication in removal proceedings 
(or, where charging documents may not be issued, shall dismiss the 
application).
    (2) Alien in valid status. In the case of an applicant who is 
maintaining valid immigrant, nonimmigrant, or Temporary Protected Status 
at the time the application is decided, the asylum officer shall deny 
the application for asylum.
    (3) Alien with valid parole. If an applicant has been paroled into 
the United States and the parole has not expired or been terminated by 
the Service, the asylum officer shall deny the application for asylum.
    (4) Alien paroled into the United States whose parole has expired or 
is terminated--(i) Alien paroled prior to April 1, 1997, or with advance 
authorization for parole. In the case of an applicant who was paroled 
into the United States prior to April 1, 1997, or who, prior to 
departure from the United States, had received an advance authorization 
for parole, the asylum officer shall refer the application, together 
with the appropriate charging documents, to an immigration judge for 
adjudication in removal proceedings if the parole has expired, the 
Service has terminated parole, or the Service is terminating parole 
through issuance of the charging documents, pursuant to Sec.  
212.5(d)(2)(i) of this chapter.
    (ii) Alien paroled on or after April 1, 1997, without advance 
authorization for parole. In the case of an applicant who is an arriving 
alien or is otherwise subject to removal under Sec.  235.3(b) of this 
chapter, and was paroled into the United States on or after April 1, 
1997, without advance authorization for parole prior to departure from 
the United States, the asylum officer will take the following actions, 
if the parole has expired or been terminated:
    (A) Inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act. 
If the applicant appears inadmissible to the United States under section 
212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act and the asylum officer does not 
intend to lodge any additional charges of inadmissibility, the asylum 
officer shall proceed in accordance with Sec.  235.3(b) of this chapter. 
If such applicant is found to have a credible fear of persecution or 
torture based on information elicited from the asylum interview, an 
asylum officer may refer the applicant directly to an immigration judge 
in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, without conducting 
a separate credible fear interview pursuant to Sec.  208.30. If such 
applicant is not found to have a credible fear based on information 
elicited at the asylum interview, an asylum officer will conduct a 
credible fear

[[Page 179]]

interview and the applicant will be subject to the credible fear process 
specified at Sec.  208.30(b).
    (B) Inadmissible on other grounds. In the case of an applicant who 
was paroled into the United States on or after April 1, 1997, and will 
be charged as inadmissible to the United States under provisions of the 
Act other than, or in addition to, sections 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7), 
the asylum officer shall refer the application to an immigration judge 
for adjudication in removal proceedings.
    (d) Applicability of Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter. No application 
for asylum or withholding of deportation shall be subject to denial 
pursuant to Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter.
    (e) Duration. If the applicant is granted asylum, the grant will be 
effective for an indefinite period, subject to termination as provided 
in Sec.  208.24.
    (f) Effect of denial of principal's application on separate 
applications by dependents. The denial of an asylum application filed by 
a principal applicant for asylum shall also result in the denial of 
asylum status to any dependents of that principal applicant who are 
included in that same application. Such denial shall not preclude a 
grant of asylum for an otherwise eligible dependent who has filed a 
separate asylum application, nor shall such denial result in an 
otherwise eligible dependent becoming ineligible to apply for asylum due 
to the provisions of section 208(a)(2)(C) of the Act.
    (g) Applicants granted lawful permanent residence status. If an 
asylum applicant is granted adjustment of status to lawful permanent 
resident, the Service may provide written notice to the applicant that 
his or her asylum application will be presumed abandoned and dismissed 
without prejudice, unless the applicant submits a written request within 
30 days of the notice, that the asylum application be adjudicated. If an 
applicant does not respond within 30 days of the date the written notice 
was sent or served, the Service may presume the asylum application 
abandoned and dismiss it without prejudice.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 12986, Mar. 17, 1998; 64 
FR 27875, May 21, 1999; 65 FR 76134, Dec. 6, 2000; 76 FR 53784, Aug. 29, 
2011; 87 FR 18217, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  208.15  Definition of ``firm resettlement.''

    (a) An alien is considered to be firmly resettled if, after the 
events giving rise to the alien's asylum claim:
    (1) The alien resided in a country through which the alien transited 
prior to arriving in or entering the United States and--
    (i) Received or was eligible for any permanent legal immigration 
status in that country;
    (ii) Resided in such a country with any non-permanent but 
indefinitely renewable legal immigration status (including asylee, 
refugee, or similar status but excluding status such as of a tourist); 
or
    (iii) Resided in such a country and could have applied for and 
obtained any non-permanent but indefinitely renewable legal immigration 
status in that country;
    (2) The alien physically resided voluntarily, and without continuing 
to suffer persecution or torture, in any one country for one year or 
more after departing his country of nationality or last habitual 
residence and prior to arrival in or entry into the United States, 
provided that time spent in Mexico by an alien who is not a native or 
citizen of Mexico solely as a direct result of being returned to Mexico 
pursuant to section 235(b)(2)(C) of the Act or of being subject to 
metering would not be counted for purposes of this paragraph; or
    (3)(i) The alien is a citizen of a country other than the one where 
the alien alleges a fear of persecution and the alien was present in 
that country after departing his country of nationality or last habitual 
residence and prior to arrival in or entry into the United States; or
    (ii) The alien was a citizen of a country other than the one where 
the alien alleges a fear of persecution, the alien was present in that 
country after departing his country of nationality or last habitual 
residence and prior to arrival in or entry into the United States, and 
the alien renounced that citizenship after arriving in the United 
States.
    (b) The provisions of 8 CFR 1240.8(d) shall apply when the evidence 
of record indicates that the firm resettlement

[[Page 180]]

bar may apply. In such cases, the alien shall bear the burden of proving 
the bar does not apply. Either DHS or the immigration judge may raise 
the issue of the application of the firm resettlement bar based on the 
evidence of record. The firm resettlement of an alien's parent(s) shall 
be imputed to the alien if the resettlement occurred before the alien 
turned 18 and the alien resided with the alien's parents at the time of 
the firm resettlement unless the alien establishes that he or she could 
not have derived any permanent legal immigration status or any non-
permanent but indefinitely renewable legal immigration status (including 
asylee, refugee, or similar status but excluding status such as of a 
tourist) from the alien's parent.

[85 FR 80388, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  208.16  Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act 
and withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture.

    (a) Consideration of application for withholding of removal. An 
asylum officer shall not determine whether an alien is eligible for 
withholding of the exclusion, deportation, or removal of the alien to a 
country where the alien's life or freedom would be threatened, except in 
the case of an alien who is determined to be an applicant for admission 
under section 235(b)(1) of the Act, who is found to have a credible fear 
of persecution or torture, whose case is subsequently retained by or 
referred to USCIS pursuant to the jurisdiction provided at Sec.  
208.2(a)(1)(ii) to consider the application for asylum, and whose 
application for asylum is not granted; or in the case of the spouse or 
child of such an alien who is included in the alien's asylum application 
and who files a separate application for asylum with USCIS that is not 
granted. In such cases, the asylum officer will determine, based on the 
record before USCIS, whether the applicant is eligible for statutory 
withholding of removal under paragraph (b) of this section or 
withholding or deferral of removal pursuant to the Convention Against 
Torture under paragraph (c) of this section. Even if the asylum officer 
determines that the applicant has established eligibility for 
withholding of removal under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, the 
asylum officer shall proceed with referring the application to the 
immigration judge for a hearing pursuant to Sec.  208.14(c)(1). In 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, an immigration judge may 
adjudicate both an asylum claim and a request for withholding of removal 
whether or not asylum is granted.
    (b) Eligibility for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) 
of the Act; burden of proof. The burden of proof is on the applicant for 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act to establish 
that his or her life or freedom would be threatened in the proposed 
country of removal on account of race, religion, nationality, membership 
in a particular social group, or political opinion. The testimony of the 
applicant, if credible, may be sufficient to sustain the burden of proof 
without corroboration. The evidence shall be evaluated as follows:
    (1) Past threat to life or freedom. (i) If the applicant is 
determined to have suffered past persecution in the proposed country of 
removal on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion, it shall be presumed that 
the applicant's life or freedom would be threatened in the future in the 
country of removal on the basis of the original claim. This presumption 
may be rebutted if an asylum officer or immigration judge finds by a 
preponderance of the evidence:
    (A) There has been a fundamental change in circumstances such that 
the applicant's life or freedom would not be threatened on account of 
any of the five grounds mentioned in this paragraph upon the applicant's 
removal to that country; or
    (B) The applicant could avoid a future threat to his or her life or 
freedom by relocating to another part of the proposed country of removal 
and, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect the 
applicant to do so.
    (ii) In cases in which the applicant has established past 
persecution, the Service shall bear the burden of establishing by a 
preponderance of the evidence the requirements of paragraphs 
(b)(1)(i)(A) or (b)(1)(i)(B) of this section.

[[Page 181]]

    (iii) If the applicant's fear of future threat to life or freedom is 
unrelated to the past persecution, the applicant bears the burden of 
establishing that it is more likely than not that he or she would suffer 
such harm.
    (2) Future threat to life or freedom. An applicant who has not 
suffered past persecution may demonstrate that his or her life or 
freedom would be threatened in the future in a country if he or she can 
establish that it is more likely than not that he or she would be 
persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion upon removal to that 
country. Such an applicant cannot demonstrate that his or her life or 
freedom would be threatened if the asylum officer or immigration judge 
finds that the applicant could avoid a future threat to his or her life 
or freedom by relocating to another part of the proposed country of 
removal and, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to 
expect the applicant to do so. In evaluating whether it is more likely 
than not that the applicant's life or freedom would be threatened in a 
particular country on account of race, religion, nationality, membership 
in a particular social group, or political opinion, the asylum officer 
or immigration judge shall not require the applicant to provide evidence 
that he or she would be singled out individually for such persecution 
if:
    (i) The applicant establishes that in that country there is a 
pattern or practice of persecution of a group of persons similarly 
situated to the applicant on account of race, religion, nationality, 
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; and
    (ii) The applicant establishes his or her own inclusion in and 
identification with such group of persons such that it is more likely 
than not that his or her life or freedom would be threatened upon return 
to that country.
    (3) Reasonableness of internal relocation. For purposes of 
determinations under paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, 
adjudicators should consider the totality of the relevant circumstances 
regarding an applicant's prospects for relocation, including the size of 
the country of nationality or last habitual residence, the geographic 
locus of the alleged persecution, the size, reach, or numerosity of the 
alleged persecutor, and the applicant's demonstrated ability to relocate 
to the United States in order to apply for withholding of removal.
    (i) In cases in which the applicant has not established past 
persecution, the applicant shall bear the burden of establishing that it 
would not be reasonable for him or her to relocate, unless the 
persecutor is a government or is government-sponsored.
    (ii) In cases in which the persecutor is a government or is 
government-sponsored, it shall be presumed that internal relocation 
would not be reasonable, unless DHS establishes by a preponderance of 
the evidence that, under the totality of the circumstances, it would be 
reasonable for the applicant to relocate.
    (iii) Regardless of whether an applicant has established persecution 
in the past, in cases in which the persecutor is not the government or a 
government-sponsored actor, or otherwise is a private actor, there shall 
be a presumption that internal relocation would be reasonable unless the 
applicant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it would 
be unreasonable to relocate.
    (iv) For purposes of determinations under paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section, persecutors who are private actors, including but 
not limited to persecutors who are gang members, public officials who 
are not acting under color of law, or family members who are not 
themselves government officials or neighbors who are not themselves 
government officials, shall not be considered to be persecutors who are 
the government or government-sponsored absent evidence that the 
government sponsored the persecution.
    (c) Eligibility for withholding of removal under the Convention 
Against Torture. (1) For purposes of regulations under Title II of the 
Act, ``Convention Against Torture'' shall refer to the United Nations 
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment, subject to any reservations, understandings, 
declarations, and provisos contained in the United States Senate

[[Page 182]]

resolution of ratification of the Convention, as implemented by section 
2242 of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (Pub. 
L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681, 2681-821). The definition of torture 
contained in Sec.  208.18(a) of this part shall govern all decisions 
made under regulations under Title II of the Act about the applicability 
of Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture.
    (2) The burden of proof is on the applicant for withholding of 
removal under this paragraph to establish that it is more likely than 
not that he or she would be tortured if removed to the proposed country 
of removal. The testimony of the applicant, if credible, may be 
sufficient to sustain the burden of proof without corroboration.
    (3) In assessing whether it is more likely than not that an 
applicant would be tortured in the proposed country of removal, all 
evidence relevant to the possibility of future torture shall be 
considered, including, but not limited to:
    (i) Evidence of past torture inflicted upon the applicant;
    (ii) Evidence that the applicant could relocate to a part of the 
country of removal where he or she is not likely to be tortured;
    (iii) Evidence of gross, flagrant or mass violations of human rights 
within the country of removal, where applicable; and
    (iv) Other relevant information regarding conditions in the country 
of removal.
    (4) In considering an application for withholding of removal under 
the Convention Against Torture, the adjudicator shall first determine 
whether the alien is more likely than not to be tortured in the country 
of removal. If the adjudicator determines that the alien is more likely 
than not to be tortured in the country of removal, the alien is eligible 
for protection under the Convention Against Torture, and the adjudicator 
shall determine whether protection under the Convention Against Torture 
should be granted either in the form of withholding of removal or in the 
form of deferral of removal. The adjudicator shall state that an alien 
eligible for such protection is eligible for withholding of removal 
unless the alien is subject to mandatory denial of withholding of 
removal under paragraph (d)(2) or (3) of this section. If an alien 
eligible for such protection is subject to mandatory denial of 
withholding of removal under paragraph (d)(2) or (3) of this section, 
the adjudicator shall state that the alien is eligible for deferral of 
removal under Sec.  208.17(a). For cases under the jurisdiction of USCIS 
pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii), the asylum officer may make such a 
determination based on the application and the record before USCIS; 
however, the asylum officer shall not issue an order granting either 
withholding of removal or deferral of removal because that is referred 
to the immigration judge pursuant to Sec.  208.14(c)(1) and 8 CFR 
1240.17.
    (d) Approval or denial of application--(1) General. Subject to 
paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section, an application for 
withholding of deportation or removal to a country of proposed removal 
shall be granted if the applicant's eligibility for withholding is 
established pursuant to paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section.
    (2) Mandatory denials. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of 
this section, an application for withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of the Act or under the Convention Against Torture shall be 
denied if the applicant falls within section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act or, 
for applications for withholding of deportation adjudicated in 
proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997, within section 243(h)(2) 
of the Act as it appeared prior to that date. For purposes of section 
241(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Act, or section 243(h)(2)(B) of the Act as it 
appeared prior to April 1, 1997, an alien who has been convicted of a 
particularly serious crime shall be considered to constitute a danger to 
the community. If the evidence indicates the applicability of one or 
more of the grounds for denial of withholding enumerated in the Act, the 
applicant shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the 
evidence that such grounds do not apply.
    (3) Exception to the prohibition on withholding of deportation in 
certain cases. Section 243(h)(3) of the Act, as added by section 413 of 
Pub. L. 104-132 (110 Stat. 1214), shall apply only to applications 
adjudicated in proceedings commenced

[[Page 183]]

before April 1, 1997, and in which final action had not been taken 
before April 24, 1996. The discretion permitted by that section to 
override section 243(h)(2) of the Act shall be exercised only in the 
case of an applicant convicted of an aggravated felony (or felonies) 
where he or she was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 
less than 5 years and the immigration judge determines on an individual 
basis that the crime (or crimes) of which the applicant was convicted 
does not constitute a particularly serious crime. Nevertheless, it shall 
be presumed that an alien convicted of an aggravated felony has been 
convicted of a particularly serious crime. Except in the cases specified 
in this paragraph, the grounds for denial of withholding of deportation 
in section 243(h)(2) of the Act as it appeared prior to April 1, 1997, 
shall be deemed to comply with the Protocol Relating to the Status of 
Refugees, Jan. 31, 1967, T.I.A.S. No. 6577.
    (e) [Reserved]
    (f) Removal to third country. Nothing in this section or Sec.  
208.17 shall prevent the Service from removing an alien to a third 
country other than the country to which removal has been withheld or 
deferred.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76135, Dec. 6, 2000; 85 FR 67259, Oct. 21, 2020; 85 FR 80388, Dec. 
11, 2020; 87 FR 18218, Mar. 29, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84193, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  208.16 was 
amended by revising paragraphs (d)(2) and (f), effective Jan. 22, 2021. 
The amendments to Sec.  208.16 were delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 
FR 6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 
15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of the user, the revised text 
is set forth as follows:



Sec.  208.16  Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the 
          Act and withholding of removal under the Convention Against 
          Torture.

                                * * * * *

    (d) * * *
    (2) Mandatory denials--(i) In general. Except as provided in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section, an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or under the regulations 
issued pursuant to the legislation implementing the Convention Against 
Torture shall be denied if the applicant falls within section 
241(b)(3)(B) of the Act or, for applications for withholding of 
deportation adjudicated in proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997, 
within section 243(h)(2) of the Act as it appeared prior to that date. 
For purposes of section 241(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Act, or section 
243(h)(2)(B) of the Act as it appeared prior to April 1, 1997, an alien 
who has been convicted of a particularly serious crime shall be 
considered to constitute a danger to the community. If the evidence 
indicates the applicability of one or more of the grounds for denial of 
withholding enumerated in the Act, the applicant shall have the burden 
of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that such grounds do not 
apply.
    (ii) Public health emergencies. If a communicable disease has 
triggered an ongoing declaration of a public health emergency under 
Federal law, such as under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, 
42 U.S.C. 247d, or section 564 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 
U.S.C. 360bbb-3, then an alien is ineligible for withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and under the regulations issued 
pursuant to the legislation implementing the Convention Against Torture 
on the basis of there being reasonable grounds for regarding the alien 
as a danger to the security of the United States under section 
241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act if the alien
    (A) Exhibits symptoms indicating that he or she is afflicted with 
the disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney 
General, as appropriate, or
    (B) Has come into contact with the disease within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney General, 
as appropriate.
    (iii) Danger to the Public Health Caused by an Epidemic Outside of 
the United States. If, regarding a communicable disease of public health 
significance as defined at 42 CFR 34.2(b), the Secretary and the 
Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, have jointly
    (A) Determined that the physical presence in the United States of 
aliens who are coming from a country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or have embarked at a place or places, 
where such disease is prevalent or epidemic (or had come from that 
country or countries (or one or more subdivisions or regions thereof), 
or had embarked at that place or places, during a period in which the 
disease was prevalent or epidemic there) would cause a danger to the 
public health in the United States, and
    (B) Designated the foreign country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or place or places, and the period of 
time or circumstances under which

[[Page 184]]

they jointly deem it necessary for the public health that aliens or 
classes of aliens described in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A) of this section 
who are still within the number of days equivalent to the longest known 
incubation and contagion period for the disease be regarded as a danger 
to the security of the United States under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of 
the Act, including any relevant exceptions as appropriate, then--
    (C) An alien or class of aliens are ineligible for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and under the regulations 
issued pursuant to the legislation implementing the Convention Against 
Torture on the basis of there being reasonable grounds for regarding the 
alien or class of aliens as a danger to the security of the United 
States under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act if the alien or class 
of aliens are described in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(A) of this section and 
are regarded as a danger to the security of the United States as 
provided for in paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section.
    (iv) The grounds for mandatory denial described in paragraphs 
(d)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section shall not apply to an alien who is 
applying for asylum or withholding of removal in the United States upon 
return from Canada to the United States and pursuant to the Agreement 
Between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada 
for Cooperation in the Examination of Refugee Status Claims from 
Nationals of Third Countries.

                                * * * * *

    (f) Removal to third country. (1) Nothing in this section or Sec.  
208.17 shall prevent the Department from removing an alien requesting 
protection to a third country other than a country to which removal is 
currently withheld or deferred.
    (2) If an alien requests withholding or deferral of removal to his 
or her home country or another specific country, nothing in this section 
or Sec.  208.17 precludes the Department from removing the alien to a 
third country prior to a determination or adjudication of the alien's 
initial request for withholding or deferral of removal if, after being 
notified of the identity of the prospective third country of removal and 
provided an opportunity to demonstrate that he or she is more likely 
than not to be tortured in that third country, the alien fails to 
establish that they are more likely than not to be tortured there. 
However, such a removal shall be executed only if the alien was:
    (i) Advised at the time of requesting withholding or deferral of 
removal of the possibility of being removed to a third country prior to 
a determination or adjudication of the same under the conditions set 
forth in this paragraph; and
    (ii) Provided, but did not accept, an opportunity to withdraw the 
request for withholding or deferral of removal in order to prevent such 
removal and, instead, proceed to removal pursuant to section 241(b) of 
the Act, as appropriate.



Sec.  208.17  Deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture.

    (a) Grant of deferral of removal. An alien who: has been ordered 
removed; has been found under Sec.  208.16(c)(3) to be entitled to 
protection under the Convention Against Torture; and is subject to the 
provisions for mandatory denial of withholding of removal under Sec.  
208.16(d)(2) or (d)(3), shall be granted deferral of removal to the 
country where he or she is more likely than not to be tortured.
    (b) Notice to alien. (1) After an immigration judge orders an alien 
described in paragraph (a) of this section removed, the immigration 
judge shall inform the alien that his or her removal to the country 
where he or she is more likely than not to be tortured shall be deferred 
until such time as the deferral is terminated under this section. The 
immigration judge shall inform the alien that deferral of removal:
    (i) Does not confer upon the alien any lawful or permanent 
immigration status in the United States;
    (ii) Will not necessarily result in the alien being released from 
the custody of the Service if the alien is subject to such custody;
    (iii) Is effective only until terminated; and
    (iv) Is subject to review and termination if the immigration judge 
determines that it is not likely that the alien would be tortured in the 
country to which removal has been deferred, or if the alien requests 
that deferral be terminated.
    (2) The immigration judge shall also inform the alien that removal 
has been deferred only to the country in which it has been determined 
that the alien is likely to be tortured, and that the alien may be 
removed at any time to another country where he or she is not likely to 
be tortured.
    (c) Detention of an alien granted deferral of removal under this 
section. Nothing in this section shall alter the authority of the 
Service to detain an alien whose removal has been deferred under this

[[Page 185]]

section and who is otherwise subject to detention. In the case of such 
an alien, decisions about the alien's release shall be made according to 
part 241 of this chapter.
    (d) Termination of deferral of removal. (1) At any time while 
deferral of removal is in effect, the INS District Counsel for the 
District with jurisdiction over an alien whose removal has been deferred 
under paragraph (a) of this section may file a motion with the 
Immigration Court having administrative control pursuant to Sec.  3.11 
of this chapter to schedule a hearing to consider whether deferral of 
removal should be terminated. The Service motion shall be granted if it 
is accompanied by evidence that is relevant to the possibility that the 
alien would be tortured in the country to which removal has been 
deferred and that was not presented at the previous hearing. The Service 
motion shall not be subject to the requirements for reopening in 
Sec. Sec.  3.2 and 3.23 of this chapter.
    (2) The Immigration Court shall provide notice to the alien and the 
Service of the time, place, and date of the termination hearing. Such 
notice shall inform the alien that the alien may supplement the 
information in his or her initial application for withholding of removal 
under the Convention Against Torture and shall provide that the alien 
must submit any such supplemental information within 10 calendar days of 
service of such notice (or 13 calendar days if service of such notice 
was by mail). At the expiration of this 10 or 13 day period, the 
Immigration Court shall forward a copy of the original application, and 
any supplemental information the alien or the Service has submitted, to 
the Department of State, together with notice to the Department of State 
of the time, place and date of the termination hearing. At its option, 
the Department of State may provide comments on the case, according to 
the provisions of Sec.  208.11 of this part.
    (3) The immigration judge shall conduct a hearing and make a de novo 
determination, based on the record of proceeding and initial application 
in addition to any new evidence submitted by the Service or the alien, 
as to whether the alien is more likely than not to be tortured in the 
country to which removal has been deferred. This determination shall be 
made under the standards for eligibility set out in Sec.  208.16(c). The 
burden is on the alien to establish that it is more likely than not that 
he or she would be tortured in the country to which removal has been 
deferred.
    (4) If the immigration judge determines that the alien is more 
likely than not to be tortured in the country to which removal has been 
deferred, the order of deferral shall remain in place. If the 
immigration judge determines that the alien has not established that he 
or she is more likely than not to be tortured in the country to which 
removal has been deferred, the deferral of removal shall be terminated 
and the alien may be removed to that country. Appeal of the immigration 
judge's decision shall lie to the Board.
    (e) Termination at the request of the alien. (1) At any time while 
deferral of removal is in effect, the alien may make a written request 
to the Immigration Court having administrative control pursuant to Sec.  
3.11 of this chapter to terminate the deferral order. If satisfied on 
the basis of the written submission that the alien's request is knowing 
and voluntary, the immigration judge shall terminate the order of 
deferral and the alien may be removed.
    (2) If necessary the immigration judge may calendar a hearing for 
the sole purpose of determining whether the alien's request is knowing 
and voluntary. If the immigration judge determines that the alien's 
request is knowing and voluntary, the order of deferral shall be 
terminated. If the immigration judge determines that the alien's request 
is not knowing and voluntary, the alien's request shall not serve as the 
basis for terminating the order of deferral.
    (f) Termination pursuant to Sec.  208.18(c). At any time while 
deferral of removal is in effect, the Attorney General may determine 
whether deferral should be terminated based on diplomatic assurances 
forwarded by the Secretary of State pursuant to the procedures in Sec.  
208.18(c).

[64 FR 8489, Feb. 19, 1999]

[[Page 186]]



Sec.  208.18  Implementation of the Convention Against Torture.

    (a) Definitions. The definitions in this subsection incorporate the 
definition of torture contained in Article 1 of the Convention Against 
Torture, subject to the reservations, understandings, declarations, and 
provisos contained in the United States Senate resolution of 
ratification of the Convention.
    (1) Torture is defined as any act by which severe pain or suffering, 
whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for 
such purposes as obtaining from him or her or a third person information 
or a confession, punishing him or her for an act he or she or a third 
person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or 
intimidating or coercing him or her or a third person, or for any reason 
based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is 
inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or 
acquiescence of a public official acting in an official capacity or 
other person acting in an official capacity. Pain or suffering inflicted 
by a public official who is not acting under color of law shall not 
constitute pain or suffering inflicted by or at the instigation of or 
with the consent or acquiescence of a public official acting in an 
official capacity or other person acting in an official capacity, 
although a different public official acting in an official capacity or 
other person acting in an official capacity could instigate, consent to, 
or acquiesce in the pain or suffering inflicted by the public official 
who is not acting under color of law.
    (2) Torture is an extreme form of cruel and inhuman treatment and 
does not include lesser forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment 
or punishment that do not amount to torture.
    (3) Torture does not include pain or suffering arising only from, 
inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions. Lawful sanctions include 
judicially imposed sanctions and other enforcement actions authorized by 
law, including the death penalty, but do not include sanctions that 
defeat the object and purpose of the Convention Against Torture to 
prohibit torture.
    (4) In order to constitute torture, mental pain or suffering must be 
prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from:
    (i) The intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe 
physical pain or suffering;
    (ii) The administration or application, or threatened administration 
or application, of mind altering substances or other procedures 
calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or the personality;
    (iii) The threat of imminent death; or
    (iv) The threat that another person will imminently be subjected to 
death, severe physical pain or suffering, or the administration or 
application of mind altering substances or other procedures calculated 
to disrupt profoundly the sense or personality.
    (5) In order to constitute torture, an act must be specifically 
intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering. An act 
that results in unanticipated or unintended severity of pain and 
suffering is not torture.
    (6) In order to constitute torture an act must be directed against a 
person in the offender's custody or physical control.
    (7) Acquiescence of a public official requires that the public 
official, prior to the activity constituting torture, have awareness of 
such activity and thereafter breach his or her legal responsibility to 
intervene to prevent such activity. Such awareness requires a finding of 
either actual knowledge or willful blindness. Willful blindness means 
that the public official acting in an official capacity or other person 
acting in an official capacity was aware of a high probability of 
activity constituting torture and deliberately avoided learning the 
truth; it is not enough that such public official acting in an official 
capacity or other person acting in an official capacity was mistaken, 
recklessly disregarded the truth, or negligently failed to inquire. In 
order for a public official to breach his or her legal responsibility to 
intervene to prevent activity constituting torture, the official must 
have been charged with preventing the activity as part of his or her 
duties and have failed to intervene. No person will be deemed to have 
breached a legal responsibility to intervene if such person is unable to 
intervene, or if the person intervenes

[[Page 187]]

but is unable to prevent the activity that constitutes torture.
    (8) Noncompliance with applicable legal procedural standards does 
not per se constitute torture.
    (b) Applicability of Sec. Sec.  208.16(c) and 208.17(a)--(1) Aliens 
in proceedings on or after March 22, 1999. An alien who is in exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings on or after March 22, 1999 may apply 
for withholding of removal under Sec.  208.16(c), and, if applicable, 
may be considered for deferral of removal under Sec.  208.17(a).
    (2) Aliens who were ordered removed, or whose removal orders became 
final, before March 22, 1999. An alien under a final order of 
deportation, exclusion, or removal that became final prior to March 22, 
1999 may move to reopen proceedings for the sole purpose of seeking 
protection under Sec.  208.16(c). Such motions shall be governed by 
Sec. Sec.  3.23 and 3.2 of this chapter, except that the time and 
numerical limitations on motions to reopen shall not apply and the alien 
shall not be required to demonstrate that the evidence sought to be 
offered was unavailable and could not have been discovered or presented 
at the former hearing. The motion to reopen shall not be granted unless:
    (i) The motion is filed within June 21, 1999; and
    (ii) The evidence sought to be offered establishes a prima facie 
case that the applicant's removal must be withheld or deferred under 
Sec. Sec.  208.16(c) or 208.17(a).
    (3) Aliens who, on March 22, 1999, have requests pending with the 
Service for protection under Article 3 of the Convention Against 
Torture. (i) Except as otherwise provided, after March 22, 1999, the 
Service will not:
    (A) Consider, under its pre-regulatory administrative policy to 
ensure compliance with the Convention Against Torture, whether Article 3 
of that Convention prohibits the removal of an alien to a particular 
country, or
    (B) Stay the removal of an alien based on a request filed with the 
Service for protection under Article 3 of that Convention.
    (ii) For each alien who, on or before March 22, 1999, filed a 
request with the Service for protection under Article 3 of the 
Convention Against Torture, and whose request has not been finally 
decided by the Service, the Service shall provide written notice that, 
after March 22, 1999, consideration for protection under Article 3 can 
be obtained only through the provisions of this rule.
    (A) The notice shall inform an alien who is under an order of 
removal issued by EOIR that, in order to seek consideration of a claim 
under Sec. Sec.  208.16(c) or 208.17(a), such an alien must file a 
motion to reopen with the immigration court or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals. This notice shall be accompanied by a stay of removal, 
effective until 30 days after service of the notice on the alien. A 
motion to reopen filed under this paragraph for the limited purpose of 
asserting a claim under Sec. Sec.  208.16(c) or 208.17(a) shall not be 
subject to the requirements for reopening in Sec. Sec.  3.2 and 3.23 of 
this chapter. Such a motion shall be granted if it is accompanied by a 
copy of the notice described in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) or by other 
convincing evidence that the alien had a request pending with the 
Service for protection under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture 
on March 22, 1999. The filing of such a motion shall extend the stay of 
removal during the pendency of the adjudication of this motion.
    (B) The notice shall inform an alien who is under an administrative 
order of removal issued by the Service under section 238(b) of the Act 
or an exclusion, deportation, or removal order reinstated by the Service 
under section 241(a)(5) of the Act that the alien's claim to withholding 
of removal under Sec.  208.16(c) or deferral of removal under Sec.  
208.17(a) will be considered under Sec.  208.31.
    (C) The notice shall inform an alien who is under an administrative 
order of removal issued by the Service under section 235(c) of the Act 
that the alien's claim to protection under the Convention Against 
Torture will be decided by the Service as provided in Sec.  208.18(d) 
and 235.8(b)(4) and will not be considered under the provisions of this 
part relating to consideration or review by an immigration judge, the 
Board of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer.
    (4) Aliens whose claims to protection under the Convention Against 
Torture

[[Page 188]]

were finally decided by the Service prior to March 22, 1999. Sections 
208.16(c) and 208.17 (a) and paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this 
section do not apply to cases in which, prior to March 22, 1999, the 
Service has made a final administrative determination about the 
applicability of Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture to the case 
of an alien who filed a request with the Service for protection under 
Article 3. If, prior to March 22, 1999, the Service determined that an 
applicant cannot be removed consistent with the Convention Against 
Torture, the alien shall be considered to have been granted withholding 
of removal under Sec.  208.16(c), unless the alien is subject to 
mandatory denial of withholding of removal under Sec.  208.16(d)(2) or 
(d)(3), in which case the alien will be considered to have been granted 
deferral of removal under 208.17(a). If, prior to March 22, 1999, the 
Service determined that an alien can be removed consistent with the 
Convention Against Torture, the alien will be considered to have been 
finally denied withholding of removal under Sec.  208.16(c) and deferral 
of removal under Sec.  208.17(a).
    (c) Diplomatic assurances against torture obtained by the Secretary 
of State. (1) The Secretary of State may forward to the Attorney General 
assurances that the Secretary has obtained from the government of a 
specific country that an alien would not be tortured there if the alien 
were removed to that country.
    (2) If the Secretary of State forwards assurances described in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section to the Attorney General for 
consideration by the Attorney General or her delegates under this 
paragraph, the Attorney General shall determine, in consultation with 
the Secretary of State, whether the assurances are sufficiently reliable 
to allow the alien's removal to that country consistent with Article 3 
of the Convention Against Torture. The Attorney General's authority 
under this paragraph may be exercised by the Deputy Attorney General or 
by the Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service, but may not 
be further delegated.
    (3) Once assurances are provided under paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, the alien's claim for protection under the Convention Against 
Torture shall not be considered further by an immigration judge, the 
Board of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer.
    (d) Cases involving aliens ordered removed under section 235(c) of 
the Act. With respect to an alien terrorist or other alien subject to 
administrative removal under section 235(c) of the Act who requests 
protection under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture, the 
Service will assess the applicability of Article 3 through the removal 
process to ensure that a removal order will not be executed under 
circumstances that would violate the obligations of the United States 
under Article 3. In such cases, the provisions of Part 208 relating to 
consideration or review by an immigration judge, the Board of 
Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer shall not apply.
    (e) Judicial review of claims for protection from removal under 
Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture. (1) Pursuant to the 
provisions of section 2242(d) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and 
Restructuring Act of 1998, there shall be no judicial appeal or review 
of any action, decision, or claim raised under the Convention or that 
section, except as part of the review of a final order of removal 
pursuant to section 242 of the Act; provided however, that any appeal or 
petition regarding an action, decision, or claim under the Convention or 
under section 2242 of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act 
of 1998 shall not be deemed to include or authorize the consideration of 
any administrative order or decision, or portion thereof, the appeal or 
review of which is restricted or prohibited by the Act.
    (2) Except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this 
paragraph shall be construed to create a private right of action or to 
authorize the consideration or issuance of administrative or judicial 
relief.

[64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 FR 13881, Mar. 23, 1999, as amended at 85 
FR 80389, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  208.19  Decisions.

    The decision of an asylum officer to grant or to deny asylum or to 
refer an asylum application, in accordance with Sec.  208.14(b) or (c), 
shall be communicated

[[Page 189]]

in writing to the applicant. Pursuant to Sec.  208.9(d), an applicant 
must appear in person to receive and to acknowledge receipt of the 
decision to grant or deny asylum, or to refer an asylum application 
unless, in the discretion of the asylum office director, service by mail 
is appropriate. A letter communicating denial of asylum or referral of 
the application shall state the basis for denial or referral and include 
an assessment of the applicant's credibility.

[65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000]



Sec.  208.20  Determining if an asylum application is frivolous.

    (a) For applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, and before 
January 11, 2021, an applicant is subject to the provisions of section 
208(d)(6) of the Act only if the alien received the notice required by 
section 208(d)(4)(A) of the Act and a final order by an immigration 
judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals specifically finds that the 
alien knowingly filed a frivolous asylum application. An application is 
frivolous if:
    (1) Any of the material elements in the asylum application is 
deliberately fabricated, and the immigration judge or the Board is 
satisfied that the applicant, during the course of the proceedings, has 
had sufficient opportunity to account for any discrepancies or 
implausible aspects of the claim.
    (2) Paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section shall only apply to 
applications filed on or after January 11, 2021.
    (b) For applications filed on or after January 11, 2021, an asylum 
officer may determine that the applicant knowingly filed a frivolous 
asylum application and may refer the applicant to an immigration judge 
on that basis, so long as the applicant has received the notice required 
by section 208(d)(4)(A) of the Act. For any application referred to an 
immigration judge, an asylum officer's determination that an application 
is frivolous will not render an applicant permanently ineligible for 
immigration benefits unless an immigration judge or the Board makes a 
finding of frivolousness as described in paragraph 1208.20(c).
    (c) For applications filed on or after January 11, 2021, an asylum 
application is frivolous if it:
    (1) Contains a fabricated material element;
    (2) Is premised upon false or fabricated evidence unless the 
application would have been granted without the false or fabricated 
evidence;
    (3) Is filed without regard to the merits of the claim; or
    (4) Is clearly foreclosed by applicable law.
    (d) If the alien has been provided the warning required by section 
208(d)(4)(A) of the Act, he or she need not be given any additional or 
further opportunity to account for any issues with his or her claim 
prior to the entry of a frivolousness finding.
    (e) An asylum application may be found frivolous even if it was 
untimely filed.
    (f) A withdrawn asylum application may also be found frivolous 
unless:
    (1) The alien wholly disclaims the application and withdraws it with 
prejudice;
    (2) The alien is eligible for and agrees to accept voluntary 
departure for a period of no more than 30 days pursuant to section 
240B(a) of the Act;
    (3) The alien withdraws any and all other applications for relief or 
protection with prejudice; and
    (4) The alien waives his right to appeal and any rights to file, for 
any reason, a motion to reopen or reconsider.
    (g) For purposes of this section, a finding that an alien knowingly 
filed a frivolous asylum application shall not preclude the alien from 
seeking withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or 
protection under the regulations issued pursuant to the Convention 
Against Torture's implementing legislation.

[85 FR 80389, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  208.21  Admission of the asylee's spouse and children.

    (a) Eligibility. In accordance with section 208(b)(3) of the Act, a 
spouse, as defined in section 101(a)(35) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(35), or child, as defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Act, also 
may be granted asylum if accompanying, or following to join, the 
principal alien who was granted asylum, unless it is determined that the 
spouse or child is ineligible for asylum under section 208(b)(2)(A)(i), 
(ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of the

[[Page 190]]

Act for applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, or under Sec.  
208.13(c)(2)(i)(A), (C), (D), (E), or (F) for applications filed before 
April 1, 1997.
    (b) Relationship. The relationship of spouse and child as defined in 
sections 101(a)(35) and 101(b)(1) of the Act must have existed at the 
time the principal alien's asylum application was approved and must 
continue to exist at the time of filing for accompanying or following-
to-join benefits and at the time of the spouse or child's subsequent 
admission to the United States. If the asylee proves that the asylee is 
the parent of a child who was born after asylum was granted, but who was 
in utero on the date of the asylum grant, the child shall be eligible to 
accompany or follow-to-join the asylee. The child's mother, if not the 
principal asylee, shall not be eligible to accompany or follow-to-join 
the principal asylee unless the child's mother was the principal 
asylee's spouse on the date the principal asylee was granted asylum.
    (c) Spouse or child in the United States. When a spouse or child of 
an alien granted asylum is in the United States, but was not included in 
the asylee's benefit request, the asylee may request accompanying or 
following-to-join benefits for his or her spouse or child, by filing for 
each qualifying family member a Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative, 
with supporting evidence, and in accordance with the form instructions, 
regardless of the status of that spouse or child in the United States. A 
separate Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative must be filed by the asylee 
for each qualifying family member within two years of the date in which 
he or she was granted asylum status, unless it is determined by USCIS 
that this period should be extended for humanitarian reasons. Upon 
approval of the Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative, USCIS will notify 
the asylee of such approval. Employment will be authorized incident to 
status. To demonstrate employment authorization, USCIS will issue a 
document reflecting the derivative's current status as an asylee, or the 
derivative may apply, under 8 CFR 274a.12(a), for employment 
authorization. The approval of the Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative 
will remain valid for the duration of the relationship to the asylee 
and, in the case of a child, while the child is under 21 years of age 
and unmarried, provided also that the principal's status has not been 
revoked. However, the approved Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative will 
cease to confer immigration benefits after it has been used by the 
beneficiary for admission to the United States as a derivative of an 
asylee.
    (d) Spouse or child outside the United States. When a spouse or 
child of an alien granted asylum is outside the United States, the 
asylee may request accompanying or following-to-join benefits for his or 
her spouse or child(ren) by filing a separate Request for Refugee/Asylee 
Relative for each qualifying family member in accordance with the form 
instructions. A separate Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative for each 
qualifying family member must be filed within two years of the date in 
which the asylee was granted asylum, unless USCIS determines that the 
filing period should be extended for humanitarian reasons. When the 
Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative is approved, USCIS will notify the 
asylee of such approval. USCIS also will send the approved request to 
the Department of State for transmission to the U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate having jurisdiction over the area in which the asylee's spouse 
or child is located. The approval of the Request for Refugee/Asylee 
Relative will remain valid for the duration of the relationship to the 
asylee and, in the case of a child, while the child is under 21 years of 
age and unmarried, provided also that the principal's status has not 
been revoked. However, the approved Request for Refugee/Asylee Relative 
will cease to confer immigration benefits after it has been used by the 
beneficiary for admission to the United States as a derivative of an 
asylee.
    (e) Denial. If the spouse or child is found to be ineligible for the 
status accorded under section 208(c) of the Act, a written notice 
stating the basis for denial shall be forwarded to the principal alien. 
No appeal shall lie from this decision.
    (f) Burden of proof. To establish the claimed relationship of spouse 
or child as defined in sections 101(a)(35) and

[[Page 191]]

101(b)(1) of the Act, evidence must be submitted with the request as set 
forth in part 204 of this chapter. Where possible this will consist of 
the documents specified in Sec.  204.2 (a)(1)(i)(B), (a)(1)(iii)(B), 
(a)(2), (d)(2), and (d)(5) of this chapter. The burden of proof is on 
the principal alien to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that 
any person on whose behalf he or she is making a request under this 
section is an eligible spouse or child.
    (g) Duration. The spouse or child qualifying under section 208(c) of 
the Act shall be granted asylum for an indefinite period unless the 
principal's status is revoked.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 3796, Jan. 27, 1998. 
Redesignated at 64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999 and further redesignated and 
amended at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000; 76 FR 53784, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 
73476, Nov. 29, 2011]



Sec.  208.22  Effect on exclusion, deportation, and removal proceedings.

    An alien who has been granted asylum may not be deported or removed 
unless his or her asylum status is terminated pursuant to Sec.  208.24. 
An alien in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings who is 
granted withholding of removal or deportation, or deferral of removal, 
may not be deported or removed to the country to which his or her 
deportation or removal is ordered withheld or deferred unless the 
withholding order is terminated pursuant to Sec.  208.24 or deferral is 
terminated pursuant to Sec.  208.17(d) or (e).

[64 FR 8492, Feb. 19, 1999. Revised at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000]



Sec.  208.23  Restoration of status.

    An alien who was maintaining his or her nonimmigrant status at the 
time of filing an asylum application and has such application denied may 
continue in or be restored to that status, if it has not expired.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated at 64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999 
and further redesignated at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000]



Sec.  208.24  Termination of asylum or withholding of removal or deportation.

    (a) Termination of asylum by USCIS. Except as provided in paragraph 
(e) of this section, an asylum officer may terminate a grant of asylum 
made under the jurisdiction of USCIS if, following an interview, the 
asylum officer determines that:
    (1) There is a showing of fraud in the alien's application such that 
he or she was not eligible for asylum at the time it was granted;
    (2) As to applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, one or more 
of the conditions described in section 208(c)(2) of the Act exist; or
    (3) As to applications filed before April 1, 1997, the alien no 
longer has a well-founded fear of persecution upon return due to a 
change of country conditions in the alien's country of nationality or 
habitual residence or the alien has committed any act that would have 
been grounds for denial of asylum under Sec.  208.13(c)(2).
    (b) Termination of withholding of deportation or removal by USCIS. 
Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, an asylum officer 
may terminate a grant of withholding of deportation or removal made 
under the jurisdiction of USCIS if the asylum officer determines, 
following an interview, that:
    (1) The alien is no longer entitled to withholding of deportation or 
removal because, owing to a fundamental change in circumstances relating 
to the original claim, the alien's life or freedom no longer would be 
threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion in the country from which 
deportation or removal was withheld.
    (2) There is a showing of fraud in the alien's application such that 
the alien was not eligible for withholding of removal at the time it was 
granted;
    (3) The alien has committed any other act that would have been 
grounds for denial of withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) 
of the Act had it occurred prior to the grant of withholding of removal; 
or
    (4) For applications filed in proceedings commenced before April 1, 
1997, the alien has committed any act that would have been grounds for 
denial of withholding of deportation under section 243(h)(2) of the Act.

[[Page 192]]

    (c) Procedure. Prior to the termination of a grant of asylum or 
withholding of deportation or removal, the alien shall be given notice 
of intent to terminate, with the reasons therefor, at least 30 days 
prior to the interview specified in paragraph (a) of this section before 
an asylum officer. The alien shall be provided the opportunity to 
present evidence showing that he or she is still eligible for asylum or 
withholding of deportation or removal. If the asylum officer determines 
that the alien is no longer eligible for asylum or withholding of 
deportation or removal, the alien shall be given written notice that 
asylum status or withholding of deportation or removal and any 
employment authorization issued pursuant thereto, are terminated.
    (d) Termination of derivative status. The termination of asylum 
status for a person who was the principal applicant shall result in 
termination of the asylum status of a spouse or child whose status was 
based on the asylum application of the principal. Such termination shall 
not preclude the spouse or child of such alien from separately asserting 
an asylum or withholding of deportation or removal claim.
    (e) Removal proceedings. When an alien's asylum status or 
withholding of removal or deportation is terminated under this section, 
the Service shall initiate removal proceedings, as appropriate, if the 
alien is not already in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings. 
Removal proceedings may take place in conjunction with a termination 
hearing scheduled under Sec.  208.24(f).
    (f) Termination of asylum, or withholding of deportation or removal, 
by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals. An 
immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals may reopen a case 
pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.2 and 8 CFR 1003.23 for the purpose of 
terminating a grant of asylum, or a withholding of deportation or 
removal. In such a reopened proceeding, the Service must establish, by a 
preponderance of evidence, one or more of the grounds set forth in 
paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. In addition, an immigration judge 
may terminate a grant of asylum, or a withholding of deportation or 
removal, made under the jurisdiction of USCIS at any time after the 
alien has been provided a notice of intent to terminate by USCIS. Any 
termination under this paragraph may occur in conjunction with an 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceeding.
    (g) Termination of asylum for arriving aliens. If the Service 
determines that an applicant for admission who had previously been 
granted asylum in the United States falls within conditions set forth in 
Sec.  208.24 and is inadmissible, the Service shall issue a notice of 
intent to terminate asylum and initiate removal proceedings under 
section 240 of the Act. The alien shall present his or her response to 
the intent to terminate during proceedings before the immigration judge.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated at 64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999, 
and further redesignated and amended at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000; 76 FR 
53785, Aug. 29, 2011; 78 FR 22771, Apr. 17, 2013]



Sec.  208.25  Severability.

    The provisions of part 208 are separate and severable from one 
another. In the event that any provision in part 208 is stayed, 
enjoined, not implemented, or otherwise held invalid, the remaining 
provisions shall nevertheless be implemented as an independent rule and 
continue in effect.

[85 FR 80389, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec. Sec.  208.26-208.29  [Reserved]



                 Subpart B_Credible Fear of Persecution



Sec.  208.30  Credible fear determinations involving stowaways and applicants 
for admission found inadmissible pursuant to section 212(a)(6)(C) 
or 212(a)(7) of the Act.

    (a) Jurisdiction. The provisions of this subpart B apply to aliens 
subject to sections 235(a)(2) and 235(b)(1) of the Act. Pursuant to 
section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act, DHS has exclusive jurisdiction to make 
the determinations described in this subpart B. Except as otherwise 
provided in this subpart B, paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section 
are the exclusive procedures applicable to stowaways and applicants for 
admission who are found inadmissible pursuant to section 212(a)(6)(C) or 
212(a)(7) of

[[Page 193]]

the Act and who receive fear interviews, determinations, and reviews 
under section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act. Prior to January 1, 2030, an 
alien physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands is ineligible to apply for asylum and may only 
establish eligibility for withholding of removal pursuant to section 
241(b)(3) of the Act or withholding or deferral of removal under the 
regulations issued pursuant to the Convention Against Torture's 
implementing legislation.
    (b) Process and authority. If an alien subject to section 235(a)(2) 
or 235(b)(1) of the Act indicates an intention to apply for asylum, or 
expresses a fear of persecution or torture, or a fear of return to his 
or her country, the inspecting officer shall not proceed further with 
removal of the alien until the alien has been referred for an interview 
by a USCIS asylum officer in accordance with this section. A USCIS 
asylum officer shall then screen the alien for a credible fear of 
persecution or torture. An asylum officer, as defined in section 
235(b)(1)(E) of the Act, has the authorities described in Sec.  
208.9(c). If in exercising USCIS's discretion, it is determined that 
circumstances so warrant, the asylum officer, after supervisory 
concurrence, may refer the alien for proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act without making a credible fear determination.
    (c) Treatment of family units. (1) A spouse or child of a principal 
alien who arrived in the United States concurrently with the principal 
alien shall be included in that alien's positive credible fear 
evaluation and determination, unless the principal alien or the spouse 
or child declines such inclusion. Any alien may have his or her 
evaluation and determination made separately, if that alien expresses 
such a desire. The option for members of a family unit to have their 
evaluations and determinations made separately shall be communicated to 
all family members at the beginning of the interview process.
    (2) The asylum officer in the officer's discretion may also include 
other accompanying family members who arrived in the United States 
concurrently with a principal alien in that alien's positive fear 
evaluation and determination for purposes of family unity.
    (3) For purposes of family units in credible fear determinations, 
the category of ``child'' includes only unmarried persons under 21 years 
of age.
    (d) Interview. A USCIS asylum officer will conduct the credible fear 
interview in a nonadversarial manner, separate and apart from the 
general public. The purpose of the interview shall be to elicit all 
relevant and useful information bearing on whether the alien can 
establish a credible fear of persecution or torture. The information 
provided during the interview may form the basis of an asylum 
application pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section and Sec.  
208.3(a)(2). The asylum officer shall conduct the interview as follows:
    (1) If the officer conducting the interview determines that the 
alien is unable to participate effectively in the interview because of 
illness, fatigue, or other impediments, the officer may reschedule the 
interview.
    (2) At the time of the interview, the asylum officer shall verify 
that the alien has received in writing the relevant information 
regarding the fear determination process. The officer shall also 
determine that the alien has an understanding of the fear determination 
process.
    (3) The alien may be required to register his or her identity.
    (4) The alien may consult with a person or persons of the alien's 
choosing prior to the interview or any review thereof, and may present 
other evidence, if available. Such consultation shall be at no expense 
to the Government and shall not unreasonably delay the process. Any 
person or persons with whom the alien chooses to consult may be present 
at the interview and may be permitted, in the discretion of the asylum 
officer, to present a statement at the end of the interview. The asylum 
officer, in his or her discretion, may place reasonable limits on the 
number of persons who may be present at the interview and on the length 
of the statement.
    (5) If the alien is unable to proceed effectively in English, and if 
the asylum officer is unable to proceed competently in a language the 
alien speaks and understands, the asylum officer

[[Page 194]]

shall arrange for the assistance of an interpreter in conducting the 
interview. The interpreter must be at least 18 years of age and may not 
be the alien's attorney or representative of record, a witness 
testifying on the alien's behalf, a representative or employee of the 
alien's country of nationality, or, if the alien is stateless, the 
alien's country of last habitual residence.
    (6) The asylum officer shall create a summary of the material facts 
as stated by the alien. At the conclusion of the interview, the officer 
shall review the summary with the alien and provide the alien with an 
opportunity to correct any errors therein.
    (e) Determination. (1) The asylum officer shall create a written 
record of the officer's determination, including a summary of the 
material facts as stated by the applicant, any additional facts relied 
on by the officer, and the officer's determination of whether, in light 
of such facts, the alien has established a credible fear of persecution 
or torture.
    (2) An alien will be found to have a credible fear of persecution if 
there is a significant possibility, taking into account the credibility 
of the statements made by the alien in support of the alien's claim and 
such other facts as are known to the officer, that the alien can 
establish eligibility for asylum under section 208 of the Act or for 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act. However, 
prior to January 1, 2030, in the case of an alien physically present in 
or arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 
officer may only find a credible fear of persecution if there is a 
significant possibility that the alien can establish eligibility for 
withholding of removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) of the Act.
    (3) An alien will be found to have a credible fear of torture if the 
alien shows that there is a significant possibility that the alien is 
eligible for withholding of removal or deferral of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture, pursuant to Sec.  208.16 or Sec.  208.17.
    (4) In determining whether the alien has a credible fear of 
persecution, as defined in section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Act, or a 
credible fear of torture, the asylum officer shall consider whether the 
alien's case presents novel or unique issues that merit a positive 
credible fear finding pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section in order 
to receive further consideration of the application for asylum and 
withholding of removal.
    (5) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(6) or (7) of this section, 
if an alien is able to establish a credible fear of persecution or 
torture but appears to be subject to one or more of the mandatory bars 
to applying for, or being granted, asylum contained in section 208(a)(2) 
and (b)(2) of the Act, or to withholding of removal contained in section 
241(b)(3)(B) of the Act, the Department of Homeland Security shall 
nonetheless issue a Notice to Appear or retain the alien for further 
consideration of the alien's claim pursuant to paragraph (f) of this 
section, if the alien is not a stowaway. If the alien is a stowaway, the 
Department shall place the alien in proceedings for consideration of the 
alien's claim pursuant to Sec.  208.2(c)(3).
    (6) Prior to any determination concerning whether an alien arriving 
in the United States at a U.S.-Canada land border port-of-entry or in 
transit through the United States during removal by Canada or an alien 
who, on or after 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, entered the 
United States by crossing the U.S.-Canada land border between the ports-
of-entry, including a crossing of the border in those waters as mutually 
designated by the United States and Canada, and who made an asylum or 
other protection claim relating to fear of persecution or torture within 
14 days after such crossing, has a credible fear of persecution or 
torture, the asylum officer shall conduct a threshold screening 
interview to determine whether such an alien is ineligible to apply for 
asylum pursuant to section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act and subject to 
removal to Canada by operation of the Agreement Between the Government 
of the United States and the Government of Canada for Cooperation in the 
Examination of Refugee Status Claims from Nationals of Third Countries 
(``Agreement''), which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022 to the 
Agreement Between the Government of

[[Page 195]]

the United States of America and the Government of Canada For 
Cooperation in the Examination of Refugee Status Claims from Nationals 
of Third Countries (``Additional Protocol of 2022''). In conducting this 
threshold screening interview, the asylum officer shall apply all 
relevant interview procedures outlined in paragraph (d) of this section, 
provided however, that paragraph (d)(2) of this section shall not apply 
to aliens described in this paragraph (e)(6). The asylum officer shall 
advise the alien of the exceptions contained in the Agreement, which 
includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, and question the alien as to 
applicability of any of these exceptions to the alien's case.
    (i) If the asylum officer, with concurrence from a supervisory 
asylum officer, determines that an alien is subject to the Agreement, 
which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, and that an alien does 
not qualify for an exception under the Agreement, which includes the 
Additional Protocol of 2022, during this threshold screening interview, 
the alien is ineligible to apply for asylum in the United States. After 
the asylum officer's documented finding is reviewed by a supervisory 
asylum officer, the alien shall be advised that the alien will be 
removed to Canada in order to pursue the alien's claims relating to a 
fear of persecution or torture under Canadian law. Aliens found 
ineligible to apply for asylum under this paragraph shall be removed to 
Canada.
    (ii) If the alien establishes by a preponderance of the evidence 
that the alien qualifies for an exception under the terms of the 
Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, the asylum 
officer shall make a written notation of the basis of the exception, and 
then proceed immediately to a determination concerning whether the alien 
has a credible fear of persecution or torture under paragraph (d) of 
this section.
    (iii) An alien qualifies for an exception to the Agreement, which 
includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, if the alien is not being 
removed from Canada in transit through the United States and:
    (A) Is a citizen of Canada or, not having a country of nationality, 
is a habitual resident of Canada;
    (B) Has in the United States a spouse, son, daughter, parent, legal 
guardian, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or 
nephew who has been granted asylum, refugee, or other lawful status in 
the United States, provided, however, that this exception shall not 
apply to an alien whose relative maintains only nonimmigrant visitor 
status, as defined in section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act, or whose 
relative maintains only visitor status based on admission to the United 
States pursuant to the Visa Waiver Program;
    (C) Has in the United States a spouse, son, daughter, parent, legal 
guardian, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or 
nephew who is at least 18 years of age and has an asylum application 
pending before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive 
Office for Immigration Review, or on appeal in federal court in the 
United States;
    (D) Is unmarried, under 18 years of age, and does not have a parent 
or legal guardian in either Canada or the United States;
    (E) Arrived in the United States with a validly issued visa or other 
valid admission document, other than for transit, issued by the United 
States to the alien, or, being required to hold a visa to enter Canada, 
was not required to obtain a visa to enter the United States; or
    (F) The Director of USCIS, or the Director's designee, determines, 
in the exercise of unreviewable discretion, that it is in the public 
interest to allow the alien to pursue a claim for asylum, withholding of 
removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture, in the 
United States.
    (iv) As used in paragraphs (e)(6)(iii)(B), (C), and (D) of this 
section only, ``legal guardian'' means a person currently vested with 
legal custody of such an alien or vested with legal authority to act on 
the alien's behalf, provided that such an alien is both unmarried and 
less than 18 years of age, and provided further that any dispute with 
respect to whether an individual

[[Page 196]]

is a legal guardian will be resolved on the basis of U.S. law.
    (7) When an immigration officer has made an initial determination 
that an alien, other than an alien described in paragraph (e)(6) of this 
section and regardless of whether the alien is arriving at a port of 
entry, appears to be subject to the terms of an agreement authorized by 
section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, and seeks the alien's removal 
consistent with that provision, prior to any determination concerning 
whether the alien has a credible fear of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of persecution, or a reasonable possibility of torture, the 
asylum officer shall conduct a threshold screening interview to 
determine whether the alien is ineligible to apply for asylum in the 
United States and is subject to removal to a country (``receiving 
country'') that is a signatory to the applicable agreement authorized by 
section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, other than the U.S.-Canada Agreement, 
which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022. In conducting this 
threshold screening interview, the asylum officer shall apply all 
relevant interview procedures outlined in paragraph (d) of this section, 
except that paragraphs (d)(2) and (4) of this section shall not apply to 
aliens described in this paragraph (e)(7). The asylum officer shall 
advise the alien of the applicable agreement's exceptions and question 
the alien as to applicability of any of these exceptions to the alien's 
case. The alien shall be provided written notice that if the alien fears 
removal to the prospective receiving country because of the likelihood 
of persecution on account of a protected ground or torture in that 
country and wants the officer to determine whether it is more likely 
than not that the alien would be persecuted on account of a protected 
ground or tortured in that country, the alien should affirmatively state 
to the officer such a fear of removal. If the alien affirmatively states 
such a fear, the asylum officer will determine whether the individual 
has demonstrated that it is more likely than not that the alien would be 
persecuted on account of a protected ground or tortured in that country.
    (i)(A) If the asylum officer, with concurrence from a supervisory 
asylum officer, determines during the threshold screening interview that 
an alien does not qualify for an exception under the applicable 
agreement, and, if applicable, that the alien has not demonstrated that 
it is more likely than not that he or she would be persecuted on account 
of a protected ground or tortured in the receiving country, the alien is 
ineligible to apply for asylum in the United States. Subject to 
paragraph (e)(7)(i)(B) of this section, after the asylum officer's 
documented finding is reviewed by a supervisory asylum officer, the 
alien shall be advised that he or she will be removed to the receiving 
country, as appropriate under the applicable agreement, in order to 
pursue his or her claims relating to a fear of persecution or torture 
under the law of the receiving country. Prior to removal to a receiving 
country under an agreement authorized by section 208(a)(2)(A), the alien 
shall be informed that, in the receiving country, the alien will have an 
opportunity to pursue the alien's claim for asylum or equivalent 
temporary protection.
    (B) Aliens found ineligible to apply for asylum under this paragraph 
(e)(7) shall be removed to the receiving country, depending on the 
applicable agreement, unless the alien voluntarily withdraws his or her 
request for asylum.
    (ii) If the alien establishes by a preponderance of the evidence 
that he or she qualifies for an exception under the terms of the 
applicable agreement, or would more likely than not be persecuted on 
account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or tortured, in the receiving country, the 
asylum officer shall make a written notation to that effect, and may 
then proceed to determine whether any other agreement is applicable to 
the alien under the procedures set forth in this paragraph (e)(7). If 
the alien establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she 
qualifies for an exception under the terms of each of the applicable 
agreements, or would more likely than not be persecuted on account of 
his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social

[[Page 197]]

group, or tortured, in each of the prospective receiving countries, the 
asylum officer shall make a written notation to that effect, and then 
proceed immediately to a determination concerning whether the alien has 
a credible fear of persecution, reasonable possibility of persecution, 
or a reasonable possibility of torture, under paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (iii) An exception to an applicable agreement is defined under the 
terms of the agreement itself. Each agreement, including any exceptions, 
will be announced in a Federal Register document. If the asylum officer 
determines that an alien is within one of the classes covered by a 
section 208(a)(2)(A) agreement, the officer shall next determine whether 
the alien meets any of the applicable agreement's exceptions. Regardless 
of whether the text of the applicable agreement provides for the 
following exceptions, all such agreements, by operation of section 
208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, and as applicable to the United States, are 
deemed to contain the following provisions:
    (A) No alien may be removed, pursuant to an agreement authorized by 
section 208(a)(2)(A), to the alien's country of nationality, or, if the 
alien has no nationality, to the alien's country of last habitual 
residence; and
    (B) No alien may be removed, pursuant to an agreement authorized by 
section 208(a)(2)(A), where the Director of USCIS, or the Director's 
designee, determines, in the exercise of unreviewable discretion, that 
it is in the public interest for the alien to receive asylum in the 
United States, and that the alien therefore may apply for asylum, 
withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against 
Torture, in the United States.
    (iv) If the asylum officer determines the alien meets an exception 
under the applicable agreement, or would more likely than not be 
persecuted on account of a protected ground or tortured in the 
prospective receiving country, the officer may consider whether the 
alien is subject to another agreement and its exceptions or would more 
likely than not be persecuted on account of a protected ground or 
tortured in another receiving country. If another section 208(a)(2)(A) 
agreement may not be applied to the alien, the officer should 
immediately proceed to a credible fear interview.
    (8) An asylum officer's determination shall not become final until 
reviewed by a supervisory asylum officer.
    (f) Procedures for a positive credible fear finding. If an alien, 
other than an alien stowaway, is found to have a credible fear of 
persecution or torture, the asylum officer will so inform the alien and 
issue the alien a record of the positive credible fear determination, 
including copies of the asylum officer's notes, the summary of the 
material facts, and other materials upon which the determination was 
based. The documents may be served in-person, by mail, or 
electronically. USCIS has complete discretion to either issue a Form I-
862, Notice to Appear, for full consideration of the asylum and 
withholding of removal claim in proceedings under section 240 of the 
Act, or retain jurisdiction over the application for asylum pursuant to 
Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii) for further consideration in a hearing pursuant to 
Sec.  208.9. Should any part of 8 CFR 1240.17 be enjoined or vacated, 
USCIS has the discretion to determine that it will issue a Form I-862, 
Notice to Appear, in all cases that receive a positive credible fear 
determination. If an alien stowaway is found to have a credible fear of 
persecution or torture, the asylum officer will so inform the alien and 
issue a Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, for full 
consideration of the asylum claim, or the withholding of removal claim, 
in proceedings under Sec.  208.2(c). Parole of the alien may be 
considered only in accordance with section 212(d)(5) of the Act and 8 
CFR 212.5.
    (g) Procedures for a negative credible fear finding. (1) If an alien 
is found not to have a credible fear of persecution or torture, the 
asylum officer shall provide the alien with a written notice of decision 
and issue the alien a record of the credible fear determination, 
including copies of the asylum officer's notes, the summary of the 
material facts, and other materials upon which the determination was 
based. The asylum officer shall inquire whether the alien wishes to have 
an immigration judge review

[[Page 198]]

the negative decision, which shall include an opportunity for the alien 
to be heard and questioned by the immigration judge as provided for 
under section 235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(III) of the Act, using Form I-869, 
Record of Negative Credible Fear Finding and Request for Review by 
Immigration Judge. The alien shall indicate whether the alien desires 
such review on Form I-869. A refusal or failure by the alien to make 
such indication shall be considered a request for review.
    (i) If the alien requests such review, or refuses or fails to either 
request or decline such review, the asylum officer shall serve the alien 
with a Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, for review 
of the credible fear determination in accordance with paragraph (g)(2) 
of this section. USCIS may, in its discretion, reconsider a negative 
credible fear finding that has been concurred upon by an immigration 
judge provided such reconsideration is requested by the alien or 
initiated by USCIS no more than 7 calendar days after the concurrence by 
the immigration judge, or prior to the alien's removal, whichever date 
comes first, and further provided that no previous request for 
reconsideration of that negative finding has already been made. The 
provisions of 8 CFR 103.5 shall not apply to credible fear 
determinations.
    (ii) If the alien is not a stowaway and does not request a review by 
an immigration judge, DHS shall order the alien removed and issue a Form 
I-860, Notice and Order of Expedited Removal, after review by a 
supervisory asylum officer.
    (iii) If the alien is a stowaway and the alien does not request a 
review by an immigration judge, the asylum officer shall refer the alien 
to the district director for completion of removal proceedings in 
accordance with section 235(a)(2) of the Act.
    (2)(i) Immigration judges will review negative credible fear 
findings as provided in 8 CFR 1003.42 and 1208.30(g).
    (ii) The record of the negative credible fear determination, 
including copies of the Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration 
Judge, the asylum officer's notes, the summary of the material facts, 
and other materials upon which the determination was based shall be 
provided to the immigration judge with the negative determination.

[65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000, as amended at 69 FR 69488, Nov. 29, 2004; 74 
FR 55737, Oct. 28, 2009; 76 FR 53785, Aug. 29, 2011; 83 FR 55952, Nov. 
9, 2018; 84 FR 33843, July 16, 2019; 84 FR 64008, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 
29310, May 14, 2020; 85 FR 80389, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 18218, Mar. 29, 
2022; 88 FR 18239, Mar. 28, 2023; 88 FR 23330, Apr. 17, 2023; 88 FR 
31449, May 16, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84194, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  208.30 was 
amended by revising paragraphs (e)(4), (e)(5)(i)(A) and (B), and 
(e)(5)(iii), adding paragraph (e)(5)(iv), and revising paragraphs (f) 
introductory text, (f)(1), and (g)(1), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The 
amendments to Sec.  208.30 were delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 
6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 
15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of the user, the added and 
revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  208.30  Credible fear determinations involving stowaways and 
          applicants for admission who are found inadmissible pursuant 
          to section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act, whose entry 
          is limited or suspended under section 212(f) or 215(a)(1) of 
          the Act, or who failed to apply for protection from 
          persecution in a third country where potential relief is 
          available while en route to the United States.

                                * * * * *

    (e) * * *
    (4) In all cases, the asylum officer will create a written record of 
his or her determination, including a summary of the material facts as 
stated by the alien, any additional facts relied on by the officer, and 
the officer's determination of whether, in light of such facts, the 
alien has established a credible fear of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of persecution, reasonable possibility of torture or that it 
is more likely than not that he or she would be tortured in the 
prospective country of removal. In determining whether the alien has a 
credible fear of persecution, as defined in section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of 
the Act, a reasonable possibility of persecution or torture, or that it 
is more likely than not that he or she would be tortured in the 
prospective country of removal, the asylum officer shall consider 
whether the alien's case presents novel or unique issues that merit 
consideration in a full hearing before an immigration judge.
    (5)(i)(A) Except as provided in paragraphs (e)(5)(ii) through (iv) 
or paragraph (e)(6) or (7) of this section, if an alien would be able to 
establish a credible fear of persecution but for the fact that the alien 
is subject to one or more of the mandatory bars to applying

[[Page 199]]

for asylum or being eligible for asylum contained in section 
208(a)(2)(B)-(D) and (b)(2) of the Act, including any bars established 
by regulation under section 208(b)(2)(C) of the Act, then the asylum 
officer will enter a negative credible fear of persecution determination 
with respect to the alien's eligibility for asylum.
    (B) If an alien described in paragraph (e)(5)(i)(A) of this section 
is able to establish either a reasonable possibility of persecution 
(including by establishing that he or she is not subject to one or more 
of the mandatory bars to eligibility for withholding of removal 
contained in section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act) or a reasonable 
possibility of torture, then the asylum officer will enter a positive 
reasonable possibility of persecution or torture determination, as 
applicable. The Department of Homeland Security shall place the alien in 
asylum-and-withholding-only proceedings under 8 CFR 1208.2(c)(1) for 
full consideration of the alien's claim for withholding of removal under 
section 241(b)(3) of the Act or withholding or deferral of removal under 
the regulations issued pursuant to the implementing legislation for the 
Convention Against Torture.

                                * * * * *

    (iii) If the alien is found to be an alien described as ineligible 
for asylum in Sec.  208.13(c)(4), then the asylum officer shall enter a 
negative credible fear determination with respect to the alien's 
application for asylum. If the alien--
    (A) Establishes, respectively, a reasonable possibility of 
persecution (including by establishing that he or she is not subject to 
one or more of the mandatory bars to eligibility for withholding of 
removal contained in section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act) or torture; or
    (B) Would be able to establish a reasonable possibility of 
persecution but for the fact that he or she is subject to the mandatory 
bar to eligibility for withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act, but nevertheless establishes that it is 
more likely than not that he or she would be tortured in the prospective 
country of removal, the Department of Homeland Security may, in the 
unreviewable discretion of the Secretary, either place the alien in 
asylum-and-withholding-only proceedings under 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1) for full 
consideration of the alien's claim for asylum under section 208 of the 
Act, withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or 
withholding or deferral of removal under the regulations issued pursuant 
to the implementing legislation for the Convention Against Torture, or 
remove the alien to a third country.
    (1) If the Department places the alien in asylum-and-withholding-
only proceedings under 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1), then the immigration judge 
shall review all issues de novo, including whether the alien has 
established that it is more likely than not that he or she would be 
tortured in the prospective country of removal.
    (2) If the Department decides to remove the alien to a third 
country, it shall do so in a manner consistent with section 241 of the 
Act and Sec.  241.15, including by not removing the alien to a third 
country in which, after being notified of the identity of the 
prospective third country of removal the alien has established during an 
interview with an asylum officer that he or she is more likely than not 
to be tortured in that country. Further, such a removal to a third 
country shall be executed only if the alien was:
    (i) Advised at the time of being determined to be subject to the 
mandatory bar to eligibility for withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act and under the regulations issued pursuant to 
the legislation implementing the Convention Against Torture of the 
possibility of being removed to a third country prior to a determination 
or adjudication of the same under the conditions set forth in this 
paragraph, and
    (ii) Provided, but did not accept, an opportunity to proceed to 
removal pursuant to section 241(b) of the Act, as appropriate.
    (C) If an alien fails to establish a reasonable possibility of 
persecution or torture and is unable, during an interview with the 
asylum officer, to establish that it is more likely than not that he or 
she would be tortured in the prospective country of removal, then the 
asylum officer will provide the alien with a written notice of decision 
that will be subject to immigration judge review consistent with 
paragraph (g) of this section,
    (iv)(A) Except as provided in paragraphs (e)(5)(ii) and (iii) or 
paragraph (e)(6) or (7) of this section, if an alien would be able to 
establish a credible fear of persecution or a reasonable possibility of 
persecution but for the fact that the alien is subject to the mandatory 
bars to being eligible for asylum contained in section 208(b)(2)(A)(iv) 
of the Act and to withholding of removal contained in section 
241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act:
    (1) If the alien fails to establish, during an interview with the 
asylum officer, that it is more likely than not that he or she would be 
tortured in the prospective country of removal, then the asylum officer 
will provide the alien with a written notice of decision that will be 
subject to immigration judge review consistent with paragraph (g) of 
this section;
    (2) If the alien establishes that it is more likely than not that he 
or she would be tortured in the prospective country of removal, the 
Department of Homeland Security may, in the unreviewable discretion of 
the Secretary, either place the alien in asylum-and-withholding-only 
proceedings under 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1) for full consideration of the 
alien's

[[Page 200]]

claim for asylum under section 208 of the Act, withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or withholding or deferral of removal 
under the regulations issued pursuant to the implementing legislation 
for the Convention Against Torture, or remove the alien to a third 
country.
    (i) If the Department places the alien in asylum-and-withholding-
only proceedings under 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1), then the IJ shall review all 
issues de novo, including whether the alien has established that it is 
more likely than not that he or she would be tortured in the prospective 
country of removal.
    (ii) If the Department decides to remove the alien to a third 
country, it shall do so in a manner consistent with section 241 of the 
Act and Sec.  241.15, including by not removing the alien to a third 
country in which, after being notified of the identity of the proposed 
third country of removal, the alien has established that he or she would 
be more likely than not to be tortured. Further, such a removal shall be 
executed only if the alien was advised at the time of being determined 
to be subject to the mandatory bar to eligibility for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act and under the 
regulations issued pursuant to the legislation implementing the 
Convention Against Torture of the possibility of being removed to a 
third country prior to a determination or adjudication of the same under 
the conditions set forth in this paragraph (e)(5)(iv) and provided with, 
but did not accept, an opportunity to proceed to removal pursuant to 
section 241(b) of the Act, as appropriate.
    (f) Procedures for a positive fear determination. If, pursuant to 
paragraph (e) of this section, an alien stowaway or an alien subject to 
expedited removal establishes either a credible fear of persecution, 
reasonable possibility of persecution, a reasonable possibility of 
torture, or that it is more likely than not that they would be tortured 
in the prospective country of removal:
    (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (e)(5)(iii) through (iv) of 
this section, DHS shall issue a Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge 
for asylum-and-withholding-only proceedings under 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1).

                                * * * * *

    (g) * * *
    (1) If, pursuant to paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, an alien 
does not establish a credible fear of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of persecution, reasonable possibility of torture, or that 
he or she is more likely than not to be tortured in the prospective 
country of removal, DHS shall provide the alien with a written notice of 
decision and inquire whether the alien wishes to have an immigration 
judge review the negative determination, in accordance with section 
235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(III) of the Act and this Sec.  208.30. The alien must 
indicate whether he or she desires such review on a Record of Negative 
Fear Finding and Request for Review by Immigration Judge. If the alien 
refuses to make an indication, DHS shall consider such a response as a 
decision to decline review.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  208.31  Reasonable fear of persecution or torture determinations 
involving aliens ordered removed under section 238(b) of the Act and aliens 
whose removal is reinstated under section 241(a)(5) of the Act.

    (a) Jurisdiction. This section shall apply to any alien ordered 
removed under section 238(b) of the Act or whose deportation, exclusion, 
or removal order is reinstated under section 241(a)(5) of the Act who, 
in the course of the administrative removal or reinstatement process, 
expresses a fear of returning to the country of removal. USCIS has 
exclusive jurisdiction to make reasonable fear determinations, and EOIR 
has exclusive jurisdiction to review such determinations.
    (b) Initiation of reasonable fear determination process. Upon 
issuance of a Final Administrative Removal Order under Sec.  238.1 of 
this chapter, or notice under Sec.  241.8(b) of this chapter that an 
alien is subject to removal, an alien described in paragraph (a) of this 
section shall be referred to an asylum officer for a reasonable fear 
determination. In the absence of exceptional circumstances, this 
determination will be conducted within 10 days of the referral.
    (c) Interview and procedure. The asylum officer shall conduct the 
interview in a non-adversarial manner, separate and apart from the 
general public. At the time of the interview, the asylum officer shall 
determine that the alien has an understanding of the reasonable fear 
determination process. The alien may be represented by counsel or an 
accredited representative at the interview, at no expense to the 
Government, and may present evidence, if available, relevant to the 
possibility of persecution or torture. The alien's representative may 
present a statement at the end of the interview. The asylum officer, in 
his or her discretion, may place

[[Page 201]]

reasonable limits on the number of persons who may be present at the 
interview and the length of the statement. If the alien is unable to 
proceed effectively in English, and if the asylum officer is unable to 
proceed competently in a language chosen by the alien, the asylum 
officer shall arrange for the assistance of an interpreter in conducting 
the interview. The interpreter may not be a representative or employee 
of the applicant's country or nationality, or if the applicant is 
stateless, the applicant's country of last habitual residence. The 
asylum officer shall create a summary of the material facts as stated by 
the applicant. At the conclusion of the interview, the officer shall 
review the summary with the alien and provide the alien with an 
opportunity to correct errors therein. The asylum officer shall create a 
written record of his or her determination, including a summary of the 
material facts as stated by the applicant, any additional facts relied 
on by the officers, and the officer's determination of whether, in light 
of such facts, the alien has established a reasonable fear of 
persecution or torture. The alien shall be determined to have a 
reasonable fear of persecution or torture if the alien establishes a 
reasonable possibility that he or she would be persecuted on account of 
his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social group or political opinion, or a reasonable possibility that he 
or she would be tortured in the country of removal. For purposes of the 
screening determination, the bars to eligibility for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act shall not be considered.
    (d) Authority. Asylum officers conducting screening determinations 
under this section shall have the authority described in Sec.  208.9(c).
    (e) Referral to Immigration Judge. If an asylum officer determines 
that an alien described in this section has a reasonable fear of 
persecution or torture, the officer shall so inform the alien and issue 
a Form I-863, Notice of Referral to the Immigration Judge, for full 
consideration of the request for withholding of removal only. Such cases 
shall be adjudicated by the immigration judge in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  208.16. Appeal of the immigration judge's decision 
shall lie to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
    (f) Removal of aliens with no reasonable fear of persecution or 
torture. If the asylum officer determines that the alien has not 
established a reasonable fear of persecution or torture, the asylum 
officer shall inform the alien in writing of the decision and shall 
inquire whether the alien wishes to have an immigration judge review the 
negative decision, using the Record of Negative Reasonable Fear Finding 
and Request for Review by Immigration Judge, on which the alien must 
indicate whether he or she desires such review. If the alien refuses to 
make an indication, DHS shall consider such a response as a decision to 
decline review.
    (g) Review by immigration judge. The asylum officer's negative 
decision regarding reasonable fear shall be subject to review by an 
immigration judge upon the alien's request. If the alien requests such 
review, the asylum officer shall serve him or her with a Notice of 
Referral to Immigration Judge. The record of determination, including 
copies of the Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, the asylum 
officer's notes, the summary of the material facts, and other materials 
upon which the determination was based shall be provided to the 
immigration judge with the negative determination. In the absence of 
exceptional circumstances, such review shall be conducted by the 
immigration judge within 10 days of the filing of the Notice of Referral 
to Immigration Judge with the immigration court. Upon review of the 
asylum officer's negative reasonable fear determination:
    (1) If the immigration judge concurs with the asylum officer's 
determination that the alien does not have a reasonable fear of 
persecution or torture, the case shall be returned to DHS for removal of 
the alien. No appeal shall lie from the immigration judge's decision.
    (2) If the immigration judge finds that the alien has a reasonable 
fear of persecution or torture, the alien may submit an Application for 
Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
    (i) The immigration judge shall consider only the alien's 
application for

[[Page 202]]

withholding of removal under 8 CFR 1208.16 and shall determine whether 
the alien's removal to the country of removal must be withheld or 
deferred.
    (ii) Appeal of the immigration judge's decision whether removal must 
be withheld or deferred lies with the Board of Immigration Appeals. If 
the alien or DHS appeals the immigration judge's decision, the Board 
shall review only the immigration judge's decision regarding the alien's 
eligibility for withholding or deferral of removal under 8 CFR 1208.16.

[64 FR 8493, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 FR 13881, Mar. 23, 1999; 76 FR 53785, 
Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 80392, Dec. 11, 2020]



Subpart C_Lawful Pathways and Asylum Eligibility for Certain Aliens Who 
             Entered Between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025

    Source: 88 FR 31449, May 16, 2023, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  208.33  Lawful pathways condition on asylum eligibility.

    Notwithstanding any contrary section of this part, including 
Sec. Sec.  208.2, 208.13, and 208.30--
    (a) Condition on eligibility--(1) Applicability. A rebuttable 
presumption of ineligibility for asylum applies to an alien who enters 
the United States from Mexico at the southwest land border or adjacent 
coastal borders without documents sufficient for lawful admission as 
described in section 212(a)(7) of the Act and whose entry was:
    (i) Between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025,
    (ii) Subsequent to the end of implementation of the Title 42 public 
health Order issued on August 2, 2021, and related prior orders issued 
pursuant to the authorities in sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 265, 268) and the implementing regulation at 42 
CFR 71.40, and
    (iii) After the alien traveled through a country other than the 
alien's country of citizenship, nationality, or, if stateless, last 
habitual residence, that is a party to the 1951 United Nations 
Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or the 1967 Protocol 
relating to the Status of Refugees.
    (2) Exceptions to applicability of the rebuttable presumption. The 
rebuttable presumption described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
does not apply if:
    (i) The alien was, at the time of entry, an unaccompanied alien 
child as defined in 6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2); or
    (ii) The alien, or a member of the alien's family as described in 
Sec.  208.30(c) with whom the alien is traveling:
    (A) Was provided appropriate authorization to travel to the United 
States to seek parole, pursuant to a DHS-approved parole process;
    (B) Presented at a port of entry, pursuant to a pre-scheduled time 
and place, or presented at a port of entry without a pre-scheduled time 
and place, if the alien demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence 
that it was not possible to access or use the DHS scheduling system due 
to language barrier, illiteracy, significant technical failure, or other 
ongoing and serious obstacle; or
    (C) Sought asylum or other protection in a country through which the 
alien traveled and received a final decision denying that application. A 
final decision includes any denial by a foreign government of the 
applicant's claim for asylum or other protection through one or more of 
that government's pathways for that claim. A final decision does not 
include a determination by a foreign government that the alien abandoned 
the claim.
    (3) Rebuttal of the presumption. (i) An alien subject to the 
presumption described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section can rebut the 
presumption by demonstrating by a preponderance of the evidence that 
exceptionally compelling circumstances exist, including if the alien 
demonstrates that, at the time of entry, the alien or a member of the 
alien's family as described in Sec.  208.30(c) with whom the alien is 
traveling:
    (A) Faced an acute medical emergency;
    (B) Faced an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety, such as 
an imminent threat of rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder; or

[[Page 203]]

    (C) Satisfied the definition of ``victim of a severe form of 
trafficking in persons'' provided in Sec.  214.11(a) of this chapter.
    (ii) An alien who demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence 
any of the circumstances in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section shall 
necessarily rebut the presumption in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (b) Application in credible fear determinations--(1) Initial 
determination. The asylum officer shall first determine whether the 
alien is covered by the presumption in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
and, if so, whether the alien has rebutted the presumption in accordance 
with paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (i) If the alien is covered by the presumption in paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section and fails to rebut the presumption in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section, then the asylum officer shall enter a 
negative credible fear determination with respect to the alien's asylum 
claim and continue to consider the alien's claim under paragraph (b)(2) 
of this section.
    (ii) If the alien is not covered by the presumption in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section or has rebutted the presumption in accordance 
with paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the asylum officer shall follow 
the procedures in Sec.  208.30.
    (2) Additional procedures. (i) In cases in which the asylum officer 
enters a negative credible fear determination under paragraph (b)(1)(i) 
of this section, the asylum officer will assess whether the alien has 
established a reasonable possibility of persecution (meaning a 
reasonable possibility of being persecuted because of their race, 
religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or 
political opinion) or torture, with respect to the identified country or 
countries of removal identified pursuant to section 241(b) of the Act.
    (ii) In cases described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, if 
the alien establishes a reasonable possibility of persecution or torture 
with respect to the identified country or countries of removal, the 
Department will issue a Form I-862, Notice to Appear.
    (iii) In cases described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, if 
an alien fails to establish a reasonable possibility of persecution or 
torture with respect to the identified country or countries of removal, 
the asylum officer will provide the alien with a written notice of 
decision and inquire whether the alien wishes to have an immigration 
judge review the negative credible fear determinations.
    (iv) The alien must indicate whether he or she desires such review 
on a Record of Negative Fear Finding and Request for Review by 
Immigration Judge.
    (v) Only if the alien requests such review by so indicating on the 
Record of Negative Fear shall the asylum officer serve the alien with a 
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge. The record of determination, 
including copies of the Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, the 
asylum officer's notes, the summary of the material facts, and other 
materials upon which the determination was based shall be provided to 
the immigration judge with the negative determination. Immigration 
judges will evaluate the case as provided in 8 CFR 1208.33(b). The case 
shall then proceed as set forth in paragraphs (b)(2)(v)(A) through (C) 
of this section.
    (A) Where the immigration judge issues a positive credible fear 
determination under 8 CFR 1208.33(b)(2)(i), the case shall proceed under 
8 CFR 1208.30(g)(2)(iv)(B).
    (B) Where the immigration judge issues a positive credible fear 
determination under 8 CFR 1208.33(b)(2)(ii), DHS shall issue a Form I-
862, Notice to Appear, to commence removal proceedings under section 240 
of the Act.
    (C) Where the immigration judge issues a negative credible fear 
determination, the case shall be returned to DHS for removal of the 
alien. No appeal shall lie from the immigration judge's decision and no 
request for reconsideration may be submitted to USCIS. Nevertheless, 
USCIS may, in its sole discretion, reconsider a negative determination.
    (c) Continuing applicability of condition on eligibility. (1) 
Subject to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the condition on asylum 
eligibility in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall apply to any 
asylum application filed by an alien who entered the United States 
during

[[Page 204]]

the time and in the manner specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
and who is not covered by an exception in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, regardless of when the application is filed and adjudicated.
    (2) The conditions on asylum eligibility in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section shall not apply to an asylum application filed by an alien 
described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section if the asylum application 
is filed after May 11, 2025, the alien was under the age of 18 at the 
time of the entry referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, and 
the alien is applying for asylum as a principal applicant.
    (d) Severability. The Department intends that any provision of this 
section held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied 
to any person or circumstance, should be construed so as to continue to 
give the maximum effect to the provision permitted by law, unless such 
holding is that the provision is wholly invalid and unenforceable, in 
which event the provision should be severed from the remainder of this 
section and the holding should not affect the remainder of this section 
or the application of the provision to persons not similarly situated or 
to dissimilar circumstances.



PART 209_ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF REFUGEES AND ALIENS GRANTED ASYLUM--
Table of Contents



Sec.
209.1 Adjustment of status of refugees.
209.2 Adjustment of status of alien granted asylum.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1157, 1158, 1159, 1228, 1252, 1282; 
Title VII of Pub. L. 110-229; 8 CFR part 2; Pub. L. 115-218.

    Source: 46 FR 45119, Sept. 10, 1981, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  209.1  Adjustment of status of refugees.

    The provisions of this section shall provide the sole and exclusive 
procedure for adjustment of status by a refugee admitted under section 
207 of the Act whose application is based on his or her refugee status.
    (a) Eligibility. (1) Every alien in the United States who is 
classified as a refugee under 8 CFR part 207, whose status has not been 
terminated, is required to apply to USCIS one year after entry in order 
for USCIS to determine his or her admissibility under section 212 of the 
Act, without regard to paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of section 212(a) 
of the Act.
    (2) Every alien processed by the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service abroad and paroled into the United States as a refugee after 
April 1, 1980, and before May 18, 1980, shall be considered as having 
entered the United States as a refugee under section 207(a) of the Act.
    (b) Application. Upon admission to the United States, every refugee 
entrant will be notified of the requirement to submit an application for 
permanent residence one year after entry. An application for the 
benefits of section 209(a) of the Act must be submitted along with the 
biometrics required by 8 CFR 103.16 and in accordance with the 
applicable form instructions.
    (c) Medical examination. A refugee seeking adjustment of status 
under section 209(a) of the Act is not required to repeat the medical 
examination performed under Sec.  207.2(c), unless there were medical 
grounds of inadmissibility applicable at the time of admission. The 
refugee is, however, required to establish compliance with the 
vaccination requirements described under section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the 
Act.
    (d) Interview. USCIS will determine, on a case-by-case basis, 
whether an interview by an immigration officer is necessary to determine 
the applicant's admissibility for permanent resident status under this 
part.
    (e) Decision. USCIS will notify the applicant in writing of the 
decision on his or her application. There is no appeal of a denial, but 
USCIS will notify an applicant of the right to renew the request for 
permanent residence in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act. 
If the applicant is found to be admissible for permanent residence under 
section 209(a) of the Act, USCIS will approve the application, admit the 
applicant for lawful permanent residence as of the date of the alien's 
arrival in the United States, and issue proof of such status.

[[Page 205]]

    (f) Inadmissible Alien. An applicant who is inadmissible to the 
United States as described in 8 CFR 209.1(a)(1), may, under section 
209(c) of the Act, have the grounds of inadmissibility waived by USCIS 
except for those grounds under sections 212(a)(2)(C) and 212(a)(3)(A), 
(B), (C), or (E) of the Act for humanitarian purposes, to ensure family 
unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest. An application 
for the waiver may be requested with the application for adjustment, in 
accordance with the form instructions.

[63 FR 30109, June 3, 1998, as amended at 76 FR 53785, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  209.2  Adjustment of status of alien granted asylum.

    The provisions of this section shall be the sole and exclusive 
procedure for adjustment of status by an asylee admitted under section 
208 of the Act whose application is based on his or her asylee status.
    (a) Eligibility. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) or 
(a)(3) of this section, the status of any alien who has been granted 
asylum in the United States may be adjusted by USCIS to that of an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence, provided the alien:
    (i) Applies for such adjustment;
    (ii) Has been physically present in the United States for at least 
one year after having been granted asylum;
    (iii) Continues to be a refugee within the meaning of section 
101(a)(42) of the Act, or is the spouse or child of a refugee;
    (iv) Has not been firmly resettled in any foreign country; and
    (v) Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant under the Act 
at the time of examination for adjustment without regard to paragraphs 
(4), (5)(A), (5)(B), and (7)(A)(i) of section 212(a) of the Act, and 
(vi) has a refugee number available under section 207(a) of the Act.
    (2) An alien, who was granted asylum in the United States prior to 
November 29, 1990 (regardless of whether or not such asylum has been 
terminated under section 208(b) of the Act), and is no longer a refugee 
due to a change in circumstances in the foreign state where he or she 
feared persecution, may also have his or her status adjusted by USCIS to 
that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence even if he or 
she is no longer able to demonstrate that he or she continues to be a 
refugee within the meaning of section 10l(a)(42) of the Act, or to be a 
spouse or child of such a refugee or to have been physically present in 
the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum, so 
long as he or she is able to meet the requirements noted in paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i), (iv), and (v) of this section.
    (3) No alien arriving in or physically present in the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands may apply to adjust status under section 
209(b) of the Act in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
prior to January 1, 2030.
    (b) Inadmissible alien. An applicant who is not admissible to the 
United States as described in 8 CFR 209.2(a)(1)(v), may, under section 
209(c) of the Act, have the grounds of inadmissibility waived by USCIS 
except for those grounds under sections 212(a)(2)(C) and 212(a)(3)(A), 
(B), (C), or (E) of the Act for humanitarian purposes, to ensure family 
unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest. An application 
for the waiver may be requested with the application for adjustment, in 
accordance with the form instructions. An applicant for adjustment under 
this part who has had the status of an exchange alien nonimmigrant under 
section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, and who is subject to the foreign 
resident requirement of section 212(e) of the Act, shall be eligible for 
adjustment without regard to the foreign residence requirement if 
otherwise eligible for adjustment.
    (c) Application. An application for the benefits of section 209(b) 
of the Act may be filed in accordance with the form instructions. If an 
alien has been placed in removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings, 
the application can be filed and considered only in proceedings under 
section 240 of the Act.
    (d) Medical examination. For an alien seeking adjustment of status 
under section 209(b) of the Act, the alien shall submit a medical 
examination to determine whether any grounds of inadmissibility 
described under section

[[Page 206]]

212(a)(1)(A) of the Act apply. The asylee is also required to establish 
compliance with the vaccination requirements described under section 
212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act.
    (e) Interview. USCIS will determine, on a case-by-case basis, 
whether an interview by an immigration officer is necessary to determine 
the applicant's admissibility for permanent resident status under this 
part.
    (f) Decision. USCIS will notify the applicant in writing of the 
decision on his or her application. There is no appeal of a denial, but 
USCIS will notify an applicant of the right to renew the request in 
removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act. If the application is 
approved, USCIS will record the alien's admission for lawful permanent 
residence as of the date one year before the date of the approval of the 
application, but not earlier than the date of the approval for asylum in 
the case of an applicant approved under paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section.

[46 FR 45119, Sept. 10, 1981, as amended at 56 FR 26898, June 12, 1991; 
57 FR 42883, Sept. 17, 1992; 63 FR 30109, June 3, 1998; 74 FR 55737, 
Oct. 28, 2009; 76 FR 53785, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 29310, May 14, 2020]



PART 210_SPECIAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS--Table of Contents



Sec.
210.1 Definition of terms used in this part.
210.2 Application for temporary resident status.
210.3 Eligibility.
210.4 Status and benefits.
210.5 Adjustment to permanent resident status.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1160, 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 53 FR 10064, Mar. 29, 1988, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  210.1  Definition of terms used in this part.

    (a) Act. The Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the 
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
    (b) ADIT. Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications 
card, Form I-89. Used to collect key data concerning an alien. When 
processed together with an alien's photographs, fingerprints and 
signature, this form becomes the source document for generation of Form 
I-551, Permanent Resident Card.
    (c) Application period. The 18-month period during which an 
application for adjustment of status to that of a temporary resident may 
be accepted, begins on June 1, 1987, and ends on November 30, 1988.
    (d) Complete application. A complete application consists of an 
executed Form I-700, Application for Temporary Resident Status as a 
Special Agricultural Worker, evidence of qualifying agricultural 
employment and residence, a report of medical examination, and the 
prescribed number of photographs. An application is not complete until 
the required fee has been paid and recorded.
    (e) Determination process. Determination process as used in this 
part means reviewing and evaluating all information provided pursuant to 
an application for the benefit sought and making a determination 
thereon. If fraud, willful misrepresentation of a material fact, a false 
writing or document, or any other activity prohibited by section 
210(b)(7) of the Act is discovered during the determination process the 
Service shall refer the case to a U.S. Attorney for possible 
prosecution.
    (f) Family unity. The term family unity as used in section 
210(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Act means maintaining the family group without 
deviation or change. The family group shall include the spouse, 
unmarried minor children who are not members of some other household, 
and parents who reside regularly in the household of the family group.
    (g) Group 1. Special agricultural workers who have performed 
qualifying agricultural employment in the United States for at least 90 
man-days in the aggregate in each of the twelve-month periods ending on 
May 1, 1984, 1985, and 1986, and who have resided in the United States 
for six months in the aggregate in each of those twelve-month periods.
    (h) Group 2. Special agricultural workers who during the twelve-
month period ending on May 1, 1986 have performed at least 90 man-days 
in the aggregate of qualifying agricultural employment in the United 
States.

[[Page 207]]

    (i) Legalization Office. Legalization offices are local offices of 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service which accept and process 
applications for legalization or special agricultural worker status, 
under the authority of the district directors in whose districts such 
offices are located.
    (j) Man-day. The term man-day means the performance during any day 
of not less than one hour of qualifying agricultural employment for 
wages paid. If employment records relating to an alien applicant show 
only piece rate units completed, then any day in which piece rate work 
was performed shall be counted as a man-day. Work for more than one 
employer in a single day shall be counted as no more than one man-day 
for the purposes of this part.
    (k) Nonfrivolous application. A complete application will be 
determined to be nonfrivolous at the time the applicant appears for an 
interview at a legalization or overseas processing office if it 
contains:
    (1) Evidence or information which shows on its face that the 
applicant is admissible to the United States or, if inadmissible, that 
the applicable grounds of excludability may be waived under the 
provisions of section 210(c)(2)(i) of the Act,
    (2) Evidence or information which shows on its face that the 
applicant performed at least 90 man-days of qualifying employment in 
seasonal agricultural services during the twelve-month period from May 
1, 1985 through May 1, 1986, and
    (3) Documentation which establishes a reasonable inference of the 
performance of the seasonal agricultural services claimed by the 
applicant.
    (l) Overseas processing office. Overseas processing offices are 
offices outside the United States at which applications for adjustment 
to temporary resident status as a special agricultural worker are 
received, processed, referred to the Service for adjudication or denied. 
The Secretary of State has designated for this purpose the United States 
Embassy at Mexico City, and in all other countries the immigrant visa 
issuing of office at which the alien, if an applicant for an immigrant 
visa, would make such application. Consular officers assigned to such 
offices are authorized to recommend approval of an application for 
special agricultural worker status to the Service if the alien 
establishes eligibility for approval and to deny such an application if 
the alien fails to establish eligibility for approval or is found to 
have committed fraud or misrepresented facts in the application process.
    (m) Preliminary application. A preliminary application is defined as 
a fully completed and signed application with fee and photographs which 
contains specific information concerning the performance of qualifying 
employment in the United States, and identifies documentary evidence 
which the applicant intends to submit as proof of such employment. The 
applicant must be otherwise admissible to the United States and must 
establish to the satisfaction of the examining officer during an 
interview that his or her claim to eligibility for special agriculture 
worker status is credible.
    (n) Public cash assistance. Public cash assistance means income or 
needs-based monetary assistance. This includes but is not limited to 
supplemental security income received by the alien or his immediate 
family members through federal, state, or local programs designed to 
meet subsistence levels. It does not include assistance in kind, such as 
food stamps, public housing, or other non-cash benefits, nor does it 
include work-related compensation or certain types of medical assistance 
(Medicare, Medicaid, emergency treatment, services to pregnant women or 
children under 18 years of age, or treatment in the interest of public 
health).
    (o) Qualified designated entity. A qualified designated entity is 
any state, local, church, community, or voluntary agency, farm labor 
organization, association of agricultural employers or individual 
designated by the Service to assist aliens in the preparation of 
applications for Legalization and/or Special Agricultural Worker status.
    (p) Qualifying agricultural employment. Qualifying agricultural 
employment means the performance of ``seasonal agricultural services'' 
described at section 210(h) of the Act as that term is

[[Page 208]]

defined in regulations by the Secretary of Agriculture at 7 CFR part 1d.
    (q) Regional processing facility. Regional Processing Facilities are 
Service offices established in each of the four Service regions to 
adjudicate, under the authority of the Directors of the Regional 
Processing Facilities, applications for adjustment of status under 
sections 210 and 245a of the Act.
    (r) Service. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
    (s) Special agricultural worker. Any individual granted temporary 
resident status in the Group 1 or Group 2 classification or permanent 
resident status under section 210(a) of the Act.

[53 FR 10064, Mar. 29, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 50339, Dec. 6, 1989; 63 
FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998]



Sec.  210.2  Application for temporary resident status.

    (a)(1) Application for temporary resident status. An alien 
agricultural worker who believes that he or she is eligible for 
adjustment of status under the provisions of Sec.  210.3 of this part 
may file an application for such adjustment at a qualified designated 
entity, at a legalization office, or at an overseas processing office 
outside the United States. Such application must be filed within the 
application period.
    (2) Application for Group 1 status. An alien who believes that he or 
she qualifies for Group 1 status as defined in Sec.  210.1(f) of this 
part and who desires to apply for that classification must so endorse 
his or her application at the time of filing. Applications not so 
endorsed will be regarded as applications for Group 2 status as defined 
in Sec.  210.1(g) of this part.
    (3) Numerical limitations. The numerical limitations of sections 201 
and 202 of the Act do not apply to the adjustment of aliens to lawful 
temporary or permanent resident status under section 210 of the Act. No 
more than 350,000 aliens may be granted temporary resident status in the 
Group 1 classification. If more than 350,000 aliens are determined to be 
eligible for Group 1 classification, the first 350,000 applicants (in 
chronological order by date the application is filed at a legalization 
or overseas processing office) whose applications are approved for Group 
1 status shall be accorded that classification. Aliens admitted to the 
United States under the transitional admission standard placed in effect 
between July 1, 1987, and November 1, 1987, and under the preliminary 
application standard at Sec.  210.2(c)(4) who claim eligibility for 
Group 1 classification shall be registered as applicants for that 
classification on the date of submission to a legalization office of a 
complete application as defined in Sec.  210.1(c) of this part. Other 
applicants who may be eligible for Group 1 classification shall be 
classified as Group 2 aliens. There is no limitation on the number of 
aliens whose resident status may be adjusted from temporary to permanent 
in Group 2 classification.
    (b) Filing date of application--(1) General. The date the alien 
submits an application to a qualified designated entity, legalization 
office or overseas processing office shall be considered the filing date 
of the application, provided that in the case of an application filed at 
a qualified designated entity the alien has consented to have the entity 
forward the application to a legalization office. Qualified designated 
entities are required to forward completed applications to the 
appropriate legalization office within 60 days after the applicant gives 
consent for such forwarding.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Filing of application--(1) General. The application must be 
filed on Form I-700 at a qualified designated entity, at a legalization 
office, at a designated port of entry, or at an overseas processing 
office within the eighteen-month period beginning on June 1, 1987 and 
ending on November 30, 1988.
    (2) Applications in the United States. (i) The application must be 
filed on Form I-700 with the required fee and, if the applicant is 14 
years or older, the application must be accompanied by a completed Form 
FD-258 (Fingerprint Card).
    (ii) All fees for applications filed in the United States, other 
than those within the provisions of Sec.  210.2(c)(4), must be submitted 
in the exact amount in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or 
bank check made payable to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. 
No personal checks or currency will be accepted. Fees will not be

[[Page 209]]

waived or refunded under any circumstances.
    (iii) In the case of an application filed at a legalization office, 
including an application received from a qualified designated entity, 
the district director may, at his or her discretion, require filing 
either by mail or in person, or may permit filing in either manner.
    (iv) Each applicant, regardless of age, must appear at the 
appropriate Service legalization office and must be fingerprinted for 
the purpose of issuance of Form I-688A. Each applicant shall be 
interviewed by an immigration officer, except that the interview may be 
waived when it is impractical because of the health of the applicant.
    (3) Filing at overseas processing offices. (i) The application must 
be filed on Form I-700 and must include a completed State Department 
Form OF-179 (Biographic Data for Visa Purposes).
    (ii) Every applicant must appear at the appropriate overseas 
processing office to be interviewed by a consular officer. The overseas 
processing office will inform each applicant of the date and time of the 
interview. At the time of the interview every applicant shall submit the 
required fee.
    (iii) All fees for applications submitted to an overseas processing 
office shall be submitted in United States currency, or in the currency 
of the country in which the overseas processing office is located. Fees 
will not be waived or refunded under any circumstances.
    (iv) An applicant at an overseas processing office whose application 
is recommended for approval shall be provided with an entry document 
attached to the applicant's file. Upon admission to the United States, 
the applicant shall proceed to a legalization office for presentation or 
completion of Form FD-258 (Fingerprint Card), presentation of the 
applicant's file and issuance of the employment authorization Form I-
688A.
    (4) Border processing. The Commissioner will designate specific 
ports of entry located on the southern land border to accept and process 
applications under this part. Ports of entry so designated will process 
preliminary applications as defined at Sec.  210.1(l) under the 
authority of the district directors in whose districts they are located. 
The ports of entry at Calexico, California, Otay Mesa, California, and 
Laredo, Texas have been designated to conduct preliminary application 
processing. Designated ports of entry may be closed or added at the 
discretion of the Commissioner.
    (i) Admission standard. The applicant must present a fully completed 
and signed Form I-700, Application for Temporary Resident Status with 
the required fee and photographs at a designated port of entry. The 
application must contain specific information concerning the performance 
of qualifying employment in the United States and identify documentary 
evidence which the applicant intends to submit as proof of such 
employment. The applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the 
examining officer during an interview that his or her claim to 
eligibility for special agricultural worker classification is credible, 
and that he or she is otherwise admissible to the United States under 
the provisions of Sec.  210.3(e) of this part including, if required, 
approval of an application for waiver of grounds of excludability.
    (ii) Procedures. The fee for any application under this paragraph 
including applications for waivers of grounds of excludability, must be 
submitted in United States currency. Application fees shall not be 
collected until the examining immigration officer has determined that 
the applicant has presented a preliminary application and is admissible 
to the United States including, if required, approval of an application 
for waiver of grounds of excludability as provided in this paragraph. 
Applicants at designated ports of entry must present proof of identity 
in the form of a valid passport, a ``cartilla'' (Mexican military 
service registration booklet), a Form 13 (``Forma trece''--Mexican lieu 
passport identity document), or a certified copy of a birth certificate 
accompanied by additional evidence of identity bearing a photograph and/
or fingerprint of the applicant. Upon a determination by an immigration 
officer at a designated port of entry that an applicant has presented a 
preliminary

[[Page 210]]

application, the applicant shall be admitted to the United States as an 
applicant for special agricultural worker status. All preliminary 
applicants shall be considered as prospective applicants for the Group 2 
classification. However, such applicants may later submit a complete 
application for either the Group 1 or Group 2 classification to a 
legalization office. Preliminary applicants are not required to pay the 
application fee a second time when submitting the complete application 
to a legalization office.
    (iii) Conditions of admission. Aliens who present a preliminary 
application shall be admitted to the United States for a period of 
ninety (90) days with authorization to accept employment, if they are 
determined by an immigration officer to be admissible to the United 
States. Such aliens are required, within that ninety-day period, to 
submit evidence of eligibility which meets the provisions of Sec.  210.3 
of this part; to complete Form FD-258 (Fingerprint Card); to obtain a 
report of medical examination in accordance with Sec.  210.2(d) of this 
part; and to submit to a legalization office a complete application as 
defined at Sec.  210.1(c) of this part. The INS may, for good cause, 
extend the ninety-day period and grant further authorization to accept 
employment in the United States if an alien demonstrates he or she was 
unable to perfect an application within the initial period. If an alien 
described in this paragraph fails to submit a complete application to a 
legalization office within ninety days or within such additional period 
as may have been authorized, his or her application may be denied for 
lack of prosecution, without prejudice.
    (iv) Deportation is not stayed for an alien subject to deportation 
and removal under the INA, notwithstanding a claim to eligibility for 
SAW status, unless that alien has filed a nonfrivolous application.
    (d) Medical examination. An applicant under this part must be 
examined at no expense to the government by a designated civil surgeon 
or, in the case of an applicant abroad, by a physician or clinic 
designated to perform medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants. 
The medical report setting forth the findings concerning the mental and 
physical condition of the applicant shall be incorporated into the 
record. Any applicant certified under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or 
(5) of section 212(a) of the Act may appeal to a Board of Medical 
Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service as provided in section 234 of 
the Act and part 235 of this chapter.
    (e) Limitation on access to information and confidentiality. (1) 
Except for consular officials engaged in the processing of applications 
overseas and employees of a qualified designated entity where an 
application is filed with that entity, no person other than a sworn 
officer or employee of the Department of Justice or bureau or agency 
thereof, or contract personnel employed by the Service to work in 
connection with the legalization program, will be permitted to examine 
individual applications.
    (2) Files and records prepared by qualified designated entities 
under this section are confidential. The Attorney General and the 
Service shall not have access to these files and records without the 
consent of the alien.
    (3) All information furnished pursuant to an application for 
temporary resident status under this part including documentary evidence 
filed with the application shall be used only in the determination 
process, including a determination under Sec.  210.4(d) of this part, or 
to enforce the provisions of section 210(b)(7) of the Act, relating to 
prosecutions for fraud and false statements made in connection with 
applications, as provided in paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
    (4) If a determination is made by the Service that the alien has, in 
connection with his or her application, engaged in fraud or willful 
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, knowingly provided 
a false writing or document in making his or her application, knowingly 
made a false statement or representation, or engaged in any other 
activity prohibited by section 210(b)(7) of the Act, the Service shall 
refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for prosecution of the alien or 
any person who created or supplied a false writing or document for use 
in an application for adjustment of status under this part.

[[Page 211]]

    (f) Decision. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the 
decision and, if the application is denied, of the reason(s) therefor. 
An adverse decision under this part including an overseas application 
may be appealed to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations 
(Administrative Appeals Unit) on Form I-694. The appeal with the 
required fee shall be filed with the Regional Processing Facility in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  103.3(a)(2) of this chapter. An 
applicant for Group 1 status as defined in Sec.  210.1(f) of this part 
who is determined to be ineligible for that status may be classified as 
a temporary resident under Group 2 as defined in Sec.  210.1(g) of this 
part if otherwise eligible for Group 2 status. In such a case the 
applicant shall be notified of the decision to accord him or her Group 2 
status and to deny Group 1 status. He or she is entitled to file an 
appeal in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  103.3(a)(2) of this 
chapter from that portion of the decision denying Group 1 status. In the 
case of an applicant who is represented in the application process in 
accordance with 8 CFR part 292, the applicant's representative shall 
also receive notification of decision specified in this section.
    (g) Motions. In accordance with the provisions of Sec.  103.5(b) of 
this chapter, the director of a regional processing facility or a 
consular officer at an overseas processing office may sua sponte reopen 
any proceeding under this part under his or her jurisdiction and reverse 
any adverse decision in such proceeding when appeal is taken under Sec.  
103.3(a)(2) of this part from such adverse decision; the Associate 
Commissioner, Examinations, and the Chief of the Administrative Appeals 
Unit may sua sponte reopen any proceeding conducted by that unit under 
this part and reconsider any decision rendered in such proceeding. The 
decision must be served on the appealing party within forty-five (45) 
days of receipt of any briefs and/or new evidence, or upon expiration of 
the time allowed for the submission of any briefs. Motions to reopen a 
proceeding or reconsider a decision shall not be considered under this 
part.
    (h) Certifications. The regional processing facility director may, 
in accordance with Sec.  103.4 of this chapter, certify a decision to 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations when the case involves an 
unusually complex or novel question of law or fact. A consular officer 
assigned to an overseas processing office is authorized to certify a 
decision in the same manner and upon the same basis.

[53 FR 10064, Mar. 29, 1988, as amended at 55 FR 12629, Apr. 5, 1990; 60 
FR 21975, May 4, 1995]



Sec.  210.3  Eligibility.

    (a) General. An alien who, during the twelve-month period ending on 
May 1, 1986, has engaged in qualifying agricultural employment in the 
United States for at least 90 man-days is eligible for status as an 
alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence if otherwise admissible 
under the provisions of section 210(c) of the Act and if he or she is 
not ineligible under the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section.
    (b) Proof of eligibility--(1) Burden of proof. An alien applying for 
adjustment of status under this part has the burden of proving by a 
preponderance of the evidence that he or she has worked the requisite 
number of man-days, is admissible to the United States under the 
provisions of section 210(c) of the Act, is otherwise eligible for 
adjustment of status under this section and in the case of a Group 1 
applicant, has resided in the United States for the requisite periods. 
If the applicant cannot provide documentation which shows qualifying 
employment for each of the requisite man-days, or in the case of a Group 
1 applicant, which meets the residence requirement, the applicant may 
meet his or her burden of proof by providing documentation sufficient to 
establish the requisite employment or residence as a matter of just and 
reasonable inference. The inference to be drawn from the documentation 
provided shall depend on the extent of the documentation, its 
credibility and amenability to verification as set forth in paragraphs 
(b)(2) and (3) of this section. If an applicant establishes that he or 
she has in fact performed the requisite qualifying agricultural 
employment by producing sufficient evidence to show the extent of that 
employment as a matter of just

[[Page 212]]

and reasonable inference, the burden then shifts to the Service to 
disprove the applicant's evidence by showing that the inference drawn 
from the evidence is not reasonable.
    (2) Evidence. The sufficiency of all evidence produced by the 
applicant will be judged according to its probative value and 
credibility. Original documents will be given greater weight than 
copies. To meet his or her burden of proof, an applicant must provide 
evidence of eligibility apart from his or her own testimony. Analysis of 
evidence submitted will include consideration of the fact that work 
performed by minors and spouses is sometimes credited to a principal 
member of a family.
    (3) Verification. Personal testimony by an applicant which is not 
corroborated, in whole or in part, by other credible evidence (including 
testimony of persons other than the applicant) will not serve to meet an 
applicant's burden of proof. All evidence of identity, qualifying 
employment, admissibility, and eligibility submitted by an applicant for 
adjustment of status under this part will be subject to verification by 
the Service. Failure by an applicant to release information protected by 
the Privacy Act or related laws when such information is essential to 
the proper adjudication of an application may result in denial of the 
benefit sought. The Service may solicit from agricultural producers, 
farm labor contractors, collective bargaining organizations and other 
groups or organizations which maintain records of employment, lists of 
workers against which evidence of qualifying employment can be checked. 
If such corroborating evidence is not available and the evidence 
provided is deemed insufficient, the application may be denied.
    (4) Securing SAW employment records. When a SAW applicant alleges 
that an employer or farm labor contractor refuses to provide him or her 
with records relating to his or her employment and the applicant has 
reason to believe such records exist, the Service shall attempt to 
secure such records. However, prior to any attempt by the Service to 
secure the employment records, the following conditions must be met: a 
SAW application (Form I-700) must have been filed; an interview must 
have been conducted; the applicant's testimony must support credibly his 
or her claim; and, the Service must determine that the application 
cannot be approved in the absence of the employer or farm labor 
contractor records. Provided each of these conditions has been met, and 
after unsuccessful attempts by the Service for voluntary compliance, the 
District Directors shall utilize section 235 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act and issue a subpoena in accordance with 8 CFR 287.4, in 
such cases where the employer or farm labor contractor refuses to 
release the needed employment records.
    (c) Documents. A complete application for adjustment of status must 
be accompanied by proof of identity, evidence of qualifying employment, 
evidence of residence and such evidence of admissibility or eligibility 
as may be requested by the examining immigration officer in accordance 
with requirements specified in this part. At the time of filing, 
certified copies of documents may be submitted in lieu of originals. 
However, at the time of the interview, wherever possible, the original 
documents must be presented except for the following: Official 
government records; employment or employment related records maintained 
by employers, unions, or collective bargaining organizations; medical 
records; school records maintained by a school or school board; or other 
records maintained by a party other than the applicant. Copies of 
records maintained by parties other than the applicant which are 
submitted in evidence must be certified as true and correct by such 
parties and must bear their seal or signature or the signature and title 
of persons authorized to act in their behalf. If at the time of the 
interview the return of original documents is desired by the applicant, 
they must be accompanied by notarized copies or copies certified true 
and correct by a qualified designated entity or by the alien's 
representative in the format prescribed in Sec.  204.2(j)(1) or (2) of 
this chapter. At the discretion of the district director or consular 
officer, original documents,

[[Page 213]]

even if accompanied by certified copies, may be temporarily retained for 
further examination.
    (1) Proof of identity. Evidence to establish identity is listed 
below in descending order of preference:
    (i) Passport;
    (ii) Birth certificate;
    (iii) Any national identity document from a foreign country bearing 
a photo and/or fingerprint (e.g., ``cedula'', ``cartilla'', ``carte 
d'identite,'' etc.);
    (iv) Driver's license or similar document issued by a state if it 
contains a photo;
    (v) Baptismal record or marriage certificate;
    (vi) Affidavits, or
    (vii) Such other documentation which may establish the identity of 
the applicant.
    (2) Assumed names--(i) General. In cases where an applicant claims 
to have met any of the eligibility criteria under an assumed name, the 
applicant has the burden of proving that the applicant was in fact the 
person who used that name.
    (ii) Proof of common identity. The most persuasive evidence is a 
document issued in the assumed name which identifies the applicant by 
photograph, fingerprint or detailed physical description. Other evidence 
which will be considered are affidavit(s) by a person or persons other 
than the applicant, made under oath, which identify the affiant by name 
and address and state the affiant's relationship to the applicant and 
the basis of the affiant's knowledge of the applicant's use of the 
assumed name. Affidavits accompanied by a photograph which has been 
identified by the affiant as the individual known to the affiant under 
the assumed name in question will carry greater weight. Other documents 
showing the assumed name may serve to establish the common identity when 
substantiated by corroborating detail.
    (3) Proof of employment. The applicant may establish qualifying 
employment through government employment records, or records maintained 
by agricultural producers, farm labor contractors, collective bargaining 
organizations and other groups or organizations which maintain records 
of employment, or such other evidence as worker identification issued by 
employers or collective bargaining organizations, union membership cards 
or other union records such as dues receipts or records of the 
applicant's involvement or that of his or her immediate family with 
organizations providing services to farmworkers, or work records such as 
pay stubs, piece work receipts, W-2 Forms or certification of the filing 
of Federal income tax returns on IRS Form 6166, or state verification of 
the filing of state income tax returns. Affidavits may be submitted 
under oath, by agricultural producers, foremen, farm labor contractors, 
union officials, fellow employees, or other persons with specific 
knowledge of the applicant's employment. The affiant must be identified 
by name and address; the name of the applicant and the relationship of 
the affiant to the applicant must be stated; and the source of the 
information in the affidavit (e.g. personal knowledge, reliance on 
information provided by others, etc.) must be indicated. The affidavit 
must also provide information regarding the crop and the type of work 
performed by the applicant and the period during which such work was 
performed. The affiant must provide a certified copy of corroborating 
records or state the affiant's willingness to personally verify the 
information provided. The weight and probative value of any affidavit 
accepted will be determined on the basis of the substance of the 
affidavit and any documents which may be affixed thereto which may 
corroborate the information provided.
    (4) Proof of residence. Evidence to establish residence in the 
United States during the requisite period(s) includes: Employment 
records as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section; utility bills 
(gas, electric, phone, etc.), receipts, or letters from companies 
showing the dates during which the applicant received service; school 
records (letters, report cards, etc.) from the schools that the 
applicant or his or her children have attended in the United States 
showing the name of school, name and, if available, address of student, 
and periods of attendance, and hospital or medical records showing 
similar information; attestations by churches, unions, or other 
organizations to the applicant's residence by

[[Page 214]]

letter which: Identify applicant by name, are signed by an official 
(whose title is shown), show inclusive dates of membership, state the 
address where applicant resided during the membership period, include 
the seal of the organization impressed on the letter, establish how the 
author knows the applicant, and the origin of the information; and 
additional documents that could show that the applicant was in the 
United States at a specific time, such as: Money order receipts for 
money sent out of the country; passport entries; birth certificates of 
children born in the United States; bank books with dated transactions; 
letters of correspondence between the applicant and another person or 
organization; Social Security card; Selective Service card; automobile 
license receipts, title, vehicle registration, etc.; deeds, mortgages, 
contracts to which applicant has been a party; tax receipts; insurance 
policies, receipts, or letters; and any other document that will show 
that applicant was in the United States at a specific time. For Group 2 
eligibility, evidence of performance of the required 90 man-days of 
seasonal agricultural services shall constitute evidence of qualifying 
residence.
    (5) Proof of financial responsibility. Generally, the evidence of 
employment submitted under paragraph (c)(3) of this section will serve 
to demonstrate the alien's financial responsibility. If it appears that 
the applicant may be inadmissible under section 212(a)(15) of the Act, 
he or she may be required to submit documentation showing a history of 
employment without reliance on public cash assistance for all periods of 
residence in the United States.
    (d) Ineligible classes. The following classes of aliens are 
ineligible for temporary residence under this part:
    (1) An alien who at any time was a nonimmigrant exchange visitor 
under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act who is subject to the two-year 
foreign residence requirement unless the alien has complied with that 
requirement or the requirement has been waived pursuant to the 
provisions of section 212(e) of the Act;
    (2) An alien excludable under the provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act whose grounds of excludability may not be waived, pursuant to 
section 210(c)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act;
    (3) An alien who has been convicted of a felony, or three or more 
misdemeanors.
    (e) Exclusion grounds--(1) Grounds of exclusion not to be applied. 
Sections (14), (20), (21), (25), and (32) of section 212(a) of the Act 
shall not apply to applicants applying for temporary resident status.
    (2) Waiver of grounds for exclusion. Except as provided in paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section, the Service may waive any other provision of 
section 212(a) of the Act only in the case of individual aliens for 
humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when the granting of 
such a waiver is in the public interest. If an alien is excludable on 
grounds which may be waived as set forth in this paragraph, he or she 
shall be advised of the procedures for applying for a waiver of grounds 
of excludability on Form I-690. When an application for waiver of 
grounds of excludability is submitted in conjunction with an application 
for temporary residence under this section, it shall be accepted for 
processing at the legalization office, overseas processing office, or 
designated port of entry. If an application for waiver of grounds of 
excludability is submitted after the alien's preliminary interview at 
the legalization office it shall be forwarded to the appropriate 
regional processing facility. All applications for waivers of grounds of 
excludability must be accompanied by the correct fee in the exact 
amount. All fees for applications filed in the United States other than 
those within the provisions of Sec.  210.2(c)(4) must be in the form of 
a money order, cashier's check, or bank check. No personal checks or 
currency will be accepted. Fees for waiver applications filed at the 
designated port of entry under the preliminary application standard must 
be submitted in United States currency. Fees will not be waived or 
refunded under any circumstances. Generally, an application for waiver 
of grounds of excludability under this part submitted at a legalization 
office or overseas processing office will be approved or denied by the 
director of the regional processing facility in whose jurisdiction the 
applicant's

[[Page 215]]

application for adjustment of status was filed. However, in cases 
involving clear statutory ineligibility or admitted fraud, such 
application for a waiver may be denied by the district director in whose 
jurisdiction the application is filed; in cases filed at overseas 
processing offices, such application for a waiver may be denied by a 
consular officer; or, in cases returned to a legalization office for 
reinterview, such application may be approved at the discretion of the 
district director. Waiver applications filed at the port of entry under 
the preliminary application standard will be approved or denied by the 
district director having jurisdiction over the port of entry. The 
applicant shall be notified of the decision and, if the application is 
denied, of the reason(s) therefor. The applicant may appeal the decision 
within 30 days after the service of the notice pursuant to the 
provisions of Sec.  103.3(a)(2) of this chapter.
    (3) Grounds of exclusion that may not be waived. The following 
provisions of section 212(a) of the Act may not be waived:
    (i) Paragraphs (9) and (10) (criminals);
    (ii) Paragraph (15) (public charge) except as provided in paragraph 
(c)(4) of this section.
    (iii) Paragraph (23) (narcotics) except for a single offense of 
simple possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana.
    (iv) Paragraphs (27), (prejudicial to the public interest), (28), 
(communists), and (29) (subversive);
    (v) Paragraph (33) (Nazi persecution).
    (4) Special Rule for determination of public charge. An applicant 
who has a consistent employment history which shows the ability to 
support himself and his or her family, even though his income may be 
below the poverty level, is not excludable under paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of 
this section. The applicant's employment history need not be continuous 
in that it is uninterrupted. It should be continuous in the sense that 
the applicant shall be regularly attached to the workforce, has an 
income over a substantial period of the applicable time, and has 
demonstrated the capacity to exist on his or her income and maintain his 
or her family without reliance on public cash assistance. This 
regulation is prospective in that the Service shall determine, based on 
the applicant's history, whether he or she is likely to become a public 
charge. Past acceptance of public cash assistance within a history of 
consistent employment will enter into this decision. The weight given in 
considering applicability of the public charge provisions will depend on 
many factors, but the length of time an applicant has received public 
cash assistance will constitute a significant factor.

[53 FR 10064, Mar. 29, 1988, as amended at 53 FR 27335, July 20, 1988; 
54 FR 4757, Jan. 31, 1989; 55 FR 12629, Apr. 5, 1990]



Sec.  210.4  Status and benefits.

    (a) Date of adjustment. The status of an alien whose application for 
temporary resident status is approved shall be adjusted to that of a 
lawful temporary resident as of the date on which the fee was paid at a 
legalization office, except that the status of an alien who applied for 
such status at an overseas processing office whose application has been 
recommended for approval by that office shall be adjusted as of the date 
of his or her admission into the United States.
    (b) Employment and travel authorization--(1) General. Authorization 
for employment and travel abroad for temporary resident status 
applicants under section 210 of the Act be granted by the INS. In the 
case of an application which has been filed with a qualified designated 
entity, employment authorization may only be granted after a 
nonfrivolous application has been received at a legalization office, and 
receipt of the fee has been recorded.
    (2) Employment and travel authorization prior to the granting of 
temporary resident status. Permission to travel abroad and to accept 
employment will be granted to the applicant after an interview has been 
conducted in connection with a nonfrivolous application at a Service 
office. If an interview appointment cannot be scheduled within 30 days 
from the date an application is filed at a Service office, authorization 
to accept employment will be granted, valid until the scheduled 
appointment date. Employment authorization, both prior and subsequent to 
an interview,

[[Page 216]]

will be restricted to increments not exceeding 1 year, pending final 
determination on the application for temporary resident status. If a 
final determination has not been made prior to the expiration date on 
the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766, Form I-688A or Form 
I-688B) that date may be extended upon return of the employment 
authorization document by the applicant to the appropriate Service 
office. Persons submitting applications who currently have work 
authorization incident to status as defined in Sec.  274a.12(b) of this 
chapter shall be granted work authorization by the Service effective on 
the date the alien's prior work authorization expires. Permission to 
travel abroad shall be granted in accordance with the Service's advance 
parole provisions contained in Sec.  212.5(f) of this chapter.
    (3) Employment and travel authorization upon grant of temporary 
resident status. Upon the granting of an application for adjustment to 
temporary resident status, the service center will forward a notice of 
approval to the applicant at his or her last known address and to his or 
her qualified designated entity or representative. The applicant may 
appear at any Service office, and upon surrender of the previously 
issued Employment Authorization Document, will be issued Form I-688, 
Temporary Resident Card. An alien whose status is adjusted to that of a 
lawful temporary resident under section 210 of the Act has the right to 
reside in the United States, to travel abroad (including commuting from 
a residence abroad), and to accept employment in the United States in 
the same manner as aliens lawfully admitted to permanent residence.
    (c) Ineligibility for immigration benefits. An alien whose status is 
adjusted to that of a lawful temporary resident under section 210 of the 
Act is not entitled to submit a petition pursuant to section 203(a)(2) 
of the Act or to any other benefit or consideration accorded under the 
Act to aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence, except as 
provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (d) Termination of temporary resident status--(1) General. The 
temporary resident status of a special agricultural worker is terminated 
automatically and without notice under section 210(a)(3) of the Act upon 
entry of a final order of deportation by an immigration judge based on a 
determination that the alien is deportable under section 241 of the Act.
    (2) The status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence 
under section 210(a)(2) of the Act, may be terminated before the alien 
becomes eligible for adjustment of status under Sec.  210.5 of this 
part, upon the occurrence of any of the following:
    (i) It is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the 
adjustment to temporary resident status was the result of fraud or 
willful misrepresentation as provided in section 212(a)(19) of the Act;
    (ii) The alien commits an act which renders him or her inadmissible 
as an immigrant, unless a waiver is secured pursuant to Sec.  
210.3(e)(2) of this part;
    (iii) The alien is convicted of any felony, or three or more 
misdemeanors in the United States.
    (3) Procedure. (i) Termination of an alien's status under paragraph 
(d)(2) of this section will be made only on notice to the alien sent by 
certified mail directed to his or her last known address, and to his or 
her representative. The alien must be given an opportunity to offer 
evidence in opposition to the grounds alleged for termination of his or 
her status. Evidence in opposition must be submitted within thirty (30) 
days after the service of the Notice of Intent to Terminate. If the 
alien's status is terminated, the director of the regional processing 
facility shall notify the alien of the decision and the reasons for the 
termination, and further notify the alien that any Service Form I-94 
(see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-Departure Record or other official Service 
document issued to the alien authorizing employment and/or travel 
abroad, or any Form I-688, Temporary Resident Card previously issued to 
the alien will be declared void by the director of the regional 
processing facility within thirty (30) days if no appeal of the 
termination decision is filed within that period. The alien may appeal 
the decision to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative 
Appeals Unit) using Form I-694. Any appeal

[[Page 217]]

with the required fee shall be filed with the regional processing 
facility within thirty (30) days after the service of the notice of 
termination. If no appeal is filed within that period, the Forms I-94, 
I-688 or other official Service document shall be deemed void, and must 
be surrendered without delay to an immigration officer or to the issuing 
office of the Service.
    (ii) Termination proceedings must be commenced before the alien 
becomes eligible for adjustment of status under Sec.  210.5 of this 
part. The timely commencement of termination proceedings will preclude 
the alien from becoming a lawful permanent resident until a final 
determination is made in the proceedings, including any appeal.

[53 FR 10064, Mar. 29, 1988, as amended at 55 FR 12629, Apr. 5, 1990; 60 
FR 21975, May 4, 1995; 61 FR 46536, Sept. 4, 1996; 65 FR 82255, Dec. 28, 
2000; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  210.5  Adjustment to permanent resident status.

    (a) Eligibility and date of adjustment to permanent resident status. 
The status of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for 
temporary residence under section 210(a)(1) of the Act, if the alien has 
otherwise maintained such status as required by the Act, shall be 
adjusted to that of an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for 
permanent residence as of the following dates:
    (1) Group 1. Aliens determined to be eligible for Group 1 
classification, whose adjustment to temporary residence occurred prior 
to November 30, 1988, shall be adjusted to lawful permanent residence as 
of December 1, 1989. Those aliens whose adjustment to temporary 
residence occurred after November 30, 1988 shall be adjusted to lawful 
permanent residence one year from the date of the adjustment to 
temporary residence.
    (2) Group 2. Aliens determined to be eligible for Group 2 
classification whose adjustment to temporary residence occurred prior to 
November 30, 1988, shall be adjusted to lawful permanent residence as of 
December 1, 1990. Those aliens whose adjustment to temporary residence 
occurred after November 30, 1988 shall be adjusted to lawful permanent 
residence two years from the date of the adjustment to temporary 
residence.
    (b) ADIT processing--(1) General. To obtain proof of permanent 
resident status an alien described in paragraph (a) of this section must 
appear at a legalization or Service office designated for this purpose 
for preparation of Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. Such appearance 
may be prior to the date of adjustment, but only upon invitation by the 
Service. Form I-551 shall be issued subsequent to the date of 
adjustment.
    (2) Upon appearance at a Service office for preparation of Form I-
551, an alien must present proof of identity, suitable ADIT photographs, 
and a fingerprint and signature must be obtained from the alien on Form 
I-89.

[53 FR 10064, Mar. 29, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 50339, Dec. 6, 1989; 63 
FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998]



PART 211_DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS: IMMIGRANTS; WAIVERS--Table of Contents



Sec.
211.1 Visas.
211.2 Passports.
211.3 Expiration of immigrant visa or other travel document.
211.4 Waiver of documents for returning residents.
211.5 Alien commuters.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1181, 1182, 1203, 1225, 1257; 8 CFR 
part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10346, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  211.1  Visas.

    (a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, 
each arriving alien applying for admission (or boarding the vessel or 
aircraft on which he or she arrives) into the United States for lawful 
permanent residence, or as a lawful permanent resident returning to an 
unrelinquished lawful permanent residence in the United States, shall 
present one of the following:
    (1) A valid, unexpired immigrant visa;
    (2) A valid, unexpired Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, if 
seeking readmission after a temporary absence of less than 1 year, or in 
the case of a

[[Page 218]]

crewmember regularly serving on board a vessel or aircraft of United 
States registry seeking readmission after any temporary absence 
connected with his or her duties as a crewman;
    (3) A valid, unexpired Form I-327, Permit to Reenter the United 
States;
    (4) A valid, unexpired Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document, properly 
endorsed to reflect admission as a lawful permanent resident;
    (5) An expired Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, accompanied by a 
filing receipt issued within the previous 6 months for either a Form I-
751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, 
Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, if seeking admission or 
readmission after a temporary absence of less than 1 year;
    (6) A Form I-551, whether or not expired, presented by a civilian or 
military employee of the United States Government who was outside the 
United States pursuant to official orders, or by the spouse or child of 
such employee who resided abroad while the employee or serviceperson was 
on overseas duty and who is preceding, accompanying or following to join 
within 4 months the employee, returning to the United States; or
    (7) Form I-551, whether or not expired, or a transportation letter 
issued by an American consular officer, presented by an employee of the 
American University of Beirut, who was so employed immediately preceding 
travel to the United States, returning temporarily to the United States 
before resuming employment with the American University of Beirut, or 
resuming permanent residence in the United States.
    (b) Waivers. (1) A waiver of the visa required in paragraph (a) of 
this section shall be granted without fee or application by the district 
director, upon presentation of the child's birth certificate, to a child 
born subsequent to the issuance of an immigrant visa to his or her 
accompanying parent who applies for admission during the validity of 
such a visa; or a child born during the temporary visit abroad of a 
mother who is a lawful permanent resident alien, or a national, of the 
United States, provided that the child's application for admission to 
the United States is made within 2 years of birth, the child is 
accompanied by the parent who is applying for readmission as a permanent 
resident upon the first return of the parent to the United States after 
the birth of the child, and the accompanying parent is found to be 
admissible to the United States.
    (2) For an alien described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, 
recordation of the child's entry shall be on Form I-181, Memorandum of 
Creation of Record of Admission for Lawful Permanent Residence. The 
carrier of such alien shall not be liable for a fine pursuant to section 
273 of the Act.
    (3) If an immigrant alien returning to an unrelinquished lawful 
permanent residence in the United States after a temporary absence 
abroad believes that good cause exists for his or her failure to present 
an unexpired immigrant visa, permanent resident card, or reentry permit, 
the alien may file an application for a waiver of this requirement with 
the DHS officer with jurisdiction over the port of entry where the alien 
arrives. To apply for this waiver, the alien must file the designated 
form with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2. If the alien's permanent 
resident card was lost or stolen and the alien has been absent for less 
than one year, rather than the waiver application the alien must apply 
for a replacement card as described in 8 CFR 264.5. In the exercise of 
discretion, the DHS officer who has jurisdiction over the port of entry 
where the alien arrives may waive the alien's lack of an immigrant visa, 
permanent resident card, or reentry permit and admit the alien as a 
returning resident if DHS is satisfied that the alien has established 
good cause for the alien's failure to present an immigrant visa, 
permanent resident card, or reentry permit. Filing a request to replace 
a lost or stolen card will serve as both application for replacement and 
as application for waiver of passport and visa, without the obligation 
to file a separate waiver application.
    (c) Immigrants having occupational status defined in section 
101(a)(15) (A), (E), or (G) of the Act. An immigrant visa, reentry 
permit, or Form I-551 shall be invalid when presented by an alien who

[[Page 219]]

has an occupational status under section 101(a)(15) (A), (E), or (G) of 
the Act, unless he or she has previously submitted, or submits at the 
time he or she applies for admission to the United States, the written 
waiver required by section 247(b) of the Act and 8 CFR part 247.

[62 FR 10346, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 39218, July 22, 1998; 63 
FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53786, Aug. 
29, 2011; 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  211.2  Passports.

    (a) A passport valid for the bearer's entry into a foreign country 
at least 60 days beyond the expiration date of his or her immigrant visa 
shall be presented by each immigrant except an immigrant who:
    (1) Is the parent, spouse, or unmarried son or daughter of a United 
States citizen or of an alien lawful permanent resident of the United 
States;
    (2) Is entering under the provisions of Sec.  211.1(a)(2) through 
(a)(7);
    (3) Is a child born during the temporary visit abroad of a mother 
who is a lawful permanent resident alien, or a national, of the United 
States, provided that the child's application for admission to the 
United States is made within 2 years of birth, the child is accompanied 
by the parent who is applying for readmission as a permanent resident 
upon the first return of the parent to the United States after the birth 
of the child, and the accompanying parent is found to be admissible to 
the United States;
    (4) Is a stateless person or a person who because of his or her 
opposition to Communism is unwilling or unable to obtain a passport from 
the country of his or her nationality, or is the accompanying spouse or 
unmarried son or daughter of such immigrant; or
    (5) Is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, if an alien 
seeking admission as an immigrant with an immigrant visa believes that 
good cause exists for his or her failure to present a passport, the 
alien may file an application for a waiver of this requirement with the 
DHS officer who has jurisdiction over the port of entry where the alien 
arrives. To apply for this waiver, the alien must apply on the form 
specified by USCIS, with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2. In the 
exercise of discretion, the DHS officer with jurisdiction over the port 
of entry, may waive the alien's lack of passport and admit the alien as 
an immigrant, if DHS is satisfied that the alien has established good 
cause for his or her failure to present a passport.

[62 FR 10346, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53786, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  211.3  Expiration of immigrant visa or other travel document.

    An immigrant visa, reentry permit, refugee travel document, or a 
permanent resident card shall be regarded as unexpired if the rightful 
holder embarked or enplaned before the expiration of his or her 
immigrant visa, reentry permit, or refugee travel document, or with 
respect to a permanent resident card, before the first anniversary of 
the date on which he or she departed from the United States, provided 
that the vessel or aircraft on which he or she so embarked or enplaned 
arrives in the United States or foreign contiguous territory on a 
continuous voyage. The continuity of the voyage shall not be deemed to 
have been interrupted by scheduled or emergency stops of the vessel or 
aircraft en route to the United States or foreign contiguous territory, 
or by a layover in foreign contiguous territory necessitated solely for 
the purpose of effecting a transportation connection to the United 
States.

[62 FR 10346, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 76 FR 53786, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  211.4  Waiver of documents for returning residents.

    (a) Pursuant to the authority contained in section 211(b) of the 
Act, an alien previously lawfully admitted to the United States for 
permanent residence who, upon return from a temporary absence was 
inadmissible because of failure to have or to present a valid passport, 
immigrant visa, reentry permit, border crossing card, or other document 
required at the time of entry, may be granted a waiver of such 
requirement in the discretion of the district director if the district 
director determines that such alien:

[[Page 220]]

    (1) Was not otherwise inadmissible at the time of entry, or having 
been otherwise inadmissible at the time of entry is with respect thereto 
qualified for an exemption from deportability under section 237(a)(1)(H) 
of the Act; and
    (2) Is not otherwise subject to removal.
    (b) Denial of a waiver by the district director is not appealable 
but shall be without prejudice to renewal of an application and 
reconsideration in proceedings before the immigration judge.



Sec.  211.5  Alien commuters.

    (a) General. An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or a 
special agricultural worker lawfully admitted for temporary residence 
under section 210 of the Act may commence or continue to reside in 
foreign contiguous territory and commute as a special immigrant defined 
in section 101(a)(27)(A) of the Act to his or her place of employment in 
the United States. An alien commuter engaged in seasonal work will be 
presumed to have taken up residence in the United States if he or she is 
present in this country for more than 6 months, in the aggregate, during 
any continuous 12-month period. An alien commuter's address report under 
section 265 of the Act must show his or her actual residence address 
even though it is not in the United States.
    (b) Loss of residence status. An alien commuter who has been out of 
regular employment in the United States for a continuous period of 6 
months shall be deemed to have lost residence status, notwithstanding 
temporary entries in the interim for other than employment purposes. An 
exception applies when employment in the United States was interrupted 
for reasons beyond the individual's control other than lack of a job 
opportunity or the commuter can demonstrate that he or she has worked 90 
days in the United States in the aggregate during the 12-month period 
preceding the application for admission into the United States. Upon 
loss of status, the alien's permanent resident card becomes invalid and 
must be surrendered to an immigration officer.
    (c) Eligibility for benefits under the immigration and nationality 
laws. Until he or she has taken up residence in the United States, an 
alien commuter cannot satisfy the residence requirements of the 
naturalization laws and cannot qualify for any benefits under the 
immigration laws on his or her own behalf or on behalf of his or her 
relatives other than as specified in paragraph (a) of this section. When 
an alien commuter takes up residence in the United States, he or she 
shall no longer be regarded as a commuter. He or she may facilitate 
proof of having taken up such residence by notifying the Service as soon 
as possible, preferably at the time of his or her first reentry for that 
purpose. Application for issuance of a new Permanent Resident Card to 
show that he or she has taken up residence in the United States shall be 
made in accordance with 8 CFR 264.5.

[62 FR 10346, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 76 
FR 53786, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 212_DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS: NONIMMIGRANTS; WAIVERS; 
ADMISSION OF CERTAIN INADMISSIBLE ALIENS; PAROLE--Table of Contents



Sec.
212.0 Definitions.
212.1 Documentary requirements for nonimmigrants.
212.2 Consent to reapply for admission after deportation, removal or 
          departure at Government expense.
212.3 Application for the exercise of discretion under section 212(c).
212.4 Applications for the exercise of discretion under section 
          212(d)(1) and 212(d)(3).
212.5 Parole of aliens into the United States.
212.6 Border crossing identification cards.
212.7 Waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.
212.8-212.9 [Reserved]
212.10 Section 212(k) waiver.
212.11 [Reserved]
212.12 Parole determinations and revocations respecting Mariel Cubans.
212.13 [Reserved]
212.14 Parole determinations for alien witnesses and informants for whom 
          a law enforcement authority (``LEA'') will request S 
          classification.
212.15 Certificates for foreign health care workers.
212.16 Applications for exercise of discretion relating to T 
          nonimmigrant status.

[[Page 221]]

212.17 Applications for the exercise of discretion relating to U 
          nonimmigrant status.
212.18 Applications for waivers of inadmissibility in connection with an 
          application for adjustment of status by T nonimmigrant status 
          holders.
212.19 Parole for entrepreneurs.
212.20 Applicability of public charge inadmissibility.
212.21 Definitions.
212.22 Public charge inadmissibility determination.
212.23 Exemptions and waivers for public charge ground of 
          inadmissibility.

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 111, 202(4) and 271; 8 U.S.C. 1101 and note, 
1102, 1103, 1182 and note, 1184, 1187, 1223, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1255, 
1359; section 7209 of Pub. L. 108-458 (8 U.S.C. 1185 note); Title VII of 
Pub. L. 110-229 (8 U.S.C. 1185 note); 8 CFR part 2; Pub. L. 115-218.
    Section 212.1(q) also issued under section 702, Pub. L. 110-229, 122 
Stat. 754, 854.

    Source: 17 FR 11484, Dec. 19, 1952, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  212.0  Definitions.

    For purposes of Sec.  212.1 and Sec.  235.1 of this chapter:
    Adjacent islands means Bermuda and the islands located in the 
Caribbean Sea, except Cuba.
    Cruise ship means a passenger vessel over 100 gross tons, carrying 
more than 12 passengers for hire, making a voyage lasting more than 24 
hours any part of which is on the high seas, and for which passengers 
are embarked or disembarked in the United States or its territories.
    Ferry means any vessel operating on a pre-determined fixed schedule 
and route, which is being used solely to provide transportation between 
places that are no more than 300 miles apart and which is being used to 
transport passengers, vehicles, and/or railroad cars.
    Pleasure vessel means a vessel that is used exclusively for 
recreational or personal purposes and not to transport passengers or 
property for hire.
    United States means ``United States'' as defined in section 215(c) 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (8 U.S.C. 
1185(c)).
    U.S. citizen means a United States citizen or a U.S. non-citizen 
national.
    United States qualifying tribal entity means a tribe, band, or other 
group of Native Americans formally recognized by the United States 
Government which agrees to meet WHTI document standards.

[73 FR 18415, Apr. 3, 2008]



Sec.  212.1  Documentary requirements for nonimmigrants.

    A valid unexpired visa that meets the requirements of part 215, 
subpart B, of this chapter, if applicable, and an unexpired passport, 
shall be presented by each arriving nonimmigrant alien except that the 
passport validity period for an applicant for admission who is a member 
of a class described in section 102 of the Act is not required to extend 
beyond the date of his application for admission if so admitted, and 
except as otherwise provided in the Act, this chapter, and for the 
following classes:
    (a) Citizens of Canada or Bermuda, Bahamian nationals or British 
subjects resident in certain islands--(1) Canadian citizens. A visa is 
generally not required for Canadian citizens, except those Canadians 
that fall under nonimmigrant visa categories E, K, S, or V as provided 
in paragraphs (h), (l), and (m) of this section and 22 CFR 41.2. A valid 
unexpired passport is required for Canadian citizens arriving in the 
United States, except when meeting one of the following requirements:
    (i) NEXUS Program. A Canadian citizen who is traveling as a 
participant in the NEXUS program, and who is not otherwise required to 
present a passport and visa as provided in paragraphs (h), (l), and (m) 
of this section and 22 CFR 41.2, may present a valid unexpired NEXUS 
program card when using a NEXUS Air kiosk or when entering the United 
States from contiguous territory or adjacent islands at a land or sea 
port-of-entry. A Canadian citizen who enters the United States by 
pleasure vessel from Canada under the remote inspection system may 
present a valid unexpired NEXUS program card.
    (ii) FAST Program. A Canadian citizen who is traveling as a 
participant in the FAST program, and who is not otherwise required to 
present a passport and visa as provided in paragraphs (h), (l), and (m) 
of this section and 22 CFR 41.2, may present a valid unexpired FAST card 
at a land or sea port-of-entry prior to entering the United States from

[[Page 222]]

contiguous territory or adjacent islands.
    (iii) SENTRI Program. A Canadian citizen who is traveling as a 
participant in the SENTRI program, and who is not otherwise required to 
present a passport and visa as provided in paragraphs (h), (l), and (m) 
of this section and 22 CFR 41.2, may present a valid unexpired SENTRI 
card at a land or sea port-of-entry prior to entering the United States 
from contiguous territory or adjacent islands.
    (iv) Canadian Indians. If designated by the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, a Canadian citizen holder of a Indian and Northern Affairs 
Canada (``INAC'') card issued by the Canadian Department of Indian 
Affairs and North Development, Director of Land and Trust Services 
(``LTS'') in conformance with security standards agreed upon by the 
Governments of Canada and the United States, and containing a machine 
readable zone and who is arriving from Canada may present the card prior 
to entering the United States at a land port-of-entry.
    (v) Children. A child who is a Canadian citizen arriving from 
contiguous territory may present for admission to the United States at 
sea or land ports-of-entry certain other documents if the arrival meets 
the requirements described below.
    (A) Children Under Age 16. A Canadian citizen who is under the age 
of 16 is permitted to present an original or a copy of his or her birth 
certificate, a Canadian Citizenship Card, or a Canadian Naturalization 
Certificate when arriving in the United States from contiguous territory 
at land or sea ports-of-entry.
    (B) Groups of Children Under Age 19. A Canadian citizen, under age 
19 who is traveling with a public or private school group, religious 
group, social or cultural organization, or team associated with a youth 
sport organization is permitted to present an original or a copy of his 
or her birth certificate, a Canadian Citizenship Card, or a Canadian 
Naturalization Certificate when arriving in the United States from 
contiguous territory at land or sea ports-of-entry, when the group, 
organization or team is under the supervision of an adult affiliated 
with the organization and when the child has parental or legal guardian 
consent to travel. For purposes of this paragraph, an adult is 
considered to be a person who is age 19 or older. The following 
requirements will apply:
    (1) The group, organization, or team must provide to CBP upon 
crossing the border, on organizational letterhead:
    (i) The name of the group, organization or team, and the name of the 
supervising adult;
    (ii) A trip itinerary, including the stated purpose of the trip, the 
location of the destination, and the length of stay;
    (iii) A list of the children on the trip;
    (iv) For each child, the primary address, primary phone number, date 
of birth, place of birth, and name of a parent or legal guardian.
    (2) The adult leading the group, organization, or team must 
demonstrate parental or legal guardian consent by certifying in the 
writing submitted in paragraph (a)(1)(v)(B)(1) of this section that he 
or she has obtained for each child the consent of at least one parent or 
legal guardian.
    (3) The inspection procedure described in this paragraph is limited 
to members of the group, organization, or team who are under age 19. 
Other members of the group, organization, or team must comply with other 
applicable document and/or inspection requirements found in this part or 
parts 211 or 235 of this subchapter.
    (2) Citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda. A visa is 
generally not required for Citizens of the British Overseas Territory of 
Bermuda, except those Bermudians that fall under nonimmigrant visa 
categories E, K, S, or V as provided in paragraphs (h), (l), and (m) of 
this section and 22 CFR 41.2. A passport is required for Citizens of the 
British Overseas Territory of Bermuda arriving in the United States.
    (3) Bahamian nationals or British subjects resident in the Bahamas. 
A passport is required. A visa required of such an alien unless, prior 
to or at the time of embarkation for the United States on a vessel or 
aircraft, the alien satisfied the examining U.S. immigration officer

[[Page 223]]

at the Bahamas, that he or she is clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to 
admission, under section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
in all other respects.
    (4) British subjects resident in the Cayman Islands or in the Turks 
and Caicos Islands. A passport is required. A visa is required of such 
an alien unless he or she arrives directly from the Cayman Islands or 
the Turks and Caicos Islands and presents a current certificate from the 
Clerk of Court of the Cayman Islands or the Turks and Caicos Islands 
indicating no criminal record.
    (b) Nationals of the British Virgin Islands. A visa is not required 
of a national of the British Virgin Islands who has his or her residence 
in the British Virgin Islands, if:
    (1) The alien is seeking admission solely to visit the Virgin 
Islands of the United States; or
    (2) At the time of embarking on an aircraft at St. Thomas, U.S. 
Virgin Islands, the alien meets each of the following requirements:
    (i) The alien is traveling to any other part of the United States by 
aircraft as a nonimmigrant visitor for business or pleasure (as 
described in section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act);
    (ii) The alien satisfies the examining U.S. immigration officer at 
the port-of-entry that he or she is clearly and beyond doubt entitled to 
admission in all other respects; and
    (iii) The alien presents a current certificate issued by the Royal 
Virgin Islands Police Force indicating that he or she has no criminal 
record.
    (c) Mexican nationals. (1) A visa and a passport are not required of 
a Mexican national who:
    (i) Is applying for admission as a temporary visitor for business or 
pleasure from Mexico at a land port-of-entry, or arriving by pleasure 
vessel or ferry, if the national is in possession of a Form DSP-150, B-
1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing Card issued by the Department of State, 
containing a machine-readable biometric identifier; or.
    (ii) Is applying for admission from contiguous territory or adjacent 
islands at a land or sea port-of-entry, if the national is a member of 
the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians or Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma who is 
in possession of a Form I-872 American Indian Card.
    (2) A visa shall not be required of a Mexican national who:
    (i) Is in possession of a Form DSP-150, with a biometric identifier, 
issued by the DOS, and a passport, and is applying for admission as a 
temporary visitor for business or pleasure from other than contiguous 
territory;
    (ii) Is a crew member employed on an aircraft belonging to a Mexican 
company owned carrier authorized to engage in commercial transportation 
into the United States; or
    (iii) Bears a Mexican diplomatic or official passport and who is a 
military or civilian official of the Federal Government of Mexico 
entering the United States for 6 months or less for a purpose other than 
on assignment as a permanent employee to an office of the Mexican 
Federal Government in the United States, and the official's spouse or 
any of the official's dependent family members under 19 years of age, 
bearing diplomatic or official passports, who are in the actual company 
of such official at the time of admission into the United States. This 
provision does not apply to the spouse or any of the official's family 
members classifiable under section 101(a)(15)(F) or (M) of the Act.
    (3) A Mexican national who presents a BCC at a POE must present the 
DOS-issued DSP-150 containing a machine-readable biometric identifier. 
The alien will not be permitted to cross the border into the United 
States unless the biometric identifier contained on the card matches the 
appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien.
    (4) Mexican nationals presenting a combination B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant 
visa and border crossing card (or similar stamp in a passport), issued 
by DOS prior to April 1, 1998, that does not contain a machine-readable 
biometric identifier, may be admitted on the basis of the nonimmigrant 
visa only, provided it has not expired and the alien remains admissible. 
A passport is also required.
    (5) Aliens entering pursuant to International Boundary and Water 
Commission Treaty. A visa and a passport are

[[Page 224]]

not required of an alien employed either directly or indirectly on the 
construction, operation, or maintenance of works in the United States 
undertaken in accordance with the treaty concluded on February 3, 1944, 
between the United States and Mexico regarding the functions of the 
International Boundary and Water Commission, and entering the United 
States temporarily in connection with such employment.
    (d) Citizens of the Freely Associated States, formerly Trust 
Territory of the Pacific Islands. Citizens of the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia may enter into, 
lawfully engage in employment, and establish residence in the United 
States and its territories and possessions without regard to paragraphs 
(14), (20) and (26) of section 212(a) of the Act pursuant to the terms 
of Pub. L. 99-239. Pending issuance by the aforementioned governments of 
travel documents to eligible citizens, travel documents previously 
issued by the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands will continue to be 
accepted for purposes of identification and to establish eligibility for 
admission into the United States, its territories and possessions.
    (e) Aliens entering Guam pursuant to section 14 of Pub. L. 99-396, 
``Omnibus Territories Act.'' (1) Until November 28, 2009, a visa is not 
required of an alien who is a citizen of a country enumerated in 
paragraph (e)(3) of this section who:
    (i) Is classifiable as a vistor for business or pleasure;
    (ii) Is solely entering and staying on Guam for a period not to 
exceed fifteen days;
    (iii) Is in possession of a round-trip nonrefundable and 
nontransferable transportation ticket bearing a confirmed departure date 
not exceeding fifteen days from the date of admission to Guam;
    (iv) Is in possession of a completed and signed Visa Waiver 
Information Form (Form I-736);
    (v) Waives any right to review or appeal the immigration officer's 
determination of admissibility at the port of entry at Guam; and
    (vi) Waives any right to contest any action for deportation, other 
than on the basis of a request for asylum.
    (2) An alien is eligible for the waiver provision if all of the 
eligibility criteria in paragraph (e)(1) of this section have been met 
prior to embarkation and the alien is a citizen of a country that:
    (i) Has a visa refusal rate of 16.9% or less, or a country whose 
visa refusal rate exceeds 16.9% and has an established preinspection or 
preclearance program, pursuant to a bilateral agreement with the United 
States under which its citizens traveling to Guam without a valid United 
States visa are inspected by the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
prior to departure from that country;
    (ii) Is within geographical proximity to Guam, unless the country 
has a substantial volume of nonimmigrant admissions to Guam as 
determined by the Commissioner and extends reciprocal privileges to 
citizens of the United States;
    (iii) Is not designated by the Department of State as being of 
special humanitarian concern; and
    (iv) Poses no threat to the welfare, safety or security of the 
United States, its territories, or commonwealths.

Any potential threats to the welfare, safety, or security of the United 
States, its territories, or commonwealths will be dealt with on a 
country by country basis, and a determination by the Commissioner of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service that a threat exists will result 
in the immediate deletion of that country from the listing in paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section.
    (3)(i) The following geographic areas meet the eligibility criteria 
as stated in paragraph (e)(2) of this section: Australia, Brunei, 
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, 
Republic of Korea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan (residents thereof 
who begin their travel in Taiwan and who travel on direct flights from 
Taiwan to Guam without an intermediate layover or stop except that the 
flights may stop in a territory of the United States enroute), the 
United Kingdom (including the citizens of the colony of Hong Kong), 
Vanuatu, and Western Samoa. The provision that flights transporting 
residents of Taiwan to Guam may stop at a territory of

[[Page 225]]

the United States enroute may be rescinded whenever the number of 
inadmissible passengers arriving in Guam who have transited a territory 
of the United States enroute to Guam exceeds 20 percent of all the 
inadmissible passengers arriving in Guam within any consecutive two-
month period. Such rescission will be published in the Federal Register.
    (ii) For the purposes of this section, the term citizen of a country 
as used in 8 CFR 212.1(e)(1) when applied to Taiwan refers only to 
residents of Taiwan who are in possession of Taiwan National Identity 
Cards and a valid Taiwan passport with a valid re-entry permit issued by 
the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It does not refer to any other 
holder of a Taiwan passport or a passport issued by the People's 
Republic of China.
    (4) Admission under this section renders an alien ineligible for:
    (i) Adjustment of status to that of a temporary resident or, except 
as provided by section 245(i) of the Act or as an immediate relative as 
defined in section 201(b) of the Act, to that of a lawful permanent 
resident.
    (ii) Change of nonimmigrant status; or
    (iii) Extension of stay.
    (5) A transportation line bringing any alien to Guam pursuant to 
this section shall:
    (i) Enter into a contract on Form I-760, made by the Commissioner of 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service in behalf of the government;
    (ii) Transport only an alien who is a citizen and in possession of a 
valid passport of a country enumerated in paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section;
    (iii) Transport only an alien in possession of a round-trip, 
nontransferable transportation ticket:
    (A) Bearing a confirmed departure date not exceeding fifteen days 
from the date of admission to Guam,
    (B) Valid for a period of not less than one year,
    (C) Nonrefundable except in the country in which issued or in the 
country of the alien's nationality or residence,
    (D) Issued by a carrier which has entered into an agreement 
described in part (5)(i) of this section, and
    (E) Which the carrier will unconditionally honor when presented for 
return passage; and
    (iv) Transport only an alien in possession of a completed and signed 
Visa Waiver Information Form I-736.
    (f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved]
    (3) Foreign government officials in transit. If an alien is of the 
class described in section 212(d)(8) of the Act, only a valid unexpired 
visa and a travel document valid for entry into a foreign country for at 
least 30 days from the date of admission to the United States are 
required.
    (g) Unforeseen emergency. A nonimmigrant seeking admission to the 
United States must present an unexpired visa and passport valid for the 
amount of time set forth in section 212(a)(7)(B)(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 
1182(a)(7)(B)(i), or a valid biometric border crossing card issued by 
the DOS on Form DSP-150, at the time of application for admission, 
unless the nonimmigrant satisfies the requirements described in one or 
more of paragraphs (a) through (f) or (i), (o), or (p) of this section. 
Upon a nonimmigrant's application on Form I-193, or successor form, 
``Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa,'' a district director 
may, in the exercise of its discretion, on a case-by-case basis, waive 
either or both of the documentary requirements of section 
212(a)(7)(B)(i) if satisfied that the nonimmigrant cannot present the 
required documents because of an unforeseen emergency. The district 
director may at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized pursuant 
to this paragraph and notify the nonimmigrant in writing to that effect.
    (h) Nonimmigrant spouses, fianc[eacute]es, fianc[eacute]s, and 
children of U.S. citizens. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this 
part, an alien seeking admission as a spouse, fianc[eacute]e, 
fianc[eacute], or child of a U.S. citizen, or as a child of the spouse, 
fian[eacute], or finac[eacute]e of a U.S. citizen, pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(K) of the Act shall be in possession of an unexpired 
nonimmigrant visa issued by an American consular officer classifying the 
alien under that section, or be inadmissible under section 212(a)(7)(B) 
of the Act.
    (i) Visa Waiver Program. A visa is not required of any alien who is 
eligible to

[[Page 226]]

apply for admission to the United States as a Visa Waiver Program 
applicant pursuant to the provisions of section 217 of the Act and part 
217 of this chapter if such alien is a national of a country designated 
under the Visa Waiver Program, who seeks admission to the United States 
for a period of 90 days or less as a visitor for business or pleasure.
    (j) Officers authorized to act upon recommendations of United States 
consular officers for waiver of visa and passport requirements. All 
district directors, the officers in charge are authorized to act upon 
recommendations made by United States consular officers or by officers 
of the Visa Office, Department of State, pursuant to the provisions of 
22 CFR 41.7 for waiver of visa and passport requirements under the 
provisions of section 212(d)(4)(A) of the Act. The District Director at 
Washington, DC, has jurisdiction in such cases recommended to the 
Service at the seat of Government level by the Department of State. 
Neither an application nor fee are required if the concurrence in a 
passport or visa waiver is requested by a U.S. consular officer or by an 
officer of the Visa Office. The district director or the Deputy 
Commissioner, may at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized 
pursuant to this paragraph and notify the nonimmigrant alien in writing 
to that effect.
    (k) Cancellation of nonimmigrant visas by immigration officers. Upon 
receipt of advice from the Department of State that a nonimmigrant visa 
has been revoked or invalidated, and request by that Department for such 
action, immigration officers shall place an appropriate endorsement 
thereon.
    (l) Treaty traders and investors. Notwithstanding any of the 
provisions of this part, an alien seeking admission as a treaty trader 
or investor under the provisions of Chapter 16 of the Agreement Between 
the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada 
(USMCA) pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Act, shall be in 
possession of a nonimmigrant visa issued by an American consular officer 
classifying the alien under that section.
    (m) Aliens in S classification. Notwithstanding any of the 
provisions of this part, an alien seeking admission pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act must be in possession of appropriate documents 
issued by a United States consular officer classifying the alien under 
that section.
    (n) [Reserved]
    (o) Alien in T-2 through T-6 classification. USCIS may apply 
paragraph (g) of this section to individuals seeking T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, 
or T-6 nonimmigrant status upon request by the applicant.


(Secs. 103, 104, 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended 
(8 U.S.C. 1103, 1104, 1132))

    (p) Alien in U-1 through U-5 classification. Individuals seeking U-1 
through U-5 nonimmigrant status may avail themselves of the provisions 
of paragraph (g) of this section, except that the authority to waive 
documentary requirements resides with the director of the USCIS office 
having jurisdiction over the adjudication of Form I-918, ``Petition for 
U Nonimmigrant Status.''
    (q) Aliens admissible under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program--(1) 
Eligibility for Program. In accordance with Public Law 110-229, 
beginning November 28, 2009, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Secretaries of the Departments of Interior and State, may waive the visa 
requirement in the case of a nonimmigrant alien who seeks admission to 
Guam or to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) under 
the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. To be admissible under the Guam-CNMI 
Visa Waiver Program, prior to embarking on a carrier for travel to Guam 
or the CNMI, each nonimmigrant alien must:
    (i) Be a national of a country or geographic area listed in 
paragraph (q)(2) of this section;
    (ii) Be classifiable as a visitor for business or pleasure;
    (iii) Be solely entering and staying on Guam or the CNMI for a 
period not to exceed forty-five days;
    (iv) Be in possession of a round trip ticket that is nonrefundable 
and nontransferable and bears a confirmed departure date not exceeding 
forty-five days from the date of admission to

[[Page 227]]

Guam or the CNMI. ``Round trip ticket'' includes any return trip 
transportation ticket issued by a participating carrier, electronic 
ticket record, airline employee passes indicating return passage, 
individual vouchers for return passage, group vouchers for return 
passage for charter flights, or military travel orders which include 
military dependents for return to duty stations outside the United 
States on U.S. military flights;
    (v) Be in possession of a completed and signed Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver 
Information Form (CBP Form I-736);
    (vi) Be in possession of a completed and signed I-94 (see Sec.  
1.4), Arrival-Departure Record (CBP Form I-94);
    (vii) Be in possession of a valid unexpired ICAO compliant, machine 
readable passport issued by a country that meets the eligibility 
requirements of paragraph (q)(2) of this section;
    (viii) Have not previously violated the terms of any prior 
admissions. Prior admissions include those under the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program, the prior Guam Visa Waiver Program, the Visa Waiver 
Program as described in section 217(a) of the Act and admissions 
pursuant to any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa;
    (ix) Waive any right to review or appeal an immigration officer's 
determination of admissibility at the port of entry into Guam or the 
CNMI;
    (x) Waive any right to contest any action for deportation or 
removal, other than on the basis of: An application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA; withholding or deferral of 
removal under the regulations implementing Article 3 of the United 
Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment; or, an application for asylum if permitted 
under section 208 of the Act; and
    (xi) If a resident of Taiwan, possess a Taiwan National Identity 
Card and a valid Taiwan passport with a valid re-entry permit issued by 
the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    (2) Program Countries and Geographic Areas--(i) General Eligibility 
Criteria. (A) A country or geographic area may not participate in the 
Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program if the country or geographic area poses a 
threat to the welfare, safety or security of the United States, its 
territories, or commonwealths;
    (B) A country or geographic area may not participate in the Guam-
CNMI Visa Waiver Program if it has been designated a Country of 
Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 
by the Department of State, or identified by the Department of State as 
a source country of refugees designated of special humanitarian concern 
to the United States;
    (C) A country or geographic area may not participate in the Guam-
CNMI Visa Waiver Program if that country, not later than three weeks 
after the issuance of a final order of removal, does not accept for 
repatriation any citizen, former citizen, or national of the country 
against whom a final executable order of removal is issued. Nothing in 
this subparagraph creates any duty for the United States or any right 
for any alien with respect to removal or release. Nothing in this 
subparagraph gives rise to any cause of action or claim under this 
paragraph or any other law against any official of the United States or 
of any State to compel the release, removal or reconsideration for 
release or removal of any alien.
    (D) DHS may make a determination regarding a country's eligibility 
based on other factors including, but not limited to, rate of refusal 
for nonimmigrant visas, rate of overstays, cooperation in information 
exchange with the United States, electronic travel authorizations, and 
any other factors deemed relevant by DHS.
    (ii) Eligible Countries and Geographic Areas. Nationals of the 
following countries are eligible to participate in the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program for purposes of admission to both Guam and the CNMI: 
Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New 
Guinea, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Travelers 
with a connection to one of the following geographic areas--the Hong 
Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong) or Taiwan--may also be 
eligible to participate in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program for 
purposes of admission to both Guam and

[[Page 228]]

the CNMI, see paragraphs (q)(2)(ii)(A) and (q)(2)(ii)(B) respectively.
    (A) Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong). To be 
eligible to participate in the program as a result of a connection to 
Hong Kong, the following documentation is required: A Hong Kong Special 
Administrative Region (SAR) passport with a Hong Kong identification 
card; or a British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport with a Hong Kong 
identification card.
    (B) Taiwan. To be eligible to participate in the program as a result 
of a connection to Taiwan, one must be a resident of Taiwan who begins 
his or her travel in Taiwan and who travels on direct flights from 
Taiwan to Guam or the CNMI without an intermediate layover or stop, 
except that the flights may stop in a territory of the United States en 
route.
    (iii) Significant Economic Benefit Criteria. If, in addition to the 
considerations enumerated under paragraph (q)(2)(i) of this section, DHS 
determines that the CNMI has received a significant economic benefit 
from the number of visitors for pleasure from particular countries 
during the period of May 8, 2007 through May 8, 2008, those countries 
are eligible to participate in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program unless 
the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that such country's 
inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would represent a threat 
to the welfare, safety, or security of the United States and its 
territories.
    (iv) Additional Eligible Countries or Geographic Areas Based on 
Significant Economic Benefit. [Reserved]
    (3) Suspension of Program Countries or Geographic Areas. (i) 
Suspension of a country or geographic area from the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program may be made on a country-by-country basis for good cause 
including, but not limited to if: The admissions of visitors from a 
country have resulted in an unacceptable number of visitors from a 
country remaining unlawfully in Guam or the CNMI, unlawfully obtaining 
entry to other parts of the United States, or seeking withholding of 
removal or seeking asylum; or that visitors from a country pose a risk 
to law enforcement or security interests, including the enforcement of 
immigration laws of Guam, the CNMI, or the United States.
    (ii) A country or geographic area may be suspended from the Guam-
CNMI Visa Waiver Program if that country or geographic area is 
designated as a Country of Particular Concern under the International 
Religious Freedom Act of 1998 by the Department of State, or identified 
by the Department of State as a source country of refugees designated of 
special humanitarian concern to the United States, pending an evaluation 
and determination by the Secretary.
    (iii) A country or geographic area may be suspended from the Guam-
CNMI Visa Waiver Program by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of 
State, based on the evaluation of all factors the Secretary deems 
relevant including, but not limited to, electronic travel authorization, 
procedures for reporting lost and stolen passports, repatriation of 
aliens, rates of refusal for nonimmigrant visitor visas, overstays, exit 
systems and information exchange.
    (4) Admission under this section renders an alien ineligible for:
    (i) Adjustment of status to that of a temporary resident or, except 
as provided by section 245(i) of the Act or as an immediate relative as 
defined in section 201(b) of the Act, to that of a lawful permanent 
resident.
    (ii) Change of nonimmigrant status; or
    (iii) Extension of stay.
    (5) Requirements for transportation lines. A transportation line 
bringing any alien to Guam or the CNMI pursuant to this section must:
    (i) Enter into a contract on CBP Form I-760, made by the 
Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection on behalf of the 
government;
    (ii) Transport an alien who is a citizen or national and in 
possession of a valid unexpired ICAO compliant, machine readable 
passport of a country enumerated in paragraph (q)(2) of this section;
    (iii) Transport an alien only if the alien is in possession of a 
round trip ticket as defined in paragraph (q)(1)(iv)

[[Page 229]]

of this section bearing a confirmed departure date not exceeding forty-
five days from the date of admission to Guam or the CNMI which the 
carrier will unconditionally honor when presented for return passage. 
This ticket must be:
    (A) Valid for a period of not less than one year,
    (B) Nonrefundable except in the country in which issued or in the 
country of the alien's nationality or residence, and
    (C) Issued by a carrier which has entered into an agreement 
described in paragraph (q)(5) of this section.
    (iv) Transport an alien in possession of a completed and signed 
Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Information Form (CBP Form I-736), and
    (v) Transport an alien in possession of completed I-94, Arrival-
Departure Record (CBP Form I-94).
    (6) Bonding. The Secretary may require a bond on behalf of an alien 
seeking admission under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, in addition 
to the requirements enumerated in this section, when the Secretary deems 
it appropriate. Such bonds may be required of an individual alien or of 
an identified subset of participants.
    (7) Maintenance of status--(i) Satisfactory departure. If an 
emergency prevents an alien admitted under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver 
Program, as set forth in this paragraph (q), from departing from Guam or 
the CNMI within his or her period of authorized stay, an immigration 
officer having jurisdiction over the place of the alien's temporary stay 
may, in his or her discretion, grant a period of satisfactory departure 
not to exceed 15 days. If departure is accomplished during that period, 
the alien is to be regarded as having satisfactorily accomplished the 
visit without overstaying the allotted time.
    (8) Inadmissibility and Deportability--(i) Determinations of 
inadmissibility. (A) An alien who applies for admission under the 
provisions of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, who is determined by an 
immigration officer to be inadmissible to Guam or the CNMI under one or 
more of the grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212 of the Act 
(other than for lack of a visa), or who is in possession of and presents 
fraudulent or counterfeit travel documents, will be refused admission 
into Guam or the CNMI and removed. Such refusal and removal shall be 
effected without referral of the alien to an immigration judge for 
further inquiry, examination, or hearing, except that an alien who 
presents himself or herself as an applicant for admission to Guam under 
the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, who applies for asylum, withholding 
of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA or withholding or deferral 
of removal under the regulations implementing Article 3 of the United 
Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment must be issued a Form I-863, Notice of Referral 
to Immigration Judge, for a proceeding in accordance with 8 CFR 
208.2(c)(1) and (2). The provisions of 8 CFR subpart 208 subpart A shall 
not apply to an alien present or arriving in the CNMI seeking to apply 
for asylum prior to January 1, 2030. No application for asylum may be 
filed pursuant to section 208 of the Act by an alien present or arriving 
in the CNMI prior to January 1, 2030; however, aliens physically present 
in the CNMI during the transition period who express a fear of 
persecution or torture only may establish eligibility for withholding of 
removal pursuant to INA 241(b)(3) or pursuant to the regulations 
implementing Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture 
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
    (B) The removal of an alien under this section may be deferred if 
the alien is paroled into the custody of a Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement agency for criminal prosecution or punishment. This section 
in no way diminishes the discretionary authority of the Secretary 
enumerated in section 212(d) of the Act.
    (C) Refusal of admission under this paragraph shall not constitute 
removal for purposes of the Act.
    (ii) Determination of deportability. (A) An alien who has been 
admitted to either Guam or the CNMI under the provisions of this section 
who is determined by an immigration officer to be deportable from either 
Guam or the CNMI under one or more of the grounds

[[Page 230]]

of deportability listed in section 237 of the Act, shall be removed from 
either Guam or the CNMI to his or her country of nationality or last 
residence. Such removal will be determined by DHS authority that has 
jurisdiction over the place where the alien is found, and will be 
effected without referral of the alien to an immigration judge for a 
determination of deportability, except that an alien admitted to Guam 
under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program who applies for asylum or other 
form of protection from persecution or torture must be issued a Form I-
863 for a proceeding in accordance with 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1) and (2). The 
provisions of 8 CFR part 208 subpart A shall not apply to an alien 
present or arriving in the CNMI seeking to apply for asylum prior to 
January 1, 2030. No application for asylum may be filed pursuant to 
section 208 of the INA by an alien present or arriving in the CNMI prior 
to January 1, 2030; however, aliens physically present or arriving in 
the CNMI prior to January 1, 2030, may apply for withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and withholding and deferral of 
removal under the regulations implementing Article 3 of the United 
Nations Convention Against Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or 
Punishment.
    (B) Removal by DHS under paragraph (b)(1) of this section is 
equivalent in all respects and has the same consequences as removal 
after proceedings conducted under section 240 of the Act.
    (iii) Removal of inadmissible aliens who arrived by air or sea. 
Removal of an alien from Guam or the CNMI under this section may be 
effected using the return portion of the round trip passage presented by 
the alien at the time of entry to Guam and the CNMI. Such removal shall 
be on the first available means of transportation to the alien's point 
of embarkation to Guam or the CNMI. Nothing in this part absolves the 
carrier of the responsibility to remove any inadmissible or deportable 
alien at carrier expense, as provided in the carrier agreement.

[26 FR 12066, Dec. 16, 1961]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
212.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  212.2  Consent to reapply for admission after deportation, removal 
or departure at Government expense.

    (a) Evidence. Any alien who has been deported or removed from the 
United States is inadmissible to the United States unless the alien has 
remained outside of the United States for five consecutive years since 
the date of deportation or removal. If the alien has been convicted of 
an aggravated felony, he or she must remain outside of the United States 
for twenty consecutive years from the deportation date before he or she 
is eligible to re-enter the United States. Any alien who has been 
deported or removed from the United States and is applying for a visa, 
admission to the United States, or adjustment of status, must present 
proof that he or she has remained outside of the United States for the 
time period required for re-entry after deportation or removal. The 
examining consular or immigration officer must be satisfied that since 
the alien's deportation or removal, the alien has remained outside the 
United States for more than five consecutive years, or twenty 
consecutive years in the case of an alien convicted of an aggravated 
felony as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Act. Any alien who does 
not satisfactorily present proof of absence from the United States for 
more than five consecutive years, or twenty consecutive years in the 
case of an alien convicted of an aggravated felony, to the consular or 
immigration officer, and any alien who is seeking to enter the United 
States prior to the completion of the requisite five- or twenty-year 
absence, must apply for permission to reapply for admission to the 
United States as provided under this part. A temporary stay in the 
United States under section 212(d)(3) of the Act does not interrupt the 
five or twenty consecutive year absence requirement.
    (b) Alien applying to consular officer for nonimmigrant visa or 
nonresident alien border crossing card. (1) An alien who is applying to 
a consular officer for a nonimmigrant visa or a nonresident alien border 
crossing card, must request permission to reapply for admission to the 
United States if five

[[Page 231]]

years, or twenty years if the alien's deportation was based upon a 
conviction for an aggravated felony, have not elapsed since the date of 
deportation or removal. This permission shall be requested in the manner 
prescribed through the consular officer, and may be granted only in 
accordance with sections 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act and 8 
CFR 212.4. However, the alien may apply for such permission by 
submitting an application on the form designated by USCIS with the fee 
prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2, in accordance with the form instructions, to 
the consular officer if that officer is willing to accept the 
application, and recommends to the district director that the alien be 
permitted to apply.
    (2) The consular officer shall forward the application to the 
district director with jurisdiction over the place where the deportation 
or removal proceedings were held.
    (c) Special provisions for an applicant for nonimmigrant visa under 
section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Act. (1) An applicant for a nonimmigrant 
visa under section 101(a)(15)(K) must:
    (i) Be the beneficiary of a valid visa petition approved by the 
Service; and
    (ii) File the application on the form designated by USCIS with the 
fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2, in accordance with the form instructions 
with the consular officer for permission to reapply for admission to the 
United States after deportation or removal.
    (2) The consular officer must forward the application to the 
designated USCIS office. If the alien is ineligible on grounds which, 
upon the applicant's marriage to the United States citizen petitioner, 
may be waived under section 212 (g), (h), or (i) of the Act, the 
consular officer must also forward a recommendation as to whether the 
waiver should be granted.
    (d) Applicant for immigrant visa. Except as provided in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this section, an applicant for an immigrant visa who is not 
physically present in the United States and who requires permission to 
reapply must file the waiver request on the form designated by USCIS. 
Except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this section, if the applicant 
also requires a waiver under section 212(g), (h), or (i) of the Act, he 
or she must file both waiver requests simultaneously on the forms 
designated by USCIS with the fees prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (e) Applicant for adjustment of status. An applicant for adjustment 
of status under section 245 of the Act and part 245 of this chapter must 
request permission to reapply for entry in conjunction with his or her 
application for adjustment of status. This request is made by filing the 
application on the form designated by USCIS. If the application under 
section 245 of the Act has been initiated, renewed, or is pending in a 
proceeding before an immigration judge, the district director must refer 
the application to the immigration judge for adjudication.
    (f) Applicant for admission at port of entry. An alien may request 
permission at a port of entry to reapply for admission to the United 
States within 5 years of the deportation or removal, or 20 years in the 
case of an alien deported, or removed 2 or more times, or at any time 
after deportation or removal in the case of an alien convicted of an 
aggravated felony. The alien must file the , where required, with the 
DHS officer having jurisdiction over the port of entry.
    (g) Other applicants. (1) Any applicant for permission to reapply 
for admission under circumstances other than those described in 
paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section must apply on the form 
designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (2) An alien who is an applicant for parole authorization under 8 
CFR 245.15(t)(2) or 8 CFR 245.13(k)(2) and requires consent to reapply 
for admission after deportation, removal, or departure at Government 
expense, or a waiver under section 212(g), 212(h), or 212(i) of the Act, 
must file the requisite waiver form concurrently with the parole 
request.
    (h) Decision. An applicant who has submitted a request for consent 
to reapply for admission after deportation or removal must be notified 
of the decision. If the application is denied, the applicant must be 
notified of the reasons for the denial and of his or her right to appeal 
as provided in part 103

[[Page 232]]

of this chapter. Except in the case of an applicant seeking to be 
granted advance permission to reapply for admission prior to his or her 
departure from the United States, the denial of the application shall be 
without prejudice to the renewal of the application in the course of 
proceedings before an immigration judge under section 242 of the Act and 
this chapter.
    (i) Retroactive approval. (1) If the alien filed the application 
when seeking admission at a port of entry, the approval of the 
application shall be retroactive to either:
    (i) The date on which the alien embarked or reembarked at a place 
outside the United States; or
    (ii) The date on which the alien attempted to be admitted from 
foreign contiguous territory.
    (2) If the alien filed Form I-212 in conjunction with an application 
for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, the approval of 
the application shall be retroactive to the date on which the alien 
embarked or reembarked at a place outside the United States.
    (j) Advance approval. An alien whose departure will execute an order 
of deportation shall receive a conditional approval depending upon his 
or her satisfactory departure. However, the grant of permission to 
reapply does not waive inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(A) of the 
Act resulting from exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings which 
are instituted subsequent to the date permission to reapply is granted.

[56 FR 23212, May 21, 1991, as amended at 64 FR 25766, May 12, 1999; 65 
FR 15854, Mar. 24, 2000; 74 FR 26937, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53787, Aug. 
29, 2011; 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  212.3  Application for the exercise of discretion under section 212(c).

    (a) Jurisdiction. An application for the exercise of discretion 
under section 212(c) of the Act must be submitted on the form designated 
by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with 
the form instructions. If the application is made in the course of 
proceedings under sections 235, 236, or 242 of the Act, the application 
shall be made to the Immigration Court.
    (b) Filing of application. The application may be filed prior to, at 
the time of, or at any time after the applicant's departure from or 
arrival into the United States. All material facts and/or circumstances 
which the applicant knows or believes apply to the grounds of 
excludability or deportability must be described. The applicant must 
also submit all available documentation relating to such grounds.
    (c) Decision of the District Director. A district director may grant 
or deny an application for advance permission to return to an 
unrelinquished domicile under section 212(c) of the Act, in the exercise 
of discretion, unless otherwise prohibited by paragraph (f) of this 
section. The applicant shall be notified of the decision and, if the 
application is denied, of the reason(s) for denial. No appeal shall lie 
from denial of the application, but the application may be renewed 
before an Immigration Judge as provided in paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (d) Validity. Once an application is approved, that approval is 
valid indefinitely. However, the approval covers only those specific 
grounds of excludability or deportability that were described in the 
application. An application who failed to describe any other grounds of 
excludability or deportability, or failed to disclose material facts 
existing at the time of the approval of the application, remains 
excludable or deportable under the previously unidentified grounds. If 
at a later date, the applicant becomes subject to exclusion or 
deportation based upon these previously unidentified grounds or upon new 
ground(s), a new application must be filed.
    (e) Filing or renewal of applications before an Immigration Judge. 
(1) An application for the exercise of discretion under section 212(c) 
of the Act may be renewed or submitted in proceedings before an 
Immigration Judge under sections 235, 236, or 242 of the Act, and under 
this chapter. Such application shall be adjudicated by the Immigration 
Judge, without regard to whether the applicant previously has made 
application to the district director.
    (2) The Immigration Judge may grant or deny an application for 
advance permission to return to an

[[Page 233]]

unrelinquished domicile under section 212(c) of the Act, in the exercise 
of discretion, unless otherwise prohibited by paragraph (f) of this 
section.
    (3) An alien otherwise entitled to appeal to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals may appeal the denial by the Immigration Judge of 
this application in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  3.36 of this 
chapter.
    (f) Limitations on discretion to grant an application under section 
212(c) of the Act. An application for advance permission to enter under 
section 212 of the Act shall be denied if:
    (1) The alien has not been lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence;
    (2) The alien has not maintained lawful domicile in the United 
States, as either a lawful permanent resident or a lawful temporary 
resident pursuant to section 245A or section 210 of the Act, for at 
least seven consecutive years immediately preceding the filing of the 
application;
    (3) The alien is subject to exclusion from the United States under 
paragraphs (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(C), or (3)(E) of section 212(a) of the 
Act;
    (4) The alien has been convicted of an aggravated felony, as defined 
by section 101(a)(43) of the Act, and has served a term of imprisonment 
of at least five years for such conviction; or
    (5) The alien applies for relief under section 212(c) within five 
years of the barring act as enumerated in one or more sections of 
section 242B(e) (1) through (4) of the Act.
    (g) Relief for certain aliens who were in deportation proceedings 
before April 24, 1996. Section 440(d) of Antiterrorism and Effective 
Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA) shall not apply to any applicant for 
relief under this section whose deportation proceedings were commenced 
before the Immigration Court before April 24, 1996.

[56 FR 50034, Oct. 3, 1991, as amended at 60 FR 34090, June 30, 1995; 61 
FR 59825, Nov. 25, 1996; 66 FR 6446, Jan. 22, 2001; 74 FR 26938, June 5, 
2009; 76 FR 53787, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46922, Aug. 3, 2020]




Sec.  212.4  Applications for the exercise of discretion under 
section 212(d)(1) and 212(d)(3).

    (a) Applications under section 212(d)(3)(A)--(1) General. District 
directors and officers in charge outside the United States in the 
districts of Bangkok, Thailand; Mexico City, Mexico; and Rome, Italy are 
authorized to act upon recommendations made by consular officers for the 
exercise of discretion under section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act. The 
District Director, Washington, DC, has jurisdiction in such cases 
recommended to the Service at the seat-of-government level by the 
Department of State. When a consular officer or other State Department 
official recommends that the benefits of section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act 
be accorded an alien, neither an application nor fee shall be required. 
The recommendation shall specify:
    (i) The reasons for inadmissibility and each section of law under 
which the alien is inadmissible;
    (ii) Each intended date of arrival;
    (iii) The length of each proposed stay in the United States;
    (iv) The purpose of each stay;
    (v) The number of entries which the alien intends to make; and
    (vi) The justification for exercising the authority contained in 
section 212(d)(3) of the Act.

If the alien desires to make multiple entries and the consular officer 
or other State Department official believes that the circumstances 
justify the issuance of a visa valid for multiple entries rather than 
for a specified number of entries, and recommends that the alien be 
accorded an authorization valid for multiple entries, the information 
required by items (ii) and (iii) shall be furnished only with respect to 
the initial entry. Item (ii) does not apply to a bona fide crewman. The 
consular officer or other State Department official shall be notified of 
the decision on his recommendation. No appeal by the alien shall lie 
from an adverse decision made by a Service officer on the recommendation 
of a consular officer or other State Department official.
    (2) Authority of consular officers to approve section 212(d)(3)(A) 
recommendations pertaining to aliens inadmissible under section 
212(a)(28)(C). In certain

[[Page 234]]

categories of visa cases defined by the Secretary of State, United 
States consular officers assigned to visa-issuing posts abroad may, on 
behalf of the Attorney General pursuant to section 212(d)(3)(A) of the 
Act, approve a recommendation by another consular officer that an alien 
be admitted temporarily despite visa ineligibility solely because the 
alien is of the class of aliens defined at section 212(a)(28)(C) of the 
Act, as a result of presumed or actual membership in, or affiliation 
with, an organization described in that section. Authorizations for 
temporary admission granted by consular officers shall be subject to the 
terms specified in Sec.  212.4(c) of this chapter. Any recommendation 
which is not clearly approvable shall, and any recommendation may, be 
presented to the appropriate official of the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service for a determination.
    (b) Applications under section 212(d)(3)(B). An application for the 
exercise of discretion under section 212(d)(3)(B) of the Act shall be 
submitted on the form designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 
CFR 106.2, and in accordance with the form instructions. (For Department 
of State procedure when a visa is required, see 22 CFR 41.95 and 
paragraph (a) of this section.) If the application is made because the 
applicant may be inadmissible due to present or past membership in or 
affiliation with any Communist or other totalitarian party or 
organization, there shall be attached to the application a written 
statement of the history of the applicant's membership or affiliation, 
including the period of such membership or affiliation, whether the 
applicant held any office in the organization, and whether his 
membership or affiliation was voluntary or involuntary. If the applicant 
alleges that his membership or affiliation was involuntary, the 
statement shall include the basis for that allegation. When the 
application is made because the applicant may be inadmissible due to 
disease, mental or physical defect, or disability of any kind, the 
application shall describe the disease, defect, or disability. If the 
purpose of seeking admission to the United States is for treatment, 
there shall be attached to the application statements in writing to 
establish that satisfactory treatment cannot be obtained outside the 
United States; that arrangements have been completed for treatment, and 
where and from whom treatment will be received; what financial 
arrangements for payment of expenses incurred in connection with the 
treatment have been made, and that a bond will be available if required. 
When the application is made because the applicant may be inadmissible 
due to the conviction of one or more crimes, the designation of each 
crime, the date and place of its commission and of the conviction 
thereof, and the sentence or other judgment of the court shall be stated 
in the application; in such a case the application shall be supplemented 
by the official record of each conviction, and any other documents 
relating to commutation of sentence, parole, probation, or pardon. If 
the application is made at the time of the applicant's arrival to the 
district director at a port of entry, the applicant shall establish that 
he was not aware of the ground of inadmissibility and that it could not 
have been ascertained by the exercise of reasonable diligence, and he 
shall be in possession of a passport and visa, if required, or have been 
granted a waiver thereof. The applicant shall be notified of the 
decision and if the application is denied of the reasons therefor and of 
his right to appeal to the Board within 15 days after the mailing of the 
notification of decision in accordance with the Provisions of part 3 of 
this chapter. If denied, the denial shall be without prejudice to 
renewal of the application in the course of proceedings before a special 
inquiry officer under sections 235 and 236 of the Act and this chapter. 
When an appeal may not be taken from a decision of a special inquiry 
officer excluding an alien but the alien has applied for the exercise of 
discretion under section 212(d)(3)(B) of the Act, the alien may appeal 
to the Board from a denial of such application in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  236.5(b) of this chapter.
    (c) Terms of authorization--(1) General. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, each authorization under section 
212(d)(3)(A) or (B) of the Act shall specify:

[[Page 235]]

    (i) Each section of law under which the alien is inadmissible;
    (ii) The intended date of each arrival, unless the applicant is a 
bona fide crewman. However, if the authorization is valid for multiple 
entries rather than for a specified number of entries, this information 
shall be specified only with respect to the initial entry;
    (iii) The length of each stay authorized in the United States, which 
shall not exceed the period justified and shall be subject to 
limitations specified in 8 CFR part 214. However, if the authorization 
is valid for multiple entries rather than for a specified number of 
entries, this information shall be specified only with respect to the 
initial entry;
    (iv) The purpose of each stay;
    (v) The number of entries for which the authorization is valid;
    (vi) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, the dates on or between which each application for admission at 
POEs in the United States is valid;
    (vii) The justification for exercising the authority contained in 
section 212(d)(3) of the Act; and
    (viii) That the authorization is subject to revocation at any time.
    (2) Conditions of admission. (i) For aliens issued an authorization 
for temporary admission in accordance with this section, admissions 
pursuant to section 212(d)(3) of the Act shall be subject to the terms 
and conditions set forth in the authorization.
    (ii) The period for which the alien's admission is authorized 
pursuant to this section shall not exceed the period justified, or the 
limitations specified, in 8 CFR part 214 for each class of nonimmigrant, 
whichever is less.
    (3) Validity. (i) Authorizations granted to crew members may be 
valid for a maximum period of 2 years for application for admission at 
U.S. POEs and may be valid for multiple entries.
    (ii) An authorization issued in conjunction with an application for 
a Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing Card, issued by the DOS 
shall be valid for a period not to exceed the validity of the biometric 
BCC for applications for admission at U.S. POEs and shall be valid for 
multiple entries.
    (iii) A multiple entry authorization for a person other than a crew 
member or applicant for a Form DSP-150 may be made valid for a maximum 
period of 5 years for applications for admission at U.S. POEs.
    (iv) An authorization that was previously issued in conjunction with 
Form I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card, and that is 
noted on the card may remain valid. Although the waiver may remain 
valid, the non-biometric border crossing card portion of this document 
is not valid after that date. This waiver authorization shall cease if 
otherwise revoked or voided.
    (v) A single-entry authorization to apply for admission at a U.S. 
POE shall not be valid for more than 6 months from the date the 
authorization is issued.
    (vi) An authorization may not be revalidated. Upon expiration of the 
authorization, a new application and authorization are required.
    (d) Admission of groups inadmissible under section 212(a)(28) for 
attendance at international conferences. When the Secretary of State 
recommends that a group of nonimmigrant aliens and their accompanying 
family members be admitted to attend international conferences 
notwithstanding their inadmissibility under section 212(a)(28) of the 
Act, the Deputy Commissioner, may enter an order pursuant to the 
authority contained in section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act specifying the 
terms and conditions of their admission and stay.
    (e) Inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1)(A)(iii). Pursuant to the 
authority contained in section 212(d)(3) of the Act, the temporary 
admission of a nonimmigrant visitor is authorized notwithstanding 
inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1)(A)(iii)(I) or (II) of the Act 
due to a mental disorder and associated threatening or harmful behavior, 
if such alien is accompanied by a member of his/her family, or a 
guardian who will be responsible for him/her during the period of 
admission authorized.
    (f) Inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1) for aliens inadmissible 
due to HIV--(1) General. Pursuant to the authority in section 
212(d)(3)(A)(i) of the

[[Page 236]]

Act, any alien who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(1)(A)(i) of the 
Act due to infection with the etiologic agent for acquired immune 
deficiency syndrome (HIV infection) may be issued a B-1 (business 
visitor) or B-2 (visitor for pleasure) nonimmigrant visa by a consular 
officer or the Secretary of State, and be authorized for temporary 
admission into the United States for a period not to exceed 30 days, 
subject to authorization of an additional period or periods under 
paragraph (f)(5) of this section, provided that the authorization is 
granted in accordance with paragraphs (f)(2) through (f)(7) of this 
section. Application under this paragraph (f) may not be combined with 
any other waiver of inadmissibility.
    (2) Conditions. An alien who is HIV-positive who applies for a 
nonimmigrant visa before a consular officer may be issued a B-1 
(business visitor) or B-2 (visitor for pleasure) nonimmigrant visa and 
admitted to the United States for a period not to exceed 30 days, 
provided that the applicant establishes that:
    (i) The applicant has tested positive for HIV;
    (ii) The applicant is not currently exhibiting symptoms indicative 
of an active, contagious infection associated with acquired immune 
deficiency syndrome;
    (iii) The applicant is aware of, has been counseled on, and 
understands the nature, severity, and the communicability of his or her 
medical condition;
    (iv) The applicant's admission poses a minimal risk of danger to the 
public health in the United States and poses a minimal risk of danger of 
transmission of the infection to any other person in the United States;
    (v) The applicant will have in his or her possession, or will have 
access to, as medically appropriate, an adequate supply of 
antiretroviral drugs for the anticipated stay in the United States and 
possesses sufficient assets, such as insurance that is accepted in the 
United States, to cover any medical care that the applicant may require 
in the event of illness at any time while in the United States;
    (vi) The applicant's admission will not create any cost to the 
United States, or a state or local government, or any agency thereof, 
without the prior written consent of the agency;
    (vii) The applicant is seeking admission solely for activities that 
are consistent with the B-1 (business visitor) or B-2 (visitor for 
pleasure) nonimmigrant classification;
    (viii) The applicant is aware that no single admission to the United 
States will be for a period that exceeds 30 days (subject to paragraph 
(f)(5) of this section);
    (ix) The applicant is otherwise admissible to the United States and 
no other ground of inadmissibility applies;
    (x) The applicant is aware that he or she cannot be admitted under 
section 217 of the Act (Visa Waiver Program);
    (xi) The applicant is aware that any failure to comply with any 
condition of admission set forth under this paragraph (f) will 
thereafter make him or her ineligible for authorization under this 
paragraph; and
    (xii) The applicant, for the purpose of admission pursuant to 
authorization under this paragraph (f), waives any opportunity to apply 
for an extension of nonimmigrant stay (except as provided in paragraph 
(f)(5) of this section), a change of nonimmigrant status, or adjustment 
of status to that of permanent resident.
    (A) Nothing in this paragraph (f) precludes an alien admitted under 
this paragraph (f) from applying for asylum pursuant to section 208 of 
the Act.
    (B) Any alien admitted under this paragraph (f) who applies for 
adjustment of status under section 209 of the Act after being granted 
asylum must establish his or her eligibility to adjust status under all 
applicable provisions of the Act and 8 CFR part 209. Any applicable 
ground of inadmissibility must be waived by approval of an appropriate 
waiver(s) under section 209(c) of the Act and 8 CFR 209.2(b).
    (C) Nothing within this paragraph (f) constitutes a waiver of 
inadmissibility under section 209 of the Act or 8 CFR part 209.
    (3) Nonimmigrant visa. A nonimmigrant visa issued to the applicant 
for purposes of temporary admission under section 212(d)(3)(A)(i) of the 
Act

[[Page 237]]

and this paragraph (f) may not be valid for more than 12 months or for 
more than two applications for admission during the 12-month period. The 
authorized period of stay will be for 30 calendar days calculated from 
the initial admission under this visa.
    (4) Application at U.S. port. If otherwise admissible, a holder of 
the nonimmigrant visa issued under section 212(d)(3)(A)(i) of the Act 
and this paragraph (f) is authorized to apply for admission at a United 
States port of entry at any time during the period of validity of the 
visa in only the B-1 (business visitor) or B-2 (visitor for pleasure) 
nonimmigrant categories.
    (5) Admission limited; satisfactory departure. Notwithstanding any 
other provision of this chapter, no single period of admission under 
section 212(d)(3)(A)(i) of the Act and this paragraph (f) may be 
authorized for more than 30 days; if an emergency prevents a 
nonimmigrant alien admitted under this paragraph (f) from departing from 
the United States within his or her period of authorized stay, the 
director (or other appropriate official) having jurisdiction over the 
place of the alien's temporary stay may, in his or her discretion, grant 
an additional period (or periods) of satisfactory departure, each such 
period not to exceed 30 days. If departure is accomplished during that 
period, the alien is to be regarded as having satisfactorily 
accomplished the visit without overstaying the allotted time.
    (6) Failure to comply. No authorization under section 
212(d)(3)(A)(i) of the Act and this paragraph (f) may be provided to any 
alien who has previously failed to comply with any condition of an 
admission authorized under this paragraph.
    (7) Additional limitations. The Secretary of Homeland Security or 
the Secretary of State may require additional evidence or impose 
additional conditions on granting authorization for temporary admissions 
under this paragraph (f) as international (or other relevant) conditions 
may indicate.
    (8) Option for case-by-case determination. If the applicant does not 
meet the criteria under this paragraph (f), or does not wish to agree to 
the conditions for the streamlined 30-day visa under this paragraph (f), 
the applicant may elect to utilize the process described in either 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.
    (g) Action upon alien's arrival. Upon admitting an alien who has 
been granted the benefits of section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act, the 
immigration officer shall be guided by the conditions and limitations 
imposed in the authorization and noted by the consular officer in the 
alien's passport. When admitting any alien who has been granted the 
benefits of section 212(d)(3)(B) of the Act, the Immigration officer 
shall note on the arrival-departure record, Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), 
or crewman's landing permit, Form I-95, issued to the alien, the 
conditions and limitations imposed in the authorization.
    (h) Authorizations issued to crewmen without limitation as to period 
of validity. When a crewman who has a valid section 212(d)(3) 
authorization without any time limitation comes to the attention of the 
Service, his travel document shall be endorsed to show that the validity 
of his section 212(d)(3) authorization expires as of a date six months 
thereafter, and any previously-issued Form I-184 shall be lifted and 
Form I-95 shall be issued in its place and similarly endorsed.
    (i) Revocation. The Deputy Commissioner or the district director may 
at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized under section 
212(d)(3) of the Act and shall notify the nonimmigrant in writing to 
that effect.
    (j) Alien witnesses and informants--(1) Waivers under section 
212(d)(1) of the Act. Upon the application of a federal or state law 
enforcement authority (``LEA''), which shall include a state or federal 
court or United States Attorney's Office, pursuant to the filing for 
nonimmigrant classification described in section 101(a)(15)(S) of the 
Act, USCIS will determine whether a ground of exclusion exists with 
respect to the alien for whom classification is sought and, if so, 
whether it is in the national interest to exercise the discretion to 
waive the ground of excludability, other than section 212(a)(3)(E) of 
the Act. USCIS may at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized 
under section 212(d)(1) of the Act. In the event USCIS decides to revoke 
a

[[Page 238]]

previously authorized waiver for an S nonimmigrant, the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be 
notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to the decision. Unless the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he 
or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In the event 
of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General 
for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the 
relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to revoke.
    (2) Grounds of removal. Nothing shall prohibit the Service from 
removing from the United States an alien classified pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act for conduct committed after the alien has been 
admitted to the United States as an S nonimmigrant, or after the alien's 
change to S classification, or for conduct or a condition undisclosed to 
the Attorney General prior to the alien's admission in, or change to, S 
classification, unless such conduct or condition is waived prior to 
admission and classification. In the event USCIS decides to remove an S 
nonimmigrant from the United States, the Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be notified in writing to 
that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall 
concur in or object to that decision. Unless the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he or she shall be 
deemed to have concurred in the decision. In the event of an objection 
by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, the matter will be 
expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General for a final 
resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the relevant LEA have 
a right of appeal from any decision to remove.

[29 FR 15252, Nov. 13, 1964]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
212.4, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  212.5  Parole of aliens into the United States.

    (a) The authority of the Secretary to continue an alien in custody 
or grant parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Act shall be exercised 
by the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations; Director, 
Detention and Removal; directors of field operations; port directors; 
special agents in charge; deputy special agents in charge; associate 
special agents in charge; assistant special agents in charge; resident 
agents in charge; field office directors; deputy field office directors; 
chief patrol agents; district directors for services; and those other 
officials as may be designated in writing, subject to the parole and 
detention authority of the Secretary or his designees. The Secretary or 
his designees may invoke, in the exercise of discretion, the authority 
under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Act.
    (b) Parole from custody. The parole of aliens within the following 
groups who have been or are detained in accordance with Sec.  235.3(b) 
or (c) of this chapter would generally be justified only on a case-by-
case basis for ``urgent humanitarian reasons'' or ``significant public 
benefit,'' provided the aliens present neither a security risk nor a 
risk of absconding:
    (1) Aliens who have serious medical conditions in which continued 
detention would not be appropriate;
    (2) Women who have been medically certified as pregnant;
    (3) Aliens who are defined as minors in Sec.  236.3(b) of this 
chapter and are in DHS custody. The Executive Assistant Director, 
Enforcement and Removal Operations; directors of field operations; field 
office directors, deputy field office directors; or chief patrol agents 
shall follow the guidelines set forth in Sec.  236.3(j) of this chapter 
and paragraphs (b)(3)(i) through (ii) of this section in determining 
under what conditions a minor should be paroled from detention:
    (i) Minors may be released to a parent, legal guardian, or adult 
relative (brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or grandparent) not in 
detention.
    (ii) Minors may be released with an accompanying parent or legal 
guardian who is in detention.

[[Page 239]]

    (iii) If the Service cannot locate a relative in or out of detention 
to sponsor the minor, but the minor has identified a non-relative in 
detention who accompanied him or her on arrival, the question of 
releasing the minor and the accompanying non-relative adult shall be 
addressed on a case-by-case basis;
    (4) Aliens who will be witnesses in proceedings being, or to be, 
conducted by judicial, administrative, or legislative bodies in the 
United States; or
    (5) Aliens whose continued detention is not in the public interest 
as determined by those officials identified in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (c) In the case of all other arriving aliens, except those detained 
under Sec.  235.3(b) or (c) of this chapter and paragraph (b) of this 
section, those officials listed in paragraph (a) of this section may, 
after review of the individual case, parole into the United States 
temporarily in accordance with section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Act, any 
alien applicant for admission, under such terms and conditions, 
including those set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, as he or she 
may deem appropriate. An alien who arrives at a port-of-entry and 
applies for parole into the United States for the sole purpose of 
seeking adjustment of status under section 245A of the Act, without 
benefit of advance authorization as described in paragraph (f) of this 
section shall be denied parole and detained for removal in accordance 
with the provisions of Sec.  235.3(b) or (c) of this chapter. An alien 
seeking to enter the United States for the sole purpose of applying for 
adjustment of status under section 210 of the Act shall be denied parole 
and detained for removal under Sec.  235.3(b) or (c) of this chapter, 
unless the alien has been recommended for approval of such application 
for adjustment by a consular officer at an Overseas Processing Office.
    (d) Conditions. In any case where an alien is paroled under 
paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, those officials listed in 
paragraph (a) of this section may require reasonable assurances that the 
alien will appear at all hearings and/or depart the United States when 
required to do so. Not all factors listed need be present for parole to 
be exercised. Those officials should apply reasonable discretion. The 
consideration of all relevant factors includes:
    (1) The giving of an undertaking by the applicant, counsel, or a 
sponsor to ensure appearances or departure, and a bond may be required 
on Form I-352 in such amount as may be deemed appropriate;
    (2) Community ties such as close relatives with known addresses; and
    (3) Agreement to reasonable conditions (such as periodic reporting 
of whereabouts).
    (e) Termination of parole--(1) Automatic. Parole shall be 
automatically terminated without written notice (i) upon the departure 
from the United States of the alien, or, (ii) if not departed, at the 
expiration of the time for which parole was authorized, and in the 
latter case the alien shall be processed in accordance with paragraph 
(e)(2) of this section except that no written notice shall be required.
    (2)(i) On notice. In cases not covered by paragraph (e)(1) of this 
section, upon accomplishment of the purpose for which parole was 
authorized or when in the opinion of one of the officials listed in 
paragraph (a) of this section, neither humanitarian reasons nor public 
benefit warrants the continued presence of the alien in the United 
States, parole shall be terminated upon written notice to the alien and 
he or she shall be restored to the status that he or she had at the time 
of parole. When a charging document is served on the alien, the charging 
document will constitute written notice of termination of parole, unless 
otherwise specified. Any further inspection or hearing shall be 
conducted under section 235 or 240 of the Act and this chapter, or any 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal previously entered shall be 
executed. If the exclusion, deportation, or removal order cannot be 
executed within a reasonable time, the alien shall again be released on 
parole unless in the opinion of the official listed in paragraph (a) of 
this section the public interest requires that the alien be continued in 
custody.
    (ii) An alien who is granted parole into the United States after 
enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 for other 
than the specific purpose of applying for adjustment of

[[Page 240]]

status under section 245A of the Act shall not be permitted to avail him 
or herself of the privilege of adjustment thereunder. Failure to abide 
by this provision through making such an application will subject the 
alien to termination of parole status and institution of proceedings 
under sections 235 and 236 of the Act without the written notice of 
termination required by Sec.  212.5(e)(2)(i) of this chapter.
    (iii) Any alien granted parole into the United States so that he or 
she may transit through the United States in the course of removal from 
Canada shall have his or her parole status terminated upon notice, as 
specified in 8 CFR 212.5(e)(2)(i), if he or she makes known to an 
immigration officer of the United States a fear of persecution or an 
intention to apply for asylum. Upon termination of parole, any such 
alien shall be regarded as an arriving alien, and processed accordingly 
by the Department of Homeland Security.
    (f) Advance authorization. When parole is authorized for an alien 
who will travel to the United States without a visa, the alien shall be 
issued an appropriate document authorizing travel.
    (g) Parole for certain Cuban nationals. Notwithstanding any other 
provision respecting parole, the determination whether to release on 
parole, or to revoke the parole of, a native of Cuba who last came to 
the United States between April 15, 1980, and October 20, 1980, shall be 
governed by the terms of Sec.  212.12.
    (h) Effect of parole of Cuban and Haitian nationals. (1) Except as 
provided in paragraph (h)(2) of this section, any national of Cuba or 
Haiti who was paroled into the United States on or after October 10, 
1980, shall be considered to have been paroled in the special status for 
nationals of Cuba or Haiti, referred to in section 501(e)(1) of the 
Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, Public Law 96-422, as amended 
(8 U.S.C. 1522 note).
    (2) A national of Cuba or Haiti shall not be considered to have been 
paroled in the special status for nationals of Cuba or Haiti, referred 
to in section 501(e)(1) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, 
Public Law 96-422, as amended, if the individual was paroled into the 
United States:
    (i) In the custody of a Federal, State or local law enforcement or 
prosecutorial authority, for purposes of criminal prosecution in the 
United States; or
    (ii) Solely to testify as a witness in proceedings before a 
judicial, administrative, or legislative body in the United States.

[47 FR 30045, July 9, 1982, as amended at 47 FR 46494, Oct. 19, 1982; 52 
FR 16194, May 1, 1987; 52 FR 48802, Dec. 28, 1987; 53 FR 17450, May 17, 
1988; 61 FR 36611, July 12, 1996; 62 FR 10348, Mar. 6, 1997; 65 FR 
80294, Dec. 21, 2000; 65 FR 82255, Dec. 28, 2000; 67 FR 39257, June 7, 
2002; 68 FR 35152, June 12, 2003; 69 FR 69489, Nov. 29, 2004; 76 FR 
53787, Aug. 29, 2011; 84 FR 44525, Aug. 23, 2019; 87 FR 18220, Mar. 29, 
2022]



Sec.  212.6  Border crossing identification cards.

    (a) Application for Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing 
Card, issued by the Department of State. A citizen of Mexico, who seeks 
to travel temporarily to the United States for business or pleasure 
without a visa and passport, must apply to the DOS on Form DS-156, 
Visitor Visa Application, to obtain a Form DSP-150 in accordance with 
the applicable DOS regulations at 22 CFR 41.32 and/or instructions.
    (b) Use--(1) Application for admission with Non-resident Canadian 
Border Crossing Card, Form I-185, containing separate waiver 
authorization; Canadian residents bearing DOS-issued combination B-1/B-2 
visa and border crossing card (or similar stamp in a passport). (i) A 
Canadian citizen or other person sharing common nationality with Canada 
and residing in Canada who presents a Form I-185 that contains a 
separate notation of a waiver authorization issued pursuant to Sec.  
212.4 may be admitted on the basis of the waiver, provided the waiver 
has not expired or otherwise been revoked or voided. Although the waiver 
may remain valid on or after October 1, 2002, the non-biometric border 
crossing card portion of the document is not valid after that date.
    (ii) A Canadian resident who presents a combination B-1/B-2 visa and 
border crossing card (or similar stamp in a passport) issued by the DOS 
prior to April 1, 1998, that does not contain a machine-readable 
biometric identifier, may be admitted on the basis of the

[[Page 241]]

nonimmigrant visa only, provided it has not expired and the alien 
remains otherwise admissible.
    (2) Application for admission by a national of Mexico--Form DSP-150 
issued by the DOS; DOS-issued combination B-1/B-2 visa and border 
crossing card (or similar stamp in a passport). (i) The rightful holder 
of a Form DSP-150 issued by the DOS may be admitted under Sec.  235.1(f) 
of this chapter if found otherwise admissible and if the biometric 
identifier contained on the card matches the appropriate biometric 
characteristic of the alien.
    (ii) The bearer of a combination B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa and 
border crossing card (or similar stamp in a passport) issued by DOS 
prior to April 1, 1998, that does not contain a machine-readable 
biometric identifier, may be admitted on the basis of the nonimmigrant 
visa only, provided it has not expired and the alien remains otherwise 
admissible. A passport is also required.
    (iii) Any alien seeking admission as a visitor for business or 
pleasure, must also present a valid passport with his or her border 
crossing card, and shall be issued a Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4) if the 
alien is applying for admission from:
    (A) A country other than Mexico or Canada, or
    (B) Canada if the alien has been in a country other than the United 
States or Canada since leaving Mexico.
    (c) Validity. Forms I-185, I-186, and I-586 are invalid on or after 
October 1, 2002. If presented on or after that date, these documents 
will be voided at the POE.
    (d) Voidance for reasons other than expiration of the validity of 
the form--(1) At a POE. (i) In accordance with 22 CFR 41.122, a Form 
DSP-150 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa and non-biometric border 
crossing identification card or (a similar stamp in a passport), issued 
by the DOS, may be physically cancelled and voided by a supervisory 
immigration officer at a POE if it is considered void pursuant to 
section 222(g) of the Act when presented at the time of application for 
admission, or as the alien departs the United States. If the card is 
considered void and if the applicant for admission is not otherwise 
subject to expedited removal in accordance with 8 CFR part 235, the 
applicant shall be advised in writing that he or she may request a 
hearing before an immigration judge. The purpose of the hearing shall be 
to determine his/her admissibility in accordance with Sec.  235.6 of 
this chapter. The applicant may be represented at this hearing by an 
attorney of his/her own choice at no expense to the Government. He or 
she shall also be advised of the availability of free legal services 
provided by organizations and attorneys qualified under 8 CFR part 3, 
and organizations recognized under Sec.  292.2 of this chapter located 
in the district where the removal hearing is to be held. If the 
applicant requests a hearing, the Form DSP-150 or combined B-1/B-2 
visitor visa and non-biometric border crossing identification card (or 
similar stamp in a passport), issued by the DOS, shall be held by the 
Service for presentation to the immigration judge.
    (ii) If the applicant chooses not to have a hearing, the Form DSP-
150 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa and non-biometric BCC (or similar 
stamp in a passport) issued by the DOS, shall be voided and physically 
cancelled. The alien to whom the card or stamp was issued by the DOS 
shall be notified of the action taken and the reasons for such action by 
means of Form I-275, Withdrawal of Application for Admission/Consular 
Notification, delivered in person or by mailing the Form I-275 to the 
last known address. The DOS shall be notified of the cancellation of the 
biometric Form DSP-150 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa and non-
biometric BCC (or similar stamp in a passport) issued by DOS, by means 
of a copy of the original Form I-275. Nothing in this paragraph limits 
the Service's ability to remove an alien pursuant to 8 CFR part 235 
where applicable.
    (2) Within the United States. In accordance with former section 242 
of the Act (before amended by section 306 of the IIRIRA of 1996, Div. C, 
Public Law 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009 (Sept. 30, 1996,) or current sections 
235(b), 238, and 240 of the Act, if the holder of a Form DSP-150, or 
other combined B-1/B-2 visa and BCC, or (similar stamp in a passport) 
issued by the DOS, is placed under removal proceedings, no action to 
cancel

[[Page 242]]

the card or stamp shall be taken pending the outcome of the hearing. If 
the alien is ordered removed or granted voluntary departure, the card or 
stamp shall be physically cancelled and voided by an immigration 
officer. In the case of an alien holder of a BCC who is granted 
voluntary departure without a hearing, the card shall be declared void 
and physically cancelled by an immigration officer who is authorized to 
issue a Notice to Appear or to grant voluntary departure.
    (3) In Mexico or Canada. Forms I-185, I-186 or I-586 issued by the 
Service and which are now invalid, or a Form DSP-150 or combined B-1/B-2 
visitor visa and non-biometric BCC, or (similar stamp in a passport) 
issued by the DOS may be declared void by United States consular 
officers or United States immigration officers in Mexico or Canada.
    (4) Grounds. Grounds for voidance of a Form I-185, I-186, I-586, a 
DOS-issued non-biometric BCC, or the biometric Form DSP-150 shall be 
that the holder has violated the immigration laws; that he/she is 
inadmissible to the United States; that he/she has abandoned his/her 
residence in the country upon which the card was granted; or if the BCC 
is presented for admission on or after October 1, 2002, it does not 
contain a machine-readable biometric identifier corresponding to the 
bearer and is invalid on or after October 1, 2002.
    (e) Replacement. If a valid Border Crossing Card (Forms I-185, I-
186, or I-586) previously issued by the Service, a non-biometric border 
crossing card issued by the DOS before April 1998, or a Form DSP-150 
issued by the DOS has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the 
person to whom the card was issued may apply for a new card as provided 
for in the DOS regulations found at 22 CFR 41.32 and 22 CFR 41.103.

[67 FR 71448, Dec. 2, 2002, as amended at 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  212.7  Waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.

    (a)(1) Application. Except as provided by 8 CFR 212.7(e), an 
applicant for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or a K or V 
nonimmigrant visa who is inadmissible under any provision of section 
212(a) of the Act for which a waiver is available under section 212 of 
the Act may apply for the related waiver by filing the form designated 
by USCIS, with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2, and in accordance with 
the form instructions. Certain immigrants may apply for a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver of inadmissibility as specified in 8 CFR 
212.7(e).
    (2) Termination of application for lack of prosecution. An applicant 
may withdraw the application at any time prior to the final decision, 
whereupon the case will be closed and the consulate notified. If the 
applicant fails to prosecute the application within a reasonable time 
either before or after interview the applicant shall be notified that if 
he or she fails to prosecute the application within 30 days the case 
will be closed subject to being reopened at the applicant's request. If 
no action has been taken within the 30-day period immediately 
thereafter, the case will be closed and the appropriate consul notified.
    (3) Decision. If the waiver application is denied, USCIS will 
provide a written decision and notify the applicant and his or her 
attorney or accredited representative and will advise the applicant of 
appeal procedures, if any, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3. The denial of 
a provisional unlawful presence waiver is governed by 8 CFR 212.7(e).
    (4) Validity. (i) A provisional unlawful presence waiver granted 
according to paragraph (e) of this section is valid subject to the terms 
and conditions as specified in paragraph (e) of this section. In any 
other case, approval of an immigrant waiver of inadmissibility under 
this section applies only to the grounds of inadmissibility, and the 
related crimes, events, or incidents that are specified in the 
application for waiver.
    (ii) Except for K-1 and K-2 nonimmigrants and aliens lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis, an immigrant 
waiver of inadmissibility is valid indefinitely, even if the applicant 
later abandons or otherwise loses lawful permanent resident status.
    (iii) For a K-1 or K-2 nonimmigrant, approval of the waiver is 
conditioned on the K-1 nonimmigrant marrying the

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petitioner; if the K-1 nonimmigrant marries the K nonimmigrant 
petitioner, the waiver becomes valid indefinitely, subject to paragraph 
(a)(4)(iv) of this section, even if the applicant later abandons or 
otherwise loses lawful permanent resident status. If the K-1 does not 
marry the K nonimmigrant petitioner, the K-1 and K-2 nonimmigrants 
remain inadmissible for purposes of any application for a benefit on any 
basis other than the proposed marriage between the K-1 and the K 
nonimmigrant petitioner.
    (iv) For an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence on a 
conditional basis under section 216 of the Act, removal of the 
conditions on the alien's status renders the waiver valid indefinitely, 
even if the applicant later abandons or otherwise loses lawful permanent 
resident status. Termination of the alien's status as an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence on a conditional basis also terminates 
the validity of a waiver of inadmissibility based on sections 212(h) or 
212(i) of the Act that was granted to the alien. Separate notification 
of the termination of the waiver is not required when an alien is 
notified of the termination of residence under section 216 of the Act, 
and no appeal will lie from the decision to terminate the waiver on this 
basis. If the alien challenges the termination in removal proceedings, 
and the removal proceedings end in the restoration of the alien's 
status, the waiver will become effective again.
    (v) Nothing in this subsection precludes USCIS from reopening and 
reconsidering a decision if the decision is determined to have been made 
in error.
    (b) Section 212(g) waivers for certain medical conditions--(1) 
Application. Any alien who is inadmissible under section 
212(a)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) of the Act and who is eligible for a 
waiver under section 212(g) of the Act may file an application as 
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. The family member 
specified in section 212(g) of the Act may file the waiver application 
for the applicant if the applicant is incompetent to file the waiver 
personally.
    (2) Section 212(a) (1) or (3) (certain mental conditions)--(i) 
Arrangements for submission of medical report. If the alien is 
excludable under section 212(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the Act he or his 
sponsoring family member shall submit a waiver request with a statement 
that arrangements have been made for the submission to that office of a 
medical report. The medical report shall contain a complete medical 
history of the alien, including details of any hospitalization or 
institutional care or treatment for any physical or mental condition; 
findings as to the current physical condition of the alien, including 
reports of chest X-ray examination and of serologic test for syphilis if 
the alien is 15 years of age or over, and other pertinent diagnostic 
tests; and findings as to the current mental condition of the alien, 
with information as to prognosis and life expectancy and with a report 
of a psychiatric examination conducted by a psychiatrist who shall, in 
case of mental retardation, also provide an evaluation of the alien's 
intelligence. For an alien with a past history of mental illness, the 
medical report shall also contain available information on which the 
U.S. Public Health Service can base a finding as to whether the alien 
has been free of such mental illness for a period of time sufficient in 
the light of such history to demonstrate recovery.
    (ii) Submission of statement. Upon being notified that the medical 
report has been reviewed by the U.S. Public Health Service and 
determined to be acceptable, the alien or the alien's sponsoring family 
member shall submit a statement to the consular or Service office. The 
statement must be from a clinic, hospital, institution, specialized 
facility, or specialist in the United States approved by the U.S. Public 
Health Service. The alien or alien's sponsor may be referred to the 
mental retardation or mental health agency of the state of proposed 
residence for guidance in selecting a post-arrival medical examining 
authority who will complete the evaluation and provide an evaluation 
report to the Centers for Disease Control. The statement must specify 
the name and address of the specialized facility, or specialist, and 
must affirm that:
    (A) The specified facility or specialist agrees to evaluate the 
alien's mental status and prepare a complete report of the findings of 
such evaluation.

[[Page 244]]

    (B) The alien, the alien's sponsoring family member, or another 
responsible person has made complete financial arrangements for payment 
of any charges that may be incurred after arrival for studies, care, 
training and service;
    (C) The Director, Division of Quarantine, Center for Prevention 
Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA. 30333 shall be 
furnished:
    (1) The report evaluating the alien's mental status within 30 days 
after the alien's arrival; and
    (2) Prompt notification of the alien's failure to report to the 
facility or specialist within 30 days after being notified by the U.S. 
Public Health Service that the alien has arrived in the United States.
    (D) The alien shall be in an outpatient, inpatient, study, or other 
specified status as determined by the responsible local physician or 
specialist during the initial evaluation.
    (3) Assurances: Bonds. In all cases under paragraph (b) of this 
section the alien or his or her sponsoring family member shall also 
submit an assurance that the alien will comply with any special travel 
requirements as may be specified by the U.S. Public Health Service and 
that, upon the admission of the alien into the United States, he or she 
will proceed directly to the facility or specialist specified for the 
initial evaluation, and will submit to such further examinations or 
treatment as may be required, whether in an outpatient, inpatient, or 
other status. The alien, his or her sponsoring family member, or other 
responsible person shall provide such assurances or bond as may be 
required to assure that the necessary expenses of the alien will be met 
and that he or she will not become a public charge. For procedures 
relating to cancellation or breaching of bonds, see part 103 of this 
chapter.
    (c) Section 212(e). (1) An alien who was admitted to the United 
States as an exchange visitor, or who acquired that status after 
admission, is subject to the foreign residence requirement of section 
212(e) of the Act if his or her participation in an exchange program was 
financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by a United States 
government agency or by the government of the country of his or her 
nationality or last foreign residence.
    (2) An alien is also subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act if at the time of admission to the United 
States as an exchange visitor or at the time of acquisition of exchange 
visitor status after admission to the United States, the alien was a 
national or lawful permanent resident of a country which the Director of 
the United States Information Agency had designated, through public 
notice in the Federal Register, as clearly requiring the services of 
persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skill in which 
the alien was to engage in his or her exchange visitor program.
    (3) An alien is also subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act if he or she was admitted to the United States 
as an exchange visitor on or after January 10, 1977 to receive graduate 
medical education or training, or following admission, acquired such 
status on or after that date for that purpose. However, an exchange 
visitor already participating in an exchange program of graduate medical 
education or training as of January 9, 1977 who was not then subject to 
the foreign residence requirement of section 212(e) and who proceeds or 
has proceeded abroad temporarily and is returning to the United States 
to participate in the same program, continues to be exempt from the 
foreign residence requirement.
    (4) A spouse or child admitted to the United States or accorded 
status under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act to accompany or follow to 
join an exchange visitor who is subject to the foreign residence 
requirement of section 212(e) of the Act is also subject to that 
requirement.
    (5) An alien who is subject to the foreign residence requirement and 
who believes that compliance therewith would impose exceptional hardship 
upon his/her spouse or child who is a citizen of the United States or a 
lawful permanent resident alien, or that he or she cannot return to the 
country of his or her nationality or last residence because he or she 
will be subject to persecution on account of race, religion, or

[[Page 245]]

political opinion, may apply for a waiver on the form designated by 
USCIS. The alien's spouse and minor children, if also subject to the 
foreign residence requirement, may be included in the application, 
provided the spouse has not been a participant in an exchange program.
    (6) Each application based upon a claim to exceptional hardship must 
be accompanied by the certificate of marriage between the applicant and 
his or her spouse and proof of legal termination of all previous 
marriages of the applicant and spouse; the birth certificate of any 
child who is a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien, 
if the application is based upon a claim of exceptional hardship to a 
child, and evidence of the United States citizenship of the applicant's 
spouse or child, when the application is based upon a claim of 
exceptional hardship to a spouse or child who is a citizen of the United 
States.
    (7) Evidence of United States citizenship and of status as a lawful 
permanent resident shall be in the form provided in part 204 of this 
chapter. An application based upon exceptional hardship shall be 
supported by a statement, dated and signed by the applicant, giving a 
detailed explanation of the basis for his or her belief that his or her 
compliance with the foreign residence requirement of section 212(e) of 
the Act, as amended, would impose exceptional hardship upon his or her 
spouse or child who is a citizen of the United States or a lawful 
permanent resident thereof. The statement shall include all pertinent 
information concerning the incomes and savings of the applicant and 
spouse. If exceptional hardship is claimed upon medical grounds, the 
applicant shall submit a medical certificate from a qualified physician 
setting forth in terms understandable to a layman the nature and effect 
of the illness and prognosis as to the period of time the spouse or 
child will require care or treatment.
    (8) An application based upon the applicant's belief that he or she 
cannot return to the country of his or her nationality or last residence 
because the applicant would be subject to persecution on account of 
race, religion, or political opinion, must be supported by a statement, 
dated and signed by the applicant, setting forth in detail why the 
applicant believes he or she would be subject to persecution.
    (9) Waivers under Pub. L. 103-416 based on a request by a State 
Department of Public Health (or equivalent). In accordance with section 
220 of Pub. L. 103-416, an alien admitted to the United States as a 
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, or who acquired 
status under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act after admission to the 
United States, to participate in an exchange program of graduate medical 
education or training (as of January 9, 1977), may apply for a waiver of 
the 2-year home country residence and physical presence requirement (the 
``2-year requirement'') under section 212(e)(iii) of the Act based on a 
request by a State Department of Public Health, or its equivalent. To 
initiate the application for a waiver under Pub. L. 103-416, the 
Department of Public Health, or its equivalent, or the State in which 
the foreign medical graduate seeks to practice medicine, must request 
the Director of USIA to recommend a waiver to the Service. The waiver 
may be granted only if the Director of USIA provides the Service with a 
favorable waiver recommendation. Only the Service, however, may grant or 
deny the waiver application. If granted, such a waiver shall be subject 
to the terms and conditions imposed under section 214(l) of the Act (as 
redesignated by section 671(a)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 104-208). Although the 
alien is not required to submit a separate waiver application to the 
Service, the burden rests on the alien to establish eligibility for the 
waiver. If the Service approves a waiver request made under Pub. L. 103-
416, the foreign medical graduate (and accompanying dependents) may 
apply for change of nonimmigrant status, from J-1 to H-1B and, in the 
case of dependents of such a foreign medical graduate, from J-2 to H-4. 
Aliens receiving waivers under section 220 of Pub. L. 103-416 are 
subject, in all cases, to the provisions of section 214(g)(1)(A) of the 
Act.
    (i) Eligiblity criteria. J-1 foreign medical graduates (with 
accompanying J-2 dependents) are eligible to apply for a waiver of the 
2-year requirement under

[[Page 246]]

Pub. L. 103-416 based on a request by a State Department of Public 
Health (or its equivalent) if:
    (A) They were admitted to the United States under section 
101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, or acquired J nonimmigrant status before June 
1, 2002, to pursue graduate medical education or training in the United 
States.
    (B) They have entered into a bona fide, full-time employment 
contract for 3 years to practice medicine at a health care facility 
located in an area or areas designated by the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals (``HHS-
designated shortage area'');
    (C) They agree to commence employment within 90 days of receipt of 
the waiver under this section and agree to practice medicine for 3 years 
at the facility named in the waiver application and only in HHS-
designated shortage areas. The health care facility named in the waiver 
application may be operated by:
    (1) An agency of the Government of the United States or of the State 
in which it is located; or
    (2) A charitable, educational, or other not-for-profit organization; 
or
    (3) Private medical practitioners.
    (D) The Department of Public Health, or its equivalent, in the State 
where the health care facility is located has requested the Director, 
USIA, to recommend the waiver, and the Director, USIA, submits a 
favorable waiver recommendation to the Service; and
    (E) Approval of the waiver will not cause the number of waivers 
granted pursuant to Pub. L. 103-416 and this section to foreign medical 
graduates who will practice medicine in the same state to exceed 20 
during the current fiscal year.
    (ii) Decision on waivers under Pub. L. 103-416 and notification to 
the alien--(A) Approval. If the Director of USIA submits a favorable 
waiver recommendation on behalf of a foreign medical graduate pursuant 
to Pub. L. 103-416, and the Service grants the waiver, the alien shall 
be notified of the approval on Form I-797 (or I-797A or I-797B, as 
appropriate). The approval notice shall clearly state the terms and 
conditions imposed on the waiver, and the Service's records shall be 
noted accordingly.
    (B) Denial. If the Director of USIA issues a favorable waiver 
recommendation under Pub. L. 103-416 and the Service denies the waiver, 
the alien shall be notified of the decision and of the right to appeal 
under 8 CFR part 103. However, no appeal shall lie where the basis for 
denial is that the number of waivers granted to the State in which the 
foreign medical graduate will be employed would exceed 20 for that 
fiscal year.
    (iii) Conditions. The foreign medical graduate must agree to 
commence employment for the health care facility specified in the waiver 
application within 90 days of receipt of the waiver under Pub. L. 103-
416. The foreign medical graduate may only fulfill the requisite 3-year 
employment contract as an H-1B nonimmigrant. A foreign medical graduate 
who receives a waiver under Pub. L. 103-416 based on a request by a 
State Department of Public Health (or equivalent), and changes his or 
her nonimmigrant classification from J-1 to H-1B, may not apply for 
permanent residence or for any other change of nonimmigrant 
classification unless he or she has fulfilled the 3-year employment 
contract with the health care facility and in the specified HHS-
designated shortage area named in the waiver application.
    (iv) Failure to fulfill the three-year employment contract due to 
extenuating circumstances. A foreign medical graduate who fails to meet 
the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver under section 214(l) of 
the Act and this paragraph will once again become subject to the 2-year 
requirement under section 212(e) of the Act.
    Under section 214(l)(1)(B) of the Act, however, the Service, in the 
exercise of discretion, may excuse early termination of the foreign 
medical graduate's 3-year period of employment with the health care 
facility named in the waiver application due to extenuating 
circumstances. Extenuating circumstances may include, but are not 
limited to, closure of the health care facility or hardship to the 
alien. In determining whether to excuse such early

[[Page 247]]

termination of employment, the Service shall base its decision on the 
specific facts of each case. In all cases, the burden of establishing 
eligibility for a favorable exercise of discretion rests with the 
foreign medical graduate. Depending on the circumstances, closure of the 
health care facility named in the waiver application may, but need not, 
be considered an extenuating circumstance excusing early termination of 
employment. Under no circumstances will a foreign medical graduate be 
eligible to apply for change of status to another nonimmigrant category, 
for an immigrant visa or for status as a lawful permanent resident prior 
to completing the requisite 3-year period of employment for a health 
care facility located in an HHS-designated shortage area.
    (v) Required evidence. A foreign medical graduate who seeks to have 
early termination of employment excused due to extenuating circumstances 
shall submit documentary evidence establishing such a claim. In all 
cases, the foreign medical graduate shall submit an employment contract 
with another health care facility located in an HHS-designated shortage 
area for the balance of the required 3-year period of employment. A 
foreign medical graduate claiming extenuating circumstances based on 
hardship shall also submit evidence establishing that such hardship was 
caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond his or her control. A foreign 
medical graduate claiming extenuating circumstances based on closure of 
the health care facility named in the waiver application shall also 
submit evidence that the facility has closed or is about to be closed.
    (vi) Notification requirements. A J-1 foreign medical graduate who 
has been granted a waiver of the 2-year requirement pursuant to Pub. L. 
103-416, is required to comply with the terms and conditions specified 
in section 214(l) of the Act and the implementing regulations in this 
section. If the foreign medical graduate subsequently applies for and 
receives H-1B status, he or she must also comply with the terms and 
conditions of that nonimmigrant status. Such compliance shall also 
include notifying USCIS of any material change in the terms and 
conditions of the H-1B employment, by filing either an amended or a new 
H-1B petition, as required, under Sec. Sec.  214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(E), and 214.2(h)(11) of this chapter.
    (A) Amended H-1B petitions. The health care facility named in the 
waiver application and H-1B petition shall file an amended H-1B 
petition, as required under Sec.  214.2(h)(2)(i)(E) of this chapter, if 
there are any material changes in the terms and conditions of the 
beneficiary's employment or eligibility as specified in the waiver 
application filed under Pub. L. 103-416 and in the subsequent H-1B 
petition. In such a case, an amended H-1B petition shall be accompanied 
by evidence that the alien will continue practicing medicine with the 
original employer in an HHS-designated shortage area.
    (B) New H-1B petitions. A health care facility seeking to employ a 
foreign medical graduate who has been granted a waiver under Pub. L. 
103-416 (prior to the time the alien has completed his or her 3-year 
contract with the facility named in the waiver application and original 
H-1B petition), shall file a new H-1B petition, as required under 
Sec. Sec.  214.2(h)(2)(i) (D) and (E) of this chapter. Although a new 
waiver application need not be filed, the new H-1B petition shall be 
accompanied by the documentary evidence generally required under Sec.  
214.2(h) of this chapter, and the following additional documents:
    (1) A copy of the USCIS approval notice relating to the waiver and 
nonimmigrant H status granted under Pub. L. 103-416;
    (2) An explanation from the foreign medical graduate, with 
supporting evidence, establishing that extenuating circumstances 
necessitate a change in employment;
    (3) An employment contract establishing that the foreign medical 
graduate will practice medicine at the health care facility named in the 
new H-1B petition for the balance of the required 3-year period; and
    (4) Evidence that the geographic area or areas of intended 
employment indicated in the new H-1B petition are in HHS-designated 
shortage areas.
    (C) Review of amended and new H-1B petitions for foreign medical 
graduates

[[Page 248]]

granted waivers under Pub. L. 103-416 and who seek to have early 
termination of employment excused due to extenuating circumstances--(1) 
Amended H-1B petitions. The waiver granted under Pub. L. 103-416 may be 
affirmed, and the amended H-1B petition may be approved, if the 
petitioning health care facility establishes that the foreign medical 
graduate otherwise remains eligible for H-1B classification and that he 
or she will continue practicing medicine in an HHS-designated shortage 
area.
    (2) New H-1B petitions. The Service shall review a new H-1B petition 
filed on behalf of a foreign medical graduate who has not yet fulfilled 
the required 3-year period of employment with the health care facility 
named in the waiver application and in the original H-1B petition to 
determine whether extenuating circumstances exist which warrant a change 
in employment, and whether the waiver granted under Pub. L. 103-416 
should be affirmed. In conducting such a review, the Service shall 
determine whether the foreign medical graduate will continue practicing 
medicine in an HHS-designated shortage area, and whether the new H-1B 
petitioner and the foreign medical graduate have satisfied the remaining 
H-1B eligibility criteria described under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the 
Act and Sec.  214.2(h) of this chapter. If these criteria have been 
satisfied, the waiver granted to the foreign medical graduate under Pub. 
L. 103-416 may be affirmed, and the new H1-B petition may be approved in 
the exercise of discretion, thereby permitting the foreign medical 
graduate to serve the balance of the requisite 3-year employment period 
at the health care facility named in the new H-1B petition.
    (D) Failure to notify the Service of any material changes in 
employment. Foreign medical graduates who have been granted a waiver of 
the 2-year requirement and who have obtained H-1B status under Pub. L. 
103-416 but fail to: Properly notify the Service of any material change 
in the terms and conditions of their H-1B employment, by having their 
employer file an amended or a new H-1B petition in accordance with this 
section and Sec.  214.2(h) of this chapter; or establish continued 
eligibility for the waiver and H-1B status, shall (together with their 
dependents) again become subject to the 2-year requirement. Such foreign 
medical graduates and their accompanying H-4 dependents also become 
subject to deportation under section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (10) The applicant and his or her spouse may be interviewed by an 
immigration officer in connection with the application and consultation 
may be had with the Director, United States Information Agency and the 
sponsor of any exchange program in which the applicant has been a 
participant.
    (11) The applicant shall be notified of the decision, and if the 
application is denied, of the reasons therefor and of the right of 
appeal in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this chapter. 
However, no appeal shall lie from the denial of an application for lack 
of a favorable recommendation from the Secretary of State. When an 
interested United States Government agency requests a waiver of the two-
year foreign-residence requirement and the Director, United States 
Information Agency had made a favorable recommendation, the interested 
agency shall be notified of the decision on its request and, if the 
request is denied, of the reasons thereof, and of the right of appeal. 
If the foreign country of the alien's nationality or last residence has 
furnished statement in writing that it has no objection to his/her being 
granted a waiver of the foreign residence requirement and the Director, 
United States Information Agency has made a favorable recommendation, 
the Director shall be notified of the decision and, if the foreign 
residence requirement is not waived, of the reasons therefor and of the 
foregoing right of appeal. However, this ``no objection'' provision is 
not applicable to the exchange visitor admitted to the United States on 
or after January 10, 1977 to receive graduate medical education or 
training, or who acquired such status on or after that date for such 
purpose; except that the alien who commenced a program before January 
10, 1977 and who was readmitted to the United

[[Page 249]]

States on or after that date to continue participation in the same 
program, is eligible for the ``no objection'' waiver.
    (d) Criminal grounds of inadmissibility involving violent or 
dangerous crimes. The Attorney General, in general, will not favorably 
exercise discretion under section 212(h)(2) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 
1182(h)(2)) to consent to an application or reapplication for a visa, or 
admission to the United States, or adjustment of status, with respect to 
immigrant aliens who are inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) of the Act 
in cases involving violent or dangerous crimes, except in extraordinary 
circumstances, such as those involving national security or foreign 
policy considerations, or cases in which an alien clearly demonstrates 
that the denial of the application for adjustment of status or an 
immigrant visa or admission as an immigrant would result in exceptional 
and extremely unusual hardship. Moreover, depending on the gravity of 
the alien's underlying criminal offense, a showing of extraordinary 
circumstances might still be insufficient to warrant a favorable 
exercise of discretion under section 212(h)(2) of the Act.
    (e) Provisional unlawful presence waivers of inadmissibility. The 
provisions of this paragraph (e) apply to certain aliens who are 
pursuing consular immigrant visa processing.
    (1) Jurisdiction. USCIS has exclusive jurisdiction to grant a 
provisional unlawful presence waiver under this paragraph (e). An alien 
applying for a provisional unlawful presence waiver must file with USCIS 
the form designated by USCIS, with the fees prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2, 
and in accordance with the form instructions.
    (2) Provisional unlawful presence waiver; in general. (i) USCIS may 
adjudicate applications for a provisional unlawful presence waiver of 
inadmissibility based on section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act filed by 
eligible aliens described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. USCIS 
will only approve such provisional unlawful presence waiver applications 
in accordance with the conditions outlined in paragraph (e) of this 
section. Consistent with section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act, the 
decision whether to approve a provisional unlawful presence waiver 
application is discretionary. A pending or approved provisional unlawful 
presence waiver does not constitute a grant of a lawful immigration 
status or a period of stay authorized by the Secretary.
    (ii) A pending or an approved provisional unlawful presence waiver 
does not support the filing of any application for interim immigration 
benefits, such as employment authorization or an advance parole 
document. Any application for an advance parole document or employment 
authorization that is submitted in connection with a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver application will be rejected.
    (3) Eligible aliens. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(4) of this 
section, an alien may be eligible to apply for and receive a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver for the grounds of inadmissibility under 
section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) of the Act if he or she meets the 
requirements in this paragraph. An alien may be eligible to apply for 
and receive a waiver if he or she:
    (i) Is present in the United States at the time of filing the 
application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver;
    (ii) Provides biometrics to USCIS at a location in the United States 
designated by USCIS;
    (iii) Upon departure, would be inadmissible only under section 
212(a)(9)(B)(i) of the Act at the time of the immigrant visa interview;
    (iv) Has a case pending with the Department of State, based on:
    (A) An approved immigrant visa petition, for which the Department of 
State immigrant visa processing fee has been paid; or
    (B) Selection by the Department of State to participate in the 
Diversity Visa Program under section 203(c) of the Act for the fiscal 
year for which the alien registered;
    (v) Will depart from the United States to obtain the immigrant visa; 
and
    (vi) Meets the requirements for a waiver provided in section 
212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act.
    (4) Ineligible aliens. Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section, an

[[Page 250]]

alien is ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver under 
paragraph (e) of this section if:
    (i) The alien is under the age of 17;
    (ii) The alien does not have a case pending with the Department of 
State, based on:
    (A) An approved immigrant visa petition, for which the Department of 
State immigrant visa processing fee has been paid; or
    (B) Selection by the Department of State to participate in the 
Diversity Visa program under section 203(c) of the Act for the fiscal 
year for which the alien registered;
    (iii) The alien is in removal proceedings, in which no final order 
has been entered, unless the removal proceedings are administratively 
closed and have not been recalendared at the time of filing the 
application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver;
    (iv) The alien is subject to an administratively final order of 
removal, deportation, or exclusion under any provision of law (including 
an in absentia order under section 240(b)(5) of the Act), unless the 
alien has already filed and USCIS has already granted, before the alien 
applies for a provisional unlawful presence waiver under 8 CFR 212.7(e), 
an application for consent to reapply for admission under section 
212(a)(9)(A)(iii) of the Act and 8 CFR 212.2(j);
    (v) CBP or ICE, after service of notice under 8 CFR 241.8, has 
reinstated a prior order of removal under section 241(a)(5) of the Act, 
either before the filing of the provisional unlawful presence waiver 
application or while the provisional unlawful presence waiver 
application is pending; or
    (vi) The alien has a pending application with USCIS for lawful 
permanent resident status.
    (5) Filing. (i) An alien must file an application for a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver of the unlawful presence inadmissibility bars 
under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) of the Act on the form 
designated by USCIS, in accordance with the form instructions, with the 
fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2, and with the evidence required by the 
form instructions.
    (ii) An application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver will 
be rejected and the fee and package returned to the alien if the alien:
    (A) Fails to pay the required filing fee or correct filing fee for 
the provisional unlawful presence waiver application;
    (B) Fails to sign the provisional unlawful presence waiver 
application;
    (C) Fails to provide his or her family name, domestic home address, 
and date of birth;
    (D) Is under the age of 17;
    (E) Does not include evidence of:
    (1) An approved immigrant visa petition;
    (2) Selection by the Department of State to participate in the 
Diversity Visa Program under section 203(c) of the Act for the fiscal 
year for which the alien registered; or
    (3) Eligibility as a derivative beneficiary of an approved immigrant 
visa petition or of an alien selected for participation in the Diversity 
Visa Program as provided in this section and outlined in section 203(d) 
of the Act.
    (F) Fails to include documentation evidencing:
    (1) That the alien has paid the immigrant visa processing fee to the 
Department of State for the immigrant visa application upon which the 
alien's approved immigrant visa petition is based; or
    (2) In the case of a diversity immigrant, that the Department of 
State selected the alien to participate in the Diversity Visa Program 
for the fiscal year for which the alien registered.
    (6) Biometrics. (i) All aliens who apply for a provisional unlawful 
presence waiver under this section will be required to provide 
biometrics in accordance with 8 CFR 103.16 and 103.17, as specified on 
the form instructions.
    (ii) Failure to appear for biometric services. If an alien fails to 
appear for a biometric services appointment or fails to provide 
biometrics in the United States as directed by USCIS, a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver application will be considered abandoned and 
denied under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13). The alien may not appeal or file a 
motion to reopen or reconsider an abandonment denial under 8 CFR 103.5.
    (7) Burden and standard of proof. The alien has the burden to 
establish, by a

[[Page 251]]

preponderance of the evidence, eligibility for a provisional unlawful 
presence waiver as described in this paragraph, and under section 
212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act, including that the alien merits a favorable 
exercise of discretion.
    (8) Adjudication. USCIS will adjudicate a provisional unlawful 
presence waiver application in accordance with this paragraph and 
section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act. If USCIS finds that the alien is not 
eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, or if USCIS 
determines in its discretion that a waiver is not warranted, USCIS will 
deny the waiver application. Notwithstanding 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), USCIS 
may deny an application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver 
without prior issuance of a request for evidence or notice of intent to 
deny.
    (9) Notice of decision. (i) USCIS will notify the alien and the 
alien's attorney of record or accredited representative of the decision 
in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(19). USCIS may notify the Department 
of State of the denial of an application for a provisional unlawful 
presence waiver. A denial is without prejudice to the alien's filing 
another provisional unlawful presence waiver application under this 
paragraph (e), provided the alien meets all of the requirements in this 
part, including that the alien's case must be pending with the 
Department of State. An alien also may elect to file a waiver 
application under paragraph (a)(1) of this section after departing the 
United States, appearing for his or her immigrant visa interview at the 
U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad, and after the Department of State 
determines the alien's admissibility and eligibility for an immigrant 
visa.
    (ii) Denial of an application for a provisional unlawful presence 
waiver is not a final agency action for purposes of section 10(c) of the 
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 704.
    (10) Withdrawal of waiver applications. An alien may withdraw his or 
her application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver at any time 
before USCIS makes a final decision. Once the case is withdrawn, USCIS 
will close the case and notify the alien and his or her attorney or 
accredited representative. The alien may file a new application for a 
provisional unlawful presence waiver, in accordance with the form 
instructions and required fees, provided that the alien meets all of the 
requirements included in this paragraph (e).
    (11) Appeals and motions to reopen. There is no administrative 
appeal from a denial of a request for a provisional unlawful presence 
waiver under this section. The alien may not file, pursuant to 8 CFR 
103.5, a motion to reopen or reconsider a denial of a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver application under this section.
    (12) Approval and conditions. A provisional unlawful presence waiver 
granted under this section:
    (i) Does not take effect unless, and until, the alien who applied 
for and obtained the provisional unlawful presence waiver:
    (A) Departs from the United States;
    (B) Appears for an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or 
consulate; and
    (C) Is determined to be otherwise eligible for an immigrant visa by 
the Department of State in light of the approved provisional unlawful 
presence waiver.
    (ii) Waives, upon satisfaction of the conditions described in 
paragraph (e)(12)(i), the alien's inadmissibility under section 
212(a)(9)(B) of the Act only for purposes of the application for an 
immigrant visa and admission to the United States as an immigrant based 
on the approved immigrant visa petition upon which a provisional 
unlawful presence waiver application is based or selection by the 
Department of State to participate in the Diversity Visa Program under 
section 203(c) of the Act for the fiscal year for which the alien 
registered, with such selection being the basis for the alien's 
provisional unlawful presence waiver application;
    (iii) Does not waive any ground of inadmissibility other than, upon 
satisfaction of the conditions described in paragraph (e)(12)(i), the 
grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) of 
the Act.
    (13) Validity. Until the provisional unlawful presence waiver takes 
full effect as provided in paragraph (e)(12) of this

[[Page 252]]

section, USCIS may reopen and reconsider its decision at any time. Once 
a provisional unlawful presence waiver takes full effect as defined in 
paragraph (e)(12) of this section, the period of unlawful presence for 
which the provisional unlawful presence waiver is granted is waived 
indefinitely, in accordance with and subject to paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section.
    (14) Automatic revocation. The approval of a provisional unlawful 
presence waiver is revoked automatically if:
    (i) The Department of State denies the immigrant visa application 
after completion of the immigrant visa interview based on a finding that 
the alien is ineligible to receive an immigrant visa for any reason 
other than inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) of 
the Act. This automatic revocation does not prevent the alien from 
applying for a waiver of inadmissibility for unlawful presence under 
section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act and 8 CFR 212.7(a) or for any other 
relief from inadmissibility on any other ground for which a waiver is 
available and for which the alien may be eligible;
    (ii) The immigrant visa petition approval associated with the 
provisional unlawful presence waiver is at any time revoked, withdrawn, 
or rendered invalid but not otherwise reinstated for humanitarian 
reasons or converted to a widow or widower petition;
    (iii) The immigrant visa registration is terminated in accordance 
with section 203(g) of the Act, and has not been reinstated in 
accordance with section 203(g) of the Act; or
    (iv) The alien enters or attempts to reenter the United States 
without inspection and admission or parole at any time after the alien 
files the provisional unlawful presence waiver application and before 
the approval of the provisional unlawful presence waiver takes effect in 
accordance with paragraph (e)(12) of this section.

(Secs. 103, 203, 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended 
by secs. 4, 5, 18 of Pub. L. 97-116, 95 Stat. 1611, 1620, (8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1153, 1182)

[29 FR 12584, Sept. 4, 1964]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
212.7, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec. Sec.  212.8-212.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  212.10  Section 212(k) waiver.

    Any applicant for admission who is in possession of an immigrant 
visa, and who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(5)(A) or 
212(a)(7)(A)(i) of the Act, may apply at the port of entry for a waiver 
under section 212(k) of the Act. If the application for waiver is 
denied, the application may be renewed in removal proceedings before an 
immigration judge as provided in 8 CFR part 1240.

[76 FR 53787, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  212.11  [Reserved]



Sec.  212.12  Parole determinations and revocations respecting Mariel Cubans.

    (a) Scope. This section applies to any native of Cuba who last came 
to the United States between April 15, 1980, and October 20, 1980 
(hereinafter referred to as Mariel Cuban) and who is being detained by 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service (hereinafter referred to as 
the Service) pending his or her exclusion hearing, or pending his or her 
return to Cuba or to another country. It covers Mariel Cubans who have 
never been paroled as well as those Mariel Cubans whose previous parole 
has been revoked by the Service. It also applies to any Mariel Cuban, 
detained under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 
any facility, who has not been approved for release or who is currently 
awaiting movement to a Service or Bureau Of Prisons (BOP) facility. In 
addition, it covers the revocation of parole for those Mariel Cubans who 
have been released on parole at any time.
    (b) Parole authority and decision. The authority to grant parole 
under section 212(d)(5) of the Act to a detained Mariel Cuban shall be 
exercised by the Commissioner, acting through the Associate Commissioner 
for Enforcement, as follows:
    (1) Parole decisions. The Associate Commissioner for Enforcement 
may, in the exercise of discretion, grant parole

[[Page 253]]

to a detained Mariel Cuban for emergent reasons or for reasons deemed 
strictly in the public interest. A decision to retain in custody shall 
briefly set forth the reasons for the continued detention. A decision to 
release on parole may contain such special conditions as are considered 
appropriate. A copy of any decision to parole or to detain, with an 
attached copy translated into Spanish, shall be provided to the 
detainee. Parole documentation for Mariel Cubans shall be issued by the 
district director having jurisdiction over the alien, in accordance with 
the parole determination made by the Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement.
    (2) Additional delegation of authority. All references to the 
Commissioner and Associate Commissioner for Enforcement in this section 
shall be deemed to include any person or persons (including a committee) 
designated in writing by the Commissioner or Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement to exercise powers under this section.
    (c) Review Plan Director. The Associate Commissioner for Enforcement 
shall appoint a Director of the Cuban Review Plan. The Director shall 
have authority to establish and maintain appropriate files respecting 
each Mariel Cuban to be reviewed for possible parole, to determine the 
order in which the cases shall be reviewed, and to coordinate activities 
associated with these reviews.
    (d) Recommendations to the Associate Commissioner for Enforcement. 
Parole recommendations for detained Mariel Cubans shall be developed in 
accordance with the following procedures.
    (1) Review Panels. The Director shall designate a panel or panels to 
make parole recommendations to the Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement. A Cuban Review Panel shall, except as otherwise provided, 
consist of two persons. Members of a Review Panel shall be selected from 
the professional staff of the Service. All recommendations by a two-
member Panel shall be unanimous. If the vote of a two-member Panel is 
split, it shall adjourn its deliberations concerning that particular 
detainee until a third Panel member is added. A recommendation by a 
three-member Panel shall be by majority vote. The third member of any 
Panel shall be the Director of the Cuban Review Plan or his designee.
    (2) Criteria for Review. Before making any recommendation that a 
detainee be granted parole, a majority of the Cuban Review Panel 
members, or the Director in case of a record review, must conclude that:
    (i) The detainee is presently a nonviolent person;
    (ii) The detainee is likely to remain nonviolent;
    (iii) The detainee is not likely to pose a threat to the community 
following his release; and
    (iv) The detainee is not likely to violate the conditions of his 
parole.
    (3) Factors for consideration. The following factors should be 
weighed in considering whether to recommend further detention or release 
on parole of a detainee:
    (i) The nature and number of disciplinary infractions or incident 
reports received while in custody;
    (ii) The detainee's past history of criminal behavior;
    (iii) Any psychiatric and psychological reports pertaining to the 
detainee's mental health;
    (iv) Institutional progress relating to participation in work, 
educational and vocational programs;
    (v) His ties to the United States, such as the number of close 
relatives residing lawfully here;
    (vi) The likelihood that he may abscond, such as from any 
sponsorship program; and
    (vii) Any other information which is probative of whether the 
detainee is likely to adjust to life in a community, is likely to engage 
in future acts of violence, is likely to engage in future criminal 
activity, or is likely to violate the conditions of his parole.
    (4) Procedure for review. The following procedures will govern the 
review process:
    (i) Record review. Initially, the Director or a Panel shall review 
the detainee's file. Upon completion of this record review, the Director 
or the Panel shall issue a written recommendation that the detainee be 
released on parole or scheduled for a personal interview.
    (ii) Personal interview. If a recommendation to grant parole after

[[Page 254]]

only a record review is not accepted or if the detainee is not 
recommended for release, a Panel shall personally interview the 
detainee. The scheduling of such interviews shall be at the discretion 
of the Director. The detainee may be accompanied during the interview by 
a person of his choice, who is able to attend at the time of the 
scheduled interview, to assist in answering any questions. The detainee 
may submit to the Panel any information, either orally or in writing, 
which he believes presents a basis for release on parole.
    (iii) Panel recommendation. Following completion of the interview 
and its deliberations, the Panel shall issue a written recommendation 
that the detainee be released on parole or remain in custody pending 
deportation or pending further observation and subsequent review. This 
written recommendation shall include a brief statement of the factors 
which the Panel deems material to its recommendation. The recommendation 
and appropriate file material shall be forwarded to the Associate 
Commissioner for Enforcement, to be considered in the exercise of 
discretion pursuant to Sec.  212.12(b).
    (e) Withdrawal of parole approval. The Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement may, in his or her discretion, withdraw approval for parole 
of any detainee prior to release when, in his or her opinion, the 
conduct of the detainee, or any other circumstance, indicates that 
parole would no longer be appropriate.
    (f) Sponsorship. No detainee may be released on parole until 
suitable sponsorship or placement has been found for the detainee. The 
paroled detainee must abide by the parole conditions specified by the 
Service in relation to his sponsorship or placement. The following 
sponsorships and placements are suitable:
    (1) Placement by the Public Health Service in an approved halfway 
house or mental health project;
    (2) Placement by the Community Relations Service in an approved 
halfway house or community project; and
    (3) Placement with a close relative such as a parent, spouse, child, 
or sibling who is a lawful permanent resident or a citizen of the United 
States.
    (g) Timing of reviews. The timing of review shall be in accordance 
with the following guidelines.
    (1) Parole revocation cases. The Director shall schedule the review 
process in the case of a new or returning detainee whose previous 
immigration parole has been revoked. The review process will commence 
with a scheduling of a file review, which will ordinarily be expected to 
occur within approximately three months after parole is revoked. In the 
case of a Mariel Cuban who is in the custody of the Service, the Cuban 
Review Plan Director may, in his or her discretion, suspend or postpone 
the parole review process if such detainee's prompt deportation is 
practicable and proper.
    (2) Continued detention cases. A subsequent review shall be 
commenced for any detainee within one year of a refusal to grant parole 
under Sec.  212.12(b), unless a shorter interval is specified by the 
Director.
    (3) Discretionary reviews. The Cuban Review Plan Director, in his 
discretion, may schedule a review of a detainee at any time when the 
Director deems such a review to be warranted.
    (h) Revocation of parole. The Associate Commissioner for Enforcement 
shall have authority, in the exercise of discretion, to revoke parole in 
respect to Mariel Cubans. A district director may also revoke parole 
when, in the district director's opinion, revocation is in the public 
interest and circumstances do not reasonably permit referral of the case 
to the Associate Commissioner. Parole may be revoked in the exercise of 
discretion when, in the opinion of the revoking official:
    (1) The purposes of parole have been served;
    (2) The Mariel Cuban violates any condition of parole;
    (3) It is appropriate to enforce an order of exclusion or to 
commence proceedings against a Mariel Cuban; or
    (4) The period of parole has expired without being renewed.

[52 FR 48802, Dec. 28, 1987, as amended at 59 FR 13870, Mar. 24, 1994; 
65 FR 80294, Dec. 21, 2000]

[[Page 255]]



Sec.  212.13  [Reserved]



Sec.  212.14  Parole determinations for alien witnesses and informants 
for whom a law enforcement authority (``LEA'') will request S classification.

    (a) Parole authority. Parole authorization under section 212(d)(5) 
of the Act for aliens whom LEAs seek to bring to the United States as 
witnesses or informants in criminal/counter terrorism matters and to 
apply for S classification shall be exercised as follows:
    (1) Grounds of eligibility. The Commissioner may, in the exercise of 
discretion, grant parole to an alien (and the alien's family members) 
needed for law enforcement purposes provided that a state or federal 
LEA:
    (i) Establishes its intention to file, within 30 days after the 
alien's arrival in the United States, an application for S nonimmigrant 
status on the form designated for such purposes, with the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice, in 
accordance with the instructions on or attached to the form, which will 
include the names of qualified family members for whom parole is sought;
    (ii) Specifies the particular operational reasons and basis for the 
request, and agrees to assume responsibility for the alien during the 
period of the alien's temporary stay in the United States, including 
maintaining control and supervision of the alien and the alien's 
whereabouts and activities, and further specifies any other terms and 
conditions specified by the Service during the period for which the 
parole is authorized;
    (iii) Agrees to advise the Service of the alien's failure to report 
quarterly any criminal conduct by the alien, or any other activity or 
behavior on the alien's part that may constitute a ground of 
excludability or deportability;
    (iv) Assumes responsibility for ensuring the alien's departure on 
the date of termination of the authorized parole (unless the alien has 
been admitted in S nonimmigrant classification pursuant to the terms of 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section), provides any and all assistance 
needed by the Service, if necessary, to ensure departure, and verifies 
departure in a manner acceptable to the Service;
    (v) Provide LEA seat-of-government certification that parole of the 
alien is essential to an investigation or prosecution, is in the 
national interest, and is requested pursuant to the terms and authority 
of section 212(d)(5) of the Act;
    (vi) Agrees that no promises may be, have been, or will be made by 
the LEA to the alien that the alien will or may:
    (A) Remain in the United States in parole status or any other 
nonimmigrant classification;
    (B) Adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident; or
    (C) Otherwise attempt to remain beyond the authorized parole. The 
alien (and any family member of the alien who is 18 years of age or 
older) shall sign a statement acknowledging an awareness that parole 
only authorizes a temporary stay in the United States and does not 
convey the benefits of S nonimmigrant classification, any other 
nonimmigrant classification, or any entitlement to further benefits 
under the Act; and
    (vii) Provides, in the case of a request for the release of an alien 
from Service custody, certification that the alien is eligible for 
parole pursuant to Sec.  235.3 of this chapter.
    (2) Authorization. (i) Upon approval of the request for parole, the 
Commissioner shall notify the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, of the approval.
    (ii) Upon notification of approval of a request for parole, the LEA 
will advise the Commissioner of the date, time, and place of the arrival 
of the alien. The Commissioner will coordinate the arrival of the alien 
in parole status with the port director prior to the time of arrival.
    (iii) Parole will be authorized for a period of thirty (30) days to 
commence upon the alien's arrival in the United States in order for the 
LEA to submit the completed application to the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division. Upon the submission to the Assistant 
Attorney General of the completed application for S classification, the 
period of parole will be automatically extended while the request is

[[Page 256]]

being reviewed. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, will 
notify the Commissioner of the submission of the application.
    (b) Termination of parole--(1) General. The Commissioner may 
terminate parole for any alien (including a member of the alien's 
family) in parole status under this section where termination is in the 
public interest. A district director may also terminate parole when, in 
the district director's opinion, termination is in the public interest 
and circumstances do not reasonably permit referral of the case to the 
Commissioner. In such a case, the Commissioner shall be notified 
immediately. In the event the Commissioner, or in the appropriate case, 
a district director, decides to terminate the parole of an alien witness 
or informant authorized under the terms of this paragraph, the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be 
notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. Unless 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 
days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In 
the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy 
Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the 
alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to 
terminate parole.
    (2) Termination of parole and admission in S classification. When an 
LEA has filed a request for an alien in authorized parole status to be 
admitted in S nonimmigrant classification and that request has been 
approved by the Commissioner pursuant to the procedures outlines in 8 
CFR 214.2(t), the Commissioner may, in the exercise of discretion:
    (i) Terminate the alien's parole status;
    (ii) Determine eligibility for waivers; and
    (iii) Admit the alien in S nonimmigrant classification pursuant to 
the terms and conditions of section 101(a)(15(S) of the Act and 8 CFR 
214.2(t).
    (c) Departure. If the alien's parole has been terminated and the 
alien has been ordered excluded from the United States, the LEA shall 
ensure departure from the United States and so inform the district 
director in whose jurisdiction the alien has last resided. The district 
director, if necessary, shall oversee the alien's departure from the 
United States and, in any event, shall notify the Commissioner of the 
alien's departure. The Commissioner shall be notified in writing of the 
failure of any alien authorized parole under this paragraph to depart in 
accordance with an order of exclusion and deportation entered after 
parole authorized under this paragraph has been terminated.
    (d) Failure to comply with procedures. Any failure to adhere to the 
parole procedures contained in this section shall immediately be brought 
to the attention of the Commissioner, who will notify the Attorney 
General.

[60 FR 44265, Aug. 25, 1995, as amended at 76 FR 53787, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  212.15  Certificates for foreign health care workers.

    (a) General certification requirements. (1) Except as provided in 
paragraph (b) or paragraph (d)(1) of this section, any alien who seeks 
admission to the United States as an immigrant or as a nonimmigrant for 
the primary purpose of performing labor in a health care occupation 
listed in paragraph (c) of this section is inadmissible unless the alien 
presents a certificate from a credentialing organization, listed in 
paragraph (e) of this section.
    (2) In the alternative, an eligible alien who seeks to enter the 
United States for the primary purpose of performing labor as a nurse may 
present a certified statement as provided in paragraph (h) of this 
section.
    (3) A certificate or certified statement described in this section 
does not constitute professional authorization to practice in that 
health care occupation.
    (b) Inapplicability of the ground of inadmissibility. This section 
does not apply to:
    (1) Physicians;
    (2) Aliens seeking admission to the United States to perform 
services in a non-clinical health care occupation. A

[[Page 257]]

non-clinical care occupation is one in which the alien is not required 
to perform direct or indirect patient care. Occupations which are 
considered to be non-clinical include, but are not limited to, medical 
teachers, medical researchers, and managers of health care facilities;
    (3) Aliens coming to the United States to receive training as an H-3 
nonimmigrant, or receiving training as part of an F or J nonimmigrant 
program.
    (4) The spouse and dependent children of any immigrant or 
nonimmigrant alien;
    (5) Any alien applying for adjustment of status to that of a 
permanent resident under any provision of law other than under section 
245 of the Act, or any alien who is seeking adjustment of status under 
section 245 of the Act on the basis of a relative visa petition approved 
under section 203(a) of the Act, or any alien seeking adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act on the basis of an employment-based 
petition approved pursuant to section 203(b) of the Act for employment 
that does not fall under one of the covered health care occupations 
listed in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Covered health care occupations. With the exception of the 
aliens described in paragraph (b) of this section, this paragraph (c) 
applies to any alien seeking admission to the United States to perform 
labor in one of the following health care occupations, regardless of 
where he or she received his or her education or training:
    (1) Licensed Practical Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and 
Registered Nurses.
    (2) Occupational Therapists.
    (3) Physical Therapists.
    (4) Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
    (5) Medical Technologists (Clinical Laboratory Scientists).
    (6) Physician Assistants.
    (7) Medical Technicians (Clinical Laboratory Technicians)
    (d) Presentation of certificate or certified statements--(1) Aliens 
required to obtain visas. Except as provided in paragraph (n) of this 
section, if 8 CFR 212.1 requires an alien who is described in paragraph 
(a) of this section and who is applying for admission as a nonimmigrant 
seeking to perform labor in a health care occupation as described in 
this section to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, the alien must present a 
certificate or certified statement to a consular officer at the time of 
visa issuance and to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the 
time of admission. The certificate or certified statement must be valid 
at the time of visa issuance and admission at a port-of-entry. An alien 
who has previously presented a foreign health care worker certification 
or certified statement for a particular health care occupation will be 
required to present it again at the time of visa issuance or each 
admission to the United States.
    (2) Aliens not requiring a nonimmigrant visa. Except as provided in 
paragraph (n) of this section, an alien described in paragraph (a) of 
this section who, pursuant to 8 CFR 212.1, is not required to obtain a 
nonimmigrant visa to apply for admission to the United States must 
present a certificate or certified statement as provided in this section 
to an immigration officer at the time of initial application for 
admission to the United States to perform labor in a particular health 
care occupation. An alien who has previously presented a foreign health 
care worker certification or certified statement for a particular health 
care occupation will be required to present it again at the time of each 
application for admission.
    (e) Approved credentialing organizations for health care workers. An 
alien may present a certificate from any credentialing organization 
listed in this paragraph (e) with respect to a particular health care 
field. In addition to paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(3) of this section, 
the DHS will notify the public of additional credentialing organizations 
through the publication of notices in the Federal Register.
    (1) The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) 
is authorized to issue certificates under section 212(a)(5)(C) of the 
Act for nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-
language pathologists and audiologists, medical technologists (also 
known as clinical

[[Page 258]]

laboratory scientists), medical technicians (also known as clinical 
laboratory technicians), and physician assistants.
    (2) The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy 
(NBCOT) is authorized to issue certificates in the field of occupational 
therapy pending final adjudication of its credentialing status under 
this part.
    (3) The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) 
is authorized to issue certificates in the field of physical therapy 
pending final adjudication of its credentialing status under this part.
    (f) Requirements for issuance of health care certification. (1) 
Prior to issuing a certification to an alien, the organization must 
verify the following:
    (i) That the alien's education, training, license, and experience 
are comparable with that required for an American health care worker of 
the same type;
    (ii) That the alien's education, training, license, and experience 
are authentic and, in the case of a license, unencumbered;
    (iii) That the alien's education, training, license, and experience 
meet all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for admission 
into the United States. This verification is not binding on the DHS; and
    (iv) Either that the alien has passed a test predicting success on 
the occupation's licensing or certification examination, provided such a 
test is recognized by a majority of states licensing the occupation for 
which the certification is issued, or that the alien has passed the 
occupation's licensing or certification examination.
    (2) A certificate issued under section 212(a)(5)(C) of the Act must 
contain the following:
    (i) The name, address, and telephone number of the credentialing 
organization, and a point of contact to verify the validity of the 
certificate;
    (ii) The date the certificate was issued;
    (iii) The health care occupation for which the certificate was 
issued; and
    (iv) The alien's name, and date and place of birth.
    (g) English language requirements. (1) With the exception of those 
aliens described in paragraph (g)(2) of this section, every alien must 
meet certain English language requirements in order to obtain a 
certificate. The Secretary of HHS has sole authority to set standards 
for these English language requirements, and has determined that an 
alien must have a passing score on one of the three tests listed in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this section before he or she can be granted a 
certificate. HHS will notify The Department of Homeland Security of 
additions or deletions to this list, and The Department of Homeland 
Security will publish such changes in the Federal Register.
    (2) The following aliens are exempt from the English language 
requirements:
    (i) Alien nurses who are presenting a certified statement under 
section 212(r) of the Act; and
    (ii) Aliens who have graduated from a college, university, or 
professional training school located in Australia, Canada (except 
Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
    (3) The following English testing services have been approved by the 
Secretary of HHS:
    (i) Educational Testing Service (ETS).
    (ii) Test of English in International Communication (TOEIC) Service 
International.
    (iii) International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
    (4) Passing English test scores for various occupations.
    (i) Occupational and physical therapists. An alien seeking to 
perform labor in the United States as an occupational or physical 
therapist must obtain the following scores on the English tests 
administered by ETS: Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 
Paper-Based 560, Computer-Based 220; Test of Written English (TWE): 4.5; 
Test of Spoken English (TSE): 50. The certifying organizations shall not 
accept the results of the TOEIC, or the IELTS for the occupation of 
occupational therapy or physical therapy.
    (ii) Registered nurses and other health care workers requiring the 
attainment of a baccalaureate degree. An alien coming to the United 
States to perform labor as a registered nurse (other than a

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nurse presenting a certified statement under section 212(r) of the Act) 
or to perform labor in another health care occupation requiring a 
baccalaureate degree (other than occupational or physical therapy) must 
obtain one of the following combinations of scores to obtain a 
certificate:
    (A) ETS: TOEFL: Paper-Based 540, Computer-Based 207; TWE: 4.0; TSE: 
50;
    (B) TOEIC Service International: TOEIC: 725; plus TWE: 4.0 and TSE: 
50; or
    (C) IELTS: 6.5 overall with a spoken band score of 7.0. This would 
require the Academic module.
    (iii) Occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree. An 
alien coming to the United States to perform labor in a health care 
occupation that does not require a baccalaureate degree must obtain one 
of the following combinations of scores to obtain a certificate:
    (A) ETS: TOEFL: Paper-Based 530, Computer-Based 197; TWE: 4.0; TSE: 
50;
    (B) TOEIC Service International: TOEIC: 700; plus TWE 4.0 and TSE: 
50; or
    (C) IELTS: 6.0 overall with a spoken band score of 7.0. This would 
allow either the Academic or the General module.
    (h) Alternative certified statement for certain nurses. (1) CGFNS is 
authorized to issue certified statements under section 212(r) of the Act 
for aliens seeking to enter the United States to perform labor as 
nurses. The DHS will notify the public of new organizations that are 
approved to issue certified statements through notices published in the 
Federal Register.
    (2) An approved credentialing organization may issue a certified 
statement to an alien if each of the following requirements is 
satisfied:
    (i) The alien has a valid and unrestricted license as a nurse in a 
state where the alien intends to be employed and such state verifies 
that the foreign licenses of alien nurses are authentic and 
unencumbered;
    (ii) The alien has passed the National Council Licensure Examination 
for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN);
    (iii) The alien is a graduate of a nursing program in which the 
language of instruction was English;
    (iv) The nursing program was located in Australia, Canada (except 
Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the 
United States; or in any other country designated by unanimous agreement 
of CGFNS and any equivalent credentialing organizations which have been 
approved for the certification of nurses and which are listed at 
paragraph (e) of this section; and
    (v) The nursing program was in operation on or before November 12, 
1999, or has been approved by unanimous agreement of CGFNS and any 
equivalent credentialing organizations that have been approved for the 
certification of nurses.
    (3) An individual who obtains a certified statement need not comply 
with the certificate requirements of paragraph (f) or the English 
language requirements of paragraph (g) of this section.
    (4) A certified statement issued to a nurse under section 212(r) of 
the Act must contain the following information:
    (i) The name, address, and telephone number of the credentialing 
organization, and a point of contact to verify the validity of the 
certified statement;
    (ii) The date the certified statement was issued; and
    (iii) The alien's name, and date and place of birth.
    (i) Streamlined certification process--(1) Nurses. An alien nurse 
who has graduated from an entry level program accredited by the National 
League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on 
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is exempt from the educational 
comparability review and English language proficiency testing.
    (2) Occupational Therapists. An alien occupational therapist who has 
graduated from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for 
Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational 
Therapy Association (AOTA) is exempt from the educational comparability 
review and English language proficiency testing.
    (3) Physical therapists. An alien physical therapist who has 
graduated from

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a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical 
Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association 
(APTA) is exempt from the educational comparability review and English 
language proficiency testing.
    (4) Speech language pathologists and audiologists. An alien speech 
language pathologists and/or audiologist who has graduated from a 
program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology 
and Speech Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-
Hearing Association (ASHA) is exempt from the educational comparability 
review and English language proficiency testing.
    (j) Application process for credentialing organizations--(1) 
Organizations other than CGFNS. An organization, other than CGFNS, 
seeking to obtain approval to issue certificates to health care workers, 
or certified statements to nurses must apply on the form designated by 
USCIS in accordance with the form instructions. An organization seeking 
authorization to issue certificates or certified statements must agree 
to submit all evidence required by the DHS and, upon request, allow the 
DHS to review the organization's records related to the certification 
process. The application must:
    (i) Clearly describe and identify the organization seeking 
authorization to issue certificates;
    (ii) List the occupations for which the organization desires to 
provide certificates;
    (iii) Describe how the organization substantially meets the 
standards described at paragraph (k) of this section;
    (iv) Describe the organization's expertise, knowledge, and 
experience in the health care occupation(s) for which it desires to 
issue certificates;
    (v) Provide a point of contact;
    (vi) Describe the verification procedure the organization has 
designed in order for the DHS to verify the validity of a certificate; 
and
    (vii) Describe how the organization will process and issue in a 
timely manner the certificates.
    (2) Applications filed by CGFNS. (i) CGFNS must apply to ensure that 
it will be in compliance with the regulations governing the issuance and 
content of certificates to nurses, physical therapists, occupational 
therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists, medical 
technologists (also known as clinical laboratory scientists), medical 
technicians (also known as clinical laboratory technicians), and 
physician assistants under section 212(a)(5)(C) of the Act, or issuing 
certified statements to nurses under section 212(r) of the Act.
    (ii) Prior to issuing certificates for any other health care 
occupations, CGFNS must apply on the form designated by USCIS with the 
fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the form 
instructions for authorization to issue such certificates. The DHS will 
evaluate CGFNS' expertise with respect to the particular health care 
occupation for which authorization to issue certificates is sought, in 
light of CGFNS' statutory designation as a credentialing organization.
    (3) Procedure for review of applications by credentialing 
organizations. (i) USCIS will, forward a copy of the application and 
supporting documents to the Secretary of HHS in order to obtain an 
opinion on the merits of the application. The DHS will not render a 
decision on the request until the Secretary of HHS provides an opinion. 
The DHS shall accord the Secretary of HHS' opinion great weight in 
reaching its decision. The DHS may deny the organization's request 
notwithstanding the favorable recommendation from the Secretary of HHS, 
on grounds unrelated to the credentialing of health care occupations or 
health care services.
    (ii) The DHS will notify the organization of the decision on its 
application in writing and, if the request is denied, of the reasons for 
the denial. Approval of authorization to issue certificates to foreign 
health care workers or certified statements to nurses will be made in 5-
year increments, subject to the review process described at paragraph 
(l) of this section.
    (iii) If the application is denied, the decision may be appealed 
pursuant to 8 CFR 103.3.
    (k) Standards for credentialing organizations. The DHS will evaluate 
organizations, including CGFNS, seeking to

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obtain approval from the DHS to issue certificates for health care 
workers, or certified statements for nurses. Any organization meeting 
the standards set forth in paragraph (k)(1) of this section can be 
eligible for authorization to issue certificates. While CGFNS has been 
specifically listed in the statute as an entity authorized to issue 
certificates, it is not exempt from governmental oversight. All 
organizations will be reviewed, including CGFNS, to guarantee that they 
continue to meet the standards required of all certifying organizations, 
under the following:
    (1) Structure of the organization. (i) The organization shall be 
incorporated as a legal entity.
    (ii)(A) The organization shall be independent of any organization 
that functions as a representative of the occupation or profession in 
question or serves as or is related to a recruitment/placement 
organization.
    (B) The DHS shall not approve an organization that is unable to 
render impartial advice regarding an individual's qualifications 
regarding training, experience, and licensure.
    (C) The organization must also be independent in all decision making 
matters pertaining to evaluations and/or examinations that it develops 
including, but not limited to: policies and procedures; eligibility 
requirements and application processing; standards for granting 
certificates and their renewal; examination content, development, and 
administration; examination cut-off scores, excluding those pertaining 
to English language requirements; grievance and disciplinary processes; 
governing body and committee meeting rules; publications about 
qualifying for a certificate and its renewal; setting fees for 
application and all other services provided as part of the screening 
process; funding, spending, and budget authority related to the 
operation of the certification organization; ability to enter into 
contracts and grant arrangements; ability to demonstrate adequate 
staffing and management resources to conduct the program(s) including 
the authority to approve selection of, evaluate, and initiate dismissal 
of the chief staff member.
    (D) An organization whose fees are based on whether an applicant 
receives a visa may not be approved.
    (iii) The organization shall include the following representation in 
the portion of its organization responsible for overseeing certification 
and, where applicable, examinations:
    (A) Individuals from the same health care discipline as the alien 
health care worker being evaluated who are eligible to practice in the 
United States; and
    (B) At least one voting public member to represent the interests of 
consumers and protect the interests of the public at large. The public 
member shall not be a member of the discipline or derive significant 
income from the discipline, its related organizations, or the 
organization issuing the certificate.
    (iv) The organization must have a balanced representation such that 
the individuals from the same health care discipline, the voting public 
members, and any other appointed individuals have an equal say in 
matters relating to credentialing and/or examinations.
    (v) The organization must select representatives of the discipline 
using one of the following recommended methods, or demonstrate that it 
has a selection process that meets the intent of these methods:
    (A) Be selected directly by members of the discipline eligible to 
practice in the United States;
    (B) Be selected by members of a membership organization representing 
the discipline or by duly elected representatives of a membership 
organization; or
    (C) Be selected by a membership organization representing the 
discipline from a list of acceptable candidates supplied by the 
credentialing body.
    (vi) The organization shall use formal procedures for the selection 
of members of the governing body that prohibit the governing body from 
selecting a majority of its successors. Not-for-profit corporations 
which have difficulty meeting this requirement may provide in their 
applications evidence that the organization is independent, and free of 
material conflicts of interest regarding whether an alien receives a 
visa.

[[Page 262]]

    (vii) The organization shall be separate from the accreditation and 
educational functions of the discipline, except for those entities 
recognized by the Department of Education as having satisfied the 
requirement of independence.
    (viii) The organization shall publish and make available a document 
which clearly defines the responsibilities of the organization and 
outlines any other activities, arrangements, or agreements of the 
organization that are not directly related to the certification of 
health care workers.
    (2) Resources of the organization. (i) The organization shall 
demonstrate that its staff possess the knowledge and skills necessary to 
accurately assess the education, work experience, licensure of health 
care workers, and the equivalence of foreign educational institutions, 
comparable to those of United States-trained health care workers and 
institutions.
    (ii) The organization shall demonstrate the availability of 
financial and material resources to effectively and thoroughly conduct 
regular and ongoing evaluations on an international basis.
    (iii) If the health care field is one for which a majority of the 
states require a predictor test, the organization shall demonstrate the 
ability to conduct examinations in those countries with educational and 
evaluation systems comparable to the majority of states.
    (iv) The organization shall have the resources to publish and make 
available general descriptive materials on the procedures used to 
evaluate and validate credentials, including eligibility requirements, 
determination procedures, examination schedules, locations, fees, 
reporting of results, and disciplinary and grievance procedures.
    (3) Candidate evaluation and testing mechanisms. (i) The 
organization shall publish and make available a comprehensive outline of 
the information, knowledge, or functions covered by the evaluation/
examination process, including information regarding testing for English 
language competency.
    (ii) The organization shall use reliable evaluation/examination 
mechanisms to evaluate individual credentials and competence that is 
objective, fair to all candidates, job related, and based on knowledge 
and skills needed in the discipline.
    (iii) The organization shall conduct ongoing studies to substantiate 
the reliability and validity of the evaluation/examination mechanisms.
    (iv) The organization shall implement a formal policy of periodic 
review of the evaluation/examination mechanism to ensure ongoing 
relevance of the mechanism with respect to knowledge and skills needed 
in the discipline.
    (v) The organization shall use policies and procedures to ensure 
that all aspects of the evaluation/examination procedures, as well as 
the development and administration of any tests, are secure.
    (vi) The organization shall institute procedures to protect against 
falsification of documents and misrepresentation, including a policy to 
request each applicant's transcript(s) and degree(s) directly from the 
educational licensing authorities.
    (vii) The organization shall establish policies and procedures that 
govern the length of time the applicant's records must be kept in their 
original format.
    (viii) The organization shall publish and make available, at least 
annually, a summary of all screening activities for each discipline 
including, at least, the number of applications received, the number of 
applicants evaluated, the number receiving certificates, the number who 
failed, and the number receiving renewals.
    (4) Responsibilities to applicants applying for an initial 
certificate or renewal. (i) The organization shall not discriminate 
among applicants as to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, 
disability, or marital status and shall include a statement of 
nondiscrimination in announcements of the evaluation/examination 
procedures and renewal certification process.
    (ii) The organization shall provide all applicants with copies of 
formalized application procedures for evaluation/examination and shall 
uniformly follow and enforce such procedures for all applicants. 
Instructions shall include standards regarding English language 
requirements.
    (iii) The organization shall implement a formal policy for the 
periodic

[[Page 263]]

review of eligibility criteria and application procedures to ensure that 
they are fair and equitable.
    (iv) Where examinations are used, the organization shall provide 
competently proctored examination sites at least once annually.
    (v) The organization shall report examination results to applicants 
in a uniform and timely fashion.
    (vi) The organization shall provide applicants who failed either the 
evaluation or examination with information on general areas of 
deficiency.
    (vii) The organization shall implement policies and procedures to 
ensure that each applicant's examination results are held confidential 
and delineate the circumstances under which the applicant's 
certification status may be made public.
    (viii) The organization shall have a formal policy for renewing the 
certification if an individual's original certification has expired 
before the individual first seeks admission to the United States or 
applies for adjustment of status. Such procedures shall be restricted to 
updating information on licensure to determine the existence of any 
adverse actions and the need to re-establish English competency.
    (ix) The organization shall publish due process policies and 
procedures for applicants to question eligibility determinations, 
examination or evaluation results, and eligibility status.
    (x) The organization shall provide all qualified applicants with a 
certificate in a timely manner.
    (5) Maintenance of comprehensive and current information. (i) The 
organization shall maintain comprehensive and current information of the 
type necessary to evaluate foreign educational institutions and 
accrediting bodies for purposes of ensuring that the quality of foreign 
educational programs is equivalent to those training the same occupation 
in the United States. The organization shall examine, evaluate, and 
validate the academic and clinical requirements applied to each 
country's accrediting body or bodies, or in countries not having such 
bodies, of the educational institution itself.
    (ii) The organization shall also evaluate the licensing and 
credentialing system(s) of each country or licensing jurisdiction to 
determine which systems are equivalent to that of the majority of the 
licensing jurisdictions in the United States.
    (6) Ability to conduct examinations fairly and impartially. An 
organization undertaking the administration of a predictor examination, 
or a licensing or certification examination shall demonstrate the 
ability to conduct such examination fairly and impartially.
    (7) Criteria for awarding and governing certificate holders. (i) The 
organization shall issue a certificate after the education, experience, 
license, and English language competency have been evaluated and 
determined to be equivalent to their United States counterparts. In 
situations where a United States nationally recognized licensure or 
certification examination, or a test predicting the success on the 
licensure or certification examination, is offered overseas, the 
applicant must pass the examination or the predictor test prior to 
receiving certification. Passage of a test predicting the success on the 
licensure or certification examination may be accepted only if a 
majority of states (and Washington, DC) licensing the profession in 
which the alien intends to work recognize such a test.
    (ii) The organization shall have policies and procedures for the 
revocation of certificates at any time if it is determined that the 
certificate holder was not eligible to receive the certificate at the 
time that it was issued. If the organization revokes an individual's 
certificate, it must notify the DHS, via the Nebraska Service Center, 
and the appropriate state regulatory authority with jurisdiction over 
the individual's health care profession. The organization may not 
reissue a certificate to an individual whose certificate has been 
revoked.
    (8) Criteria for maintaining accreditation. (i) The organization 
shall advise the DHS of any changes in purpose, structure, or activities 
of the organization or its program(s).
    (ii) The organization shall advise the DHS of any major changes in 
the evaluation of credentials and examination techniques, if any, or in 
the scope or objectives of such examinations.
    (iii) The organization shall, upon the request of the DHS, submit to 
the DHS,

[[Page 264]]

or any organization designated by the DHS, information requested of the 
organization and its programs for use in investigating allegations of 
non-compliance with standards and for general purposes of determining 
continued approval as an independent credentialing organization.
    (iv) The organization shall establish performance outcome measures 
that track the ability of the certificate holders to pass United States 
licensure or certification examinations. The purpose of the process is 
to ensure that certificate holders pass United States licensure or 
certification examinations at the same pass rate as graduates of United 
States programs. Failure to establish such measures, or having a record 
showing an inability of persons granted certificates to pass United 
States licensure examinations at the same rate as graduates of United 
States programs, may result in a ground for termination of approval. 
Information regarding the passage rates of certificate holders shall be 
maintained by the organization and provided to HHS on an annual basis, 
to the DHS as part of the 5-year reauthorization application, and at any 
other time upon request by HHS or the DHS.
    (v) The organization shall be in ongoing compliance with other 
policies specified by the DHS.
    (l) DHS review of the performance of certifying organizations. The 
DHS will review credentialing organizations every 5 years to ensure 
continued compliance with the standards described in this section. Such 
review will occur concurrent with the adjudication of a request for 
reauthorization to issue health care worker certificates. The DHS will 
notify the credentialing organization in writing of the results of the 
review and request for reauthorization. The DHS may conduct a review of 
the approval of any request for authorization to issue certificates at 
any time within the 5-year period of authorization for any reason. If at 
any time the DHS determines that an organization is not complying with 
the terms of its authorization or if other adverse information relating 
to eligibility to issue certificates is developed, the DHS may initiate 
termination proceedings.
    (m) Termination of certifying organizations. (1) If the DHS 
determines that an organization has been convicted, or the directors or 
officers of an authorized credentialing organization have individually 
been convicted of the violation of state or federal laws, or other 
information is developed such that the fitness of the organization to 
continue to issue certificates or certified statements is called into 
question, the DHS shall automatically terminate authorization for that 
organization to issue certificates or certified statements by issuing to 
the organization a notice of termination of authorization to issue 
certificates to foreign health care workers. The notice shall reference 
the specific conviction that is the basis of the automatic termination.
    (2) If the DHS determines that an organization is not complying with 
the terms of its authorization or other adverse information relating to 
eligibility to issue certificates is uncovered during the course of a 
review or otherwise brought to the DHS' attention, or if the DHS 
determines that an organization currently authorized to issue 
certificates or certified statements has not submitted an application or 
provided all information required on the request within 6 months of July 
25, 2003, the DHS will issue a Notice of Intent to Terminate 
authorization to issue certificates to the credentialing organization. 
The Notice shall set forth reasons for the proposed termination.
    (i) The credentialing organization shall have 30 days from the date 
of the Notice of Intent to Terminate authorization to rebut the 
allegations, or to cure the noncompliance identified in the DHS's notice 
of intent to terminate.
    (ii) DHS will forward to HHS upon receipt any information received 
in response to a Notice of Intent to Terminate an entity's authorization 
to issue certificates. Thirty days after the date of the Notice of 
Intent to Terminate, the DHS shall forward any additional evidence and 
shall request an opinion from HHS regarding whether the organization's 
authorization should be terminated. The DHS shall accord HHS' opinion 
great weight in determining whether the authorization should be 
terminated. After consideration of the

[[Page 265]]

rebuttal evidence, if any, and consideration of HHS' opinion, the DHS 
will promptly provide the organization with a written decision. If 
termination of credentialing status is made, the written decision shall 
set forth the reasons for the termination.
    (3) An adverse decision may be appealed pursuant to 8 CFR 103.3 to 
the Associate Commissioner for Examinations. Termination of 
credentialing status shall remain in effect until and unless the 
terminated organization reapplies for credentialing status and is 
approved, or its appeal of the termination decision is sustained by the 
Administrative Appeals Office. There is no waiting period for an 
organization to re-apply for credentialing status.
    (n) Transition--(1) One year waiver. (i) Pursuant to section 
212(d)(3) of the Act (and, for cases described in paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of State), the 
Secretary has determined that until July 26, 2004 (or until July 26, 
2005, in the case of a citizen of Canada or Mexico who, before September 
23, 2003, was employed as a TN or TC nonimmigrant health care worker and 
held a valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction), DHS, subject to the 
conditions in paragraph (n)(2) of this section, may in its discretion 
admit, extend the period of authorized stay, or change the nonimmigrant 
status of an alien described in paragraph (d)(1) or paragraph (d)(2) of 
this section, despite the alien's inadmissibility under section 
212(a)(5)(C) of the Act, provided the alien is not otherwise 
inadmissible.
    (ii) After July 26, 2004 (or, after July 26, 2005, in the case of a 
citizen of Canada or Mexico, who, before September 23, 2003, was 
employed as a TN or TC nonimmigrant health care worker and held a valid 
license from a U.S. jurisdiction), such discretion shall be applied on a 
case-by-case basis.
    (2) Conditions. Until July 26, 2004 (or until July 26, 2005, in the 
case of a citizen of Canada or Mexico, who, before September 23, 2003, 
was employed as a TN or TC nonimmigrant health care worker and held a 
valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction), the temporary admission, 
extension of stay, or change of status of an alien described in 8 CFR 
part 212(d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section that is provided for under this 
paragraph (n) is subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The admission, extension of stay, or change of status may not be 
for a period longer than 1 year from the date of the decision, even if 
the relevant provision of 8 CFR 214.2 would ordinarily permit the 
alien's admission for a longer period;
    (ii) The alien must obtain the certification required by paragraph 
(a) of this section within 1 year of the date of decision to admit the 
alien or to extend the alien's stay or change the alien's status; and,
    (iii) Any subsequent petition or application to extend the period of 
the alien's authorized stay or change the alien's nonimmigrant status 
must include proof that the alien has obtained the certification 
required by paragraph (a) of this section, if the extension or stay or 
change of status is sought for the primary purpose of the alien's 
performing labor in a health care occupation listed in paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (3) Immigrant aliens. An alien described in paragraph (a) of this 
section, who is coming to the United States as an immigrant or is 
applying for adjustment of status pursuant to section 245 of the Act (8 
U.S.C. 1255), to perform labor in a health care occupation described in 
paragraph (c) of this section, must submit the certificate or certified 
statement as provided in this section at the time of visa issuance or 
adjustment of status.
    (4) Expiration of certificate or certified statement. The 
individual's certification or certified statement must be used for any 
admission into the United States, change of status within the United 
States, or adjustment of status within 5 years of the date that it is 
issued.
    (5) Revocation of certificate or certified statement. When a 
credentialing organization notifies the DHS, via the Nebraska Service 
Center, that an individual's certification or certified statement has 
been revoked, the DHS will take appropriate action, including, but not 
limited to, revocation of approval of any related petitions, consistent 
with the Act and DHS regulations at 8

[[Page 266]]

CFR 205.2, 8 CFR 214.2(h)(11)(iii), and 8 CFR 214.6(d)(5)(iii).

[68 FR 43915, July 25, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 43731, July 22, 2004; 
74 FR 26938, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53788, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 73477, Nov. 
29, 2011; 85 FR 46923, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  212.16  Applications for exercise of discretion relating to 
T nonimmigrant status.

    (a) Requesting the waiver. An alien requesting a waiver of 
inadmissibility under section 212(d)(3)(B) or (d)(13) of the Act must 
submit a waiver form as designated by USCIS in accordance with 8 CFR 
103.2.
    (b) Treatment of waiver request. USCIS, in its discretion, may grant 
a waiver request based on section 212(d)(13) of the Act of the 
applicable ground(s) of inadmissibility, except USCIS may not waive a 
ground of inadmissibility based on sections 212(a)(3), (a)(10)(C), or 
(a)(10)(E) of the Act. An applicant for T nonimmigrant status is not 
subject to the ground of inadmissibility based on section 212(a)(4) of 
the Act (public charge) and is not required to file a waiver form for 
the public charge ground. Waiver requests are subject to a determination 
of national interest and connection to victimization as follows.
    (1) National interest. USCIS, in its discretion, may grant a waiver 
of inadmissibility request if it determines that it is in the national 
interest to exercise discretion to waive the applicable ground(s) of 
inadmissibility.
    (2) Connection to victimization. An applicant requesting a waiver 
under section 212(d)(13) of the Act on grounds other than the health-
related grounds described in section 212(a)(1) of the Act must establish 
that the activities rendering him or her inadmissible were caused by, or 
were incident to, the victimization described in section 
101(a)(15)(T)(i)(I) of the Act.
    (3) Criminal grounds. In exercising its discretion, USCIS will 
consider the number and seriousness of the criminal offenses and 
convictions that render an applicant inadmissible under the criminal and 
related grounds in section 212(a)(2) of the Act. In cases involving 
violent or dangerous crimes, USCIS will only exercise favorable 
discretion in extraordinary circumstances, unless the criminal 
activities were caused by, or were incident to, the victimization 
described under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i)(I) of the Act.
    (c) No appeal. There is no appeal of a decision to deny a waiver 
request. Nothing in this section is intended to prevent an applicant 
from re-filing a request for a waiver of a ground of inadmissibility in 
appropriate cases.
    (d) Revocation. USCIS, at any time, may revoke a waiver previously 
authorized under section 212(d) of the Act. There is no appeal of a 
decision to revoke a waiver.

[81 FR 92304, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  212.17  Applications for the exercise of discretion relating to 
U nonimmigrant status.

    (a) Filing the waiver application. An alien applying for a waiver of 
inadmissibility under section 212(d)(3)(B) or (d)(14) of the Act 
(waivers of inadmissibility), 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(3)(B) or (d)(14), in 
connection with a petition for U nonimmigrant status being filed 
pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14, must submit the waiver request and the 
petition for U nonimmigrant status on the forms designated by USCIS in 
accordance with the form instructions. An alien in U nonimmigrant status 
who is seeking a waiver of section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 
1182(a)(9)(B) (unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility triggered by 
departure from the United States), must file the waiver request prior to 
his or her application for reentry to the United States in accordance 
with the form instructions.
    (b) Treatment of waiver application. (1) USCIS, in its discretion, 
may grant the waiver based on section 212(d)(14) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 
1182(d)(14), if it determines that it is in the public or national 
interest to exercise discretion to waive the applicable ground(s) of 
inadmissibility. USCIS may not waive a ground of inadmissibility based 
upon section 212(a)(3)(E) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(E). USCIS, in 
its discretion, may grant the waiver based on section 212(d)(3) of the 
Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(3), except where the ground of inadmissibility 
arises under sections 212(a)(3)(A)(i)(I), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(iii), 
(3)(C), or (3)(E) of the Act, 8 U.S.C.

[[Page 267]]

1182(a)(3)(A)(i)(I), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(iii), (3)(C), or (3)(E).
    (2) In the case of applicants inadmissible on criminal or related 
grounds, in exercising its discretion USCIS will consider the number and 
severity of the offenses of which the applicant has been convicted. In 
cases involving violent or dangerous crimes or inadmissibility based on 
the security and related grounds in section 212(a)(3) of the Act, USCIS 
will only exercise favorable discretion in extraordinary circumstances.
    (3) There is no appeal of a decision to deny a waiver. However, 
nothing in this paragraph is intended to prevent an applicant from re-
filing a request for a waiver of ground of inadmissibility in 
appropriate cases.
    (c) Revocation. The Secretary of Homeland Security, at any time, may 
revoke a waiver previously authorized under section 212(d) of the Act, 8 
U.S.C. 118(d). Under no circumstances will the alien or any party acting 
on his or her behalf have a right to appeal from a decision to revoke a 
waiver.

[72 FR 53035, Sept. 17, 2007, as amended at 76 FR 53788, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  212.18  Applications for waivers of inadmissibility in connection with 
an application for adjustment of status by T nonimmigrant status holders.

    (a) Filing the waiver application. An alien applying for a waiver of 
inadmissibility under section 245(l)(2) of the Act in connection with an 
application for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.23(a) or (b) must 
submit:
    (1) A completed Form I-485 application package;
    (2) The appropriate fee in accordance with 8 CFR 106.2 or an 
application for a fee waiver; and, as applicable,
    (3) Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability.
    (b) Treatment of waiver application. (1) USCIS may not waive an 
applicant's inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(3), 212(a)(10)(C), or 
212(a)(10)(E) of the Act.
    (2) If an applicant is inadmissible under section 212(a)(1) of the 
Act, USCIS may waive such inadmissibility if it determines that granting 
a waiver is in the national interest.
    (3) If any other applicable provision of section 212(a) renders the 
applicant inadmissible, USCIS may grant a waiver of inadmissibility if 
the activities rendering the applicant inadmissible were caused by or 
were incident to the victimization and USCIS determines that it is in 
the national interest to waive the applicable ground or grounds of 
inadmissibility.
    (c) Other waivers. Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
limiting an alien's ability to apply for any other waivers of 
inadmissibility for which he or she may be eligible.
    (d) Revocation. The Secretary of Homeland Security may, at any time, 
revoke a waiver previously granted through the procedures described in 8 
CFR 103.5.

[73 FR 75557, Dec. 12, 2008, as amended at 84 FR 41501, Aug. 14, 2019; 
85 FR 46923, Aug. 3, 2020; 86 FR 14227, Mar. 15, 2021; 87 FR 55636, 
Sept. 9, 2022]



Sec.  212.19  Parole for entrepreneurs.

    (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following 
definitions apply:
    (1) Entrepreneur means an alien who possesses a substantial 
ownership interest in a start-up entity and has a central and active 
role in the operations of that entity, such that the alien is well-
positioned, due to his or her knowledge, skills, or experience, to 
substantially assist the entity with the growth and success of its 
business. For purposes of this section, an alien may be considered to 
possess a substantial ownership interest if he or she possesses at least 
a 10 percent ownership interest in the start-up entity at the time of 
adjudication of the initial grant of parole and possesses at least a 5 
percent ownership interest in the start-up entity at the time of 
adjudication of a subsequent period of re-parole. During the period of 
initial parole, the entrepreneur may continue to reduce his or her 
ownership interest in the start-up entity, but must, at all times during 
the period of initial parole, maintain at least a 5 percent ownership 
interest in the entity. During the period of re-parole, the entrepreneur 
may continue to reduce his or her ownership interest in the start-up 
entity, but must, at all times during the period of parole, maintain an 
ownership interest in the entity.

[[Page 268]]

    (2) Start-up entity means a U.S. business entity that was recently 
formed, has lawfully done business during any period of operation since 
its date of formation, and has substantial potential for rapid growth 
and job creation. An entity that is the basis for a request for parole 
under this section may be considered recently formed if it was created 
within the 5 years immediately preceding the filing date of the alien's 
initial parole request. For purposes of paragraphs (a)(3) and (5) of 
this section, an entity may be considered recently formed if it was 
created within the 5 years immediately preceding the receipt of the 
relevant grant(s), award(s), or investment(s).
    (3) Qualified government award or grant means an award or grant for 
economic development, research and development, or job creation (or 
other similar monetary award typically given to start-up entities) made 
by a federal, state, or local government entity (not including foreign 
government entities) that regularly provides such awards or grants to 
start-up entities. This definition excludes any contractual commitment 
for goods or services.
    (4) Qualified investment means an investment made in good faith, and 
that is not an attempt to circumvent any limitations imposed on 
investments under this section, of lawfully derived capital in a start-
up entity that is a purchase from such entity of its equity, convertible 
debt, or other security convertible into its equity commonly used in 
financing transactions within such entity's industry. Such an investment 
shall not include an investment, directly or indirectly, from the 
entrepreneur; the parents, spouse, brother, sister, son, or daughter of 
such entrepreneur; or any corporation, limited liability company, 
partnership, or other entity in which such entrepreneur or the parents, 
spouse, brother, sister, son, or daughter of such entrepreneur directly 
or indirectly has any ownership interest.
    (5) Qualified investor means an individual who is a U.S. citizen or 
lawful permanent resident of the United States, or an organization that 
is located in the United States and operates through a legal entity 
organized under the laws of the United States or any state, that is 
majority owned and controlled, directly and indirectly, by U.S. citizens 
or lawful permanent residents of the United States, provided such 
individual or organization regularly makes substantial investments in 
start-up entities that subsequently exhibit substantial growth in terms 
of revenue generation or job creation. The term ``qualified investor'' 
shall not include an individual or organization that has been 
permanently or temporarily enjoined from participating in the offer or 
sale of a security or in the provision of services as an investment 
adviser, broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government 
securities broker, government securities dealer, bank, transfer agent or 
credit rating agency, barred from association with any entity involved 
in the offer or sale of securities or provision of such services, or 
otherwise found to have participated in the offer or sale of securities 
or provision of such services in violation of law. For purposes of this 
section, such an individual or organization may be considered a 
qualified investor if, during the preceding 5 years:
    (i) The individual or organization made investments in start-up 
entities in exchange for equity, convertible debt, or other security 
convertible into equity commonly used in financing transactions within 
their respective industries comprising a total in such 5-year period of 
no less than $633,952; and
    (ii) Subsequent to such investment by such individual or 
organization, at least 2 such entities each created at least 5 qualified 
jobs or generated at least $528,293 in revenue with average annualized 
revenue growth of at least 20 percent.
    (6) Qualified job means full-time employment located in the United 
States that has been filled for at least 1 year by one or more 
qualifying employees.
    (7) Qualifying employee means a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent 
resident, or other immigrant lawfully authorized to be employed in the 
United States, who is not an entrepreneur of the relevant start-up 
entity or the parent, spouse, brother, sister, son, or daughter of such 
an entrepreneur. This definition shall not include independent 
contractors.
    (8) Full-time employment means paid employment in a position that 
requires

[[Page 269]]

a minimum of 35 working hours per week. This definition does not include 
combinations of part-time positions even if, when combined, such 
positions meet the hourly requirement per week.
    (9) U.S. business entity means any corporation, limited liability 
company, partnership, or other entity that is organized under federal 
law or the laws of any state, and that conducts business in the United 
States, that is not an investment vehicle primarily engaged in the 
offer, purchase, sale or trading of securities, futures contracts, 
derivatives or similar instruments.
    (10) Material change means any change in facts that could reasonably 
affect the outcome of the determination whether the entrepreneur 
provides, or continues to provide, a significant public benefit to the 
United States. Such changes include, but are not limited to, the 
following: Any criminal charge, conviction, plea of no contest, or other 
judicial determination in a criminal case concerning the entrepreneur or 
start-up entity; any complaint, settlement, judgment, or other judicial 
or administrative determination concerning the entrepreneur or start-up 
entity in a legal or administrative proceeding brought by a government 
entity; any settlement, judgment, or other legal determination 
concerning the entrepreneur or start-up entity in a legal proceeding 
brought by a private individual or organization other than proceedings 
primarily involving claims for damages not exceeding 10 percent of the 
current assets of the entrepreneur or start-up entity; a sale or other 
disposition of all or substantially all of the start-up entity's assets; 
the liquidation, dissolution or cessation of operations of the start-up 
entity; the voluntary or involuntary filing of a bankruptcy petition by 
or against the start-up entity; a significant change with respect to 
ownership and control of the start-up entity; and a cessation of the 
entrepreneur's qualifying ownership interest in the start-up entity or 
the entrepreneur's central and active role in the operations of that 
entity.
    (b) Initial parole--(1) Filing of initial parole request form. An 
alien seeking an initial grant of parole as an entrepreneur of a start-
up entity must file Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole, 
with USCIS, with the required fee, and supporting documentary evidence 
in accordance with this section and the form instructions, demonstrating 
eligibility as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (2) Criteria for consideration--(i) In general. An alien may be 
considered for parole under this section if the alien demonstrates that 
a grant of parole will provide a significant public benefit to the 
United States based on his or her role as an entrepreneur of a start-up 
entity.
    (ii) General criteria. An alien may meet the standard described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section by providing a detailed description, 
along with supporting evidence:
    (A) Demonstrating that the alien is an entrepreneur as defined in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section and that his or her entity is a start-
up entity as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; and
    (B) Establishing that the alien's entity has:
    (1) Received, within 18 months immediately preceding the filing of 
an application for initial parole, a qualified investment amount of at 
least $264,147 from one or more qualified investors; or
    (2) Received, within 18 months immediately preceding the filing of 
an application for initial parole, an amount of at least $105,659 
through one or more qualified government awards or grants.
    (iii) Alternative criteria. An alien who satisfies the criteria in 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section and partially meets one or both 
of the criteria in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(B) of this section may 
alternatively meet the standard described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this 
section by providing other reliable and compelling evidence of the 
start-up entity's substantial potential for rapid growth and job 
creation.
    (c) Additional periods of parole--(1) Filing of re-parole request 
form. Before expiration of the initial period of parole, an entrepreneur 
parolee may request an additional period of parole based on the same 
start-up entity that formed the basis for his or her initial period of 
parole granted under this section. To request such parole, an 
entrepreneur

[[Page 270]]

parolee must timely file Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur 
Parole, with USCIS, with the required fee and supporting documentation 
in accordance with the form instructions, demonstrating eligibility as 
provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
    (2) Criteria for consideration--(i) In general. An alien may be 
considered for re-parole under this section if the alien demonstrates 
that a grant of parole will continue to provide a significant public 
benefit to the United States based on his or her role as an entrepreneur 
of a start-up entity.
    (ii) General criteria. An alien may meet the standard described in 
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section by providing a detailed description, 
along with supporting evidence:
    (A) Demonstrating that the alien continues to be an entrepreneur as 
defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and that his or her entity 
continues to be a start-up entity as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section; and
    (B) Establishing that the alien's entity has:
    (1) Received at least $528,293 in qualifying investments, qualified 
government grants or awards, or a combination of such funding, during 
the initial parole period;
    (2) Created at least 5 qualified jobs with the start-up entity 
during the initial parole period; or
    (3) Reached at least $528,293 in annual revenue in the United States 
and averaged 20 percent in annual revenue growth during the initial 
parole period.
    (iii) Alternative criteria. An alien who satisfies the criteria in 
paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) of this section and partially meets one or more 
of the criteria in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(B) of this section may 
alternatively meet the standard described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this 
section by providing other reliable and compelling evidence of the 
start-up entity's substantial potential for rapid growth and job 
creation.
    (d) Discretionary authority; decision; appeals and motions to 
reopen--(1) Discretionary authority. DHS may grant parole under this 
section in its sole discretion on a case-by-case basis if the Department 
determines, based on the totality of the evidence, that an applicant's 
presence in the United States will provide a significant public benefit 
and that he or she otherwise merits a favorable exercise of discretion. 
In determining whether an alien's presence in the United States will 
provide a significant public benefit and whether the alien warrants a 
favorable exercise of discretion, USCIS will consider and weigh all 
evidence, including any derogatory evidence or information, such as but 
not limited to, evidence of criminal activity or national security 
concerns.
    (2) Initial parole. DHS may grant an initial period of parole based 
on the start-up entity listed in the request for parole for a period of 
up to 30 months from the date the individual is initially paroled into 
the United States. Approval by USCIS of such a request must be obtained 
before the alien may appear at a port of entry to be granted parole, in 
lieu of admission.
    (3) Re-parole. DHS may re-parole an entrepreneur for one additional 
period of up to 30 months from the date of the expiration of the initial 
parole period. If the entrepreneur is in the United States at the time 
that USCIS approves the request for re-parole, such approval shall be 
considered a grant of re-parole. If the alien is outside the United 
States at the time that USCIS approves the request for re-parole, the 
alien must appear at a port of entry to be granted parole, in lieu of 
admission.
    (4) Appeals and motions to reopen. There is no appeal from a denial 
of parole under this section. USCIS will not consider a motion to reopen 
or reconsider a denial of parole under this section. On its own motion, 
USCIS may reopen or reconsider a decision to deny the Application for 
Entrepreneur Parole (Form I-941), in accordance with 8 CFR 103.5(a)(5).
    (e) Collection of biometric information. An alien seeking an initial 
grant of parole or re-parole before October 2, 2020 will be required to 
submit biometric information. An alien seeking an initial grant of 
parole or re-parole may be required to submit biometric information.
    (f) Limitations. No more than three entrepreneurs may be granted 
parole under this section based on the same

[[Page 271]]

start-up entity. An alien shall not receive more than one initial grant 
of entrepreneur parole or more than one additional grant of entrepreneur 
re-parole based on the same start-up entity, for a maximum period of 
parole of five years.
    (g) Employment authorization. An entrepreneur who is paroled into 
the United States pursuant to this section is authorized for employment 
with the start-up entity incident to the conditions of his or her 
parole.
    (h) Spouse and children. (1) The entrepreneur's spouse and children 
who are seeking parole as derivatives of such entrepreneur must 
individually file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Such 
application must also include evidence that the derivative has a 
qualifying relationship to the entrepreneur and otherwise merits a grant 
of parole in the exercise of discretion. Such spouse or child will be 
required to appear for collection of biometrics in accordance with the 
form instructions or upon request.
    (2) The spouse and children of an entrepreneur granted parole under 
this section may be granted parole under this section for no longer than 
the period of parole granted to such entrepreneur.
    (3) The spouse of the entrepreneur parolee, after being paroled into 
the United States, may be eligible for employment authorization on the 
basis of parole under this section. To request employment authorization, 
an eligible spouse paroled into the United States must file an 
Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765), in accordance 
with 8 CFR 274a.13 and form instructions. An Application for Employment 
Authorization must be accompanied by documentary evidence establishing 
eligibility, including evidence of the spousal relationship.
    (4) Notwithstanding 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(11), a child of the 
entrepreneur parolee may not be authorized for and may not accept 
employment on the basis of parole under this section.
    (i) Conditions on parole. As a condition of parole under this 
section, a parolee must maintain household income that is greater than 
400 percent of the federal poverty line for his or her household size as 
defined by the Department of Health and Human Services. USCIS may impose 
other such reasonable conditions in its sole discretion with respect to 
any alien approved for parole under this section, and it may request 
verification of the parolee's compliance with any such condition at any 
time. Violation of any condition of parole may lead to termination of 
the parole in accordance with paragraph (k) of this section or denial of 
re-parole.
    (j) Reporting of material changes. An alien granted parole under 
this section must immediately report any material change(s) to USCIS. If 
the entrepreneur will continue to be employed by the start-up entity and 
maintain a qualifying ownership interest in the start-up entity, the 
entrepreneur must submit a form prescribed by USCIS, with any applicable 
fee in accordance with the form instructions to notify USCIS of the 
material change(s). The entrepreneur parolee must immediately notify 
USCIS in writing if he or she will no longer be employed by the start-up 
entity or ceases to possess a qualifying ownership stake in the start-up 
entity.
    (k) Termination of parole--(1) In general. DHS, in its discretion, 
may terminate parole granted under this section at any time and without 
prior notice or opportunity to respond if it determines that the alien's 
continued parole in the United States no longer provides a significant 
public benefit. Alternatively, DHS, in its discretion, may provide the 
alien notice and an opportunity to respond prior to terminating the 
alien's parole under this section.
    (2) Automatic termination. Parole granted under this section will be 
automatically terminated without notice upon the expiration of the time 
for which parole was authorized, unless the alien timely files a non-
frivolous application for re-parole. Parole granted under this section 
may be automatically terminated when USCIS receives written notice from 
the entrepreneur parolee that he or she will no longer be employed by 
the start-up entity or ceases to possess a qualifying ownership stake in 
the start-up entity in accordance with paragraph (j) of this section. 
Additionally, parole of the spouse or child of the entrepreneur will be

[[Page 272]]

automatically terminated without notice if the parole of the 
entrepreneur has been terminated. If parole is terminated, any 
employment authorization based on that parole is automatically revoked.
    (3) Termination on notice. USCIS may terminate on notice or provide 
the entrepreneur or his or her spouse or children, as applicable, 
written notice of its intent to terminate parole if USCIS believes that:
    (i) The facts or information contained in the request for parole 
were not true and accurate;
    (ii) The alien failed to timely file or otherwise comply with the 
material change reporting requirements in this section;
    (iii) The entrepreneur parolee is no longer employed in a central 
and active role by the start-up entity or ceases to possess a qualifying 
ownership stake in the start-up entity;
    (iv) The alien otherwise violated the terms and conditions of 
parole; or
    (v) Parole was erroneously granted.
    (4) Notice and decision. A notice of intent to terminate issued 
under this paragraph should generally identify the grounds for 
termination of the parole and provide a period of up to 30 days for the 
alien's written rebuttal. The alien may submit additional evidence in 
support of his or her rebuttal, when applicable, and USCIS will consider 
all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to terminate the 
alien's parole. Failure to timely respond to a notice of intent to 
terminate will result in termination of the parole. When a charging 
document is served on the alien, the charging document will constitute 
written notice of termination of parole (if parole has not already been 
terminated), unless otherwise specified. Any further immigration and 
removal actions will be conducted in accordance with the Act and this 
chapter. The decision to terminate parole may not be appealed. USCIS 
will not consider a motion to reopen or reconsider a decision to 
terminate parole under this section. On its own motion, USCIS may reopen 
or reconsider a decision to terminate.
    (l) Increase of investment and revenue amount requirements. The 
investment and revenue amounts in this section will be automatically 
adjusted every 3 years by the Consumer Price Index and posted on the 
USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov. Investment and revenue amounts adjusted 
under this paragraph will apply to all applications filed on or after 
the beginning of the fiscal year for which the adjustment is made.

[82 FR 5286, Jan. 17, 2017, as amended at 85 FR 46923, Aug. 3, 2020; 86 
FR 50841, Sept. 13, 2021]



Sec.  212.20  Applicability of public charge inadmissibility.

    8 CFR 212.20 through 212.23 address the public charge ground of 
inadmissibility under section 212(a)(4) of the Act. Unless the alien 
requesting the immigration benefit or classification has been exempted 
from section 212(a)(4) of the Act as listed in Sec.  212.23(a), the 
provisions of Sec. Sec.  212.20 through 212.23 of this part apply to an 
applicant for admission or adjustment of status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident.

[87 FR 55636, Sept. 9, 2022]



Sec.  212.21  Definitions.

    For the purposes of Sec. Sec.  212.20 through 212.23, the following 
definitions apply:
    (a) Likely at any time to become a public charge means likely at any 
time to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as 
demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income 
maintenance or long-term institutionalization at government expense.
    (b) Public cash assistance for income maintenance means:
    (1) Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.;
    (2) Cash assistance for income maintenance under the Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; or
    (3) State, Tribal, territorial, or local cash benefit programs for 
income maintenance (often called ``General Assistance'' in the State 
context, but which also exist under other names).
    (c) Long-term institutionalization at government expense means 
government assistance for long-term institutionalization (in the case of 
Medicaid, limited to institutional services under section 1905(a) of the 
Social Security Act)

[[Page 273]]

received by a beneficiary, including in a nursing facility or mental 
health institution. Long-term institutionalization does not include 
imprisonment for conviction of a crime or institutionalization for short 
periods for rehabilitation purposes.
    (d) Receipt (of public benefits). An individual's receipt of public 
benefits occurs when a public benefit-granting agency provides either 
public cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term 
institutionalization at government expense to the individual, where the 
individual is listed as a beneficiary of such benefits. An individual's 
application for a public benefit on their own behalf or on behalf of 
another does not constitute receipt of public benefits by such 
individual. Approval for future receipt of a public benefit that an 
individual applied for on their own behalf or on behalf of another does 
not constitute receipt of public benefits by such an individual. An 
individual's receipt of public benefits solely on behalf of a third 
party (including a member of the alien's household as defined in 
paragraph (f) of this section) does not constitute receipt of public 
benefits by such individual. The receipt of public benefits solely by a 
third party (including a member of the alien's household as defined in 
paragraph (f) of this section), even if an individual assists with the 
application process, does not constitute receipt for such individual.
    (e) Government means any Federal, State, Tribal, territorial, or 
local government entity or entities of the United States.
    (f) Household: The alien's household includes:
    (1) The alien;
    (2) The alien's spouse, if physically residing with the alien;
    (3) If physically residing with the alien, the alien's parents, the 
alien's unmarried siblings under 21 years of age, and the alien's 
children as defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Act;
    (4) Any other individuals (including a spouse or child as defined in 
section 101(b)(1) of the Act not physically residing with the alien) who 
are listed as dependents on the alien's federal income tax return; and
    (5) Any other individual(s) who lists the alien as a dependent on 
their federal income tax return.

[87 FR 55636, Sept. 9, 2022]



Sec.  212.22  Public charge inadmissibility determination.

    (a) Factors to consider--(1) Consideration of minimum factors: For 
purposes of a public charge inadmissibility determination, DHS will 
consider the alien's:
    (i) Age;
    (ii) Health, as evidenced by a report of an immigration medical 
examination performed by a civil surgeon or panel physician where such 
examination is required (to which DHS will generally defer absent 
evidence that such report is incomplete);
    (iii) Family status, as evidenced by the alien's household size, 
based on the definition of household in Sec.  212.21(f);
    (iv) Assets, resources, and financial status, as evidenced by the 
alien's household's income, assets, and liabilities (excluding any 
income from public benefits listed in Sec.  212.21(b) and income or 
assets from illegal activities or sources such as proceeds from illegal 
gambling or drug sales); and
    (v) Education and skills, as evidenced by the alien's degrees, 
certifications, licenses, skills obtained through work experience or 
educational programs, and educational certificates.
    (2) Consideration of affidavit of support. DHS will favorably 
consider an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, when 
required under section 212(a)(4)(C) or (D) of the Act, that meets the 
requirements of section 213A of the Act and 8 CFR part 213a, in making a 
public charge inadmissibility determination.
    (3) Consideration of current and/or past receipt of public benefits: 
DHS will consider the alien's current and/or past receipt of public cash 
assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at 
government expense (consistent with Sec.  212.21(c)). DHS will consider 
such receipt in the totality of the circumstances, along with the other 
factors. DHS will consider the amount and duration of receipt, as well 
as how recently the alien received the benefits, and for long-term 
institutionalization at government expense,

[[Page 274]]

evidence submitted by the alien that the alien's institutionalization 
violates federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act or 
the Rehabilitation Act. However, current and/or past receipt of these 
benefits will not alone be a sufficient basis to determine whether the 
alien is likely at any time to become a public charge. DHS will not 
consider receipt of, or certification or approval for future receipt of, 
public benefits not referenced in Sec.  212.21(b) and (c)), such as 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other nutrition 
programs, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid (other 
than for long-term use of institutional services under section 1905(a) 
of the Social Security Act), housing benefits, any benefits related to 
immunizations or testing for communicable diseases, or other 
supplemental or special-purpose benefits.
    (4) Disability alone not sufficient. A finding that an alien has a 
disability, as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, will 
not alone be a sufficient basis to determine whether the alien is likely 
at any time to become a public charge.
    (b) Totality of the circumstances. The determination of an alien's 
likelihood of becoming a public charge at any time in the future must be 
based on the totality of the alien's circumstances. No one factor 
outlined in paragraph (a) of this section, other than the lack of a 
sufficient Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, if 
required, should be the sole criterion for determining if an alien is 
likely to become a public charge. DHS may periodically issue guidance to 
adjudicators to inform the totality of the circumstances assessment. 
Such guidance will consider how these factors affect the likelihood that 
the alien will become a public charge at any time based on an empirical 
analysis of the best-available data as appropriate.
    (c) Denial Decision. Every written denial decision issued by USCIS 
based on the totality of the circumstances set forth in paragraph (b) of 
this section will reflect consideration of each of the factors outlined 
in paragraph (a) of this section and specifically articulate the reasons 
for the officer's determination.
    (d) Receipt of public benefits while an alien is in an immigration 
category exempt from public charge inadmissibility. In an adjudication 
for an immigration benefit for which the public charge ground of 
inadmissibility applies, DHS will not consider any public benefits 
received by an alien during periods in which the alien was present in 
the United States in an immigration category that is exempt from the 
public charge ground of inadmissibility, as set forth in Sec.  
212.23(a), or for which the alien received a waiver of public charge 
inadmissibility, as set forth in Sec.  212.23(c).
    (e) Receipt of benefits available to refugees. DHS will not consider 
any public benefits that were received by an alien who, while not a 
refugee admitted under section 207 of the Act, is eligible for 
resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits 
available to refugees admitted under section 207 of the Act, including 
services described under section 412(d)(2) of the Act provided to an 
unaccompanied alien child as defined under 6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2).

[87 FR 55636, Sept. 9, 2022]



Sec.  212.23  Exemptions and waivers for public charge ground 
of inadmissibility.

    (a) Exemptions. The public charge ground of inadmissibility under 
section 212(a)(4) of the Act does not apply, based on statutory or 
regulatory authority, to the following categories of aliens:
    (1) Refugees at the time of admission under section 207 of the Act 
and at the time of adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident 
under section 209 of the Act;
    (2) Asylees at the time of grant under section 208 of the Act and at 
the time of adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident under 
section 209 of the Act;
    (3) Amerasian immigrants at the time of application for admission as 
described in sections 584 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, 
and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 1988, Public Law 100-202, 101 
Stat. 1329-183, section 101(e) (Dec. 22, 1987), as amended, 8 U.S.C. 
1101 note;

[[Page 275]]

    (4) Afghan and Iraqi Interpreters, or Afghan or Iraqi nationals 
employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government as described in section 
1059(a)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2006 Public Law 109-163 (Jan. 6, 2006), as amended, and section 602(b) 
of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, title VI 
(Mar. 11, 2009), as amended, 8 U.S.C. 1101 note, and section 1244(g) of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as amended, 
Public Law 110-181 (Jan. 28, 2008);
    (5) Cuban and Haitian entrants applying for adjustment of status 
under section 202 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 
(IRCA), Public Law 99-603, 100 Stat. 3359 (Nov. 6, 1986), as amended, 8 
U.S.C. 1255a note;
    (6) Aliens applying for adjustment of status under the Cuban 
Adjustment Act, Public Law 89-732 (Nov. 2, 1966), as amended, 8 U.S.C. 
1255 note;
    (7) Nicaraguans and other Central Americans applying for adjustment 
of status under section 202(a) and section 203 of the Nicaraguan 
Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Public Law 105-100, 
111 Stat. 2193 (Nov. 19, 1997), as amended, 8 U.S.C. 1255 note;
    (8) Haitians applying for adjustment of status under section 902 of 
the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998, Public Law 105-
277, 112 Stat. 2681 (Oct. 21, 1998), as amended, 8 U.S.C. 1255 note;
    (9) Lautenberg parolees as described in section 599E of the Foreign 
Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 
1990, Public Law 101-167, 103 Stat. 1195, title V (Nov. 21, 1989), as 
amended, 8 U.S.C. 1255 note;
    (10) Special immigrant juveniles as described in section 245(h) of 
the Act;
    (11) Aliens who entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972, 
and who meet the other conditions for being granted lawful permanent 
residence under section 249 of the Act and 8 CFR part 249 (Registry);
    (12) Aliens applying for or reregistering for Temporary Protected 
Status as described in section 244 of the Act in accordance with section 
244(c)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act and 8 CFR 244.3(a);
    (13) Nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(A)(i) and (ii) of 
the Act (Ambassador, Public Minister, Career Diplomat or Consular 
Officer, or Immediate Family or Other Foreign Government Official or 
Employee, or Immediate Family), in accordance with section 102 of the 
Act and 22 CFR 41.21(d);
    (14) Nonimmigrants classifiable as C-2 (alien in transit to U.N. 
Headquarters) or C-3 (foreign government official), 22 CFR 41.21(d);
    (15) Nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(G)(i), (ii), 
(iii), and (iv), of the Act (Principal Resident Representative of 
Recognized Foreign Government to International Organization, and related 
categories), in accordance with section 102 of the Act and 22 CFR 
41.21(d);
    (16) Nonimmigrants classifiable as NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4 
(NATO representatives), and NATO-6 in accordance with 22 CFR 41.21(d);
    (17) Applicants for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(T) 
of the Act, in accordance with Sec.  212.16(b);
    (18) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, 
individuals who are seeking an immigration benefit for which 
admissibility is required, including but not limited to adjustment of 
status under section 245(a) of the Act and section 245(l) of the Act and 
who:
    (i) Have a pending application that sets forth a prima facie case 
for eligibility for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(T) of 
the Act, or
    (ii) Have been granted nonimmigrant status under section 
101(a)(15)(T) of the Act, provided that the individual is in valid T 
nonimmigrant status at the time the benefit request is properly filed 
with USCIS and at the time the benefit request is adjudicated;
    (19) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section:
    (i) Petitioners for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(U) 
of the Act, in accordance with section 212(a)(4)(E)(ii) of the Act; or
    (ii) Individuals who are granted nonimmigrant status under section 
101(a)(15)(U) of the Act in accordance with section 212(a)(4)(E)(ii) of 
the Act, who are seeking an immigration benefit for which admissibility 
is required, including, but not limited to, adjustment of status under 
section 245(a) of

[[Page 276]]

the Act, provided that the individuals are in valid U nonimmigrant 
status at the time the benefit request is properly filed with USCIS and 
at the time the benefit request is adjudicated;
    (20) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any aliens 
who are VAWA self-petitioners under section 212(a)(4)(E)(i) of the Act;
    (21) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, qualified 
aliens described in section 431(c) of the Personal Responsibility and 
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, 8 U.S.C. 1641(c), under 
section 212(a)(4)(E)(iii) of the Act;
    (22) Applicants adjusting status who qualify for a benefit under 
section 1703 of the National Defense Authorization Act, Public Law 108-
136, 117 Stat. 1392 (Nov. 24, 2003), 8 U.S.C. 1151 note (posthumous 
benefits to surviving spouses, children, and parents);
    (23) American Indians born in Canada determined to fall under 
section 289 of the Act;
    (24) Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians of the Kickapoo Tribe of 
Oklahoma, Public Law 97-429 (Jan. 8, 1983);
    (25) Nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos applying for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 under 8 CFR 
245.21;
    (26) Polish and Hungarian Parolees who were paroled into the United 
States from November 1, 1989 to December 31, 1991, under section 646(b) 
of the IIRIRA, Public Law 104-208, Div. C, Title VI, Subtitle D (Sept. 
30, 1996), 8 U.S.C. 1255 note;
    (27) Applicants adjusting status who qualify for a benefit under 
Section 7611 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2020, Public Law 116-92, 113 Stat. 1198, 2309 (December 20, 2019) 
(Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness), later extended by Section 901 
of Division O, Title IX of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, 
Public Law 116-260 (December 27, 2020) (Adjustment of Status for 
Liberian Nationals Extension);
    (28) Certain Syrian nationals adjusting status under Public Law 106-
378; and
    (29) Any other categories of aliens exempt under any other law from 
the public charge ground of inadmissibility provisions under section 
212(a)(4) of the Act.
    (b) Limited Exemption. Aliens described in paragraphs (a)(18) 
through (21) of this section must submit an Affidavit of Support Under 
Section 213A of the INA if they are applying for adjustment of status 
based on an employment-based petition that requires such an affidavit of 
support as described in section 212(a)(4)(D) of the Act.
    (c) Waivers. A waiver for the public charge ground of 
inadmissibility may be authorized based on statutory or regulatory 
authority, for the following categories of aliens:
    (1) Applicants for admission as nonimmigrants under 101(a)(15)(S) of 
the Act;
    (2) Nonimmigrants admitted under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act 
applying for adjustment of status under section 245(j) of the Act 
(witnesses or informants); and
    (3) Any other category of aliens who are eligible to receive a 
waiver of the public charge ground of inadmissibility.

[87 FR 55636, Sept. 9, 2022]



PART 213_ADMISSION OF ALIENS ON GIVING BOND OR CASH DEPOSIT--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103; 1183; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  213.1  Admission under bond or cash deposit.

    (a) Public charge bonds for adjustment of status applicants. If, in 
the course of adjudicating an application for adjustment of status to 
that of a lawful permanent resident, USCIS determines that the alien is 
inadmissible only under section 212(a)(4) of the Act, and that the 
application for adjustment of status is otherwise approvable, USCIS may 
invite the alien to submit a public charge bond as a condition of 
approval of the adjustment of status application. Subject to the 
requirements of paragraph (c) of this section and 8 CFR 103.6, USCIS 
will set the bond amount and provide instructions for the submission of 
a public charge bond. Public charge bonds may be in the form of a

[[Page 277]]

surety bond or an agreement covering cash deposits.
    (b) Public charge bonds requested by consular officers. USCIS may 
accept a public charge bond before the issuance of an immigrant visa to 
the alien upon receipt of a request directly from a United States 
consular officer or upon presentation by an interested person of a 
notification from the consular officer requiring such a bond. The 
consular officer will set the amount of any such bond subject to 
paragraph (c) of this section and will provide instructions for the 
submission of a public charge bond. Upon acceptance of such a bond, 
USCIS will notify the U.S. consular officer who requested the bond, 
giving the date and place of acceptance and the amount of the bond.
    (c) Form and amount of public charge bonds. All bonds and agreements 
covering cash deposits given as a condition of admission or adjustment 
of status of an alien under section 213 of the Act must be executed on a 
form designated by USCIS for that purpose and be in the sum set by USCIS 
under paragraph (a) of this section for adjustment of status applicants 
or the consular officer under paragraph (b) of this section for 
immigrant visa applicants but not less than $1,000. USCIS will provide a 
receipt to the alien or an interested person acting on the alien's 
behalf on a form designated by USCIS for such purpose. All public charge 
bonds are subject to the procedures established in 8 CFR 103.6 relating 
to bond riders, acceptable sureties, cancellation of bonds, and breach 
of bonds.

[87 FR 55639, Sept. 9, 2022]



PART 213a_AFFIDAVITS OF SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF IMMIGRANTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
213a.1 Definitions.
213a.2 Use of affidavit of support.
213a.3 Change of address.
213a.4 Actions for reimbursement, public notice, and congressional 
          reports.
213a.5 Relationship of this part to other affidavits of support.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1183a; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 54352, Oct. 20, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  213a.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part, the term:
    Domicile means the place where a sponsor has his or her principal 
residence, as defined in section 101(a)(33) of the Act, with the 
intention to maintain that residence for the foreseeable future.
    Federal poverty line means the level of income equal to the poverty 
guidelines as issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in 
accordance with 42 U.S.C. 9902 that is applicable to a household of the 
size involved. For purposes of considering the Form I-864, Affidavit of 
Support Under Section 213A of the Act, the Service and Consular Posts 
will use the most recent income-poverty guidelines published in the 
Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services. These 
guidelines are updated annually, and the Service and Consular Posts will 
begin to use updated guidelines on the first day of the second month 
after the date the guidelines are published in the Federal Register.
    Household income means the income used to determine whether the 
sponsor meets the minimum income requirements under sections 
213A(f)(1)(E), 213A(f)(3), or 213A(f)(5) of the Act. It includes the 
income of the sponsor, and of the sponsor's spouse and any other person 
included in determining the sponsor's household size, if the spouse or 
other person is at least 18 years old and has signed the form designated 
by USCIS for this purpose, on behalf of the sponsor and intending 
immigrants. The ``household income'' may not, however, include the 
income of an intending immigrant, unless the intending immigrant is 
either the sponsor's spouse or has the same principal residence as the 
sponsor and the preponderance of the evidence shows that the intending 
immigrant's income results from the intending immigrant's lawful 
employment in the United States or from some other lawful source that 
will continue to be available to the intending immigrant after he or she 
acquires permanent resident status. The prospect of employment in the 
United States that has not yet actually begun will not be sufficient to 
meet this requirement.

[[Page 278]]

    Household size means the number obtained by adding the number of 
persons specified in this definition. In calculating household size, no 
individual shall be counted more than once. If the intending immigrant's 
spouse or child is a citizen or already holds the status of an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence, then the sponsor should not 
include that spouse or child in determining the total household size, 
unless the intending immigrant's spouse or child is a dependent of the 
sponsor.
    (1) In all cases, the household size includes the sponsor, the 
sponsor's spouse and all of the sponsor's children, as defined in 
section 101(b)(1) of the Act (other than a stepchild who meets the 
requirements of section 101(b)(1)(B) of the Act, if the stepchild does 
not reside with the sponsor, is not claimed by the sponsor as a 
dependent for tax purposes, and is not seeking to immigrate based on the 
stepparent/stepchild relationship), unless these children have reached 
the age of majority under the law of the place of domicile and the 
sponsor did not claim them as dependents on the sponsor's Federal income 
tax return for the most recent tax year. The following persons must also 
be included in calculating the sponsor's household size: Any other 
persons (whether related to the sponsor or not) whom the sponsor has 
claimed as dependents on the sponsor's Federal income tax return for the 
most recent tax year, even if such persons do not have the same 
principal residence as the sponsor, plus the number of aliens the 
sponsor has sponsored under any other affidavit of support for whom the 
sponsor's support obligation has not terminated, plus the number of 
aliens to be sponsored under the current affidavit of support, even if 
such aliens do not or will not have the same principal residence as the 
sponsor. If a child, as defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Act, or 
spouse of the principal intending immigrant is an alien who does not 
currently reside in the United States and who either is not seeking to 
immigrate at the same time as, or will not seek to immigrate within six 
months of the principal intending immigrant's immigration, the sponsor 
may exclude that child or spouse in calculating the sponsor's household 
size.
    (2) If the sponsor chooses to do so, the sponsor may add to the 
number of persons specified in the first part of this definition the 
number of relatives (as defined in this section) of the sponsor who have 
the same principal residence as the sponsor and whose income will be 
relied on to meet the requirements of section 213A of the Act and this 
part.
    Immigration Officer, solely for purposes of this part, includes a 
Consular Officer, as defined by section 101(a)(9) of the Act, as well as 
an Immigration Officer, as defined by Sec.  103.1(j) of this chapter.
    Income means an individual's total income (adjusted gross income for 
those who file IRS Form 1040EZ) for purposes of the individual's U.S. 
Federal income tax liability, including a joint income tax return (e.g., 
line 22 on the 2004 IRS Form 1040, line 15 on the 2004 IRS Form 1040A, 
or line 4 on the 2004 IRS Form 1040EZ or the corresponding line on any 
future revision of these IRS Forms). Only an individual's Federal income 
tax return--that is, neither a state or territorial income tax return 
nor an income tax return filed with a foreign government--shall be filed 
with an affidavit of support, unless the individual had no duty to file 
a Federal income tax return, and claims that his or her state, 
territorial or foreign taxable income is sufficient to establish the 
sufficiency of the affidavit of support.
    Intending immigrant means any beneficiary of an immigrant visa 
petition filed under section 204 of the Act, including any alien who 
will accompany or follow-to-join the principal beneficiary.
    Joint sponsor means any individual who meets the requirements of 
section 213A(f)(1)(A), (B), (C), and (E) of the Act and 8 CFR 
213a.2(c)(1)(i), and who, as permitted by section 213A(f)(5)(A) of the 
Act, is willing to submit an affidavit of support and accept joint and 
several liability with the sponsor or substitute sponsor, in any case in 
which the sponsor's or substitute sponsor's household income is not 
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of section 213A of the Act.

[[Page 279]]

    Means-tested public benefit means either a Federal means-tested 
public benefit, which is any public benefit funded in whole or in part 
by funds provided by the Federal Government that the Federal agency 
administering the Federal funds has determined to be a Federal means-
tested public benefit under the Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193, or a State 
means-tested public benefit, which is any public benefit for which no 
Federal funds are provided that a State, State agency, or political 
subdivision of a State has determined to be a means-tested public 
benefit. No benefit shall be considered to be a means-tested public 
benefit if it is a benefit described in sections 401(b), 411(b), 422(b) 
or 423(d) of Public Law 104-193.
    Program official means the officer or employee of any Federal, 
State, or local government agency or of any private agency that 
administers any means-tested public benefit program who has authority to 
act on the agency's behalf in seeking reimbursement of means-tested 
public benefits.
    Relative means a husband, wife, father, mother, child, adult son, 
adult daughter, brother, or sister.
    Significant ownership interest means an ownership interest of 5 
percent or more in a for-profit entity that filed an immigrant visa 
petition to accord a prospective employee an immigrant status under 
section 203(b) of the Act.
    Sponsor means an individual who is either required to execute or has 
executed an affidavit of support under this part.
    Sponsored immigrant means any alien who was an intending immigrant, 
once that person has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, so 
that the affidavit of support filed for that person under this part has 
entered into force.
    Substitute sponsor means an individual who meets the requirements of 
section 213A(f)(1)(A), (B), (C), and (E) of the Act and 8 CFR 
213a.2(c)(1)(i), who is related to the principal intending immigrant in 
one of the ways described in section 213A(f)(5)(B) of the Act, and who 
is willing to sign the affidavit of support in place of the now-deceased 
person who filed ta relative or fianc[eacute](e) petition that provides 
the basis for the intending immigrant's ability to seek permanent 
residence.

[62 FR 54352, Oct. 20, 1997, as amended at 71 FR 35749, June 21, 2006; 
76 FR 53788, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  213a.2  Use of affidavit of support.

    (a) Applicability of section 213a affidavit of support. (1)(i)(A) In 
any case specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, an intending 
immigrant is inadmissible as an alien likely to become a public charge, 
unless the qualified sponsor specified in paragraph (b) of this section 
or a substitute sponsor and, if necessary, a joint sponsor, has executed 
on behalf of the intending immigrant an affidavit of support on the 
applicable form designated by USCIS in accordance with the requirements 
of section 213A of the Act and the form instructions. Each reference in 
this section to the affidavit of support or the form is deemed to be a 
reference to all such forms designated by USCIS for use by a sponsor for 
compliance with section 213A of the Act.
    (B) If the intending immigrant claims that, under paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(A), (C), or (E) of this section, the intending immigrant is 
exempt from the requirement to file an affidavit of support, the 
intending immigrant must include with his or her application for an 
immigrant visa or adjustment of status an exemption request on the form 
designated by USCIS for this purpose.
    (ii) An affidavit of support is executed when a sponsor signs and 
submits the appropriate forms in accordance with the form instructions 
to USCIS or the Department of State, as appropriate.
    (iii) A separate affidavit of support is required for each principal 
beneficiary.
    (iv) Each immigrant who will accompany the principal intending 
immigrant must be included on the affidavit. See paragraph (f) of this 
section for further information concerning immigrants who intend to 
accompany or follow the principal intending immigrant to the United 
States.
    (v)(A) Except as provided for under paragraph (a)(1)(v)(B) of this 
section,

[[Page 280]]

the Department of State consular officer, immigration officer, or 
immigration judge will determine the sufficiency of the affidavit of 
support based on the sponsor's, substitute sponsor's, or joint sponsor's 
reasonably expected household income in the year in which the intending 
immigrant filed the application for an immigrant visa or for adjustment 
of status, and based on the evidence submitted with the affidavit of 
support and the Poverty Guidelines in effect when the intending 
immigrant filed the application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of 
status.
    (B) If more than one year passes between the filing of the affidavit 
of support or required affidavit of support attachment form and the 
hearing, interview, or examination of the intending immigrant concerning 
the intending immigrant's application for an immigrant visa or 
adjustment of status, and the Department of State officer, immigration 
officer or immigration judge determines, in the exercise of discretion, 
that the particular facts of the case make the submission of additional 
evidence necessary to the proper adjudication of the case, then the 
Department of State officer, immigration officer or immigration judge 
may direct the intending immigrant to submit additional evidence. A 
Department of State officer or immigration officer shall make the 
request in writing, and provide the intending immigrant not less than 30 
days to submit the additional evidence. An immigration judge may direct 
the intending immigrant to submit additional evidence and also set the 
deadline for submission of the initial evidence in any manner permitted 
under subpart C of 8 CFR part 1003 and any local rules of the 
Immigration Court. If additional evidence is required under this 
paragraph, an intending immigrant must submit additional evidence 
(including copies or transcripts of any income tax returns for the most 
recent tax year) concerning the income or employment of the sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member in the year in 
which the Department of State officer, immigration officer, or 
immigration judge makes the request for additional evidence. In this 
case, the sufficiency of the affidavit of support and any required 
affidavit of support attachment will be determined based on the 
sponsor's, substitute sponsor's, or joint sponsor's reasonably expected 
household income in the year the Department of State officer, 
immigration officer or immigration judge makes the request for 
additional evidence, and based on the evidence submitted in response to 
the request for additional evidence and on the Poverty Guidelines in 
effect when the request for evidence was issued.
    (2)(i) Except for cases specified in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
section, paragraph (a)(1) of this section applies to any application for 
an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status filed on or after December 
19, 1997, in which an intending immigrant seeks an immigrant visa, 
admission as an immigrant, or adjustment of status as:
    (A) An immediate relative under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Act, 
including orphans and any alien admitted as a K nonimmigrant when the 
alien seeks adjustment of status;
    (B) A family-based immigrant under section 203(a) of the Act; or
    (C) An employment-based immigrant under section 203(b) of the Act, 
if a relative (as defined in 8 CFR 213a.1) of the intending immigrant is 
a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who 
either filed the employment-based immigrant petition or has a 
significant ownership interest in the entity that filed the immigrant 
visa petition on behalf of the intending immigrant. An affidavit of 
support under this section is not required, however, if the relative is 
a brother or sister of the intending immigrant, unless the brother or 
sister is a citizen.
    (ii) Paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall not apply if the 
intending immigrant:
    (A) Filed a visa petition on his or her own behalf pursuant to 
section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii), (iii), or (iv) or section 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) or 
(iii) of the Act, or who seeks to accompany or follow-to-join an 
immigrant who filed a visa petition on his or his own behalf pursuant to 
section 204(a)(1)(A)(ii), (iii), or (iv) or section 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) or 
(iii) of the Act;

[[Page 281]]

    (B) Seeks admission as an immigrant on or after December 19, 1997, 
in a category specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section with an 
immigrant visa issued on the basis of an immigrant visa application 
filed with the Department of State officer before December 19, 1997;
    (C) Establishes, on the basis of the alien's own Social Security 
Administration record or those of his or her spouse or parent(s), that 
he or she has already worked, or under section 213A(a)(3)(B) of the Act, 
can already be credited with, 40 qualifying quarters of coverage as 
defined under title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 401, et 
seq;
    (D) Is a child admitted under section 211(a) of the Act and 8 CFR 
211.1(b)(1); or
    (E) Is the child of a citizen, if the child is not likely to become 
a public charge (other than because of the provision of section 
212(a)(4)(C) of the Act), and the child's lawful admission for permanent 
residence will result automatically in the child's acquisition of 
citizenship under section 320 of the Act, as amended. This exception 
applies to an alien orphan if the citizen parent(s) has (or have) 
legally adopted the alien orphan before the alien orphan's acquisition 
of permanent residence, and if both adoptive parents personally saw and 
observed the alien orphan before or during the foreign adoption 
proceeding. An affidavit of support under this part is still required if 
the citizen parent(s) will adopt the alien orphan in the United States 
only after the alien orphan's acquisition of permanent residence. If the 
citizen parent(s) adopted the alien orphan abroad, but at least one of 
the adoptive parents did not see and observe the alien orphan before or 
during the foreign adoption proceeding, then an affidavit of support 
under this part is still required, unless the citizen parent establishes 
that, under the law of the State of the alien orphan's intended 
residence in the United States, the foreign adoption decree is entitled 
to recognition without the need for a formal administrative or judicial 
proceeding in the State of proposed residence. In the case of a child 
who immigrates as a Convention adoptee, as defined in 8 CFR 204.301, 
this exception applies if the child was adopted by the petitioner in the 
Convention country. An affidavit of support under this part is still 
required in the case of a child who immigrates as a Convention adoptee 
if the petitioner will adopt the child in the United States only after 
the child's acquisition of permanent residence.
    (b) Affidavit of support sponsors. The following individuals must 
execute an affidavit of support on behalf of the intending immigrant in 
order for the intending immigrant to be found admissible on public 
charge grounds:
    (1) For immediate relatives and family-based immigrants. The person 
who filed a relative, orphan or fianc[eacute](e) petition, the approval 
of which forms the basis of the intending immigrant's eligibility to 
apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status as an immediate 
relative or a family-based immigrant, must execute an affidavit of 
support on behalf of the intending immigrant. If the intending immigrant 
is the beneficiary of more than one approved immigrant visa petition, it 
is the person who filed the petition that is actually the basis for the 
intending immigrant's eligibility to apply for an immigrant visa or 
adjustment of status who must file an affidavit of support.
    (2) For employment-based immigrants. A relative of an intending 
immigrant seeking an immigrant visa under section 203(b) of the Act must 
file a if the relative either filed the immigrant visa petition on 
behalf of the intending immigrant or owns a significant ownership 
interest in an entity that filed an immigrant visa petition on behalf of 
the intending immigrant, but only if the relative is a citizen or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. If the intending 
immigrant is the beneficiary of more than one relative's employment-
based immigrant visa petition, it is the relative who filed the petition 
that is actually the basis for the intending immigrant's eligibility to 
apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status who must file an 
affidavit of support.
    (c) Sponsorship requirements. (1)(i) General. A sponsor must be:
    (A) At least 18 years of age;

[[Page 282]]

    (B) Domiciled in the United States or any territory or possession of 
the United States; and
    (C)(1) A citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence in the case described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section; 
or
    (2) A citizen or national or an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence if the individual is a substitute sponsor or joint 
sponsor.
    (ii) Determination of domicile. (A) If the sponsor is residing 
abroad, but only temporarily, the sponsor bears the burden of proving, 
by a preponderance of the evidence, that the sponsor's domicile (as that 
term is defined in 8 CFR 213a.1) remains in the United States, provided, 
that a permanent resident who is living abroad temporarily is considered 
to be domiciled in the United States if the permanent resident has 
applied for and obtained the preservation of residence benefit under 
section 316(b) or section 317 of the Act, and provided further, that a 
citizen who is living abroad temporarily is considered to be domiciled 
in the United States if the citizen's employment abroad meets the 
requirements of section 319(b)(1) of the Act.
    (B) If the sponsor is not domiciled in the United States, the 
sponsor can still sign and submit an affidavit of support so long as the 
sponsor satisfies the Department of State officer, immigration officer, 
or immigration judge, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the 
sponsor will establish a domicile in the United States on or before the 
date of the principal intending immigrant's admission or adjustment of 
status. The intending immigrant will be inadmissible under section 
212(a)(4) of the Act, and the immigration officer or immigration judge 
must deny the intending immigrant's application for admission or 
adjustment of status, if the sponsor has not, in fact, established a 
domicile in the United States on or before the date of the decision on 
the principal intending immigrant's application for admission or 
adjustment of status. In the case of a sponsor who comes to the United 
States intending to establish his or her principal residence in the 
United States at the same time as the principal intending immigrant's 
arrival and application for admission at a port-of-entry, the sponsor 
shall be deemed to have established a domicile in the United States for 
purposes of this paragraph, unless the sponsor is also a permanent 
resident alien and the sponsor's own application for admission is denied 
and the sponsor leaves the United States under a removal order or as a 
result of the sponsor's withdrawal of the application for admission.
    (2) Demonstration of ability to support intending immigrants. In 
order for the intending immigrant to overcome the public charge ground 
of inadmissibility, the sponsor must demonstrate the means to maintain 
the intending immigrant at an annual income of at least 125 percent of 
the Federal poverty line. If the sponsor is on active duty in the Armed 
Forces of the United States (other than active duty for training) and 
the intending immigrant is the sponsor's spouse or child, the sponsor's 
ability to maintain income must equal at least 100 percent of the 
Federal poverty line.
    (i) Proof of income. (A) The sponsor must include with an affidavit 
of support either a photocopy or an Internal Revenue Service-issued 
transcript of his or her complete Federal income tax return for the most 
recent taxable year (counting from the date of the signing, rather than 
the filing, of an affidavit of support. However, the sponsor may, at his 
or her option, submit tax returns for the three most recent years if the 
sponsor believes that these additional tax returns may help in 
establishing the sponsor's ability to maintain his or her income at the 
applicable threshold set forth in the Poverty Guidelines. Along with 
each transcript or photocopy, the sponsor must also submit as initial 
evidence copies of all schedules filed with each return and (if the 
sponsor submits a photocopy, rather than an IRS transcript of the tax 
return(s)) all Forms W-2 (if the sponsor relies on income from 
employment) and Forms 1099 (if the sponsor relies on income from sources 
documented on Forms 1099) in meeting the income threshold. The sponsor 
may also include as initial evidence: Letter(s) evidencing his or her 
current employment and income, paycheck stub(s) (showing earnings for 
the most recent six months, financial

[[Page 283]]

statements, or other evidence of the sponsor's anticipated household 
income for the year in which the intending immigrant files the 
application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status. By executing 
an affidavit of support, the sponsor certifies under penalty of perjury 
under United States law that the evidence of his or her current 
household income is true and correct and that each transcript or 
photocopy of each income tax return is a true and correct transcript or 
photocopy of the return that the sponsor filed with the Internal Revenue 
Service for that taxable year.
    (B) If the sponsor had no legal duty to file a Federal income tax 
return for the most recent tax year, the sponsor must explain why he or 
she had no legal duty to a file a Federal income tax return for that 
year. If the sponsor claims he or she had no legal duty to file for any 
reason other than the level of the sponsor's income for that year, the 
initial evidence submitted with an affidavit of support must also 
include any evidence of the amount and source of the income that the 
sponsor claims was exempt from taxation and a copy of the provisions of 
any statute, treaty, or regulation that supports the claim that he or 
she had no duty to file an income tax return with respect to that 
income. If the sponsor had no legal obligation to file a Federal income 
tax return, he or she may submit other evidence of annual income. The 
fact that a sponsor had no duty to file a Federal income tax return does 
not relieve the sponsor of the duty to file an affidavit of support.
    (C)(1) The sponsor's ability to meet the income requirement will be 
determined based on the sponsor's household income. In establishing the 
household income, the sponsor may rely entirely on his or her personal 
income, if it is sufficient to meet the income requirement. The sponsor 
may also rely on the income of the sponsor's spouse and of any other 
person included in determining the sponsor's household size, if the 
spouse or other person is at least 18 years old and has completed and 
signed an affidavit of support attachment. A person does not need to be 
a U.S. citizen, national, or alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence in order to sign an affidavit of support attachment.
    (2) Each individual who signs an affidavit of support attachment 
agrees, in consideration of the sponsor's signing of an affidavit of 
support, to provide to the sponsor as much financial assistance as may 
be necessary to enable the sponsor to maintain the intending immigrants 
at the annual income level required by section 213A(a)(1)(A) of the Act, 
to be jointly and severally liable for any reimbursement obligation that 
the sponsor may incur, and to submit to the personal jurisdiction of any 
court that has subject matter jurisdiction over a civil suit to enforce 
the contract or the affidavit of support. The sponsor, as a party to the 
contract, may bring suit to enforce the contract. The intending 
immigrants and any Federal, state, or local agency or private entity 
that provides a means-tested public benefit to an intending immigrant 
are third party beneficiaries of the contract between the sponsor and 
the other individual or individuals on whose income the sponsor relies 
and may bring an action to enforce the contract in the same manner as 
third party beneficiaries of other contracts.
    (3) If there is no spouse or child immigrating with the intending 
immigrant, then there will be no need for the intending immigrant to 
sign a Form I-864A, even if the sponsor will rely on the continuing 
income of the intending immigrant to meet the income requirement. If, 
however, the sponsor seeks to rely on an intending immigrant's 
continuing income to establish the sponsor's ability to support the 
intending immigrant's spouse or children, then the intending immigrant 
whose income is to be relied on must sign the .
    (4) If the sponsor relies on the income of any individual who has 
signed an affidavit of support attachment, the sponsor must also include 
with an affidavit of support and an affidavit of support attachment, 
with respect to the person who signed an affidavit of support 
attachment, the initial evidence required under paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) 
of this section. The household member's tax return(s) must be for the 
same tax year as the sponsor's tax return(s). An individual who signs an 
affidavit of

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support attachment certifies, under penalty of perjury, that the 
submitted transcript or photocopy of the tax return is a true and 
correct transcript or photocopy of the Federal income tax return filed 
with the Internal Revenue Service, and that the information concerning 
that person's employment and income is true and correct.
    (5) If the person who signs the affidavit of support attachment is 
not an intending immigrant, and is any person other than the sponsor's 
spouse or a claimed dependent of the sponsor, the sponsor must also 
attach proof that the person is a relative (as defined in 8 CFR 213a.1) 
of the sponsor and that the affidavit of support attachment signer has 
the same principal residence as the sponsor. If an intending immigrant 
signs an affidavit of support attachment, the sponsor must also provide 
proof that the sponsored immigrant has the same principal residence as 
the sponsor, unless the sponsored immigrant is the sponsor's spouse.
    (D) Effect of failure to file income tax returns. If a sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member did not file a 
Federal income tax return for the year for which a transcript or 
photocopy must be provided, the affidavit of support or an affidavit of 
support attachment will not be considered sufficient to satisfy the 
requirements of section 213A of the Act, even if the household income 
meets the requirements of section 213A of the Act, unless the sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member proves, by a 
preponderance of the evidence, that he or she had no duty to file. If 
the sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor or household member 
cannot prove that he or she had no duty to file, then the affidavit of 
support or an affidavit of support attachment will not be considered 
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of section 213A of the Act until 
the sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member 
proves that he or she has satisfied the obligation to file the tax 
return and provides a transcript or copy of the return.
    (ii) Determining the sufficiency of an affidavit of support. The 
sufficiency of an affidavit of support shall be determined in accordance 
with this paragraph.
    (A) Income. The sponsor must first calculate the total income 
attributable to the sponsor under paragraph (c)(2)(i)(C) of this section 
for the year in which the intending immigrant filed the application for 
an immigrant visa or adjustment of status.
    (B) Number of persons to be supported. The sponsor must then 
determine his or her household size as defined in 8 CFR 213a.1.
    (C) Sufficiency of income. Except as provided in this paragraph, or 
in paragraph (a)(1)(v)(B) of this section, the sponsor's affidavit of 
support shall be considered sufficient to satisfy the requirements of 
section 213A of the Act and this section if the reasonably expected 
household income for the year in which the intending immigrant filed the 
application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, calculated 
under paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A) of this section, would equal at least 125 
percent of the Federal poverty line for the sponsor's household size as 
defined in 8 CFR 213a.1, under the Poverty Guidelines in effect when the 
intending immigrant filed the application for an immigrant visa or for 
adjustment of status, except that the sponsor's income need only equal 
at least 100 percent of the Federal poverty line for the sponsor's 
household size, if the sponsor is on active duty (other than for 
training) in the Armed Forces of the United States and the intending 
immigrant is the sponsor's spouse or child. The sponsor's household 
income for the year in which the intending immigrant filed the 
application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status shall be given 
the greatest evidentiary weight; any tax return and other information 
relating to the sponsor's financial history will serve as evidence 
tending to show whether the sponsor is likely to be able to maintain his 
or her income in the future. If the projected household income for the 
year in which the intending immigrant filed the application for an 
immigrant visa or adjustment of status meets the applicable income 
threshold, the affidavit of support may be held to be insufficient on 
the basis of the household income but only if, on the basis of specific 
facts, including a

[[Page 285]]

material change in employment or income history of the sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, joint sponsor or household member, the number of 
aliens included in affidavit of support that the sponsor has signed but 
that have not yet entered into force in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this section, or other relevant facts, it is reasonable to infer that 
the sponsor will not be able to maintain his or her household income at 
a level sufficient to meet his or her support obligations.
    (iii) Inability to meet income requirement. (A) If the sponsor is 
unable to meet the minimum income requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) 
of this section, the intending immigrant is inadmissible under section 
212(a)(4) of the Act unless:
    (1) The sponsor, the intending immigrant or both, can meet the 
significant assets provision of paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(B) of this section; 
or
    (2) A joint sponsor executes a separate affidavit of support.
    (B) Significant assets. The sponsor may submit evidence of the 
sponsor's ownership of significant assets, such as savings accounts, 
stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, real estate, or other assets. An 
intending immigrant may submit evidence of the intending immigrant's 
assets as a part of the affidavit of support, even if the intending 
immigrant is not required to sign an affidavit of support attachment. 
The assets of any person who has signed an affidavit of support 
attachment may also be considered in determining whether the assets are 
sufficient to meet this requirement. To qualify as ``significant 
assets'' the combined cash value of all the assets (the total value of 
the assets less any offsetting liabilities) must exceed:
    (1) If the intending immigrant is the spouse or child of a United 
States citizen (and the child has reached his or her 18th birthday), 
three times the difference between the sponsor's household income and 
the Federal poverty line for the sponsor's household size (including all 
immigrants sponsored in any affidavit of support in force or submitted 
under this section);
    (2) If the intending immigrant is an alien orphan who will be 
adopted in the United States after the alien orphan acquires permanent 
residence (or in whose case the parents will need to seek a formal 
recognition of a foreign adoption under the law of the State of the 
intending immigrant's proposed residence because at least one of the 
parents did not see the child before or during the adoption), and who 
will, as a result of the adoption or formal recognition of the foreign 
adoption, acquire citizenship under section 320 of the Act, the 
difference between the sponsor's household income and the Federal 
poverty line for the sponsor's household size (including all immigrants 
sponsored in any affidavit of support in force or submitted under this 
section);
    (3) In all other cases, five times the difference between the 
sponsor's household income and the Federal poverty line for the 
sponsor's household size (including all immigrants sponsored in any 
affidavit of support in force or submitted under this section).
    (C) Joint sponsor. A joint sponsor must execute a separate affidavit 
of support on behalf of the intending immigrant(s) and be willing to 
accept joint and several liabilities with the sponsor or substitute 
sponsor. A joint sponsor must meet all the eligibility requirements 
under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, except that the joint sponsor is 
not required to file a visa petition on behalf of the intending 
immigrant. The joint sponsor must demonstrate his or her ability to 
support the intending immigrant in the manner specified in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section. A joint sponsor's household income must meet or 
exceed the income requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section 
unless the joint sponsor can demonstrate significant assets as provided 
in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(A) of this section. The joint sponsor's 
household income must equal at least 125 percent of the Poverty 
Guidelines for the joint sponsor's household size, unless the joint 
sponsor is on active duty in the Armed Forces and the intending 
immigrant is the joint sponsor's spouse or child, in which case the 
joint sponsor's household income is sufficient if it equals at least 100 
percent of the Poverty Guidelines for the joint sponsor's household 
size. An intending immigrant may not have more than one

[[Page 286]]

joint sponsor, but, if the joint sponsor's household income is not 
sufficient to meet the income requirement with respect to the principal 
intending immigrant, any spouse and all the children who, under section 
203(d) of the Act, seek to accompany the principal intending immigrant, 
then the joint sponsor may specify on the affidavit that it is submitted 
only on behalf of the principal intending immigrant and those 
accompanying family members specifically listed on the affidavit. The 
remaining accompanying family members will then be inadmissible under 
section 212(a)(4) of the Act unless a second joint sponsor submits an 
affidavit(s) on behalf of all the remaining family members who seek to 
accompany the principal intending immigrant and who are not included in 
the first joint sponsor's affidavit. There may not be more than two 
joint sponsors for the family group consisting of the principal 
intending immigrant and the accompanying spouse and children.
    (D) Substitute sponsor. In a family-sponsored case, if the visa 
petitioner dies after approval of the visa petition, but the U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services determines, under 8 CFR 
205.1(a)(3)(i)(C), that for humanitarian reasons it would not be 
appropriate to revoke approval of the visa petition, then a substitute 
sponsor, as defined in 8 CFR 213a.1, may sign an affidavit of support. 
The substitute sponsor must meet all the requirements of this section 
that would have applied to the visa petitioner, had the visa petitioner 
survived and been the sponsor. The substitute sponsor's household income 
must equal at least 125% of the Poverty Guidelines for the substitute 
sponsor's household size, unless the intending immigrant is the 
substitute sponsor's spouse or child and the substitute sponsor is on 
active duty in the Armed Forces (other than active duty for training), 
in which case the substitute sponsor's household income is sufficient if 
it equals at least 100% of the Poverty Guidelines for the substitute 
sponsor's household size. If the substitute sponsor's household income 
is not sufficient to meet the requirements of section 213A(a)(f)(1)(E) 
of the Act and paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the alien will be 
inadmissible unless a joint sponsor signs an affidavit of support.
    (iv) Remaining inadmissibility on public charge grounds. 
Notwithstanding the filing of a sufficient affidavit of support under 
section 213A of the Act and this section, an alien may be found to be 
inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Act if the alien's case 
includes evidence of specific facts that, when considered in light of 
section 212(a)(4)(B) of the Act, support a reasonable inference that the 
alien is likely at any time to become a public charge.
    (v) Verification of employment, income, and assets. The Federal 
Government may pursue verification of any information provided on or 
with an affidavit of support, including information on employment, 
income, or assets, with the employer, financial or other institutions, 
the Internal Revenue Service, or the Social Security Administration. To 
facilitate this verification process, the sponsor, joint sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, or household member must sign and submit any 
necessary waiver form when directed to do so by the immigration officer, 
immigration judge, or Department of State officer who has jurisdiction 
to adjudicate the case to which the affidavit of support or an affidavit 
of support attachment relates. A sponsor's, substitute sponsor's, joint 
sponsor's, or household member's failure or refusal to sign any waiver 
needed to verify the information when directed to do so constitutes a 
withdrawal of the affidavit of support or an affidavit of support 
attachment, so that, in adjudicating the intending immigrant's 
application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, the affidavit 
of support or an affidavit of support attachment will be deemed not to 
have been filed.
    (vi) Effect of fraud or material concealment or misrepresentation. 
An affidavit of support or an affidavit of support attachment is 
insufficient to satisfy the requirements of section 213A of the Act and 
this part, and the affidavit of support shall be found insufficient to 
establish that the intending immigrant is not likely to become a public 
charge, if the Department of State officer, immigration officer or 
immigration judge finds that an affidavit of support or an

[[Page 287]]

affidavit of support attachment is forged, counterfeited, or otherwise 
falsely executed, or if the affidavit of support or an affidavit of 
support attachment conceals or misrepresents facts concerning household 
size, household income, employment history, or any other material fact. 
Any person who knowingly participated in the forgery, counterfeiting, or 
false production of an affidavit of support or an affidavit of support 
attachment, or in any concealment or misrepresentation of any material 
fact, may be subject to a civil penalty under section 274C of the Act, 
to criminal prosecution, or to both, to the extent permitted by law. If 
the person is an alien, the person may also be subject to removal from 
the United States.
    (d) Legal effect of affidavit of support. Execution of an affidavit 
of support under this section creates a contract between the sponsor and 
the U.S. Government for the benefit of the sponsored immigrant, and of 
any Federal, State, or local governmental agency or private entity that 
administers any means-tested public benefits program. The sponsored 
immigrant, or any Federal, State, or local governmental agency or 
private entity that provides any means-tested public benefit to the 
sponsored immigrant after the sponsored immigrant acquires permanent 
resident status, may seek enforcement of the sponsor's obligations 
through an appropriate civil action.
    (e) Commencement and termination of support obligation. (1) With 
respect to any intending immigrant, the support obligation and change of 
address obligation imposed on a sponsor, substitute sponsor, or joint 
sponsor under an affidavit of support, and any household member's 
support obligation under an affidavit of support attachment, all begin 
when the immigration officer or the immigration judge grants the 
intending immigrant's application for admission as an immigrant or for 
adjustment of status on the basis of an application for admission or 
adjustment that included the affidavit of support or an affidavit of 
support attachment. Any person completing and submitting an affidavit of 
support as a joint sponsor or an affidavit of support attachment as a 
household member is not bound to any obligations under section 213A of 
the Act if, notwithstanding his or her signing of an affidavit of 
support or an affidavit of support attachment, the Department of State 
officer (in deciding an application for an immigrant visa) or the 
immigration officer or immigration judge (in deciding an application for 
admission or adjustment of status) includes in the decision a specific 
finding that the sponsor or substitute sponsor's own household income is 
sufficient to meet the income requirements under section 213A of the 
Act.
    (2)(i) The support obligation and the change of address reporting 
requirement imposed on a sponsor, substitute sponsor and joint sponsor 
under an affidavit of support, and any household member's support 
obligation under an affidavit of support attachment, all terminate by 
operation of law when the sponsored immigrant:
    (A) Becomes a citizen of the United States;
    (B) Has worked, or can be credited with, 40 qualifying quarters of 
coverage under title II of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 401, et 
seq., provided that the sponsored immigrant is not credited with any 
quarter beginning after December 31, 1996, during which the sponsored 
immigrant receives or received any Federal means-tested public benefit;
    (C) Ceases to hold the status of an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence and departs the United States (if the sponsored 
immigrant has not abandoned permanent resident status, executing the 
form designated by USCIS for recording such action this provision will 
apply only if the sponsored immigrant is found in a removal proceeding 
to have abandoned that status while abroad);
    (D) Obtains in a removal proceeding a new grant of adjustment of 
status as relief from removal (in this case, if the sponsored immigrant 
is still subject to the affidavit of support requirement under this 
part, then any individual(s) who signed an affidavit of support or an 
affidavit of support attachment in relation to the new adjustment 
application will be subject to the obligations of this part, rather than 
those who signed an affidavit of support or

[[Page 288]]

an affidavit of support attachment in relation to an earlier grant of 
admission as an immigrant or of adjustment of status); or
    (E) Dies.
    (ii) The support obligation under an affidavit of support also 
terminates if the sponsor, substitute sponsor or joint sponsor dies. A 
household member's obligation under an affidavit of support attachment 
terminates when the household member dies. The death of one person who 
had a support obligation under an affidavit of support or an affidavit 
of support attachment does not terminate the support obligation of any 
other sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member 
with respect to the same sponsored immigrant.
    (3) The termination of the sponsor's, substitute sponsor's, or joint 
sponsor's obligations under an affidavit of support or of a household 
member's obligations under an affidavit of support attachment does not 
relieve the sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household 
member (or their respective estates) of any reimbursement obligation 
under section 213A(b) of the Act and this section that accrued before 
the support obligation terminated.
    (f) Withdrawal of affidavit of support and any required attachments. 
(1) In an immigrant visa case, once the sponsor, substitute sponsor, 
joint sponsor, household member, or intending immigrant has presented a 
signed affidavit of support and any required attachments to a Department 
of State officer, the sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or 
household member may disavow his or her agreement to act as sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member if he or she does 
so in writing and submits the document to the Department of State 
officer before the actual issuance of an immigrant visa to the intending 
immigrant. Once the intending immigrant has obtained an immigrant visa, 
a sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member cannot 
disavow his or her agreement to act as a sponsor, joint sponsor, or 
household member unless the person or entity who filed the visa petition 
withdraws the visa petition in writing, as specified in 8 CFR 
205.1(a)(3)(i)(A) or 8 CFR 205.1(a)(3)(iii)(C), and also notifies the 
Department of State officer who issued the visa of the withdrawal of the 
petition.
    (2) In an adjustment of status case, once the sponsor, substitute 
sponsor, joint sponsor, household member, or intending immigrant has 
presented a signed affidavit of support and any required attachments to 
an immigration officer or immigration judge, the sponsor, substitute 
sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member may disavow his or her 
agreement to act as sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or 
household member only if he or she does so in writing and submits the 
document to the immigration officer or immigration judge before the 
decision on the adjustment application.
    (g) Aliens who accompany or follow-to-join a principal intending 
immigrant. (1) To avoid inadmissibility under section 212(a)(4) of the 
Act, an alien who applies for an immigrant visa, admission, or 
adjustment of status as an alien who is accompanying, as defined in 22 
CFR 40.1, a principal intending immigrant must submit clear and true 
photocopies of any relevant affidavit(s) and attachments filed on behalf 
of the principal intending immigrant.
    (2)(i) To avoid inadmissibility under section 212(a)(4) of the Act, 
an alien who applies for an immigrant visa, admission, or adjustment of 
status as an alien who is following-to-join a principal intending 
immigrant must submit a new affidavit(s) of support, together with all 
documents or other evidence necessary to prove that the new affidavits 
comply with the requirements of section 213A of the Act and 8 CFR part 
213a.
    (ii) When paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section requires the filing of 
a new affidavit for an alien who seeks to follow-to-join a principal 
sponsored immigrant, the same sponsor who filed the visa petition and 
affidavit of support for the principal sponsored immigrant must file the 
new affidavit on behalf of the alien seeking to follow-to-join. If that 
person has died, then the alien seeking to follow-to-join is 
inadmissible unless a substitute sponsor, as defined by 8 CFR 213a.1, 
signs a new affidavit that meets the requirements of this section. 
Persons other than the

[[Page 289]]

person or persons who signed the original joint affidavits on behalf of 
the principal sponsored immigrant may sign a new joint affidavit on 
behalf of an alien who seeks to follow-to-join a principal sponsored 
immigrant.
    (iii) If a joint sponsor is needed in the case of an alien who seeks 
to follow-to-join a principal sponsored immigrant, and the principal 
sponsored immigrant also required a joint sponsor when the principal 
sponsored immigrant immigrated, that same person may, but is not 
required to be, the joint sponsor for the alien who seeks to follow-to-
join the principal sponsored immigrant.

[62 FR 54352, Oct. 20, 1997; 62 FR 60122, Nov. 6, 1997; 62 FR 64048, 
Dec. 3, 1997, as amended at 71 FR 35750, June 21, 2006; 72 FR 56867, 
Oct. 4, 2007; 76 FR 53788, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 73477, Nov. 29, 2011]



Sec.  213a.3  Change of address.

    (a) Submission of address change--(1) Filing requirements. If the 
address of a sponsor (including a substitute sponsor or joint sponsor) 
changes while the sponsor's support obligation is in effect, the sponsor 
shall file a change of address notice within 30 days, in a manner as 
prescribed by USCIS on its address change form instructions.
    (2) Proof of mailing. USCIS will accept a photocopy of the change of 
address form together with proof of the form's delivery to USCIS as 
evidence that the sponsor has complied with this requirement.
    (3) Electronic notices. USCIS will provide the sponsor with a 
receipt notice for an address change.
    (4) Alien sponsors. If the sponsor is an alien, the sponsor must 
still comply with the requirements of 8 CFR 265.1 to notify USCIS of his 
or her change of address.
    (b) Civil penalty. If the sponsor fails to give notice in accordance 
with paragraph (a) of this section, DHS may impose on the sponsor a 
civil penalty in an amount within the penalty range established in 
section 213A(d)(2)(A) of the Act. Except, if the sponsor, knowing that 
the sponsored immigrant has received any means-tested public benefit, 
fails to give notice in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, 
DHS may impose on the sponsor a civil penalty in an amount within the 
penalty range established in section 213A(d)(2)(B) of the Act. The 
procedure for imposing a civil penalty is established at 8 CFR part 280.

[76 FR 53789, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  213a.4  Actions for reimbursement, public notice, 
and congressional reports.

    (a) Requests for reimbursement; commencement of civil action--(1) By 
agencies. (i) If an agency that provides a means-tested public benefit 
to a sponsored immigrant wants to seek reimbursement from a sponsor, 
household member, or joint sponsor, the program official must arrange 
for service of a written request for reimbursement upon the sponsor, 
household member, or joint sponsor, by personal service, as defined by 8 
CFR 103.8(a)(2), except that the person making personal service need not 
be a Federal Government officer or employee.
    (ii) The request for reimbursement must specify the date the 
sponsor, household member, or joint sponsor's support obligation 
commenced (this is the date the sponsored immigrant became a permanent 
resident), the sponsored immigrant's name, alien registration number, 
address, and date of birth, as well as the types of means-tested public 
benefit(s) that the sponsored immigrant received, the dates the 
sponsored immigrant received the means-tested public benefit(s), and the 
total amount of the means-tested public benefit(s) received.
    (iii) It is not necessary to make a separate request for each type 
of means-tested public benefit, nor for each separate payment. The 
agency may instead aggregate in a single request all benefit payments 
the agency has made as of the date of the request. A state or local 
government may make a single reimbursement request on behalf of all of 
the state or local government agencies that have provided means-tested 
public benefits.
    (iv) So that the sponsor, household member, or joint sponsor may 
verify the accuracy of the request, the request for reimbursement must 
include an itemized statement supporting the claim for reimbursement. 
The request for reimbursement must also include a notification to the 
sponsor, household

[[Page 290]]

member, or joint sponsor that the sponsor, household member, or joint 
sponsor must, within 45 days of the date of service, respond to the 
request for reimbursement either by paying the reimbursement or by 
arranging to commence payments pursuant to a payment schedule that is 
agreeable to the program official.
    (v) Prior to filing a lawsuit against a sponsor, household member, 
or joint sponsor to enforce the sponsor, household member, or joint 
sponsor's support obligation under section 213A(b)(2) of the Act, a 
Federal, state, or local governmental agency or a private entity must 
wait 45 days from the date it serves a written request for reimbursement 
in accordance with this section.
    (2) By the sponsored immigrant. Section 213A(b) of the Act does not 
require a sponsored immigrant to request the sponsor or joint sponsor to 
comply with the support obligation, before bringing an action to compel 
compliance.
    (3) Role of USCIS and DHS. Upon the receipt of a duly issued 
subpoena, USCIS may provide a certified copy of an affidavit of support 
that has been filed on behalf of a specific alien for use as evidence in 
a civil action to enforce an affidavit of support, and may also disclose 
the last known address and social security number of the sponsor, 
substitute sponsor, or joint sponsor. Requesting information through the 
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) Program is 
sufficient, and a subpoena is not required, to obtain the sponsored 
immigrant's current immigration or citizenship status or the name, 
social security number and last known address of a sponsor, substitute 
sponsor, or joint sponsor.
    (b) Designation of means-tested public benefits. Federal, State, and 
local government agencies should issue public notice of determinations 
regarding which benefits are considered ``means-tested public benefits'' 
prior to December 19, 1997, the date the new affidavit of support goes 
into effect, or as soon as possible thereafter. Additional notices 
should be issued whenever an agency revises its determination of which 
benefits are considered ``means-tested public benefits.'' A sponsor, 
joint sponsor, or household member is not liable to reimburse any agency 
for any benefit with respect to which a public notice of the 
determination that the benefit is a means-tested public benefit was not 
published until after the date the benefit was first provided to the 
immigrant.
    (c) Congressional reports. (1) For purposes of section 213A(i)(3) of 
the Act, USCIS will consider a sponsor or joint sponsor to be in 
compliance with the financial obligations of section 213A of the Act 
unless a party that has obtained a final judgment enforcing the sponsor 
or joint sponsor's obligations under section 213A(a)(1)(A) or 213A(b) of 
the Act has provided a copy of the final judgment to the USCIS by 
mailing a certified copy to the address listed in paragraph (c)(3) of 
this section. The copy should be accompanied by a cover letter that 
includes the reference ``Civil Judgments for Congressional Reports under 
section 213A(i)(3) of the Act.'' Failure to file a certified copy of the 
final civil judgment in accordance with this section has no effect on 
the plaintiff's ability to collect on the judgment pursuant to law.
    (2) If a Federal, state, or local agency or private entity that 
administers any means-tested public benefit makes a determination under 
section 421(e) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act of 1996 in the case of any sponsored immigrant, the 
program official shall send written notice of the determination, 
including the name of the sponsored immigrant and of the sponsor, to the 
address listed in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. The written notice 
should include the reference ``Determinations under 421(e) of the 
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 
1996.''
    (3) The address referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
section is: Office of Program and Regulation Development, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC, 20529.

[62 FR 54352, Oct. 20, 1997, as amended at 71 FR 35755, June 21, 2006; 
76 FR 53790, Aug. 29, 2011]

[[Page 291]]



Sec.  213a.5  Relationship of this part to other affidavits of support.

    Nothing in this part precludes the continued use of other affidavits 
of support provided by USCIS in a case other than a case described in 
Sec.  213a.2(a)(2). The obligations of section 213A of the Act do not 
bind a person who executes such other USCIS affidavits of support. 
Persons sponsoring an Amerasian alien described in section 204(f)(2) of 
the Act remain subject to the provisions of section 204(f)(4)(B) of the 
Act and 8 CFR 204.4(i), as appropriate.

[76 FR 53790, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 214_NONIMMIGRANT CLASSES--Table of Contents



Sec.
214.1 Requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status.
214.2 Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of 
          status.
214.3 Certification and recertification of schools for enrollment of F 
          and M nonimmigrants.
214.4 Denial of certification, denial of recertification, or withdrawal 
          of SEVP certification.
214.5 Libyan and third country nationals acting on behalf of Libyan 
          entities.
214.6 Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking temporary entry under USMCA 
          to engage in business activities at a professional level.
214.7 Habitual residence in the territories and possessions of the 
          United States and consequences thereof.
214.8-214.10 [Reserved]
214.11 Alien victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons.
214.12 [Reserved]
214.13 SEVIS for certain F, J, and M nonimmigrants.
214.14 Alien victims of certain qualifying criminal activity.
214.15 Certain spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 202, 236; 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1102, 1103, 1182, 1184, 
1186a, 1187, 1221, 1281, 1282, 1301-1305, 1357, and 1372; sec. 643, Pub. 
L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009-708; Pub. L. 106-386, 114 Stat. 1477-1480; 
section 141 of the Compacts of Free Association with the Federated 
States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and with 
the Government of Palau, 48 U.S.C. 1901 note and 1931 note, 
respectively; 48 U.S.C. 1806; 8 CFR part 2; Pub. L. 115-218, 132 Stat. 
1547 (48 U.S.C. 1806).



Sec.  214.1  Requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status.

    (a) General--(1) Nonimmigrant classes. For the purpose of 
administering the nonimmigrant provisions of the Act, the following 
administrative subclassifications of nonimmigrant classifications as 
defined in section 101(a)(15) of the Act are established:
    (i) Section 101(a)(15)(B) is divided into (B)(i) for visitors for 
business and (B)(ii) for visitors for pleasure;
    (ii) Section 101(a)(15)(C) is divided into (C)(i) for aliens who are 
not diplomats and are in transit through the United States; (C)(ii) for 
aliens in transit to and from the United Nations Headquarters District; 
and (C)(iii) for alien diplomats in transit through the United States;
    (iii) Section 101(a)(15)(H) is divided to create an (H)(iv) 
subclassification for the spouse and children of a nonimmigrant 
classified under section 101(a)(15) (H) (i), (ii), or (iii);
    (iv) Section 101(a)(15)(J) is divided into (J)(i) for principal 
aliens and (J)(ii) for such alien's spouse and children;
    (v) Section 101(a)(15)(K) is divided into (K)(i) for the 
fiance[eacute](e), (K)(ii) for the spouse, and (K)(iii) for the children 
of either;
    (vi) Section 101(a)(15)(L) is divided into (L)(i) for principal 
aliens and (L)(ii) for such alien's spouse and children;
    (vii) Section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) is divided to create a (Q)(iii) for 
subclassification for the spouse and children of a nonimmigrant 
classified under section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of the Act;
    (viii) Section 101(a)(15)(T)(ii) is divided into (T)(ii), (T)(iii), 
(T)(iv), and (T)(v) for the spouse, child, parent, and unmarried sibling 
under 18 years of age, respectively, of a principal nonimmigrant 
classified under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i); and T(vi) for the adult or 
minor child of a derivative nonimmigrant classified under section 
101(a)(15)(T)(ii); and
    (ix) Section 101(a)(15)(U)(ii) is divided into (U)(ii), (U)(iii), 
(U)(iv), and (U)(v) for the spouse, child, parent, and siblings, 
respectively, of a nonimmigrant classified under section 
101(a)(15)(U)(i); and

[[Page 292]]

    (2) Classification designations. For the purpose of this chapter the 
following nonimmigrant designations are established. The designation in 
the second column may be used to refer to the appropriate nonimmigrant 
classification.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Section                            Designation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
101(a)(15)(A)(i).........................  A-1.
101(a)(15)(A)(ii)........................  A-2.
101(a)(15)(A)(iii).......................  A-3.
101(a)(15)(B)(i).........................  B-1.
101(a)(15)(B)(ii)........................  B-2.
101(a)(15)(C)(i).........................  C-1.
101(a)(15)(C)(ii)........................  C-2.
101(a)(15)(C)(iii).......................  C-3.
101(a)(15)(D)(i).........................  D-1.
101(a)(15)(D)(ii)........................  D-2.
101(a)(15)(E)(i).........................  E-1.
101(a)(15)(E)(ii)........................  E-2.
101(a)(15)(F)(i).........................  F-1.
101(a)(15)(F)(ii)........................  F-2.
101(a)(15)(G)(i).........................  G-1.
101(a)(15)(G)(ii)........................  G-2.
101(a)(15)(G)(iii).......................  G-3.
101(a)(15)(G)(iv)........................  G-4.
101(a)(15)(g)(v).........................  G-5.
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B)......................  H-1B.
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(C)......................  H-1C.
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(A).....................  H-2A.
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(B).....................  H-2B.
101(a)(15)(H)(iii).......................  H-3.
101(a)(15)(H)(iv)........................  H-4.
101(a)(15)(I)............................  I.
101(a)(15)(J)(i).........................  J-1.
101(a)(15)(J)(ii)........................  J-2.
101(a)(15)(K)(i).........................  K-1.
101(a)(15)(K)(ii)........................  K-3.
101(a)(15)(K)(iii).......................  K-2; K-4.
101(a)(15)(L)(i).........................  L-1.
101(a)(15)(L)(ii)........................  L-2.
101(a)(15)(M)(i).........................  M-1.
101(a)(15)(M)(ii)........................  M-2.
101(a)(15)(N)(i).........................  N-8.
101(a)(15)(N)(ii)........................  N-9.
101(a)(15)(O)(i).........................  O-1.
101(a)(15)(O)(ii)........................  O-2.
101(a)(15)(O)(iii).......................  O-3.
101(a)(15)(P)(i).........................  P-1.
101(a)(15)(P)(ii)........................  P-2.
101(a)(15)(P)(iii).......................  P-3.
101(a)(15)(P)(iv)........................  P-4.
101(a)(15)(Q)(i).........................  Q-1.
101(a)(15)(Q)(ii)........................  Q-2.
101(a)(15)(Q)(iii).......................  Q-3.
101(a)(15)(R)(i).........................  R-1.
101(a)(15)(R)(ii)........................  R-2.
101(a)(15)(S)(i).........................  S-5.
101(a)(15)(S)(ii)........................  S-6.
101(a)(15)(S) qualified family members...  S-7.
101(a)(15)(T)(i).........................  T-1
101(a)(15)(T)(ii)........................  T-2
101(a)(15)(T)(iii).......................  T-3
101(a)(15)(T)(iv)........................  T-4
101(a)(15)(T)(v).........................  T-5
101(a)(15)(T)(vi)........................  T-6
101(a)(15)(U)(i).........................  U-1
101(a)(15)(U)(ii)........................  U-2, U-3, U-4, U-5
101(a)(15)(V)............................  V-1, V-2, or V-3
USMCA, Principal.........................  TN.
USMCA, Dependent.........................  TD.
Visa Waiver, Business....................  WB.
Visa Waiver, Tourist.....................  WT.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: The classification designation K-2 is for the child of a K-
1. The classification designation K-4 is for the child of a K-3.
    Note 2: The classification designation V-1 is for the spouse of a 
lawful permanent resident; the classification designation V-2 is for the 
principal beneficiary of an I-130 who is the child of an LPR; the 
classification V-3 is for the derivative child of a V-1 or V-2 alien.
    (3) General requirements. (i) Every nonimmigrant alien who applies 
for admission to, or an extension of stay in, the United States, must 
establish that he or she is admissible to the United States, or that any 
ground of inadmissibility has been waived under section 212(d)(3) of the 
Act. Upon application for admission, the alien must present a valid 
passport and valid visa unless either or both documents have been 
waived. A nonimmigrant alien's admission to the United States is 
conditioned on compliance with any inspection requirement in Sec.  
235.1(d) or of this chapter, as well as compliance with part 215, 
subpart B, of this chapter, if applicable. The passport of an alien 
applying for admission must be valid for a minimum of six months from 
the expiration date of the contemplated period of stay, unless otherwise 
provided in this chapter, and the alien must agree to abide by the terms 
and conditions of his or her admission. An alien applying for extension 
of stay must present a passport only if requested to do so by the 
Department of Homeland Security. The passport of an alien applying for 
extension of stay must be valid at the time of application for 
extension, unless otherwise provided in this chapter, and the alien must 
agree to maintain the validity of his or her passport and to abide by 
all the terms and conditions of his extension.
    (ii) At the time of admission or extension of stay, every 
nonimmigrant alien must also agree to depart the United States at the 
expiration of his or her authorized period of admission or extension of 
stay, or upon abandonment of his or her authorized nonimmigrant status, 
and to comply with the departure procedures at section 215.8 of this 
chapter if such procedures apply to the particular alien. The 
nonimmigrant alien's failure to comply with those departure 
requirements, including any requirement that the alien

[[Page 293]]

provide biometric identifiers, may constitute a failure of the alien to 
maintain the terms of his or her nonimmigrant status.
    (iii) At the time a nonimmigrant alien applies for admission or 
extension of stay, he or she must post a bond on Form I-352 in the sum 
of not less than $500, to ensure the maintenance of his or her 
nonimmigrant status and departure from the United States, if required to 
do so by the Commissioner of CBP, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, an immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals.
    (b) Readmission of nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15) (F), (J), 
(M), or (Q)(ii) to complete unexpired periods of previous admission or 
extension of stay--(1) Section 101(a)(15)(F). The inspecting immigration 
officer shall readmit for duration of status as defined in Sec.  
214.2(f)(5)(i), any nonimmigrant alien whose nonimmigrant visa is 
considered automatically revalidated pursuant to 22 CFR 41.112(d) and 
who is applying for readmission under section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Act, 
if the alien:
    (i) Is admissible;
    (ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence from the United 
States not exceeding thirty days solely in contiguous territory or 
adjacent islands;
    (iii) Is in possession of a valid passport unless exempt from the 
requirement for presentation of a passport; and
    (iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien 
who presents, an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4 of 
this chapter), issued to the alien in connection with the previous 
admission or stay, and either:
    (A) A properly endorsed Form I-20 or successor form if there has 
been no substantive change in the information on the student's most 
recent Form I-20 or successor form since the form was initially issued; 
or
    (B) A new Form I-20 or successor form if there has been any 
substantive change in the information on the student's most recent Form 
I-20 or successor form since the form was initially issued.
    (2) Section 101(a)(15)(J). The inspecting immigration officer shall 
readmit for the unexpired period of stay authorized prior to the alien's 
departure, any nonimmigrant alien whose nonimmigrant visa is considered 
automatically revalidated pursuant to 22 CFR 41.112(d) and who is 
applying for readmission under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, if the 
alien:
    (i) Is admissible;
    (ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence from the United 
States not exceeding thirty days solely in contiguous territory or 
adjacent islands;
    (iii) Is in possession of a valid passport unless exempt from the 
requirement for the presentation of a passport; and
    (iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien 
who presents, Form I-94 issued to the alien in connection with the 
previous admission or stay or the last Form DS-2019 issued to the alien. 
Form I-94 or Form DS-2019 must show the unexpired period of the alien's 
stay properly endorsed.
    (3) Section 101(a)(15)(M). The inspecting immigration officer shall 
readmit for the unexpired period of stay authorized prior to the alien's 
departure, any nonimmigrant alien whose nonimmigrant visa is considered 
automatically revalidated pursuant to 22 CFR 41.112(d) and who is 
applying for readmission under section 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act, if the 
alien:
    (i) Is admissible;
    (ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence not exceeding 
thirty days solely in contiguous territory;
    (iii) Is in possession of a valid passport unless exempt from the 
requirement for presentation of a passport; and
    (iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien 
who presents, Form I-94 issued to the alien in connection with the 
previous admission or stay, and the alien's properly endorsed Form I-20 
or successor form.
    (4) Section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii). The inspecting immigration officer 
shall readmit for the unexpired period of stay authorized prior to the 
alien's departure, if the alien:
    (i) Is admissible;
    (ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence from the United 
States not

[[Page 294]]

exceeding 30 days solely in contiguous territory or adjacent islands;
    (iii) Is in possession of a valid passport;
    (iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien 
who presents, an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94, issued to the 
alien in connection with the previous admission or stay. The principal 
alien must also present a Certification Letter issued by the Department 
of State's Program Administrator.
    (c) Extensions of stay--(1) Extension of stay for certain 
employment-based nonimmigrant workers. A petitioner seeking the services 
of an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, 
P-2, P-3, Q-1, R-1, or TN nonimmigrant beyond the period previously 
granted, must apply for an extension of stay on the form designated by 
USCIS, with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2, with the initial evidence 
specified in Sec.  214.2, and in accordance with the form instructions. 
Dependents holding derivative status may be included in the petition if 
it is for only one worker and the form version specifically provides for 
their inclusion. In all other cases dependents of the worker should file 
on Form I-539.
    (2) Filing on Form I-539. Any other nonimmigrant alien, except an 
alien in F or J status who has been granted duration of status, who 
seeks to extend his or her stay beyond the currently authorized period 
of admission, must apply for an extension of stay on Form I-539 with the 
fee required in 8 CFR 106.2 together with any initial evidence specified 
in the applicable provisions of Sec.  214.2, and on the application 
form. More than one person may be included in an application where the 
co-applicants are all members of a single family group and either all 
hold the same nonimmigrant status or one holds a nonimmigrant status and 
the other co-applicants are his or her spouse and/or children who hold 
derivative nonimmigrant status based on his or her status. Extensions 
granted to members of a family group must be for the same period of 
time. The shortest period granted to any member of the family shall be 
granted to all members of the family. In order to be eligible for an 
extension of stay, nonimmigrant aliens in K-3/K-4 status must do so in 
accordance with Sec.  214.2(k)(10).
    (3) Ineligible for extension of stay. A nonimmigrant in any of the 
following classes is ineligible for an extension of stay:
    (i) B-1 or B-2 where admission was pursuant to the Visa Waiver Pilot 
Program;
    (ii) C-1, C-2, C-3;
    (iii) D-1, D-2;
    (iv) K-1, K-2;
    (v) Any nonimmigrant admitted for duration of status, other than as 
provided in Sec.  214.2(f)(7);
    (vi) Any nonimmigrant who is classified pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act beyond a total of 3 years; or
    (vii) Any nonimmigrant who is classified according to section 
101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of the Act beyond a total of 3 years.
    (viii) Any nonimmigrant admitted pursuant to the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program, as provided in section 212(l) of the Act.
    (4) Timely filing and maintenance of status. An extension of stay 
may not be approved for an applicant who failed to maintain the 
previously accorded status or where such status expired before the 
application or petition was filed, except that failure to file before 
the period of previously authorized status expired may be excused in the 
discretion of the Service and without separate application, with any 
extension granted from the date the previously authorized stay expired, 
where it is demonstrated at the time of filing that:
    (i) The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the 
control of the applicant or petitioner, and the Service finds the delay 
commensurate with the circumstances;
    (ii) The alien has not otherwise violated his or her nonimmigrant 
status;
    (iii) The alien remains a bona fide nonimmigrant; and
    (iv) The alien is not the subject of deportation proceedings under 
section 242 of the Act (prior to April 1, 1997) or removal proceedings 
under section 240 of the Act.
    (5) Decision on application for extension or change of status. Where 
an applicant or petitioner demonstrates eligibility for a requested 
extension, it may be granted at the discretion of USCIS.

[[Page 295]]

The denial of an application for extension of stay may not be appealed.
    (d) Termination of status. Within the period of initial admission or 
extension of stay, the nonimmigrant status of an alien shall be 
terminated by the revocation of a waiver authorized on his or her behalf 
under section 212(d) (3) or (4) of the Act; by the introduction of a 
private bill to confer permanent resident status on such alien; or, 
pursuant to notification in the Federal Register, on the basis of 
national security, diplomatic, or public safety reasons.
    (e) Employment. A nonimmigrant in the United States in a class 
defined in section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act as a temporary visitor for 
pleasure, or section 101(a)(15)(C) of the Act as an alien in transit 
through this country, may not engage in any employment. Any other 
nonimmigrant in the United States may not engage in any employment 
unless he has been accorded a nonimmigrant classification which 
authorizes employment or he has been granted permission to engage in 
employment in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A 
nonimmigrant who is permitted to engage in employment may engage only in 
such employment as has been authorized. Any unauthorized employment by a 
nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status within the meaning 
of section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (f) False information. A condition of a nonimmigrant's admission and 
continued stay in the United States is the full and truthful disclosure 
of all information requested by DHS. A nonimmigrant's willful failure to 
provide full and truthful information requested by DHS (regardless of 
whether or not the information requested was material) constitutes a 
failure to maintain nonimmigrant status under section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of 
the Act.
    (g) Criminal activity. A condition of a nonimmigrant's admission and 
continued stay in the United States is obedience to all laws of United 
States jurisdictions which prohibit the commission of crimes of violence 
and for which a sentence of more than one year imprisonment may be 
imposed. A nonimmigrant's conviction in a jurisdiction in the United 
States for a crime of violence for which a sentence of more than one 
year imprisonment may be imposed (regardless of whether such sentence is 
in fact imposed) constitutes a failure to maintain status under section 
241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (h) Education privacy and F, J, and M nonimmigrants. As authorized 
by section 641(c)(2) of Division C of Pub. L. 104-208, 8 U.S.C. 1372, 
and Sec.  2.1 of this chapter, DHS has determined that, with respect to 
F and M nonimmigrant students and J nonimmigrant exchange visitors, 
waiving the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 
(FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, is necessary for the proper implementation of 
8 U.S.C. 1372. An educational agency or institution may not refuse to 
report information concerning an F or M nonimmigrant student or a J 
nonimmigrant exchange visitor that the educational agency or institution 
is required to report under 8 U.S.C. 1372 and Sec.  214.3(g) (or any 
corresponding Department of State regulation concerning J nonimmigrants) 
on the basis of FERPA and any regulation implementing FERPA. The waiver 
of FERPA under this paragraph authorizes and requires an educational 
agency or institution to report information concerning an F, J or M 
nonimmigrant that would ordinarily be protected by FERPA, but only to 
the extent that 8 U.S.C. 1372 and Sec.  214.3(g) (or any corresponding 
Department of State regulation concerning J nonimmigrants) requires the 
educational agency or institution to report information.
    (i) Employment in a health care occupation. (1) Except as provided 
in 8 CFR 212.15(n), any alien described in 8 CFR 212.15(a) who is coming 
to the United States to perform labor in a health care occupation 
described in 8 CFR 212.15(c) must obtain a certificate from a 
credentialing organization described in 8 CFR 212.15(e). The certificate 
or certified statement must be presented to the Department of Homeland 
Security in accordance with 8 CFR 212.15(d). In the alternative, an 
eligible alien seeking admission as a nurse may obtain a certified 
statement as provided in 8 CFR 212.15(h).
    (2) A TN nonimmigrant may establish that he or she is eligible for a 
waiver described at 8 CFR 212.15(n) by

[[Page 296]]

providing evidence that his or her initial admission as a TN (or TC) 
nonimmigrant health care worker occurred before September 23, 2003, and 
he or she was licensed and employed in the United States as a health 
care worker before September 23, 2003. Evidence may include, but is not 
limited to, copies of TN or TC approval notices, copies of Form I-94 
Arrival/Departure Records, employment verification letters and/or pay-
stubs or other employment records, and state health care worker 
licenses.
    (j) Extension of stay or change of status for health care worker. In 
the case of any alien admitted temporarily as a nonimmigrant under 
section 212(d)(3) of the Act and 8 CFR 212.15(n) for the primary purpose 
of the providing labor in a health care occupation described in 8 CFR 
212.15(c), the petitioning employer may file an application or petition 
to extend the approval period for the alien's classification for the 
nonimmigrant status. If the alien is in the United States and is 
eligible for an extension of stay or change of status, the application 
or petition also serves as an application to extend the period of the 
alien's authorized stay or to change the alien's status. Although the 
application or petition may be approved, as it relates to the employer's 
request to classify the alien, the application for an extension of stay 
or change of status shall be denied if:
    (1) The petitioner or applicant fails to submit the certification 
required by 8 CFR 212.15(a) with the petition or application to extend 
the alien's stay or change the alien's status; or
    (2) The petition or application to extend the alien's stay or change 
the alien's status does include the certification required by 8 CFR 
212.15(a), but the alien obtained the certification more than 1 year 
after the date of the alien's admission under section 212(d)(3) of the 
Act and 8 CFR 212.15(n). While DHS may admit, extend the period of 
authorized stay, or change the status of a nonimmigrant health care 
worker for a period of 1 year if the alien does not have certification 
on or before July 26, 2004 (or on or before July 26, 2005, in the case 
of a citizen of Canada or Mexico, who, before September 23, 2003, was 
employed as a TN or TC nonimmigrant health care worker and held a valid 
license from a U.S. jurisdiction), the alien will not be eligible for a 
subsequent admission, change of status, or extension of stay as a health 
care worker if the alien has not obtained the requisite certification 1 
year after the initial date of admission, change of status, or extension 
of stay as a health care worker.
    (k) Denial of petitions under section 214(c) of the Act based on a 
finding by the Department of Labor. Upon debarment by the Department of 
Labor pursuant to 20 CFR part 655, USCIS may deny any petition filed by 
that petitioner for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H) 
(except for status under sections 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)), (L), (O), and 
(P)(i) of the Act) for a period of at least 1 year but not more than 5 
years. The length of the period shall be based on the severity of the 
violation or violations. The decision to deny petitions, the time period 
for the bar to petitions, and the reasons for the time period will be 
explained in a written notice to the petitioner.
    (l) Period of stay. (1) An alien admissible in E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, 
L-1, or TN classification and his or her dependents may be admitted to 
the United States or otherwise provided such status for the validity 
period of the petition, or for a validity period otherwise authorized 
for the E-1, E-2, E-3, and TN classifications, plus an additional period 
of up to 10 days before the validity period begins and 10 days after the 
validity period ends. Unless authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12, the alien 
may not work except during the validity period.
    (2) An alien admitted or otherwise provided status in E-1, E-2, E-3, 
H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 or TN classification and his or her dependents 
shall not be considered to have failed to maintain nonimmigrant status 
solely on the basis of a cessation of the employment on which the 
alien's classification was based, for up to 60 consecutive days or until 
the end of the authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, once 
during each authorized validity period. DHS may eliminate or shorten 
this 60-day period as a matter of discretion. Unless otherwise 
authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12, the alien may not work during such a 
period.

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    (3) An alien in any authorized period described in paragraph (l) of 
this section may apply for and be granted an extension of stay under 
paragraph (c)(4) of this section or change of status under 8 CFR 248.1, 
if otherwise eligible.

[26 FR 12067, Dec. 16, 1961]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
214.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  214.2  Special requirements for admission, extension, 
and maintenance of status.

                Table 1 to Sec.   214.2--Section Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Foreign government officials
(b) Visitors
(c) Transits
(d) Crewmen
(e) Treaty traders and investors
(f) Students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories,
 academic high schools, elementary schools, other academic institutions,
 and in language training programs
(g) Representatives to international organizations
(h) Temporary employees
(i) Representatives of information media
(j) Exchange aliens
(k) Spouses, Fianc[eacute]es, and Fianc[eacute]s of United States
 Citizens
(l) Intracompany transferees
(m) Students in established vocational or other recognized nonacademic
 institutions, other than in language training programs
(n) Certain parents and children of section 101(a)(27)(I) special
 immigrants
(o) Aliens of extraordinary ability or achievement
(p) Artists, athletes, and entertainers
(q) Cultural visitors
(r) Religious workers
(s) NATO nonimmigrant aliens
(t) Alien witnesses and informants
(u) [Reserved]
(v) Certain spouses and children of LPRs
(w) CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The general requirements in Sec.  214.1 are modified for the 
following nonimmigrant classes:
    (a) Foreign government officials--(1) General. The determination by 
a consular officer prior to admission and the recognition by the 
Secretary of State subsequent to admission is evidence of the proper 
classification of a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(A) of the Act. 
An alien who has a nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(A)(i) or 
(ii) of the Act is to be admitted for the duration of the period for 
which the alien continues to be recognized by the Secretary of State as 
being entitled to that status. An alien defined in section 
(101)(a)(15)(A)(iii) of the Act is to be admitted for an initial period 
of not more than three years, and may be granted extensions of temporary 
stay in increments of not more than two years. In addition, the 
application for extension of temporary stay must be accompanied by a 
statement signed by the employing official stating that he/she intends 
to continue to employ the applicant and describing the type of work the 
applicant will perform.
    (2) Definition of A-1 or A-2 dependent. For purposes of employment 
in the United States, the term dependent of an A-1 or A-2 principal 
alien, as used in Sec.  214.2(a), means any of the following immediate 
members of the family habitually residing in the same household as the 
principal alien who is an officer or employee assigned to a diplomatic 
or consular office in the United States:
    (i) Spouse;
    (ii) Unmarried children under the age of 21;
    (iii) Unmarried sons or daughters under the age of 23 who are in 
full-time attendance as students at post-secondary educational 
institutions;
    (iv) Unmarried sons or daughters under the age of 25 who are in 
full-time attendance as students at post-secondary educational 
institutions if a formal bilateral employment agreement permitting their 
employment in the United States was signed prior to November 21, 1988, 
and such bilateral employment agreement does not specify 23 as the 
maximum age for employment of such sons and daughters. The Office of 
Protocol of the Department of State shall maintain a listing of foreign 
states with which the United States has such bilateral employment 
agreements;
    (v) Unmarried sons or daughters who are physically or mentally 
disabled to

[[Page 298]]

the extent that they cannot adequately care for themselves or cannot 
establish, maintain or re-establish their own households. The Department 
of State or the Service may require certification(s) as it deems 
sufficient to document such mental or physical disability; or
    (vi) An immediate family member of an A-1 or A-2 principal alien 
described in 22 CFR 41.21(a)(3)(i) to (iv) with A-1 or A-2 nonimmigrant 
status, who falls within a category of aliens recognized by the 
Department of State as qualifying dependents.
    (3) Applicability of a formal bilateral agreement or an informal de 
facto arrangement for A-1 or A-2 dependents. The applicability of a 
formal bilateral agreement shall be based on the foreign state which 
employs the principal alien and not on the nationality of the principal 
alien or dependent. The applicability of an informal de facto 
arrangement shall be based on the foreign state which employs the 
principal alien, but under a de facto arrangement the principal alien 
also must be a national of the foreign state which employs him/her in 
the United States.
    (4) Income tax, Social Security liability; non-applicability of 
certain immunities. Dependents who are granted employment authorization 
under this section are responsible for payment of all federal, state and 
local income, employment and related taxes and Social Security 
contributions on any remuneration received. In addition, immunity from 
civil or administrative jurisdiction in accordance with Article 37 of 
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations or other international 
agreements does not apply to these dependents with respect to matters 
arising out of their employment.
    (5) Dependent employment pursuant to formal bilateral employment 
agreements and informal de facto reciprocal arrangements. (i) The Office 
of Protocol shall maintain a listing of foreign states which have 
entered into formal bilateral employment agreements. Dependents of an A-
1 or A-2 principal alien assigned to official duty in the United States 
may accept or continue in unrestricted employment based on such formal 
bilateral agreements upon favorable recommendation by the Department of 
State and issuance of employment authorization documentation by the 
Service in accordance with 8 CFR part 274a. The application procedures 
are set forth in paragraph (a)(6) of this section.
    (ii) For purposes of this section, an informal de facto reciprocal 
arrangement exists when the Department of State determines that a 
foreign state allows appropriate employment on the local economy for 
dependents of certain United States officials assigned to duty in that 
foreign state. The Office of Protocol shall maintain a listing of 
countries with which such reciprocity exists. Dependents of an A-1 or A-
2 principal alien assigned to official duty in the United States may be 
authorized to accept or continue in employment based upon informal de 
facto arrangements upon favorable recommendation by the Department of 
State and issuance of employment authorization by the Service in 
accordance with 8 CFR part 274a. Additionally, the procedures set forth 
in paragraph (a)(6) of this section must be complied with, and the 
following conditions must be met:
    (A) Both the principal alien and the dependent desiring employment 
are maintaining A-1 or A-2 status as appropriate;
    (B) The principal's assignment in the United States is expected to 
last more than six months;
    (C) Employment of a similar nature for dependents of United States 
Government officials assigned to official duty in the foreign state 
employing the principal alien is not prohibited by that foreign state's 
government;
    (D) The proposed employment is not in an occupation listed in the 
Department of Labor Schedule B (20 CFR part 656), or otherwise 
determined by the Department of Labor to be one for which there is an 
oversupply of qualified U.S. workers in the area of proposed employment. 
This Schedule B restriction does not apply to a dependent son or 
daughter who is a full-time student if the employment is part-time, 
consisting of not more than 20 hours per week, and/or if it is temporary 
employment of not more than 12 weeks during school holiday periods; and

[[Page 299]]

    (E) The proposed employment is not contrary to the interest of the 
United States. Employment contrary to the interest of the United States 
includes, but is not limited to, the employment of A-1 or A-2 
dependents: who have criminal records; who have violated United States 
immigration laws or regulations, or visa laws or regulations; who have 
worked illegally in the United States; and/or who cannot establish that 
they have paid taxes and social security on income from current or 
previous United States employment.
    (6) Application procedures. The following procedures are applicable 
to dependent employment applications under bilateral agreements and de 
facto arrangements:
    (i) The dependent must submit a completed Form I-566 to the 
Department of State through the office, mission, or organization which 
employs his/her principal alien. A dependent applying under paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii) or (iv) of this section must submit a certified statement 
from the post-secondary educational institution confirming that he/she 
is pursuing studies on a full-time basis. A dependent applying under 
paragraph (a)(2)(v) of this section must submit medical certification 
regarding his/her condition. The certification should identify the 
dependent and the certifying physician and give the physician's phone 
number; identify the condition, describe the symptoms and provide a 
prognosis; and certify that the dependent is unable to maintain a home 
of his or her own. Additionally, a dependent applying under the terms of 
a de facto arrangement must attach a statement from the prospective 
employer which includes the dependent's name; a description of the 
position offered and the duties to be performed; the salary offered; and 
verification that the dependent possesses the qualifications for the 
position.
    (ii) The Department of State reviews and verifies the information 
provided, makes its determination, and endorses the Form I-566.
    (iii) If the Department of State's endorsement is favorable, the 
dependent may apply to USCIS for employment authorization. When applying 
to USCIS for employment authorization, the dependent must present his or 
her Form I-566 with a favorable endorsement from the Department of State 
and any additional documentation as may be required by the Secretary.
    (7) Period of time for which employment may be authorized. If 
approved, an application to accept or continue employment under this 
section shall be granted in increments of not more than three years 
each.
    (8) No appeal. There shall be no appeal from a denial of permission 
to accept or continue employment under this section.
    (9) Dependents or family members of principal aliens classified A-3. 
A dependent or family member of a principal alien classified A-3 may not 
be employed in the United States under this section.
    (10) Unauthorized employment. An alien classified under section 
101(a)(15)(A) of the Act who is not a principal alien and who engages in 
employment outside the scope of, or in a manner contrary to this 
section, may be considered in violation of section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of 
the Act. An alien who is classified under section 101(a)(15)(A) of the 
Act who is a principal alien and who engages in employment outside the 
scope of his/her official position may be considered in violation of 
section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (b) Visitors--(1) General. Any B-1 visitor for business or B-2 
visitor for pleasure may be admitted for not more than one year and may 
be granted extensions of temporary stay in increments of not more than 
six months each, except that alien members of a religious denomination 
coming temporarily and solely to do missionary work in behalf of a 
religious denomination may be granted extensions of not more than one 
year each, provided that such work does not involve the selling of 
articles or the solicitation or acceptance of donations. Those B-1 and 
B-2 visitors admitted pursuant to the waiver provided at Sec.  212.1(e) 
of this chapter may be admitted to and stay on Guam for period not to 
exceed fifteen days and are not eligible for extensions of stay.
    (2) Minimum six month admissions. Any B-2 visitor who is found 
otherwise admissible and is issued a Form I-94 (see

[[Page 300]]

Sec.  1.4), will be admitted for a minimum period of six months, 
regardless of whether less time is requested, provided, that any 
required passport is valid as specified in section 212(a)(26) of the 
Act. Exceptions to the minimum six month admission may be made only in 
individual cases upon the specific approval of the district director for 
good cause.
    (3) Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Special requirements for admission 
and maintenance of status for visitors admitted to the United States 
under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program are set forth in section 217 of the 
Act and part 217 of this chapter.
    (4) Admission of aliens pursuant to the Agreement Between the United 
States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA). A 
citizen of Canada or Mexico seeking temporary entry for purposes set 
forth in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section, who otherwise meets the 
requirements under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act, including but not 
limited to requirements regarding the source of remuneration, shall be 
admitted upon presentation of proof of such citizenship in the case of 
Canadian applicants, and valid, unexpired entry documents such as a 
passport and visa, or a passport and BCC in the case of Mexican 
applicants, a description of the purpose for which the alien is seeking 
admission, and evidence demonstrating that he or she is engaged in one 
of the occupations or professions set forth in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of 
this section.
    (i) Occupations and professions set forth in Section B of Appendix 1 
of Chapter 16 of the USMCA--(A) Research and design. Technical, 
scientific and statistical researchers conducting independent research 
or research for an enterprise located in the territory of another Party.
    (B) Growth, manufacture, and production. (1) Harvester owner 
supervising a harvesting crew admitted under applicable law. (Applies 
only to harvesting of agricultural crops: Grain, fiber, fruit and 
vegetables.)
    (2) Purchasing and production management personnel conducting 
commercial transactions for an enterprise located in the territory of 
another Party.
    (C) Marketing. (1) Market researchers and analysts conducting 
independent research or analysis, or research or analysis for an 
enterprise located in the territory of another Party.
    (2) Trade fair and promotional personnel attending a trade 
convention.
    (D) Sales. (1) Sales representatives and agents taking orders or 
negotiating contracts for goods or services for an enterprise located in 
the territory of another Party but not delivering goods or supplying 
services.
    (2) Buyers purchasing for an enterprise located in the territory of 
another Party.
    (E) Distribution. (1) Transportation operators transporting goods or 
passengers to the United States from the territory of another Party or 
loading and transporting goods or passengers from the United States, 
with no unloading in the United States, to the territory of another 
Party. (These operators may make deliveries in the United States if all 
goods or passengers to be delivered were loaded in the territory of 
another Party. Furthermore, they may load from locations in the United 
States if all goods or passengers to be loaded will be delivered in the 
territory of another Party. Purely domestic service or solicitation, in 
competition with the United States operators, is not permitted.)
    (2) Customs brokers performing brokerage duties associated with the 
export of goods from the United States to or through Canada.
    (F) After-sales services. Installers, repair and maintenance 
personnel, and supervisors, possessing specialized knowledge essential 
to the seller's contractual obligation, performing services or training 
workers to perform services, pursuant to a warranty or other service 
contract incidental to the sale of commercial or industrial equipment or 
machinery, including computer software, purchased from an enterprise 
located outside the United States, during the life of the warranty or 
service agreement. (For the purposes of this provision, the commercial 
or industrial equipment or machinery, including computer software, must 
have been manufactured outside the United States.)

[[Page 301]]

    (G) General service. Professionals engaging in a business activity 
at a professional level in a profession set out in Appendix 2 to Annex 
16-A of Chapter 16 of the USMCA, but receiving no salary or other 
remuneration from a United States source (other than an expense 
allowance or other reimbursement for expenses incidental to the 
temporary stay) and otherwise satisfying the requirements of Section A 
to Annex 16-A of the USMCA.
    (H) Commercial transactions. (1) Management and supervisory 
personnel engaging in commercial transactions for an enterprise located 
in the territory of another Party.
    (2) Financial services personnel (insurers, bankers or investment 
brokers) engaging in commercial transactions for an enterprise located 
in the territory of another Party.
    (I) Public relations and advertising. Public relations and 
advertising personnel consulting with business associates, or attending 
or participating in conventions.
    (J) Tourism. Tourism personnel (tour and travel agents, tour guides 
or tour operators) attending or participating in conventions or 
conducting a tour that has begun in the territory of another Party. (The 
tour may begin in the United States; but must terminate in foreign 
territory, and a significant portion of the tour must be conducted in 
foreign territory. In such a case, an operator may enter the United 
States with an empty conveyance and a tour guide may enter on his or her 
own and join the conveyance.)
    (K) Tour bus operation. Tour bus operators entering the United 
States:
    (1) With a group of passengers on a bus tour that has begun in, and 
will return to, the territory of another Party.
    (2) To meet a group of passengers on a bus tour that will end, and 
the predominant portion of which will take place, in the territory of 
another Party.
    (3) With a group of passengers on a bus tour to be unloaded in the 
United States and returning with no passengers or reloading with the 
group for transportation to the territory of another Party.
    (L) Translation. Translators or interpreters performing services as 
employees of an enterprise located in the territory of another Party.
    (ii) Occupations and professions not listed in Section B of Appendix 
1 of Chapter 16 of the USMCA. Nothing in paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section shall preclude a business person engaged in an occupation or 
profession other than those listed in Section B of Appendix 1 of Chapter 
16 of the USMCA from temporary entry under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the 
Act, if such person otherwise meets the requirements for admission as 
prescribed by the Attorney General.
    (5) Construction workers not admissible. Aliens seeking to enter the 
country to perform building or construction work, whether on-site or in-
plant, are not eligible for classification or admission as B-1 
nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act. However, alien 
nonimmigrants otherwise qualified as B-1 nonimmigrants may be issued 
visas and may enter for the purpose of supervision or training of others 
engaged in building or construction work, but not for the purpose of 
actually performing any such building or construction work themselves.
    (6) [Reserved]
    (7) Enrollment in a course of study prohibited. An alien who is 
admitted as, or changes status to, a B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant on or after 
April 12, 2002, or who files a request to extend the period of 
authorized stay in B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant status on or after such date, 
violates the conditions of his or her B-1 or B-2 status if the alien 
enrolls in a course of study. Such an alien who desires to enroll in a 
course of study must either obtain an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant visa from 
a consular officer abroad and seek readmission to the United States, or 
apply for and obtain a change of status under section 248 of the Act and 
8 CFR part 248. The alien may not enroll in the course of study until 
the Service has admitted the alien as an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant or has 
approved the alien's application under part 248 of this chapter and 
changed the alien's status to that of an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant.
    (c) Transits. (1) [Reserved]
    (2) United Nations Headquarters District. An alien of the class 
defined in section 101(a)(15)(C) of the Act, whose visa is limited to 
transit to and from

[[Page 302]]

the United Nations Headquarters District, if otherwise admissible, shall 
be admitted on the additional conditions that he proceed directly to the 
immediate vicinity of the United Nations Headquarters District, and 
remain there continuously, departing therefrom only if required in 
connection with his departure from the United States, and that he have a 
document establishing his ability to enter some country other than the 
United States following his sojourn in the United Nations Headquarters 
District. The immediate vicinity of the United Nations Headquarters 
District is that area lying within a twenty-five mile radius of Columbus 
Circle, New York, NY.
    (3) Others. The period of admission of an alien admitted under 
section 101(a)(15)(C) of the Act shall not exceed 29 days.
    (d) Crewmen. (1) The provisions of parts 251, 252, 253, and 258 of 
this chapter shall govern the landing of crewmen as nonimmigrants of the 
class defined in section 101(a)(15)(D) of the Act. An alien in this 
status may be employed only in a crewman capacity on the vessel or 
aircraft of arrival, or on a vessel or aircraft of the same 
transportation company, and may not be employed in connection with 
domestic flights or movements of a vessel or aircraft. However, 
nonimmigrant crewmen may perform crewmember duties through stopovers on 
an international flight for any United States carrier where such flight 
uses a single aircraft and has an origination or destination point 
outside the United States.
    (2) Denial of crewman status in the case of certain labor disputes 
(D nonimmigrants). (i) An alien shall be denied D crewman status as 
described in section 101(a)(15)(D) of the Act if:
    (A) The alien intends to land for the purpose of performing service 
on a vessel of the United States (as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101(46)) or 
an aircraft of an air carrier (as defined in section 101(3) of the 
Federal Aviation Act of 1958); and
    (B) A labor dispute consisting of a strike or lockout exists in the 
bargaining unit of the employer in which the alien intends to perform 
such service; and
    (C) The alien is not already an employee of the company (as 
described in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) of this section).
    (ii) Refusal to land. Any alien (except a qualified current employee 
as described in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) of this section) who the examining 
immigration officer determines has arrived in the United States for the 
purpose of performing service on board a vessel or an aircraft of the 
United States when a strike or lockout is under way in the bargaining 
unit of the employer, shall be refused a conditional landing permit 
under section 252 of the Act.
    (iii) Ineligibility for parole. An alien described in paragraph 
(d)(2)(i) of this section may not be paroled into the United States 
under section 212(d)(5) of the Act for the purpose of performing 
crewmember duties unless the Attorney General determines that the parole 
of such alien is necessary to protect the national security of the 
United States. This paragraph does not prohibit the granting of parole 
for other purposes, such as medical emergencies.
    (iv) Qualified current employees. (A) Paragraphs (d)(2)(i), 
(d)(2)(ii), and (d)(2)(iii) of this section do not apply to an alien who 
is already an employee of the owner or operator of the vessel or air 
carrier and who at the time of inspection presents true copies of 
employer work records which satisfy the examining immigration officer 
that the alien:
    (1) Has been an employee of such employer for a period of not less 
than one year preceding the date that a strike or lawful lockout 
commenced;
    (2) Has served as a qualified crewman for such employer at least 
once in three different months during the 12-month period preceding the 
date that the strike or lockout commenced; and
    (3) Shall continue to provide the same crewman services that he or 
she previously provided to the employer.
    (B) An alien crewman who qualifies as a current employee under this 
paragraph remains subject to the restrictions on his or her employment 
in the United States contained in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (v) Strike or lockout determination. These provisions will take 
effect if the

[[Page 303]]

Attorney General, through the Commissioner of the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service or his or her designee, after consultation with 
the National Mediation Board, determines that a strike, lockout, or 
labor dispute involving a work stoppage is in progress in the bargaining 
unit of the employer for whom the alien intends to perform such service.
    (e) Treaty traders and investors--(1) Treaty trader. An alien, if 
otherwise admissible, may be classified as a nonimmigrant treaty trader 
(E-1) under the provisions of section 101(a)(15)(E)(i) of the Act if the 
alien:
    (i) Will be in the United States solely to carry on trade of a 
substantial nature, which is international in scope, either on the 
alien's behalf or as an employee of a foreign person or organization 
engaged in trade principally between the United States and the treaty 
country of which the alien is a national, taking into consideration any 
conditions in the country of which the alien is a national which may 
affect the alien's ability to carry on such substantial trade; and
    (ii) Intends to depart the United States upon the expiration or 
termination of treaty trader (E-1) status.
    (2) Treaty investor. An alien, if otherwise admissible, may be 
classified as a nonimmigrant treaty investor (E-2) under the provision 
of section 101(a)(15)(E)(ii) of the Act if the alien:
    (i) Has invested or is actively in the process of investing a 
substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United 
States, as distinct from a relatively small amount of capital in a 
marginal enterprise solely for the purpose of earning a living;
    (ii) Is seeking entry solely to develop and direct the enterprise; 
and
    (iii) Intends to depart the United States upon the expiration or 
termination of treaty investor (E-2) status.
    (3) Employee of treaty trader or treaty investor. An alien employee 
of a treaty trader, if otherwise admissible, may be classified as E-1, 
and an alien employee of a treaty investor, if otherwise admissible, may 
be classified as E-2 if the employee is in or is coming to the United 
States to engage in duties of an executive or supervisory character, or, 
if employed in a lesser capacity, the employee has special 
qualifications that make the alien's services essential to the efficient 
operation of the enterprise. The employee must have the same nationality 
as the principal alien employer. In addition, the employee must intend 
to depart the United States upon the expiration or termination of E-1 or 
E-2 status. The principal alien employer must be:
    (i) A person in the United States having the nationality of the 
treaty country and maintaining nonimmigrant treaty trader or treaty 
investor status or, if not in the United States, would be classifiable 
as a treaty trader or treaty investor; or
    (ii) An enterprise or organization at least 50 percent owned by 
persons in the United States having the nationality of the treaty 
country and maintaining nonimmigrant treaty trader or treaty investor 
status or who, if not in the United States, would be classifiable as 
treaty traders or treaty investors.
    (4) Spouse and children of treaty trader or treaty investor. The 
spouse and child of a treaty trader or treaty investor accompanying or 
following to join the principal alien, if otherwise admissible, may 
receive the same classification as the principal alien. The nationality 
of a spouse or child of a treaty trader or treaty investor is not 
material to the classification of the spouse or child under the 
provisions of section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Act.
    (5) Nonimmigrant intent. An alien classified under section 
101(a)(15)(E) of the Act shall maintain an intention to depart the 
United States upon the expiration or termination of E-1 or E-2 status. 
However, an application for initial admission, change of status, or 
extension of stay in E classification may not be denied solely on the 
basis of an approved request for permanent labor certification or a 
filed or approved immigrant visa preference petition.
    (6) Treaty country. A treaty country is, for purposes of this 
section, a foreign state with which a qualifying Treaty of Friendship, 
Commerce, or Navigation or its equivalent exists with the United States. 
A treaty country includes a foreign state that is accorded treaty visa 
privileges under section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Act by specific 
legislation.

[[Page 304]]

    (7) Treaty country nationality. The nationality of an individual 
treaty trader or treaty investor is determined by the authorities of the 
foreign state of which the alien is a national. In the case of an 
enterprise or organization, ownership must be traced as best as is 
practicable to the individuals who are ultimately its owners.
    (8) Terms and conditions of E treaty status--(i) Limitations on 
employment. The Service determines the terms and conditions of E treaty 
status at the time of admission or approval of a request to change 
nonimmigrant status to E classification. A treaty trader, treaty 
investor, or treaty employee may engage only in employment which is 
consistent with the terms and conditions of his or her status and the 
activity forming the basis for the E treaty status.
    (ii) Subsidiary employment. Treaty employees may perform work for 
the parent treaty organization or enterprise, or any subsidiary of the 
parent organization or enterprise. Performing work for subsidiaries of a 
common parent enterprise or organization will not be deemed to 
constitute a substantive change in the terms and conditions of the 
underlying E treaty employment if, at the time the E treaty status was 
determined, the applicant presented evidence establishing:
    (A) The enterprise or organization, and any subsidiaries thereof, 
where the work will be performed; the requisite parent-subsidiary 
relationship; and that the subsidiary independently qualifies as a 
treaty organization or enterprise under this paragraph;
    (B) In the case of an employee of a treaty trader or treaty 
investor, the work to be performed requires executive, supervisory, or 
essential skills; and
    (C) The work is consistent with the terms and conditions of the 
activity forming the basis of the classification.
    (iii) Substantive changes. Approval of USCIS must be obtained where 
there will be a substantive change in the terms or conditions of E 
status. The treaty alien must file a new application in accordance with 
the instructions on the form prescribed by USCIS requesting extension of 
stay in the United States, plus evidence of continued eligibility for E 
classification in the new capacity. Or the alien may obtain a visa 
reflecting the new terms and conditions and subsequently apply for 
admission at a port-of-entry. USCIS will deem there to have been a 
substantive change necessitating the filing of a new application where 
there has been a fundamental change in the employing entity's basic 
characteristics, such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of the division 
where the alien is employed.
    (iv) Non-substantive changes. Neither prior approval nor a new 
application is required if there is no substantive, or fundamental, 
change in the terms or conditions of the alien's employment which would 
affect the alien's eligibility for E classification. Further, prior 
approval is not required if corporate changes occur which do not affect 
the previously approved employment relationship, or are otherwise non-
substantive. To facilitate admission, the alien may:
    (A) Present a letter from the treaty-qualifying company through 
which the alien attained E classification explaining the nature of the 
change;
    (B) Request a new approval notice reflecting the non-substantive 
change by filing an application with a description of the change, or;
    (C) Apply directly to Department of State for a new E visa 
reflecting the change. An alien who does not elect one of the three 
options contained in paragraph (e)(8)(iv) (A) through (C) of this 
section, is not precluded from demonstrating to the satisfaction of the 
immigration officer at the port-of-entry in some other manner, his or 
her admissibility under section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Act.
    (v) Advice. To request advice from USCIS as to whether a change is 
substantive, an alien may file an application with a complete 
description of the change. In cases involving multiple employees, an 
alien may request that USCIS determine if a merger or other corporate 
restructuring requires the filing of separate applications by filing a 
single application and attaching a list of the related receipt numbers 
for the employees involved and an explanation of the change or changes.

[[Page 305]]

    (vi) Approval. If an application to change the terms and conditions 
of E status or employment is approved, the Service shall notify the 
applicant on Form I-797. An extension of stay in nonimmigrant E 
classification may be granted for the validity of the approved 
application. The alien is not authorized to begin the new employment 
until the application is approved. Employment is authorized only for the 
period of time the alien remains in the United States. If the alien 
subsequently departs from the United States, readmission in E 
classification may be authorized where the alien presents his or her 
unexpired E visa together with the Form I-797, Approval Notice, 
indicating Service approval of a change of employer or of a change in 
the substantive terms or conditions of treaty status or employment in E 
classification, or, in accordance with 22 CFR 41.112(d), where the alien 
is applying for readmission after an absence not exceeding 30 days 
solely in contiguous territory.
    (vii) An unauthorized change of employment to a new employer will 
constitute a failure to maintain status within the meaning of section 
237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act. In all cases where the treaty employee will 
be providing services to a subsidiary under this paragraph, the 
subsidiary is required to comply with the terms of 8 CFR part 274a.
    (9) Trade--definitions. For purposes of this paragraph: Items of 
trade include but are not limited to goods, services, international 
banking, insurance, monies, transportation, communications, data 
processing, advertising, accounting, design and engineering, management 
consulting, tourism, technology and its transfer, and some news-
gathering activities. For purposes of this paragraph, goods are tangible 
commodities or merchandise having extrinsic value. Further, as used in 
this paragraph, services are legitimate economic activities which 
provide other than tangible goods.
    Trade is the existing international exchange of items of trade for 
consideration between the United States and the treaty country. Existing 
trade includes successfully negotiated contracts binding upon the 
parties which call for the immediate exchange of items of trade. 
Domestic trade or the development of domestic markets without 
international exchange does not constitute trade for purposes of section 
101(a)(15)(E) of the Act. This exchange must be traceable and 
identifiable. Title to the trade item must pass from one treaty party to 
the other.
    (10) Substantial trade. Substantial trade is an amount of trade 
sufficient to ensure a continuous flow of international trade items 
between the United States and the treaty country. This continuous flow 
contemplates numerous transactions over time. Treaty trader status may 
not be established or maintained on the basis of a single transaction, 
regardless of how protracted or monetarily valuable the transaction. 
Although the monetary value of the trade item being exchanged is a 
relevant consideration, greater weight will be given to more numerous 
exchanges of larger value. There is no minimum requirement with respect 
to the monetary value or volume of each individual transaction. In the 
case of smaller businesses, an income derived from the value of numerous 
transactions which is sufficient to support the treaty trader and his or 
her family constitutes a favorable factor in assessing the existence of 
substantial trade.
    (11) Principal trade. Principal trade between the United States and 
the treaty country exists when over 50 percent of the volume of 
international trade of the treaty trader is conducted between the United 
States and the treaty country of the treaty trader's nationality.
    (12) Investment. An investment is the treaty investor's placing of 
capital, including funds and other assets (which have not been obtained, 
directly or indirectly, through criminal activity), at risk in the 
commercial sense with the objective of generating a profit. The treaty 
investor must be in possession of and have control over the capital 
invested or being invested. The capital must be subject to partial or 
total loss if investment fortunes reverse. Such

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investment capital must be the investor's unsecured personal business 
capital or capital secured by personal assets. Capital in the process of 
being invested or that has been invested must be irrevocably committed 
to the enterprise. The alien has the burden of establishing such 
irrevocable commitment. The alien may use any legal mechanism available, 
such as the placement of invested funds in escrow pending admission in, 
or approval of, E classification, that would not only irrevocably commit 
funds to the enterprise, but might also extend personal liability 
protection to the treaty investor in the event the application for E 
classification is denied.
    (13) Bona fide enterprise. The enterprise must be a real, active, 
and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking which produces 
services or goods for profit. The enterprise must meet applicable legal 
requirements for doing business in the particular jurisdiction in the 
United States.
    (14) Substantial amount of capital. A substantial amount of capital 
constitutes an amount which is:
    (i) Substantial in relationship to the total cost of either 
purchasing an established enterprise or creating the type of enterprise 
under consideration;
    (ii) Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor's financial commitment 
to the successful operation of the enterprise; and
    (iii) Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty 
investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise. Generally, 
the lower the cost of the enterprise, the higher, proportionately, the 
investment must be to be considered a substantial amount of capital.
    (15) Marginal enterprise. For purposes of this section, an 
enterprise may not be marginal. A marginal enterprise is an enterprise 
that does not have the present or future capacity to generate more than 
enough income to provide a minimal living for the treaty investor and 
his or her family. An enterprise that does not have the capacity to 
generate such income, but that has a present or future capacity to make 
a significant economic contribution is not a marginal enterprise. The 
projected future income-generating capacity should generally be 
realizable within 5 years from the date the alien commences the normal 
business activity of the enterprise.
    (16) Solely to develop and direct. An alien seeking classification 
as a treaty investor (or, in the case of an employee of a treaty 
investor, the owner of the treaty enterprise) must demonstrate that he 
or she does or will develop and direct the investment enterprise. Such 
an applicant must establish that he or she controls the enterprise by 
demonstrating ownership of at least 50 percent of the enterprise, by 
possessing operational control through a managerial position or other 
corporate device, or by other means.
    (17) Executive and supervisory character. The applicant's position 
must be principally and primarily, as opposed to incidentally or 
collaterally, executive or supervisory in nature. Executive and 
supervisory duties are those which provide the employee ultimate control 
and responsibility for the enterprise's overall operation or a major 
component thereof. In determining whether the applicant has established 
possession of the requisite control and responsibility, a Service 
officer shall consider, where applicable:
    (i) That an executive position is one which provides the employee 
with great authority to determine the policy of, and the direction for, 
the enterprise;
    (ii) That a position primarily of supervisory character provides the 
employee supervisory responsibility for a significant proportion of an 
enterprise's operations and does not generally involve the direct 
supervision of low-level employees, and;
    (iii) Whether the applicant possesses executive and supervisory 
skills and experience; a salary and position title commensurate with 
executive or supervisory employment; recognition or indicia of the 
position as one of authority and responsibility in the overall 
organizational structure; responsibility for making discretionary 
decisions, setting policies, directing and managing business operations, 
supervising

[[Page 307]]

other professional and supervisory personnel; and that, if the position 
requires some routine work usually performed by a staff employee, such 
functions may only be of an incidental nature.
    (18) Special qualifications. Special qualifications are those skills 
and/or aptitudes that an employee in a lesser capacity brings to a 
position or role that are essential to the successful or efficient 
operation of the treaty enterprise. In determining whether the skills 
possessed by the alien are essential to the operation of the employing 
treaty enterprise, a Service officer must consider, where applicable:
    (i) The degree of proven expertise of the alien in the area of 
operations involved; whether others possess the applicant's specific 
skill or aptitude; the length of the applicant's experience and/or 
training with the treaty enterprise; the period of training or other 
experience necessary to perform effectively the projected duties; the 
relationship of the skill or knowledge to the enterprise's specific 
processes or applications, and the salary the special qualifications can 
command; that knowledge of a foreign language and culture does not, by 
itself, meet the special qualifications requirement, and;
    (ii) Whether the skills and qualifications are readily available in 
the United States. In all cases, in determining whether the applicant 
possesses special qualifications which are essential to the treaty 
enterprise, a Service officer must take into account all the particular 
facts presented. A skill that is essential at one point in time may 
become commonplace at a later date. Skills that are needed to start up 
an enterprise may no longer be essential after initial operations are 
complete and running smoothly. Some skills are essential only in the 
short-term for the training of locally hired employees. Under certain 
circumstances, an applicant may be able to establish his or her 
essentiality to the treaty enterprise for a longer period of time, such 
as, in connection with activities in the areas of product improvement, 
quality control, or the provision of a service not yet generally 
available in the United States. Where the treaty enterprise's need for 
the applicant's special qualifications, and therefore, the applicant's 
essentiality, is time-limited, Service officers may request that the 
applicant provide evidence of the period for which skills will be needed 
and a reasonable projected date for completion of start-up or 
replacement of the essential skilled workers.
    (19) Period of admission. Periods of admission are as follows:
    (i) A treaty trader or treaty investor may be admitted for an 
initial period of not more than 2 years.
    (ii) The spouse and minor children accompanying or following to join 
a treaty trader or treaty investor shall be admitted for the period 
during which the principal alien is in valid treaty trader or investor 
status. The temporary departure from the United States of the principal 
trader or investor shall not affect the derivative status of the 
dependent spouse and minor unmarried children, provided the familial 
relationship continues to exist and the principal remains eligible for 
admission as an E nonimmigrant to perform the activity.
    (iii) Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, an alien shall 
not be admitted in E classification for a period of time extending more 
than 6 months beyond the expiration date of the alien's passport.
    (20) Extensions of stay. Requests for extensions of stay may be 
granted in increments of not more than 2 years. A treaty trader or 
treaty investor in valid E status may apply for an extension of stay by 
filing an application for extension of stay on the form prescribed by 
USCIS, with required accompanying documents, in accordance with Sec.  
214.1 and the instructions on that form.
    (i) For purposes of eligibility for an extension of stay, the alien 
must prove that he or she:
    (A) Has at all times maintained the terms and conditions of his or 
her E nonimmigrant classification;
    (B) Was physically present in the United States at the time of 
filing the application for extension of stay; and
    (C) Has not abandoned his or her extension request.

[[Page 308]]

    (ii) With limited exceptions, it is presumed that employees of 
treaty enterprises with special qualifications who are responsible for 
start-up operations should be able to complete their objectives within 2 
years. Absent special circumstances, therefore, such employees will not 
be eligible to obtain an extension of stay.
    (iii) Subject to paragraph (e)(5) of this section and the 
presumption noted in paragraph (e)(22)(ii) of this section, there is no 
specified number of extensions of stay that a treaty trader or treaty 
investor may be granted.
    (21) Change of nonimmigrant status. (i) An alien in another valid 
nonimmigrant status may apply for change of status to E classification 
by filing an application for change of status on the form prescribed by 
USCIS, with required accompanying documents establishing eligibility for 
a change of status and E classification, in accordance with 8 CFR part 
248 and the instructions on the form prescribed by USCIS.
    (ii) The spouse or minor children of an applicant seeking a change 
of status to that of treaty trader or treaty investor alien shall file 
concurrent applications for change of status to derivative treaty 
classification on the appropriate Service form. Applications for 
derivative treaty status shall:
    (A) Be approved only if the principal treaty alien is granted treaty 
alien status and continues to maintain that status;
    (B) Be approved for the period of admission authorized in paragraph 
(e)(20) of this section.
    (22) Denial of treaty trader or treaty investor status to citizens 
of Canada or Mexico in the case of certain labor disputes. (i) A citizen 
of Canada or Mexico may be denied E treaty trader or treaty investor 
status as described in section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Act and Section B of 
Annex 16-A of Chapter 16 of the USMCA if:
    (A) The Secretary of Labor certifies to or otherwise informs the 
Commissioner that a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in the alien's occupational classification is in 
progress at the place where the alien is or intends to be employed; and
    (B) Temporary entry of that alien may affect adversely either:
    (1) The settlement of any labor dispute that is in progress at the 
place or intended place of employment, or
    (2) The employment of any person who is involved in such dispute.
    (ii) If the alien has already commenced employment in the United 
States and is participating in a strike or other labor dispute involving 
a work stoppage of workers, whether or not such strike or other labor 
dispute has been certified by the Secretary of Labor, or whether the 
Service has been otherwise informed that such a strike or labor dispute 
is in progress, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to maintain 
his or her status solely on account of past, present, or future 
participation in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers, but is subject to the following terms and 
conditions:
    (A) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act, and regulations promulgated in the 
same manner as all other E nonimmigrants; and
    (B) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is not 
modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her participation in 
a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers.
    (iii) Although participation by an E nonimmigrant alien in a strike 
or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers will not 
constitute a ground for deportation, any alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his or her authorized 
period of stay has expired will be subject to deportation.
    (iv) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress, but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (e)(22)(i) of this section, or the 
Service has not otherwise been informed by the Secretary that such a 
strike or labor dispute is in progress, the Commissioner shall not deny 
entry to an applicant for E status.
    (23) Special procedures for classifying foreign investors in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as E-2 nonimmigrant 
treaty investors under

[[Page 309]]

title VII of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 
110-229), 48 U.S.C. 1806.
    (i) E-2 CNMI Investor eligibility. During the period ending on 
January 18, 2013, an alien may, upon application to the Secretary of 
Homeland Security, be classified as a CNMI-only nonimmigrant treaty 
investor (E-2 CNMI Investor) under section 101(a)(15)(E)(ii) of the Act 
if the alien:
    (A) Was lawfully admitted to the CNMI in long-term investor status 
under the immigration laws of the CNMI before the transition program 
effective date and had that status on the transition program effective 
date;
    (B) Has continuously maintained residence in the CNMI;
    (C) Is otherwise admissible to the United States; and
    (D) Maintains the investment or investments that formed the basis 
for such long-term investment status.
    (ii) Definitions. For purposes of paragraph (e)(23) of this section, 
the following definitions apply:
    (A) Approved investment or residence means an investment or 
residence approved by the CNMI government.
    (B) Approval letter means a letter issued by the CNMI government 
certifying the acceptance of an approved investment subject to the 
minimum investment criteria and standards provided in 4 N. Mar. I. Code 
section 5941 et seq. (long-term business certificate), 4 N. Mar. I. Code 
section 5951 et seq. (foreign investor certificate), and 4 N. Mar. I. 
Code section 50101 et seq. (foreign retiree investment certificate).
    (C) Certificate means a certificate or certification issued by the 
CNMI government to an applicant whose application has been approved by 
the CNMI government.
    (D) Continuously maintained residence in the CNMI means that the 
alien has maintained his or her residence within the CNMI since being 
lawfully admitted as a long-term investor and has been physically 
present therein for periods totaling at least half of that time. Absence 
from the CNMI for any continuous period of more than six months but less 
than one year after such lawful admission shall break the continuity of 
such residence, unless the subject alien establishes to the satisfaction 
of DHS that he or she did not in fact abandon residence in the CNMI 
during such period. Absence from the CNMI for any period of one year or 
more during the period for which continuous residence is required shall 
break the continuity of such residence.
    (E) Public organization means a CNMI public corporation or an agency 
of the CNMI government.
    (F) Transition period means the period beginning on the transition 
program effective date and ending on December 31, 2029.
    (iii) Long-term investor status. Long-term investor status under the 
immigration laws of the CNMI includes only the following investor 
classifications under CNMI immigration laws as in effect on or before 
November 27, 2009:
    (A) Long-term business investor. An alien who has an approved 
investment of at least $50,000 in the CNMI, as evidenced by a Long-Term 
Business Certificate.
    (B) Foreign investor. An alien in the CNMI who has invested either a 
minimum of $100,000 in an aggregate approved investment in excess of 
$2,000,000, or a minimum of $250,000 in a single approved investment, as 
evidenced by a Foreign Investment Certificate.
    (C) Retiree investor. An alien in the CNMI who:
    (1) Is over the age of 55 years and has invested a minimum of 
$100,000 in an approved residence on Saipan or $75,000 in an approved 
residence on Tinian or Rota, as evidenced by a Foreign Retiree 
Investment Certification; or
    (2) Is over the age of 55 years and has invested a minimum of 
$150,000 in an approved residence to live in the CNMI, as evidenced by a 
Foreign Retiree Investment Certificate.
    (iv) Maintaining investments. An alien in long-term investor status 
under the immigration laws of the CNMI is maintaining his or her 
investments if that alien investor is in compliance with the terms upon 
which the investor certificate was issued.
    (v) Filing procedures. An alien seeking classification under E-2 
CNMI Investor

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nonimmigrant status must file an application for E-2 CNMI investor 
nonimmigrant status, along with accompanying evidence, with USCIS in 
accordance with the form instructions before January 18, 2013. An 
application filed after the filing date deadline will be rejected.
    (vi) Appropriate documents. Documentary evidence establishing 
eligibility for E-2 CNMI nonimmigrant investor status is required.
    (A) Required evidence of admission includes a valid unexpired 
foreign passport and a properly endorsed CNMI admission document (e.g., 
entry permit or certificate) reflecting lawful admission to the CNMI in 
long-term business investor, foreign investor, or retiree foreign 
investor status.
    (B) Required evidence of long-term investor status includes:
    (1) An unexpired Long-Term Business Certificate, in the case of an 
alien in long-term business investor status.
    (2) An unexpired Foreign Investment Certificate, in the case of an 
alien in foreign investor status.
    (3) A Foreign Retiree Investment Certification or a Foreign Retiree 
Investment Certificate, in the case of an alien in retiree investor 
status.
    (C) Required evidence that the long-term investor is maintaining his 
or her investment includes all of the following, as applicable:
    (1) An approval letter issued by the CNMI government.
    (2) Evidence that capital has been invested, including bank 
statements showing amounts deposited in CNMI business accounts, 
invoices, receipts or contracts for assets purchased, stock purchase 
transaction records, loan or other borrowing agreements, land leases, 
financial statements, business gross tax receipts, or any other 
agreements supporting the application.
    (3) Evidence that the applicant has invested at least the minimum 
amount required, including evidence of assets which have been purchased 
for use in the enterprise, evidence of property transferred from abroad 
for use in the enterprise, evidence of monies transferred or committed 
to be transferred to the new or existing enterprise in exchange for 
shares of stock, any loan or mortgage, promissory note, security 
agreement, or other evidence of borrowing which is secured by assets of 
the applicant.
    (4) A comprehensive business plan for new enterprises.
    (5) Articles of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreements, 
joint venture agreements, corporate minutes and annual reports, 
affidavits, declarations, or certifications of paid-in capital.
    (6) Current business licenses.
    (7) Foreign business registration records, recent tax returns of any 
kind, evidence of other sources of capital.
    (8) A listing of all resident and nonresident employees.
    (9) A listing of all holders of business certificates for the 
business establishment.
    (10) A listing of all corporations in which the applicant has a 
controlling interest.
    (11) In the case of a holder of a certificate of foreign investment, 
copies of annual reports of investment activities in the CNMI containing 
sufficient information to determine whether the certificate holder is 
under continuing compliance with the standards of issuance, accompanied 
by annual financial audit reports performed by an independent certified 
public accountant.
    (12) In the case of an applicant who is a retiree investor, evidence 
that he or she has an interest in property in the CNMI (e.g., lease 
agreement), evidence of the value of the property interest (e.g., an 
appraisal regarding the value of the property), and, as applicable, 
evidence of the value of the improvements on the property (e.g., 
receipts or invoices of the costs of construction, the amount paid for a 
preexisting structure, or an appraisal of improvements).
    (vii) Physical presence in the CNMI. Physical presence in the CNMI 
at the time of filing or during the pendency of the application is not 
required, but an application may not be filed by, or E-2 CNMI Investor 
status granted to, any alien present in U.S. territory other than in the 
CNMI. If an alien with CNMI long-term investor status departs the CNMI 
on or after the transition program effective date but before being 
granted E-2 CNMI Investor status, he or she may not be re-admitted

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to the CNMI without a visa or appropriate inadmissibility waiver under 
the U.S. immigration laws. If USCIS grants E-2 CNMI Investor 
nonimmigrant classification to an alien who is not physically present in 
the CNMI at the time of the grant, such alien must obtain an E-2 CNMI 
Investor nonimmigrant visa at a consular office abroad in order to seek 
admission to the CNMI in E-2 CNMI Investor status.
    (viii) Information for background checks. USCIS may require an 
applicant for E-2 CNMI Investor status, including but not limited to any 
applicant for derivative status as a spouse or child, to submit 
biometrics as required under 8 CFR 103.16.
    (ix) Denial. A grant of E-2 CNMI Investor status is a discretionary 
determination, and the application may be denied for failure of the 
applicant to demonstrate eligibility or for other good cause. Denial of 
the application may be appealed to the USCIS Administrative Appeals 
Office or any successor body.
    (x) Spouse and children of an E-2 CNMI Investor--(A) Classification. 
The spouse and children of an E-2 CNMI Investor accompanying or 
following-to-join the principal alien, if otherwise admissible, may 
receive the same classification as the principal alien. The nationality 
of a spouse or child of an E-2 CNMI investor is not material to the 
classification of the spouse or child.
    (B) Employment authorization. The spouse of an E-2 CNMI Investor 
lawfully admitted in the CNMI in E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status, 
other than the spouse of an E-2 CNMI investor who obtained such status 
based upon a Foreign Retiree Investment Certificate, is eligible to 
apply for employment authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(12) while in 
E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status. Employment authorization acquired 
under this paragraph is limited to employment in the CNMI only.
    (xi) Terms and conditions of E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status--
(A) Nonimmigrant status. E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status and any 
derivative status are only applicable in the CNMI. Entry, employment, 
and residence in the rest of the United States (including Guam) require 
the appropriate visa or visa waiver eligibility. An E-2 CNMI Investor 
who enters, attempts to enter or attempts to travel to any other part of 
the United States without the appropriate visa or visa waiver 
eligibility, or who violates conditions of nonimmigrant stay applicable 
to any such authorized status in any other part of the United States, 
will be deemed to have violated the terms and conditions of his or her 
E-2 CNMI Investor status. An E-2 CNMI Investor who departs the CNMI will 
require an E-2 CNMI investor visa for readmission to the CNMI as an E-2 
CNMI Investor.
    (B) Employment authorization. An alien with E-2 CNMI Investor 
nonimmigrant status is only employment authorized in the CNMI for the 
enterprise that is the basis for his or her CNMI Foreign Investment 
Certificate or Long-Term Business Certificate, to the extent that such 
Certificate authorized such activity. An alien with E-2 CNMI Investor 
nonimmigrant status based upon a Foreign Retiree Investor Certificate is 
not employment authorized.
    (C) Changes in E-2 CNMI investor nonimmigrant status. If there are 
any substantive changes to an alien's compliance with the terms and 
conditions of qualification for E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status, 
the alien must file a new application for E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant 
status, in accordance with the appropriate form instructions to request 
an extension of stay in the United States. Prior approval is not 
required if corporate changes occur that do not affect a previously 
approved employment relationship, or are otherwise non-substantive.
    (D) Unauthorized change of employment. An unauthorized change of 
employment to a new employer will constitute a failure to maintain 
status within the meaning of section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (E) Periods of admission. (1) An E-2 CNMI Investor may be admitted 
for an initial period of not more than two years.
    (2) The spouse and children accompanying or following-to-join an E-2 
CNMI Investor may be admitted for the period during which the principal 
alien

[[Page 312]]

is in valid E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status. The temporary 
departure from the United States of the principal E-2 CNMI Investor 
shall not affect the derivative status of the dependent spouse and 
children, provided the familial relationship continues to exist and the 
principal alien remains eligible for admission as an E-2 CNMI Investor.
    (xii) Extensions of stay. Requests for extensions of E-2 CNMI 
Investor nonimmigrant status may be granted in increments of not more 
than two years, until the end of the transition period. To request an 
extension of stay, an E-2 CNMI Investor must file with USCIS an 
application for extension of stay, with required accompanying documents, 
in accordance with the appropriate form instructions. To qualify for an 
extension of E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status, each alien must 
demonstrate:
    (A) Continuous maintenance of the terms and conditions of E-2 CNMI 
Investor nonimmigrant status;
    (B) Physical presence in the CNMI at the time of filing the 
application for extension of stay; and
    (C) That he or she did not leave during the pendency of the 
application.
    (xiii) Change of status. An alien lawfully admitted to the United 
States in another valid nonimmigrant status who is continuing to 
maintain that status may apply to change nonimmigrant status to E-2 CNMI 
Investor in accordance with paragraph (e)(21) of this section, if 
otherwise eligible, including but not limited to having been in CNMI 
long-term investor status on the transition date and within the period 
provided by paragraph (e)(23)(v) of this section.
    (xiv) Expiration of the transition period. Upon expiration of the 
transition period, the E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status will 
automatically terminate.
    (xv) [Reserved]
    (xvi) Waiver of inadmissibility for applicants present in the CNMI. 
An applicant for E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status, who is otherwise 
eligible for such status and otherwise admissible to the United States, 
and who has provided all appropriate documents as described in paragraph 
(e)(23)(vi) of this section, may be granted a waiver of inadmissibility 
under section 212(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act, including the grounds of 
inadmissibility described in sections 212(a)(6)(A)(i) (to the extent 
such grounds arise solely because of the alien's presence in the CNMI on 
November 28, 2009) and 212(a)(7)(B)(i)(II) of the Act, for the purpose 
of granting the E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status. Such waiver may 
be granted without additional form or fee required. In the case of an 
application by a spouse or child as described in paragraph (e)(23)(x) of 
this section who is present in the CNMI, the appropriate documents 
required for such waiver are a valid unexpired passport and evidence 
that the spouse or child is lawfully present in the CNMI under section 
1806(e) of title 48, U.S. Code (which may include evidence of a grant of 
parole by USCIS or by the Department of Homeland Security pursuant to a 
grant of advance parole by USCIS in furtherance of section 1806(e) of 
title 48, U.S. Code).
    (f) Students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, 
academic high schools, elementary schools, other academic institutions, 
and in language training programs.

              Table 2 to Paragraph (f)--Paragraph Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Admission of student
(2) I-20 ID
(3) Admission of the spouse and minor children of an F-1 student
(4) Temporary absence
(5) Duration of status
(6) Full course of study
(7) Extension of stay
(8) School transfer
(9) Employment
(10) Practical training
(11) OPT application and approval process
(12) Reporting while on optional practical training
(13) Temporary absence from the United States of F-1 student granted
 employment authorization
(14) Effect of strike or other labor dispute
(15) Spouse and children of F-1 student
(16) Reinstatement to student status
(17) Current name and address

[[Page 313]]

 
(18) Special rules for certain border commuter students
(19) Remittance of the fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Admission of student--(i) Eligibility for admission. A 
nonimmigrant student may be admitted into the United States in 
nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Act, if:
    (A) The student presents a Form I-20 or successor form issued in the 
student's name by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor 
Program (SEVP) for attendance by F-1 foreign students;
    (B) The student has documentary evidence of financial support in the 
amount indicated on the Form I-20 or successor form;
    (C) For students seeking initial admission only, the student intends 
to attend the school specified in the student's visa (or, where the 
student is exempt from the requirement for a visa, the school indicated 
on the Form I-20 or successor form); and
    (D) In the case of a student who intends to study at a public 
secondary school, the student has demonstrated that he or she has 
reimbursed the local educational agency that administers the school for 
the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of providing education at the 
school for the period of the student's attendance.
    (ii) Form I-20 or successor form requirements at the port-of-entry. 
When an F-1 student applies for admission with a complete Form I-20 or 
successor form, the inspecting officer will:
    (A) Transcribe the student's admission number from Form I-94 onto 
the student's Form I-20 or successor form (for students seeking initial 
admission only);
    (B) Endorse the Form I-20 or successor form; and
    (C) Return the Form I-20 or successor form to the student.
    (iii) Use of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System 
(SEVIS). Schools must issue a Form I-20 or successor form in SEVIS to 
any current student requiring a reportable action (e.g., extension of 
stay, practical training, and requests for employment authorization), or 
to any alien who must obtain a new nonimmigrant student visa.
    (2) Student maintenance of Form I-20 or successor form. An F-1 
student is expected to retain for safekeeping the initial Form I-20 or 
successor form bearing the admission number and any subsequent Form I-20 
issued to them. Should the student lose their current Form I-20 or 
successor form, a replacement copy bearing the same information as the 
lost copy, including any endorsement for employment and notations, 
should be issued by the designated school official (DSO) as defined in 
Sec.  214.3(l)(1).
    (3) Admission of the spouse and minor children of an F-1 student. 
The spouse and minor children accompanying an F-1 student are eligible 
for admission in F-2 status if the student is admitted in F-1 status. 
The spouse and minor children following-to-join an F-1 student are 
eligible for admission to the United States in F-2 status if they are 
able to demonstrate that the F-1 student has been admitted and is, or 
will be within 30 days, enrolled in a full course of study, or engaged 
in approved practical training following completion of studies. In 
either case, at the time they seek admission, the eligible spouse and 
minor children of an F-1 student must individually present a Form I-20 
or successor form in the name of each F-2 dependent issued by a school 
certified by SEVP for attendance by F-1 students. A new Form I-20 or 
successor form is required for a dependent where there has been any 
substantive change in the F-1 student's current information.
    (4) Temporary absence. An F-1 student returning to the United States 
from a temporary absence of five months or less may be readmitted for 
attendance at an SEVP-certified educational institution, if the student 
presents:
    (i) A current Form I-20 or successor form properly endorsed by the 
DSO for reentry if there has been no substantive change to the most 
recent Form I-20 or successor form information; or
    (ii) An updated Form I-20 or successor form if there has been a 
substantive change in the information on the student's most recent Form 
I-20 or

[[Page 314]]

successor form, such as in the case of a student who has changed the 
major area of study, who intends to transfer to another SEVP-certified 
institution, or who has advanced to a higher level of study.
    (5) Duration of status--(i) General. Duration of status is defined 
as the time during which an F-1 student is pursuing a full course of 
study at an educational institution certified by SEVP for attendance by 
foreign students, or engaging in authorized practical training following 
completion of studies, except that an F-1 student who is admitted to 
attend a public high school is restricted to an aggregate of 12 months 
of study at any public high school(s). An F-1 student may be admitted 
for a period up to 30 days before the indicated report date or program 
start date listed on the Form I-20 or successor form. The student is 
considered to be maintaining status if the student is making normal 
progress toward completing a course of study.
    (ii) Change in educational levels. An F-1 student who continues from 
one educational level to another is considered to be maintaining status, 
provided that the transition to the new educational level is 
accomplished according to transfer procedures outlined in paragraph 
(f)(8) of this section.
    (iii) Annual vacation. An F-1 student at an academic institution is 
considered to be in status during the annual (or summer) vacation if the 
student is eligible and intends to register for the next term. A student 
attending a school on a quarter or trimester calendar who takes only one 
vacation a year during any one of the quarters or trimesters instead of 
during the summer is considered to be in status during that vacation, if 
the student has completed the equivalent of an academic year prior to 
taking the vacation.
    (iv) Preparation for departure. An F-1 student who has completed a 
course of study and any authorized practical training following 
completion of studies will be allowed an additional 60-day period to 
prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer in 
accordance with paragraph (f)(8) of this section. An F-1 student 
authorized by the DSO to withdraw from classes will be allowed a 15-day 
period for departure from the United States. However, an F-1 student who 
fails to maintain a full course of study without the approval of the DSO 
or otherwise fails to maintain status is not eligible for an additional 
period for departure.
    (v) Emergent circumstances as determined by the Secretary. Where the 
Secretary has suspended the applicability of any or all of the 
requirements for on-campus or off-campus employment authorization for 
specified students pursuant to paragraphs (f)(9)(i) or (ii) of this 
section by notice in the Federal Register, an affected student who needs 
to reduce their full course of study as a result of accepting employment 
authorized by such notice in the Federal Register will be considered to 
be in status during the authorized employment, subject to any other 
conditions specified in the notice, provided that, for the duration of 
the authorized employment, the student is registered for the number of 
semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term specified in 
the notice, which in no event shall be less than six semester or quarter 
hours of instruction per academic term if the student is at the 
undergraduate level or less than three semester or quarter hours of 
instruction per academic term if the student is at the graduate level, 
and is continuing to make progress toward completing the course of 
study.
    (vi) Extension of duration of status and grant of employment 
authorization. (A) The duration of status, and any employment 
authorization granted under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B) or (C), of an F-1 
student who is the beneficiary of an H-1B petition subject to section 
214(g)(1)(A) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)(A)) and request for change 
of status shall be automatically extended until October 1 of the fiscal 
year for which such H-1B status is being requested where such petition:
    (1) Has been timely filed; and
    (2) Requests an H-1B employment start date of October 1 of the 
following fiscal year.
    (B) The automatic extension of an F-1 student's duration of status 
and employment authorization under paragraph (f)(5)(vi)(A) of this 
section shall

[[Page 315]]

automatically terminate upon the rejection, denial, revocation, or 
withdrawal of the H-1B petition filed on such F-1 student's behalf or 
upon the denial or withdrawal of the request for change of nonimmigrant 
status, even if the H-1B petition filed on the F-1 student's behalf is 
approved for consular processing.
    (C) In order to obtain the automatic extension of stay and 
employment authorization under paragraph (f)(5)(vi)(A) of this section, 
the F-1 student, consistent with 8 CFR part 248, must not have violated 
the terms or conditions of his or her nonimmigrant status.
    (D) An automatic extension of an F-1 student's duration of status 
under paragraph (f)(5)(vi)(A) of this section also applies to the 
duration of status of any F-2 dependent aliens.
    (6) Full course of study--(i) General. Successful completion of the 
full course of study must lead to the attainment of a specific 
educational or professional objective. A course of study at an 
institution not certified for attendance by foreign students as provided 
in Sec.  214.3(a)(3) does not satisfy the requirement of this paragraph 
(f)(6)(i). A ``full course of study'' as required by section 
101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Act means:
    (A) Postgraduate study or postdoctoral study at a college or 
university, or undergraduate or postgraduate study at a conservatory or 
religious seminary, certified by a DSO as a full course of study;
    (B) Undergraduate study at a college or university, certified by a 
school official to consist of at least 12 semester or quarter hours of 
instruction per academic term in those institutions using standard 
semester, trimester, or quarter hour systems, where all undergraduate 
students who are enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester or quarter hours 
are charged full-time tuition or are considered full-time for other 
administrative purposes, or its equivalent (as determined by SEVP in the 
school certification process), except when the student needs a lesser 
course load to complete the course of study during the current term;
    (C) Study in a postsecondary language, liberal arts, fine arts, or 
other non-vocational program at a school which confers upon its 
graduates recognized associate or other degrees or has established that 
its credits have been and are accepted unconditionally by at least three 
other institutions of higher learning which are either:
    (1) A school (or school system) owned and operated as a public 
educational institution by the United States or a State or political 
subdivision thereof; or
    (2) A school accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body; 
and which has been certified by a designated school official to consist 
of at least 12 clock hours of instruction a week, or its equivalent as 
determined by SEVP in the school certification process;
    (D) Study in any other language, liberal arts, fine arts, or other 
nonvocational training program, certified by a designated school 
official to consist of at least eighteen clock hours of attendance a 
week if the dominant part of the course of study consists of classroom 
instruction, or to consist of at least twenty-two clock hours a week if 
the dominant part of the course of study consists of laboratory work; or
    (E) Study in a curriculum at a certified private elementary or 
middle school or public or private academic high school which is 
certified by a designated school official to consist of class attendance 
for not less than the minimum number of hours a week prescribed by the 
school for normal progress toward graduation.
    (F) Notwithstanding paragraphs (f)(6)(i)(A) and (B) of this section, 
an alien who has been granted employment authorization pursuant to the 
terms of a document issued by the Secretary under paragraphs (f)(9)(i) 
or (ii) of this section and published in the Federal Register shall be 
deemed to be engaged in a ``full course of study'' if he or she remains 
registered for no less than the number of semester or quarter hours of 
instruction per academic term specified by the Secretary in the notice 
for the validity period of such employment authorization.
    (G) For F-1 students enrolled in classes for credit or classroom 
hours, no more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per 
session, term,

[[Page 316]]

semester, trimester, or quarter may be counted toward the full course of 
study requirement if the class is taken on-line or through distance 
education and does not require the student's physical attendance for 
classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the 
class. An on-line or distance education course is a course that is 
offered principally through the use of television, audio, or computer 
transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, 
or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing. If the F-1 
student's course of study is in a language study program, no on-line or 
distance education classes may be considered to count toward a student's 
full course of study requirement.
    (H) On-campus employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, 
fellowship, or assistantship is deemed to be part of the academic 
program of a student otherwise taking a full course of study.
    (ii) Institution of higher learning. For purposes of this paragraph, 
a college or university is an institution of higher learning which 
awards recognized associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, or 
professional degrees. Schools which devote themselves exclusively or 
primarily to vocational, business, or language instruction are not 
included in the category of colleges or universities. Vocational or 
business schools which are classifiable as M-1 schools are provided for 
by regulations under 8 CFR 214.2(m).
    (iii) Reduced course load. The designated school official may allow 
an F-1 student to engage in less than a full course of study as provided 
in this paragraph (f)(6)(iii). Except as otherwise noted, a reduced 
course load must consist of at least six semester or quarter hours, or 
half the clock hours required for a full course of study. A student who 
drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the DSO 
will be considered out of status. On-campus employment pursuant to the 
terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship is deemed to be 
part of the academic program of a student otherwise taking a full course 
of study.
    (A) Academic difficulties. The DSO may authorize a reduced course 
load on account of a student's initial difficulty with the English 
language or reading requirements, unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching 
methods, or improper course level placement. The student must resume a 
full course of study at the next available term, session, or semester, 
excluding a summer session, in order to maintain student status. A 
student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due 
to academic difficulties is not eligible for a second authorization by 
the DSO due to academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at 
that program level. A student authorized to drop below a full course of 
study for academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at a 
particular program level may still be authorized for a reduced course 
load due to an illness medical condition as provided for in paragraph 
(B) of this section.
    (B) Medical conditions. The DSO may authorize a reduced course load 
(or, if necessary, no course load) due to a student's temporary illness 
or medical condition for a period of time not to exceed an aggregate of 
12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at a 
particular program level. In order to authorize a reduced course load 
based upon a medical condition, the student must provide medical 
documentation from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of 
osteopathy, licensed psychologist, or clinical psychologist to the DSO 
to substantiate the illness or medical condition. The student must 
provide current medical documentation and the DSO must reauthorize the 
drop below full course of study each new term, session, or semester. A 
student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due 
to illness or medical condition for an aggregate of 12 months may not be 
authorized by a DSO to reduce their course load on subsequent occasions 
while pursuing a course of study at the same program level. A student 
may be authorized to reduce course load for a reason of illness or 
medical condition on more than one occasion while pursuing a course of 
study, so long as the aggregate period of that authorization does not 
exceed 12 months.
    (C) Completion of course of study. The DSO may authorize a reduced 
course

[[Page 317]]

load in the student's final term, semester, or session if fewer courses 
are needed to complete the course of study. If the student is not 
required to take any additional courses to satisfy the requirements for 
completion, but continues to be enrolled for administrative purposes, 
the student is considered to have completed the course of study and must 
take action to maintain status. Such action may include application for 
change of status or departure from the U.S.
    (D) [Reserved]
    (E) Reporting requirements. In order for a student to be authorized 
to drop below a full course of study, the DSO must update SEVIS prior to 
the student reducing their course load. The DSO must update SEVIS with 
the date, reason for authorization, and the start date of the next term 
or session. The DSO must also notify SEVIS within 21 days of the 
student's commencement of a full course of study. If an extension of the 
program end date is required due to the student dropping below a full 
course of study, the DSO must update SEVIS by completing a new Form I-20 
or successor form with the new program end date in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(7) of this section.
    (iv) Concurrent enrollment. An F-1 student may be enrolled in two 
different SEVP-certified schools at one time as long as the combined 
enrollment amounts to a full course of study. In cases where a student 
is concurrently enrolled, the school from which the student will earn 
their degree or certification should issue the Form I-20 or successor 
form, and conduct subsequent certifications and updates to the Form I-20 
or successor form. The DSO from this school is also responsible for all 
of the reporting requirements to SEVP. In instances where a student is 
enrolled in programs with different full course of study requirements 
(e.g., clock hours vs. credit hours), the DSO is permitted to determine 
what constitutes a full course of study.
    (7) Extension of stay--(i) General. An F-1 student who is admitted 
for duration of status is not required to apply for extension of stay as 
long as the student is maintaining status and making normal progress 
toward completion of their educational objective. An F-1 student who is 
currently maintaining status and making normal progress toward 
completing their educational objective, but who is unable to complete 
their course of study by the program end date on the Form I-20 or 
successor form, must apply prior to the program end date for a program 
extension pursuant to paragraph (f)(7)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Report date and program completion date on Form I-20 or 
successor form. When determining the report date on the Form I-20 or 
successor form, the DSO may choose a reasonable date to accommodate a 
student's need to be in attendance for required activities at the school 
prior to the actual start of classes. Such required activities may 
include, but are not limited to, research projects and orientation 
sessions. However, for purposes of employment, the DSO may not indicate 
a report date more than 30 days prior to the start of classes. When 
determining the program completion date on Form I-20 or successor form, 
the DSO should make a reasonable estimate based upon the time an average 
student would need to complete a similar program in the same discipline.
    (iii) Program extension for students in lawful status. An F-1 
student who is unable to meet the program completion date on the Form I-
20 or successor form may be granted an extension by the DSO if the DSO 
certifies that the student has continually maintained status and that 
the delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as 
changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or 
documented illnesses. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension 
are not acceptable reasons for program extensions. A DSO may not grant 
an extension if the student did not apply for an extension until after 
the program end date noted on the Form I-20 or successor form. An F-1 
student who is unable to complete the educational program within the 
time listed on Form I-20 or successor form and who is ineligible for 
program extension pursuant to this paragraph (f)(7) is considered out of 
status. If eligible, the student may apply for reinstatement under the 
provisions of paragraph (f)(16) of this section.

[[Page 318]]

    (iv) SEVIS update. A DSO may grant a program extension only by 
updating SEVIS and issuing a new Form I-20 or successor form reflecting 
the current program end date. A DSO may grant an extension any time 
prior to the program end date listed on the student's Form I-20 or 
successor form.
    (8) School transfer--(i) General. A student who is maintaining 
status may transfer to another SEVP-certified school by following the 
notification procedure prescribed in paragraph (f)(8)(ii) of this 
section. However, an F-1 student is not permitted to remain in the 
United States when transferring between schools or programs unless the 
student will begin classes at the transfer school or program within five 
months of transferring out of the current school or within 5 months of 
the program completion date on their current Form I-20 or successor 
form, whichever is earlier. In the case of an F-1 student authorized to 
engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT), the student 
must be able resume classes within 5 months of transferring out of the 
school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends, 
whichever is earlier. An F-1 student who was not pursuing a full course 
of study at the school he or she was last authorized to attend is 
ineligible for school transfer and must apply for reinstatement under 
the provisions of paragraph (f)(16) of this section, or, in the 
alternative, may depart the country and return as an initial entry in a 
new F-1 nonimmigrant status.
    (ii) Transfer procedure. To transfer schools, the student must first 
notify their current school (the ``transfer-out'' school) of the intent 
to transfer and indicate the school to which the student intends to 
transfer (the ``transfer-in'' school). Upon notification by the student, 
the transfer-out school must update SEVIS to show the student is 
transferring out, indicate the transfer-in school, and input the 
transfer release date. The release date will be the current semester or 
session completion date, or the date of expected transfer if earlier 
than the established academic cycle. The transfer-out school will retain 
control over the student's record in SEVIS until the student completes 
the current term or reaches the release date. At the request of the 
student, the DSO of the transfer-out school may cancel the transfer 
request at any time prior to the release date. As of the release date 
specified by the transfer-out DSO, the transfer-in school will be 
granted full access to the student's SEVIS record and then becomes 
responsible for that student. The transfer-out school conveys authority 
and responsibility over that student to the transfer-in school and 
relinquishes its SEVIS access to that student's record. As such, a 
transfer request may not be cancelled by the transfer-out DSO after the 
release date has been reached. After the release date, the transfer-in 
DSO must complete the transfer of the student's record in SEVIS and may 
issue a Form I-20 or successor form. The student is then required to 
contact the DSO at the transfer-in school within 15 days of the program 
start date listed on the Form I-20 or successor form. Upon notification 
that the student is enrolled in classes, the transfer-in DSO must update 
SEVIS to reflect the student's registration and current address, thereby 
acknowledging that the student has completed the transfer process. The 
transfer is completed when the transfer-in school notifies SEVIS that 
the student has enrolled in classes in accordance with the 30 days 
required by Sec.  214.3(g)(2)(iii).
    (iii) Notification. Upon receipt of the student's Form I-20 A-B, the 
DSO must:
    (A) Note ``transfer completed on (date)'' on the student's I-20 ID 
in the space provided for the DSO's remarks, thereby acknowledging the 
student's attendance;
    (B) Return the I-20 ID to the student;
    (C) Submit the I-20 School copy to the Service's Data Processing 
Center within 30 days of receipt from the student; and
    (D) Forward a photocopy of the Form I-20 A-B School Copy to the 
school from which the student transferred.
    (9) Employment--(i) On-campus employment. On-campus employment must 
either be performed on the school's premises, (including on-location 
commercial firms which provide services for students on campus, such as 
the

[[Page 319]]

school bookstore or cafeteria), or at an off-campus location that is 
educationally affiliated with the school. Employment with on-site 
commercial firms, such as a construction company building a school 
building, which do not provide direct student services is not deemed on-
campus employment for the purposes of this paragraph (f)(9)(i). In the 
case of off-campus locations, the educational affiliation must be 
associated with the school's established curriculum or related to 
contractually funded research projects at the post-graduate level. In 
any event, the employment must be an integral part of the student's 
educational program. Employment authorized under this paragraph 
(f)(9)(i) must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session, 
unless the Secretary suspends the applicability of this limitation due 
to emergent circumstances, as determined by the Secretary, by means of 
notice in the Federal Register, the student demonstrates to the DSO that 
the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship resulting 
from the emergent circumstances, and the DSO notates the Form I-20 or 
successor form in accordance with the Federal Register document. An F-1 
student may, however, work on campus full-time when school is not in 
session or during the annual vacation. A student who has been issued a 
Form I-20 or successor form to begin a new program in accordance with 
the provision of Sec.  214.3(k) and who intends to enroll for the next 
regular academic year, term, or session at the institution that issued 
the Form I-20 or successor form may continue on-campus employment 
incident to status. Otherwise, an F-1 student may not engage in on-
campus employment after completing a course of study, except employment 
for practical training as authorized under paragraph (f)(10) of this 
section. An F-1 student may engage in any on-campus employment 
authorized under this paragraph (f)(9)(i) which will not displace United 
States residents. In the case of a transfer in SEVIS, the student may 
only engage in on-campus employment at the school having jurisdiction 
over the student's SEVIS record. Upon initial entry to begin a new 
course of study, an F-1 student may not begin on-campus employment more 
than 30 days prior to the actual start of classes.
    (ii) Off-campus work authorization--(A) General. An F-1 student may 
be authorized to work off-campus on a part-time basis in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(9)(ii)(C) of this section after having been in F-1 status 
for one full academic year provided that the student is in good academic 
standing as determined by the DSO. Part-time off-campus employment 
authorized under this section is limited to no more than 20 hours a week 
when school is in session. A student who is granted off-campus 
employment authorization may work full-time during holidays or school 
vacation. The employment authorization is automatically terminated 
whenever the student fails to maintain status. In emergent circumstances 
as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may suspend the 
applicability of any or all of the requirements of paragraph (f)(9)(ii) 
of this section by notice in the Federal Register.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (C) Severe economic hardship. If other employment opportunities are 
not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1 student may 
request off-campus employment work authorization based upon severe 
economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the 
student's control. These circumstances may include loss of financial aid 
or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, 
substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, 
inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes 
in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical 
bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
    (D) Procedure for off-campus employment authorization due to severe 
economic hardship. The student must request a recommendation from the 
DSO for off-campus employment. The DSO must complete such certification 
in SEVIS. The DSO may recommend the student for work off-campus for one-
year intervals by certifying that:
    (1) The student has been in F-1 status for one full academic year;

[[Page 320]]

    (2) The student is in good standing as a student and is carrying a 
full course of study as defined in paragraph (f)(6) of this section;
    (3) The student has demonstrated that acceptance of employment will 
not interfere with the student's carrying a full course of study; and
    (4) The student has demonstrated that the employment is necessary to 
avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond 
the student's control pursuant to paragraph (f)(9)(ii)(C) of this 
section and has demonstrated that employment under paragraph (f)(9)(i) 
of this section is unavailable or otherwise insufficient to meet the 
needs that have arisen as a result of the unforeseen circumstances.
    (E) [Reserved]
    (F) Severe economic hardship application--(1) The applicant should 
submit the economic hardship application for employment authorization on 
Form I-765 or successor form, with the fee required by 8 CFR 106.2, and 
any other supporting materials such as affidavits which further detail 
the unforeseen circumstances that require the student to seek employment 
authorization and the unavailability or insufficiency of employment 
under paragraph (f)(9)(i) of this section to USCIS. Students should 
submit the Form I-20 or successor form with the employment page 
demonstrating the DSO's comments and certification. USCIS will 
adjudicate the application for work authorization based upon severe 
economic hardship on the basis of Form I-20 and Form I-765 or successor 
forms, and any additional supporting materials. If employment is 
authorized, the adjudicating officer will issue an employment 
authorization document (EAD). USCIS will notify the student of the 
decision, and, if the application is denied, of the reason or reasons 
for the denial. No appeal will lie from a decision to deny a request for 
employment authorization under this section. The employment 
authorization may be granted in one-year intervals up to the expected 
date of completion of the student's current course of study. A student 
has permission to engage in off-campus employment only if the student 
receives the EAD endorsed to that effect. Off-campus employment 
authorization may be renewed by USCIS only if the student is maintaining 
status and good academic standing. The employment authorization is 
automatically terminated whenever the student fails to maintain status.
    (2) The Service shall adjudicate the application for work 
authorization based upon severe economic hardship on the basis of Form 
I-20 ID, Form I-538, and Form I-765, and any additional supporting 
materials. If employment is authorized, the adjudicating officer shall 
issue an EAD. The Service director shall notify the student of the 
decision, and, if the application is denied, of the reason or reasons 
for the denial. No appeal shall lie from a decision to deny a request 
for employment authorization under this section. The employment 
authorization may be granted in one year intervals up to the expected 
date of completion of the student's current course of study. A student 
has permission to engage in off-campus employment only if the student 
receives the EAD endorsed to that effect. Off-campus employment 
authorization may be renewed by the Service only if the student is 
maintaining status and good academic standing. The employment 
authorization is automatically terminated whenever the student fails to 
maintain status.
    (iii) Internship with an international organization. A bona fide F-1 
student who has been offered employment by a recognized international 
organization within the meaning of the International Organization 
Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) must apply for employment authorization 
with USCIS. A student seeking employment authorization under this 
provision is required to present a written certification from the 
international organization that the proposed employment is within the 
scope of the organization's sponsorship, Form I-20 or successor form 
with employment page completed by DSO certifying eligibility for 
employment, and a completed Form I-765 or successor form, with the fee 
required by 8 CFR 106.2(a)(32).
    (10) Practical training. Practical training may be authorized to an 
F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis, in an 
approved SEVP-

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certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary for one full 
academic year. This paragraph (f)(10) also includes students who, during 
their course of study, were enrolled in a study abroad program, if the 
student had spent at least one full academic term enrolled in a full 
course of study in the United States prior to studying abroad. A student 
may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible 
for another 12 months of practical training when they change to a higher 
educational level. Students in English language training programs are 
ineligible for practical training. An eligible student may request 
employment authorization for practical training in a position that is 
directly related to their major area of study. There are two types of 
practical training available:
    (i) Curricular practical training. An F-1 student may be authorized 
by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program 
that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular 
practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, 
cooperative education or any other type of required internship or 
practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative 
agreements with the school. Students who have received one year or more 
of full time curricular practical training are ineligible for post-
completion academic training. Exceptions to the one academic year 
requirement are provided for students enrolled in graduate studies that 
require immediate participation in curricular practical training. A 
request for authorization for curricular practical training must be made 
to the DSO. A student may begin curricular practical training only after 
receiving their Form I-20 or successor form with the DSO endorsement. To 
grant authorization for a student to engage in curricular practical 
training, a DSO will update the student's record in SEVIS as being 
authorized for curricular practical training that is directly related to 
the student's major area of study. The DSO will indicate whether the 
training is full-time or part-time, the employer and location, and the 
employment start and end date. The DSO must sign, date, and return the 
Form I-20 or successor form to the student prior to the student's 
commencement of employment indicating that curricular practical training 
has been approved.
    (ii) Optional practical training--(A) General. Consistent with the 
application and approval process in paragraph (f)(11) of this section, a 
student may apply to USCIS for authorization for temporary employment 
for optional practical training directly related to the student's major 
area of study. The student may not begin optional practical training 
until the date indicated on his or her employment authorization 
document, Form I-766. A student may be granted authorization to engage 
in temporary employment for optional practical training:
    (1) During the student's annual vacation and at other times when 
school is not in session, if the student is currently enrolled, and is 
eligible for registration and intends to register for the next term or 
session;
    (2) While school is in session, provided that practical training 
does not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session; or
    (3) After completion of the course of study, or, for a student in a 
bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program, after completion of 
all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent). 
Continued enrollment, for the school's administrative purposes, after 
all requirements for the degree have been met does not preclude 
eligibility for optional practical training. A student must complete all 
practical training within a 14-month period following the completion of 
study, except that a 24-month extension pursuant to paragraph 
(f)(10)(ii)(C) of this section does not need to be completed within such 
14-month period.
    (B) Termination of practical training. Authorization to engage in 
optional practical training employment is automatically terminated when 
the student transfers to another school or begins study at another 
educational level.
    (C) 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for a science, 
technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree. Consistent with 
paragraph (f)(11)(i)(C) of this section, a qualified student may apply 
for an extension of OPT while in

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a valid period of post-completion OPT authorized under 8 CFR 
274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B). An extension will be for 24 months for the first 
qualifying degree for which the student has completed all course 
requirements (excluding thesis or equivalent), including any qualifying 
degree as part of a dual degree program, subject to the requirement in 
paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(3) of this section that previously obtained 
degrees must have been conferred. If a student completes all such course 
requirements for another qualifying degree at a higher degree level than 
the first, the student may apply for a second 24-month extension of OPT 
while in a valid period of post-completion OPT authorized under 8 CFR 
274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B). In no event may a student be authorized for more 
than two lifetime STEM OPT extensions. A student who was granted a 17-
month OPT extension under the rule issued at 73 FR 18944, whether or not 
such student requests an additional 7-month period of STEM OPT under 8 
CFR 214.16, is considered to have been authorized for one STEM OPT 
extension, and may be eligible for only one more STEM OPT extension. Any 
subsequent application for an additional 24-month OPT extension under 
this paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) must be based on a degree at a higher 
degree level than the degree that was the basis for the student's first 
OPT extension. In order to qualify for an extension of post-completion 
OPT based upon a STEM degree, all of the following requirements must be 
met.
    (1) Accreditation. The degree that is the basis for the 24-month OPT 
extension is from a U.S. educational institution accredited by an 
accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education at the time 
of application.
    (2) DHS-approved degree. The degree that is the basis for the 24-
month OPT extension is a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a 
field determined by the Secretary, or his or her designee, to qualify 
within a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
    (i) The term ``science, technology, engineering or mathematics 
field'' means a field included in the Department of Education's 
Classification of Instructional Programs taxonomy within the two-digit 
series or successor series containing engineering, biological sciences, 
mathematics, and physical sciences, or a related field. In general, 
related fields will include fields involving research, innovation, or 
development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer 
science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and 
agricultural sciences).
    (ii) The Secretary, or his or her designee, will maintain the STEM 
Designated Degree Program List, which will be a complete list of 
qualifying degree program categories, published on the Student and 
Exchange Visitor Program Web site at http://www.ice.gov/sevis. Changes 
that are made to the Designated Degree Program List may also be 
published in a notice in the Federal Register. All program categories 
included on the list must be consistent with the definition set forth in 
paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(i) of this section.
    (iii) At the time the DSO recommends a 24-month OPT extension under 
this paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) in SEVIS, the degree that is the basis for 
the application for the OPT extension must be contained within a 
category on the STEM Designated Degree Program List.
    (3) Previously obtained STEM degree(s). The degree that is the basis 
for the 24-month OPT extension under this paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) may 
be, but is not required to be, the degree that is the basis for the 
post-completion OPT period authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B). 
If an application for a 24-month OPT extension under this paragraph 
(f)(10)(ii)(C) is based upon a degree obtained previous to the degree 
that provided the basis for the period of post-completion OPT authorized 
under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B), that previously obtained degree must 
have been conferred from a U.S. educational institution that is 
accredited and SEVP-certified at the time the student's DSO recommends 
the student for the 24-month OPT extension and must be in a degree 
program category included on the current STEM Designated Degree Program 
List at the time of the DSO recommendation. That

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previously obtained degree must have been conferred within the 10 years 
preceding the date the DSO recommends the student for the 24-month OPT 
extension.
    (4) Eligible practical training opportunity. The STEM practical 
training opportunity that is the basis for the 24-month OPT extension 
under this paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) must be directly related to the 
degree that qualifies the student for such extension, which may be the 
previously obtained degree described in paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(3) of 
this section.
    (5) Employer qualification. The student's employer is enrolled in E-
Verify, as evidenced by either a valid E-Verify Company Identification 
number or, if the employer is using an employer agent to create its E-
Verify cases, a valid E-Verify Client Company Identification number, and 
the employer remains a participant in good standing with E-Verify, as 
determined by USCIS. An employer must also have an employer 
identification number (EIN) used for tax purposes.
    (6) Employer reporting. A student may not be authorized for 
employment with an employer pursuant to paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(2) of 
this section unless the employer agrees, by signing the Training Plan 
for STEM OPT Students, Form I-983 or successor form, to report the 
termination or departure of an OPT student to the DSO at the student's 
school, if the termination or departure is prior to the end of the 
authorized period of OPT. Such reporting must be made within five 
business days of the termination or departure. An employer shall 
consider a student to have departed when the employer knows the student 
has left the practical training opportunity, or if the student has not 
reported for his or her practical training for a period of five 
consecutive business days without the consent of the employer, whichever 
occurs earlier.
    (7) Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, Form I-983 or successor 
form. (i) A student must fully complete an individualized Form I-983 or 
successor form and obtain requisite signatures from an appropriate 
individual in the employer's organization on the form, consistent with 
form instructions, before the DSO may recommend a 24-month OPT extension 
under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(2) of this section in SEVIS. A student 
must submit the Form I-983 or successor form, which includes a 
certification of adherence to the training plan completed by an 
appropriate individual in the employer's organization who has signatory 
authority for the employer, to the student's DSO, prior to the new DSO 
recommendation. A student must present his or her signed and completed 
Form I-983 or successor form to a DSO at the educational institution of 
his or her most recent enrollment. A student, while in F-1 student 
status, may also be required to submit the Form I-983 or successor form 
to ICE and/or USCIS upon request or in accordance with form 
instructions.
    (ii) The training plan described in the Form I-983 or successor form 
must identify goals for the STEM practical training opportunity, 
including specific knowledge, skills, or techniques that will be 
imparted to the student, and explain how those goals will be achieved 
through the work-based learning opportunity with the employer; describe 
a performance evaluation process; and describe methods of oversight and 
supervision. Employers may rely on their otherwise existing training 
programs or policies to satisfy the requirements relating to performance 
evaluation and oversight and supervision, as applicable.
    (iii) The training plan described in the Form I-983 or successor 
form must explain how the training is directly related to the student's 
qualifying STEM degree.
    (iv) If a student initiates a new practical training opportunity 
with a new employer during his or her 24-month OPT extension, the 
student must submit, within 10 days of beginning the new practical 
training opportunity, a new Form I-983 or successor form to the 
student's DSO, and subsequently obtain a new DSO recommendation.
    (8) Duties, hours, and compensation for training. The terms and 
conditions of a STEM practical training opportunity during the period of 
the 24-month OPT extension, including duties, hours, and compensation, 
must be commensurate with terms and conditions applicable

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to the employer's similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of 
employment. A student may not engage in practical training for less than 
20 hours per week, excluding time off taken consistent with leave-
related policies applicable to the employer's similarly situated U.S. 
workers in the area of employment. If the employer does not employ and 
has not recently employed more than two similarly situated U.S. workers 
in the area of employment, the employer nevertheless remains obligated 
to attest that the terms and conditions of a STEM practical training 
opportunity are commensurate with the terms and conditions of employment 
for other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment. 
``Similarly situated U.S. workers'' includes U.S. workers performing 
similar duties subject to similar supervision and with similar 
educational backgrounds, industry expertise, employment experience, 
levels of responsibility, and skill sets as the student. The duties, 
hours, and compensation of such students are ``commensurate'' with those 
offered to U.S. workers employed by the employer in the same area of 
employment when the employer can show that the duties, hours, and 
compensation are consistent with the range of such terms and conditions 
the employer has offered or would offer to similarly situated U.S. 
employees. The student must disclose his or her compensation, including 
any adjustments, as agreed to with the employer, on the Form I-983 or 
successor form.
    (9) Evaluation requirements and Training Plan modifications. (i) A 
student may not be authorized for employment with an employer pursuant 
to paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(2) of this section unless the student 
submits a self-evaluation of the student's progress toward the training 
goals described in the Form I-983 or successor form. All required 
evaluations must be completed prior to the conclusion of a STEM 
practical training opportunity, and the student and an appropriate 
individual in the employer's organization must sign each evaluation to 
attest to its accuracy. All STEM practical training opportunities 
require an initial evaluation within 12 months of the approved starting 
date on the employment authorization document granted pursuant to the 
student's 24-month OPT extension application, and a concluding 
evaluation. The student is responsible for ensuring the DSO receives his 
or her 12-month evaluation and final evaluation no later than 10 days 
following the conclusion of the reporting period or conclusion of his or 
her practical training opportunity, respectively.
    (ii) If any material change to or deviation from the training plan 
described in the Form I-983 or successor form occurs, the student and 
employer must sign a modified Form I-983 or successor form reflecting 
the material change(s) or deviation(s). Material changes and deviations 
relating to training may include, but are not limited to, any change of 
Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring, 
any reduction in compensation from the amount previously submitted on 
the Form I-983 or successor form that is not tied to a reduction in 
hours worked, any significant decrease in hours per week that a student 
engages in a STEM training opportunity, and any decrease in hours worked 
below the minimum hours for the 24-month extension as described in 
paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(8) of this section. Material changes and 
deviations also include any change or deviation that renders an employer 
attestation inaccurate, or renders inaccurate the information in the 
Form I-983 or successor form on the nature, purpose, oversight, or 
assessment of the student's practical training opportunity. The student 
and employer must ensure that the modified Form I-983 or successor form 
is submitted to the student's DSO at the earliest available opportunity.
    (iii) The educational institution whose DSO is responsible for 
duties associated with the student's latest OPT extension under 
paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(2) of this section is responsible for ensuring 
the Student and Exchange Visitor Program has access to each 
individualized Form I-983 or successor form and associated student 
evaluations (electronic or hard copy), including through SEVIS if 
technologically available, beginning within 30 days after the document 
is submitted to the DSO and continuing for a period

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of three years following the completion of each STEM practical training 
opportunity.
    (10) Additional STEM opportunity obligations. A student may only 
participate in a STEM practical training opportunity in which the 
employer attests, including by signing the Form I-983 or successor form, 
that:
    (i) The employer has sufficient resources and personnel available 
and is prepared to provide appropriate training in connection with the 
specified opportunity at the location(s) specified in the Form I-983 or 
successor form;
    (ii) The student on a STEM OPT extension will not replace a full- or 
part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker; and
    (iii) The student's opportunity assists the student in reaching his 
or her training goals.
    (11) Site visits. DHS, at its discretion, may conduct a site visit 
of any employer. The purpose of the site visit is for DHS to ensure that 
each employer possesses and maintains the ability and resources to 
provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences consistent 
with any Form I-983 or successor form completed and signed by the 
employer. DHS will provide notice to the employer 48 hours in advance of 
any site visit, except notice may not be provided if the visit is 
triggered by a complaint or other evidence of noncompliance with the 
regulations in this paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C).
    (D) Duration of status while on post-completion OPT. For a student 
with approved post-completion OPT, the duration of status is defined as 
the period beginning on the date that the student's application for OPT 
was properly filed and pending approval, including the authorized period 
of post-completion OPT, and ending 60 days after the OPT employment 
authorization expires.
    (E) Periods of unemployment during post-completion OPT. During post-
completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment. Students may 
not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any 
post-completion OPT period described in 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B). 
Students granted a 24-month OPT extension under paragraph 
(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2) of this section may not accrue an aggregate of more 
than 150 days of unemployment during a total OPT period, including any 
post-completion OPT period described in 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B) and 
any subsequent 24-month extension period.
    (11) OPT application and approval process--(i) Student 
responsibilities. A student must initiate the OPT application process by 
requesting a recommendation for OPT from his or her DSO. Upon making the 
recommendation, the DSO will provide the student a signed Form I-20 
indicating that recommendation.
    (A) Applications for employment authorization. The student must 
properly file an Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765 or 
successor form, with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee, and the 
supporting documents, as described in the form's instructions.
    (B) Applications and filing deadlines for pre-completion OPT and 
post-completion OPT--(1) Pre-completion OPT. For pre-completion OPT, the 
student may properly file his or her Form I-765 or successor form up to 
90 days before being enrolled for one full academic year, provided that 
the period of employment will not start prior to the completion of the 
full academic year.
    (2) Post-completion OPT. For post-completion OPT, not including a 
24-month OPT extension under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(2) of this 
section, the student may properly file his or her Form I-765 or 
successor form up to 90 days prior to his or her program end date and no 
later than 60 days after his or her program end date. The student must 
also file his or her Form I-765 or successor form with USCIS within 30 
days of the date the DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into his or 
her SEVIS record.
    (C) Applications and filing deadlines for 24-month OPT extension. A 
student meeting the eligibility requirements for a 24-month OPT 
extension under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) of this section may request an 
extension of employment authorization by filing Form I-765 or successor 
form, with the required fee and supporting documents, up to 90 days 
prior to the expiration date of the

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student's current OPT employment authorization. The student seeking such 
24-month OPT extension must properly file his or her Form I-765 or 
successor form with USCIS within 60 days of the date the DSO enters the 
recommendation for the OPT extension into his or her SEVIS record. If a 
student timely and properly files an application for such 24-month OPT 
extension and timely and properly requests a DSO recommendation, 
including by submitting the fully executed Form I-983 or successor form 
to his or her DSO, but the Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766 
or successor form, currently in the student's possession expires prior 
to the decision on the student's application for the OPT extension, the 
student's Form I-766 or successor form is extended automatically 
pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(6)(iv).
    (D) Start of OPT employment. A student may not begin OPT employment 
prior to the approved start date on his or her Employment Authorization 
Document, Form I-766 or successor form, except as described in paragraph 
(f)(11)(i)(C) of this section. A student may not request a start date 
that is more than 60 days after the student's program end date. 
Employment authorization will begin on the date requested or the date 
the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later.
    (ii) Additional DSO responsibilities. A student must have a 
recommendation from his or her DSO in order to apply for OPT. When a DSO 
recommends a student for OPT, the school assumes the added 
responsibility for maintaining the SEVIS record of that student for the 
entire period of authorized OPT, consistent with paragraph (f)(12) of 
this section.
    (A) Prior to making a recommendation, the DSO at the educational 
institution of the student's most recent enrollment must ensure that the 
student is eligible for the given type and period of OPT and that the 
student is aware of the student's responsibilities for maintaining 
status while on OPT. Prior to recommending a 24-month OPT extension 
under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) of this section, the DSO at the 
educational institution of the student's most recent enrollment must 
certify that the student's degree being used to qualify that student for 
the 24-month OPT extension, as shown in SEVIS or official transcripts, 
is a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree with a degree code that 
is contained within a category on the current STEM Designated Degree 
Program List at the time the recommendation is made. A DSO may recommend 
a student for a 24-month OPT extension under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) of 
this section only if the Form I-983 or successor form described in 
paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(7) of this section has been properly completed 
and executed by the student and prospective employer. A DSO may not 
recommend a student for an OPT extension under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) 
of this section if the practical training would be conducted by an 
employer who has failed to meet the requirements under paragraphs 
(f)(10)(ii)(C)(5) through (9) of this section or has failed to provide 
the required assurances of paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(10) of this section.
    (B) The DSO must update the student's SEVIS record with the DSO's 
recommendation for OPT before the student can apply to USCIS for 
employment authorization. The DSO will indicate in SEVIS whether the OPT 
employment is to be full-time or part-time, or for a student seeking a 
recommendation for a 24-month OPT extension under paragraph 
(f)(10)(ii)(C) of this section whether the OPT employment meets the 
minimum hours requirements described in paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C)(8) of 
this section, and note in SEVIS the OPT start and end dates.
    (C) The DSO must provide the student with a signed, dated Form I-20 
or successor form indicating that OPT has been recommended.
    (iii) Decision on application for OPT employment authorization. 
USCIS will adjudicate a student's Form I-765 or successor form on the 
basis of the DSO's recommendation and other eligibility considerations.
    (A) If granted, the employment authorization period for post-
completion OPT begins on the requested date of commencement or the date 
the Form I-765 or successor form is approved,

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whichever is later, and ends at the conclusion of the remaining time 
period of post-completion OPT eligibility. The employment authorization 
period for a 24-month OPT extension under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) of 
this section begins on the day after the expiration of the initial post-
completion OPT employment authorization and ends 24 months thereafter, 
regardless of the date the actual extension is approved.
    (B) USCIS will notify the applicant of the decision on the Form I-
765 or successor form in writing, and, if the application is denied, of 
the reason or reasons for the denial.
    (C) The applicant may not appeal the decision.
    (12) Reporting while on optional practical training--(i) General. An 
F-1 student who is granted employment authorization by USCIS to engage 
in optional practical training is required to report any change of name 
or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the 
duration of the optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a 
student for OPT is responsible for updating the student's record to 
reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that 
training is authorized.
    (ii) Additional reporting obligations for students with an approved 
24-month OPT extension. Students with an approved 24-month OPT extension 
under paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(C) of this section have additional reporting 
obligations. Compliance with these reporting requirements is required to 
maintain F-1 status. The reporting obligations are:
    (A) Within 10 days of the change, the student must report to the 
student's DSO a change of legal name, residential or mailing address, 
employer name, employer address, and/or loss of employment.
    (B) The student must complete a validation report, confirming that 
the information required by paragraph (f)(12)(ii)(A) of this section has 
not changed, every six months. The requirement for validation reporting 
starts on the date the 24-month OPT extension begins and ends when the 
student's F-1 status expires or the 24-month OPT extension concludes, 
whichever is first. The validation report is due to the student's DSO 
within 10 business days of each reporting date.
    (13) Temporary absence from the United States of F-1 student granted 
employment authorization. (i) A student returning from a temporary trip 
abroad with an unexpired off-campus employment authorization on their 
Form I-20 or successor form may resume employment only if the student is 
readmitted to attend the same school that granted the employment 
authorization.
    (ii) An F-1 student who has an unexpired EAD issued for post-
completion practical training and who is otherwise admissible may return 
to the United States to resume employment after a period of temporary 
absence. The EAD must be used in combination with a Form I-20 or 
successor form endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six 
months.
    (14) Effect of strike or other labor dispute. Any employment 
authorization, whether or not part of an academic program, is 
automatically suspended upon certification by the Secretary of Labor or 
the Secretary's designee to the Secretary of Homeland Security or the 
Secretary's designee, that a strike or other labor dispute involving a 
work stoppage of workers is in progress in the occupation at the place 
of employment. As used in this paragraph, ``place of employment'' means 
the facility or facilities where a labor dispute exists. The employer is 
prohibited from transferring F-1 students working at other facilities to 
the facility where the work stoppage is occurring.
    (15) Spouse and children of F-1 student. The F-2 spouse and minor 
children of an F-1 student will each be issued an individual Form I-20 
or successor form in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  214.3(k).
    (i) Employment. The F-2 spouse and children of an F-1 student may 
not accept employment.
    (ii) Study--(A) F-2 post-secondary/vocational study--(1) Authorized 
study at SEVP-certified schools. An F-2 spouse or F-2 child may enroll 
in less than a full course of study, as defined in paragraphs 
(f)(6)(i)(A) through (D) and (m)(9)(i) through (iv), in any course of 
study described in paragraphs (f)(6)(i)(A) through (D) or (m)(9)(i) 
through (iv) of this section at an

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SEVP-certified school. Notwithstanding paragraphs (f)(6)(i)(B) and 
(m)(9)(i) of this section, study at an undergraduate college or 
university or at a community college or junior college is not a full 
course of study solely because the F-2 nonimmigrant is engaging in a 
lesser course load to complete a course of study during the current 
term. An F-2 spouse or F-2 child enrolled in less than a full course of 
study is not eligible to engage in employment pursuant to paragraphs 
(f)(9) and (10) of this section or pursuant to paragraph (m)(14) of this 
section.
    (2) Full course of study. Subject to paragraphs (f)(15)(ii)(B) and 
(f)(18) of this section, an F-2 spouse and child may engage in a full 
course of study only by applying for and obtaining a change of status to 
F-1, M-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status, as appropriate, before beginning a 
full course of study. An F-2 spouse and child may engage in study that 
is avocational or recreational in nature, up to and including on a full-
time basis.
    (B) F-2 elementary or secondary study. An F-2 child may engage in 
full-time study, including any full course of study, in any elementary 
or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade).
    (C) An F-2 spouse and child violates his or her nonimmigrant status 
by enrolling in any study except as provided in paragraph (f)(15)(ii)(A) 
or (B) of this section.
    (16) Reinstatement to student status--(i) General. USCIS may 
consider reinstating a student who makes a request for reinstatement on 
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, 
accompanied by a properly completed Form I-20 or successor form 
indicating the DSO's recommendation for reinstatement. USCIS may 
consider granting the request if the student:
    (A) Has not been out of status for more than 5 months at the time of 
filing the request for reinstatement (or demonstrates that the failure 
to file within the 5 month period was the result of exceptional 
circumstances and that the student filed the request for reinstatement 
as promptly as possible under these exceptional circumstances);
    (B) Does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of DHS 
regulations;
    (C) Is currently pursuing, or intending to pursue, a full course of 
study in the immediate future at the school which issued the Form I-20 
or successor form;
    (D) Has not engaged in unauthorized employment;
    (E) Is not deportable on any ground other than section 237(a)(1)(B) 
or (C)(i) of the Act; and
    (F) Establishes to the satisfaction of USCIS, by a detailed showing, 
either that:
    (1) The violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the 
student's control. Such circumstances might include serious injury or 
illness, closure of the institution, a natural disaster, or 
inadvertence, oversight, or neglect on the part of the DSO, but do not 
include instances where a pattern of repeated violations or where a 
willful failure on the part of the student resulted in the need for 
reinstatement; or
    (2) The violation relates to a reduction in the student's course 
load that would have been within a DSO's power to authorize, and that 
failure to approve reinstatement would result in extreme hardship to the 
student.
    (ii) Decision. The adjudicating officer will update SEVIS to reflect 
USCIS' decision. If USCIS does not reinstate the student, the student 
may not appeal the decision.
    (17) Current name and address. A student must inform DHS and the DSO 
of any legal changes to the student's name or of any change of address, 
within 10 days of the change, in a manner prescribed by the school. A 
student can satisfy the requirement in 8 CFR 265.1 of notifying DHS by 
providing a notice of a change of address within 10 days to the DSO, and 
the DSO in turn must enter the information in SEVIS within 21 days of 
notification by the student. Except in the case of a student who cannot 
receive mail where the student resides, the address provided by the 
student must be the actual physical location where the student resides 
rather than a mailing address. In cases where a student provides a 
mailing address, the school must maintain a record of,

[[Page 329]]

and must provide upon request from DHS, the actual physical location 
where the student resides.
    (18) Special rules for certain border commuter students--(i) 
Applicability. For purposes of the special rules in this paragraph 
(f)(18), the term ``border commuter student'' means a national of Canada 
or Mexico who is admitted to the United States as an F-1 nonimmigrant 
student to enroll in a full course of study, albeit on a part-time 
basis, in a certified school located within 75 miles of a United States 
land border. A border commuter student must maintain actual residence 
and place of abode in the student's country of nationality, and seek 
admission to the United States at a land border port-of-entry. These 
special rules do not apply to a national of Canada or Mexico who is:
    (A) Residing in the United States while attending a certified school 
as an F-1 student, or
    (B) Enrolled in a full course of study as defined in paragraph 
(f)(6) of this section.
    (ii) Full course of study. The border commuter student must be 
enrolled in a full course of study at the school that leads to the 
attainment of a specific educational or professional objective, albeit 
on a part-time basis. A designated school official at the school may 
authorize an eligible border commuter student to enroll in a course load 
below that otherwise required for a full course of study under paragraph 
(f)(6) of this section, provided that the reduced course load is 
consistent with the border commuter student's certified course of study.
    (iii) Period of admission. An F-1 nonimmigrant student who is 
admitted as a border commuter student under this paragraph (f)(18) will 
be admitted until a date certain. The DSO is required to specify a 
completion date on the Form I-20 that reflects the actual semester or 
term dates for the commuter student's current term of study. A new Form 
I-20 will be required for each new semester or term that the border 
commuter student attends at the school. The provisions of paragraphs 
(f)(5) and (f)(7) of this section, relating to duration of status and 
extension of stay, are not applicable to a border commuter student.
    (iv) Employment. A border commuter student may not be authorized to 
accept any employment in connection with his or her F-1 student status, 
except for curricular practical training as provided in paragraph 
(f)(10)(i) of this section or post-completion optional practical 
training as provided in paragraph (f)(10)(ii)(A)(3) of this section.
    (19) Remittance of the fee. An alien who applies for F-1 or F-3 
nonimmigrant status in order to enroll in a program of study at an SEVP-
certified educational institution is required to pay the Student and 
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee to DHS, pursuant to 8 
CFR 214.13, except as otherwise provided in that section.
    (g) Representatives to international organizations--(1) General. The 
determination by a consular officer prior to admission and the 
recognition by the Secretary of State subsequent to admission is 
evidence of the proper classification of a nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(G) of the Act. An alien who has a nonimmigrant status under 
section 101(a)(15)(G) (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of the Act is to be 
admitted for the duration of the period for which the alien continues to 
be recognized by the Secretary of State as being entitled to that 
status. An alien defined in section (101)(a)(15)(G)(v) of the Act is to 
be admitted for an initial period of not more than three years, and may 
be granted extensions of temporary stay in increments of not more than 
two years. In addition, the application for extension of temporary stay 
must be accompanied by a statement signed by the employing official 
stating that he or she intends to continue to employ the applicant and 
describing the type of work the applicant will perform.
    (2) Definition of G-1, G-3, or G-4 dependent. For purposes of 
employment in the United States, the term dependent of a G-1, G-3, or G-
4 principal alien, as used in Sec.  214.2(g), means any of the following 
immediate members of the family habitually residing in the same 
household as the principal alien who is an officer or employee assigned 
to a

[[Page 330]]

mission, to an international organization, or is employed by an 
international organization in the United States:
    (i) Spouse;
    (ii) Unmarried children under the age of 21;
    (iii) Unmarried sons or daughters under the age of 23 who are in 
full-time attendance as students at post-secondary educational 
institutions;
    (iv) Unmarried sons or daughters under the age of 25 who are in 
full-time attendance as students at post-secondary educational 
institutions if a formal bilateral employment agreement permitting their 
employment in the United States was signed prior to November 21, 1988, 
and such bilateral employment agreement does not specify 23 as the 
maximum age for employment of such sons and daughters. The Office of 
Protocol of the Department of State shall maintain a listing of foreign 
states which the United States has such bilateral employment agreements. 
The provisions of this paragraph apply only to G-1 and G-3 dependents 
under certain bilateral agreements and are not applicable to G-4 
dependents;
    (v) Unmarried sons or daughters who are physically or mentally 
disabled to the extent that they cannot adequately care for themselves 
or cannot establish, maintain, or re-establish their own households. The 
Department of State or the Service may require certification(s) as it 
deems sufficient to document such mental or physical disability; or
    (vi) An immediate family member of a G-1, G-3, or G-4 principal 
alien described in 22 CFR 41.21(a)(3)(i) to (iv) with G-1, G-3, or G-4 
nonimmigrant status who falls within a category of aliens designated by 
the Department of State as qualifying dependents.
    (3) Applicability of a formal bilateral agreement or an informal de 
facto arrangement for G-1 and G-3 dependents. The applicability of a 
formal bilateral agreement shall be based on the foreign state which 
employs the principal alien and not on the nationality of the principal 
alien or dependent. The applicability of an informal de facto 
arrangement shall be based on the foreign state which employs the 
principal alien, but under a de facto arrangement the principal alien 
also must be a national of the foreign state which employs him or her in 
the United States.
    (4) Income tax, Social Security liability; non-applicability of 
certain immunities. Dependents who are granted employment authorization 
under this section are responsible for payment of all federal, state and 
local income, employment and related taxes and Social Security 
contributions on any remuneration received. In addition, immunity from 
civil or administrative jurisdiction in accordance with Article 37 of 
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations or other international 
agreements does not apply to these dependents with respect to matters 
arising out of their employment.
    (5) G-1 and G-3 dependent employment pursuant to formal bilateral 
employment agreements and informal de facto reciprocal arrangements, and 
G-4 dependent employment. (i) The Office of Protocol shall maintain a 
listing of foreign states which have entered into formal bilateral 
employment agreements. Dependents of a G-1 or G-3 principal alien 
assigned to official duty in the United States may accept or continue in 
unrestricted employment based on such formal bilateral agreements, if 
the applicable agreement includes persons in G-1 or G-3 visa status, 
upon favorable recommendation by the Department of State and issuance of 
employment authorization documentation by the Service in accordance with 
8 CFR part 274a. The application procedures are set forth in paragraph 
(g)(6) of this section.
    (ii) For purposes of this section, an informal de facto reciprocal 
arrangement exists when the Department of State determines that a 
foreign state allows appropriate employment on the local economy for 
dependents of certain United States officials assigned to duty in that 
foreign state. The Office of Protocol shall maintain a listing of 
countries with which such reciprocity exists. Dependents of a G-1 or G-3 
principal alien assigned to official duty in the United States may be 
authorized to accept or continue in employment based upon informal de 
facto arrangements, and dependents of a G-4 principal alien assigned to 
official duty in

[[Page 331]]

the United States may be authorized to accept or continue in employment 
upon favorable recommendation by the Department of State and issuance of 
employment authorization by the Service in accordance with 8 CFR part 
274a. Additionally, the procedures set forth in paragraph (g)(6) of this 
section must be complied with, and the following conditions must be met:
    (A) Both the principal alien and the dependent desiring employment 
are maintaining G-1, G-3, or G-4 status as appropriate;
    (B) The principal's assignment in the United States is expected to 
last more than six months;
    (C) Employment of a similar nature for dependents of United States 
Government officials assigned to official duty in the foreign state 
employing the principal alien is not prohibited by that foreign 
government. The provisions of this paragraph apply only to G-1 and G-3 
dependents;
    (D) The proposed employment is not in an occupation listed in the 
Department of Labor Schedule B (20 CFR part 656), or otherwise 
determined by the Department of Labor to be one for which there is an 
oversupply of qualified U.S. workers in the area of proposed employment. 
This Schedule B restriction does not apply to a dependent son or 
daughter who is a full-time student if the employment is part-time, 
consisting of not more than 20 hours per week, and/or if it is temporary 
employment of not more than 12 weeks during school holiday periods; and
    (E) The proposed employment is not contrary to the interest of the 
United States. Employment contrary to the interest of the United States 
includes, but is not limited to, the employment of G-1, G-3, or G-4 
dependents: who have criminal records; who have violated United States 
immigration laws or regulations, or visa laws or regulations; who have 
worked illegally in the United States; and/or who cannot establish that 
they have paid taxes and social security on income from current or 
previous United States employment. Additionally, the Department of State 
may determine a G-4 dependent's employment is contrary to the interest 
of the United States when the principal alien's country of nationality 
has one or more components of an international organization or 
international organizations within its borders and does not allow the 
employment of dependents of United States citizens employed by such 
component(s) or organization(s).
    (6) Application procedures. The following procedures are applicable 
to G-1 and G-3 dependent employment applications under bilateral 
agreements and de facto arrangements, as well as to G-4 dependent 
employment applications:
    (i) The dependent must submit a completed Form I-566 to the 
Department of State through the office, mission, or organization which 
employs his or her principal alien. If the principal is assigned to or 
employed by the United Nations, the Form I-566 must be submitted to the 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations. All other applications must be 
submitted to the Office of Protocol of the Department of State. A 
dependent applying under paragraph (g)(2) (iii) or (iv) of this section 
must submit a certified statement from the post-secondary educational 
institution confirming that he or she is pursuing studies on a full-time 
basis. A dependent applying under paragraph (g)(2)(v) of this section 
must submit medical certification regarding his or her condition. The 
certification should identify the dependent and the certifying physician 
and give the physician's phone number; identify the condition, describe 
the symptoms and provide a prognosis; certify that the dependent is 
unable to establish, re-establish, and maintain a home or his or her 
own. Additionally, a G-1 or G-3 dependent applying under the terms of a 
de facto arrangement or a G-4 dependent must attach a statement from the 
prospective employer which includes the dependent's name; a description 
of the position offered and the duties to be performed; the salary 
offered; and verification that the dependent possesses the 
qualifications for the position.
    (ii) The Department of State reviews and verifies the information 
provided, makes its determination, and endorses the Form I-566.
    (iii) If the Department of State's endorsement is favorable, the 
dependent may apply to USCIS for employment

[[Page 332]]

authorization. When applying to USCIS for employment authorization, the 
dependent must present his or her Form I-566 with a favorable 
endorsement from the Department of State and any additional 
documentation as may be required by the Secretary.
    (7) Period of time for which employment may be authorized. If 
approved, an application to accept or continue employment under this 
section shall be granted in increments of not more than three years 
each.
    (8) No appeal. There shall be no appeal from a denial of permission 
to accept or continue employment under this section.
    (9) Dependents or family members of principal aliens classified G-2 
or G-5. A dependent or family member of a principal alien classified G-2 
or G-5 may not be employed in the United States under this section.
    (10) Unauthorized employment. An alien classified under section 
101(a)(15)(G) of the Act who is not a principal alien and who engages in 
employment outside the scope of, or in a manner contrary to this 
section, may be considered in violation of section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of 
the Act. An alien who is classified under section 101(a)(15)(G) of the 
Act who is a principal alien and who engages in employment outside the 
scope of his/her official position may be considered in violation of 
section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (11) Special provision. As of February 16, 1990 no new employment 
authorization will be granted and no pre-existing employment 
authorization will be extended for a G-1 dependent absent an appropriate 
bilateral agreement or de facto arrangement. However, a G-1 dependent 
who has been granted employment authorization by the Department of State 
prior to the effective date of this section and who meets the definition 
of dependent under Sec.  214.2(g)(2) (i), (ii), (iii) or (v) of this 
part but is not covered by the terms of a bilateral agreement or de 
facto arrangement may be allowed to continue in employment until 
whichever of the following occurs first:
    (i) The employment authorization by the Department of State expires; 
or
    (ii) He or she no longer qualifies as a dependent as that term is 
defined in this section; or
    (iii) March 19, 1990.
    (h) Temporary employees.

              Table 3 to Paragraph (h)--Paragraph Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Admission of temporary employees
(2) Petitions
(3) Petition for registered nurse (H-1C)
(4) Petition for alien to perform services in a specialty occupation,
 services relating to a DOD cooperative research and development project
 or coproduction project, or services of distinguished merit and ability
 in the field of fashion modeling (H-1B)
(5) Petition for alien to perform agricultural labor or services of a
 temporary or seasonal nature (H-2A)
(6) Petition for alien to perform temporary nonagricultural services or
 labor (H-2B)
(7) Petition for alien trainee or participant in a special education
 exchange visitor program (H-3)
(8) Numerical limits
(9) Approval and validity of petition
(10) Denial of petition
(11) Revocation of approval of petition
(12) Appeal of a denial or a revocation of a petition
(13) Admission
(14) Extension of visa petition validity
(15) Extension of stay
(16) Effect of approval of a permanent labor certification or filing of
 a preference petition on H classification
(17) Effect of a strike
(18) Use of approval notice, Form I-797
(19) Additional fee for filing certain H-1B petitions
(20) Retaliatory action claims
(21) Change of employers during COVID-19 National Emergency (August 19,
 2020 through December 17, 2020)
(22) Change of employers during COVID-19 National Emergency (December
 18, 2020 through June 16, 2021)
(23) Change of employers and extensions beyond 3 years during COVID-19
 National Emergency for H-2B aliens essential to the U.S. food supply
 chain
(24) Severability
(25) [Reserved]
(26) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (May 25, 2021
 through November 22, 2021)

[[Page 333]]

 
(27) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (January 28,
 2022 through July 27, 2022)
(28) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (July 28, 2022
 through January 24, 2023)
(29) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (January 25,
 2023 through January 24, 2024).
(30) [Reserved]
(31) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (January 25,
 2024 through January 24, 2025).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Admission of temporary employees--(i) General. Under section 
101(a)(15)(H) of the Act, an alien may be authorized to come to the 
United States temporarily to perform services or labor for, or to 
receive training from, an employer, if petitioned for by that employer. 
Under this nonimmigrant category, the alien may be classified as 
follows: under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) of the Act as a registered 
nurse; under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Act as an alien who is 
coming to perform services in a specialty occupation, services relating 
to a Department of Defense (DOD) cooperative research and development 
project or coproduction project, or services as a fashion model who is 
of distinguished merit and ability; under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) 
of the Act as an alien who is coming to perform agricultural labor or 
services of a temporary or seasonal nature; under section 
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Act as an alien coming to perform other 
temporary services or labor; or under section 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of the 
Act as an alien who is coming as a trainee or as a participant in a 
special education exchange visitor program. These classifications are 
called H-1C, H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3, respectively. The employer must 
file a petition with the Service for review of the services or training 
and for determination of the alien's eligibility for classification as a 
temporary employee or trainee, before the alien may apply for a visa or 
seek admission to the United States. This paragraph sets forth the 
standards and procedures applicable to these classifications.
    (ii) Description of classifications. (A) An H-1C classification 
applies to an alien who is coming temporarily to the United States to 
perform services as a registered nurse, meets the requirements of 
section 212(m)(1) of the Act, and will perform services at a facility 
(as defined at section 212(m)(6) of the Act) for which the Secretary of 
Labor has determined and certified to the Attorney General that an 
unexpired attestation is on file and in effect under section 212(m)(2) 
of the Act. This classification will expire 4 years from June 11, 2001.
    (B) An H-1B classification applies to an alien who is coming 
temporarily to the United States:
    (1) To perform services in a specialty occupation (except 
agricultural workers, and aliens described in section 101(a)(15) (O) and 
(P) of the Act) described in section 214(i)(1) of the Act, that meets 
the requirements of section 214(i)(2) of the Act, and for whom the 
Secretary of Labor has determined and certified to the Attorney General 
that the prospective employer has filed a labor condition application 
under section 212(n)(1) of the Act;
    (2) To perform services of an exceptional nature requiring 
exceptional merit and ability relating to a cooperative research and 
development project or a coproduction project provided for under a 
Government-to-Government agreement administered by the Secretary of 
Defense;
    (3) To perform services as a fashion model of distinguished merit 
and ability and for whom the Secretary of Labor has determined and 
certified to the Attorney General that the prospective employer has 
filed a labor condition application under section 212(n)(1) of the Act.
    (C) An H-2A classification applies to an alien who is coming 
temporarily to the United States to perform agricultural work of a 
temporary or seasonal nature.
    (D) An H-2B classification applies to an alien who is coming 
temporarily to the United States to perform nonagricultural work of a 
temporary or seasonal nature, if there are not sufficient workers who 
are able, willing, qualified, and available at the time of application 
for a visa and admission to

[[Page 334]]

the United States and at the place where the alien is to perform such 
services or labor. This classification does not apply to graduates of 
medical schools coming to the United States to perform services as 
members of the medical profession. The temporary or permanent nature of 
the services or labor described on the approved temporary labor 
certification are subject to review by USCIS. This classification 
requires a temporary labor certification issued by the Secretary of 
Labor or the Governor of Guam prior to the filing of a petition with 
USCIS.
    (E) An H-3 classification applies to an alien who is coming 
temporarily to the United States:
    (1) As a trainee, other than to receive graduate medical education 
or training, or training provided primarily at or by an academic or 
vocational institution, or
    (2) As a participant in a special education exchange visitor program 
which provides for practical training and experience in the education of 
children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.
    (2) Petitions--(i) Filing of petitions--(A) General. A United States 
employer seeking to classify an alien as an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3 
temporary employee must file a petition on the form prescribed by USCIS 
in accordance with the form instructions.
    (B) Service or training in more than one location. A petition that 
requires services to be performed or training to be received in more 
than one location must include an itinerary with the dates and locations 
of the services or training and must be filed with USCIS as provided in 
the form instructions. The address that the petitioner specifies as its 
location on the Form I-129 shall be where the petitioner is located for 
purposes of this paragraph.
    (C) Services or training for more than one employer. If the 
beneficiary will perform nonagricultural services for, or receive 
training from, more than one employer, each employer must file a 
separate petition with USCIS as provided in the form instructions.
    (D) Change of employers. If the alien is in the United States and 
seeks to change employers, the prospective new employer must file a 
petition on the form prescribed by USCIS requesting classification and 
an extension of the alien's stay in the United States. If the new 
petition is approved, the extension of stay may be granted for the 
validity of the approved petition. The validity of the petition and the 
alien's extension of stay must conform to the limits on the alien's 
temporary stay that are prescribed in paragraph (h)(13) of this section. 
Except as provided by 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(21) or section 214(n) of the Act, 
8 U.S.C. 1184(n), the alien is not authorized to begin the employment 
with the new petitioner until the petition is approved. An H-1C 
nonimmigrant alien may not change employers.
    (E) Amended or new petition. The petitioner shall file an amended or 
new petition, with fee, with the Service Center where the original 
petition was filed to reflect any material changes in the terms and 
conditions of employment or training or the alien's eligibility as 
specified in the original approved petition. An amended or new H-1C, H-
1B, H-2A, or H-2B petition must be accompanied by a current or new 
Department of Labor determination. In the case of an H-1B petition, this 
requirement includes a new labor condition application.
    (F) Agents as petitioners. A United States agent may file a petition 
in cases involving workers who are traditionally self-employed or 
workers who use agents to arrange short-term employment on their behalf 
with numerous employers, and in cases where a foreign employer 
authorizes the agent to act on its behalf. A United States agent may be: 
the actual employer of the beneficiary, the representative of both the 
employer and the beneficiary, or, a person or entity authorized by the 
employer to act for, or in place of, the employer as it agent. A 
petition filed by a United States agent is subject to the following 
conditions;
    (1) An agent performing the function of an employer must guarantee 
the wages and other terms and conditions of employment by contractual 
agreement with the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the petition. The 
agent/employer must also provide an itinerary

[[Page 335]]

of definite employment and information on any other services planned for 
the period of time requested.
    (2) A person or company in business as an agent may file the H 
petition involving multiple employers as the representative of both the 
employers and the beneficiary or beneficiaries if the supporting 
documentation includes a complete itinerary of services or engagements. 
The itinerary shall specify the dates of each service or engagement, the 
names and addresses of the actual employers, and the names and addresses 
of the establishment, venues, or locations where the services will be 
performed. In questionable cases, a contract between the employers and 
the beneficiary or beneficiaries may be required. The burden is on the 
agent to explain the terms and conditions of the employment and to 
provide any required documentation.
    (3) A foreign employer who, through a United States agent, files a 
petition for an H nonimmigrant alien is responsible for complying with 
all of the employer sanctions provisions of section 274A of the Act and 
8 CFR part 274a.
    (G) Multiple H-1B petitions. An employer may not file, in the same 
fiscal year, more than one H-1B petition on behalf of the same alien if 
the alien is subject to the numerical limitations of section 
214(g)(1)(A) of the Act or is exempt from those limitations under 
section 214(g)(5)(C) of the Act. If an H-1B petition is denied, on a 
basis other than fraud or misrepresentation, the employer may file a 
subsequent H-1B petition on behalf of the same alien in the same fiscal 
year, provided that the numerical limitation has not been reached or if 
the filing qualifies as exempt from the numerical limitation. Otherwise, 
filing more than one H-1B petition by an employer on behalf of the same 
alien in the same fiscal year will result in the denial or revocation of 
all such petitions. If USCIS believes that related entities (such as a 
parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate) may not have a legitimate 
business need to file more than one H-1B petition on behalf of the same 
alien subject to the numerical limitations of section 214(g)(1)(A) of 
the Act or otherwise eligible for an exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(C) of the Act, USCIS may issue a request for additional 
evidence or notice of intent to deny, or notice of intent to revoke each 
petition. If any of the related entities fail to demonstrate a 
legitimate business need to file an H-1B petition on behalf of the same 
alien, all petitions filed on that alien's behalf by the related 
entities will be denied or revoked.
    (H) H-1B portability. An eligible H-1B nonimmigrant is authorized to 
start concurrent or new employment under section 214(n) of the Act upon 
the filing, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(a), of a nonfrivolous H-1B 
petition on behalf of such alien, or as of the requested start date, 
whichever is later.
    (1) Eligible H-1B nonimmigrant. For H-1B portability purposes, an 
eligible H-1B nonimmigrant is defined as an alien:
    (i) Who has been lawfully admitted into the United States in, or 
otherwise provided, H-1B nonimmigrant status;
    (ii) On whose behalf a nonfrivolous H-1B petition for new employment 
has been filed, including a petition for new employment with the same 
employer, with a request to amend or extend the H-1B nonimmigrant's 
stay, before the H-1B nonimmigrant's period of stay authorized by the 
Secretary of Homeland Security expires; and
    (iii) Who has not been employed without authorization in the United 
States from the time of last admission through the filing of the 
petition for new employment.
    (2) Length of employment. Employment authorized under paragraph 
(h)(2)(i)(H) of this section automatically ceases upon the adjudication 
of the H-1B petition described in paragraph (h)(2)(i)(H)(1)(ii) of this 
section.
    (3) Successive H-1B portability petitions. (i) An alien maintaining 
authorization for employment under paragraph (h)(2)(i)(H) of this 
section, whose status, as indicated on the Arrival-Departure Record 
(Form I-94), has expired, shall be considered to be in a period of stay 
authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security for purposes of 
paragraph (h)(2)(i)(H)(1)(ii) of this section. If otherwise eligible 
under paragraph (h)(2)(i)(H) of this section, such alien may begin 
working in a subsequent position upon the filing of another H-1B 
petition or from the requested start date, whichever is later,

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notwithstanding that the previous H-1B petition upon which employment is 
authorized under paragraph (h)(2)(i)(H) of this section remains pending 
and regardless of whether the validity period of an approved H-1B 
petition filed on the alien's behalf expired during such pendency.
    (ii) A request to amend the petition or for an extension of stay in 
any successive H-1B portability petition cannot be approved if a request 
to amend the petition or for an extension of stay in any preceding H-1B 
portability petition in the succession is denied, unless the 
beneficiary's previously approved period of H-1B status remains valid.
    (iii) Denial of a successive portability petition does not affect 
the ability of the H-1B beneficiary to continue or resume working in 
accordance with the terms of an H-1B petition previously approved on 
behalf of the beneficiary if that petition approval remains valid and 
the beneficiary has maintained H-1B status or been in a period of 
authorized stay and has not been employed in the United States without 
authorization.
    (I) Time of filing. A petition filed under section 101(a)(15)(H) of 
the Act may not be filed earlier than 6 months before the date of actual 
need for the beneficiary's services or training.
    (ii) Multiple beneficiaries. Up to 25 named beneficiaries may be 
included in an H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3 petition if the beneficiaries 
will be performing the same service, or receiving the same training, for 
the same period, and in the same location. If more than 25 named 
beneficiaries are being petitioned for, an additional petition is 
required. Petitions for H-2A and H-2B workers from countries not 
designated in accordance with paragraph (h)(6)(i)(E) of this section 
must be filed separately.
    (iii) Naming beneficiaries. H-1B, H-1C, and H-3 petitions must 
include the name of each beneficiary. Except as provided in this 
paragraph (h), all H-2A and H-2B petitions must include the name of each 
beneficiary who is currently in the United States, but need not name any 
beneficiary who is not currently in the United States. Unnamed 
beneficiaries must be shown on the petition by total number. USCIS may 
require the petitioner to name H-2B beneficiaries where the name is 
needed to establish eligibility for H-2B nonimmigrant status. If all of 
the beneficiaries covered by an H-2A or H-2B temporary labor 
certification have not been identified at the time a petition is filed, 
multiple petitions for subsequent beneficiaries may be filed at 
different times but must include a copy of the same temporary labor 
certification. Each petition must reference all previously filed 
petitions associated with that temporary labor certification. All H-2A 
and H-2B petitions on behalf of workers who are not from a country that 
has been designated as a participating country in accordance with 
paragraphs (h)(5)(i)(F)(1) or (h)(6)(i)(E)(1) of this section must name 
all the workers in the petition who fall within these categories. All H-
2A and H-2B petitions must state the nationality of all beneficiaries, 
whether or not named, even if there are beneficiaries from more than one 
country.
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) H-2A Petitions. Special criteria for admission, extension, and 
maintenance of status apply to H-2A petitions and are specified in 
paragraph (h)(5) of this section. The other provisions of Sec.  214.2(h) 
apply to H-2A only to the extent that they do not conflict with the 
special agricultural provisions in paragraph (h)(5) of this section.
    (3) Petition for registered nurse (H-1C)--(i) General. (A) For 
purposes of H-1C classification, the term ``registered nurse'' means a 
person who is or will be authorized by a State Board of Nursing to 
engage in registered nurse practice in a state or U.S. territory or 
possession, and who is or will be practicing at a facility which 
provides health care services.
    (B) A United States employer which provides health care services is 
referred to as a facility. A facility may file an H-1C petition for an 
alien nurse to perform the services of a registered nurse, if the 
facility meets the eligibility standards of 20 CFR 655.1111 and the 
other requirements of the Department of Labor's regulations in 20 CFR 
part 655, subpart L.
    (C) The position must involve nursing practice and require licensure 
or other authorization to practice as a

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registered nurse from the State Board of Nursing in the state of 
intended employment.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Beneficiary requirements. An H-1C petition for a nurse shall 
be accompanied by evidence that the nurse:
    (A) Has obtained a full and unrestricted license to practice nursing 
in the country where the alien obtained nursing education, or has 
received nursing education in the United States;
    (B) Has passed the examination given by the Commission on Graduates 
of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or has obtained a full and 
unrestricted (permanent) license to practice as a registered nurse in 
the state of intended employment, or has obtained a full and 
unrestricted (permanent) license in any state or territory of the United 
States and received temporary authorization to practice as a registered 
nurse in the state of intended employment; and
    (C) Is fully qualified and eligible under the laws (including such 
temporary or interim licensing requirements which authorize the nurse to 
be employed) governing the place of intended employment to practice as a 
registered nurse immediately upon admission to the United States, and is 
authorized under such laws to be employed by the employer. For purposes 
of this paragraph, the temporary or interim licensing may be obtained 
immediately after the alien enters the United States.
    (iv) Petitioner requirements. The petitioning facility shall submit 
the following with an H-1C petition:
    (A) A current copy of the DOL's notice of acceptance of the filing 
of its attestation on Form ETA 9081;
    (B) A statement describing any limitations which the laws of the 
state or jurisdiction of intended employment place on the alien's 
services; and
    (C) Evidence that the alien(s) named on the petition meets the 
definition of a registered nurse as defined at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(3)(i)(A), 
and satisfies the requirements contained in section 212(m)(1) of the 
Act.
    (v) Licensure requirements. (A) A nurse who is granted H-1C 
classification based on passage of the CGFNS examination must, upon 
admission to the United States, be able to obtain temporary licensure or 
other temporary authorization to practice as a registered nurse from the 
State Board of Nursing in the state of intended employment.
    (B) An alien who was admitted as an H-1C nonimmigrant on the basis 
of a temporary license or authorization to practice as a registered 
nurse must comply with the licensing requirements for registered nurses 
in the state of intended employment. An alien admitted as an H-1C 
nonimmigrant is required to obtain a full and unrestricted license if 
required by the state of intended employment. The Service must be 
notified pursuant to Sec.  214.2(h)(11) when an H-1C nurse is no longer 
licensed as a registered nurse in the state of intended employment.
    (C) A nurse shall automatically lose his or her eligibility for H-1C 
classification if he or she is no longer performing the duties of a 
registered professional nurse. Such a nurse is not authorized to remain 
in employment unless he or she otherwise receives authorization from the 
Service.
    (vi) Other requirements. (A) If the Secretary of Labor notifies the 
Service that a facility which employs H-1C nonimmigrant nurses has 
failed to meet a condition in its attestation, or that there was a 
misrepresentation of a material fact in the attestation, the Service 
shall not approve petitions for H-1C nonimmigrant nurses to be employed 
by the facility for a period of at least 1 year from the date of receipt 
of such notice. The Secretary of Labor shall make a recommendation with 
respect to the length of debarment. If the Secretary of Labor recommends 
a longer period of debarment, the Service will give considerable weight 
to that recommendation.
    (B) If the facility's attestation expires, or is suspended or 
invalidated by DOL, the Service will not suspend or revoke the 
facility's approved petitions for nurses, if the facility has agreed to 
comply with the terms of the attestation under which the nurses were 
admitted or subsequent attestations accepted by DOL for the duration of 
the nurses' authorized stay.
    (4) Petition for alien to perform services in a specialty 
occupation, services relating

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to a DOD cooperative research and development project or coproduction 
project, or services of distinguished merit and ability in the field of 
fashion modeling (H-1B)--(i)(A) Types of H-1B classification. An H-1B 
classification may be granted to an alien who:
    (1) Will perform services in a specialty occupation which requires 
theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized 
knowledge and attainment of a baccalaureate or higher degree or its 
equivalent as a minimum requirement for entry into the occupation in the 
United States, and who is qualified to perform services in the specialty 
occupation because he or she has attained a baccalaureate or higher 
degree or its equivalent in the specialty occupation;
    (2) Based on reciprocity, will perform services of an exceptional 
nature requiring exceptional merit and ability relating to a DOD 
cooperative research and development project or a coproduction project 
provided for under a Government-to-Government agreement administered by 
the Secretary of Defense;
    (3) Will perform services in the field of fashion modeling and who 
is of distinguished merit and ability.
    (B) General requirements for petitions involving a specialty 
occupation. (1) Before filing a petition for H-1B classification in a 
specialty occupation, the petitioner shall obtain a certification from 
the Department of Labor that it has filed a labor condition application 
in the occupational specialty in which the alien(s) will be employed.
    (2) Certification by the Department of Labor of a labor condition 
application in an occupational classification does not constitute a 
determination by that agency that the occupation in question is a 
specialty occupation. The director shall determine if the application 
involves a specialty occupation as defined in section 214(i)(1) of the 
Act. The director shall also determine whether the particular alien for 
whom H-1B classification is sought qualifies to perform services in the 
specialty occupation as prescribed in section 214(i)(2) of the Act.
    (3) If all of the beneficiaries covered by an H-1B labor condition 
application have not been identified at the time a petition is filed, 
petitions for newly identified beneficiaries may be filed at any time 
during the validity of the labor condition application using photocopies 
of the same application. Each petition must refer by file number to all 
previously approved petitions for that labor condition application.
    (4) When petitions have been approved for the total number of 
workers specified in the labor condition application, substitution of 
aliens against previously approved openings shall not be made. A new 
labor condition application shall be required.
    (5) If the Secretary of Labor notifies the Service that the 
petitioning employer has failed to meet a condition of paragraph (B) of 
section 212(n)(1) of the Act, has substantially failed to meet a 
condition of paragraphs (C) or (D) of section 212(n)(1) of the Act, has 
willfully failed to meet a condition of paragraph (A) of section 
212(n)(1) of the Act, or has misrepresented any material fact in the 
application, the Service shall not approve petitions filed with respect 
to that employer under section 204 or 214(c) of the Act for a period of 
at least one year from the date of receipt of such notice.
    (6) If the employer's labor condition application is suspended or 
invalidated by the Department of Labor, the Service will not suspend or 
revoke the employer's approved petitions for aliens already employed in 
specialty occupations if the employer has certified to the Department of 
Labor that it will comply with the terms of the labor condition 
application for the duration of the authorized stay of aliens it 
employs.
    (C) General requirements for petitions involving an alien of 
distinguished merit and ability in the field of fashion modeling. H-1B 
classification may be granted to an alien who is of distinguished merit 
and ability in the field of fashion modeling. An alien of distinguished 
merit and ability in the field of fashion modeling is one who is 
prominent in the field of fashion modeling. The alien must also be 
coming to the United States to perform services which require a fashion 
model of prominence.
    (ii) Definitions.
    Prominence means a high level of achievement in the field of fashion 
modeling evidenced by a degree of skill

[[Page 339]]

and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the 
extent that a person described as prominent is renowned, leading, or 
well-known in the field of fashion modeling.
    Recognized authority means a person or an organization with 
expertise in a particular field, special skills or knowledge in that 
field, and the expertise to render the type of opinion requested. Such 
an opinion must state:
    (1) The writer's qualifications as an expert;
    (2) The writer's experience giving such opinions, citing specific 
instances where past opinions have been accepted as authoritative and by 
whom;
    (3) How the conclusions were reached; and
    (4) The basis for the conclusions supported by copies or citations 
of any research material used.
    Specialty occupation means an occupation which requires theoretical 
and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in 
fields of human endeavor including, but not limited to, architecture, 
engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine 
and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, 
and the arts, and which requires the attainment of a bachelor's degree 
or higher in a specific specialty, or its equivalent, as a minimum for 
entry into the occupation in the United States.
    United States employer means a person, firm, corporation, 
contractor, or other association or organization in the United States 
which:
    (1) Engages a person to work within the United States;
    (2) Has an employer-employee relationship with respect to employees 
under this part; as indicated by the fact that it may hire, pay, fire, 
supervise, or otherwise control the work of any such employee; and
    (3) Has an Internal Revenue Service Tax identification number.
    (iii) Criteria for H-1B petitions involving a specialty occupation--
(A) Standards for specialty occupation position. To qualify as a 
specialty occupation, the position must meet one of the following 
criteria:
    (1) A baccalaureate or higher degree or its equivalent is normally 
the minimum requirement for entry into the particular position;
    (2) The degree requirement is common to the industry in parallel 
positions among similar organizations or, in the alternative, an 
employer may show that its particular position is so complex or unique 
that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree;
    (3) The employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for 
the position; or
    (4) The nature of the specific duties are so specialized and complex 
that knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with 
the attainment of a baccalaureate or higher degree.
    (B) Petitioner requirements. The petitioner shall submit the 
following with an H-1B petition involving a specialty occupation:
    (1) A certification from the Secretary of Labor that the petitioner 
has filed a labor condition application with the Secretary,
    (2) A statement that it will comply with the terms of the labor 
condition application for the duration of the alien's authorized period 
of stay,
    (3) Evidence that the alien qualifies to perform services in the 
specialty occupation as described in paragraph (h)(4)(iii)(A) of this 
section, and
    (C) Beneficiary qualifications. To qualify to perform services in a 
specialty occupation, the alien must meet one of the following criteria:
    (1) Hold a United States baccalaureate or higher degree required by 
the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university;
    (2) Hold a foreign degree determined to be equivalent to a United 
States baccalaureate or higher degree required by the specialty 
occupation from an accredited college or university;
    (3) Hold an unrestricted State license, registration or 
certification which authorizes him or her to fully practice the 
specialty occupation and be immediately engaged in that specialty in the 
state of intended employment; or
    (4) Have education, specialized training, and/or progressively 
responsible

[[Page 340]]

experience that is equivalent to completion of a United States 
baccalaureate or higher degree in the specialty occupation, and have 
recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively 
responsible positions directly related to the specialty.
    (D) Equivalence to completion of a college degree. For purposes of 
paragraph (h)(4)(iii)(C)(4) of this section, equivalence to completion 
of a United States baccalaureate or higher degree shall mean achievement 
of a level of knowledge, competence, and practice in the specialty 
occupation that has been determined to be equal to that of an individual 
who has a baccalaureate or higher degree in the specialty and shall be 
determined by one or more of the following:
    (1) An evaluation from an official who has authority to grant 
college-level credit for training and/or experience in the specialty at 
an accredited college or university which has a program for granting 
such credit based on an individual's training and/or work experience;
    (2) The results of recognized college-level equivalency examinations 
or special credit programs, such as the College Level Examination 
Program (CLEP), or Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction 
(PONSI);
    (3) An evaluation of education by a reliable credentials evaluation 
service which specializes in evaluating foreign educational credentials;
    (4) Evidence of certification or registration from a nationally-
recognized professional association or society for the specialty that is 
known to grant certification or registration to persons in the 
occupational specialty who have achieved a certain level of competence 
in the specialty;
    (5) A determination by the Service that the equivalent of the degree 
required by the specialty occupation has been acquired through a 
combination of education, specialized training, and/or work experience 
in areas related to the specialty and that the alien has achieved 
recognition of expertise in the specialty occupation as a result of such 
training and experience. For purposes of determining equivalency to a 
baccalaureate degree in the specialty, three years of specialized 
training and/or work experience must be demonstrated for each year of 
college-level training the alien lacks. For equivalence to an advanced 
(or Masters) degree, the alien must have a baccalaureate degree followed 
by at least five years of experience in the specialty. If required by a 
specialty, the alien must hold a Doctorate degree or its foreign 
equivalent. It must be clearly demonstrated that the alien's training 
and/or work experience included the theoretical and practical 
application of specialized knowledge required by the specialty 
occupation; that the alien's experience was gained while working with 
peers, supervisors, or subordinates who have a degree or its equivalent 
in the specialty occupation; and that the alien has recognition of 
expertise in the specialty evidenced by at least one type of 
documentation such as:
    (i) Recognition of expertise in the specialty occupation by at least 
two recognized authorities in the same specialty occupation;
    (ii) Membership in a recognized foreign or United States association 
or society in the specialty occupation;
    (iii) Published material by or about the alien in professional 
publications, trade journals, books, or major newspapers;
    (iv) Licensure or registration to practice the specialty occupation 
in a foreign country; or
    (v) Achievements which a recognized authority has determined to be 
significant contributions to the field of the specialty occupation.
    (E) Liability for transportation costs. The employer will be liable 
for the reasonable costs of return transportation of the alien abroad if 
the alien is dismissed from employment by the employer before the end of 
the period of authorized admission pursuant to section 214(c)(5) of the 
Act. If the beneficiary voluntarily terminates his or her employment 
prior to the expiration of the validity of the petition, the alien has 
not been dismissed. If the beneficiary believes that the employer has 
not complied with this provision, the beneficiary shall advise the 
Service Center which adjudicated the petition

[[Page 341]]

in writing. The complaint will be retained in the file relating to the 
petition. Within the context of this paragraph, the term ``abroad'' 
refers to the alien's last place of foreign residence. This provision 
applies to any employer whose offer of employment became the basis for 
an alien obtaining or continuing H-1B status.
    (iv) General documentary requirements for H-1B classification in a 
specialty occupation. An H-1B petition involving a specialty occupation 
shall be accompanied by:
    (A) Documentation, certifications, affidavits, declarations, 
degrees, diplomas, writings, reviews, or any other required evidence 
sufficient to establish that the beneficiary is qualified to perform 
services in a specialty occupation as described in paragraph (h)(4)(i) 
of this section and that the services the beneficiary is to perform are 
in a specialty occupation. The evidence shall conform to the following:
    (1) School records, diplomas, degrees, affidavits, declarations, 
contracts, and similar documentation submitted must reflect periods of 
attendance, courses of study, and similar pertinent data, be executed by 
the person in charge of the records of the educational or other 
institution, firm, or establishment where education or training was 
acquired.
    (2) Affidavits or declarations made under penalty of perjury 
submitted by present or former employers or recognized authorities 
certifying as to the recognition and expertise of the beneficiary shall 
specifically describe the beneficiary's recognition and ability in 
factual terms and must set forth the expertise of the affiant and the 
manner in which the affiant acquired such information.
    (B) Copies of any written contracts between the petitioner and 
beneficiary, or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which 
the beneficiary will be employed, if there is no written contract.
    (v) Licensure for H classification--(A) General. If an occupation 
requires a state or local license for an individual to fully perform the 
duties of the occupation, an alien (except an H-1C nurse) seeking H 
classification in that occupation must have that license prior to 
approval of the petition to be found qualified to enter the United 
States and immediately engage in employment in the occupation.
    (B) Temporary licensure. If a temporary license is available and the 
alien is allowed to perform the duties of the occupation without a 
permanent license, the director shall examine the nature of the duties, 
the level at which the duties are performed, the degree of supervision 
received, and any limitations placed on the alien. If an analysis of the 
facts demonstrates that the alien under supervision is authorized to 
fully perform the duties of the occupation, H classification may be 
granted.
    (C) Duties without licensure. (1) In certain occupations which 
generally require licensure, a state may allow an individual without 
licensure to fully practice the occupation under the supervision of 
licensed senior or supervisory personnel in that occupation. In such 
cases, USCIS shall examine the nature of the duties and the level at 
which they are performed, as well as evidence provided by the petitioner 
as to the identity, physical location, and credentials of the 
individual(s) who will supervise the alien, and evidence that the 
petitioner is complying with state requirements. If the facts 
demonstrate that the alien under supervision will fully perform the 
duties of the occupation, H classification may be granted.
    (2) An H-1B petition filed on behalf of an alien who does not have a 
valid state or local license, where a license is otherwise required to 
fully perform the duties in that occupation, may be approved for a 
period of up to 1 year if:
    (i) The license would otherwise be issued provided the alien was in 
possession of a valid Social Security number, was authorized for 
employment in the United States, or met a similar technical requirement; 
and
    (ii) The petitioner demonstrates, through evidence from the state or 
local licensing authority, that the only obstacle to the issuance of a 
license to the beneficiary is the lack of a Social Security number, a 
lack of employment authorization in the United States, or a failure to 
meet a similar technical requirement that precludes the issuance of the 
license to an individual who is not yet in H-1B status.

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The petitioner must demonstrate that the alien is fully qualified to 
receive the state or local license in all other respects, meaning that 
all educational, training, experience, and other substantive 
requirements have been met. The alien must have filed an application for 
the license in accordance with applicable state and local rules and 
procedures, provided that state or local rules or procedures do not 
prohibit the alien from filing the license application without provision 
of a Social Security number or proof of employment authorization or 
without meeting a similar technical requirement.
    (3) An H-1B petition filed on behalf of an alien who has been 
previously accorded H-1B classification under paragraph (h)(4)(v)(C)(2) 
of this section may not be approved unless the petitioner demonstrates 
that the alien has obtained the required license, is seeking to employ 
the alien in a position requiring a different license, or the alien will 
be employed in that occupation in a different location which does not 
require a state or local license to fully perform the duties of the 
occupation.
    (D) H-1C nurses. For purposes of licensure, H-1C nurses must provide 
the evidence required in paragraph (h)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (E) Limitation on approval of petition. Where licensure is required 
in any occupation, including registered nursing, the H petition may only 
be approved for a period of one year or for the period that the 
temporary license is valid, whichever is longer, unless the alien 
already has a permanent license to practice the occupation. An alien who 
is accorded H classification in an occupation which requires licensure 
may not be granted an extension of stay or accorded a new H 
classification after the one year unless he or she has obtained a 
permanent license in the state of intended employment or continues to 
hold a temporary license valid in the same state for the period of the 
requested extension.
    (vi) Criteria and documentary requirements for H-1B petitions 
involving DOD cooperative research and development projects or 
coproduction projects--(A) General. (1) For purposes of H-1B 
classification, services of an exceptional nature relating to DOD 
cooperative research and development projects or coproduction projects 
shall be those services which require a baccalaureate or higher degree, 
or its equivalent, to perform the duties. The existence of this special 
program does not preclude the DOD from utilizing the regular H-1B 
provisions provided the required guidelines are met.
    (2) The requirements relating to a labor condition application from 
the Department of Labor shall not apply to petitions involving DOD 
cooperative research and development projects or coproduction projects.
    (B) Petitioner requirements. (1) The petition must be accompanied by 
a verification letter from the DOD project manager for the particular 
project stating that the alien will be working on a cooperative research 
and development project or a coproduction project under a reciprocal 
Government-to-Government agreement administered by DOD. Details about 
the specific project are not required.
    (2) The petitioner shall provide a general description of the 
alien's duties on the particular project and indicate the actual dates 
of the alien's employment on the project.
    (3) The petitioner shall submit a statement indicating the names of 
aliens currently employed on the project in the United States and their 
dates of employment. The petitioner shall also indicate the names of 
aliens whose employment on the project ended within the past year.
    (C) Beneficiary requirement. The petition shall be accompanied by 
evidence that the beneficiary has a baccalaureate or higher degree or 
its equivalent in the occupational field in which he or she will be 
performing services in accordance with paragraph (h)(4)(iii)(C) and/or 
(h)(4)(iii)(D) of this section.
    (vii) Criteria and documentary requirements for H-1B petitions for 
aliens of distinguished merit and ability in the field of fashion 
modeling--(A) General. Prominence in the field of fashion modeling may 
be established in the case of an individual fashion model. The work 
which a prominent alien is coming to perform in the United States must 
require the services of a prominent alien. A petition for an H-1B alien 
of distinguished merit and ability in the field of

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fashion modeling shall be accompanied by:
    (1) Documentation, certifications, affidavits, writings, reviews, or 
any other required evidence sufficient to establish that the beneficiary 
is a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability. Affidavits 
submitted by present or former employers or recognized experts 
certifying to the recognition and distinguished ability of the 
beneficiary shall specifically describe the beneficiary's recognition 
and ability in factual terms and must set forth the expertise of the 
affiant and the manner in which the affiant acquired such information.
    (2) Copies of any written contracts between the petitioner and 
beneficiary, or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which 
the beneficiary will be employed, if there is no written contract.
    (B) Petitioner's requirements. To establish that a position requires 
prominence, the petitioner must establish that the position meets one of 
the following criteria:
    (1) The services to be performed involve events or productions which 
have a distinguished reputation;
    (2) The services are to be performed for an organization or 
establishment that has a distinguished reputation for, or record of, 
employing prominent persons.
    (C) Beneficiary's requirements. A petitioner may establish that a 
beneficiary is a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability by the 
submission of two of the following forms of documentation showing that 
the alien:
    (1) Has achieved national or international recognition and acclaim 
for outstanding achievement in his or her field as evidenced by reviews 
in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published 
material;
    (2) Has performed and will perform services as a fashion model for 
employers with a distinguished reputation;
    (3) Has received recognition for significant achievements from 
organizations, critics, fashion houses, modeling agencies, or other 
recognized experts in the field; or
    (4) Commands a high salary or other substantial remuneration for 
services evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.
    (viii) Criteria and documentary requirements for H-1B petitions for 
physicians--(A) Beneficiary's requirements. An H-1B petition for a 
physician shall be accompanied by evidence that the physician:
    (1) Has a license or other authorization required by the state of 
intended employment to practice medicine, or is exempt by law therefrom, 
if the physician will perform direct patient care and the state requires 
the license or authorization, and
    (2) Has a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a 
foreign state or has graduated from a medical school in the United 
States or in a foreign state.
    (B) Petitioner's requirements. The petitioner must establish that 
the alien physician:
    (1) Is coming to the United States primarily to teach or conduct 
research, or both, at or for a public or nonprofit private educational 
or research institution or agency, and that no patient care will be 
performed, except that which is incidental to the physician's teaching 
or research; or
    (2) The alien has passed the Federation Licensing Examination (or an 
equivalent examination as determined by the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services) or is a graduate of a United States medical school; and
    (i) Has competency in oral and written English which shall be 
demonstrated by the passage of the English language proficiency test 
given by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates; or
    (ii) Is a graduate of a school of medicine accredited by a body or 
bodies approved for that purpose by the Secretary of Education.
    (C) Exception for physicians of national or international renown. A 
physician who is a graduate of a medical school in a foreign state and 
who is of national or international renown in the field of medicine is 
exempt from the requirements of paragraph (h)(4)(viii)(B) of this 
section.
    (5) Petition for alien to perform agricultural labor or services of 
a temporary or seasonal nature (H-2A)--(i) Filing a petition--(A) 
General. An H-2A petition must be filed on the form prescribed by

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USCIS with a single valid temporary agricultural labor certification. 
The petition may be filed by either the employer listed on the temporary 
labor certification, the employer's agent, or the association of United 
States agricultural producers named as a joint employer on the temporary 
labor certification.
    (B) Multiple beneficiaries. The total number of beneficiaries of a 
petition or series of petitions based on the same temporary labor 
certification may not exceed the number of workers indicated on that 
document. A single petition can include more than one named beneficiary 
if the total number is 25 or less and does not exceed the number of 
positions indicated on the relating temporary labor certification.
    (C) [Reserved]
    (D) Evidence. An H-2A petitioner must show that the proposed 
employment qualifies as a basis for H-2A status, and that any named 
beneficiary qualifies for that employment. A petition will be 
automatically denied if filed without the certification evidence 
required in paragraph (h)(5)(i)(A) of this section and, for each named 
beneficiary, the initial evidence required in paragraph (h)(5)(v) of 
this section.
    (E) Special filing requirements. Where a certification shows joint 
employers, a petition must be filed with an attachment showing that each 
employer has agreed to the conditions of H-2A eligibility. A petition 
filed by an agent must be filed with an attachment in which the employer 
has authorized the agent to act on its behalf, has assumed full 
responsibility for all representations made by the agent on its behalf, 
and has agreed to the conditions of H-2A eligibility.
    (F) Eligible Countries. (1)(i) H-2A petitions may only be approved 
for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has 
designated as participating countries, with the concurrence of the 
Secretary of State, in a notice published in the Federal Register, 
taking into account factors, including but not limited to:
    (A) The country's cooperation with respect to issuance of travel 
documents for citizens, subjects, nationals and residents of that 
country who are subject to a final order of removal;
    (B) The number of final and unexecuted orders of removal against 
citizens, subjects, nationals and residents of that country;
    (C) The number of orders of removal executed against citizens, 
subjects, nationals and residents of that country; and
    (D) Such other factors as may serve the U.S. interest.
    (ii) A national from a country not on the list described in 
paragraph (h)(5)(i)(F)(1)(i) of this section may be a beneficiary of an 
approved H-2A petition upon the request of a petitioner or potential H-
2A petitioner, if the Secretary of Homeland Security, in his sole and 
unreviewable discretion, determines that it is in the U.S. interest for 
that alien to be a beneficiary of such petition. Determination of such a 
U.S. interest will take into account factors, including but not limited 
to:
    (A) Evidence from the petitioner demonstrating that a worker with 
the required skills is not available either from among U.S. workers or 
from among foreign workers from a country currently on the list 
described in paragraph (h)(5)(i)(F)(1)(i) of this section;
    (B) Evidence that the beneficiary has been admitted to the United 
States previously in H-2A status;
    (C) The potential for abuse, fraud, or other harm to the integrity 
of the H-2A visa program through the potential admission of a 
beneficiary from a country not currently on the list; and
    (D) Such other factors as may serve the U.S. interest.
    (2) Once published, any designation of participating countries 
pursuant to paragraph (h)(5)(i)(F)(1)(i) of this section shall be 
effective for one year after the date of publication in the Federal 
Register and shall be without effect at the end of that one-year period.
    (ii) Effect of the labor certification process. The temporary 
agricultural labor certification process determines whether employment 
is as an agricultural worker, whether it is open to U.S. workers, if 
qualified U.S. workers are available, the adverse impact of employment 
of a qualified alien, and whether employment conditions, including 
housing, meet applicable requirements. In petition proceedings a

[[Page 345]]

petitioner must establish that the employment and beneficiary meet the 
requirements of paragraph (h)(5) of this section.
    (iii) Ability and intent to meet a job offer--(A) Eligibility 
requirements. An H-2A petitioner must establish that each beneficiary 
will be employed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 
certification, which includes that the principal duties to be performed 
are those on the certification, with other duties minor and incidental.
    (B) Intent and prior compliance. Requisite intent cannot be 
established for two years after an employer or joint employer, or a 
parent, subsidiary or affiliate thereof, is found to have violated 
section 274(a) of the Act or to have employed an H-2A worker in a 
position other than that described in the relating petition.
    (C) Initial evidence. Representations required for the purpose of 
labor certification are initial evidence of intent.
    (iv) Temporary and seasonal employment--(A) Eligibility 
requirements. An H-2A petitioner must establish that the employment 
proposed in the certification is of a temporary or seasonal nature. 
Employment is of a seasonal nature where it is tied to a certain time of 
year by an event or pattern, such as a short annual growing cycle or a 
specific aspect of a longer cycle, and requires labor levels far above 
those necessary for ongoing operations. Employment is of a temporary 
nature where the employer's need to fill the position with a temporary 
worker will, except in extraordinary circumstances, last no longer than 
one year.
    (B) Effect of Department of Labor findings. In temporary 
agricultural labor certification proceedings the Department of Labor 
separately tests whether employment qualifies as temporary or seasonal. 
Its finding that employment qualifies is normally sufficient for the 
purpose of an H-2A petition, However, notwithstanding that finding, 
employment will be found not to be temporary or seasonal where an 
application for permanent labor certification has been filed for the 
same alien, or for another alien to be employed in the same position, by 
the same employer or by its parent, subsidiary or affiliate. This can 
only be overcome by the petitioner's demonstration that there will be at 
least a six month interruption of employment in the United States after 
H-2A status ends. Also, eligibility will not be found, notwithstanding 
the issuance of a temporary agricultural labor certification, where 
there is substantial evidence that the employment is not temporary or 
seasonal.
    (v) The beneficiary's qualifications--(A) Eligibility requirements. 
An H-2A petitioner must establish that any named beneficiary met the 
stated minimum requirements and was fully able to perform the stated 
duties when the application for certification was filed. It must be 
established at time of application for an H-2A visa, or for admission if 
a visa is not required, that any unnamed beneficiary either met these 
requirements when the certification was applied for or passed any 
certified aptitude test at any time prior to visa issuance, or prior to 
admission if a visa is not required.
    (B) Evidence of employment/job training. For petitions with named 
beneficiaries, a petition must be filed with evidence that the 
beneficiary met the certification's minimum employment and job training 
requirements, if any are prescribed, as of the date of the filing of the 
labor certification application. For petitions with unnamed 
beneficiaries, such evidence must be submitted at the time of a visa 
application or, if a visa is not required, at the time the applicant 
seeks admission to the United States. Evidence must be in the form of 
the past employer or employers' detailed statement(s) or actual 
employment documents, such as company payroll or tax records. 
Alternately, a petitioner must show that such evidence cannot be 
obtained, and submit affidavits from persons who worked with the 
beneficiary that demonstrate the claimed employment or job training.
    (C) Evidence of education and other training. For petitions with 
named beneficiaries, a petition must be filed with evidence that the 
beneficiary met all of the certification's post-secondary education and 
other formal training requirements, if any are prescribed in the labor 
certification application as of date of the filing of the labor 
certification application. For petitions with

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unnamed beneficiaries, such evidence must be submitted at the time of a 
visa application or, if a visa is not required, at the time the 
applicant seeks admission to the United States. Evidence must be in the 
form of documents, issued by the relevant institution(s) or 
organization(s), that show periods of attendance, majors and degrees or 
certificates accorded.
    (vi) Petitioner consent and notification requirements--(A) Consent. 
In filing an H-2A petition, a petitioner and each employer consents to 
allow access to the site by DHS officers where the labor is being 
performed for the purpose of determining compliance with H-2A 
requirements.
    (B) Agreements. The petitioner agrees to the following requirements:
    (1) To notify DHS, within 2 workdays, and beginning on a date and in 
a manner specified in a notice published in the Federal Register if:
    (i) An H-2A worker fails to report to work within 5 workdays of the 
employment start date on the H-2A petition or within 5 workdays of the 
start date established by his or her employer, whichever is later;
    (ii) The agricultural labor or services for which H-2A workers were 
hired is completed more than 30 days earlier than the employment end 
date stated on the H-2A petition; or
    (iii) The H-2A worker absconds from the worksite or is terminated 
prior to the completion of agricultural labor or services for which he 
or she was hired.
    (2) To retain evidence of such notification and make it available 
for inspection by DHS officers for a 1-year period beginning on the date 
of the notification. To retain evidence of a different employment start 
date if it is changed from that on the petition by the employer and make 
it available for inspection by DHS officers for the 1-year period 
beginning on the newly-established employment start date.
    (3) To pay $10 in liquidated damages for each instance where the 
employer cannot demonstrate that it has complied with the notification 
requirements, unless, in the case of an untimely notification, the 
employer demonstrates with such notification that good cause existed for 
the untimely notification, and DHS, in its discretion, waives the 
liquidated damages amount.
    (C) Process. If DHS has determined that the petitioner has violated 
the notification requirements in paragraph (h)(5)(vi)(B)(1) of this 
section and has not received the required notification, the petitioner 
will be given written notice and 30 days to reply before being given 
written notice of the assessment of liquidated damages.
    (D) Failure to pay liquidated damages. If liquidated damages are not 
paid within 10 days of assessment, an H-2A petition may not be processed 
for that petitioner or any joint employer shown on the petition until 
such damages are paid.
    (E) Abscondment. An H-2A worker has absconded if he or she has not 
reported for work for a period of 5 consecutive workdays without the 
consent of the employer.
    (vii) Validity. An approved H-2A petition is valid through the 
expiration of the relating certification for the purpose of allowing a 
beneficiary to seek issuance of an H-2A nonimmigrant visa, admission or 
an extension of stay for the purpose of engaging in the specific 
certified employment.
    (viii) Admission--(A) Effect of violations of status. An alien may 
not be accorded H-2A status who, at any time during the past 5 years, 
USCIS finds to have violated, other than through no fault of his or her 
own (e.g., due to an employer's illegal or inappropriate conduct), any 
of the terms or conditions of admission into the United States as an H-
2A nonimmigrant, including remaining beyond the specific period of 
authorized stay or engaging in unauthorized employment.
    (B) Period of admission. An alien admissible as an H-2A nonimmigrant 
shall be admitted for the period of the approved petition. Such alien 
will be admitted for an additional period of up to one week before the 
beginning of the approved period for the purpose of travel to the 
worksite, and a 30-day period following the expiration of the H-2A 
petition for the purpose of departure or to seek an extension based on a 
subsequent offer of employment. Unless authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12 or 
section 214(n) of the Act, the beneficiary may

[[Page 347]]

not work except during the validity period of the petition.
    (C) Limits on an individual's stay. Except as provided in paragraph 
(h)(5)(viii)(B) of this section, an alien's stay as an H-2A nonimmigrant 
is limited by the term of an approved petition. An alien may remain 
longer to engage in other qualifying temporary agricultural employment 
by obtaining an extension of stay. However, an individual who has held 
H-2A status for a total of 3 years may not again be granted H-2A status 
until such time as he or she remains outside the United States for an 
uninterrupted period of 3 months. An absence from the United States can 
interrupt the accrual of time spent as an H-2A nonimmigrant against the 
3-year limit. If the accumulated stay is 18 months or less, an absence 
is interruptive if it lasts for at least 45 days. If the accumulated 
stay is greater than 18 months, an absence is interruptive if it lasts 
for at least 2 months. Eligibility under paragraph (h)(5)(viii)(C) of 
this section will be determined in admission, change of status or 
extension proceedings. An alien found eligible for a shorter period of 
H-2A status than that indicated by the petition due to the application 
of this paragraph (h)(5)(viii)(C) of this section shall only be admitted 
for that abbreviated period.
    (ix) Substitution of beneficiaries after admission. An H-2A petition 
may be filed to replace H-2A workers whose employment was terminated 
earlier than the end date stated on the H-2A petition and before the 
completion of work; who fail to report to work within five days of the 
employment start date on the H-2A petition or within five days of the 
start date established by his or her employer, whichever is later; or 
who abscond from the worksite. The petition must be filed with a copy of 
the certification document, a copy of the approval notice covering the 
workers for which replacements are sought, and other evidence required 
by paragraph (h)(5)(i)(D) of this section. It must also be filed with a 
statement giving each terminated or absconded worker's name, date and 
country of birth, termination date, and the reason for termination, and 
the date that USCIS was notified that the alien was terminated or 
absconded, if applicable. A petition for a replacement will not be 
approved where the requirements of paragraph (h)(5)(vi) of this section 
have not been met. A petition for replacements does not constitute the 
notification required by paragraph (h)(5)(vi)(B)(1) of this section.
    (x) Extensions in emergent circumstances. In emergent circumstances, 
as determined by USCIS, a single H-2A petition may be extended for a 
period not to exceed 2 weeks without an additional approved labor 
certification if filed on behalf of one or more beneficiaries who will 
continue to be employed by the same employer that previously obtained an 
approved petition on the beneficiary's behalf, so long as the employee 
continues to perform the same duties and will be employed for no longer 
than 2 weeks after the expiration of previously-approved H-2A petition. 
The previously approved H-2A petition must have been based on an 
approved temporary labor certification, which shall be considered to be 
extended upon the approval of the extension of H-2A status.
    (xi) Treatment of petitions and alien beneficiaries upon a 
determination that fees were collected from alien beneficiaries--(A) 
Denial or revocation of petition. As a condition to approval of an H-2A 
petition, no job placement fee or other compensation (either direct or 
indirect) may be collected at any time, including before or after the 
filing or approval of the petition, from a beneficiary of an H-2A 
petition by a petitioner, agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar 
employment service as a condition of H-2A employment (other than the 
lesser of the fair market value or actual costs of transportation and 
any government-mandated passport, visa, or inspection fees, to the 
extent that the payment of such costs and fees by the beneficiary is not 
prohibited by statute or Department of Labor regulations, unless the 
employer agent, facilitator, recruiter, or employment service has agreed 
with the alien to pay such costs and fees).
    (1) If USCIS determines that the petitioner has collected, or 
entered into an agreement to collect, such prohibited fee or 
compensation, the H-2A petition

[[Page 348]]

will be denied or revoked on notice unless the petitioner demonstrates 
that, prior to the filing of the petition, the petitioner has reimbursed 
the alien in full for such fees or compensation, or, where such fee or 
compensation has not yet been paid by the alien worker, that the 
agreement has been terminated.
    (2) If USCIS determines that the petitioner knew or should have 
known at the time of filing the petition that the beneficiary has paid 
or agreed to pay any facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment 
service such fees or compensation as a condition of obtaining the H-2A 
employment, the H-2A petition will be denied or revoked on notice unless 
the petitioner demonstrates that, prior to the filing of the petition, 
the petitioner or the facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment 
service has reimbursed the alien in full for such fees or compensation 
or, where such fee or compensation has not yet been paid by the alien 
worker, that the agreement has been terminated.
    (3) If USCIS determines that the beneficiary paid the petitioner 
such fees or compensation as a condition of obtaining the H-2A 
employment after the filing of the H-2A petition, the petition will be 
denied or revoked on notice.
    (4) If USCIS determines that the beneficiary paid or agreed to pay 
the agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service such 
fees or compensation as a condition of obtaining the H-2A employment 
after the filing of the H-2A petition and with the knowledge of the 
petitioner, the petition will be denied or revoked unless the petitioner 
demonstrates that the petitioner or facilitator, recruiter, or similar 
employment service has reimbursed the beneficiary in full or where such 
fee or compensation has not yet been paid by the alien worker, that the 
agreement has been terminated, or notifies DHS within 2 workdays of 
obtaining knowledge in a manner specified in a notice published in the 
Federal Register.
    (B) Effect of petition revocation. Upon revocation of an employer's 
H-2A petition based upon paragraph (h)(5)(xi)(A) of this section, the 
alien beneficiary's stay will be authorized and the alien will not 
accrue any period of unlawful presence under section 212(a)(9) of the 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)) for a 30-day period following the date of the 
revocation for the purpose of departure or extension of stay based upon 
a subsequent offer of employment.
    (C) Reimbursement as condition to approval of future H-2A 
petitions--(1) Filing subsequent H-2A petitions within 1 year of denial 
or revocation of previous H-2A petition. A petitioner filing an H-2A 
petition within 1 year after the decision denying or revoking on notice 
an H-2A petition filed by the same petitioner on the basis of paragraph 
(h)(5)(xi)(A) of this section must demonstrate to the satisfaction of 
USCIS, as a condition of approval of such petition, that the petitioner 
or agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service has 
reimbursed the beneficiary in full or that the petitioner has failed to 
locate the beneficiary. If the petitioner demonstrates to the 
satisfaction of USCIS that the beneficiary was reimbursed in full, such 
condition of approval shall be satisfied with respect to any 
subsequently filed H-2A petitions, except as provided in paragraph 
(h)(5)(xi)(C)(2). If the petitioner demonstrates to the satisfaction of 
USCIS that it has made reasonable efforts to locate the beneficiary with 
respect to each H-2A petition filed within 1 year after the decision 
denying or revoking the previous H-2A petition on the basis of paragraph 
(h)(5)(xi)(A) of this section but has failed to do so, such condition of 
approval shall be deemed satisfied with respect to any H-2A petition 
filed 1 year or more after the denial or revocation. Such reasonable 
efforts shall include contacting any of the beneficiary's known 
addresses.
    (2) Effect of subsequent denied or revoked petitions. An H-2A 
petition filed by the same petitioner subsequent to a denial under 
paragraph (h)(5)(xi)(A) of this section shall be subject to the 
condition of approval described in paragraph (h)(5)(xi)(C)(1) of this 
section, regardless of prior satisfaction of such condition of approval 
with respect to a previously denied or revoked petition.
    (xii) Treatment of alien beneficiaries upon revocation of labor 
certification. The approval of an employer's H-2A petition is 
immediately and automatically revoked if the Department of

[[Page 349]]

Labor revokes the labor certification upon which the petition is based. 
Upon revocation of an H-2A petition based upon revocation of labor 
certification, the alien beneficiary's stay will be authorized and the 
alien will not accrue any period of unlawful presence under section 
212(a)(9) of the Act for a 30-day period following the date of the 
revocation for the purpose of departure or extension of stay based upon 
a subsequent offer of employment.
    (6) Petition for alien to perform temporary nonagricultural services 
or labor (H-2B)--(i) Petition--(A) H-2B nonagricultural temporary 
worker. An H-2B nonagricultural temporary worker is an alien who is 
coming temporarily to the United States to perform temporary services or 
labor without displacing qualified United States workers available to 
perform such services or labor and whose employment is not adversely 
affecting the wages and working conditions of United States workers.
    (B) Denial or revocation of petition upon a determination that fees 
were collected from alien beneficiaries. As a condition of approval of 
an H-2B petition, no job placement fee or other compensation (either 
direct or indirect) may be collected at any time, including before or 
after the filing or approval of the petition, from a beneficiary of an 
H-2B petition by a petitioner, agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar 
employment service as a condition of an offer or condition of H-2B 
employment (other than the lower of the actual cost or fair market value 
of transportation to such employment and any government-mandated 
passport, visa, or inspection fees, to the extent that the passing of 
such costs to the beneficiary is not prohibited by statute, unless the 
employer, agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service 
has agreed with the beneficiary that it will pay such costs and fees).
    (1) If USCIS determines that the petitioner has collected or entered 
into an agreement to collect such fee or compensation, the H-2B petition 
will be denied or revoked on notice, unless the petitioner demonstrates 
that, prior to the filing of the petition, either the petitioner 
reimbursed the beneficiary in full for such fees or compensation or the 
agreement to collect such fee or compensation was terminated before the 
fee or compensation was paid by the beneficiary.
    (2) If USCIS determines that the petitioner knew or should have 
known at the time of filing the petition that the beneficiary has paid 
or agreed to pay any agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar 
employment service as a condition of an offer of the H-2B employment, 
the H-2B petition will be denied or revoked on notice unless the 
petitioner demonstrates that, prior to filing the petition, either the 
petitioner or the agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment 
service reimbursed the beneficiary in full for such fees or compensation 
or the agreement to collect such fee or compensation was terminated 
before the fee or compensation was paid by the beneficiary.
    (3) If USCIS determines that the beneficiary paid the petitioner 
such fees or compensation as a condition of an offer of H-2B employment 
after the filing of the H-2B petition, the petition will be denied or 
revoked on notice.
    (4) If USCIS determines that the beneficiary paid or agreed to pay 
the agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service such 
fees or compensation after the filing of the H-2B petition and that the 
petitioner knew or had reason to know of the payment or agreement to 
pay, the petition will be denied or revoked unless the petitioner 
demonstrates that the petitioner or agent, facilitator, recruiter, or 
similar employment service reimbursed the beneficiary in full, that the 
parties terminated any agreement to pay before the beneficiary paid the 
fees or compensation, or that the petitioner has notified DHS within 2 
work days of obtaining knowledge, in a manner specified in a notice 
published in the Federal Register.
    (C) Effect of petition revocation. Upon revocation of an employer's 
H-2B petition based upon paragraph (h)(6)(i)(B) of this section, the 
alien beneficiary's stay will be authorized and the beneficiary will not 
accrue any period of unlawful presence under section 212(a)(9) of the 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)) for a 30-day period following the date of

[[Page 350]]

the revocation for the purpose of departure or extension of stay based 
upon a subsequent offer of employment. The employer shall be liable for 
the alien beneficiary's reasonable costs of return transportation to his 
or her last place of foreign residence abroad, unless such alien obtains 
an extension of stay based on an approved H-2B petition filed by a 
different employer.
    (D) Reimbursement as condition to approval of future H-2B 
petitions--(1) Filing subsequent H-2B petitions within 1 year of denial 
or revocation of previous H-2B petition. A petitioner filing an H-2B 
petition within 1 year after a decision denying or revoking on notice an 
H-2B petition filed by the same petitioner on the basis of paragraph 
(h)(6)(i)(B) of this section must demonstrate to the satisfaction of 
USCIS, as a condition of the approval of the later petition, that the 
petitioner or agent, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment 
service reimbursed in full each beneficiary of the denied or revoked 
petition from whom a prohibited fee was collected or that the petitioner 
has failed to locate each such beneficiary despite the petitioner's 
reasonable efforts to locate them. If the petitioner demonstrates to the 
satisfaction of USCIS that each such beneficiary was reimbursed in full, 
such condition of approval shall be satisfied with respect to any 
subsequently filed H-2B petitions, except as provided in paragraph 
(h)(6)(i)(D)(2) of this section. If the petitioner demonstrates to the 
satisfaction of USCIS that it has made reasonable efforts to locate but 
has failed to locate each such beneficiary within 1 year after the 
decision denying or revoking the previous H-2B petition on the basis of 
paragraph (h)(6)(i)(B) of this section, such condition of approval shall 
be deemed satisfied with respect to any H-2B petition filed 1 year or 
more after the denial or revocation. Such reasonable efforts shall 
include contacting all of each such beneficiary's known addresses.
    (2) Effect of subsequent denied or revoked petitions. An H-2B 
petition filed by the same petitioner subsequent to a denial under 
paragraph (h)(6)(i)(B) of this section shall be subject to the condition 
of approval described in paragraph (h)(6)(i)(D)(1) of this section, 
regardless of prior satisfaction of such condition of approval with 
respect to a previously denied or revoked petition.
    (E) Eligible countries. (1) H-2B petitions may be approved for 
nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has 
designated as participating countries, with the concurrence of the 
Secretary of State, in a notice published in the Federal Register, 
taking into account factors, including but not limited to:
    (i) The country's cooperation with respect to issuance of travel 
documents for citizens, subjects, nationals and residents of that 
country who are subject to a final order of removal;
    (ii) The number of final and unexecuted orders of removal against 
citizens, subjects, nationals, and residents of that country;
    (iii) The number of orders of removal executed against citizens, 
subjects, nationals and residents of that country; and
    (iv) Such other factors as may serve the U.S. interest.
    (2) A national from a country not on the list described in paragraph 
(h)(6)(i)(E)(1) of this section may be a beneficiary of an approved H-2B 
petition upon the request of a petitioner or potential H-2B petitioner, 
if the Secretary of Homeland Security, in his sole and unreviewable 
discretion, determines that it is in the U.S. interest for that alien to 
be a beneficiary of such petition. Determination of such a U.S. interest 
will take into account factors, including but not limited to:
    (i) Evidence from the petitioner demonstrating that a worker with 
the required skills is not available from among foreign workers from a 
country currently on the list described in paragraph (h)(6)(i)(E)(1) of 
this section;
    (ii) Evidence that the beneficiary has been admitted to the United 
States previously in H-2B status;
    (iii) The potential for abuse, fraud, or other harm to the integrity 
of the H-2B visa program through the potential admission of a 
beneficiary from a country not currently on the list; and
    (iv) Such other factors as may serve the U.S. interest.
    (3) Once published, any designation of participating countries 
pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(i)(E)(1) of this section

[[Page 351]]

shall be effective for one year after the date of publication in the 
Federal Register and shall be without effect at the end of that one-year 
period.
    (F) Petitioner agreements and notification requirements--(1) 
Agreements. The petitioner agrees to notify DHS, within 2 work days, and 
beginning on a date and in a manner specified in a notice published in 
the Federal Register if: An H-2B worker fails to report for work within 
5 work days after the employment start date stated on the petition; the 
nonagricultural labor or services for which H-2B workers were hired were 
completed more than 30 days early; or an H-2B worker absconds from the 
worksite or is terminated prior to the completion of the nonagricultural 
labor or services for which he or she was hired. The petitioner also 
agrees to retain evidence of such notification and make it available for 
inspection by DHS officers for a one-year period beginning on the date 
of the notification.
    (2) Abscondment. An H-2B worker has absconded if he or she has not 
reported for work for a period of 5 consecutive work days without the 
consent of the employer.
    (ii) Temporary services or labor--(A) Definition. Temporary services 
or labor under the H-2B classification refers to any job in which the 
petitioner's need for the duties to be performed by the employee(s) is 
temporary, whether or not the underlying job can be described as 
permanent or temporary.
    (B) Nature of petitioner's need. Employment is of a temporary nature 
when the employer needs a worker for a limited period of time. The 
employer must establish that the need for the employee will end in the 
near, definable future. Generally, that period of time will be limited 
to one year or less, but in the case of a one-time event could last up 
to 3 years. The petitioner's need for the services or labor shall be a 
one-time occurrence, a seasonal need, a peak load need, or an 
intermittent need.
    (1) One-time occurrence. The petitioner must establish that it has 
not employed workers to perform the services or labor in the past and 
that it will not need workers to perform the services or labor in the 
future, or that it has an employment situation that is otherwise 
permanent, but a temporary event of short duration has created the need 
for a temporary worker.
    (2) Seasonal need. The petitioner must establish that the services 
or labor is traditionally tied to a season of the year by an event or 
pattern and is of a recurring nature. The petitioner shall specify the 
period(s) of time during each year in which it does not need the 
services or labor. The employment is not seasonal if the period during 
which the services or labor is not needed is unpredictable or subject to 
change or is considered a vacation period for the petitioner's permanent 
employees.
    (3) Peakload need. The petitioner must establish that it regularly 
employs permanent workers to perform the services or labor at the place 
of employment and that it needs to supplement its permanent staff at the 
place of employment on a temporary basis due to a seasonal or short-term 
demand and that the temporary additions to staff will not become a part 
of the petitioner's regular operation.
    (4) Intermittent need. The petitioner must establish that it has not 
employed permanent or full-time workers to perform the services or 
labor, but occasionally or intermittently needs temporary workers to 
perform services or labor for short periods.
    (iii) Procedures. (A) Prior to filing a petition with the director 
to classify an alien as an H-2B worker, the petitioner shall apply for a 
temporary labor certification with the Secretary of Labor for all areas 
of the United States, except the Territory of Guam. In the Territory of 
Guam, the petitioning employer shall apply for a temporary labor 
certification with the Governor of Guam. The labor certification shall 
be advice to the director on whether or not United States workers 
capable of performing the temporary services or labor are available and 
whether or not the alien's employment will adversely affect the wages 
and working conditions of similarly employed United States workers.
    (B) An H-2B petitioner shall be a United States employer, a United 
States agent, or a foreign employer filing through a United States 
agent. For

[[Page 352]]

purposes of paragraph (h) of this section, a foreign employer is any 
employer who is not amenable to service of process in the United States. 
A foreign employer may not directly petition for an H-2B nonimmigrant 
but must use the services of a United States agent to file a petition 
for an H-2B nonimmigrant. A United States agent petitioning on behalf of 
a foreign employer must be authorized to file the petition, and to 
accept service of process in the United States in proceedings under 
section 274A of the Act, on behalf of the employer. The petitioning 
employer shall consider available United States workers for the 
temporary services or labor, and shall offer terms and conditions of 
employment which are consistent with the nature of the occupation, 
activity, and industry in the United States.
    (C) The petitioner may not file an H-2B petition unless the United 
States petitioner has applied for a labor certification with the 
Secretary of Labor or the Governor of Guam within the time limits 
prescribed or accepted by each, and has obtained a favorable labor 
certification determination as required by paragraph (h)(6)(iv) or 
(h)(6)(v) of this section.
    (D) The Governor of Guam shall separately establish procedures for 
administering the temporary labor program under his or her jurisdiction. 
The Secretary of Labor shall separately establish for the temporary 
labor program under his or her jurisdiction, by regulation at 20 CFR 
655, procedures for administering that temporary labor program under his 
or her jurisdiction, and shall determine the prevailing wage applicable 
to an application for temporary labor certification for that temporary 
labor program in accordance with the Secretary of Labor's regulation at 
20 CFR 655.10.
    (E) After obtaining a favorable determination from the Secretary of 
Labor or the Governor of Guam, as appropriate, the petitioner shall file 
a petition on the form prescribed by USCIS, accompanied by the labor 
certification determination and supporting documents, with the director 
having jurisdiction in the area of intended employment.
    (iv) Labor certifications, except Guam--(A) Secretary of Labor's 
determination. An H-2B petition for temporary employment in the United 
States, except for temporary employment on Guam, shall be accompanied by 
an approved temporary labor certification from the Secretary of Labor 
stating that qualified workers in the United States are not available 
and that the alien's employment will not adversely affect wages and 
working conditions of similarly employed United States workers.
    (B) Validity of the labor certification. The Secretary of Labor may 
issue a temporary labor certification for a period of up to one year.
    (C) U.S. Virgin Islands. Temporary labor certifications filed under 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Act for employment in the United 
States Virgin Islands may be approved only for entertainers and athletes 
and only for periods not to exceed 45 days.
    (D) Employment start date. Beginning with petitions filed for 
workers for fiscal year 2010, an H-2B petition must state an employment 
start date that is the same as the date of need stated on the approved 
temporary labor certification. A petitioner filing an amended H-2B 
petition due to the unavailability of originally requested workers may 
state an employment start date later than the date of need stated on the 
previously approved temporary labor certification accompanying the 
amended H-2B petition.
    (v) Labor certification for Guam--(A) Governor of Guam's 
determination. An H-2B petition for temporary employment on Guam shall 
be accompanied by an approved temporary labor certification issued by 
the Governor of Guam stating that qualified workers in the United States 
are not available to perform the required services, and that the alien's 
employment will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of 
United States resident workers who are similarly employed on Guam.
    (B) Validity of labor certification. The Governor of Guam may issue 
a temporary labor certification for a period up to one year.
    (C)-(D) [Reserved]
    (E) Criteria for Guam labor certifications. The Governor of Guam 
shall, in

[[Page 353]]

consultation with the Service, establish systematic methods for 
determining the prevailing wage rates and working conditions for 
individual occupations on Guam and for making determinations as to 
availability of qualified United States residents.
    (1) Prevailing wage and working conditions. The system to determine 
wages and working conditions must provide for consideration of wage 
rates and employment conditions for occupations in both the private and 
public sectors, in Guam and/or in the United States (as defined in 
section 101(a)(38) of the Act), and may not consider wages and working 
conditions outside of the United States. If the system includes 
utilization of advisory opinions and consultations, the opinions must be 
provided by officially sanctioned groups which reflect a balance of the 
interests of the private and public sectors, government, unions and 
management.
    (2) Availability of United States workers. The system for 
determining availability of qualified United States workers must require 
the prospective employer to:
    (i) Advertise the availability of the position for a minimum of 
three consecutive days in the newspaper with the largest daily 
circulation on Guam;
    (ii) Place a job offer with an appropriate agency of the Territorial 
Government which operates as a job referral service at least 30 days in 
advance of the need for the services to commence, except that for 
applications from the armed forces of the United States and those in the 
entertainment industry, the 30-day period may be reduced by the Governor 
to 10 days;
    (iii) Conduct appropriate recruitment in other areas of the United 
States and its territories if sufficient qualified United States 
construction workers are not available on Guam to fill a job. The 
Governor of Guam may require a job order to be placed more than 30 days 
in advance of need to accommodate such recruitment;
    (iv) Report to the appropriate agency the names of all United States 
resident workers who applied for the position, indicating those hired 
and the job-related reasons for not hiring;
    (v) Offer all special considerations, such as housing and 
transportation expenses, to all United States resident workers who 
applied for the position, indicating those hired and the job-related 
reasons for not hiring;
    (vi) Meet the prevailing wage rates and working conditions 
determined under the wages and working conditions system by the 
Governor; and
    (vii) Agree to meet all Federal and Territorial requirements 
relating to employment, such as nondiscrimination, occupational safety, 
and minimum wage requirements.
    (F) Approval and publication of employment systems on Guam--(1) 
Systems. The Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization must approve 
the system to determine prevailing wages and working conditions and the 
system to determine availability of United States resident workers and 
any future modifications of the systems prior to implementation. If the 
Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, finds that 
the systems or modified systems meet the requirements of this section, 
the Commissioner shall publish them as a notice in the Federal Register 
and the Governor shall publish them as a public record in Guam.
    (2) Approval of construction wage rates. The Commissioner must 
approve specific wage data and rates used for construction occupations 
on Guam prior to implementation of new rates. The Governor shall submit 
new wage survey data and proposed rates to the Commissioner for approval 
at least eight weeks before authority to use existing rates expires. 
Surveys shall be conducted at least every two years, unless the 
Commissioner prescribes a lesser period.
    (G) Reporting. The Governor shall provide the Commissioner 
statistical data on temporary labor certification workload and 
determinations. This information shall be submitted quarterly no later 
than 30 days after the quarter ends.
    (H) Invalidation of temporary labor certification issued by the 
Governor of Guam--(1) General. A temporary labor certification issued by 
the Governor of Guam may be invalidated by a director if it is 
determined by the director or a

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court of law that the certification request involved fraud or willful 
misrepresentation. A temporary labor certification may also be 
invalidated if the director determines that the certification involved 
gross error.
    (2) Notice of intent to invalidate. If the director intends to 
invalidate a temporary labor certification, a notice of intent shall be 
served upon the employer, detailing the reasons for the intended 
invalidation. The employer shall have 30 days in which to file a written 
response in rebuttal to the notice of intent. The director shall 
consider all evidence submitted upon rebuttal in reaching a decision.
    (3) Appeal of invalidation. An employer may appeal the invalidation 
of a temporary labor certification in accordance with part 103 of this 
chapter.
    (vi) Evidence for H-2B petitions. An H-2B petition shall be 
accompanied by:
    (A) Labor certification. An approved temporary labor certification 
issued by the Secretary of Labor or the Governor of Guam, as 
appropriate;
    (B) [Reserved]
    (C) Alien's qualifications. In petitions where the temporary labor 
certification application requires certain education, training, 
experience, or special requirements of the beneficiary who is present in 
the United States, documentation that the alien qualifies for the job 
offer as specified in the application for such temporary labor 
certification. This requirement also applies to the named beneficiary 
who is abroad on the basis of special provisions stated in paragraph 
(h)(2)(iii) of this section;
    (D) Statement of need. A statement describing in detail the 
temporary situation or conditions which make it necessary to bring the 
alien to the United States and whether the need is a one-time 
occurrence, seasonal, peakload, or intermittent. If the need is 
seasonal, peakload, or intermittent, the statement shall indicate 
whether the situation or conditions are expected to be recurrent; or
    (E) Liability for transportation costs. The employer will be liable 
for the reasonable costs of return transportation of the alien abroad, 
if the alien is dismissed from employment for any reason by the employer 
before the end of the period of authorized admission pursuant to section 
214(c)(5) of the Act. If the beneficiary voluntarily terminates his or 
her employment prior to the expiration of the validity of the petition, 
the alien has not been dismissed. If the beneficiary believes that the 
employer has not complied with this provision, the beneficiary shall 
advise the Service Center which adjudicated the petition in writing. The 
complaint will be retained in the file relating to the petition. Within 
the context of this paragraph, the term ``abroad'' means the alien's 
last place of foreign residence. This provision applies to any employer 
whose offer of employment became the basis for the alien obtaining or 
continuing H-2B status.
    (vii) Traded professional H-2B athletes. In the case of a 
professional H-2B athlete who is traded from one organization to another 
organization, employment authorization for the player will automatically 
continue for a period of 30 days after the player's acquisition by the 
new organization, within which time the new organization is expected to 
file a new application or petition for H-2B nonimmigrant classification. 
If a new application or petition is not filed within 30 days, employment 
authorization will cease. If a new application or petition is filed 
within 30 days, the professional athlete shall be deemed to be in valid 
H-2B status, and employment shall continue to be authorized, until the 
petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, employment 
authorization will cease.
    (viii) Substitution of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries of H-2B 
petitions that are approved for named or unnamed beneficiaries who have 
not been admitted may be substituted only if the employer can 
demonstrate that the total number of beneficiaries will not exceed the 
number of beneficiaries certified in the original temporary labor 
certification. Beneficiaries who were admitted to the United States may 
not be substituted without a new petition accompanied by a newly 
approved temporary labor certification.
    (A) To substitute beneficiaries who were previously approved for 
consular processing but have not been admitted with aliens who are 
outside of the United States, the petitioner shall, by

[[Page 355]]

letter and a copy of the petition approval notice, notify the consular 
office at which the alien will apply for a visa or the port of entry 
where the alien will apply for admission. The petitioner shall also 
submit evidence of the qualifications of beneficiaries to the consular 
office or port of entry prior to issuance of a visa or admission, if 
applicable.
    (B) To substitute beneficiaries who were previously approved for 
consular processing but have not been admitted with aliens who are 
currently in the United States, the petitioner shall file an amended 
petition with fees at the USCIS Service Center where the original 
petition was filed, with a copy of the original petition approval 
notice, a statement explaining why the substitution is necessary, 
evidence of the qualifications of beneficiaries, if applicable, evidence 
of the beneficiaries' current status in the United States, and evidence 
that the number of beneficiaries will not exceed the number allocated on 
the approved temporary labor certification, such as employment records 
or other documentary evidence to establish that the number of visas 
sought in the amended petition were not already issued. The amended 
petition must retain a period of employment within the same half of the 
same fiscal year as the original petition. Otherwise, a new temporary 
labor certification issued by DOL or the Governor of Guam and subsequent 
H-2B petition are required.
    (ix) Enforcement. The Secretary of Labor may investigate employers 
to enforce compliance with the conditions of a petition and Department 
of Labor-approved temporary labor certification to admit or otherwise 
provide status to an H-2B worker.
    (x) Special requirements for additional cap allocations under the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260--(A) Public 
Law 116-260--(1) Supplemental allocation for returning workers. 
Notwithstanding the numerical limitations set forth in paragraph 
(h)(8)(i)(C) of this section, for fiscal year 2021 only, the Secretary 
has authorized up to an additional 16,000 visas for aliens who may 
receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant to section 105 of Division O of 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260. An alien 
may be eligible to receive an H-2B nonimmigrant visa under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) if she or he is a returning worker. The term 
``returning worker'' under this paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) means a person 
who was issued an H-2B visa or was otherwise granted H-2B status in 
fiscal year 2018, 2019, or 2020. Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this 
chapter, an alien may not change status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1).
    (2) Supplemental allocation for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
and Honduras (Northern Triangle countries). Notwithstanding the 
numerical limitations set forth in paragraph (h)(8)(i)(C) of this 
section, for fiscal year 2021 only, and in addition to the allocation 
described in paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) of this section, the Secretary 
has authorized up to an additional 6,000 aliens who are nationals of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, or Honduras (Northern Triangle countries) who 
may receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant to section 105 of Division 
O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260. Such 
workers are not subject to the returning worker requirement in paragraph 
(h)(6)(x)(A)(1). Petitioners must request such workers in an H-2B 
petition that is separate from H-2B petitions that request returning 
workers under paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) and must declare that they are 
requesting these workers in the attestation required under 20 CFR 
655.68(a)(1). Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may 
not change status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph 
(h)(6)(x)(A)(2).
    (i) Petitions submitted under this paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(2) must be 
received by July 8, 2021. H-2B petitions under the supplemental 
allocation for nationals of Northern Triangle countries received after 
that date will be rejected.
    (ii) If USCIS determines that it has received fewer petitions by 
July 8, 2021 than needed to reach the USCIS projections for the Northern 
Triangle countries supplemental allocation in this paragraph 
(h)(6)(x)(A)(2), it will make the remainder of the allocation available 
as a separate allocation described

[[Page 356]]

in paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(3) of this section.
    (3) Availability of remainder of supplemental allocation. If USCIS 
determines that fewer petitions have been received by July 8, 2021 than 
needed to meet the additional allocation described in paragraph 
(h)(6)(x)(A)(2) of this section, USCIS will make the remainder of the 
allocation available as a separate allocation to returning workers as 
described in paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) of this section and will announce 
the availability of the remainder of the allocation on the USCIS website 
at uscis.gov no later than July 23, 2021. Such announcement, if made, 
will specify the date on which petitioners may begin to file H-2B 
petitions under this paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(3).
    (B) Eligibility. In order to file a petition with USCIS under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(x), the petitioner must:
    (1) Comply with all other statutory and regulatory requirements for 
H-2B classification, including, but not limited to, requirements in this 
section, under part 103 of this chapter, and under 20 CFR part 655 and 
29 CFR part 503; and
    (2) Submit to USCIS, at the time the employer files its petition, a 
U.S. Department of Labor attestation, in compliance with this section 
and 20 CFR 655.64, evidencing that:
    (i) Without the ability to employ all of the H-2B workers requested 
on the petition filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(x), its business 
is likely to suffer irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe 
financial loss);
    (ii) All workers requested and/or instructed to apply for a visa 
have been issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal 
year 2018, 2019, or 2020, unless the H-2B worker is a national of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, or Honduras and is counted towards the 6,000 cap 
described in paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(2) of this section;
    (iii) The employer will comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including health and safety 
laws and laws related to COVID-19 worker protections, any right to time 
off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, and that the employer 
will notify any H-2B workers approved under the supplemental cap in 
paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(2) of this section, in a language understood by 
the worker, as necessary or reasonable, that all persons in the United 
States, including nonimmigrants, have equal access to COVID-19 vaccines 
and vaccine distribution sites;
    (iv) The employer will comply with obligations and additional 
recruitment requirements outlined in 20 CFR 655.64(a)(3) through (5);
    (v) The employer will provide documentary evidence of the facts in 
paragraphs (h)(6)(x)(B)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section to DHS or DOL 
upon request; and
    (vi) The employer will agree to fully cooperate with any compliance 
review, evaluation, verification, or inspection conducted by DHS, 
including an on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview 
of the employer's employees and any other individuals possessing 
pertinent information, and review of the employer's records related to 
the compliance with immigration laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2021 supplemental allocations outlined in paragraph 
(h)(6)(x)(B) of this section, as a condition for the approval of the 
petition.
    (vii) The employer must attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-4 that it will 
fully cooperate with any audit, investigation, compliance review, 
evaluation, verification or inspection conducted by DOL, including an 
on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview of the 
employer's employees and any other individuals possessing pertinent 
information, and review of the employer's records related to the 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2021 supplemental allocations outlined in 20 CFR 655.64(a) 
and 655.68(a), as a condition for the approval of the H-2B petition. The 
employer must further attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-4 that it will not 
impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate with an employee of the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor

[[Page 357]]

who is exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority pursuant to 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (C) Processing. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) or (3) of this section that are received after 
the applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after September 
15, 2021, whichever is sooner. USCIS will reject petitions filed 
pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(2) of this section that are received 
after the applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after July 
8, 2021, whichever is sooner. USCIS will not approve a petition filed 
pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(x) on or after October 1, 2021.
    (D) Numerical limitations under paragraphs (h)(6)(x)(A)(1), (2), and 
(3) of this section. When calculating the numerical limitations under 
paragraphs (h)(6)(x)(A)(1), (2), and (3) of this section as authorized 
under Public Law 116-260, USCIS will make numbers for each allocation 
available to petitions in the order in which the petitions subject to 
the respective limitation are received. USCIS will make projections of 
the number of petitions necessary to achieve the numerical limit of 
approvals, taking into account historical data related to approvals, 
denials, revocations, and other relevant factors. USCIS will monitor the 
number of petitions (including the number of workers requested when 
necessary) received and will notify the public of the dates that USCIS 
has received the necessary number of petitions (the ``final receipt 
dates'') under paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1) or paragraphs (h)(6)(x)(A)(2) 
and (3). The day the public is notified will not control the final 
receipt dates. When necessary to ensure the fair and orderly allocation 
of numbers subject to the numerical limitations in paragraphs 
(h)(6)(x)(A)(1), (2), and (3), USCIS may randomly select from among the 
petitions received on the final receipt dates the remaining number of 
petitions deemed necessary to generate the numerical limit of approvals. 
This random selection will be made via computer-generated selection. 
Petitions subject to a numerical limitation not randomly selected or 
that were received after the final receipt dates that may be applicable 
under paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1), (2), or (3) will be rejected. If the 
final receipt date is any of the first 5 business days on which 
petitions subject to the applicable numerical limits described in 
paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1), (2), or (3) may be received (in other words, 
if any of the numerical limits described in paragraph (h)(6)(x)(A)(1), 
(2), or (3) is reached on any one of the first 5 business days that 
filings can be made), USCIS will randomly apply all of the numbers among 
the petitions received on any of those 5 business days.
    (E) Sunset. This paragraph (h)(6)(x) expires on October 1, 2021.
    (F) Non-severability. The requirement to file an attestation under 
paragraph (h)(6)(x)(B)(2) of this section is intended to be non-
severable from the remainder of this paragraph (h)(6)(x), including, but 
not limited to, the numerical allocation provisions at paragraphs 
(h)(6)(x)(A)(1), (2), and (3) of this section in their entirety. In the 
event that any part of this paragraph (h)(6)(x) is enjoined or held to 
be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this 
paragraph (h)(6)(x) is also intended to be enjoined or held to be 
invalid in such jurisdiction, without prejudice to workers already 
present in the United States under this paragraph (h)(6)(x), as 
consistent with law.
    (xi) Special requirements for additional cap allocations under 
Public Laws 116-260, 117-43 and 117-70--(A) Public Law 116-260, and 
sections 101 and 106(3) of Division A of Public Law 117-43, Continuing 
Appropriations Act, 2022, and section 101 of Division A of Public Law 
117-70, Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 through February 18, 
2022--
    (1) Supplemental allocation for returning workers. Notwithstanding 
the numerical limitations set forth in paragraph (h)(8)(i)(C) of this 
section, for fiscal year 2022 only, the Secretary has authorized up to 
an additional 13,500 visas for aliens who may receive H-2B nonimmigrant 
visas pursuant to section 105 of Division O of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, sections 101 and 106(3) of 
Division A of Public Law 117-43, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022, 
and section 101 of Division A of Public Law

[[Page 358]]

117-70, Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 through February 18, 
2022 based on petitions requesting FY 2022 employment start dates on or 
before March 31, 2022. An alien may be eligible to receive an H-2B 
nonimmigrant visa under this paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) if she or he is 
a returning worker. The term ``returning worker'' under this paragraph 
(h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) means a person who was issued an H-2B visa or was 
otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal year 2019, 2020, or 2021. 
Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may not change 
status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1).
    (2) Supplemental allocation for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
Honduras (Northern Triangle countries), or Haiti. Notwithstanding the 
numerical limitations set forth in paragraph (h)(8)(i)(C) of this 
section, for fiscal year 2022 only, and in addition to the allocation 
described in paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) of this section, the Secretary 
has authorized up to an additional 6,500 aliens who are nationals of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras (Northern Triangle countries), or of 
Haiti who may receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant to section 105 of 
Division O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-
260, and Public Laws 117-43 and 117-70, based on petitions with FY 2022 
employment start dates on or before March 31, 2022. Such workers are not 
subject to the returning worker requirement in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xi)(A)(1). Petitioners must request such workers in an H-2B 
petition that is separate from H-2B petitions that request returning 
workers under paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) and must declare that they are 
requesting these workers in the attestation required under 20 CFR 
655.69(a)(1). A petition requesting returning workers under paragraph 
(h)(6)(xi)(A)(1), which is accompanied by an attestation indicating that 
the petitioner is requesting nationals of Northern Triangle countries or 
Haiti, will be rejected, denied or, in the case of a non-frivolous 
petition, will be approved solely for the number of beneficiaries that 
are from the Northern Triangle or Haiti. Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of 
this chapter, an alien may not change status to H-2B nonimmigrant under 
this paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(2).
    (B) Eligibility. In order to file a petition with USCIS under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xi), the petitioner must:
    (1) Comply with all other statutory and regulatory requirements for 
H-2B classification, including, but not limited to, requirements in this 
section, under part 103 of this chapter, and under 20 CFR part 655 and 
29 CFR part 503; and
    (2) Submit to USCIS, at the time the employer files its petition, a 
U.S. Department of Labor attestation, in compliance with this section 
and 20 CFR 655.64, evidencing that:
    (i) Its business is suffering irreparable harm or will suffer 
impending irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe financial 
loss) without the ability to employ all of the H-2B workers requested on 
the petition filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(xi);
    (ii) All workers requested and/or instructed to apply for a visa 
have been issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal 
year 2019, 2020, or 2021, unless the H-2B worker is a national of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, or Haiti who is counted towards the 
6,500 cap described in paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(2) of this section;
    (iii) The employer will comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including, where applicable, 
health and safety laws and laws related to COVID-19 worker protections; 
any right to time off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, or to 
reimbursement for travel to and from the nearest available vaccination 
site; and that the employer will notify any H-2B workers approved under 
the supplemental cap in paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(2) of this section, in a 
language understood by the worker as necessary or reasonable, that all 
persons in the United States, including nonimmigrants, have equal access 
to COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution sites;
    (iv) The employer will comply with obligations and additional 
recruitment requirements outlined in 20 CFR 655.64(a)(3) through (5);
    (v) The employer will provide documentary evidence of the facts in 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xi)(B)(2)(i) through (iv) of

[[Page 359]]

this section to DHS or DOL upon request; and
    (vi) The employer will agree to fully cooperate with any compliance 
review, evaluation, verification, or inspection conducted by DHS, 
including an on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview 
of the employer's employees and any other individuals possessing 
pertinent information, and review of the employer's records related to 
the compliance with immigration laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2022 supplemental allocations outlined in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xi)(B) of this section, as a condition for the approval of the 
petition.
    (vii) The employer must attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-5 that it will 
fully cooperate with any audit, investigation, compliance review, 
evaluation, verification or inspection conducted by DOL, including an 
on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview of the 
employer's employees and any other individuals possessing pertinent 
information, and review of the employer's records related to the 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2022 supplemental allocations outlined in 20 CFR 655.64(a) 
and 655.69(a), as a condition for the approval of the H-2B petition. The 
employer must further attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-5 that it will not 
impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate with an employee of the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is exercising or 
attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative authority pursuant 
to 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (C) Processing. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) or (2) of this section that are received 
after the applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after 
March 31, 2022, whichever is sooner. USCIS will not approve a petition 
filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(xi) on or after October 1, 2022.
    (D) Numerical limitations under paragraphs (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) and (2) 
of this section. When calculating the numerical limitations under 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) and (2) of this section as authorized under 
Public Law 116-260, as extended by Public Law 117-43, and Public Law 
117-70, USCIS will make numbers for each allocation available to 
petitions in the order in which the petitions subject to the respective 
limitation are received. USCIS will make projections of the number of 
petitions necessary to achieve the numerical limit of approvals, taking 
into account historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, 
and other relevant factors. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions 
received (including the number of workers requested when necessary) and 
will notify the public of the dates that USCIS has received the 
necessary number of petitions (the ``final receipt dates'') under 
paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) or (2). The day the public is notified will 
not control the final receipt dates. When necessary to ensure the fair 
and orderly allocation of numbers subject to the numerical limitations 
in paragraphs (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) and (2), USCIS may randomly select from 
among the petitions received on the final receipt dates the remaining 
number of petitions deemed necessary to generate the numerical limit of 
approvals. This random selection will be made via computer-generated 
selection. Petitions subject to a numerical limitation not randomly 
selected or that were received after the final receipt dates that may be 
applicable under paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) or (2) will be rejected. If 
the final receipt date is any of the first 5 business days on which 
petitions subject to the applicable numerical limits described in 
paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) or (2) may be received (in other words, if 
either of the numerical limits described in paragraph (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) 
or (2) is reached on any one of the first 5 business days that filings 
can be made), USCIS will randomly apply all of the numbers among the 
petitions received on any of those 5 business days.
    (E) Sunset. This paragraph (h)(6)(xi) expires on October 1, 2022.
    (F) Non-severability. The requirement to file an attestation under 
paragraph

[[Page 360]]

(h)(6)(xi)(B)(2) of this section is intended to be non-severable from 
the remainder of this paragraph (h)(6)(xi), including, but not limited 
to, the numerical allocation provisions at paragraphs (h)(6)(xi)(A)(1) 
and (2) of this section in their entirety. In the event that any part of 
this paragraph (h)(6)(xi) is enjoined or held to be invalid by any court 
of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this paragraph (h)(6)(xi) is 
also intended to be enjoined or held to be invalid in such jurisdiction, 
without prejudice to workers already present in the United States under 
this paragraph (h)(6)(xi), as consistent with law.
    (xii) Special requirements for additional cap allocations under the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Public Law 117-103--(A) Public 
Law 117-103--(1) Supplemental allocation for returning workers. 
Notwithstanding the numerical limitations set forth in paragraph 
(h)(8)(i)(C) of this section, for fiscal year 2022 only, the Secretary 
has authorized up to an additional 23,500 visas for aliens who may 
receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant to section 204 of Division O of 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Public Law 117-103, based on 
petitions requesting FY 2022 employment start dates on or after April 1, 
2022 through September 30, 2022. An alien may be eligible to receive an 
H-2B nonimmigrant visa under this paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) if she or 
he is a returning worker. The term ``returning worker'' under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) means a person who was issued an H-2B visa 
or was otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal year 2019, 2020, or 2021. 
Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may not change 
status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1).
    (2) Supplemental allocation for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
Honduras (Northern Central American countries), or Haiti. 
Notwithstanding the numerical limitations set forth in paragraph 
(h)(8)(i)(C) of this section, for fiscal year 2022 only, and in addition 
to the allocation described in paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) of this 
section, the Secretary has authorized up to an additional 11,500 aliens 
who are nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras (Northern Central 
American countries), or of Haiti who may receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas 
pursuant to section 204 of Division O of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2022, Public Law 117-103, based on petitions with FY 2022 
employment start dates on or after April 1, 2022 through September 30, 
2022. Such workers are not subject to the returning worker requirement 
in paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1). Petitioners must request such workers in 
an H-2B petition that is separate from H-2B petitions that request 
returning workers under paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) and must declare 
that they are requesting these workers in the attestation required under 
20 CFR 655.66(a)(1). A petition requesting returning workers under 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1), which is accompanied by an attestation 
indicating that the petitioner is requesting nationals of Northern 
Central American countries or Haiti, will be rejected, denied or, in the 
case of a non-frivolous petition, will be approved solely for the number 
of beneficiaries that are from the Northern Central American countries 
or Haiti. Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may not 
change status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph 
(h)(6)(xii)(A)(2).
    (B) Eligibility. In order to file a petition with USCIS under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii), the petitioner must:
    (1) Comply with all other statutory and regulatory requirements for 
H-2B classification, including, but not limited to, requirements in this 
section, under part 103 of this chapter, and under 20 CFR part 655 and 
29 CFR part 503; and
    (2) Submit to USCIS, at the time the employer files its petition, a 
U.S. Department of Labor attestation, in compliance with this section 
and 20 CFR 655.65, evidencing that:
    (i) Its business is suffering irreparable harm or will suffer 
impending irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe financial 
loss) without the ability to employ all of the H-2B workers requested on 
the petition filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(xii);
    (ii) All workers requested and/or instructed to apply for a visa 
have been issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal 
year 2019, 2020,

[[Page 361]]

or 2021, unless the H-2B worker is a national of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
Honduras, or Haiti who is counted towards the 11,500 cap described in 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(2) of this section;
    (iii) The employer will comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including, where applicable, 
health and safety laws and laws related to COVID-19 worker protections; 
any right to time off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, or to 
reimbursement for travel to and from the nearest available vaccination 
site; and that the employer will notify any H-2B workers approved under 
the supplemental cap in paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(2) of this section, in 
a language understood by the worker as necessary or reasonable, that all 
persons in the United States, including nonimmigrants, have equal access 
to COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution sites;
    (iv) The employer will comply with obligations and additional 
recruitment requirements outlined in 20 CFR 655.65(a)(3) through (5);
    (v) The employer will provide documentary evidence of the facts in 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xii)(B)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section to DHS or 
DOL upon request; and
    (vi) The employer will agree to fully cooperate with any compliance 
review, evaluation, verification, or inspection conducted by DHS, 
including an on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview 
of the employer's employees and any other individuals possessing 
pertinent information, and review of the employer's records related to 
the compliance with immigration laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2022 supplemental allocations outlined in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xii)(B) of this section, as a condition for the approval of the 
petition.
    (vii) The employer must attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-6 that it will 
fully cooperate with any audit, investigation, compliance review, 
evaluation, verification or inspection conducted by DOL, including an 
on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview of the 
employer's employees and any other individuals possessing pertinent 
information, and review of the employer's records related to the 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2022 supplemental allocations outlined in 20 CFR 655.65(a) 
and 655.66(a), as a condition for the approval of the H-2B petition. The 
employer must further attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-6 that it will not 
impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate with an employee of the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is exercising or 
attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative authority pursuant 
to 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (C) Processing. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) or (2) of this section that are received 
after the applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after 
September 15, 2022, whichever is sooner. USCIS will not approve a 
petition filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(xii) on or after 
October 1, 2022.
    (D) Numerical limitations under paragraphs (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) and (2) 
of this section. When calculating the numerical limitations under 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section as authorized under 
Public Law 117-103, USCIS will make numbers for each allocation 
available to petitions in the order in which the petitions subject to 
the respective limitation are received. USCIS will make projections of 
the number of petitions necessary to achieve the numerical limit of 
approvals, taking into account historical data related to approvals, 
denials, revocations, and other relevant factors. USCIS will monitor the 
number of petitions received (including the number of workers requested 
when necessary) and will notify the public of the dates that USCIS has 
received the necessary number of petitions (the ``final receipt dates'') 
under paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) or (2). The day the public is notified 
will not control the final receipt dates. When necessary to ensure the 
fair and orderly allocation of numbers subject to the numerical 
limitations in paragraphs (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) and (2), USCIS may randomly 
select from among the petitions received on the final receipt dates the 
remaining

[[Page 362]]

number of petitions deemed necessary to generate the numerical limit of 
approvals. This random selection will be made via computer-generated 
selection. Petitions subject to a numerical limitation not randomly 
selected or that were received after the final receipt dates that may be 
applicable under paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) or (2) will be rejected. If 
the final receipt date is any of the first 5 business days on which 
petitions subject to the applicable numerical limits described in 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) or (2) may be received (in other words, if 
either of the numerical limits described in paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) 
or (2) is reached on any one of the first 5 business days that filings 
can be made), USCIS will randomly apply all of the numbers among the 
petitions received on any of those 5 business days.
    (E) Sunset. This paragraph (h)(6)(xii) expires on October 1, 2022.
    (F) Non-severability. The requirement to file an attestation under 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii)(B)(2) of this section is intended to be non-
severable from the remainder of this paragraph (h)(6)(xii), including, 
but not limited to, the numerical allocation provisions at paragraphs 
(h)(6)(xii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section in their entirety. In the 
event that any part of this paragraph (h)(6)(xii) is enjoined or held to 
be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xii) is also intended to be enjoined or held to be 
invalid in such jurisdiction, without prejudice to workers already 
present in the United States under this paragraph (h)(6)(xii), as 
consistent with law.
    (xiii) Special requirements for additional cap allocations under 
Public Laws 117-103 and 117-180--(A) Public Law 117-103 and section 
101(6) of Division A of Public Law 117-180, Continuing Appropriations 
and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023--(1) Supplemental 
allocation for returning workers. Notwithstanding the numerical 
limitations set forth in paragraph (h)(8)(i)(C) of this section, for 
fiscal year 2023 only, the Secretary has authorized up to an additional 
64,716 visas for aliens who may receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant 
to section 204 of Division O of Public Law 117-103, the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2022, and section 101(6) of Division A of Public Law 
117-180, Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental 
Appropriations Act, 2023. An alien may be eligible to receive an H-2B 
nonimmigrant visa under this paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) if she or he 
is a returning worker. The term ``returning worker'' under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) means a person who was issued an H-2B visa 
or was otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal year 2020, 2021, or 2022. 
Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may not change 
status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1). The 
additional H-2B visas authorized under this paragraph will be made 
available to returning workers as follows:
    (i) Up to an additional 18,216 visas for aliens who may receive H-2B 
nonimmigrant visas based on petitions requesting FY 2023 employment 
start dates on or before March 31, 2023.
    (ii) Up to an additional 16,500 visas for aliens who may receive H-
2B nonimmigrant visas based on petitions requesting FY 2023 employment 
start dates from April 1, 2023 to May 14, 2023.
    (iii) Up to an additional 10,000 visas available for aliens with 
employment start dates from May 15, 2023 to September 30, 2023.
    (2) Supplemental allocation for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
Honduras (Northern Central American countries), or Haiti. 
Notwithstanding the numerical limitations set forth in paragraph 
(h)(8)(i)(C) of this section, for fiscal year 2023 only, and in addition 
to the allocation described in paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) of this 
section, the Secretary has authorized up to an additional 20,000 visas 
for aliens who are nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras 
(Northern Central American countries), or Haiti, who may receive H-2B 
nonimmigrant visas pursuant section 204 of Division O of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Public Law 117-103, and section 
101(6) of Division A of Public Law 117-180 Continuing Appropriations and 
Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, based on petitions with 
FY 2023 employment start dates. Such workers are not subject to the 
returning worker requirement in paragraph

[[Page 363]]

(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1). Petitioners must request such workers in an H-2B 
petition that is separate from H-2B petitions that request returning 
workers under paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) and must declare that they 
are requesting these workers in the attestation required under 20 CFR 
655.67(a)(1). A petition requesting returning workers under paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1), which is accompanied by an attestation indicating 
that the petitioner is requesting nationals of Northern Central American 
countries or Haiti, will be rejected, denied or, in the case of a non-
frivolous petition, will be approved solely for the number of 
beneficiaries that are from the Northern Central American countries or 
Haiti. Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may not 
change status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(2).
    (B) Eligibility. In order to file a petition with USCIS under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii), the petitioner must:
    (1) Comply with all other statutory and regulatory requirements for 
H-2B classification, including, but not limited to, requirements in this 
section, under part 103 of this chapter, and under 20 CFR part 655 and 
29 CFR part 503; and
    (2) Submit to USCIS, at the time the employer files its petition, a 
U.S. Department of Labor attestation, in compliance with this section 
and 20 CFR 655.65, evidencing that:
    (i) Its business is suffering irreparable harm or will suffer 
impending irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe financial 
loss) without the ability to employ all of the H-2B workers requested on 
the petition filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(xiii);
    (ii) All workers requested and/or instructed to apply for a visa 
have been issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal 
year 2020, 2021, or 2022, unless the H-2B worker is a national of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, or Haiti who is counted towards the 
20,000 cap described in paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(2) of this section;
    (iii) The employer will comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including, where applicable, 
health and safety laws and laws related to COVID-19 worker protections 
and any right to time off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, or 
to reimbursement for travel to and from the nearest available 
vaccination site; and that the employer will notify any H-2B workers 
approved under the supplemental cap in paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(2) of 
this section, in a language understood by the worker as necessary or 
reasonable, that all persons in the United States, including 
nonimmigrants, have equal access to COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine 
distribution sites;
    (iv) The employer will comply with obligations and additional 
recruitment requirements outlined in 20 CFR 655.65(a)(3) through (5);
    (v) The employer will provide documentary evidence of the facts in 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xiii)(B)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section to DHS or 
DOL upon request; and
    (vi) The employer will agree to fully cooperate with any compliance 
review, evaluation, verification, or inspection conducted by DHS, 
including an on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview 
of the employer's employees and any other individuals possessing 
pertinent information, and review of the employer's records related to 
the compliance with immigration laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2023 supplemental allocations outlined in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(B) of this section, as a condition for the approval of the 
petition.
    (vii) The employer will fully cooperate with any audit, 
investigation, compliance review, evaluation, verification or inspection 
conducted by DOL, including an on-site inspection of the employer's 
facilities, interview of the employer's employees and any other 
individuals possessing pertinent information, and review of the 
employer's records related to the compliance with applicable laws and 
regulations, including but not limited to evidence pertaining to or 
supporting the eligibility criteria for the FY 2023 supplemental 
allocations outlined in 20 CFR 655.65(a) and 655.67(a), as a condition 
for the approval of the H-2B petition. The employer must attest to this 
on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-7 and must further attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-
7

[[Page 364]]

that it will not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate with an 
employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority pursuant to 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (C) Processing--(1) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1)(i) requesting FY 2023 employment start dates on or 
before March 31, 2023. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1)(i) of this section requesting employment 
start dates on or before March 31, 2023 that are received after the 
applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after September 15, 
2023.
    (2) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1)(ii) 
requesting FY 2023 employment start dates from April 1, 2023 to May 14, 
2023. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1)(ii) of this section requesting employment start dates 
from April 1, 2023 to May 14, 2023 that are received earlier than 15 
days after the INA section 214(g) cap for the second half FY 2023 has 
been met or after the applicable numerical limitation has been reached 
or after September 15, 2023.
    (3) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1)(iii) of 
this section requesting FY 2023 employment start dates from May 15, 2023 
and September 30, 2023. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1)(iii) of this section requesting employment 
start dates from May 15, 2023 to September 30, 2023, that are received 
earlier than 45 days after the INA section 214(g) cap for the second 
half FY 2023 has been met, or after the applicable numerical limitation 
has been reached or after September 15, 2023.
    (4) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(2) of this 
section requesting nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras 
(Northern Central American countries), or Haiti with FY 2023 employment 
start dates. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(2) of this section that have a date of need on or after 
April 1, 2023 and are received earlier than 15 days after the INA 
section 214(g) cap for the second half of FY 2023 is met, or after the 
applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after September 15, 
2023.
    (5) USCIS will not approve a petition filed pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii) of this section on or after October 1, 2023.
    (D) Numerical limitations under paragraphs (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) and 
(2) of this section. When calculating the numerical limitations under 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section as authorized 
under Public Law 117-103, as extended by Public Law 117-180, USCIS will 
make numbers for each allocation available to petitions in the order in 
which the petitions subject to the respective limitation are received. 
USCIS will make projections of the number of petitions necessary to 
achieve the numerical limit of approvals, taking into account historical 
data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant 
factors. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received (including 
the number of workers requested when necessary) and will notify the 
public of the dates that USCIS has received the necessary number of 
petitions (the ``final receipt dates'') under paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) or (2) of this section. The day the public is 
notified will not control the final receipt dates. When necessary to 
ensure the fair and orderly allocation of numbers subject to the 
numerical limitations in paragraphs (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) and (2) of this 
section, USCIS may randomly select from among the petitions received on 
the final receipt dates the remaining number of petitions deemed 
necessary to generate the numerical limit of approvals. This random 
selection will be made via computer-generated selection. Petitions 
subject to a numerical limitation not randomly selected or that were 
received after the final receipt dates that may be applicable under 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) or (2) of this section will be rejected. If 
the final receipt date is any of the first 5 business days on which 
petitions subject to the applicable numerical limits described in 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) or (2) of this section may be received (in 
other words, if either of the numerical limits described in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) or (2) of this section is

[[Page 365]]

reached on any one of the first 5 business days that filings can be 
made), USCIS will randomly apply all of the numbers among the petitions 
received on any of those 5 business days.
    (E) Sunset. This paragraph (h)(6)(xiii) expires on October 1, 2023.
    (F) Non-severability. The requirement to file an attestation under 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiii)(B)(2) of this section is intended to be non-
severable from the remainder of paragraph (h)(6)(xiii), including, but 
not limited to, the numerical allocation provisions at paragraphs 
(h)(6)(xiii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section in their entirety. In the 
event that any part of this paragraph (h)(6)(xiii) is enjoined or held 
to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of 
this paragraph (h)(6)(xiii) is also intended to be enjoined or held to 
be invalid in such jurisdiction, without prejudice to workers already 
present in the United States under this paragraph (h)(6)(xiii), as 
consistent with law.
    (xiv) Special requirements for additional cap allocations under 
Public Laws 117-328 and 118-15--(A) Public Law 117-328 and section 
101(6) of Division A of Public Law 118-15, Continuing Appropriations 
Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act--(1) Supplemental allocation for 
returning workers. Notwithstanding the numerical limitations set forth 
in paragraph (h)(8)(i)(C) of this section, for fiscal year 2024 only, 
the Secretary has authorized up to an additional 64,716 visas for aliens 
who may receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant to section 303 of 
Division O of Public Law 117-328, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2023, and section 101(6) of Division A of Public Law 118-15, Continuing 
Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. An alien may be 
eligible to receive an H-2B nonimmigrant visa under this paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) if she or he is a returning worker. The term 
``returning worker'' under this paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) means a 
person who was issued an H-2B visa or was otherwise granted H-2B status 
in fiscal year 2021, 2022, or 2023. Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this 
chapter, an alien may not change status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1). The additional H-2B visas authorized under 
this paragraph will be made available to returning workers as follows:
    (i) Up to an additional 20,716 visas for aliens who may receive H-2B 
nonimmigrant visas based on petitions requesting FY 2024 employment 
start dates on or before March 31, 2024.
    (ii) Up to an additional 19,000 visas for aliens who may receive H-
2B nonimmigrant visas based on petitions requesting FY 2024 employment 
start dates from April 1, 2024 to May 14, 2024.
    (iii) Up to an additional 5,000 visas available for aliens with 
employment start dates from May 15, 2024 to September 30, 2024.
    (2) Supplemental allocation for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, 
Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa Rica. Notwithstanding the 
numerical limitations set forth in paragraph (h)(8)(i)(C) of this 
section, for fiscal year 2024 only, and in addition to the allocation 
described in paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) of this section, the Secretary 
has authorized up to an additional 20,000 visas for aliens who are 
nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, 
or Costa Rica, who may receive H-2B nonimmigrant visas pursuant section 
303 of Division O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Public 
Law 117-328, and section 101(6) of Division A of Public Law 118-15 
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, based on 
petitions with FY 2024 employment start dates. Such workers are not 
subject to the returning worker requirement in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1). Petitioners must request such workers in an H-2B 
petition that is separate from H-2B petitions that request returning 
workers under paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) and must declare that they are 
requesting these workers in the attestation Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-8 
required under 20 CFR 655.65(a)(1). A petition requesting returning 
workers under paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1), which is accompanied by an 
attestation indicating that the petitioner is requesting nationals of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa 
Rica, will be rejected, denied or, in the case of a non-frivolous 
petition, approved solely for the number of beneficiaries that are from 
the Guatemala,

[[Page 366]]

El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa Rica. 
Notwithstanding Sec.  248.2 of this chapter, an alien may not change 
status to H-2B nonimmigrant under this paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(2).
    (B) Eligibility. In order to file a petition with USCIS under this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv), the petitioner must:
    (1) Comply with all other statutory and regulatory requirements for 
H-2B classification, including, but not limited to, requirements in this 
section, under part 103 of this chapter, and under 20 CFR part 655 and 
29 CFR part 503; and
    (2) Submit to USCIS, at the time the employer files its petition, a 
U.S. Department of Labor attestation, in compliance with this section 
and 20 CFR 655.64, evidencing that:
    (i) Its business is suffering irreparable harm or will suffer 
impending irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe financial 
loss) without the ability to employ all of the H-2B workers requested on 
the petition filed pursuant to this paragraph (h)(6)(xiv);
    (ii) All workers requested and/or instructed to apply for a visa 
have been issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B status in fiscal 
year 2021, 2022, or 2023, unless the H-2B worker is a national of 
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa 
Rica who is counted towards the 20,000 cap described in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(2) of this section;
    (iii) The employer will comply with obligations and additional 
recruitment requirements outlined in 20 CFR 655.64(a)(3) through (5);
    (iv) The employer will provide documentary evidence of the facts in 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xiv)(B)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section to DHS 
and/or DOL upon request; and
    (v) The employer will agree to fully cooperate with any compliance 
review, evaluation, verification, or inspection conducted by DHS, 
including an on-site inspection of the employer's facilities, interview 
of the employer's employees and any other individuals possessing 
pertinent information, and review of the employer's records related to 
the compliance with immigration laws and regulations, including but not 
limited to evidence pertaining to or supporting the eligibility criteria 
for the FY 2024 supplemental allocations outlined in paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(B) of this section, as a condition for the approval of the 
petition.
    (vi) The employer will fully cooperate with any audit, 
investigation, compliance review, evaluation, verification or inspection 
conducted by DOL, including an on-site inspection of the employer's 
facilities, interview of the employer's employees and any other 
individuals possessing pertinent information, and review of the 
employer's records related to the compliance with applicable laws and 
regulations, including but not limited to evidence pertaining to or 
supporting the eligibility criteria for the FY 2024 supplemental 
allocations outlined in 20 CFR 655.64(a) and 655.65(a), as a condition 
for the approval of the H-2B petition. The employer must attest to this 
on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-8 and must further attest on Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-
8 that it will not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate with an 
employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority pursuant to 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (C) Processing--(1) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1)(i) requesting FY 2024 employment start dates on or 
before March 31, 2024. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1)(i) of this section requesting employment 
start dates on or before March 31, 2024 that are received after the 
applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after September 16, 
2024.
    (2) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1)(ii) of 
this section requesting FY 2024 employment start dates from April 1, 
2024 to May 14, 2024. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1)(ii) of this section requesting employment 
start dates from April 1, 2024 to May 14, 2024 that are received earlier 
than 15 days after the INA section 214(g) cap for the second half FY 
2024 has been met, or after the applicable numerical limitation has been 
reached or after September 16, 2024.

[[Page 367]]

    (3) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1)(iii) of 
this section requesting FY 2024 employment start dates from May 15, 2024 
and September 30, 2024. USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1)(iii) of this section requesting employment 
start dates from May 15, 2024 to September 30, 2024 that are received 
earlier than 45 days after the INA section 214(g) cap for the second 
half FY 2024 has been met, or after the applicable numerical limitation 
has been reached or after September 16, 2024.
    (4) Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(2) 
requesting nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, 
Colombia, Ecuador, or Costa Rica with FY 2024 employment start dates. 
USCIS will reject petitions filed pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(2) of this section that have a date of need on or after 
April 1, 2024 and are received earlier than 15 days after the INA 
section 214(g) cap for the second half of FY 2024 is met, or after the 
applicable numerical limitation has been reached or after September 16, 
2024.
    (5) USCIS will not approve a petition filed pursuant to this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv) on or after October 1, 2024.
    (D) Numerical limitations under paragraphs (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) and (2) 
of this section. When calculating the numerical limitations under 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) and (2) of this section as authorized under 
Public Law 117-328, as extended by Public Law 118-15, USCIS will make 
numbers for each allocation available to petitions in the order in which 
the petitions subject to the respective limitation are received. USCIS 
will make projections of the number of petitions necessary to achieve 
the numerical limit of approvals, taking into account historical data 
related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors. 
USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received (including the 
number of workers requested when necessary) and will notify the public 
of the dates that USCIS has received the necessary number of petitions 
(the ``final receipt dates'') under paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) or (2). 
The day the public is notified will not control the final receipt dates. 
When necessary to ensure the fair and orderly allocation of numbers 
subject to the numerical limitations in paragraphs (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) and 
(2), USCIS may randomly select from among the petitions received on the 
final receipt dates the remaining number of petitions deemed necessary 
to generate the numerical limit of approvals. This random selection will 
be made via computer-generated selection. Petitions subject to a 
numerical limitation not randomly selected or that were received after 
the final receipt dates that may be applicable under paragraph 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) or (2) will be rejected. If the final receipt date is 
any of the first 5 business days on which petitions subject to the 
applicable numerical limits described in paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) or 
(2) may be received (in other words, if either of the numerical limits 
described in paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) or (2) is reached on any one of 
the first 5 business days that filings can be made), USCIS will randomly 
apply all of the numbers among the petitions received on any of those 5 
business days.
    (E) Sunset. This paragraph (h)(6)(xiv) expires on October 1, 2024.
    (F) Non-severability. The requirement to file an attestation under 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv)(B)(2) of this section is intended to be non-
severable from the remainder of this paragraph (h)(6)(xiv), including, 
but not limited to, the numerical allocation provisions at paragraphs 
(h)(6)(xiv)(A)(1) and (2) of this section in their entirety. In the 
event that any part of this paragraph (h)(6)(xiv) is enjoined or held to 
be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this 
paragraph (h)(6)(xiv) is also intended to be enjoined or held to be 
invalid in such jurisdiction, without prejudice to workers already 
present in the United States under this paragraph (h)(6)(xiv), as 
consistent with law.
    (7) Petition for alien trainee or participant in a special education 
exchange visitor program (H-3)--(i) Alien trainee. The H-3 trainee is a 
nonimmigrant who seeks to enter the United States at the invitation of 
an organization or individual for the purpose of receiving training in 
any field of endeavor, such as agriculture, commerce, communications, 
finance, government, transportation, or the professions, as well as

[[Page 368]]

training in a purely industrial establishment. This category shall not 
apply to physicians, who are statutorily ineligible to use H-3 
classification in order to receive any type of graduate medical 
education or training.
    (A) Externs. A hospital approved by the American Medical Association 
or the American Osteopathic Association for either an internship or 
residency program may petition to classify as an H-3 trainee a medical 
student attending a medical school abroad, if the alien will engage in 
employment as an extern during his/her medical school vacation.
    (B) Nurses. A petitioner may seek H-3 classification for a nurse who 
is not H-1 if it can be established that there is a genuine need for the 
nurse to receive a brief period of training that is unavailable in the 
alien's native country and such training is designed to benefit the 
nurse and the overseas employer upon the nurse's return to the country 
of origin, if:
    (1) The beneficiary has obtained a full and unrestricted license to 
practice professional nursing in the country where the beneficiary 
obtained a nursing education, or such education was obtained in the 
United States or Canada; and
    (2) The petitioner provides a statement certifying that the 
beneficiary is fully qualified under the laws governing the place where 
the training will be received to engage in such training, and that under 
those laws the petitioner is authorized to give the beneficiary the 
desired training.
    (ii) Evidence required for petition involving alien trainee--(A) 
Conditions. The petitioner is required to demonstrate that:
    (1) The proposed training is not available in the alien's own 
country;
    (2) The beneficiary will not be placed in a position which is in the 
normal operation of the business and in which citizens and resident 
workers are regularly employed;
    (3) The beneficiary will not engage in productive employment unless 
such employment is incidental and necessary to the training; and
    (4) The training will benefit the beneficiary in pursuing a career 
outside the United States.
    (B) Description of training program. Each petition for a trainee 
must include a statement which:
    (1) Describes the type of training and supervision to be given, and 
the structure of the training program;
    (2) Sets forth the proportion of time that will be devoted to 
productive employment;
    (3) Shows the number of hours that will be spent, respectively, in 
classroom instruction and in on-the-job training;
    (4) Describes the career abroad for which the training will prepare 
the alien;
    (5) Indicates the reasons why such training cannot be obtained in 
the alien's country and why it is necessary for the alien to be trained 
in the United States; and
    (6) Indicates the source of any remuneration received by the trainee 
and any benefit which will accrue to the petitioner for providing the 
training.
    (iii) Restrictions on training program for alien trainee. A training 
program may not be approved which:
    (A) Deals in generalities with no fixed schedule, objectives, or 
means of evaluation;
    (B) Is incompatible with the nature of the petitioner's business or 
enterprise;
    (C) Is on behalf of a beneficiary who already possesses substantial 
training and expertise in the proposed field of training;
    (D) Is in a field in which it is unlikely that the knowledge or 
skill will be used outside the United States;
    (E) Will result in productive employment beyond that which is 
incidental and necessary to the training;
    (F) Is designed to recruit and train aliens for the ultimate 
staffing of domestic operations in the United States;
    (G) Does not establish that the petitioner has the physical plant 
and sufficiently trained manpower to provide the training specified; or
    (H) Is designed to extend the total allowable period of practical 
training previously authorized a nonimmigrant student.
    (iv) Petition for participant in a special education exchange 
visitor program--(A) General Requirements. (1) The H-3 participant in a 
special education training

[[Page 369]]

program must be coming to the United States to participate in a 
structured program which provides for practical training and experience 
in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional 
disabilities.
    (2) The petition must be filed by a facility which has 
professionally trained staff and a structured program for providing 
education to children with disabilities, and for providing training and 
hands-on experience to participants in the special education exchange 
visitor program.
    (3) The requirements in this section for alien trainees shall not 
apply to petitions for participants in a special education exchange 
visitor program.
    (B) Evidence. An H-3 petition for a participant in a special 
education exchange visitor program shall be accompanied by:
    (1) A description of the training program and the facility's 
professional staff and details of the alien's participation in the 
training program (any custodial care of children must be incidental to 
the training), and
    (2) Evidence that the alien participant is nearing completion of a 
baccalaureate or higher degree in special education, or already holds 
such a degree, or has extensive prior training and experience in 
teaching children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.
    (8) Numerical limits--(i) Limits on affected categories. During each 
fiscal year, the total number of aliens who can be provided nonimmigrant 
classification is limited as follows:
    (A) Aliens classified as H-1B nonimmigrants, excluding those 
involved in Department of Defense research and development projects or 
coproduction projects, may not exceed the limits identified in section 
214(g)(1)(A) of the Act.
    (B) Aliens classified as H-1B nonimmigrants to work for DOD research 
and development projects or coproduction projects may not exceed 100 at 
any time.
    (C) Aliens classified as H-2B nonimmigrants may not exceed 66,000.
    (D) Aliens classified as H-3 nonimmigrant participants in a special 
education exchange visitor program may not exceed 50.
    (E) Aliens classified as H-1C nonimmigrants may not exceed 500 in a 
fiscal year.
    (ii) Procedures. (A) Each alien issued a visa or otherwise provided 
nonimmigrant status under sections 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), 
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c), or 101(a)(15)(H)(ii) of the Act shall be counted 
for purposes of any applicable numerical limit, unless otherwise exempt 
from such numerical limit. Requests for petition extension or extension 
of an alien's stay shall not be counted for the purpose of the numerical 
limit. The spouse and children of principal H aliens are classified as 
H-4 nonimmigrants and shall not be counted against numerical limits 
applicable to principals.
    (B) When an approved petition is not used because the 
beneficiary(ies) does not apply for admission to the United States, the 
petitioner shall notify the Service Center Director who approved the 
petition that the number(s) has not been used. The petition shall be 
revoked pursuant to paragraph (h)(11)(ii) of this section and USCIS will 
take into account the unused number during the appropriate fiscal year.
    (C) If the total numbers available in a fiscal year are used, new 
petitions and the accompanying fee shall be rejected and returned with a 
notice that numbers are unavailable for the particular nonimmigrant 
classification until the beginning of the next fiscal year. Petitions 
received after the total numbers available in a fiscal year are used 
stating that the alien beneficiaries are exempt from the numerical 
limitation will be denied and filing fees will not be returned or 
refunded if USCIS later determines that such beneficiaries are subject 
to the numerical limitation.
    (iii) H-1B numerical limitations--(A) Registration--(1) Registration 
requirement. Except as provided in paragraph (h)(8)(iv) of this section, 
before a petitioner can file an H-1B cap-subject petition for a 
beneficiary who may be counted under section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act 
(``H-1B regular cap'') or eligible for exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(C) of the Act (``H-1B advanced degree exemption''), the 
petitioner

[[Page 370]]

must register to file a petition on behalf of an alien beneficiary 
electronically through the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov). To be eligible 
to file a petition for a beneficiary who may be counted against the H-1B 
regular cap or the H-1B advanced degree exemption for a particular 
fiscal year, a registration must be properly submitted in accordance 
with 8 CFR 103.2(a)(1), paragraph (h)(8)(iii) of this section and the 
form instructions. A petitioner may file an H-1B cap-subject petition on 
behalf of a registered beneficiary only after the petitioner's 
registration for that beneficiary has been selected for that fiscal 
year. USCIS will notify the petitioner of the selection of the 
petitioner's registered beneficiaries.
    (2) Limitation on beneficiaries. A petitioner must electronically 
submit a separate registration to file a petition for each beneficiary 
it seeks to register, and each beneficiary must be named. A petitioner 
may only submit one registration per beneficiary in any fiscal year. If 
a petitioner submits more than one registration per beneficiary in the 
same fiscal year, all registrations filed by that petitioner relating to 
that beneficiary for that fiscal year will be considered invalid.
    (3) Initial registration period. The annual initial registration 
period will last a minimum of 14 calendar days and will start at least 
14 calendar days before the earliest date on which H-1B cap-subject 
petitions may be filed for a particular fiscal year, consistent with 
paragraph (h)(2)(i)(I) of this section. USCIS will announce the start 
and end dates of the initial registration period on the USCIS website at 
www.uscis.gov for each fiscal year. USCIS will announce the start of the 
initial registration period at least 30 calendar days in advance of such 
date.
    (4) Limitation on requested start date. A petitioner may submit a 
registration during the initial registration period only if the 
requested start date for the beneficiary is the first day for the 
applicable fiscal year. If USCIS keeps the registration period open 
beyond the initial registration period, or determines that it is 
necessary to re-open the registration period, a petitioner may submit a 
registration with a requested start date after the first business day 
for the applicable fiscal year, as long as the date of registration is 
no more than 6 months before the requested start date.
    (5) Regular cap selection. In determining whether there are enough 
registrations to meet the H-1B regular cap, USCIS will consider all 
properly submitted registrations relating to beneficiaries that may be 
counted under section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act, including those that may 
also be eligible for exemption under section 214(g)(5)(C) of the Act.
    (i) Fewer registrations than needed to meet the H-1B regular cap. At 
the end of the annual initial registration period, if USCIS determines 
that it has received fewer registrations than needed to meet the H-1B 
regular cap, USCIS will notify all petitioners that have properly 
registered that their registrations have been selected. USCIS will keep 
the registration period open beyond the initial registration period, 
until it determines that it has received a sufficient number of 
registrations to meet the H-1B regular cap. Once USCIS has received a 
sufficient number of registrations to meet the H-1B regular cap, USCIS 
will no longer accept registrations for petitions subject to the H-1B 
regular cap under section 214(g)(1)(A). USCIS will monitor the number of 
registrations received and will notify the public of the date that USCIS 
has received the necessary number of registrations (the ``final 
registration date''). The day the public is notified will not control 
the applicable final registration date. When necessary to ensure the 
fair and orderly allocation of numbers under Section 214(g)(1)(A) of the 
Act, USCIS may randomly select the remaining number of registrations 
deemed necessary to meet the H-1B regular cap from among the 
registrations received on the final registration date. This random 
selection will be made via computer-generated selection.
    (ii) Sufficient registrations to meet the H-1B regular cap during 
initial registration period. At the end of the initial registration 
period, if USCIS determines that it has received more than sufficient 
registrations to meet the H-1B regular cap, USCIS will no longer accept 
registrations under section

[[Page 371]]

214(g)(1)(A) of the Act and will notify the public of the final 
registration date. USCIS will randomly select from among the 
registrations properly submitted during the initial registration period 
the number of registrations deemed necessary to meet the H-1B regular 
cap. This random selection will be made via computer-generated 
selection.
    (6) Advanced degree exemption selection. After USCIS has determined 
it will no longer accept registrations under section 214(g)(1)(A) of the 
Act, USCIS will determine whether there is a sufficient number of 
remaining registrations to meet the H-1B advanced degree exemption.
    (i) Fewer registrations than needed to meet the H-1B advanced degree 
exemption numerical limitation. If USCIS determines that it has received 
fewer registrations than needed to meet the H-1B advanced degree 
exemption numerical limitation, USCIS will notify all petitioners that 
have properly registered that their registrations have been selected. 
USCIS will continue to accept registrations to file petitions that may 
be eligible for the H-1B advanced degree exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(C) of the Act until USCIS determines that it has received 
enough registrations to meet the H-1B advanced degree exemption 
numerical limitation. USCIS will monitor the number of registrations 
received and will notify the public of the date that USCIS has received 
the necessary number of registrations (the ``final registration date''). 
The day the public is notified will not control the applicable final 
registration date. When necessary to ensure the fair and orderly 
allocation of numbers under Section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act, USCIS may 
randomly select the remaining number of registrations deemed necessary 
to meet the H-1B advanced degree exemption numerical limitation from 
among the registrations properly submitted on the final registration 
date. This random selection will be made via computer-generated 
selection.
    (ii) Sufficient registrations to meet the H-1B advanced degree 
exemption numerical limitation. If USCIS determines that it has received 
more than enough registrations to meet the H-1B advanced degree 
exemption numerical limitation, USCIS will no longer accept 
registrations that may be eligible for exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(C) of the Act and will notify the public of the final 
registration date. USCIS will randomly select the number of 
registrations needed to meet the H-1B advanced degree exemption 
numerical limitation from among the remaining registrations that may be 
counted against the advanced degree exemption numerical limitation. This 
random selection will be made via computer-generated selection.
    (7) Increase to the number of registrations projected to meet the H-
1B regular cap or advanced degree exemption allocations in a fiscal 
year. Unselected registrations will remain on reserve for the applicable 
fiscal year. If USCIS determines that it needs to increase the number of 
registrations projected to meet the H-1B regular cap or advanced degree 
exemption allocation, and select additional registrations, USCIS will 
select from among the registrations that are on reserve a sufficient 
number to meet the H-1B regular cap or advanced degree exemption 
numerical limitation, as applicable. If all of the registrations on 
reserve are selected and there are still fewer registrations than needed 
to meet the H-1B regular cap or advanced degree exemption numerical 
limitation, as applicable, USCIS may reopen the applicable registration 
period until USCIS determines that it has received a sufficient number 
of registrations projected as needed to meet the H-1B regular cap or 
advanced degree exemption numerical limitation. USCIS will monitor the 
number of registrations received and will notify the public of the date 
that USCIS has received the necessary number of registrations (the new 
``final registration date''). The day the public is notified will not 
control the applicable final registration date. When necessary to ensure 
the fair and orderly allocation of numbers, USCIS may randomly select 
the remaining number of registrations deemed necessary to meet the H-1B 
regular cap or advanced degree exemption numerical limitation from among 
the registrations properly submitted on the final registration date. If 
the registration period will be re-

[[Page 372]]

opened, USCIS will announce the start of the re-opened registration 
period on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.
    (B) Confirmation. Petitioners will receive electronic notification 
that USCIS has accepted a registration for processing.
    (C) Notification to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. USCIS will 
notify all petitioners with selected registrations that the petitioner 
is eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition on behalf of the 
beneficiary named in the notice within the filing period indicated on 
the notice.
    (D) H-1B cap-subject petition filing following registration--(1) 
Filing procedures. In addition to any other applicable requirements, a 
petitioner may file an H-1B petition for a beneficiary that may be 
counted under section 214(g)(1)(A) or eligible for exemption under 
section 214(g)(5)(C) of the Act only if the petitioner's registration to 
file a petition on behalf of the beneficiary named in the petition was 
selected beforehand by USCIS and only within the filing period indicated 
on the notice. A petitioner may not substitute the beneficiary named in 
the original registration or transfer the registration to another 
petitioner. If a petitioner files an H-1B cap-subject petition based on 
a registration that was not selected beforehand by USCIS, or based on a 
registration for a different beneficiary than the beneficiary named in 
the petition, the H-1B cap-subject petition will be denied or rejected.
    (2) Filing period. An H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly 
filed within the filing period indicated on the relevant selection 
notice. The filing period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will 
be at least 90 days. If petitioners do not meet these requirements, 
USCIS will deny or reject the H-1B cap-subject petition.
    (E) Calculating the number of registrations needed to meet the H-1B 
regular cap and H-1B advanced degree exemption allocation. When 
calculating the number of registrations needed to meet the H-1B regular 
cap and the H-1B advanced degree exemption numerical limitation for a 
given fiscal year, USCIS will take into account historical data related 
to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors. If 
necessary, USCIS may increase those numbers throughout the fiscal year.
    (F) Cap exemptions under sections 214(g)(5)(A) and (B) of the Act. 
An alien is not subject to the numerical limitations identified in 
section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act if the alien qualifies for an exemption 
under section 214(g)(5) of the Act. For purposes of section 214(g)(5)(A) 
and (B) of the Act:
    (1) ``Institution of higher education'' has the same definition as 
described at section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
    (2) A nonprofit entity shall be considered to be related to or 
affiliated with an institution of higher education if it satisfies any 
one of the following conditions:
    (i) The nonprofit entity is connected to or associated with an 
institution of higher education through shared ownership or control by 
the same board or federation;
    (ii) The nonprofit entity is operated by an institution of higher 
education;
    (iii) The nonprofit entity is attached to an institution of higher 
education as a member, branch, cooperative, or subsidiary; or
    (iv) The nonprofit entity has entered into a formal written 
affiliation agreement with an institution of higher education that 
establishes an active working relationship between the nonprofit entity 
and the institution of higher education for the purposes of research or 
education, and a fundamental activity of the nonprofit entity is to 
directly contribute to the research or education mission of the 
institution of higher education.
    (3) An entity is considered a ``nonprofit entity'' if it meets the 
definition described at paragraph (h)(19)(iv) of this section. 
``Nonprofit research organization'' and ``governmental research 
organization'' have the same definitions as described at paragraph 
(h)(19)(iii)(C) of this section.
    (4) An H-1B beneficiary who is not directly employed by a qualifying 
institution, organization or entity identified in section 214(g)(5)(A) 
or (B) of the Act shall qualify for an exemption under such section if 
the H-1B beneficiary will spend the majority of his or her work time 
performing job duties at a qualifying institution, organization

[[Page 373]]

or entity and those job duties directly and predominately further the 
essential purpose, mission, objectives or functions of the qualifying 
institution, organization or entity, namely, either higher education, 
nonprofit research or government research. The burden is on the H-1B 
petitioner to establish that there is a nexus between the duties to be 
performed by the H-1B beneficiary and the essential purpose, mission, 
objectives or functions of the qualifying institution, organization or 
entity.
    (5) If cap-exempt employment ceases, and if the alien is not the 
beneficiary of a new cap-exempt petition, then the alien will be subject 
to the cap if not previously counted within the 6-year period of 
authorized admission to which the cap-exempt employment applied. If cap-
exempt employment converts to cap-subject employment subject to the 
numerical limitations in section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act, USCIS may 
revoke the petition authorizing such employment consistent with 
paragraph (h)(11)(iii) of this section.
    (6) Concurrent H-1B employment in a cap-subject position of an alien 
that qualifies for an exemption under section 214(g)(5)(A) or (B) of the 
Act shall not subject the alien to the numerical limitations in section 
214(g)(1)(A) of the Act. When petitioning for concurrent cap-subject H-
1B employment, the petitioner must demonstrate that the H-1B beneficiary 
is employed in valid H-1B status under a cap exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(A) or (B) of the Act, the beneficiary's employment with the 
cap-exempt employer is expected to continue after the new cap-subject 
petition is approved, and the beneficiary can reasonably and 
concurrently perform the work described in each employer's respective 
positions.
    (i) Validity of a petition for concurrent cap-subject H-1B 
employment approved under paragraph (h)(8)(iii)(F)(6) of this section 
cannot extend beyond the period of validity specified for the cap-exempt 
H-1B employment.
    (ii) If H-1B employment subject to a cap exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(A) or (B) of the Act is terminated by a petitioner, or 
otherwise ends before the end of the validity period listed on the 
approved petition filed on the alien's behalf, the alien who is 
concurrently employed in a cap-subject position becomes subject to the 
numerical limitations in section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act, unless the 
alien was previously counted with respect to the 6-year period of 
authorized H-1B admission to which the petition applies or another 
exemption applies. If such an alien becomes subject to the numerical 
limitations in section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act, USCIS may revoke the 
cap-subject petition described in paragraph (h)(8)(iii)(F)(6) of this 
section consistent with paragraph (h)(11)(iii) of this section.
    (iv) Suspension of registration requirement--(A) Determination to 
suspend registration requirement. USCIS may suspend the H-1B 
registration requirement, in its discretion, if it determines that the 
registration process is inoperable for any reason. If USCIS suspends the 
registration requirement, USCIS will make an announcement of the 
suspension on its website (http://www.uscis.gov) along with the opening 
date of the applicable H-1B cap-subject petition-filing period.
    (B) Petition-based cap-subject selections in event of suspended 
registration process. In any year in which USCIS suspends the H-1B 
registration process for cap-subject petitions, USCIS will allow for the 
submission of H-1B petitions notwithstanding paragraph (h)(8)(iii) of 
this section and conduct a cap-subject selection process based on the 
petitions that are received. USCIS will deny petitions indicating that 
they are exempt from the H-1B regular cap and the H-1B advanced degree 
exemption if USCIS determines, after the final receipt date, that they 
are not eligible for the exemption sought. If USCIS determines, on or 
before the final receipt date, that the petition is not eligible for the 
exemption sought, USCIS may consider the petition under the applicable 
numerical allocation and proceed with processing of the petition. If a 
petition is denied under this paragraph (h)(8)(iv)(B), USCIS will not 
return or refund filing fees.
    (1) H-1B regular cap selection in event of suspended registration 
process. In determining whether there are enough H-1B cap-subject 
petitions to meet the H-1B regular cap, USCIS will consider all

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petitions properly submitted in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2 relating to 
beneficiaries that may be counted under section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act, 
including those that may be eligible for exemption under section 
214(g)(5)(C) of the Act. When calculating the number of petitions needed 
to meet the H-1B regular cap USCIS will take into account historical 
data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant 
factors. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received and will 
announce on its website the date that it receives the number of 
petitions projected as needed to meet the H-1B regular cap (the ``final 
receipt date''). The date the announcement is posted will not control 
the final receipt date. When necessary to ensure the fair and orderly 
allocation of numbers under the H-1B regular cap, USCIS may randomly 
select via computer-generated selection the remaining number of 
petitions deemed necessary to meet the H-1B regular cap from among the 
petitions properly submitted on the final receipt date. If the final 
receipt date is any of the first five business days on which petitions 
subject to the H-1B regular cap may be received (i.e., if the cap is 
reached on any one of the first five business days that filings can be 
made), USCIS will randomly select from among all the petitions properly 
submitted during the first five business days the number of petitions 
deemed necessary to meet the H-1B regular cap. After any random 
selection under this paragraph (h)(8)(iv)(B)(1), petitions that are 
subject to the H-1B regular cap and that do not qualify for the H-1B 
advanced degree exemption will be rejected if they are not randomly 
selected or were received after the final receipt date.
    (2) Advanced degree exemption selection in event of suspended 
registration process. After USCIS has received a sufficient number of 
petitions to meet the H-1B regular cap and, as applicable, completed the 
random selection process of petitions for the H-1B regular cap, USCIS 
will determine whether there is a sufficient number of remaining 
petitions to meet the H-1B advanced degree exemption numerical 
limitation. When calculating the number of petitions needed to meet the 
H-1B advanced degree exemption numerical limitation USCIS will take into 
account historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and 
other relevant factors. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions 
received and will announce on its website the date that it receives the 
number of petitions projected as needed to meet the H-1B advanced degree 
exemption numerical limitation (the ``final receipt date''). The date 
the announcement is posted will not control the final receipt date. When 
necessary to ensure the fair and orderly allocation of numbers under the 
H-1B advanced degree exemption, USCIS may randomly select via computer-
generated selection the remaining number of petitions deemed necessary 
to meet the H-1B advanced degree exemption numerical limitation from 
among the petitions properly submitted on the final receipt date. If the 
final receipt date is any of the first five business days on which 
petitions subject to the H-1B advanced degree exemption may be received 
(i.e., if the numerical limitation is reached on any one of the first 
five business days that filings can be made), USCIS will randomly select 
from among all the petitions properly submitted during the first five 
business days the number of petitions deemed necessary to meet the H-1B 
advanced degree exemption numerical limitation. After any random 
selection under this paragraph (h)(8)(iv)(B)(2), petitions that are not 
randomly selected or that were received after the final receipt date 
will be rejected.
    (v) Severability. The requirement to submit a registration for an H-
1B cap-subject petition and the selection process based on properly 
submitted registrations under paragraphs (h)(8)(iii) of this section are 
intended to be severable from paragraph (h)(8)(iv) of this section. In 
the event paragraph (h)(8)(iii) is not implemented, or in the event that 
paragraph (h)(8)(iv) is not implemented, DHS intends that either of 
those provisions be implemented as an independent rule, without 
prejudice to petitioners in the United States under this regulation, as 
consistent with law.
    (vi) H-1C numerical limitations. The 500 H-1C nonimmigrant visas 
issued each

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fiscal year shall be allocated in the following manner:
    (A) For each fiscal year, the number of visas issued to the states 
of California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, and Texas shall not exceed 50 each (except as provided for 
in paragraph (h)(8)(vi)(C) of this section).
    (B) For each fiscal year, the number of visas issued to the states 
not listed in paragraph (h)(8)(vi)(A) of this section shall not exceed 
25 each (except as provided for in paragraph (h)(8)(vi)(C) of this 
section).
    (C) If the total number of visas available during the first three 
quarters of a fiscal year exceeds the number of approvable H-1C 
petitions during those quarters, visas may be issued during the last 
quarter of the fiscal year to nurses who will be working in a state 
whose cap has already been reached for that fiscal year.
    (D) When an approved H-1C petition is not used because the alien(s) 
does not obtain H-1C classification, e.g., the alien is never admitted 
to the United States, or the alien never worked for the facility, the 
facility must notify the Service according to the instructions contained 
in paragraph (h)(11)(ii) of this section. The Service will subtract H-1C 
petitions approved in the current fiscal year that are later revoked 
from the total count of approved H-1C petitions, provided that the alien 
never commenced employment with the facility.
    (E) If the number of alien nurses included in an H-1C petition 
exceeds the number available for the remainder of a fiscal year, the 
Service shall approve the petition for the beneficiaries to the 
allowable amount in the order that they are listed on the petition. The 
remaining beneficiaries will be considered for approval in the 
subsequent fiscal year.
    (F) Once the 500 cap has been reached, the Service will reject any 
new petitions subsequently filed requesting a work start date prior to 
the first day of the next fiscal year.
    (vii) H-2B numerical limitations. When calculating the numerical 
limitations under section 214(g)(1)(B) and 214(g)(10) of the Act for a 
given fiscal year, USCIS will make numbers available to petitions in the 
order in which the petitions are filed. USCIS will make projections of 
the number of petitions necessary to achieve the numerical limit of 
approvals, taking into account historical data related to approvals, 
denials, revocations, and other relevant factors. USCIS will monitor the 
number of petitions (including the number of beneficiaries requested 
when necessary) received and will notify the public of the date that 
USCIS has received the necessary number of petitions (the ``final 
receipt date''). The day the public is notified will not control the 
final receipt date. When necessary to ensure the fair and orderly 
allocation of numbers subject to the numerical limitations in 
214(g)(1)(B) and 214(g)(10) of the Act, USCIS may randomly select from 
among the petitions received on the final receipt date the remaining 
number of petitions deemed necessary to generate the numerical limit of 
approvals. This random selection will be made via computer-generated 
selection. Petitions subject to a numerical limitation not randomly 
selected or that were received after the final receipt date will be 
rejected. Petitions indicating that they are exempt from the numerical 
limitation but that are determined by USCIS after the final receipt date 
to be subject to the numerical limit will be denied and filing fees will 
not be returned or refunded. If the final receipt date is any of the 
first five business days on which petitions subject to the applicable 
numerical limit may be received (i.e., if the numerical limit is reached 
on any one of the first five business days that filings can be made), 
USCIS will randomly apply all of the numbers among the petitions 
received on any of those five business days.
    (9) Approval and validity of petition--(i) Approval. USCIS will 
consider all the evidence submitted and any other evidence independently 
required to assist in adjudication. USCIS will notify the petitioner of 
the approval of the petition on a Notice of Action. The approval notice 
will include the beneficiary's (or beneficiaries') name(s) and 
classification and the petition's period of validity. A petition for 
more than one beneficiary and/or multiple services may be approved in 
whole or in

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part. The approval notice will cover only those beneficiaries approved 
for classification under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Act.
    (ii) Recording the validity of petitions. Procedures for recording 
the validity period of petitions are:
    (A) If a new H petition is approved before the date the petitioner 
indicates that the services or training will begin, the approved 
petition and approval notice shall show the actual dates requested by 
the petitioner as the validity period, not to exceed the limits 
specified by paragraph (h)(9)(iii) of this section or other Service 
policy.
    (B) If a new H petition is approved after the date the petitioner 
indicates that the services or training will begin, the approved 
petition and approval notice shall show a validity period commencing 
with the date of approval and ending with the date requested by the 
petitioner, as long as that date does not exceed either the limits 
specified by paragraph (h)(9)(iii) of this section or other Service 
policy.
    (C) If the period of services or training requested by the 
petitioner exceeds the limit specified in paragraph (h)(9)(iii) of this 
section, the petition shall be approved only up to the limit specified 
in that paragraph.
    (iii) Validity. The initial approval period of an H petition shall 
conform to the limits prescribed as follows:
    (A)(1) H-1B petition in a specialty occupation. An approved petition 
classified under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Act for an alien in 
a specialty occupation shall be valid for a period of up to three years 
but may not exceed the validity period of the labor condition 
application.
    (2) H-1B petition involving a DOD research and development or 
coproduction project. An approved petition classified under section 
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Act for an alien involved in a DOD research 
and development project or a coproduction project shall be valid for a 
period of up to five years.
    (3) H-1B petition involving an alien of distinguished merit and 
ability in the field of fashion modeling. An approved petition 
classified under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Act for an alien of 
distinguished merit and ability in the field of fashion modeling shall 
be valid for a period of up to three years.
    (B) H-2B petition. The approval of the petition to accord an alien a 
classification under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Act shall be 
valid for the period of the approved temporary labor certification.
    (C)(1) H-3 petition for alien trainee. An approved petition for an 
alien trainee classified under section 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of the Act 
shall be valid for a period of up to two years.
    (2) H-3 petition for alien participant in a special education 
training program. An approved petition for an alien classified under 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of the Act as a participant in a special 
education exchange visitor program shall be valid for a period of up to 
18 months.
    (D) H-1C petition for a registered nurse. An approved petition for 
an alien classified under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) of the Act shall 
be valid for a period of 3 years.
    (iv) H-4 dependents. The spouse and children of an H nonimmigrant, 
if they are accompanying or following to join such H nonimmigrant in the 
United States, may be admitted, if otherwise admissible, as H-4 
nonimmigrants for the same period of admission or extension as the 
principal spouse or parent. H-4 nonimmigrant status does not confer 
eligibility for employment authorization incident to status. An H-4 
nonimmigrant spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant may be eligible for 
employment authorization only if the H-1B nonimmigrant is the 
beneficiary of an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, or 
successor form, or the H-1B nonimmigrant's period of stay in H-1B status 
is authorized in the United States under sections 106(a) and (b) of the 
American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21), 
Public Law 106-313, as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice 
Appropriations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-273 (2002). To request 
employment authorization, an eligible H-4 nonimmigrant spouse must file 
an Application for Employment Authorization, or a successor form, in 
accordance with 8 CFR 274a.13 and the form

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instructions. An Application for Employment Authorization must be 
accompanied by documentary evidence establishing eligibility, including 
evidence of the spousal relationship and that the principal H-1B is the 
beneficiary of an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker or has 
been provided H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of AC21, as 
amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations 
Authorization Act, the H-1B beneficiary is currently in H-1B status, and 
the H-4 nonimmigrant spouse is currently in H-4 status.
    (10) Denial of petition--(i) Multiple beneficiaries. A petition for 
multiple beneficiaries may be denied in whole or in part.
    (ii) Notice of denial. The petitioner shall be notified of the 
reasons for the denial and of the right to appeal the denial of the 
petition under 8 CFR part 103. The petition will be denied if it is 
determined that the statements on the petition were inaccurate, 
fraudulent, or misrepresented a material fact. There is no appeal from a 
decision to deny an extension of stay to the alien.
    (11) Revocation of approval of petition--(i) General. (A) The 
petitioner shall immediately notify the Service of any changes in the 
terms and conditions of employment of a beneficiary which may affect 
eligibility under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Act and paragraph (h) of 
this section. An amended petition on the form prescribed by USCIS should 
be filed when the petitioner continues to employ the beneficiary. If the 
petitioner no longer employs the beneficiary, the petitioner shall send 
a letter explaining the change(s) to the director who approved the 
petition. However, H-2A and H-2B petitioners must send notification to 
DHS pursuant to paragraphs (h)(5)(vi) and (h)(6)(i)(F) of this section 
respectively.
    (B) The director may revoke a petition at any time, even after the 
expiration of the petition.
    (ii) Immediate and automatic revocation. The approval of any 
petition is immediately and automatically revoked if the petitioner goes 
out of business, files a written withdrawal of the petition, or the 
Department of Labor revokes the labor certification upon which the 
petition is based.
    (iii) Revocation on notice--(A) Grounds for revocation. The director 
shall send to the petitioner a notice of intent to revoke the petition 
in relevant part if he or she finds that:
    (1) The beneficiary is no longer employed by the petitioner in the 
capacity specified in the petition, or if the beneficiary is no longer 
receiving training as specified in the petition; or
    (2) The statement of facts contained in the petition or on the 
application for a temporary labor certification was not true and 
correct, inaccurate, fraudulent, or misrepresented a material fact; or
    (3) The petitioner violated terms and conditions of the approved 
petition; or
    (4) The petitioner violated requirements of section 101(a)(15)(H) of 
the Act or paragraph (h) of this section; or
    (5) The approval of the petition violated paragraph (h) of this 
section or involved gross error.
    (B) Notice and decision. The notice of intent to revoke shall 
contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation and the 
time period allowed for the petitioner's rebuttal. The petitioner may 
submit evidence in rebuttal within 30 days of receipt of the notice. The 
director shall consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding 
whether to revoke the petition in whole or in part. If the petition is 
revoked in part, the remainder of the petition shall remain approved and 
a revised approval notice shall be sent to the petitioner with the 
revocation notice.
    (12) Appeal of a denial or a revocation of a petition--(i) Denial. A 
petition denied in whole or in part may be appealed under part 103 of 
this chapter.
    (ii) Revocation. A petition that has been revoked on notice in whole 
or in part may be appealed under part 103 of this chapter. Automatic 
revocations may not be appealed.
    (13) Admission--(i) General. (A) Except as set forth in 8 CFR 
214.1(l) with respect to H-1B beneficiaries and their dependents and 
paragraph (h)(5)(viii)(B) of this section with respect to H-2A 
beneficiaries, a beneficiary shall be admitted to the United

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States for the validity period of the petition, plus a period of up to 
10 days before the validity period begins and 10 days after the validity 
period ends. The beneficiary may not work except during the validity 
period of the petition.
    (B) When an alien in an H classification has spent the maximum 
allowable period of stay in the United States, a new petition under 
sections 101(a)(15)(H) or (L) of the Act may not be approved unless that 
alien has resided and been physically present outside the United States, 
except for brief trips for business or pleasure, for the time limit 
imposed on the particular H classification. Brief trips to the United 
States for business or pleasure during the required time abroad are not 
interruptive, but do not count towards fulfillment of the required time 
abroad. A certain period of absence from the United States of H-2A and 
H-2B aliens can interrupt the accrual of time spent in such status 
against the 3-year limit set forth in 8 CFR 214.2(h)(13)(iv). The 
petitioner shall provide information about the alien's employment, place 
of residence, and the dates and purposes of any trips to the United 
States during the period that the alien was required to reside abroad.
    (ii) H-1C limitation on admission. The maximum period of admission 
for an H-1C nonimmigrant alien is 3 years. The maximum period of 
admission for an H-1C alien begins on the date the H-1C alien is 
admitted to the United and ends on the third anniversary of the alien's 
admission date. Periods of time spent out of the United States for 
business or personal reasons during the validity period of the H-1C 
petition count towards the alien's maximum period of admission. When an 
H-1C alien has reached the 3-year maximum period of admission, the H-1C 
alien is no longer eligible for admission to the United States as an H-
1C nonimmigrant alien.
    (iii) H-1B limitation on admission--(A) Alien in a specialty 
occupation or an alien of distinguished merit and ability in the field 
of fashion modeling. An H-1B alien in a specialty occupation or an alien 
of distinguished merit and ability who has spent six years in the United 
States under section 101(a)(15)(H) and/or (L) of the Act may not seek 
extension, change status, or be readmitted to the United States under 
section 101(a)(15) (H) or (L) of the Act unless the alien has resided 
and been physically present outside the United States, except for brief 
trips for business or pleasure, for the immediate prior year.
    (B) Alien involved in a DOD research and development or coproduction 
project. An H-1B alien involved in a DOD research and development or 
coproduction project who has spent 10 years in the United States under 
section 101(a)(15) (H) and/or (L) of the Act may not seek extension, 
change status, or be readmitted to the United States under section 
101(a)(15) (H) or (L) of the Act to perform services involving a DOD 
research and development project or coproduction project. A new petition 
or change of status under section 101(a)(15) (H) or (L) of the Act may 
not be approved for such an alien unless the alien has resided and been 
physically present outside the United States, except for brief trips for 
business or pleasure, for the immediate prior year.
    (C) Calculating the maximum H-1B admission period. Time spent 
physically outside the United States exceeding 24 hours by an alien 
during the validity of an H-1B petition that was approved on the alien's 
behalf shall not be considered for purposes of calculating the alien's 
total period of authorized admission under section 214(g)(4) of the Act, 
regardless of whether such time meaningfully interrupts the alien's stay 
in H-1B status and the reason for the alien's absence. Accordingly, such 
remaining time may be recaptured in a subsequent H-1B petition on behalf 
of the alien, at any time before the alien uses the full period of H-1B 
admission described in section 214(g)(4) of the Act.
    (1) It is the H-1B petitioner's burden to request and demonstrate 
the specific amount of time for recapture on behalf of the beneficiary. 
The beneficiary may provide appropriate evidence, such as copies of 
passport stamps, Arrival-Departure Records (Form I-94), or airline 
tickets, together with a chart, indicating the dates spent outside of 
the United States, and referencing the relevant independent documentary 
evidence, when seeking to recapture the alien's time spent outside the 
United

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States. Based on the evidence provided, USCIS may grant all, part, or 
none of the recapture period requested.
    (2) If the beneficiary was previously counted toward the H-1B 
numerical cap under section 214(g)(1) of the Act with respect to the 6-
year maximum period of H-1B admission from which recapture is sought, 
the H-1B petition seeking to recapture a period of stay as an H-1B 
nonimmigrant will not subject the beneficiary to the H-1B numerical cap, 
whether or not the alien has been physically outside the United States 
for 1 year or more and would be otherwise eligible for a new period of 
admission under such section of the Act. An H-1B petitioner may either 
seek such recapture on behalf of the alien or, consistent with paragraph 
(h)(13)(iii) of this section, seek a new period of admission on behalf 
of the alien under section 214(g)(1) of the Act.
    (D) Lengthy adjudication delay exemption from 214(g)(4) of the Act. 
(1) An alien who is in H-1B status or has previously held H-1B status is 
eligible for H-1B status beyond the 6-year limitation under section 
214(g)(4) of the Act, if at least 365 days have elapsed since:
    (i) The filing of a labor certification with the Department of Labor 
on the alien's behalf, if such certification is required for the alien 
to obtain status under section 203(b) of the Act; or
    (ii) The filing of an immigrant visa petition with USCIS on the 
alien's behalf to accord classification under section 203(b) of the Act.
    (2) H-1B approvals under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(D) of this section 
may be granted in up to 1-year increments until either the approved 
permanent labor certification expires or a final decision has been made 
to:
    (i) Deny the application for permanent labor certification, or, if 
approved, to revoke or invalidate such approval;
    (ii) Deny the immigrant visa petition, or, if approved, revoke such 
approval;
    (iii) Deny or approve the alien's application for an immigrant visa 
or application to adjust status to lawful permanent residence; or
    (iv) Administratively or otherwise close the application for 
permanent labor certification, immigrant visa petition, or application 
to adjust status.
    (3) No final decision while appeal available or pending. A decision 
to deny or revoke an application for labor certification, or to deny or 
revoke the approval of an immigrant visa petition, will not be 
considered final under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(D)(2)(i) or (ii) of this 
section during the period authorized for filing an appeal of the 
decision, or while an appeal is pending.
    (4) Substitution of beneficiaries. An alien who has been replaced by 
another alien, on or before July 16, 2007, as the beneficiary of an 
approved permanent labor certification may not rely on that permanent 
labor certification to establish eligibility for H-1B status based on 
this lengthy adjudication delay exemption. Except for a substitution of 
a beneficiary that occurred on or before July 16, 2007, an alien 
establishing eligibility for this lengthy adjudication delay exemption 
based on a pending or approved labor certification must be the named 
beneficiary listed on the permanent labor certification.
    (5) Advance filing. A petitioner may file an H-1B petition seeking a 
lengthy adjudication delay exemption under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(D) of 
this section within 6 months of the requested H-1B start date. The 
petition may be filed before 365 days have elapsed since the labor 
certification application or immigrant visa petition was filed with the 
Department of Labor or USCIS, respectively, provided that the 
application for labor certification or immigrant visa petition must have 
been filed at least 365 days prior to the date the period of admission 
authorized under this exemption will take effect. The petitioner may 
request any time remaining to the beneficiary under the maximum period 
of admission described at section 214(g)(4) of the Act along with the 
exemption request, but in no case may the approved H-1B period of 
validity exceed the limits specified by paragraph (h)(9)(iii) of this 
section. Time remaining to the beneficiary under the maximum period of 
admission described at section 214(g)(4) of the Act may include any 
request to recapture unused H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B time spent outside of 
the United States.

[[Page 380]]

    (6) Petitioners seeking exemption. The H-1B petitioner need not be 
the employer that filed the application for labor certification or 
immigrant visa petition that is used to qualify for this exemption.
    (7) Subsequent exemption approvals after the 7th year. The 
qualifying labor certification or immigrant visa petition need not be 
the same as that used to qualify for the initial exemption under 
paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(D) of this section.
    (8) Aggregation of time not permitted. A petitioner may not 
aggregate the number of days that have elapsed since the filing of one 
labor certification or immigrant visa petition with the number of days 
that have elapsed since the filing of another such application or 
petition to meet the 365-day requirement.
    (9) Exemption eligibility. Only a principal beneficiary of a 
nonfrivolous labor certification application or immigrant visa petition 
filed on his or her behalf may be eligible under paragraph 
(h)(13)(iii)(D) of this section for an exemption to the maximum period 
of admission under section 214(g)(4) of the Act.
    (10) Limits on future exemptions from the lengthy adjudication 
delay. An alien is ineligible for the lengthy adjudication delay 
exemption under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(D) of this section if the alien 
is the beneficiary of an approved petition under section 203(b) of the 
Act and fails to file an adjustment of status application or apply for 
an immigrant visa within 1 year of an immigrant visa being authorized 
for issuance based on his or her preference category and country of 
chargeability. If the accrual of such 1-year period is interrupted by 
the unavailability of an immigrant visa, a new 1-year period shall be 
afforded when an immigrant visa again becomes immediately available. 
USCIS may excuse a failure to file in its discretion if the alien 
establishes that the failure to apply was due to circumstances beyond 
his or her control. The limitations described in this paragraph apply to 
any approved immigrant visa petition under section 203(b) of the Act, 
including petitions withdrawn by the petitioner or those filed by a 
petitioner whose business terminates 180 days or more after approval.
    (E) Per-country limitation exemption from section 214(g)(4) of the 
Act. An alien who currently maintains or previously held H-1B status, 
who is the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition for 
classification under section 203(b)(1), (2), or (3) of the Act, and who 
is eligible to be granted that immigrant status but for application of 
the per country limitation, is eligible for H-1B status beyond the 6-
year limitation under section 214(g)(4) of the Act. The petitioner must 
demonstrate such visa unavailability as of the date the H-1B petition is 
filed with USCIS.
    (1) Validity periods. USCIS may grant validity periods for petitions 
approved under this paragraph in increments of up to 3 years for as long 
as the alien remains eligible for this exemption.
    (2) H-1B approvals under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(E) of this section 
may be granted until a final decision has been made to:
    (i) Revoke the approval of the immigrant visa petition; or
    (ii) Approve or deny the alien's application for an immigrant visa 
or application to adjust status to lawful permanent residence.
    (3) Current H-1B status not required. An alien who is not in H-1B 
status at the time the H-1B petition on his or her behalf is filed, 
including an alien who is not in the United States, may seek an 
exemption of the 6-year limitation under 214(g)(4) of the Act under this 
clause, if otherwise eligible.
    (4) Subsequent petitioners may seek exemptions. The H-1B petitioner 
need not be the employer that filed the immigrant visa petition that is 
used to qualify for this exemption. An H-1B petition may be approved 
under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(E) of this section with respect to any 
approved immigrant visa petition, and a subsequent H-1B petition may be 
approved with respect to a different approved immigrant visa petition on 
behalf of the same alien.
    (5) Advance filing. A petitioner may file an H-1B petition seeking a 
per-country limitation exemption under paragraph (h)(13)(iii)(E) of this 
section within 6 months of the requested H-1B start date. The petitioner 
may request any time remaining to the beneficiary under the maximum 
period of admission described in section 214(g)(4) of the

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Act along with the exemption request, but in no case may the H-1B 
approval period exceed the limits specified by paragraph (h)(9)(iii) of 
this section.
    (6) Exemption eligibility. Only the principal beneficiary of an 
approved immigrant visa petition for classification under section 
203(b)(1), (2), or (3) of the Act may be eligible under paragraph 
(h)(13)(iii)(E) of this section for an exemption to the maximum period 
of admission under section 214(g)(4) of the Act.
    (iv) H-2B and H-3 limitation on admission. An H-2B alien who has 
spent 3 years in the United States under section 101(a)(15)(H) and/or 
(L) of the Act may not seek extension, change status, or be readmitted 
to the United States under sections 101(a)(15)(H) and/or (L) of the Act 
unless the alien has resided and been physically present outside the 
United States for the immediately preceding 3 months. An H-3 alien 
participant in a special education program who has spent 18 months in 
the United States under sections 101(a)(15)(H) and/or (L) of the Act; 
and an H-3 alien trainee who has spent 24 months in the United States 
under sections 101(a)(15)(H) and/or (L) of the Act may not seek 
extension, change status, or be readmitted to the United States under 
sections 101(a)(15)(H) and/or (L) of the Act unless the alien has 
resided and been physically present outside the United States for the 
immediate prior 6 months.
    (v) Exceptions. The limitations in paragraphs (h)(13)(iii) through 
(h)(13)(iv) of this section shall not apply to H-1B, H-2B, and H-3 
aliens who did not reside continually in the United States and whose 
employment in the United States was seasonal or intermittent or was for 
an aggregate of 6 months or less per year. In addition, the limitations 
shall not apply to aliens who reside abroad and regularly commute to the 
United States to engage in part-time employment. An absence from the 
United States can interrupt the accrual of time spent as an H-2B 
nonimmigrant against the 3-year limit. If the accumulated stay is 18 
months or less, an absence is interruptive if it lasts for at least 45 
days. If the accumulated stay is greater than 18 months, an absence is 
interruptive if it lasts for at least two months. To qualify for this 
exception, the petitioner and the alien must provide clear and 
convincing proof that the alien qualifies for such an exception. Such 
proof shall consist of evidence such as arrival and departure records, 
copies of tax returns, and records of employment abroad.
    (14) Extension of visa petition validity. The petitioner shall file 
a request for a petition extension on the form prescribed by USCIS to 
extend the validity of the original petition under section 101(a)(15)(H) 
of the Act. Supporting evidence is not required unless requested by the 
director. A request for a petition extension may be filed only if the 
validity of the original petition has not expired.
    (15) Extension of stay--(i) General. The petitioner shall apply for 
extension of an alien's stay in the United States by filing a petition 
extension on the form prescribed by USCIS accompanied by the documents 
described for the particular classification in paragraph (h)(15)(ii) of 
this section. The petitioner must also request a petition extension. The 
dates of extension shall be the same for the petition and the 
beneficiary's extension of stay. The beneficiary must be physically 
present in the United States at the time of the filing of the extension 
of stay. Even though the requests to extend the petition and the alien's 
stay are combined on the petition, the director shall make a separate 
determination on each. If the alien is required to leave the United 
States for business or personal reasons while the extension requests are 
pending, the petitioner may request the director to cable notification 
of approval of the petition extension to the consular office abroad 
where the alien will apply for a visa. When the total period of stay in 
an H classification has been reached, no further extensions may be 
granted.
    (ii) Extension periods--(A) H-1C extension of stay. The maximum 
period of admission for an H-1C alien is 3 years. An H-1C alien who was 
initially admitted to the United States for less than 3 years may 
receive an extension of stay up to the third anniversary date of his

[[Page 382]]

or her initial admission. An H-1C nonimmigrant may not receive an 
extension of stay beyond the third anniversary date of his or her 
initial admission to the United States.
    (B) H-1B extension of stay--(1) Alien in a specialty occupation or 
an alien of distinguished merit and ability in the field of fashion 
modeling. An extension of stay may be authorized for a period of up to 
three years for a beneficiary of an H-1B petition in a specialty 
occupation or an alien of distinguished merit and ability. The alien's 
total period of stay may not exceed six years. The request for extension 
must be accompanied by either a new or a photocopy of the prior 
certification from the Department of Labor that the petitioner continues 
to have on file a labor condition application valid for the period of 
time requested for the occupation.
    (2) Alien in a DOD research and development or coproduction project. 
An extension of stay may be authorized for a period up to five years for 
the beneficiary of an H-1B petition involving a DOD research and 
development project or coproduction project. The total period of stay 
may not exceed 10 years.
    (C) H-2A or H-2B extension of stay. An extension of stay for the 
beneficiary of an H-2A or H-2B petition may be authorized for the 
validity of the labor certification or for a period of up to one year, 
except as provided for in paragraph (h)(5)(x) of this section. The 
alien's total period of stay as an H-2A or H-2B worker may not exceed 
three years, except that in the Virgin Islands, the alien's total period 
of stay may not exceed 45 days.
    (D) H-3 extension of stay. An extension of stay may be authorized 
for the length of the training program for a total period of stay as an 
H-3 trainee not to exceed two years, or for a total period of stay as a 
participant in a special education training program not to exceed 18 
months.
    (16) Effect of approval of a permanent labor certification or filing 
of a preference petition on H classification--(i) H-1B or H-1C 
classification. The approval of a permanent labor certification or the 
filing of a preference petition for an alien shall not be a basis for 
denying an H-1C or H-1B petition or a request to extend such a petition, 
or the alien's admission, change of status, or extension of stay. The 
alien may legitimately come to the United States for a temporary period 
as an H-1C or H-1B nonimmigrant and depart voluntarily at the end of his 
or her authorized stay and, at the same time, lawfully seek to become a 
permanent resident of the United States.
    (ii) H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 classification. The approval of a permanent 
labor certification, or the filing of a preference petition for an alien 
currently employed by or in a training position with the same 
petitioner, shall be a reason, by itself, to deny the alien's extension 
of stay.
    (17) Effect of a strike. (i) If the Secretary of Labor certifies to 
the Commissioner that a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers is in progress in the occupation and at the place 
where the beneficiary is to be employed or trained, and that the 
employment of training of the beneficiary would adversely affect the 
wages and working conditions of U.S. citizens and lawful resident 
workers:
    (A) A petition to classify an alien as a nonimmigrant as defined in 
section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Act shall be denied.
    (B) If a petition has already been approved, but the alien has not 
yet entered the United States, or has entered the United States but has 
not commenced the employment, the approval of the petition is 
automatically suspended, and the application for admission on the basis 
of the petition shall be denied.
    (ii) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress, but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (h)(17)(i), the Commissioner shall not 
deny a petition or suspend an approved petition.
    (iii) If the alien has already commenced employment in the United 
States under an approved petition and is participating in a strike or 
other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers, whether or not 
such strike or other labor dispute has been certified by the Department 
of Labor, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to maintain his or 
her status solely on account of past, present, or future

[[Page 383]]

participation in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers, but is subject to the following terms and 
conditions:
    (A) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act, and regulations promulgated in the 
same manner as all other H nonimmigrants;
    (B) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is not 
modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her participation in 
a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers; 
and
    (C) Although participation by an H nonimmigrant alien in a strike or 
other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers will not 
constitute a ground for deportation, any alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his or her authorized 
period of stay has expired will be subject to deportation.
    (18) Use of approval notice, Form I-797. The Service shall notify 
the petitioner on Form I-797 whenever a visa petition, an extension of a 
visa petition, or an alien's extension of stay is approved under the H 
classification. The beneficiary of an H petition who does not require a 
nonimmigrant visa may present a copy of the approval notice at a port of 
entry to facilitate entry into the United States. A beneficiary who is 
required to present a visa for admission and whose visa will have 
expired before the date of his or her intended return may use a copy of 
Form I-797 to apply for a new or revalidated visa during the validity 
period of the petition. The copy of Form I-797 shall be retained by the 
beneficiary and presented during the validity of the petition when 
reentering the United States to resume the same employment with the same 
petitioner.
    (19) Additional fee for filing certain H-1B petitions. (i) A United 
States employer (other than an exempt employer defined in paragraph 
(h)(19)(iii) of this section, or an employer filing a petition described 
in paragraph (h)(19)(v) of this section) who files a petition or 
application must include the additional American Competitiveness and 
Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee referenced in 8 CFR 106.2, if the 
petition is filed for any of the following purposes:
    (A) An initial grant of H-1B status under section 
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Act;
    (B) An initial extension of stay, as provided in paragraph 
(h)(15)(i) of this section; or
    (C) Authorization for a change in employers, as provided in 
paragraph (h)(2)(i)(D) of this section.
    (ii) A petitioner must submit with the petition the ACWIA fee, and 
any other applicable fees, in accordance with Sec.  103.7 of this 
chapter, and form instructions. Payment of all applicable fees must be 
made at the same time, but the petitioner may submit separate checks. 
USCIS will accept payment of the ACWIA fee only from the United States 
employer or its representative of record, as defined in 8 CFR 103.2(a) 
and 8 CFR part 292.
    (iii) The following exempt organizations are not required to pay the 
additional fee:
    (A) An institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965;
    (B) An affiliated or related nonprofit entity. A nonprofit entity 
shall be considered to be related to or affiliated with an institution 
of higher education if it satisfies any one of the following conditions:
    (1) The nonprofit entity is connected to or associated with an 
institution of higher education through shared ownership or control by 
the same board or federation;
    (2) The nonprofit entity is operated by an institution of higher 
education;
    (3) The nonprofit entity is attached to an institution of higher 
education as a member, branch, cooperative, or subsidiary; or
    (4) The nonprofit entity has entered into a formal written 
affiliation agreement with an institution of higher education that 
establishes an active working relationship between the nonprofit entity 
and the institution of higher education for the purposes of research or 
education, and a fundamental activity of the nonprofit entity is to 
directly contribute to the research or education mission of the 
institution of higher education;

[[Page 384]]

    (C) A nonprofit research organization or governmental research 
organization. A nonprofit research organization is an organization that 
is primarily engaged in basic research and/or applied research. A 
governmental research organization is a federal, state, or local entity 
whose primary mission is the performance or promotion of basic research 
and/or applied research. Basic research is general research to gain more 
comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, 
without specific applications in mind. Basic research is also research 
that advances scientific knowledge, but does not have specific immediate 
commercial objectives although it may be in fields of present or 
potential commercial interest. It may include research and investigation 
in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities. Applied research is 
research to gain knowledge or understanding to determine the means by 
which a specific, recognized need may be met. Applied research includes 
investigations oriented to discovering new scientific knowledge that has 
specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or 
services. It may include research and investigation in the sciences, 
social sciences, or humanities;
    (D) A primary or secondary education institution; or
    (E) A nonprofit entity which engages in an established curriculum-
related clinical training of students registered at an institution of 
higher education.
    (iv) Non-profit or tax exempt organizations. For purposes of 
paragraphs (h)(19)(iii) (B) and (C) of this section, a nonprofit 
organization or entity is:
    (A) Defined as a tax exempt organization under the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, section 501(c)(3), (c)(4) or (c)(6), 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), 
(c)(4) or (c)(6), and
    (B) Has been approved as a tax exempt organization for research or 
educational purposes by the Internal Revenue Service.
    (v) Filing situations where the American Competitiveness and 
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA) fee is not required. The ACWIA 
fee is not required if:
    (A) The petition is an amended H-1B petition that does not contain 
any requests for an extension of stay;
    (B) The petition is an H-1B petition filed for the sole purpose of 
correcting a Service error; or
    (C) The petition is the second or subsequent request for an 
extension of stay filed by the employer regardless of when the first 
extension of stay was filed or whether the ACWIA fee was paid on the 
initial petition or the first extension of stay.
    (vi) ACWIA fee exemption evidence. (A) Employer claiming to be 
exempt. An employer claiming to be exempt from the ACWIA fee must file 
the form prescribed by USCIS, in accordance with the form instructions, 
including supporting evidence establishing that it meets one of the 
exemptions described at paragraph (h)(19)(iii) of this section. A United 
States employer claiming an exemption from the ACWIA fee on the basis 
that it is a non-profit research organization must submit evidence that 
it has tax exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
section 501(c)(3), (c)(4) or (c)(6), 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), (c)(4) or 
(c)(6). All other employers claiming an exemption must submit a 
statement describing why the organization or entity is exempt.
    (B) Exempt filing situations. Any non-exempt employer who claims 
that the ACWIA fee does not apply with respect to a particular filing 
for one of the reasons described in paragraph (h)(19)(v) of this section 
must indicate why the ACWIA fee is not required.
    (20) Retaliatory action claims. If credible documentary evidence is 
provided in support of a petition seeking an extension of H-1B stay in 
or change of status to another classification indicating that the 
beneficiary faced retaliatory action from his or her employer based on a 
report regarding a violation of that employer's labor condition 
application obligations under section 212(n)(2)(C)(iv) of the Act, USCIS 
may consider a loss or failure to maintain H-1B status by the 
beneficiary related to such violation as due to, and commensurate with, 
``extraordinary circumstances'' as defined by Sec.  214.1(c)(4) and 8 
CFR 248.1(b).
    (21)-(23) [Reserved]
    (24) Severability. (i)-(ii) [Reserved]
    (25) [Reserved]
    (26) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (May 25, 
2021

[[Page 385]]

through November 22, 2021). (i) This paragraph (h)(26) relates to H-2B 
workers seeking to change employers during the time period specified in 
paragraph (h)(26)(iv) of this section. Notwithstanding paragraph 
(h)(2)(i)(D) of this section, an alien in valid H-2B nonimmigrant 
status:
    (A) Whose new petitioner files a non-frivolous H-2B petition 
requesting an extension of the alien's stay on or after May 25, 2021, is 
authorized to begin employment with the new petitioner after the 
petition described in this paragraph (h)(26) is received by USCIS and 
before the new H-2B petition is approved, but no earlier than the start 
date indicated in the new H-2B petition; or
    (B) Whose new petitioner filed a non-frivolous H-2B petition 
requesting an extension of the alien's stay before May 25, 2021 that 
remains pending on May 25, 2021, is authorized to begin employment with 
the new petitioner before the new H-2B petition is approved, but no 
earlier than the start date of employment indicated on the new H-2B 
petition.
    (ii)(A) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(26)(i)(A) of this section, and subject to the requirements of 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(30), the new period of employment described in paragraph 
(h)(26)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days beginning on the 
Received Date on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) or, if the start date of 
employment occurs after the I-797 Received Date, for a period of up to 
60 days beginning on the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B 
petition.
    (B) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(26)(i)(B) of this section, the new period of employment described in 
paragraph (h)(26)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days 
beginning on the later of either May 25, 2021 or the start date of 
employment indicated in the H-2B petition.
    (C) With respect to either type of new petition, if USCIS 
adjudicates the new petition before the expiration of this 60-day period 
and denies the petition, or if the new petition is withdrawn by the 
petitioner before the expiration of the 60-day period, the employment 
authorization associated with the filing of that petition under 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(30) will automatically terminate 15 days after the date of 
the denial decision or 15 days after the date on which the new petition 
is withdrawn. Nothing in this paragraph (h)(26) is intended to alter the 
availability of employment authorization related to professional H-2B 
athletes who are traded between organizations pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(vii) of this section and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(9).
    (iii) In addition to meeting all other requirements in paragraph 
(h)(6) of this section for the H-2B classification, to commence 
employment and be approved under this paragraph (h)(26):
    (A) The alien must have been in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status on or 
after May 25, 2021;
    (B) The new H-2B petition must have been--
    (1) Pending as of May 25, 2021; or
    (2) Received on or after May 25, 2021, but no later than November 
22, 2021;
    (C) The petitioner must comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including health and safety 
laws, laws related to COVID-19 worker protections, and any right to time 
off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination; and
    (D) The petitioner may not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate 
with an employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority under 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (iv) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to this 
paragraph (h)(26) begins at 12 a.m. on May 25, 2021, and ends at the end 
of November 22, 2021.
    (27) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (January 
28, 2022 through July 27, 2022). (i) This paragraph (h)(27) relates to 
H-2B workers seeking to change employers during the time period 
specified in paragraph (h)(27)(iv) of this section. Notwithstanding 
paragraph (h)(2)(i)(D) of this section:
    (A) An alien in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status whose new petitioner 
files a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting an extension of the 
alien's stay on or after January 28, 2022, is authorized to begin 
employment with the

[[Page 386]]

new petitioner after the petition described in this paragraph (h)(27) is 
received by USCIS and before the new H-2B petition is approved, but no 
earlier than the start date indicated in the new H-2B petition; or
    (B) An alien whose new petitioner filed a non-frivolous H-2B 
petition requesting an extension of the alien's stay before January 28, 
2022 that remains pending on January 28, 2022, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner before the new H-2B petition is 
approved, but no earlier than the start date of employment indicated on 
the new H-2B petition.
    (ii)(A) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(27)(i)(A) of this section, and subject to the requirements of 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(30), the new period of employment described in paragraph 
(h)(27)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days beginning on the 
Received Date on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) or, if the start date of 
employment occurs after the I-797 Received Date, for a period of up to 
60 days beginning on the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B 
petition.
    (B) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(27)(i)(B) of this section, the new period of employment described in 
paragraph (h)(27)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days 
beginning on the later of either January 28, 2022 or the start date of 
employment indicated in the H-2B petition.
    (C) With respect to either type of new petition, if USCIS 
adjudicates the new petition before the expiration of this 60-day period 
and denies the petition, or if the new petition is withdrawn by the 
petitioner before the expiration of the 60-day period, the employment 
authorization associated with the filing of that petition under 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(30) will automatically terminate 15 days after the date of 
the denial decision or 15 days after the date on which the new petition 
is withdrawn. Nothing in this paragraph (h)(27) is intended to alter the 
availability of employment authorization related to professional H-2B 
athletes who are traded between organizations pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(vii) of this section and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(9).
    (iii) In addition to meeting all other requirements in paragraph 
(h)(6) of this section for the H-2B classification, to commence 
employment and be approved under this paragraph (h)(27), the alien must 
either:
    (A) Have been in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status on or after January 
28, 2022 and be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous H-2B petition 
requesting an extension of the alien's stay that is received on or after 
January 28, 2022, but no later than July 27, 2022; or
    (B) Be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting 
an extension of the alien's stay that is pending as of January 28, 2022.
    (C) The petitioner must comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including, where applicable, 
health and safety laws, laws related to COVID-19 worker protections, any 
right to time off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, or to 
reimbursement for travel to and from the nearest available vaccination 
site; and
    (D) The petitioner may not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate 
with an employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority under 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (iv) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to this 
paragraph (h)(27) begins at 12 a.m. on January 28, 2022, and ends at the 
end of July 27, 2022.
    (28) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers (July 28, 
2022 through January 24, 2023). (i) This paragraph (h)(28) relates to H-
2B workers seeking to change employers during the time period specified 
in paragraph (h)(28)(iv) of this section. Notwithstanding paragraph 
(h)(2)(i)(D) of this section:
    (A) An alien in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status whose new petitioner 
files a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting an extension of the 
alien's stay on or after July 28, 2022, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner after the petition described in this 
paragraph (h)(28) is received by USCIS and before the new H-2B petition 
is approved, but no earlier than the start date indicated in the new H-
2B petition; or

[[Page 387]]

    (B) An alien whose new petitioner filed a non-frivolous H-2B 
petition requesting an extension of the alien's stay before July 28, 
2022 that remains pending on July 28, 2022, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner before the new H-2B petition is 
approved, but no earlier than the start date of employment indicated on 
the new H-2B petition.
    (ii)(A) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(28)(i)(A) of this section, and subject to the requirements of 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(30), the new period of employment described in paragraph 
(h)(28)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days beginning on the 
Received Date on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) or, if the start date of 
employment occurs after the I-797 Received Date, for a period of up to 
60 days beginning on the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B 
petition.
    (B) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(28)(i)(B) of this section, the new period of employment described in 
paragraph (h)(28)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days 
beginning on the later of either July 28, 2022 or the start date of 
employment indicated in the H-2B petition.
    (C) With respect to either type of new petition, if USCIS 
adjudicates the new petition before the expiration of this 60-day period 
and denies the petition, or if the new petition is withdrawn by the 
petitioner before the expiration of the 60-day period, the employment 
authorization associated with the filing of that petition under 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(30) will automatically terminate 15 days after the date of 
the denial decision or 15 days after the date on which the new petition 
is withdrawn. Nothing in this paragraph (h)(28) is intended to alter the 
availability of employment authorization related to professional H-2B 
athletes who are traded between organizations pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(vii) of this section and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(9).
    (iii) In addition to meeting all other requirements in paragraph 
(h)(6) of this section for the H-2B classification, to commence 
employment and be approved under this paragraph (h)(28):
    (A) The alien must either (1) have been in valid H-2B nonimmigrant 
status on or after July 28, 2022 and be the beneficiary of a non-
frivolous H-2B petition requesting an extension of the alien's stay that 
is received on or after July 28, 2022, but no later than January 24, 
2023; or (2) be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous H-2B petition 
requesting an extension of the alien's stay that is pending as of July 
28, 2022.
    (B) The petitioner must comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including, where applicable, 
health and safety laws, laws related to COVID-19 worker protections, any 
right to time off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, or to 
reimbursement for travel to and from the nearest available vaccination 
site; and
    (C) The petitioner may not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate 
with an employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority under 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (iv) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to this 
paragraph (h)(28) begins at 12 a.m. on July 28, 2022, and ends at the 
end of January 24, 2023.
    (29) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers. (i) This 
paragraph (h)(29) relates to H-2B workers seeking to change employers 
during the time period specified in paragraph (h)(29)(iv) of this 
section. Notwithstanding paragraph (h)(2)(i)(D) of this section:
    (A) An alien in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status whose new petitioner 
files a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting an extension of the 
alien's stay on or after January 25, 2023, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner after the petition described in this 
paragraph (h)(29) is received by USCIS and before the new H-2B petition 
is approved, but no earlier than the start date indicated in the new H-
2B petition; or
    (B) An alien whose new petitioner filed a non-frivolous H-2B 
petition requesting an extension of the alien's stay before January 25, 
2023 that remains pending on January 25, 2023, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner before the new H-2B petition is 
approved, but no earlier

[[Page 388]]

than the start date of employment indicated on the new H-2B petition.
    (ii)(A) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(29)(i)(A) of this section, and subject to the requirements of 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(33), the new period of employment described in paragraph 
(h)(29)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days beginning on the 
Received Date on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) or, if the start date of 
employment occurs after the I-797 Received Date, for a period of up to 
60 days beginning on the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B 
petition.
    (B) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(29)(i)(B) of this section, the new period of employment described in 
paragraph (h)(29)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days 
beginning on the later of either January 25, 2023 or the start date of 
employment indicated in the H-2B petition.
    (C) With respect to either type of new petition, if USCIS 
adjudicates the new petition before the expiration of this 60-day period 
and denies the petition, or if the new petition is withdrawn by the 
petitioner before the expiration of the 60-day period, the employment 
authorization associated with the filing of that petition under 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(33) will automatically terminate 15 days after the date of 
the denial decision or 15 days after the date on which the new petition 
is withdrawn. Nothing in this paragraph (h)(29) is intended to alter the 
availability of employment authorization related to professional H-2B 
athletes who are traded between organizations pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(vii) of this section and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(9).
    (iii) In addition to meeting all other requirements in paragraph 
(h)(6) of this section for the H-2B classification, to commence 
employment under this paragraph (h)(29):
    (A) The alien must either have been in valid H-2B nonimmigrant 
status on or after January 25, 2023 and be the beneficiary of a non-
frivolous H-2B petition requesting an extension of the alien's stay that 
is received on or after January 25, 2023, but no later than January 24, 
2024; or be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting 
an extension of the alien's stay that is pending as of January 25, 2023.
    (B) The petitioner must comply with all Federal, State, and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including, where applicable, 
health and safety laws, laws related to COVID-19 worker protections, any 
right to time off or paid time off for COVID-19 vaccination, or to 
reimbursement for travel to and from the nearest available vaccination 
site; and
    (C) The petitioner may not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate 
with an employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority under 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (iv) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to this 
paragraph (h)(29) begins at 12 a.m. on January 25, 2023, and ends at the 
end of January 24, 2024.
    (30) [Reserved]
    (31) Change of employers and portability for H-2B workers. (i) This 
paragraph (h)(31) relates to H-2B workers seeking to change employers 
during the time period specified in paragraph (h)(31)(iv) of this 
section. Notwithstanding paragraph (h)(2)(i)(D) of this section:
    (A) An alien in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status whose new petitioner 
files a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting an extension of the 
alien's stay on or after January 25, 2024, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner after the petition described in this 
paragraph (h)(31) is received by USCIS and before the new H-2B petition 
is approved, but no earlier than the start date indicated in the new H-
2B petition; or
    (B) An alien whose new petitioner filed a non-frivolous H-2B 
petition requesting an extension of the alien's stay before January 25, 
2024, that remains pending on January 25, 2024, is authorized to begin 
employment with the new petitioner before the new H-2B petition is 
approved, but no earlier than the start date of employment indicated on 
the new H-2B petition.
    (ii)(A) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(31)(i)(A) of this section, and subject to the requirements of 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(34), the new period of employment described in

[[Page 389]]

paragraph (h)(31)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days 
beginning on the Received Date on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) or, if 
the start date of employment occurs after the I-797 Received Date, for a 
period of up to 60 days beginning on the start date of employment 
indicated in the H-2B petition.
    (B) With respect to a new petition described in paragraph 
(h)(31)(i)(B) of this section, the new period of employment described in 
paragraph (h)(31)(i) of this section may last for up to 60 days 
beginning on the later of either January 25, 2024, or the start date of 
employment indicated in the H-2B petition.
    (C) With respect to either type of new petition, if USCIS 
adjudicates the new petition before the expiration of this 60-day period 
and denies the petition, or if the new petition is withdrawn by the 
petitioner before the expiration of the 60-day period, the employment 
authorization associated with the filing of that petition under 8 CFR 
274a.12(b)(34) will automatically terminate 15 days after the date of 
the denial decision or 15 days after the date on which the new petition 
is withdrawn. Nothing in this paragraph (h)(31) is intended to alter the 
availability of employment authorization related to professional H-2B 
athletes who are traded between organizations pursuant to paragraph 
(h)(6)(vii) of this section and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(9).
    (iii) In addition to meeting all other requirements in paragraph 
(h)(6) of this section for the H-2B classification, to commence 
employment under this paragraph (h)(31):
    (A) The alien must either:
    (1) Have been in valid H-2B nonimmigrant status on or after January 
25, 2024 and be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous H-2B petition 
requesting an extension of the alien's stay that is received on or after 
January 25, 2024, but no later than January 24, 2025; or
    (2) Be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous H-2B petition requesting 
an extension of the alien's stay that is pending as of January 25, 2024; 
and
    (B) The petitioner may not impede, interfere, or refuse to cooperate 
with an employee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor who is 
exercising or attempting to exercise DOL's audit or investigative 
authority under 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, and 29 CFR 503.25.
    (iv) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to this 
paragraph (h)(31) begins at 12 a.m. on January 25, 2024, and ends at the 
end of January 24, 2025.
    (i) Representatives of information media--(1) In general. The 
admission of an alien of the class defined in section 101(a)(15)(I) of 
the Act constitutes an agreement by the alien not to change the 
information medium or his or her employer until he or she obtains 
permission to do so from the district director having jurisdiction over 
his or her residence. An alien classified as an information media 
nonimmigrant (I) may be admitted in or otherwise granted I nonimmigrant 
status for:
    (i) The duration of employment, except as provided in paragraph 
(i)(1)(ii) of this section; or
    (ii) In the case of an alien who presents a passport issued by the 
People's Republic of China (PRC) (other than a Hong Kong Special 
Administrative Region passport or a Macau Special Administrative Region 
passport), until the activities or assignments consistent with the I 
classification are completed, not to exceed the maximum period of stay 
as determined by the Secretary. The Secretary of Homeland Security may 
determine the maximum period of stay when the Secretary determines an 
adjustment is needed, with such maximum period to be no longer than one 
year. In determining the maximum period of stay and whether an 
adjustment is needed, the Secretary will consider factors including, but 
not limited to, the average authorized period of stay and press 
credential validity for U.S. journalists in the PRC, the treatment of 
U.S. journalists in the PRC, any input from the U.S. Department of 
State, and such other factors as may affect the U.S. interest. Such 
determination will be published in the Federal Register as a notice and 
will remain in effect until the Secretary of Homeland Security publishes 
a new determination under this paragraph.
    (2) Extension of stay. An alien in I status who is described in 
paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section may be eligible for extensions of 
stay, each of up to the maximum period of stay determined by

[[Page 390]]

the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section or until 
the activities or assignments consistent with the I classification are 
completed (whichever date is earlier).
    (i) Notwithstanding 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(20), an alien in I status who 
is described in paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section whose status has 
expired, but who timely filed an application for an extension of stay, 
is authorized to stay in the United States and continue employment with 
the same employer for a period not to exceed 90 days beginning on the 
date of the expiration of the authorized period of stay. However, if 
USCIS adjudicates the application prior to the expiration of the 90-day 
period, and denies the application for an extension of stay, the alien 
must immediately depart the United States.
    (ii) To request an extension of stay, an alien in I status must file 
an application to extend his or her stay by submitting the form 
designated by USCIS, in accordance with that form's instructions, and 
with the required fee, including any biometrics required by 8 CFR 
103.16, as appropriate. Requests for extensions of stay will be 
adjudicated consistent with international legal obligations, including 
the United Nations Headquarters Agreement and Organization of American 
States Headquarters Agreement.
    (3) Change of status. An alien seeking to change from a different 
nonimmigrant status to, if eligible, an I status described in paragraph 
(i)(1)(ii) of this section, may be granted a period of stay until the 
activities or assignments consistent with the I classification are 
completed, not to exceed the maximum period of stay determined by the 
Secretary pursuant to paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section. To request a 
change from a different nonimmigrant status to an I status described in 
paragraph (i)(1)(ii), an alien must file an application to change his or 
her status by submitting the form designated by USCIS, in accordance 
with that form's instructions, and with the required fee, including any 
biometrics required by 8 CFR 103.16, as appropriate.
    (4) Applicable maximum period of stay. Any change in the maximum 
period of stay announced by a Federal Register notice pursuant to 
paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section applies to applications for an 
extension of stay or a change of status, filed under paragraphs (i)(2) 
and (3) of this section respectively, that are pending with USCIS on the 
effective date of the Federal Register notice.
    (j) Exchange aliens--(1) General--(i) Eligibility for admission. A 
nonimmigrant exchange visitor and his or her accompanying spouse and 
minor children may be admitted into the United States in J-1 and J-2 
classifications under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, if the exchange 
visitor and his or her accompanying spouse and children each presents a 
SEVIS Form DS-2019 issued in his or her own name by a program approved 
by the Department of State for participation by J-1 exchange visitors. 
Prior to August 1, 2003, if exigent circumstances are demonstrated, the 
Service will allow the dependent of an exchange visitor possessing a 
SEVIS Form DS-2019 to enter the United States using a copy of the 
exchange visitor's SEVIS Form DS-2019. However, where the exchange 
visitor presents a properly completed Form DS-2019, Certificate of 
Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, which was issued to the 
J-1 exchange visitor by a program approved by the Department of State 
for participation by exchange visitors and which remains valid for the 
admission of the exchange visitor, the accompanying spouse and children 
may be admitted on the basis of the J-1's non-SEVIS Form DS-2019.
    (ii) Admission period. An exchange alien, and J-2 spouse and 
children, may be admitted for a period up to 30 days before the report 
date or start of the approved program listed on Form DS-2019. The 
initial admission of an exchange visitor, spouse and children may not 
exceed the period specified on Form DS-2019, plus a period of 30 days 
for the purposes of travel or for the period designated by the 
Commissioner as provided in paragraph (j)(1)(vi) of this section. 
Regulations of the Department of State published at 22 CFR part 62 give 
general limitations on the stay of the various classes of exchange 
visitors. A spouse or child may not be admitted for longer than the 
principal exchange visitor.

[[Page 391]]

    (iii) Readmission. An exchange alien may be readmitted to the United 
States for the remainder of the time authorized on Form I-94, without 
presenting Form IAP-66, if the alien is returning from a visit solely to 
foreign contiguous territory or adjacent islands after an absence of 
less than 30 days and if the original Form I-94 is presented. All other 
exchange aliens must present a valid Form IAP-66. An original Form IAP-
66 or copy three (the pink copy) of a previously issued form presented 
by an exchange alien returning from a temporary absence shall be 
retained by the exchange alien for re-entries during the balance of the 
alien's stay.
    (iv) Extensions of Stay. If an exchange alien requires an extension 
beyond the initial admission period, the alien shall apply by submitting 
a new Form DS-2019 which indicates the date to which the alien's program 
is extended. The extension may not exceed the period specified on Form 
DS-2019, plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel. Extensions 
of stay for the alien's spouse and children require, as an attachment to 
Form DS-2019, Form I-94 for each dependent, and a list containing the 
names of the applicants, dates and places of birth, passport numbers, 
issuing countries, and expiration dates. An accompanying spouse or child 
may not be granted an extension of stay for longer than the principal 
exchange alien.
    (v) Employment. (A) The accompanying spouse and minor children of a 
J-1 exchange visitor may accept employment only with authorization by 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service. A request for employment 
authorization must be made on Form I-765, Application for Employment 
Authorization, with fee, as required by the Service, to the district 
director having jurisdiction over the J-1 exchange visitor's temporary 
residence in the United States. Income from the spouse's or dependent's 
employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational 
and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. 
Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support 
the J-1 principal alien.
    (B) J-2 employment may be authorized for the duration of the J-1 
principal alien's authorized stay as indicated on Form I-94 or a period 
of four years, whichever is shorter. The employment authorization is 
valid only if the J-1 is maintaining status. Where a J-2 spouse or 
dependent child has filed a timely application for extension of stay, 
only upon approval of the request for extension of stay may he or she 
apply for a renewal of the employment authorization on a Form I-765 with 
the required fee.
    (vi) Extension of duration of status. The Commissioner may, by 
notice in the Federal Register, at any time she determines that the H-1B 
numerical limitation as described in section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act 
will likely be reached prior to the end of a current fiscal year, extend 
for such a period of time as the Commissioner deems necessary to 
complete the adjudication of the H-1B application, the duration of 
status of any J-1 alien on behalf of whom an employer has timely filed 
an application for change of status to H-1B. The alien, in accordance 
with 8 CFR part 248, must not have violated the terms of his or her 
nonimmigrant stay and is not subject to the 2-year foreign residence 
requirement at 212(e) of the Act. Any J-1 student whose duration of 
status has been extended shall be considered to be maintaining lawful 
nonimmigrant status for all purposes under the Act, provided that the 
alien does not violate the terms and conditions of his or her J 
nonimmigrant stay. An extension made under this paragraph also applies 
to the J-2 dependent aliens.
    (vii) Use of SEVIS. At a date to be established by the Department of 
State, the use of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System 
(SEVIS) will become mandatory for designated program sponsors. After 
that date, which will be announced by publication in the Federal 
Register, all designated program sponsors must begin issuance of the 
SEVIS Form DS-2019.
    (viii) Current name and address. A J-1 exchange visitor must inform 
the Service and the responsible officer of the exchange visitor program 
of any legal changes to his or her name or of any change of address, 
within 10 days of the

[[Page 392]]

change, in a manner prescribed by the program sponsor. A J-1 exchange 
visitor enrolled in a SEVIS program can satisfy the requirement in 8 CFR 
265.1 of notifying the Service by providing a notice of a change of 
address within 10 days to the responsible officer, who in turn shall 
enter the information in SEVIS within 21 days of notification by the 
exchange visitor. A J-1 exchange visitor enrolled at a non-SEVIS program 
must submit a change of address to the Service, as provided in 8 CFR 
265.1, within 10 days of the change. Except in the case of an exchange 
visitor who cannot receive mail where he or she resides, the address 
provided by the exchange visitor must be the actual physical location 
where the exchange visitor resides rather than a mailing address. In 
cases where an exchange visitor provides a mailing address, the exchange 
visitor program must maintain a record of, and must provide upon request 
from the Service, the actual physical location where the exchange 
visitor resides.
    (2) Special reporting requirement. Each exchange alien participating 
in a program of graduate medical education or training shall file Form 
I-644 (Supplementary Statement for Graduate Medical Trainees) annually 
with the Service attesting to the conditions as specified on the form. 
The exchange alien shall also submit Form I-644 as an attachment to a 
completed Form DS-2019 when applying for an extension of stay.
    (3) Alien in cancelled programs. When the approval of an exchange 
visitor program is withdrawn by the Director of the United States 
Information Agency, the district director shall send a notice of the 
withdrawal to each participant in the program and a copy of each such 
notice shall be sent to the program sponsor. If the exchange visitor is 
currently engaged in activities authorized by the cancelled program, the 
participant is authorized to remain in the United States to engage in 
those activities until expiration of the period of stay previously 
authorized. The district director shall notify participants in cancelled 
programs that permission to remain in the United States as an exchange 
visitor, or extension of stay may be obtained if the participant is 
accepted in another approved program and a Form DS-2019, executed by the 
new program sponsor, is submitted. In this case, a release from the 
sponsor of the cancelled program will not be required.
    (4) Eligibility requirements for section 101(a)(15)(J) 
classification for aliens desiring to participate in programs under 
which they will receive graduate medical education or training--(i) 
Requirements. Any alien coming to the United States as an exchange 
visitor to participate in a program under which the alien will receive 
graduate medical education or training, or any alien seeking to change 
nonimmigrant status to that of an exchange visitor on Form I-506 for 
that purpose, must have passed parts of I and II of the National Board 
of Medical Examiners Examination (or an equivalent examination as 
determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services), and must be 
competent in oral and written English, and shall submit a completely 
executed and valid Form DS-2019.
    (ii) Exemptions. From January 10, 1978 until December 31, 1983, any 
alien who has come to or seeks to come to the United States as an 
exchange visitor to participate in an accredited program of graduate 
medical education or training, or any alien who seeks to change 
nonimmigrant status for that purpose, may be admitted to participate in 
such program without regard to the requirements stated in subparagraphs 
(A) and (B)(ii)(I) of section 212(j)(1) of the Act if a substantial 
disruption in the health services provided by such program would result 
from not permitting the alien to participate in the program: Provided 
that the exemption will not increase the total number of aliens then 
participating in such programs to a level greater than that 
participating on January 10, 1978.
    (5) Remittance of the fee. An alien who applies for J-1 nonimmigrant 
status in order to commence participation in a Department of State-
designated exchange visitor program is required to pay the SEVIS fee to 
DHS, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.13, except as otherwise provided in that 
section.
    (k) Spouses, Fianc[eacute]es, and Fianc[eacute]s of United States 
Citizens--(1) Petition and supporting documents. To be classified

[[Page 393]]

as a fiance or fiancee as defined in section 101(a)(15)(K)(i) of the 
Act, an alien must be the beneficiary of an approved visa petition filed 
on Form I-129F. A copy of a document submitted in support of a visa 
petition filed pursuant to section 214(d) of the Act and this paragraph 
may be accepted, though unaccompanied by the original, if the copy bears 
a certification by an attorney, typed or rubber-stamped, in the language 
set forth in Sec.  204.2(j) of this chapter. However, the original 
document shall be submitted if requested by the Service.
    (2) Requirement that petitioner and K-1 beneficiary have met. The 
petitioner shall establish to the satisfaction of the director that the 
petitioner and K-1 beneficiary have met in person within the two years 
immediately preceding the filing of the petition. As a matter of 
discretion, the director may exempt the petitioner from this requirement 
only if it is established that compliance would result in extreme 
hardship to the petitioner or that compliance would violate strict and 
long-established customs of the K-1 beneficiary's foreign culture or 
social practice, as where marriages are traditionally arranged by the 
parents of the contracting parties and the prospective bride and groom 
are prohibited from meeting subsequent to the arrangement and prior to 
the wedding day. In addition to establishing that the required meeting 
would be a violation of custom or practice, the petitioner must also 
establish that any and all other aspects of the traditional arrangements 
have been or will be met in accordance with the custom or practice. 
Failure to establish that the petitioner and K-1 beneficiary have met 
within the required period or that compliance with the requirement 
should be waived shall result in the denial of the petition. Such denial 
shall be without prejudice to the filing of a new petition once the 
petitioner and K-1 beneficiary have met in person.
    (3) Children of beneficiary. Without the approval of a separate 
petition on his or her behalf, a child of the beneficiary (as defined in 
section 101(b)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of the Act) may be accorded 
the same nonimmigrant classification as the beneficiary if accompanying 
or following to join him or her.
    (4) Notification. The petitioner shall be notified of the decision 
and, if the petition is denied, of the reasons therefor and of the right 
to appeal in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this chapter.
    (5) Validity. The approval of a petition under this paragraph shall 
be valid for a period of four months. A petition which has expired due 
to the passage of time may be revalidated by a director or a consular 
officer for a period of four months from the date of revalidation upon a 
finding that the petitioner and K-1 beneficiary are free to marry and 
intend to marry each other within 90 days of the beneficiary's entry 
into the United States. The approval of any petition is automatically 
terminated when the petitioner dies or files a written withdrawal of the 
petition before the beneficiary arrives in the United States.
    (6) Adjustment of status from nonimmigrant to immigrant.
    (i) [Reserved]
    (ii) Nonimmigrant visa issued on or after November 10, 1986. Upon 
contracting a valid marriage to the petitioner within 90 days of his or 
her admission as a nonimmigrant pursuant to a valid K-1 visa issued on 
or after November 10, 1986, the K-1 beneficiary and his or her minor 
children may apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident 
under section 245 of the Act. Upon approval of the application the 
director shall record their lawful admission for permanent residence in 
accordance with that section and subject to the conditions prescribed in 
section 216 of the Act.
    (7) Eligibility, petition and supporting documents for K-3/K-4 
classification. To be classified as a K-3 spouse as defined in section 
101(a)(15)(k)(ii) of the Act, or the K-4 child of such alien defined in 
section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of the Act, the alien spouse must be the 
beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition filed by a U.S. citizen on 
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and the beneficiary of an 
approved petition for a K-3 nonimmigrant visa filed on Form I-129F.
    (8) Period of admission for K3/K-4 status. Aliens entering the 
United States as a K-3 shall be admitted for a period

[[Page 394]]

of 2 years. Aliens entering the United States as a K-4 shall be admitted 
for a period of 2 years or until that alien's 21st birthday, whichever 
is shorter.
    (9) Employment authorization. An alien admitted to the United States 
as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Act shall be 
authorized to work incident to status for the period of authorized stay. 
K-1/K-2 aliens seeking work authorization must apply, with fee, to the 
Service for work authorization pursuant to Sec.  274a.12(a)(6) of this 
chapter. K-3/K-4 aliens must apply to the Service for a document 
evidencing employment authorization pursuant to Sec.  274a.12(a)(9) of 
this chapter. Employment authorization documents issued to K-3/K-4 
aliens may be renewed only upon a showing that the applicant has an 
application or petition awaiting approval, equivalent to the showing 
required for an extension of stay pursuant to Sec.  214.2(k)(10).
    (10) Extension of stay for K-3/K-4 status--(i) General. A K-3/K-4 
alien may apply for extension of stay, on Form I-539, Application to 
Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, 120 days prior to the expiration of 
his or her authorized stay. Extensions for K-4 status must be filed 
concurrently with the alien's parent's K-3 status extension application. 
In addition, the citizen parent of a K-4 alien filing for extension of K 
status should file Form I-130 on their behalf. Extension will be granted 
in 2-year intervals upon a showing of eligibility pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(K)(ii) or (iii) of the Act. Aliens wishing to extend their 
period of stay as a K-3 or K-4 alien pursuant to Sec.  214.1(c)(2) must 
show that one of the following has been filed with the Service or the 
Department of State, as applicable, and is awaiting approval:
    (A) The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, filed by the K-3's 
U.S. citizen spouse who filed the Form I-129F;
    (B) An application for an immigrant visa based on a Form I-130 
described in Sec.  214.2(K)(10)(i);
    (C) A Form I-485, Application for Adjustment to that of Permanent 
Residence, based on a Form I-130 described in Sec.  214.2(k)(10)(i);
    (ii) ``Good Cause'' showing. Aliens may file for an extension of 
stay as a K-3/K-4 nonimmigrant after a Form I-130 filed on their behalf 
has been approved, without filing either an application for adjustment 
of status or an immigrant visa upon a showing of ``good cause.'' A 
showing of ``good cause'' may include an illness, a job loss, or some 
other catastrophic event that has prevented the filing of an adjustment 
of status application by the K-3/K-4 alien. The event or events must 
have taken place since the alien entered the United States as a K-3/K-4 
nonimmigrant. The burden of establishing ``good cause'' rests solely 
with the applicant. Whether the applicant has shown ``good cause'' is a 
purely discretionary decision by the Service from which there is no 
appeal.
    (11) Termination of K-3/K-4 status. The status of an alien admitted 
to the United States as a K-3/K-4 under section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) or 
(iii) of the Act, shall be automatically terminated 30 days following 
the occurrence of any of the following:
    (i) The denial or revocation of the Form I-130 filed on behalf of 
that alien;
    (ii) The denial or revocation of the immigrant visa application 
filed by that alien;
    (iii) The denial or revocation of the alien's application for 
adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent residence;
    (iv) The K-3 spouse's divorce from the U.S. citizen becomes final;
    (v) The marriage of an alien in K-4 status.
    (vi) The denial of any of these petitions or applications to a K-3 
also results in termination of a dependent K-4's status. For purposes of 
this section, there is no denial or revocation of a petition or 
application until the administrative appeal applicable to that 
application or petition has been exhausted.
    (l) Intracompany transferees--(1) Admission of intracompany 
transferees--(i) General. Under section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Act, an 
alien who within the preceding three years has been employed abroad for 
one continuous year by a qualifying organization may be admitted 
temporarily to the United States to be employed by a parent, branch, 
affiliate, or subsidiary of that employer in

[[Page 395]]

a managerial or executive capacity, or in a position requiring 
specialized knowledge. An alien transferred to the United States under 
this nonimmigrant classification is referred to as an intracompany 
transferee and the organization which seeks the classification of an 
alien as an intracompany transferee is referred to as the petitioner. 
The Service has responsibility for determining whether the alien is 
eligible for admission and whether the petitioner is a qualifying 
organization. These regulations set forth the standards applicable to 
these classifications. They also set forth procedures for admission of 
intracompany transferees and appeal of adverse decisions. Certain 
petitioners seeking the classification of aliens as intracompany 
transferees may file blanket petitions with the Service. Under the 
blanket petition process, the Service is responsible for determining 
whether the petitioner and its parent, branches, affiliates, or 
subsidiaries specified are qualifying organizations. The Department of 
State or, in certain cases, the Service is responsible for determining 
the classification of the alien.
    (ii) Definitions--(A) Intracompany transferee means an alien who, 
within three years preceding the time of his or her application for 
admission into the United States, has been employed abroad continuously 
for one year by a firm or corporation or other legal entity or parent, 
branch, affiliate, or subsidiary thereof, and who seeks to enter the 
United States temporarily in order to render his or her services to a 
branch of the same employer or a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary 
thereof in a capacity that is managerial, executive, or involves 
specialized knowledge. Periods spent in the United States in lawful 
status for a branch of the same employer or a parent, affiliate, or 
subsidiary thereof and brief trips to the United States for business or 
pleasure shall not be interruptive of the one year of continuous 
employment abroad but such periods shall not be counted toward 
fulfillment of that requirement.
    (B) Managerial capacity means an assignment within an organization 
in which the employee primarily:
    (1) Manages the organization, or a department, subdivision, 
function, or component of the organization;
    (2) Supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, 
professional, or managerial employees, or manages an essential function 
within the organization, or a department or subdivision of the 
organization;
    (3) Has the authority to hire and fire or recommend those as well as 
other personnel actions (such as promotion and leave authorization) if 
another employee or other employees are directly supervised; if no other 
employee is directly supervised, functions at a senior level within the 
organizational hierarchy or with respect to the function managed; and
    (4) Exercises discretion over the day-to-day operations of the 
activity or function for which the employee has authority. A first-line 
supervisor is not considered to be acting in a managerial capacity 
merely by virtue of the supervisor's supervisory duties unless the 
employees supervised are professional.
    (C) Executive capacity means an assignment within an organization in 
which the employee primarily:
    (1) Directs the management of the organization or a major component 
or function of the organization;
    (2) Establishes the goals and policies of the organization, 
component, or function;
    (3) Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making; and
    (4) Receives only general supervision or direction from higher level 
executives, the board of directors, or stockholders of the organization.
    (D) Specialized knowledge means special knowledge possessed by an 
individual of the petitioning organization's product, service, research, 
equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its 
application in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge 
or expertise in the organization's processes and procedures.
    (E) Specialized knowledge professional means an individual who has 
specialized knowledge as defined in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(D) of this 
section and is a member of the professions as defined in section 
101(a)(32) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

[[Page 396]]

    (F) New office means an organization which has been doing business 
in the United States through a parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary 
for less than one year.
    (G) Qualifying organization means a United States or foreign firm, 
corporation, or other legal entity which:
    (1) Meets exactly one of the qualifying relationships specified in 
the definitions of a parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary specified 
in paragraph (l)(1)(ii) of this section;
    (2) Is or will be doing business (engaging in international trade is 
not required) as an employer in the United States and in at least one 
other country directly or through a parent, branch, affiliate, or 
subsidiary for the duration of the alien's stay in the United States as 
an intracompany transferee; and
    (3) Otherwise meets the requirements of section 101(a)(15)(L) of the 
Act.
    (H) Doing business means the regular, systematic, and continuous 
provision of goods and/or services by a qualifying organization and does 
not include the mere presence of an agent or office of the qualifying 
organization in the United States and abroad.
    (I) Parent means a firm, corporation, or other legal entity which 
has subsidiaries.
    (J) Branch means an operating division or office of the same 
organization housed in a different location.
    (K) Subsidiary means a firm, corporation, or other legal entity of 
which a parent owns, directly or indirectly, more than half of the 
entity and controls the entity; or owns, directly or indirectly, half of 
the entity and controls the entity; or owns, directly or indirectly, 50 
percent of a 50-50 joint venture and has equal control and veto power 
over the entity; or owns, directly or indirectly, less than half of the 
entity, but in fact controls the entity.
    (L) Affiliate means (1) One of two subsidiaries both of which are 
owned and controlled by the same parent or individual, or
    (2) One of two legal entities owned and controlled by the same group 
of individuals, each individual owning and controlling approximately the 
same share or proportion of each entity, or
    (3) In the case of a partnership that is organized in the United 
States to provide accounting services along with managerial and/or 
consulting services and that markets its accounting services under an 
internationally recognized name under an agreement with a worldwide 
coordinating organization that is owned and controlled by the member 
accounting firms, a partnership (or similar organization) that is 
organized outside the United States to provide accounting services shall 
be considered to be an affiliate of the United States partnership if it 
markets its accounting services under the same internationally 
recognized name under the agreement with the worldwide coordinating 
organization of which the United States partnership is also a member.
    (M) Director means a Service Center director with delegated 
authority at 8 CFR 103.1.
    (2) Filing of petitions. (i) Except as provided in paragraph 
(l)(2)(ii) and (l)(17) of this section, a petitioner seeking to classify 
an alien as an intracompany transferee must file a petition on the form 
prescribed by USCIS. The petitioner shall advise USCIS whether a 
previous petition for the same beneficiary has been filed, and certify 
that another petition for the same beneficiary will not be filed unless 
the circumstances and conditions in the initial petition have changed. 
Failure to make a full disclosure of previous petitions filed may result 
in a denial of the petition.
    (ii) A United States petitioner which meets the requirements of 
paragraph (l)(4) of this section and seeks continuing approval of itself 
and its parent, branches, specified subsidiaries and affiliates as 
qualifying organizations and, later, classification under section 
101(a)(15)(L) of the Act multiple numbers of aliens employed by itself, 
its parent, or those branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates may file a 
blanket petition on the form prescribed by USCIS. The blanket petition 
shall be maintained at the adjudicating office. The petitioner shall be 
the single representative for the qualifying organizations with which 
USCIS will deal regarding the blanket petition.

[[Page 397]]

    (3) Evidence for individual petitions. An individual petition filed 
on the form prescribed by USCIS shall be accompanied by:
    (i) Evidence that the petitioner and the organization which employed 
or will employ the alien are qualifying organizations as defined in 
paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(G) of this section.
    (ii) Evidence that the alien will be employed in an executive, 
managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity, including a detailed 
description of the services to be performed.
    (iii) Evidence that the alien has at least one continuous year of 
full-time employment abroad with a qualifying organization within the 
three years preceding the filing of the petition.
    (iv) Evidence that the alien's prior year of employment abroad was 
in a position that was managerial, executive, or involved specialized 
knowledge and that the alien's prior education, training, and employment 
qualifies him/her to perform the intended services in the United States; 
however, the work in the United States need not be the same work which 
the alien performed abroad.
    (v) If the petition indicates that the beneficiary is coming to the 
United States as a manager or executive to open or to be employed in a 
new office in the United States, the petitioner shall submit evidence 
that:
    (A) Sufficient physical premises to house the new office have been 
secured;
    (B) The beneficiary has been employed for one continuous year in the 
three year period preceding the filing of the petition in an executive 
or managerial capacity and that the proposed employment involved 
executive or managerial authority over the new operation; and
    (C) The intended United States operation, within one year of the 
approval of the petition, will support an executive or managerial 
position as defined in paragraphs (l)(1)(ii) (B) or (C) of this section, 
supported by information regarding:
    (1) The proposed nature of the office describing the scope of the 
entity, its organizational structure, and its financial goals;
    (2) The size of the United States investment and the financial 
ability of the foreign entity to remunerate the beneficiary and to 
commence doing business in the United States; and
    (3) The organizational structure of the foreign entity.
    (vi) If the petition indicates that the beneficiary is coming to the 
United States in a specialized knowledge capacity to open or to be 
employed in a new office, the petitioner shall submit evidence that:
    (A) Sufficient physical premises to house the new office have been 
secured;
    (B) The business entity in the United States is or will be a 
qualifying organization as defined in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(G) of this 
section; and
    (C) The petitioner has the financial ability to remunerate the 
beneficiary and to commence doing business in the United States.
    (vii) If the beneficiary is an owner or major stockholder of the 
company, the petition must be accompanied by evidence that the 
beneficiary's services are to be used for a temporary period and 
evidence that the beneficiary will be transferred to an assignment 
abroad upon the completion of the temporary services in the United 
States.
    (viii) Such other evidence as the director, in his or her 
discretion, may deem necessary.
    (4) Blanket petitions. (i) A petitioner which meets the following 
requirements may file a blanket petition seeking continuing approval of 
itself and some or all of its parent, branches, subsidiaries, and 
affiliates as qualifying organizations if:
    (A) The petitioner and each of those entities are engaged in 
commercial trade or services;
    (B) The petitioner has an office in the United States that has been 
doing business for one year or more;
    (C) The petitioner has three or more domestic and foreign branches, 
subsidiaries, or affiliates; and
    (D) The petitioner and the other qualifying organizations have 
obtained approval of petitions for at least ten ``L'' managers, 
executives, or specialized knowledge professionals during the previous 
12 months; or have U.S. subsidiaries or affiliates with combined annual 
sales of at least $25 million; or have a United States work force of at 
least 1,000 employees.

[[Page 398]]

    (ii) Managers, executives, and specialized knowledge professionals 
employed by firms, corporations, or other entities which have been found 
to be qualifying organizations pursuant to an approved blanket petition 
may be classified as intracompany transferees and admitted to the United 
States as provided in paragraphs (l) (5) and (11) of this section.
    (iii) When applying for a blanket petition, the petitioner shall 
include in the blanket petition all of its branches, subsidiaries, and 
affiliates which plan to seek to transfer aliens to the United States 
under the blanket petition. An individual petition may be filed by the 
petitioner or organizations in lieu of using the blanket petition 
procedure. However, the petitioner and other qualifying organizations 
may not seek L classification for the same alien under both procedures, 
unless a consular officer first denies eligibility. Whenever a 
petitioner which has blanket L approval files an individual petition to 
seek L classification for a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge 
professional, the petitioner shall advise the Service that it has 
blanket L approval and certify that the beneficiary has not and will not 
apply to a consular officer for L classification under the approved 
blanket petition.
    (iv) Evidence. A blanket petition filed on the form prescribed by 
USCIS shall be accompanied by:
    (A) Evidence that the petitioner meets the requirements of paragraph 
(l)(4)(i) of this section.
    (B) Evidence that all entities for which approval is sought are 
qualifying organizations as defined in subparagraph (l)(1)(ii)(G) of 
this section.
    (C) Such other evidence as the director, in his or her discretion, 
deems necessary in a particular case.
    (5) Certification and admission procedures for beneficiaries under 
blanket petition--(i) Jurisdiction. United States consular officers 
shall have authority to determine eligibility of individual 
beneficiaries outside the United States seeking L classification under 
blanket petitions, except for visa-exempt nonimmigrants. An application 
for a visa-exempt nonimmigrant seeking L classification under a blanket 
petition or by an alien in the United States applying for change of 
status to L classification under a blanket petition shall be filed with 
the Service office at which the blanket petition was filed.
    (ii) Procedures. (A) When one qualifying organization listed in an 
approved blanket petition wishes to transfer an alien outside the United 
States to a qualifying organization in the United States and the alien 
requires a visa to enter the United States, that organization shall 
complete Form I-129S, Certificate of Eligibility for Intracompany 
Transferee under a Blanket Petition, in an original and three copies. 
The qualifying organization shall retain one copy for its records and 
send the original and two copies to the alien. A copy of the approved 
Form I-797 must be attached to the original and each copy of Form I-
129S.
    (B) After receipt of Form I-797 and Form I-129S, a qualified 
employee who is being transferred to the United States may use these 
documents to apply for visa issuance with the consular officer within 
six months of the date on Form I-129S.
    (C) When the alien is a visa-exempt nonimmigrant seeking L 
classification under a blanket petition, or when the alien is in the 
United States and is seeking a change of status from another 
nonimmigrant classification to L classification under a blanket 
petition, the petitioner shall submit Form I-129S, Certificate of 
Eligibility, and a copy of the approval notice, Form I-797, to the USCIS 
office with which the blanket petition was filed.
    (D) The consular or Service officer shall determine whether the 
position in which the alien will be employed in the United States is 
with an organization named in the approved petition and whether the 
specific job is for a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge 
professional. The consular or Service officer shall determine further 
whether the alien's immediate prior year of continuous employment abroad 
was with an organization named in the petition and was in a position as 
manager, executive, or specialized knowledge professional.

[[Page 399]]

    (E) Consular officers may grant ``L'' classification only in clearly 
approvable applications. If the consular officer determines that the 
alien is eligible for L classification, the consular officer may issue a 
nonimmigrant visa, noting the visa classification ``Blanket L-1'' for 
the principal alien and ``Blanket L-2'' for any accompanying or 
following to join spouse and children. The consular officer shall also 
endorse all copies of the alien's Form I-129S with the blanket L-1 visa 
classification and return the original and one copy to the alien. When 
the alien is inspected for entry into the United States, both copies of 
the Form I-129S shall be stamped to show a validity period not to exceed 
three years and the second copy collected and sent to the appropriate 
Regional Service Center for control purposes. Service officers who 
determine eligibility of aliens for L-1 classification under blanket 
petitions shall endorse both copies of Form I-129S with the blanket L-1 
classification and the validity period not to exceed three years and 
retain the second copy for Service records.
    (F) If the consular officer determines that the alien is ineligible 
for L classification under a blanket petition, the consular officer's 
decision shall be final. The consular officer shall record the reasons 
for the denial on Form I-129S, retain one copy, return the original of 
I-129S to the USCIS office which approved the blanket petition, and 
provide a copy to the alien. In such a case, an individual petition may 
be filed for the alien on the form prescribed by USCIS. The petition 
shall state the reason the alien was denied L classification and specify 
the consular office which made the determination and the date of the 
determination.
    (G) An alien admitted under an approved blanket petition may be 
reassigned to any organization listed in the approved petition without 
referral to the Service during his/her authorized stay if the alien will 
be performing virtually the same job duties. If the alien will be 
performing different job duties, the petitioner shall complete a new 
Certificate of Eligibility and send it for approval to the director who 
approved the blanket petition.
    (6) Copies of supporting documents. The petitioner may submit a 
legible photocopy of a document in support of the visa petition, in lieu 
of the original document. However, the original document shall be 
submitted if requested by the Service.
    (7) Approval of petition--(i) General. The director shall notify the 
petitioner of the approval of an individual or a blanket petition within 
30 days after the date a completed petition has been filed. If 
additional information is required from the petitioner, the 30 day 
processing period shall begin again upon receipt of the information. The 
original Form I-797 received from the USCIS with respect to an approved 
individual or blanket petition may be duplicated by the petitioner for 
the beneficiary's use as described in paragraph (l)(13) of this section.
    (A) Individual petition--(1) Form I-797 shall include the 
beneficiary's name and classification and the petition's period of 
validity.
    (2) An individual petition approved under this paragraph shall be 
valid for the period of established need for the beneficiary's services, 
not to exceed three years, except where the beneficiary is coming to the 
United States to open or to be employed in a new office.
    (3) If the beneficiary is coming to the United States to open or be 
employed in a new office, the petition may be approved for a period not 
to exceed one year, after which the petitioner shall demonstrate as 
required by paragraph (l)(14)(ii) of this section that it is doing 
business as defined in paragraph (l) (1)(ii)(H) of this section to 
extend the validity of the petition.
    (B) Blanket petition. (1) Form I-797 shall identify the approved 
organizations included in the petition and the petition's period of 
validity.
    (2) A blanket petition approved under this paragraph shall be valid 
initially for a period of three years and may be extended indefinitely 
thereafter if the qualifying organizations have complied with these 
regulations.
    (3) A blanket petition may be approved in whole or in part and shall 
cover only qualifying organizations.
    (C) Amendments. The petitioner must file an amended petition, with 
fee, at

[[Page 400]]

the USCIS office where the original petition was filed to reflect 
changes in approved relationships, additional qualifying organizations 
under a blanket petition, change in capacity of employment (i.e., from a 
specialized knowledge position to a managerial position), or any 
information which would affect the beneficiary's eligibility under 
section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Act.
    (ii) Spouse and dependents. The spouse and unmarried minor children 
of the beneficiary are entitled to L nonimmigrant classification, 
subject to the same period of admission and limits as the beneficiary, 
if the spouse and unmarried minor children are accompanying or following 
to join the beneficiary in the United States. Neither the spouse nor any 
child may accept employment unless he or she has been granted employment 
authorization.
    (8) Denial of petition--(i) Individual petition. If an individual is 
denied, the petitioner shall be notified within 30 days after the date a 
completed petition has been filed of the denial, the reasons for the 
denial, and the right to appeal the denial.
    (ii) Blanket petition. If a blanket petition is denied in whole or 
in part, the petitioner shall be notified within 30 days after the date 
a completed petition has been filed of the denial, the reasons for the 
denial, and the right to appeal the denial. If the petition is denied in 
part, the USCIS office issuing the denial shall forward to the 
petitioner, along with the denial, a Form I-797 listing those 
organizations which were found to quality. If the decision to deny is 
reversed on appeal, a new Form I-797 shall be sent to the petitioner to 
reflect the changes made as a result of the appeal.
    (9) Revocation of approval of individual and blanket petitions--(i) 
General. The director may revoke a petition at any time, even after the 
expiration of the petition.
    (ii) Automatic revocation. The approval of any individual or blanket 
petition is automatically revoked if the petitioner withdraws the 
petition or the petitioner fails to request indefinite validity of a 
blanket petition.
    (iii) Revocation on notice. (A) The director shall send to the 
petitioner a notice of intent to revoke the petition in relevant part if 
he/she finds that:
    (1) One or more entities are no longer qualifying organizations;
    (2) The alien is no longer eligible under section 101(a)(15)(L) of 
the Act;
    (3) A qualifying organization(s) violated requirements of section 
101(a)(15)(L) and these regulations;
    (4) The statement of facts contained in the petition was not true 
and correct; or
    (5) Approval of the petition involved gross error; or
    (6) None of the qualifying organizations in a blanket petition have 
used the blanket petition procedure for three consecutive years.
    (B) The notice of intent to revoke shall contain a detailed 
statement of the grounds for the revocation and the time period allowed 
for the petitioner's rebuttal. Upon receipt of this notice, the 
petitioner may submit evidence in rebuttal within 30 days of the notice. 
The director shall consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding 
whether to revoke the petition in whole or in part. If a blanket 
petition is revoked in part, the remainder of the petition shall remain 
approved, and a revised Form I-797 shall be sent to the petitioner with 
the revocation notice.
    (iv) Status of beneficiaries. If an individual petition is revoked, 
the beneficiary shall be required to leave the United States, unless the 
beneficiary has obtained other work authorization from the Service. If a 
blanket petition is revoked and the petitioner and beneficiaries already 
in the United States are otherwise eligible for L classification, the 
director shall extend the blanket petition for a period necessary to 
support the stay of those blanket L beneficiaries. The approval notice, 
Form I-171C, shall include only the names of qualifying organizations 
and covered beneficiaries. No new beneficiaries may be classified or 
admitted under this limited extension.
    (10) Appeal of denial or revocation of individual or blanket 
petition. (i) A petition denied in whole or in part may be appealed 
under 8 CFR part 103. Since the determination on the Certificate of 
Eligibility, Form I-129S, is part of the petition process, a denial or 
revocation

[[Page 401]]

of approval of an I-129S is appealable in the same manner as the 
petition.
    (ii) A petition that has been revoked on notice in whole or in part 
may be appealed under part 103 of this chapter. Automatic revocations 
may not be appealed.
    (11) Admission. A beneficiary may apply for admission to the United 
States only while the individual or blanket petition is valid. The 
beneficiary of an individual petition shall not be admitted for a date 
past the validity period of the petition. The beneficiary of a blanket 
petition may be admitted for three years even though the initial 
validity period of the blanket petition may expire before the end of the 
three-year period. If the blanket petition will expire while the alien 
is in the United States, the burden is on the petitioner to file for 
indefinite validity of the blanket petition or to file an individual 
petition in the alien's behalf to support the alien's status in the 
United States. The admission period for any alien under section 
101(a)(15)(L) shall not exceed three years unless an extension of stay 
is granted pursuant to paragraph (l)(15) of this section.
    (12) L-1 limitation on period of stay--(i) Limits. An alien who has 
spent five years in the United States in a specialized knowledge 
capacity or seven years in the United States in a managerial or 
executive capacity under section 101(a)(15) (L) and/or (H) of the Act 
may not be readmitted to the United States under section 101(a)(15) (L) 
or (H) of the Act unless the alien has resided and been physically 
present outside the United States, except for brief visits for business 
or pleasure, for the immediate prior year. Such visits do not interrupt 
the one year abroad, but do not count towards fulfillment of that 
requirement. In view of this restriction, a new individual petition may 
not be approved for an alien who has spent the maximum time period in 
the United States under section 101(a)(15) (L) and/or (H) of the Act, 
unless the alien has resided and been physically present outside the 
United States, except for brief visits for business or pleasure, for the 
immediate prior year. The petitioner shall provide information about the 
alien's employment, place of residence, and the dates and purpose of any 
trips to the United States for the previous year. A consular or Service 
officer may not grant L classification under a blanket petition to an 
alien who has spent five years in the United States as a professional 
with specialized knowledge or seven years in the United States as a 
manager or executive, unless the alien has met the requirements 
contained in this paragraph.
    (ii) Exceptions. The limitations of paragraph (l)(12)(i) of this 
section shall not apply to aliens who do not reside continually in the 
United States and whose employment in the United States is seasonal, 
intermittent, or consists of an aggregate of six months or less per 
year. In addition, the limitations will not apply to aliens who reside 
abroad and regularly commute to the United States to engage in part-time 
employment. The petitioner and the alien must provide clear and 
convincing proof that the alien qualifies for an exception. Clear and 
convincing proof shall consist of evidence such as arrival and departure 
records, copies of tax returns, and records of employment abroad.
    (13) Beneficiary's use of Form I-797 and Form I-129S--(i) 
Beneficiary of an individual petition. The beneficiary of an individual 
petition who does not require a nonimmigrant visa may present a copy of 
Form I-797 at a port of entry to facilitate entry into the United 
States. The copy of Form I-797 shall be retained by the beneficiary and 
presented during the validity of the petition (provided that the 
beneficiary is entering or reentering the United States) for entry and 
reentry to resume the same employment with the same petitioner (within 
the validity period of the petition) and to apply for an extension of 
stay. A beneficiary who is required to present a visa for admission and 
whose visa will have expired before the date of his or her intended 
return may use an original Form I-797 to apply for a new or revalidated 
visa during the validity period of the petition and to apply for an 
extension of stay.
    (ii) Beneficiary of a blanket petition. Each alien seeking L 
classification and admission under a blanket petition shall present a 
copy of Form I-797 and a Form I-129S from the petitioner

[[Page 402]]

which identifies the position and organization from which the employee 
is transferring, the new organization and position to which the employee 
is destined, a description of the employee's actual duties for both the 
new and former positions, and the positions, dates, and locations of 
previous L stays in the United States. A current copy of Form I-797 and 
Form I-129S should be retained by the beneficiary and used for leaving 
and reentering the United States to resume employment with a qualifying 
organization during his/her authorized period of stay, for applying for 
a new or revalidated visa, and for applying for readmission at a port of 
entry. The alien may be readmitted even though reassigned to a different 
organization named on the Form I-797 than the one shown on Form I-129S 
if the job duties are virtually the same.
    (14) Extension of visa petition validity--(i) Individual petition. 
The petitioner shall file a petition extension on Form I-129 to extend 
an individual petition under section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Act. Except in 
those petitions involving new offices, supporting documentation is not 
required, unless requested by the director. A petition extension may be 
filed only if the validity of the original petition has not expired.
    (ii) New offices. A visa petition under section 101(a)(15)(L) which 
involved the opening of a new office may be extended by filing a new 
application or petition, accompanied by the following:
    (A) Evidence that the United States and foreign entities are still 
qualifying organizations as defined in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(G) of this 
section;
    (B) Evidence that the United States entity has been doing business 
as defined in paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(H) of this section for the previous 
year;
    (C) A statement of the duties performed by the beneficiary for the 
previous year and the duties the beneficiary will perform under the 
extended petition;
    (D) A statement describing the staffing of the new operation, 
including the number of employees and types of positions held 
accompanied by evidence of wages paid to employees when the beneficiary 
will be employed in a managerial or executive capacity; and
    (E) Evidence of the financial status of the United States operation.
    (iii) Blanket petitions--(A) Extension procedure. A blanket petition 
may only be extended indefinitely by filing a new Form I-129 with a copy 
of the previous approval notice and a report of admissions during the 
preceding three years. The report of admissions shall include a list of 
the aliens admitted under the blanket petition during the preceding 
three years, including positions held during that period, the employing 
entity, and the dates of initial admission and final departure of each 
alien. The petitioner shall state whether it still meets the criteria 
for filing a blanket petition and shall document any changes in approved 
relationships and additional qualifying organizations.
    (B) Other conditions. If the petitioner in an approved blanket 
petition fails to request indefinite validity or if indefinite validity 
is denied, the petitioner and its other qualifying organizations shall 
seek L classification by filing individual petitions until another three 
years have expired; after which the petitioner may seek approval of a 
new blanket petition.
    (15) Extension of stay. (i) In individual petitions, the petitioner 
must apply for the petition extension and the alien's extension of stay 
concurrently on Form I-129. When the alien is a beneficiary under a 
blanket petition, a new certificate of eligibility, accompanied by a 
copy of the previous approved certificate of eligibility, shall be filed 
by the petitioner to request an extension of the alien's stay. The 
petitioner must also request a petition extension. The dates of 
extension shall be the same for the petition and the beneficiary's 
extension of stay. The beneficiary must be physically present in the 
United States at the time the extension of stay is filed. Even though 
the requests to extend the visa petition and the alien's stay are 
combined on the petition, the director shall make a separate 
determination on each. If the alien is required to leave the United 
States for business or personal reasons while the extension requests are 
pending, the petitioner may request the director to cable notification 
of approval of the petition extension to the consular office

[[Page 403]]

abroad where the alien will apply for a visa.
    (ii) An extension of stay may be authorized in increments of up to 
two years for beneficiaries of individual and blanket petitions. The 
total period of stay may not exceed five years for aliens employed in a 
specialized knowledge capacity. The total period of stay for an alien 
employed in a managerial or executive capacity may not exceed seven 
years. No further extensions may be granted. When an alien was initially 
admitted to the United States in a specialized knowledge capacity and is 
later promoted to a managerial or executive position, he or she must 
have been employed in the managerial or executive position for at least 
six months to be eligible for the total period of stay of seven years. 
The change to managerial or executive capacity must have been approved 
by the Service in an amended, new, or extended petition at the time that 
the change occurred.
    (16) Effect of filing an application for or approval of a permanent 
labor certification, preference petition, or filing of an application 
for adjustment of status on L-1 classification. An alien may 
legitimately come to the United States for a temporary period as an L-1 
nonimmigrant and, at the same time, lawfully seek to become a permanent 
resident of the United States provided he or she intends to depart 
voluntarily at the end of his or her authorized stay. The filing of an 
application for or approval of a permanent labor certification, an 
immigrant visa preference petition, or the filing of an application of 
readjustment of status for an L-1 nonimmigrant shall not be the basis 
for denying:
    (i) An L-1 petition filed on behalf of the alien,
    (ii) A request to extend an L-1 petition which had previously been 
filed on behalf of the alien;
    (iii) An application for admission as an L-1 nonimmigrant by the 
alien, or as an L-2 nonimmigrant by the spouse or child of such alien;
    (iv) An application for change of status to H-1 or L-2 nonimmigrant 
filed by the alien, or to H-1, H-4, or L-1 status filed by the L-2 
spouse or child of such alien;
    (v) An application for change of status to H-4 nonimmigrant filed by 
the L-1 nonimmigrant, if his or her spouse has been approved for 
classification as an H-1; or
    (vi) An application for extension of stay filed by the alien, or by 
the L-2 spouse or child of such alien.
    (17) Filing of individual petitions and certifications under blanket 
petitions for citizens of Canada under the Agreement Between the United 
States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA)--(i) 
Individual petitions. Except as provided in paragraph (1)(2)(ii) of this 
section (filing of blanket petitions), a United States or foreign 
employer seeking to classify a citizen of Canada as an intracompany 
transferee may file an individual petition in duplicate on the form 
prescribed by USCIS in conjunction with an application for admission of 
the citizen of Canada. Such filing may be made with an immigration 
officer at a Class A port of entry located on the United States-Canada 
land border or at a United States pre-clearance/pre-flight station in 
Canada. The petitioning employer need not appear, but the form 
prescribed by USCIS must bear the authorized signature of the 
petitioner.
    (ii) Certification of eligibility for intracompany transferee under 
the blanket petition. An immigration officer at a location identified in 
paragraph (1)(17)(i) of this section may determine eligibility of 
individual citizens of Canada seeking L classification under approved 
blanket petitions. At these locations, such citizens of Canada shall 
present the original and two copies of Form I-129S, Intracompany 
Transferee Certificate of Eligibility, prepared by the approved 
organization, as well as three copies of Form I-797, Notice of Approval 
of Nonimmigrant Visa Petition.
    (iii) Nothing in this section shall preclude or discourage the 
advance filing of petitions and certificates of eligibility in 
accordance with paragraph (l)(2) of this section.
    (iv) Deficient or deniable petitions or certificates of eligibility. 
If a petition or certificate of eligibility submitted concurrently with 
an application for admission is lacking necessary supporting 
documentation or is otherwise

[[Page 404]]

deficient, the inspecting immigration officer shall return it to the 
applicant for admission in order to obtain the necessary documentation 
from the petitioner or for the deficiency to be overcome. The fee to 
file the petition will be remitted at such time as the documentary or 
other deficiency is overcome. If the petition or certificate of 
eligibility is clearly deniable, the immigration officer will accept the 
petition (with fee) and the petitioner shall be notified of the denial, 
the reasons for denial, and the right of appeal. If a formal denial 
order cannot be issued by the port of entry, the petition with a 
recommendation for denial shall be forwarded to the appropriate Service 
Center for final action. For the purposes of this provision, the 
appropriate Service Center will be the one within the same Service 
region as the location where the application for admission is made.
    (v) Spouse and dependent minor children accompanying or following to 
join. (A) The Canadian citizen spouse and Canadian citizen unmarried 
minor children of a Canadian citizen admitted under this paragraph shall 
be entitled to the same nonimmigrant classification and same length of 
stay subject to the same limits as the principal alien. They shall not 
be required to present visas, and they shall be admitted under the 
classification symbol L-2.
    (B) A non-Canadian citizen spouse or non-Canadian citizen unmarried 
minor child shall be entitled to the same nonimmigrant classification 
and the same length of stay subject to the same limits as the principal, 
but shall be required to present a visa upon application for admission 
as an L-2 unless otherwise exempt under Sec.  212.1 of this chapter.
    (C) The spouse and dependent minor children shall not accept 
employment in the United States unless otherwise authorized under the 
Act.
    (18) Denial of intracompany transferee status to citizens of Canada 
or Mexico in the case of certain labor disputes. (i) If the Secretary of 
Labor certifies to or otherwise informs the Commissioner that a strike 
or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers is in 
progress where the beneficiary is to be employed, and the temporary 
entry of the beneficiary may affect adversely the settlement of such 
labor dispute or the employment of any person who is involved in such 
dispute, a petition to classify a citizen of Mexico or Canada as an L-1 
intracompany transferee may be denied. If a petition has already been 
approved, but the alien has not yet entered the United States, or has 
entered the United States but not yet commenced employment, the approval 
of the petition may be suspended, and an application for admission on 
the basis of the petition may be denied.
    (ii) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress, but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (l)(18)(i) of this section, or the 
Service has not otherwise been informed by the Secretary that such a 
strike or labor dispute is in progress, the Commissioner shall not deny 
a petition or suspend an approved petition.
    (iii) If the alien has already commended employment in the United 
States under an approved petition and is participating in a strike or 
other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers, whether or not 
such strike or other labor dispute has been certified by the Department 
of Labor, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to maintain his or 
her status solely on account of past, present, or future participation 
in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers, 
but is subject to the following terms and conditions.
    (A) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act, and regulations promulgated in the 
same manner as all other L nonimmigrants;
    (B) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is not 
modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her participation in 
a strike or other labor dispute involving work stoppage of workers; and
    (C) Although participation by an L nonimmigrant alien in a strike or 
other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers will not 
constitute a ground for deportation, any alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his

[[Page 405]]

or her authorized period of stay has expired will be subject to 
deportation.
    (m) Students in established vocational or other recognized 
nonacademic institutions, other than in language training programs.

              Table 4 to Paragraph (m)--Paragraph Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Admission of student
(2) Form I-20 ID copy
(3) Admission of the spouse and minor children of an M-1 student
(4) Temporary absence
(5) Period of stay
(6)-(8) [Reserved]
(9) Full course of study
(10) Extension of stay
(11) School transfer
(12) Change in educational objective
(13) Employment
(14) Practical training
(15) Decision on application for extension, permission to transfer to
 another school, or permission to accept employment for practical
 training
(16) Reinstatement to student status
(17) Spouse and children of M-1 student
(18) Current name and address
(19) Special rules for certain border commuter students
(20) Remittance of the fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Admission of student--(i) Eligibility for admission. A 
nonimmigrant student may be admitted into the United States in 
nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act, if:
    (A) The student presents a Form I-20 or successor form issued in the 
student's own name by a school certified by SEVP for attendance by M-1 
foreign students;
    (B) The student has documentary evidence of financial support in the 
amount indicated on the SEVIS Form I-20 or successor form; and
    (C) For students seeking initial admission only, the student intends 
to attend the school specified in the student's visa (or, where the 
student is exempt from the requirement for a visa, the school indicated 
on the Form I-20 or successor form.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Use of SEVIS. Schools must issue a Form I-20 or successor form 
in SEVIS to any current student requiring a reportable action (e.g., 
extension of stay, practical training, and requests for employment 
authorization) or a new Form I-20 or successor form, or for any aliens 
who must obtain a new nonimmigrant student visa.
    (2) Student maintenance of Form I-20 or successor form. An M-1 
student is expected to retain for safekeeping the initial Form I-20 or 
successor form bearing the admission number and any subsequent Form I-20 
or successor form issued to the student. Should the student lose their 
current Form I-20 or successor form, a replacement copy bearing the same 
information as the lost copy, including any endorsement for employment 
and notations, should be issued by the DSO as defined in Sec.  
214.3(l)(1).
    (3) Admission of the spouse and minor children of an M-1 student. 
The spouse and minor children accompanying an M-1 student are eligible 
for admission in M-2 status if the student is admitted in M-1 status. 
The spouse and minor children following-to-join an M-1 student are 
eligible for admission to the United States in M-2 status if they are 
able to demonstrate that the M-1 student has been admitted and is, or 
will be within 30 days, enrolled in a full course of study, or engaged 
in approved practical training following completion of studies. In 
either case, at the time they seek admission, the eligible spouse and 
minor children of an M-1 student must individually present a Form I-20 
or successor form issued in the name of each M-2 dependent issued by a 
school certified by SEVP for attendance by M-1 students. A new Form I-20 
or successor form is required for a dependent where there has been any 
substantive change in the M-1 student's current information.
    (4) Temporary absence--(i) General. An M-1 student returning to the 
United States from a temporary absence to attend the school which the 
student was previously authorized to attend must present either--
    (A) A properly endorsed Form I-20 or successor form if there has 
been no substantive change in the information on the student's most 
recent Form I-20 or successor form since the form was initially issued; 
or

[[Page 406]]

    (B) A new Form I-20 or successor form if there has been any 
substantive change in the information on the student's most recent Form 
I-20 or successor form since the form was initially issued.
    (ii) Student who transferred between schools. If an M-1 student has 
been authorized to transfer between schools and is returning to the 
United States from a temporary absence in order to attend the school to 
which transfer was authorized as indicated on the student's Form I-20 or 
successor form, the name of the transfer-in school does not need to be 
specified in the student's visa.
    (5) Period of stay. A student in M nonimmigrant status is admitted 
for a fixed time period, which is the period necessary to complete the 
course of study indicated on the Form 1-20 or successor form, plus 
practical training following completion of the course of study, plus an 
additional 30 days to depart the United States, but not to exceed a 
total period of one year. An M-1 student may be admitted for a period up 
to 30 days before the report date or start date of the course of study 
listed on the Form 1-20 or successor form. An M-1 student who fails to 
maintain a full course of study or otherwise fails to maintain status is 
not eligible for the additional 30-day period of stay.
    (6)-(8) [Reserved]
    (9) Full course of study. Successful completion of the course of 
study must lead to the attainment of a specific educational or 
vocational objective. A course of study at an institution not certified 
for attendance by foreign students as provided in Sec.  214.3(a)(3) does 
not satisfy this requirement. A ``full course of study'' as required by 
section 101(a)(15)(M)(i) of the Act means--
    (i) Community college or junior college. Study at a community 
college or junior college, certified by a school official to consist of 
at least twelve semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic 
term in those institutions using standard semester, trimester, or 
quarter-hour systems, where all students enrolled for a minimum of 
twelve semester or quarter hours are charged full-time tuition or 
considered full-time for other administrative purposes, or its 
equivalent (as determined by SEVP in the school certification process) 
except when the student needs a lesser course load to complete the 
course of study during the current term;
    (ii) Postsecondary vocational or business school. Study at a 
postsecondary vocational or business school, other than in a language 
training program except as provided in Sec.  214.3(a)(2)(iv), which 
confers upon its graduates recognized associate or other degrees or has 
established that its credits have been and are accepted unconditionally 
by at least three other institutions of higher learning which are 
either:
    (A) A school (or school system) owned and operated as a public 
educational institution by the United States or a State or political 
subdivision thereof; or
    (B) A school accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body; 
and which has been certified by a designated school official to consist 
of at least 12 clock hours of instruction a week, or its equivalent as 
determined by SEVP in the school certification process;
    (iii) Study in a vocational or other nonacademic curriculum, other 
than in a language training program except as provided in Sec.  
214.3(a)(2)(iv), certified by a designated school official to consist of 
at least eighteen clock hours of attendance a week if the dominant part 
of the course of study consists of classroom instruction, or at least 
twenty-two clock hours a week if the dominant part of the course of 
study consists of shop or laboratory work; or
    (iv) Study in a vocational or other nonacademic high school 
curriculum, certified by a designated school official to consist of 
class attendance for not less than the minimum number of hours a week 
prescribed by the school for normal progress towards graduation.
    (v) On-line courses/distance education programs. No on-line or 
distance education classes may be considered to count toward an M-1 
student's full course of study requirement if such classes do not 
require the student's physical attendance for classes, examination or 
other purposes integral to completion of the class. An on-line or 
distance education course is a course

[[Page 407]]

that is offered principally through the use of television, audio, or 
computer transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, 
microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing.
    (vi) Reduced course load. The designated school official may 
authorize an M-1 student to engage in less than a full course of study 
only where the student has been compelled by illness or a medical 
condition that has been documented by a licensed medical doctor, 
psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, licensed psychologist, or clinical 
psychologist to interrupt or reduce their course of study. A DSO may not 
authorize a reduced course load for more than an aggregate of 5 months 
per course of study. An M-1 student previously authorized to drop below 
a full course of study due to illness or medical condition for an 
aggregate of 5 months, may not be authorized by the DSO to reduce their 
course load on subsequent occasions during their particular course of 
study.
    (A) [Reserved]
    (B) Reporting requirements. In order for a student to be authorized 
to drop below a full course of study, the DSO must update SEVIS prior to 
the student reducing their load.
    (10) Extension of stay--(i) Eligibility. The cumulative time of 
extensions that can be granted to an M-1 student is limited to a period 
of 3 years from the M-1 student's original start date, plus 30 days. No 
extension can be granted to an M-1 student if the M-1 student is unable 
to complete the course of study within 3 years of the original program 
start date. This limit includes extensions that have been granted due to 
a drop below full course of study, a transfer of schools, or 
reinstatement. An M-1 student may be granted an extension of stay if it 
is established that:
    (A) He or she is a bona fide nonimmigrant currently maintaining 
student status;
    (B) Compelling educational or medical reasons have resulted in a 
delay to his or her course of study. Delays caused by academic probation 
or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extension; and
    (C) He or she is able to, and in good faith intends to, continue to 
maintain that status for the period for which the extension is granted.
    (ii) Application. A student must apply to USCIS for an extension on 
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status or 
successor form. A student's M-2 spouse and children seeking an extension 
of stay must be included in the application. The student must submit the 
application at least 15 days but not more than 60 days before the 
program end date on the student's Form I-20 or successor form. The 
application must also be accompanied by the student's Form I-20 or 
successor form and the Form I-94 of the student's spouse and children, 
if applicable.
    (iii) Period of stay. If an application for extension is granted, 
the student and the student's spouse and children, if applicable, are to 
be given an extension of stay for the period of time necessary to 
complete the course of study, plus 30 days within which to depart from 
the United States, or for a total period of one year, whichever is less. 
A student's M-2 spouse and children are not eligible for an extension 
unless the M-1 student is granted an extension of stay, or for a longer 
period than is granted to the M-1 student.
    (iv) SEVIS update. The Form I-20 or successor form must be endorsed 
with the recommendation and new program end date for submission to 
USCIS, with Form I-539 or successor form, and Form I-94 if applicable.
    (11) School transfer--(i) Eligibility. An M-1 student may not 
transfer to another school after six months from the date the student is 
first admitted as, or changes nonimmigrant classification to that of, an 
M-1 student unless the student is unable to remain at the school to 
which the student was initially admitted due to circumstances beyond the 
student's control. An M-1 student may be otherwise eligible to transfer 
to another school if the student--
    (A) Is a bona fide nonimmigrant;
    (B) Has been pursuing a full course of study at the school the 
student was last authorized to attend;
    (C) Intends to pursue a full course of study at the school to which 
the student intends to transfer; and

[[Page 408]]

    (D) Is financially able to attend the school to which the student 
intends to transfer.
    (ii) Transfer procedure. A student must apply to USCIS on Form I-539 
or successor form, for permission to transfer between schools. Upon 
application for school transfer, a student may affect the transfer 
subject to approval of the application. A student who transfers without 
complying with this requirement or whose application is denied after 
transfer (pursuant to this section) is considered to be out of status. 
If the application is approved, the approval date of the transfer will 
be determined to be the program start date listed on the Form I-20 or 
successor form, and the student will be granted an extension of stay for 
the period of time necessary to complete the new course of study plus 30 
days, or for a total period of one year, whichever is less. The student 
must first notify their current school (the ``transfer-out'' school) of 
the intent to transfer and indicate the school to which the student 
intends to transfer (the ``transfer-in'' school). Upon notification by 
the student, the transfer-out school must update SEVIS to show the 
student is transferring out, indicate the transfer-in school, and input 
the transfer release date. Once SEVIS is updated, the transfer-in school 
may generate a Form I-20 or successor form for transfer. However, the 
transfer-in school will not gain access to the student's SEVIS record 
until the release date. Upon receipt of the Form I-20 or successor form 
from the transfer-in school, the student must submit Form I-539 or 
successor form in accordance with this paragraph (m)(11). The student 
may enroll in the transfer-in school at the next available term or 
session and is required to notify the DSO of the transfer-in school 
immediately upon beginning attendance. The transfer-in school must 
update the student's registration record in SEVIS in accordance with 
Sec.  214.3(g)(2)(iii). Upon approval of the transfer application, USCIS 
will transmit the approval of the transfer to SEVIS. If the application 
for transfer is denied, the student is out of status, and the student's 
record must be terminated in SEVIS.
    (iii) Student who has not been pursuing a full course of study. If 
an M-1 student who has not been pursuing a full course of study at the 
school the student was last authorized to attend desires to attend a 
different school, the student must apply for reinstatement to student 
status under paragraph (m)(16) of this section.
    (12) Change in educational objective. An M-1 student may not change 
educational objective.
    (13) Employment. Except as provided in paragraph (m)(14) of this 
section, a student may not accept employment.
    (14) Practical training--(i) When practical training may be 
authorized. Temporary employment for practical training may be 
authorized only after completion of the student's course of study.
    (A) The proposed employment is recommended for the purpose of 
practical training;
    (B) The proposed employment is related to the student's course of 
study; and
    (C) Upon the designated school official's information and belief, 
employment comparable to the proposed employment is not available to the 
student in the country of the student's foreign residence.
    (ii) Application. An M-1 student must apply for permission to accept 
employment for practical training on Form I-765 or successor form, with 
fee as contained in 8 CFR part 106, accompanied by a properly endorsed 
Form I-20 or successor form by the DSO for practical training. The 
application must be submitted before the program end date listed on the 
student's Form I-20 or successor form but not more than 90 days before 
the program end date. By recommending practical training in SEVIS and 
endorsing the Form I-20 or successor form, the DSO certifies that--
    (A) The proposed employment is recommended for the purpose of 
practical training;
    (B) The proposed employment is related to the student's course of 
study; and

[[Page 409]]

    (C) Upon the designated school official's information and belief, 
employment comparable to the proposed employment is not available to the 
student in the country of the student's foreign residence.
    (iii) Duration of practical training. When the student is authorized 
to engage in employment for practical training, they will be issued an 
EAD. The M-1 student may not begin employment until he or she has been 
issued an EAD by USCIS. One month of employment authorization will be 
granted for each four months of full-time study that the M-1 student has 
completed. However, an M-1 student may not engage in more than six 
months of practical training in the aggregate. The student will not be 
granted employment authorization if he or she cannot complete the 
requested practical training within six months.
    (iv) Temporary absence of M-1 student granted practical training. An 
M-1 student who has been granted permission to accept employment for 
practical training and who temporarily departs from the United States, 
may be readmitted for the remainder of the authorized period indicated 
on the student's Form I-20 or successor form. The student must be 
returning to the United States to perform the authorized practical 
training. A student may not be readmitted to begin practical training 
which was not authorized prior to the student's departure from the 
United States.
    (v) Effect of strike or other labor dispute. Authorization for all 
employment for practical training is automatically suspended upon 
certification by the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary's designee to 
the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary's designee that a 
strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers is in 
progress in the occupation at the place of employment. As used in this 
paragraph (m)(14)(v), ``place of employment'' means wherever the 
employer or joint employer does business.
    (vi) SEVIS process. The DSO must update the student's record in 
SEVIS to recommend that USCIS approve the student for practical 
training, and generate a SEVIS Form I-20 with the recommendation, for 
the student to submit to USCIS with Form I-765 as provided in this 
paragraph (m)(14).
    (15) Decision on application for extension, permission to transfer 
to another school, or permission to accept employment for practical 
training. USCIS will notify the applicant of the decision and, if the 
application is denied, of the reason(s) for the denial. The applicant 
may not appeal the decision.
    (16) Reinstatement to student status--(i) General. USCIS may 
consider reinstating a student who makes a request for reinstatement on 
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status or 
successor form, accompanied by a properly completed Form I-20 or 
successor form indicating the DSO's recommendation for reinstatement. 
USCIS may consider granting the request only if the student:
    (A) Has not been out of status for more than 5 months at the time of 
filing the request for reinstatement (or demonstrates that the failure 
to file within the 5 month period was the result of exceptional 
circumstances and that the student filed the request for reinstatement 
as promptly as possible under these exceptional circumstances);
    (B) Does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of DHS 
regulations;
    (C) Is currently pursuing, or intends to pursue, a full course of 
study at the school which issued the Form I-20 or successor form;
    (D) Has not engaged in unlawful employment;
    (E) Is not deportable on any ground other than section 237(a)(1)(B) 
or (C)(i) of the Act; and
    (F) Establishes to the satisfaction of USCIS, by a detailed showing, 
either that:
    (1) The violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the 
student's control. Such circumstances might include serious injury or 
illness, closure of the institution, a natural disaster, or 
inadvertence, oversight or neglect on the part of the DSO, but do not 
include instances where a pattern of repeated violations or where a 
willful failure on the part of the student resulted in the need for 
reinstatement; or

[[Page 410]]

    (2) The violation relates to a reduction in the student's course 
load that would have been within a DSO's power to authorize, and that 
failure to approve reinstatement would result in extreme hardship to the 
student.
    (ii) Decision. The adjudicating officer will update SEVIS to reflect 
USCIS's decision. If USCIS does not reinstate the student, the student 
may not appeal the decision.
    (17) Spouse and children of M-1 student. The M-2 spouse and minor 
children of an M-1 student will each be issued an individual Form I-20 
or successor form in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  214.3(k).
    (i) Employment. The M-2 spouse and children may not accept 
employment.
    (ii) Study--(A) M-2 post-secondary/vocational study--(1) Authorized 
study at SEVP-certified schools. An M-2 spouse or M-2 child may enroll 
in less than a full course of study, as defined in paragraphs 
(f)(6)(i)(A) through (D) or (m)(9)(i) through (v), in any course of 
study described in paragraphs (f)(6)(i)(A) through (D) or (m)(9)(i) 
through (v) of this section at an SEVP-certified school. Notwithstanding 
paragraphs (f)(6)(i)(B) and (m)(9)(i) of this section, study at an 
undergraduate college or university or at a community college or junior 
college is not a full course of study solely because the M-2 
nonimmigrant is engaging in a lesser course load to complete a course of 
study during the current term. An M-2 spouse or M-2 child enrolled in 
less than a full course of study is not eligible to engage in employment 
pursuant to paragraph (m)(14) of this section or pursuant to paragraphs 
(f)(9) through (10) of this section.
    (2) Full course of study. Subject to paragraph (m)(17)(ii)(B) of 
this section, an M-2 spouse and child may engage in a full course of 
study only by applying for and obtaining a change of status to F-1, M-1, 
or J-1 status, as appropriate, before beginning a full course of study. 
An M-2 spouse and M-2 child may engage in study that is avocational or 
recreational in nature, up to and including on a full-time basis.
    (B) M-2 elementary or secondary study. An M-2 child may engage in 
full-time study, including any full course of study, in any elementary 
or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade).
    (C) An M-2 spouse or child violates his or her nonimmigrant status 
by enrolling in any study except as provided in paragraph (m)(17)(ii)(A) 
or (B) of this section.
    (18) Current name and address. A student must inform DHS and the DSO 
of any legal changes to the student's name or of any change of address, 
within 10 days of the change, in a manner prescribed by the school. A 
student can satisfy the requirement in 8 CFR 265.1 of notifying DHS by 
providing a notice of a change of address within 10 days to the DSO, and 
the DSO in turn must enter the information in SEVIS within 21 days of 
notification by the student. Except in the case of a student who cannot 
receive mail where the student resides, the address provided by the 
student must be the actual physical location where the student resides 
rather than a mailing address. In cases where a student provides a 
mailing address, the school must maintain a record of, and must provide 
upon request from DHS, the actual physical location where the student 
resides.
    (19) Special rules for certain border commuter students--(i) 
Applicability. For purposes of the special rules in this paragraph 
(m)(19), the term ``border commuter student'' means a national of Canada 
or Mexico who is admitted to the United States as an M-1 student to 
enroll in a full course of study, albeit on a part-time basis, in a 
certified school located within 75 miles of a United States land border. 
The border commuter student must maintain actual residence and place of 
abode in the student's country of nationality, and seek admission to the 
United States at a land border port-of-entry. These special rules do not 
apply to a national of Canada or Mexico who is:
    (A) Residing in the United States while attending a certified school 
as an M-1 student; or
    (B) Enrolled in a full course of study as defined in paragraph 
(m)(9) of this section.
    (ii) Full course of study. A designated school official at the 
school may authorize an eligible border commuter student to enroll in a 
course load below that otherwise required for a full

[[Page 411]]

course of study under paragraph (m)(9) of this section, provided that 
the reduced course load is consistent with the border commuter student's 
certified course of study.
    (iii) Period of stay. An M-1 border commuter student is not entitled 
to an additional 30-day period of stay otherwise available under 
paragraph (m)(5) of this section.
    (iv) Employment. A border commuter student may not be authorized to 
accept any employment in connection with his or her M-1 student status, 
except for practical training as provided in paragraph (m)(14) of this 
section.
    (20) Remittance of the fee. An alien who applies for M-1 or M-3 
nonimmigrant status in order to enroll in a program of study at an SEVP-
certified vocational educational institution is required to pay the 
SEVIS fee to DHS, pursuant to Sec.  214.13, except as otherwise provided 
in that section.
    (n) Certain parents and children of section 101(a)(27)(I) special 
immigrants--(1) Parent of special immigrant. Upon application, a parent 
of a child accorded special immigrant status under section 
101(a)(27)(I)(i) of the Act may be granted status under section 
101(a)(15)(N)(i) of the Act as long as the permanent resident child 
through whom eligibility is derived remains a child as defined in 
section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    (2) Child of section 101(a)(27)(I) special immigrants and section 
101(a)(15)(N)(i) nonimmigrants. Children of parents granted nonimmigrant 
status under section 101(a)(15)(N)(i) of the Act, or of parents who have 
been granted special immigrant status under section 101(a)(27)(I) (ii), 
(iii) or (iv) of the Act may be granted status under section 
101(a)(15)(N)(ii) of the Act for such time as each remains a child as 
defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    (3) Admission and extension of stay. A nonimmigrant granted (N) 
status shall be admitted for not to exceed three years with extensions 
in increments up to but not to exceed three years. Status as an (N) 
nonimmigrant shall terminate on the date the child described in 
paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this section no longer qualifies as a 
child as defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    (4) Employment. A nonimmigrant admitted in or granted (N) status is 
authorized employment incident to (N) status without restrictions as to 
location or type of employment.
    (o) Aliens of extraordinary ability or achievement--(1) 
Classifications--(i) General. Under section 101(a)(15)(O) of the Act, a 
qualified alien may be authorized to come to the United States to 
perform services relating to an event or events if petitioned for by an 
employer. Under this nonimmigrant category, the alien may be classified 
under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) of the Act as an alien who has 
extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or 
athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement 
in the motion picture or television industry. Under section 
101(a)(15)(O)(ii) of the Act, an alien having a residence in a foreign 
country which he or she has no intention of abandoning may be classified 
as an accompanying alien who is coming to assist in the artistic or 
athletic performance of an alien admitted under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) 
of the Act. The spouse or child of an alien described in section 
101(a)(15)(O)(i) or (ii) of the Act who is accompanying or following to 
join the alien is entitled to classification pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(O)(iii) of the Act. These classifications are called the O-1, 
O-2, and O-3 categories, respectively. The petitioner must file a 
petition with the Service for a determination of the alien's eligibility 
for O-1 or O-2 classification before the alien may apply for a visa or 
seek admission to the United States. This paragraph sets forth the 
standards and procedures applicable to these classifications.
    (ii) Description of classifications. (A) An O-1 classification 
applies to:
    (1) An individual alien who has extraordinary ability in the 
sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been 
demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and who is 
coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of 
extraordinary ability; or
    (2) An alien who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary 
achievement in motion picture and/or television productions and who is 
coming temporarily to the United States to continue

[[Page 412]]

work in the area of extraordinary achievement.
    (B) An O-2 classification applies to an accompanying alien who is 
coming temporarily to the United States solely to assist in the artistic 
or athletic performance by an O-1. The O-2 alien must:
    (1) Be an integral part of the actual performances or events and 
possess critical skills and experience with the O-1 alien that are not 
of a general nature and which are not possessed by others; or
    (2) In the case of a motion picture or television production, have 
skills and experience with the O-1 alien which are not of a general 
nature and which are critical, either based on a pre-existing and 
longstanding working relationship or, if in connection with a specific 
production only, because significant production (including pre- and 
post-production) will take place both inside and outside the United 
States and the continuing participation of the alien is essential to the 
successful completion of the production.
    (2) Filing of petitions--(i) General. Except as provided for in 
paragraph (o)(2)(iv)(A) of this section, a petitioner seeking to 
classify an alien as an O-1 or O-2 nonimmigrant shall file a petition on 
the form prescribed by USCIS. The petition may not be filed more than 
one year before the actual need for the alien's services. An O-1 or O-2 
petition shall be adjudicated at the appropriate Service Center, even in 
emergency situations. Only one beneficiary may be included on an O-1 
petition. O-2 aliens must be filed for on a separate petition from the 
O-1 alien. An O-1 or O-2 petition may only be filed by a United States 
employer, a United States agent, or a foreign employer through a United 
States agent. For purposes of paragraph (o) of this section, a foreign 
employer is any employer who is not amenable to service of process in 
the United States. A foreign employer may not directly petition for an O 
nonimmigrant alien but instead must use the services of a United States 
agent to file a petition for an O nonimmigrant alien. A United States 
agent petitioning on behalf of a foreign employer must be authorized to 
file the petition, and to accept services of process in the United 
States in proceedings under section 274A of the Act, on behalf of the 
foreign employer. An O alien may not petition for himself or herself.
    (ii) Evidence required to accompany a petition. Petitions for O 
aliens shall be accompanied by the following:
    (A) The evidence specified in the particular section for the 
classification;
    (B) Copies of any written contracts between the petitioner and the 
alien beneficiary or, if there is no written contract, a summary of the 
terms of the oral agreement under which the alien will be employed;
    (C) An explanation of the nature of the events or activities, the 
beginning and ending dates for the events or activities, and a copy of 
any itinerary for the events or activities; and
    (D) A written advisory opinion(s) from the appropriate consulting 
entity or entities.
    (iii) Form of documentation. The evidence submitted with an O 
petition shall conform to the following:
    (A) Affidavits, contracts, awards, and similar documentation must 
reflect the nature of the alien's achievement and be executed by an 
officer or responsible person employed by the institution, firm, 
establishment, or organization where the work was performed.
    (B) Affidavits written by present or former employers or recognized 
experts certifying to the recognition and extraordinary ability, or in 
the case of a motion picture or television production, the extraordinary 
achievement of the alien, shall specifically describe the alien's 
recognition and ability or achievement in factual terms and set forth 
the expertise of the affiant and the manner in which the affiant 
acquired such information.
    (C) A legible photocopy of a document in support of the petition may 
be submitted in lieu of the original. However, the original document 
shall be submitted if requested by the Director.
    (iv) Other filing situations--(A) Services in more than one 
location. A petition which requires the alien to work in more than one 
location must include an itinerary with the dates and locations of work.

[[Page 413]]

    (B) Services for more than one employer. If the beneficiary will 
work concurrently for more than one employer within the same time 
period, each employer must file a separate petition unless an 
established agent files the petition.
    (C) Change of employer. If an O-1 or O-2 alien in the United States 
seeks to change employers, the new employer must file a petition and a 
request to extend the alien's stay. An O-2 alien may change employers 
only in conjunction with a change of employers by the principal O-1 
alien. If the O-1 or O-2 petition was filed by an agent, an amended 
petition must be filed with evidence relating to the new employer and a 
request for an extension of stay.
    (D) Amended petition. The petitioner shall file an amended petition 
on the form prescribed by USCIS, with fee, to reflect any material 
changes in the terms and conditions of employment or the beneficiary's 
eligibility as specified in the original approved petition. In the case 
of a petition filed for an artist or entertainer, a petitioner may add 
additional performances or engagements during the validity period of the 
petition without filing an amended petition, provided the additional 
performances or engagements require an alien of O-1 caliber.
    (E) Agents as petitioners. A United States agent may file a petition 
in cases involving workers who are traditionally self-employed or 
workers who use agents to arrange short-term employment on their behalf 
with numerous employers, and in cases where a foreign employer 
authorizes the agent to act in its behalf. A United States agent may be: 
The actual employer of the beneficiary, the representative of both the 
employer and the beneficiary; or, a person or entity authorized by the 
employer to act for, or in place of, the employer as its agent. A 
petition filed by an agent is subject to the following conditions:
    (1) An agent performing the function of an employer must provide the 
contractual agreement between the agent and the beneficiary which 
specifies the wage offered and the other terms and conditions of 
employment of the beneficiary.
    (2) A person or company in business as an agent may file the 
petition involving multiple employers as the representative of both the 
employers and the beneficiary, if the supporting documentation includes 
a complete itinerary of the event or events. The itinerary must specify 
the dates of each service or engagement, the names and addresses of the 
actual employers, and the names and addresses of the establishments, 
venues, or locations where the services will be performed. A contract 
between the employers and the beneficiary is required. The burden is on 
the agent to explain the terms and conditions of the employment and to 
provide any required documentation.
    (3) A foreign employer who, through a United States agent, files a 
petition for an O nonimmigrant alien is responsible for complying with 
all of the employer sanctions provisions of section 274A of the Act and 
8 CFR part 274a.
    (F) Multiple beneficiaries. More than one O-2 accompanying alien may 
be included on a petition if they are assisting the same O-1 alien for 
the same events or performances, during the same period, and in the same 
location. Up to 25 named beneficiaries may be included per petition.
    (G) Traded professional O-1 athletes. In the case of a professional 
O-1 athlete who is traded from one organization to another organization, 
employment authorization for the player will automatically continue for 
a period of 30 days after acquisition by the new organization, within 
which time the new organization is expected to file a new application or 
petition. If a new application or petition is not filed within 30 days, 
employment authorization will cease. If a new application or petition is 
filed within 30 days, the professional athlete shall be deemed to be in 
valid O-1 status, and employment shall continue to be authorized, until 
the petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, employment 
authorization will cease.
    (3) Petition for alien of extraordinary ability or achievement (O-
1)--(i) General. Extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, 
business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in the case of an 
alien in the motion picture

[[Page 414]]

or television industry, must be established for an individual alien. An 
O-1 petition must be accompanied by evidence that the work which the 
alien is coming to the United States to continue is in the area of 
extraordinary ability, and that the alien meets the criteria in 
paragraph (o)(3)(iii) or (iv) of this section.
    (ii) Definitions. As used in this paragraph, the term:
    Arts includes any field of creative activity or endeavor such as, 
but not limited to, fine arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and 
performing arts. Aliens engaged in the field of arts include not only 
the principal creators and performers but other essential persons such 
as, but not limited to, directors, set designers, lighting designers, 
sound designers, choreographers, choreologists, conductors, 
orchestrators, coaches, arrangers, musical supervisors, costume 
designers, makeup artists, flight masters, stage technicians, and animal 
trainers.
    Event means an activity such as, but not limited to, a scientific 
project, conference, convention, lecture series, tour, exhibit, business 
project, academic year, or engagement. Such activity may include short 
vacations, promotional appearances, and stopovers which are incidental 
and/or related to the event. A group of related activities may also be 
considered to be an event. In the case of an O-1 athlete, the event 
could be the alien's contract.
    Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. 
Distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of arts 
evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that 
ordinarily encountered to the extent that a person described as 
prominent is renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts.
    Extraordinary ability in the field of science, education, business, 
or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is 
one of the small percentage who have arisen to the very top of the field 
of endeavor.
    Extraordinary achievement with respect to motion picture and 
television productions, as commonly defined in the industry, means a 
very high level of accomplishment in the motion picture or television 
industry evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly 
above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that the person is 
recognized as outstanding, notable, or leading in the motion picture or 
television field.
    Peer group means a group or organization which is comprised of 
practitioners of the alien's occupation. If there is a collective 
bargaining representative of an employer's employees in the occupational 
classification for which the alien is being sought, such a 
representative may be considered the appropriate peer group for purposes 
of consultation.
    (iii) Evidentiary criteria for an O-1 alien of extraordinary ability 
in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics. An alien of 
extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business, or 
athletics must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim 
and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise by providing 
evidence of:
    (A) Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as 
the Nobel Prize; or
    (B) At least three of the following forms of documentation:
    (1) Documentation of the alien's receipt of nationally or 
internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field 
of endeavor;
    (2) Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the 
field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding 
achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or 
international experts in their disciplines or fields;
    (3) Published material in professional or major trade publications 
or major media about the alien, relating to the alien's work in the 
field for which classification is sought, which shall include the title, 
date, and author of such published material, and any necessary 
translation;
    (4) Evidence of the alien's participation on a panel, or 
individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an 
allied field of specialization to that for which classification is 
sought;
    (5) Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, or 
business-related contributions of major significance in the field;

[[Page 415]]

    (6) Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the 
field, in professional journals, or other major media;
    (7) Evidence that the alien has been employed in a critical or 
essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a 
distinguished reputation;
    (8) Evidence that the alien has either commanded a high salary or 
will command a high salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced 
by contracts or other reliable evidence.
    (C) If the criteria in paragraph (o)(3)(iii) of this section do not 
readily apply to the beneficiary's occupation, the petitioner may submit 
comparable evidence in order to establish the beneficiary's eligibility.
    (iv) Evidentiary criteria for an O-1 alien of extraordinary ability 
in the arts. To qualify as an alien of extraordinary ability in the 
field of arts, the alien must be recognized as being prominent in his or 
her field of endeavor as demonstrated by the following:
    (A) Evidence that the alien has been nominated for, or has been the 
recipient of, significant national or international awards or prizes in 
the particular field such as an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, or a 
Director's Guild Award; or
    (B) At least three of the following forms of documentation:
    (1) Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, 
services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events 
which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, 
advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, or 
endorsements;
    (2) Evidence that the alien has achieved national or international 
recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other 
published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, 
trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
    (3) Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, in a 
lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments 
that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in 
newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
    (4) Evidence that the alien has a record of major commercial or 
critically acclaimed successes as evidenced by such indicators as title, 
rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures or 
television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in 
trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;
    (5) Evidence that the alien has received significant recognition for 
achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other 
recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged. Such 
testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author's 
authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien's achievements; or
    (6) Evidence that the alien has either commanded a high salary or 
will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for 
services in relation to others in the field, as evidenced by contracts 
or other reliable evidence; or
    (C) If the criteria in paragraph (o)(3)(iv) of this section do not 
readily apply to the beneficiary's occupation, the petitioner may submit 
comparable evidence in order to establish the beneficiary's eligibility.
    (v) Evidentiary criteria for an alien of extraordinary achievement 
in the motion picture or television industry. To qualify as an alien of 
extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, 
the alien must be recognized as having a demonstrated record of 
extraordinary achievement as evidenced by the following:
    (A) Evidence that the alien has been nominated for, or has been the 
recipient of, significant national or international awards or prizes in 
the particular field such as an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, or a 
Director's Guild Award; or
    (B) At least three of the following forms of documentation:
    (1) Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, 
services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events 
which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, 
advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, or 
endorsements;

[[Page 416]]

    (2) Evidence that the alien has achieved national or international 
recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other 
published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, 
trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
    (3) Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, in a 
lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments 
that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in 
newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
    (4) Evidence that the alien has a record of major commercial or 
critically acclaimed successes as evidenced by such indicators as title, 
rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion picture or 
television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in 
trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;
    (5) Evidence that the alien has received significant recognition for 
achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other 
recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged. Such 
testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author's 
authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien's achievements; or
    (6) Evidence that the alien has either commanded a high salary or 
will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for 
services in relation to other in the field, as evidenced by contracts or 
other reliable evidence.
    (4) Petition for an O-2 accompanying alien--(i) General. An O-2 
accompanying alien provides essential support to an O-1 artist or 
athlete. Such aliens may not accompany O-1 aliens in the fields of 
science, business, or education. Although the O-2 alien must obtain his 
or her own classification, this classification does not entitle him or 
her to work separate and apart from the O-1 alien to whom he or she 
provides support. An O-2 alien must be petitioned for in conjunction 
with the services of the O-1 alien.
    (ii) Evidentiary criteria for qualifying as an O-2 accompanying 
alien--(A) Alien accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete of extraordinary 
ability. To qualify as an O-2 accompanying alien, the alien must be 
coming to the United States to assist in the performance of the O-1 
alien, be an integral part of the actual performance, and have critical 
skills and experience with the O-1 alien which are not of a general 
nature and which are not possessed by a U.S. worker.
    (B) Alien accompanying an O-1 alien of extraordinary achievement. To 
qualify as an O-2 alien accompanying and O-1 alien involved in a motion 
picture or television production, the alien must have skills and 
experience with the O-1 alien which are not of a general nature and 
which are critical based on a pre-existing longstanding working 
relationship or, with respect to the specific production, because 
significant production (including pre- and post-production work) will 
take place both inside and outside the United States and the continuing 
participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of 
the production.
    (C) The evidence shall establish the current essentiality, critical 
skills, and experience of the O-2 alien with the O-1 alien and that the 
alien has substantial experience performing the critical skills and 
essential support services for the O-1 alien. In the case of a specific 
motion picture or television production, the evidence shall establish 
that significant production has taken place outside the United States, 
and will take place inside the United States, and that the continuing 
participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of 
the production.
    (5) Consultation--(i) General. (A) Consultation with an appropriate 
U.S. peer group (which could include a person or persons with expertise 
in the field), labor and/or management organization regarding the nature 
of the work to be done and the alien's qualifications is mandatory 
before a petition for an O-1 or O-2 classification can be approved.
    (B) Except as provided in paragraph (o)(5)(i)(E) of this section, 
evidence of consultation shall be in the form of a written advisory 
opinion from a peer group (which could include a person or persons with 
expertise in the field), labor and/or management organization with 
expertise in the specific field involved.

[[Page 417]]

    (C) Except as provided in paragraph (o)(5)(i)(E) of this section, 
the petitioner shall obtain a written advisory opinion from a peer group 
(which could include a person or persons with expertise in the field), 
labor, and/or management organization with expertise in the specific 
field involved. The advisory opinion shall be submitted along with the 
petition when the petition is filed. If the advisory opinion is not 
favorable to the petitioner, the advisory opinion must set forth a 
specific statement of facts which supports the conclusion reached in the 
opinion. Advisory opinions must be submitted in writing and must be 
signed by an authorized official of the group or organization.
    (D) Except as provided in paragraph (o)(5)(i)(E) and (G) of this 
section, written evidence of consultation shall be included in the 
record in every approved O petition. Consultations are advisory and are 
not binding on the Service.
    (E) In a case where the alien will be employed in the field of arts, 
entertainment, or athletics, and the Service has determined that a 
petition merits expeditious handling, the Service shall contact the 
appropriate labor and/or management organization and request an advisory 
opinion if one is not submitted by the petitioner. The labor and/or 
management organization shall have 24 hours to respond to the Service's 
request. The Service shall adjudicate the petition after receipt of the 
response from the consulting organization. The labor and/or management 
organization shall then furnish the Service with a written advisory 
opinion within 5 days of the initiating request. If the labor and/or 
management organization fails to respond within 24 hours, the Service 
shall render a decision on the petition without the advisory opinion.
    (F) In a routine processing case where the petition is accompanied 
by a written opinion from a peer group, but the peer group is not a 
labor organization, the Director will forward a copy of the petition and 
all supporting documentation to the national office of the appropriate 
labor organization within 5 days of receipt of the petition. If there is 
a collective bargaining representative of an employer's employees in the 
occupational classification for which the alien is being sought, that 
representative shall be the appropriate labor organization for purposes 
of this section. The labor organization will then have 15 days from 
receipt of the petition and supporting documents to submit to the 
Service a written advisory opinion, comment, or letter of no objection. 
Once the 15-day period has expired, the Director shall adjudicate the 
petition in no more than 14 days. The Director may shorten this time in 
his or her discretion for emergency reasons, if no unreasonable burden 
would be imposed on any participant in the process. If the labor 
organization does not respond within 15 days, the Director will render a 
decision on the record without the advisory opinion.
    (G) In those cases where it is established by the petitioner that an 
appropriate peer group, including a labor organization, does not exist, 
the Service shall render a decision on the evidence of record.
    (ii) Consultation requirements for an O-1 alien for extraordinary 
ability--(A) Content. Consultation with a peer group in the area of the 
alien's ability (which may include a labor organization), or a person or 
persons with expertise in the area of the alien's ability, is required 
in an O-1 petition for an alien of extraordinary ability. If the 
advisory opinion is not favorable to the petitioner, the advisory 
opinion must set forth a specific statement of facts which supports the 
conclusion reached in the opinion. If the advisory opinion is favorable 
to the petitioner, it should describe the alien's ability and 
achievements in the field of endeavor, describe the nature of the duties 
to be performed, and state whether the position requires the services of 
an alien of extraordinary ability. A consulting organization may also 
submit a letter of no objection in lieu of the above if it has no 
objection to the approval of the petition.
    (B) Waiver of consultation of certain aliens of extraordinary 
ability in the field of arts. Consultation for an alien of extraordinary 
ability in the field of arts shall be waived by the Director in those 
instances where the alien seeks readmission to the United States to

[[Page 418]]

perform similar services within 2 years of the date of a previous 
consultation. The director shall, within 5 days of granting the waiver, 
forward a copy of the petition and supporting documentation to the 
national office of an appropriate labor organization. Petitioners 
desiring to avail themselves of the waiver should submit a copy of the 
prior consultation with the petition and advise the Director of the 
waiver request.
    (iii) Consultation requirements for an O-1 alien of extraordinary 
achievement. In the case of an alien of extraordinary achievement who 
will be working on a motion picture or television production, 
consultation shall be made with the appropriate union representing the 
alien's occupational peers and a management organization in the area of 
the alien's ability. If an advisory opinion is not favorable to the 
petitioner, the advisory opinion must set forth a specific statement of 
facts which supports the conclusion reached in the opinion. If the 
advisory opinion is favorable to the petitioner, the written advisory 
opinion from the labor and management organizations should describe the 
alien's achievements in the motion picture or television field and state 
whether the position requires the services of an alien of extraordinary 
achievement. If a consulting organization has no objection to the 
approval of the petition, the organization may submit a letter of no 
objection in lieu of the above.
    (iv) Consultation requirements for an O-2 accompanying alien. 
Consultation with a labor organization with expertise in the skill area 
involved is required for an O-2 alien accompanying an O-1 alien of 
extraordinary ability. In the case of an O-2 alien seeking entry for a 
motion picture or television production, consultation with a labor 
organization and a management organization in the area of the alien's 
ability is required. If an advisory opinion is not favorable to the 
petitioner, the advisory opinion must set forth a specific statement of 
facts which supports the conclusion reached in the opinion. If the 
advisory opinion is favorable to the petitioner, the opinion provided by 
the labor and/or management organization should describe the alien's 
essentiality to, and working relationship with, the O-1 artist or 
athlete and state whether there are available U.S. workers who can 
perform the support services. If the alien will accompany an O-1 alien 
involved in a motion picture or television production, the advisory 
opinion should address the alien's skills and experience with the O-1 
alien and whether the alien has a pre-existing longstanding working 
relationship with the O-1 alien, or whether significant production will 
take place in the United States and abroad and if the continuing 
participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of 
the production. A consulting organization may also submit a letter of no 
objection in lieu of the above if it has no objection to the approval of 
the petition.
    (v) Organizations agreeing to provide advisory opinions. The Service 
will list in its Operations Instructions for O classification those peer 
groups, labor organizations, and/or management organizations which have 
agreed to provide advisory opinions to the Service and/or petitioners. 
The list will not be an exclusive or exhaustive list. The Service and 
petitioners may use other sources, such as publications, to identify 
appropriate peer groups, labor organizations, and management 
organizations. Additionally, the Service will list in its Operations 
Instructions those occupations or fields of endeavor where the 
nonexistence of an appropriate consulting entity has been verified.
    (6) Approval and validity of petition--(i) Approval. The Director 
shall consider all of the evidence submitted and such other evidence as 
may be independently required to assist in the adjudication. The 
Director shall notify the petitioner of the approval of the petition on 
Form I-797, Notice of Action. The approval notice shall include the 
alien beneficiary name, the classification, and the petition's period of 
validity.
    (ii) Recording the validity of petitions. Procedures for recording 
the validity period of petitions are as follows;
    (A) If a new O petition is approved before the date the petitioner 
indicates the services will begin, the approved petition and approval 
notice shall show

[[Page 419]]

the actual dates requested by the petitioner, not to exceed the limit 
specified by paragraph (o)(6)(iii) of this section or other Service 
policy.
    (B) If a new 0 petition is approved after the date the petitioner 
indicates the services will begin, the approved petition and approval 
notice shall generally show a validity period commencing with the date 
of approval and ending with the date requested by the petitioner, not to 
exceed the limit specified by paragraph (o)(6)(iii) of this section or 
other Service policy.
    (C) If the period of services requested by the petitioner exceeds 
the limit specified in paragraph (o)(6)(iii) of this section, the 
petition shall be approved only up to the limit specified in that 
paragraph.
    (iii) Validity--(A) O-1 petition. An approved petition for an alien 
classified under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) of the Act shall be valid for 
a period of time determined by the Director to be necessary to 
accomplish the event or activity, not to exceed 3 years.
    (B) O-2 petition. An approved petition for an alien classified under 
section 101(a)(15)(O)(ii) of the Act shall be valid for a period of time 
determined to be necessary to assist the O-1 alien to accomplish the 
event or activity, not to exceed 3 years.
    (iv) Spouse and dependents. The spouse and unmarried minor children 
of the O-1 or O-2 alien beneficiary are entitled to O-3 nonimmigrant 
classification, subject to the same period of admission and limitations 
as the alien beneficiary, if they are accompanying or following to join 
the alien beneficiary in the United States. Neither the spouse nor a 
child of the alien beneficiary may accept employment unless he or she 
has been granted employment authorization.
    (7) The petitioner shall be notified of the decision, the reasons 
for the denial, and the right to appeal the denial under 8 CFR part 103.
    (8) Revocation of approval of petition--(i) General. (A) The 
petitioner shall immediately notify the Service of any changes in the 
terms and conditions of employment of a beneficiary which may affect 
eligibility under section 101(a)(15)(O) of the Act and paragraph (o) of 
this section. An amended petition should be filed when the petitioner 
continues to employ the beneficiary. If the petitioner no longer employs 
the beneficiary, the petitioner shall send a letter explaining the 
change(s) to the Director who approved the petition.
    (B) The Director may revoke a petition at any time, even after the 
validity of the petition has expired.
    (ii) Automatic revocation. The approval of an unexpired petition is 
automatically revoked if the petitioner, or the named employer in a 
petition filed by an agent, goes out of business, files a written 
withdrawal of the petition, or notifies the Service that the beneficiary 
is no longer employed by the petitioner.
    (iii) Revocation on notice--(A) Grounds for revocation. The Director 
shall send to the petitioner a notice of intent to revoke the petition 
in relevant part if is determined that:
    (1) The beneficiary is no longer employed by the petitioner in the 
capacity specified in the petition;
    (2) The statement of facts contained in the petition was not true 
and correct;
    (3) The petitioner violated the terms or conditions of the approved 
petition;
    (4) The petitioner violated the requirements of section 
101(a)(15)(O) of the Act or paragraph (o) of this section; or
    (5) The approval of the petition violated paragraph (o) of this 
section or involved gross error.
    (B) Notice and decision. The notice of intent to revoke shall 
contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation and the 
time period allowed for the petitioner's rebuttal. The petitioner may 
submit evidence in rebuttal within 30 days of the date of the notice. 
The Director shall consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding 
whether to revoke the petition.
    (9) Appeal of a denial or a revocation of a petition--(i) Denial. A 
denied petition may be appealed under 8 CFR part 103.
    (ii) Revocation. A petition that has been revoked on notice may be 
appealed under 8 CFR part 103. Automatic revocations may not be 
appealed.
    (10) Admission. A beneficiary may be admitted to the United States 
for the validity period of the petition, plus a

[[Page 420]]

period of up to 10 days before the validity period begins and 10 days 
after the validity period ends. The beneficiary may only engage in 
employment during the validity period of the petition.
    (11) Extension of visa petition validity. The petitioner shall file 
a request to extend the validity of the original petition under section 
101(a)(15)(O) of the Act on the form prescribed by USCIS, in order to 
continue or complete the same activities or events specified in the 
original petition. Supporting documents are not required unless 
requested by the Director. A petition extension may be filed only if the 
validity of the original petition has not expired.
    (12) Extension of stay--(i) Extension procedure. The petitioner 
shall request extension of the alien's stay to continue or complete the 
same event or activity by filing an application or petition, accompanied 
by a statement explaining the reasons for the extension. The petitioner 
must also request a petition extension. The dates of extension shall be 
the same for the petition and the beneficiary's extension of stay. The 
alien beneficiary must be physically present in the United States at the 
time of filing of the extension of stay. Even though the request to 
extend the petition and the alien's stay are combined on the petition, 
the Director shall make a separate determination on each. If the alien 
leaves the United States for business or personal reasons while the 
extension requests are pending, the petitioner may request the Director 
to cable notification of approval of the petition extension to the 
consular office abroad where the alien will apply for a visa.
    (ii) Extension period. An extension of stay may be authorized in 
increments of up to 1 year for an O-1 or O-2 beneficiary to continue or 
complete the same event or activity for which he or she was admitted 
plus an additional 10 days to allow the beneficiary to get his or her 
personal affairs in order.
    (iii) Denial of an extension of stay. The denial of the request for 
the alien's extension of temporary stay may not be appealed.
    (13) Effect of approval of a permanent labor certification or filing 
of a preference petition on O classification. The approval of a 
permanent labor certification or the filing of a preference petition for 
an alien shall not be a basis for denying an O-1 petition, a request to 
extend such a petition, or the alien's application for admission, change 
of status, or extension of stay. The alien may legitimately come to the 
United States for a temporary period as an O-1 nonimmigrant and depart 
voluntarily at the end of his or her authorized stay and, at the same 
time, lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the United States.
    (14) Effect of a strike. (i) If the Secretary of Labor certifies to 
the Commissioner that a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers is in progress in the occupation at the place where 
the beneficiary is to be employed, and that the employment of the 
beneficiary would adversely affect the wages and working conditions of 
U.S. citizens and lawful resident workers:
    (A) A petition to classify an alien as a nonimmigrant as defined in 
section 101(a)(15)(O) of the Act shall be denied; or
    (B) If a petition has been approved, but the alien has not yet 
entered the United States, or has entered the United States but has not 
commenced employment, the approval of the petition is automatically 
suspended, and the application for admission on the basis of the 
petition shall be denied.
    (ii) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress, but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (o)(14)(i) of this section, the 
Commissioner shall not deny a petition or suspend an approved petition.
    (iii) If the alien has already commenced employment in the United 
States under an approved petition and is participating in a strike or 
labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers, whether or not such 
strike or other labor dispute has been certified by the Secretary of 
Labor, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to maintain his or 
her status solely on account of past, present, or future participation 
in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of

[[Page 421]]

workers but is subject to the following terms and conditions:
    (A) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations promulgated 
thereunder in the same manner as are all other O nonimmigrants;
    (B) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is not 
modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her participation in 
a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers; 
and
    (C) Although participation by an O nonimmigrant alien in a strike or 
other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers will not 
constitute a ground for deportation, and alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his or her authorized 
period of stay has expired will be subject to deportation.
    (15) Use of approval notice, Form I-797. The Service shall notify 
the petitioner of Form I-797 whenever a visa petition or an extension of 
a visa petition is approved under the O classification. The beneficiary 
of an O petition who does not require a nonimmigrant visa may present a 
copy of the approval notice at a Port-of-Entry to facilitate entry into 
the United States. A beneficiary who is required to present a visa for 
admission, and who visa will have expired before the date of his or her 
intended return, may use Form I-797 to apply for a new or revalidated 
visa during the validity period of the petition. A copy of Form I-797 
shall be retained by the beneficiary and presented during the validity 
of the petition when reentering the United States to resume the same 
employment with the same petitioner.
    (16) Return transportation requirement. In the case of an alien who 
enters the United States under section 101(a)(15(O) of the Act and whose 
employment terminates for reasons other than voluntary resignation, the 
employer whose offer of employment formed the basis of such nonimmigrant 
status and the petitioner are jointly and severally liable for the 
reasonable cost of return transportation of the alien abroad. For the 
purposes of this paragraph, the term ``abroad'' means the alien's last 
place of residence prior to his or her entry into the United States.
    (p) Artists, athletes, and entertainers--(1) Classifications--(i) 
General. Under section 101(a)(15)(P) of the Act, an alien having a 
residence in a foreign country which he or she has not intention or 
abandoning may be authorized to come to the United States temporarily to 
perform services for an employer or a sponsor. Under the nonimmigrant 
category, the alien may be classified under section 101(a)(15)(P)(i) of 
the Act as an alien who is coming to the United States to perform 
services as an internationally recognized athlete, individually or as 
part of a group or team, or member of an internationally recognized 
entertainment group; under section 101(a)(15)(P)(ii) of the Act, who is 
coming to perform as an artist or entertainer under a reciprocal 
exchange program; under section 101(a)(15)(P)(iii) of the Act, as an 
alien who is coming solely to perform, teach, or coach under a program 
that is culturally unique; or under section 101(a)(15)(P)(iv) of the 
Act, as the spouse or child of an alien described in section 
101(a)(15)(P) (i), (ii), or (iii) of the Act who is accompanying or 
following to join the alien. These classifications are called P-1, P-2, 
P-3, and P-4 respectively. The employer or sponsor must file a petition 
with the Service for review of the services to be performed and for 
determination of the alien's eligibility for P-1, P-2, or P-3 
classification before the alien may apply for a visa or seek admission 
to the United States. This paragraph sets forth the standards and 
procedures applicable to these classifications.
    (ii) Description of classification. (A) A P-1 classification applies 
to an alien who is coming temporarily to the United States:
    (1) To perform at specific athletic competition as an athlete, 
individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally 
recognized level or performance, or
    (2) To perform with, or as an integral and essential part of the 
performance of, and entertainment group that has been recognized 
internationally as being outstanding in the discipline for a sustained 
and substantial period of time, and who has had a sustained and

[[Page 422]]

substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily for at least 1 year) 
and provides functions integral to the performance of the group.
    (B) A P-2 classification applies to an alien who is coming 
temporarily to the United States to perform as an artist or entertainer, 
individually or as part of a group, or to perform as an integral part of 
the performance of such a group, and who seeks to perform under a 
reciprocal exchange program which is between an organization or 
organizations in the United States and an organization or organizations 
in one or more foreign states, and which provides for the temporary 
exchange of artists and entertainers, or groups of artists and 
entertainers.
    (C) A P-3 classification applies to an alien artist or entertainer 
who is coming temporarily to the United States, either individually or 
as part of a group, or as an integral part of the performance of the 
group, to perform, teach, or coach under a commercial or noncommercial 
program that is culturally unique.
    (2) Filing of petitions--(i) General. A P-1 petition for an athlete 
or entertainment group shall be filed by a United States employer, a 
United States sponsoring organization, a United States agent, or a 
foreign employer through a United States agent. For purposes of 
paragraph (p) of this section, a foreign employer is any employer who is 
not amenable to service of process in the United States. Foreign 
employers seeking to employ a P-1 alien may not directly petition for 
the alien but must use a United States agent. A United States agent 
petitioning on behalf of a foreign employer must be authorized to file 
the petition, and to accept service of process in the United States in 
proceedings under section 274A of the Act, on behalf of the foreign 
employer. A P-2 petition for an artist or entertainer in a reciprocal 
exchange program shall be filed by the United States labor organization 
which negotiated the reciprocal exchange agreement, the sponsoring 
organization, or a United States employer. A P-3 petition for an artist 
or entertainer in a culturally unique program shall be filed by the 
sponsoring organization or a United States employer. Essential support 
personnel may not be included on the petition filed for the principal 
alien(s). These aliens require a separate petition. The petitioner must 
file a P petition on the form prescribed by USCIS. The petition may not 
be filed more than one year before the actual need for the alien's 
services. A P-1, P-2, or P-3 petition shall be adjudicated at the 
appropriate Service Center, even in emergency situations.
    (ii) Evidence required to accompany a petition for a P nonimmigrant. 
Petitions for P nonimmigrant aliens shall be accompanied by the 
following:
    (A) The evidence specified in the specific section of this part for 
the classification;
    (B) Copies of any written contracts between the petitioner and the 
alien beneficiary or, if there is no written contract, a summary of the 
terms of the oral agreement under which the alien(s) will be employed;
    (C) An explanation of the nature of the events or activities, the 
beginning and ending dates for the events or activities, and a copy of 
any itinerary for the events or activities; and
    (D) A written consultation from a labor organization.
    (iii) Form of documentation. The evidence submitted with an P 
petition should conform to the following:
    (A) Affidavits, contracts, awards, and similar documentation must 
reflect the nature of the alien's achievement and be executed by an 
officer or responsible person employed by the institution, 
establishment, or organization where the work has performed.
    (B) Affidavits written by present or former employers or recognized 
experts certifying to the recognition and extraordinary ability, or, in 
the case of a motion picture or television production, the extraordinary 
achievement of the alien, which shall specifically describe the alien's 
recognition and ability or achievement in factual terms. The affidavit 
must also set forth the expertise of the affiant and the manner in which 
the affiant acquired such information.
    (C) A legible copy of a document in support of the petition may be 
submitted in lieu of the original. However, the original document shall 
be submitted if requested by the Director.

[[Page 423]]

    (iv) Other filing situations--(A) Services in more than one 
location. A petition which requires the alien to work in more than one 
location (e.g., a tour) must include an itinerary with the dates and 
locations of the performances.
    (B) Services for more than one employer. If the beneficiary or 
beneficiaries will work for more than one employer within the same time 
period, each employer must file a separate petition unless an agent 
files the petition pursuant to paragraph (p)(2)(iv)(E) of this section.
    (C) Change of employer--(1) General. If a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien in 
the United States seeks to change employers or sponsors, the new 
employer or sponsor must file both a petition and a request to extend 
the alien's stay in the United States. The alien may not commence 
employment with the new employer or sponsor until the petition and 
request for extension have been approved.
    (2) Traded professional P-1 athletes. In the case of a professional 
P-1 athlete who is traded from one organization to another organization, 
employment authorization for the player will automatically continue for 
a period of 30 days after acquisition by the new organization, within 
which time the new organization is expected to file a new application or 
petition for P-1 nonimmigrant classification. If a new application or 
petition is not filed within 30 days, employment authorization will 
cease. If a new application or petition is filed within 30 days, the 
professional athlete shall be deemed to be in valid P-1 status, and 
employment shall continue to be authorized, until the petition is 
adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, employment authorization 
will cease.
    (D) Amended petition. The petitioner shall file an amended petition, 
with fee, with the Service Center where the original petition was filed 
to reflect any material changes in the terms and conditions of 
employment or the beneficiary's eligibility as specified in the original 
approved petition. A petitioner may add additional, similar or 
comparable performance, engagements, or competitions during the validity 
period of the petition without filing an amended petition.
    (E) Agents as petitioners. A United States agent may file a petition 
in cases involving workers who are traditionally self-employed or 
workers who use agents to arrange short-term employment on their behalf 
with numerous employers, and in cases where a foreign employer 
authorizes the agent to act on its behalf. A United States agent may be: 
the actual employer of the beneficiary; the representative of both the 
employer and the beneficiary; or, a person or entity authorized by the 
employer to act for, or in place of, the employer as its agent. A 
petition filed by an United States agent is subject to the following 
conditions:
    (1) An agent performing the function of an employer must specify the 
wage offered and the other terms and conditions of employment by 
contractual agreement with the beneficiary or beneficiaries. The agent/
employer must also provide an itinerary of definite employment and 
information on any other services planned for the period of time 
requested.
    (2) A person or company in business as an agent may file the P 
petition involving multiple employers as the representative of both the 
employers and the beneficiary or beneficiaries if the supporting 
documentation includes a complete itinerary of services or engagements. 
The itinerary shall specify the dates of each service or engagement, the 
names and addresses of the actual employers, the names and addresses of 
the establishment, venues, or locations where the services will be 
performed. In questionable cases, a contract between the employer(s) and 
the beneficiary or beneficiaries may be required. The burden is on the 
agent to explain the terms and conditions of the employment and to 
provide any required documentation.
    (3) A foreign employer who, through a United States agent, files a 
petition for a P nonimmigrant alien is responsible for complying with 
all of the employer sanctions provisions of section 274A of the Act and 
8 CFR part 274a.
    (F) Multiple beneficiaries. More than one beneficiary may be 
included in a P petition if they are members of a team

[[Page 424]]

or group, or if they will provide essential support to P-1, P-2, or P-3 
beneficiaries performing in the same location and in the same 
occupation. Up to 25 named beneficiaries may be included per petition.
    (G) Named beneficiaries. Petitions for P classification must include 
the names of beneficiaries and other required information at the time of 
filing.
    (H) Substitution of beneficiaries. A petitioner may request 
substitution of beneficiaries in approved P-1, P-2, and P-3 petitions 
for groups. To request substitution, the petitioner shall submit a 
letter requesting such substitution, along with a copy of the 
petitioner's approval notice, to the consular office at which the alien 
will apply for a visa or the Port-of-Entry where the alien will apply 
for admission. Essential support personnel may not be substituted at 
consular offices or at Ports-of-entry. In order to add additional new 
essential support personnel, a new petition must be filed.
    (3) Definitions. As used in this paragraph, the term:
    Arts includes fields of creative activity or endeavor such as, but 
not limited to, fine arts, visual arts, and performing arts.
    Competition, event, or performance means an activity such as an 
athletic competition, athletic season, tournament, tour, exhibit, 
project, entertainment event, or engagement. Such activity could include 
short vacations, promotional appearances for the petitioning employer 
relating to the competition, event, or performance, and stopovers which 
are incidental and/or related to the activity. An athletic competition 
or entertainment event could include an entire season of performances A 
group of related activities will also be considered an event. In the 
case of a P-2 petition, the event may be the duration of the reciprocal 
exchange agreement. In the case of a P-1 athlete, the event may be the 
duration of the alien's contract.
    Contract means the written agreement between the petitioner and the 
beneficiary(ies) that explains the terms and conditions of employment. 
The contract shall describe the services to be performed, and specify 
the wages, hours of work, working conditions, and any fringe benefits.
    Culturally unique means a style of artistic expression, methodology, 
or medium which is unique to a particular country, nation, society, 
class, ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other group of persons.
    Essential support alien means a highly skilled, essential person 
determined by the Director to be an integral part of the performance of 
a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien because he or she performs support services 
which cannot be readily performed by a United States worker and which 
are essential to the successful performance of services by the P-1, P-2, 
alien. Such alien must have appropriate qualifications to perform the 
services, critical knowledge of the specific services to be performed, 
and experience in providing such support to the P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien.
    Group means two or more persons established as one entity or unit to 
perform or to provide a service.
    Internationally recognized means having a high level of achievement 
in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially 
above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement 
is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.
    Member of a group means a person who is actually performing the 
entertainment services.
    Sponsor means an established organization in the United States which 
will not directly employ a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien but will assume 
responsibility for the accuracy of the terms and conditions specified in 
the petition.
    Team means two or more persons organized to perform together as a 
competitive unit in a competitive event.
    (4) Petition for an internationally recognized athlete or member of 
an internationally recognized entertainment group (P-1)--(i) Types of 
classification--(A) P-1 classification as an athlete in an individual 
capacity. A P-1 classification may be granted to an alien who is an 
internationally recognized athlete based on his or her own reputation 
and achievements as an individual. The alien must be coming to the 
United

[[Page 425]]

States to perform services which require an internationally recognized 
athlete.
    (B) P-1 classification as a member of an entertainment group or an 
athletic team. An entertainment group or athletic team consists of two 
or more persons who function as a unit. The entertainment group or 
athletic team as a unit must be internationally recognized as 
outstanding in the discipline and must be coming to perform services 
which require an internationally recognized entertainment group or 
athletic team. A person who is a member of an internationally recognized 
entertainment group or athletic team may be granted P-1 classification 
based on that relationship, but may not perform services separate and 
apart from the entertainment group or athletic team. An entertainment 
group must have been established for a minimum of 1 year, and 75 percent 
of the members of the group must have been performing entertainment 
services for the group for a minimum of 1 year.
    (ii) Criteria and documentary requirements for P-1 athletes--(A) 
General. A P-1 athlete must have an internationally recognized 
reputation as an international athlete or he or she must be a member of 
a foreign team that is internationally recognized. The athlete or team 
must be coming to the United States to participate in an athletic 
competition which has a distinguished reputation and which requires 
participation of an athlete or athletic team that has an international 
reputation.
    (B) Evidentiary requirements for an internationally recognized 
athlete or athletic team. A petition for an athletic team must be 
accompanied by evidence that the team as a unit has achieved 
international recognition in the sport. Each member of the team is 
accorded P-1 classification based on the international reputation of the 
team. A petition for an athlete who will compete individually or as a 
member of a U.S. team must be accompanied by evidence that the athlete 
has achieved international recognition in the sport based on his or her 
reputation. A petition for a P-1 athlete or athletic team shall include:
    (1) A tendered contract with a major United States sports league or 
team, or a tendered contract in an individual sport commensurate with 
international recognition in that sport, if such contracts are normally 
executed in the sport, and
    (2) Documentation of at least two of the following:
    (i) Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a 
prior season with a major United States sports league;
    (ii) Evidence of having participated in international competition 
with a national team;
    (iii) Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a 
prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate 
competition;
    (iv) A written statement from an official of the governing body of 
the sport which details how the alien or team is internationally 
recognized;
    (v) A written statement from a member of the sports media or a 
recognized expert in the sport which details how the alien or team is 
internationally recognized;
    (vi) Evidence that the individual or team is ranked if the sport has 
international rankings; or
    (vii) Evidence that the alien or team has received a significant 
honor or award in the sport.
    (iii) Criteria and documentary requirements for members of an 
internationally recognized entertainment group--(A) General. A P-1 
classification shall be accorded to an entertainment group to perform as 
a unit based on the international reputation of the group. Individual 
entertainers shall not be accorded P-1 classification to perform 
separate and apart from a group. Except as provided in paragraph 
(p)(4)(iii)(C)(2) of this section, it must be established that the group 
has been internationally recognized as outstanding in the discipline for 
a sustained and substantial period of time. Seventy-five percent of the 
members of the group must have had a sustained and substantial 
relationship with the group for at least 1 year and must provide 
functions integral to the group's performance.
    (B) Evidentiary criteria for members of internationally recognized 
entertainment groups. A petition for P-1 classification

[[Page 426]]

for the members of an entertainment group shall be accompanied by:
    (1) Evidence that the group has been established and performing 
regularly for a period of at least 1 year;
    (2) A statement from the petitioner listing each member of the group 
and the exact dates for which each member has been employed on a regular 
basis by the group; and
    (3) Evidence that the group has been internationally recognized in 
the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time. This may 
be demonstrated by the submission of evidence of the group's nomination 
or receipt of significant international awards or prices for outstanding 
achievement in its field or by three of the following different types of 
documentation:
    (i) Evidence that the group has performed, and will perform, as a 
starring or leading entertainment group in productions or events which 
have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, 
advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or 
endorsements;
    (ii) Evidence that the group has achieved international recognition 
and acclaim for outstanding achievement in its field as evidenced by 
reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other 
published material;
    (iii) Evidence that the group has performed, and will perform, 
services as a leading or starring group for organizations and 
establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by 
articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
    (iv) Evidence that the group has a record of major commercial or 
critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by such indicators as 
ratings; standing in the field; box office receipts; record, cassette, 
or video sales; and other achievements in the field as reported in trade 
journals, major newspapers, or other publications;
    (v) Evidence that the group has achieved significant recognition for 
achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other 
recognized experts in the field. Such testimonials must be in a form 
that clearly indicates the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge 
of the alien's achievements; or
    (vi) Evidence that the group has either commanded a high salary or 
will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for 
services comparable to other similarly situated in the field as 
evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.
    (C) Special provisions for certain entertainment groups--(1) Alien 
circus personnel. The 1-year group membership requirement and the 
international recognition requirement are not applicable to alien circus 
personnel who perform as part of a circus or circus group, or who 
constitute an integral and essential part of the performance of such 
circus or circus group, provided that the alien or aliens are coming to 
join a circus that has been recognized nationally as outstanding for a 
sustained and substantial period of time or as part of such a circus.
    (2) Certain nationally known entertainment groups. The Director may 
waive the international recognition requirement in the case of an 
entertainment group which has been recognized nationally as being 
outstanding in its discipline for a sustained and substantial period of 
time in consideration of special circumstances. An example of a special 
circumstances would be when an entertainment group may find it difficult 
to demonstrate recognition in more than one country due to such factors 
as limited access to news media or consequences of geography.
    (3) Waiver of 1-year relationship in exigent circumstances. The 
Director may waive the 1-year relationship requirement for an alien who, 
because of illness or unanticipated and exigent circumstances, replaces 
an essential member of a P-1 entertainment group or an alien who 
augments the group by performing a critical role. The Department of 
State is hereby delegated the authority to waive the 1-year relationship 
requirement in the case of consular substitutions involving P-1 
entertainment groups.
    (iv) P-1 classification as an essential support alien--(A) General. 
An essential support alien as defined in paragraph (p)(3) of this 
section may be granted P-1 classification based on a support 
relationship with an individual P-1 athlete,

[[Page 427]]

P-1 athletic team, or a P-1 entertainment group.
    (B) Evidentiary criteria for a P-1 essential support petition. A 
petition for P-1 essential support personnel must be accompanied by:
    (1) A consultation from a labor organization with expertise in the 
area of the alien's skill;
    (2) A statement describing the alien(s) prior essentiality, critical 
skills, and experience with the principal alien(s); and
    (3) A copy of the written contract or a summary of the terms of the 
oral agreement between the alien(s) and the employer.
    (5) Petition for an artist or entertainer under a reciprocal 
exchange program (P-2)--(i) General. (A) A P-2 classification shall be 
accorded to artists or entertainers, individually or as a group, who 
will be performing under a reciprocal exchange program which is between 
an organization or organizations in the United States, which may include 
a management organization, and an organization or organizations in one 
or more foreign states and which provides for the temporary exchange of 
artists and entertainers, or groups of artists and entertainers.
    (B) The exchange of artists or entertainers shall be similar in 
terms of caliber of artists or entertainers, terms and conditions of 
employment, such as length of employment, and numbers of artists or 
entertainers involved in the exchange. However, this requirement does 
not preclude an individual for group exchange.
    (C) An alien who is an essential support person as defined in 
paragraph (p)(3) of this section may be accorded P-2 classification 
based on a support relationship to a P-2 artist or entertainer under a 
reciprocal exchange program.
    (ii) Evidentiary requirements for petition involving a reciprocal 
exchange program. A petition for P-2 classification shall be accompanied 
by:
    (A) A copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement between the 
U.S. organization or organizations which sponsor the aliens and an 
organization or organizations in a foreign country which will receive 
the U.S. artist or entertainers;
    (B) A statement from the sponsoring organization describing the 
reciprocal exchange of U.S. artists or entertainers as it relates to the 
specific petition for which P-2 classification is being sought;
    (C) Evidence that an appropriate labor organization in the United 
States was involved in negotiating, or has concurred with, the 
reciprocal exchange of U.S. and foreign artists or entertainers; and
    (D) Evidence that the aliens for whom P-2 classification is being 
sought and the U.S. artists or entertainers subject to the reciprocal 
exchange agreement are artists or entertainers with comparable skills, 
and that the terms and conditions of employment are similar.
    (iii) P-2 classification as an essential support alien--(A) General. 
An essential support alien as defined in paragraph (p)(3) of this 
section may be granted P-2 classification based on a support 
relationship with a P-2 entertainer or P-2 entertainment group.
    (B) Evidentiary criteria for a P-2 essential support petition. A 
petition for P-2 essential support personnel must be accompanied by:
    (1) A consultation from a labor organization with expertise in the 
area of the alien's skill;
    (2) A statement describing the alien(s) prior essentiality, critical 
skills, and experience with the principal alien(s); and
    (3) A copy of the written contract or a summary of the terms of the 
oral agreement between the alien(s) and the employer.
    (6) Petition for an artist or entertainer under a culturally unique 
program--(i) General. (A) A P-3 classification may be accorded to 
artists or entertainers, individually or as a group, coming to the 
United States for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, 
coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, 
musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation.
    (B) The artist or entertainer must be coming to the United States to 
participate in a cultural event or events which will further the 
understanding or development of his or her art form.

[[Page 428]]

The program may be of a commercial or noncommercial nature.
    (ii) Evidentiary criteria for a petition involving a culturally 
unique program. A petition for P-3 classification shall be accompanied 
by:
    (A) Affidavits, testimonials, or letters from recognized experts 
attesting to the authenticity of the alien's or the group's skills in 
performing, presenting, coaching, or teaching the unique or traditional 
art form and giving the credentials of the expert, including the basis 
of his or her knowledge of the alien's or group's skill, or
    (B) Documentation that the performance of the alien or group is 
culturally unique, as evidence by reviews in newspapers, journals, or 
other published materials; and
    (C) Evidence that all of the performances or presentations will be 
culturally unique events.
    (iii) P-3 classification as an essential support alien--(A) General. 
An essential support alien as defined in paragraph (p)(3) of this 
section may be granted P-3 classification based on a support 
relationship with a P-3 entertainer or P-3 entertainment group.
    (B) Evidentiary criteria for a P-3 essential support petition. A 
petition for P-3 essential support personnel must be accompanied by:
    (1) A consultation from a labor organization with expertise in the 
area of the alien's skill;
    (2) A statement describing the alien(s) prior essentiality, critical 
skills and experience with the principal alien(s); and
    (3) A copy of the written contract or a summary of the terms of the 
oral agreement between the alien(s) and the employer.
    (7) Consultation--(i) General. (A) Consultation with an appropriate 
labor organization regarding the nature of the work to be done and the 
alien's qualifications is mandatory before a petition for P-1, P-2, or 
P-3 classification can be approved.
    (B) Except as provided in paragraph (p)(7)(i)(E) of this section, 
evidence of consultation shall be a written advisory opinion from an 
appropriate labor organization.
    (C) Except as provided in paragraph (p)(7)(i)(E) of this section, 
the petitioner shall obtain a written advisory opinion from an 
appropriate labor organization. The advisory opinion shall be submitted 
along with the petition when the petition is filed. If the advisory 
opinion is not favorable to the petitioner, the advisory opinion must 
set forth a specific statement of facts which support the conclusion 
reached in the opinion. Advisory opinions must be submitted in writing 
and signed by an authorized official of the organization.
    (D) Except as provided in paragraph (p)(7)(i) (E) and (F) of this 
section, written evidence of consultation shall be included in the 
record of every approved petition. Consultations are advisory and are 
not binding on the Service.
    (E) In a case where the Service has determined that a petition 
merits expeditious handling, the Service shall contact the labor 
organization and request an advisory opinion if one is not submitted by 
the petitioner. The labor organization shall have 24 hours to respond to 
the Service's request. The Service shall adjudicate the petition after 
receipt of the response from the labor organization. The labor 
organization shall then furnish the Service with a written advisory 
opinion within 5 working days of the request. If the labor organization 
fails to respond within 24 hours, the Service shall render a decision on 
the petition without the advisory opinion.
    (F) In those cases where it is established by the petitioner that an 
appropriate labor organization does not exist, the Service shall render 
a decision on the evidence of record.
    (ii) Consultation requirements for P-1 athletes and entertainment 
groups. Consultation with a labor organization that has expertise in the 
area of the alien's sport or entertainment field is required in the case 
of a P-1 petition. If the advisory opinion is not favorable to the 
petitioner, the advisory opinion must set forth a specific statement of 
facts which support the conclusion reached in the opinion. If the 
advisory opinion provided by the labor organization is favorable to the 
petitioner it should evaluate and/or describe the

[[Page 429]]

alien's or group's ability and achievements in the field of endeavor, 
comment on whether the alien or group is internationally recognized for 
achievements, and state whether the services the alien or group is 
coming to perform are appropriate for an internationally recognized 
athlete or entertainment group. In lieu of the above, a labor 
organization may submit a letter of no objection if it has no objection 
to the approval of the petition.
    (iii) Consultation requirements for P-1 circus personnel. The 
advisory opinion provided by the labor organization should comment on 
whether the circus which will employ the alien has national recognition 
as well as any other aspect of the beneficiary's or beneficiaries' 
qualifications which the labor organization deems appropriate. If the 
advisory opinion is not favorable to the petitioner, it must set forth a 
specific statement of facts which support the conclusion reached in the 
opinion. In lieu of the above, a labor organization may submit a letter 
of no objection if it has no objection to the approval of the petition.
    (iv) Consultation requirements for P-2 alien in a reciprocal 
exchange program. In P-2 petitions where an artist or entertainer is 
coming to the United States under a reciprocal exchange program, 
consultation with the appropriate labor organization is required to 
verify the existence of a viable exchange program. The advisory opinion 
from the labor organization shall comment on the bona fides of the 
reciprocal exchange program and specify whether the exchange meets the 
requirements of paragraph (p)(5) of this section. If the advisory 
opinion is not favorable to the petitioner, it must also set forth a 
specific statement of facts which support the conclusion reached in the 
opinion.
    (v) Consultation requirements for P-3 in a culturally unique 
program. Consultation with an appropriate labor organization is required 
for P-3 petitions involving aliens in culturally unique programs. If the 
advisory opinion is favorable to the petitioner, it should evaluate the 
cultural uniqueness of the alien's skills, state whether the events are 
cultural in nature, and state whether the event or activity is 
appropriate for P-3 classification. If the advisory opinion is not 
favorable to the petitioner, it must also set forth a specific statement 
of facts which support the conclusion reached in the opinion. In lieu of 
the above, a labor organization may submit a letter of no objection if 
it has no objection to the approval of the petition.
    (vi) Consultation requirements for essential support aliens. Written 
consultation on petitions for P-1, P-2, or P-3 essential support aliens 
must be made with a labor organization with expertise in the skill area 
involved. If the advisory opinion provided by the labor organization is 
favorable to the petitioner, it must evaluate the alien's essentiality 
to and working relationship with the artist or entertainer, and state 
whether United States workers are available who can perform the support 
services. If the advisory opinion is not favorable to the petitioner, it 
must also set forth a specific statement of facts which support the 
conclusion reached in the opinion. A labor organization may submit a 
letter of no objection if it has no objection to the approval of the 
petition.
    (vii) Labor organizations agreeing to provide consultations. The 
Service shall list in its Operations Instructions for P classification 
those organizations which have agreed to provide advisory opinions to 
the Service and/or petitioners. The list will not be an exclusive or 
exhaustive list. The Service and petitioners may use other sources, such 
as publications, to identify appropriate labor organizations. The 
Service will also list in its Operations Instructions those occupations 
or fields of endeavor where it has been determined by the Service that 
no appropriate labor organization exists.
    (8) Approval and validity of petition--(i) Approval. The Director 
shall consider all the evidence submitted and such other evidence as he 
or she may independently require to assist in his or her adjudication. 
The Director shall notify the petitioner of the approval of the petition 
on Form I-797, Notice of Action. The approval notice shall include the 
alien beneficiary's name and classification and the petition's period of 
validity.

[[Page 430]]

    (ii) Recording the validity of petitions. Procedures for recording 
the validity period of petitions are:
    (A) If a new P petition is approved before the date the petitioner 
indicates the services will begin, the approved petition and approval 
notice shall show the actual dates requested by the petitioner as the 
validity period, not to exceed the limit specified in paragraph 
(p)(8)(iii) of this section or other Service policy.
    (B) If a new P petition is approved after the date the petitioner 
indicates the services will begin, the approved petition and approval 
notice shall generally show a validity period commencing with the date 
of approval and ending with the date requested by the petitioner, not to 
exceed the limit specified in paragraph (p)(8)(iii) of this section or 
other Service policy.
    (C) If the period of services requested by the petitioner exceeds 
the limit specified in paragraph (p)(8)(iii) of this section, the 
petition shall be approved only up to the limit specified in that 
paragraph.
    (iii) Validity. The approval period of a P petition shall conform to 
the limits prescribed as follows:
    (A) P-1 petition for athletes. An approved petition for an 
individual athlete classified under section 101(a)(15)(P)(i) of the Act 
shall be valid for a period up to 5 years. An approved petition for an 
athletic team classified under section 101(a)(15)(P)(i) of the Act shall 
be valid for a period of time determined by the Director to complete the 
competition or event for which the alien team is being admitted, not to 
exceed 1 year.
    (B) P-1 petition for an entertainment group. An approved petition 
for an entertainment group classified under section 101(a)(15)(P)(i) of 
the Act shall be valid for a period of time determined by the Director 
to be necessary to complete the performance or event for which the group 
is being admitted, not to exceed 1 year.
    (C) P-2 and P-3 petitions for artists or entertainers. An approved 
petition for an artist or entertainer under section 101(a)(15)(P)(ii) or 
(iii) of the Act shall be valid for a period of time determined by the 
Director to be necessary to complete the event, activity, or performance 
for which the P-2 or P-3 alien is admitted, not to exceed 1 year.
    (D) Spouse and dependents. The spouse and unmarried minor children 
of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien beneficiary are entitled to P-4 nonimmigrant 
classification, subject to the same period of admission and limitations 
as the alien beneficiary, if they are accompanying or following to join 
the alien beneficiary in the United States. Neither the spouse nor a 
child of the alien beneficiary may accept employment unless he or she 
has been granted employment authorization.
    (E) Essential support aliens. Petitions for essential support 
personnel to P-1, P-2, and P-3 aliens shall be valid for a period of 
time determined by the Director to be necessary to complete the event, 
activity, or performance for which the P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien is 
admitted, not to exceed 1 year.
    (9) The petitioner shall be notified of the decision, the reasons 
for the denial, and the right to appeal the denial under 8 CFR part 103. 
There is no appeal from a decision to deny an extension of stay to the 
alien or a change of nonimmigrant status.
    (10) Revocation of approval of petition--(i) General. (A) The 
petitioner shall immediately notify the Service of any changes in the 
terms and conditions of employment of a beneficiary which may affect 
eligibility under section 101(a)(15)(P) of the Act and paragraph (p) of 
this section. An amended petition should be filed when the petitioner 
continues to employ the beneficiary. If the petitioner no longer employs 
the beneficiary, the petitioner shall send a letter explaining the 
change(s) to the Director who approved the petition.
    (B) The Director may revoke a petition at any time, even after the 
validity of the petition has expired.
    (ii) Automatic revocation. The approval of an unexpired petition is 
automatically revoked if the petitioner, or the employer in a petition 
filed by an agent, goes out of business, files a written withdrawal of 
the petition, or notifies the Service that the beneficiary is no longer 
employed by the petitioner.
    (iii) Revocation on notice--(A) Grounds for revocation. The Director 
shall send to the petitioner a notice of intent to

[[Page 431]]

revoke the petition in relevant part if he or she finds that:
    (1) The beneficiary is no longer employed by the petitioner in the 
capacity specified in the petition;
    (2) The statement of facts contained in the petition were not true 
and correct;
    (3) The petitioner violated the terms or conditions of the approved 
petition;
    (4) The petitioner violated requirements of section 101(a)(15)(P) of 
the Act or paragraph (p) of this section; or
    (5) The approval of the petition violated paragraph (p) of this 
section or involved gross error.
    (B) Notice and decision. The notice of intent to revoke shall 
contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation and the 
time period allowed for the petitioner's rebuttal. The petitioner may 
submit evidence in rebuttal within 30 days of the date of the notice. 
The Director shall consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding 
whether to revoke the petition.
    (11) Appeal of a denial or a revocation of a petition--(i) Denial. A 
denied petition may be appealed under 8 CFR part 103.
    (ii) Revocation. A petition that has been revoked on notice may be 
appealed under 8 CFR part 103. Automatic revocations may not be 
appealed.
    (12) Admission. A beneficiary may be admitted to the United States 
for the validity period of the petition, plus a period of up to 10 days 
before the validity period begins and 10 days after the validity period 
ends. The beneficiary may not work except during the validity period of 
the petition.
    (13) Extension of visa petition validity. The petitioner shall file 
a request to extend the validity of the original petition under section 
101(a)(15)(P) of the Act on the form prescribed by USCIS in order to 
continue or complete the same activity or event specified in the 
original petition. Supporting documents are not required unless 
requested by the Director. A petition extension may be filed only if the 
validity of the original petition has not expired.
    (14) Extension of stay--(i) Extension procedure. The petitioner 
shall request extension of the alien's stay to continue or complete the 
same event or activity by filing the form prescribed by USCIS, 
accompanied by a statement explaining the reasons for the extension. The 
petitioner must also request a petition extension. The extension dates 
shall be the same for the petition and the beneficiary's stay. The 
beneficiary must be physically present in the United States at the time 
the extension of stay is filed. Even though the requests to extend the 
petition and the alien's stay are combined on the petition, the Director 
shall make a separate determination on each. If the alien leaves the 
United States for business or personal reasons while the extension 
requests are pending, the petitioner may request the Director to cable 
notification of approval of the petition extension to the consular 
office abroad where the alien will apply for a visa.
    (ii) Extension periods--(A) P-1 individual athlete. An extension of 
stay for a P-1 individual athlete and his or her essential support 
personnel may be authorized for a period up to 5 years for a total 
period of stay not to exceed 10 years.
    (B) Other P-1, P-2, and P-3 aliens. An extension of stay may be 
authorized in increments of 1 year for P-1 athletic teams, entertainment 
groups, aliens in reciprocal exchange programs, aliens in culturally 
unique programs, and their essential support personnel to continue or 
complete the same event or activity for which they were admitted.
    (15) Effect of approval of a permanent labor certification or filing 
of a preference petition on P classification. The approval of a 
permanent labor certification or the filing of a preference petition for 
an alien shall not be a basis for denying a P petition, a request to 
extend such a petition, or the alien's admission, change of status, or 
extension of stay. The alien may legitimately come to the United States 
for a temporary period as a P nonimmigrant and depart voluntarily at the 
end of his or her authorized stay and, at the same time, lawfully seek 
to become a permanent resident of the United States. This provision does 
not include essential support personnel.
    (16) Effect of a strike. (i) If the Secretary of Labor certifies to 
the Commissioner that a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of

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workers is in progress in the occupation at the place where the 
beneficiary is to be employed, and that the employment of the 
beneficiary would adversely affect the wages and working conditions of 
U.S. citizens and lawful resident workers:
    (A) A petition to classify an alien as a nonimmigrant as defined in 
section 101(a)(15)(P) of the Act shall be denied; or
    (B) If a petition has been approved, but the alien has not yet 
entered the United States, or has entered the United States but has not 
commenced employment, the approval of the petition is automatically 
suspended, and the application for admission of the basis of the 
petition shall be denied.
    (ii) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress, but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (p)(16)(i) of this section, the 
Commissioner shall not deny a petition or suspend an approved petition.
    (iii) If the alien has already commenced employment in the United 
States under an approved petition and is participating in a strike or 
labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers, whether or not such 
strike or other labor dispute has been certified by the Secretary of 
Labor, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to maintain his or 
her status solely on account of past, present, or future participation 
in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers 
but is subject to the following terms and conditions:
    (A) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations promulgated 
thereunder in the same manner as all other P nonimmigrant aliens;
    (B) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is not 
modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her participation in 
a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers; 
and
    (C) Although participation by a P nonimmigrant alien in a strike or 
other labor dispute involving a work stoppages of workers will not 
constitute a ground for deportation, an alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his or her authorized 
period of stay has expired, will be subject to deportation.
    (17) Use of approval of notice, Form I-797. The Service has notify 
the petitioner on Form I-797 whenever a visa petition or an extension of 
a visa petition is approved under the P classification. The beneficiary 
of a P petition who does not require a nonimmigrant visa may present a 
copy of the approved notice at a Port-of-Entry to facilitate entry into 
the United States. A beneficiary who is required to present a visa for 
admission, and whose visa expired before the date of his or her intended 
return, may use Form I-797 to apply for a new or revalidated visa during 
the validity period of the petition. The copy of Form I-797 shall be 
retained by the beneficiary and present during the validity of the 
petition when reentering the United States to resume the same employment 
with the same petitioner.
    (18) Return transportation requirement. In the case of an alien who 
enters the United States under section 101(a)(15)(P) of the Act and 
whose employment terminates for reasons other than voluntary 
resignation, the employer whose offer of employment formed the basis of 
such nonimmigrant status and the petitioner are jointly and severally 
liable for the reasonable cost of return transportation of the alien 
abroad. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ``abroad'' means 
the alien's last place of residence prior to his or her entry into the 
United States.
    (q) Cultural visitors--(1)(i) International cultural exchange 
visitors program. Paragraphs (q)(2) through (q)(11) of this section 
provide the rules governing nonimmigrant aliens who are visiting the 
United States temporarily in an international cultural exchange visitors 
program (Q-1).
    (ii) Irish peace process cultural and training program. Paragraph 
(q)(15) of this section provides the rules governing nonimmigrant aliens 
who are visiting the United States temporarily under the Irish peace 
process cultural and training program (Q-2) and their dependents (Q-3).

[[Page 433]]

    (iii) Definitions. As used in this section:
    Country of nationality means the country of which the participant 
was a national at the time of the petition seeking international 
cultural exchange visitor status for him or her.
    Doing business means the regular, systematic, and continuous 
provision of goods and/or services (including lectures, seminars and 
other types of cultural programs) by a qualified employer which has 
employees, and does not include the mere presence of an agent or office 
of the qualifying employer.
    Duration of program means the time in which a qualified employer is 
conducting an approved international cultural exchange program in the 
manner as established by the employer's petition for program approval, 
provided that the period of time does not exceed 15 months.
    International cultural exchange visitor means an alien who has a 
residence in a foreign country which he or she has no intention of 
abandoning, and who is coming temporarily to the United States to take 
part in an international cultural exchange program approved by the 
Attorney General.
    Petitioner means the employer or its designated agent who has been 
employed by the qualified employer on a permanent basis in an executive 
or managerial capacity. The designated agent must be a United States 
citizen, an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien 
provided temporary residence status under sections 210 or 245A of the 
Act.
    Qualified employer means a United States or foreign firm, 
corporation, non-profit organization, or other legal entity (including 
its U.S. branches, subsidiaries, affiliates, and franchises) which 
administers an international cultural exchange program designated by the 
Attorney General in accordance with the provisions of section 
101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act.
    (2) Admission of international cultural exchange visitor--(i) 
General. A nonimmigrant alien may be authorized to enter the United 
States as a participant in an international cultural exchange program 
approved by the Attorney General for the purpose of providing practical 
training, employment, and the sharing of the history, culture, and 
traditions of the country of the alien's nationality. The period of 
admission is the duration of the approved international cultural 
exchange program or fifteen (15) months, whichever is shorter. A 
nonimmigrant alien admitted under this provision is classifiable as an 
international cultural exchange visitor in Q-1 status.
    (ii) Limitation on admission. Any alien who has been admitted into 
the United States as an international cultural exchange visitor under 
section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act shall not be readmitted in Q-1 
status unless the alien has resided and been physically present outside 
the United States for the immediate prior year. Brief trips to the 
United States for pleasure or business during the immediate prior year 
do not break the continuity of the one-year foreign residency.
    (3) International cultural exchange program--(i) General. A United 
States employer shall petition the Attorney General on the form 
prescribed by USCIS, for approval of an international cultural exchange 
program which is designed to provide an opportunity for the American 
public to learn about foreign cultures. The United States employer must 
simultaneously petition on the same application or petition for the 
authorization for one or more individually identified nonimmigrant 
aliens to be admitted in Q-1 status. These aliens are to be admitted to 
engage in employment or training of which the essential element is the 
sharing with the American public, or a segment of the public sharing a 
common cultural interest, of the culture of the alien's country of 
nationality. The international cultural exchange visitor's eligibility 
for admission will be considered only if the international cultural 
exchange program is approved.
    (ii) Program validity. Each petition for an international cultural 
exchange program will be approved for the duration of the program, which 
may not exceed 15 months, plus 30 days to allow time for the 
participants to make travel arrangements. Subsequent to the approval of 
the initial petition, a new petition must be filed each time the 
qualified employer wishes to bring in

[[Page 434]]

additional cultural visitors. A qualified employer may replace or 
substitute a participant named on a previously approved petition for the 
remainder of the program in accordance with paragraph (q)(6) of this 
section. The replacement or substituting alien may be admitted in Q-1 
status until the expiration date of the approved petition.
    (iii) Requirements for program approval. An international cultural 
exchange program must meet all of the following requirements:
    (A) Accessibility to the public. The international cultural exchange 
program must take place in a school, museum, business or other 
establishment where the American public, or a segment of the public 
sharing a common cultural interest, is exposed to aspects of a foreign 
culture as part of a structured program. Activities that take place in a 
private home or an isolated business setting to which the American 
public, or a segment of the public sharing a common cultural interest, 
does not have direct access do not qualify.
    (B) Cultural component. The international cultural exchange program 
must have a cultural component which is an essential and integral part 
of the international cultural exchange visitor's employment or training. 
The cultural component must be designed, on the whole, to exhibit or 
explain the attitude, customs, history, heritage, philosophy, or 
traditions of the international cultural exchange visitor's country of 
nationality. A cultural component may include structured instructional 
activities such as seminars, courses, lecture series, or language camps.
    (C) Work component. The international cultural exchange visitor's 
employment or training in the United States may not be independent of 
the cultural component of the international cultural exchange program. 
The work component must serve as the vehicle to achieve the objectives 
of the cultural component. The sharing of the culture of the 
international cultural exchange visitor's country of nationality must 
result from his or her employment or training with the qualified 
employer in the United States.
    (iv) Requirements for international cultural exchange visitors. To 
be eligible for international cultural exchange visitor status, an alien 
must be a bona fide nonimmigrant who:
    (A) Is at least 18 years of age at the time the petition is filed;
    (B) Is qualified to perform the service or labor or receive the type 
of training stated in the petition;
    (C) Has the ability to communicate effectively about the cultural 
attributes of his or her country of nationality to the American public; 
and
    (D) Has resided and been physically present outside of the United 
States for the immediate prior year, if he or she was previously 
admitted as an international cultural exchange visitor.
    (4) Supporting documentation--(i) Documentation by the employer. To 
establish eligibility as a qualified employer, the petitioner must 
submit with the completed application or petition appropriate evidence 
that the employer:
    (A) Maintains an established international cultural exchange program 
in accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph (q)(3) of 
this section;
    (B) Has designated a qualified employee as a representative who will 
be responsible for administering the international cultural exchange 
program and who will serve as liaison with the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service;
    (C) Is actively doing business in the United States;
    (D) Will offer the alien(s) wages and working conditions comparable 
to those accorded local domestic workers similarly employed; and
    (E) Has the financial ability to remunerate the participant(s).
    (ii) Certification by petitioner. (A) The petitioner must give the 
date of birth, country of nationality, level of education, position 
title, and a brief job description for each international cultural 
exchange visitor included in the petition. The petitioner must verify 
and certify that the prospective participants are qualified to perform 
the service or labor, or receive the type of training, described in the 
petition.
    (B) The petitioner must report the international cultural exchange 
visitors' wages and certify that such cultural exchange visitors are 
offered

[[Page 435]]

wages and working conditions comparable to those accorded to local 
domestic workers similarly employed.
    (iii) Supporting documentation as prescribed in paragraphs (q)(4)(i) 
and (q)(4)(ii) of this section must accompany a petition filed on the 
form prescribed by USCIS in all cases except where the employer files 
multiple petitions in the same calendar year. When petitioning to repeat 
a previously approved international cultural exchange program, a copy of 
the initial program approval notice may be submitted in lieu of the 
documentation required under paragraph (q)(4)(i) of this section. The 
Service will request additional documentation only when clarification is 
needed.
    (5) Filing of petitions for international cultural exchange visitor 
program--(i) General. A United States employer seeking to bring in 
international cultural exchange visitors must file a petition on the 
form prescribed by USCIS, with the applicable fee, along with 
appropriate documentation. A new petition on the form prescribed by 
USCIS, with the applicable fee, must be filed with the appropriate 
service center each time a qualified employer wants to bring in 
additional international cultural exchange visitors. Each person named 
on an approved petition will be admitted only for the duration of the 
approved program. Replacement or substitution may be made for any person 
named on an approved petition as provided in paragraph (q)(6) of this 
section, but only for the remainder of the approved program.
    (ii) Petition for multiple participants. The petitioner may include 
more than one participant on the petition. The petitioner shall include 
the name, date of birth, nationality, and other identifying information 
required on the petition for each participant. The petitioner must also 
indicate the United States consulate at which each participant will 
apply for a Q-1 visa. For participants who are visa-exempt under 8 CFR 
212.1(a), the petitioner must indicate the port of entry at which each 
participant will apply for admission to the United States.
    (iii) Service, labor, or training in more than one location. A 
petition which requires the international cultural exchange visitor to 
engage in employment or training (with the same employer) in more than 
one location must include an itinerary with the dates and locations of 
the services, labor, or training.
    (iv) Services, labor, or training for more than one employer. If the 
international cultural exchange visitor will perform services or labor 
for, or receive training from, more than one employer, each employer 
must file a separate petition. The international cultural exchange 
visitor may work part-time for multiple employers provided that each 
employer has an approved petition for the alien.
    (v) Change of employers. If an international cultural exchange 
visitor is in the United States under section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the 
Act and decides to change employers, the new employer must file a 
petition. However, the total period of time the international cultural 
exchange visitor may stay in the United States remains limited to 
fifteen (15) months.
    (6) Substitution or replacements of participants in an international 
cultural exchange visitor program. The petitioner may substitute for or 
replace a person named on a previously approved petition for the 
remainder of the program without filing a new application or petition. 
The substituting international cultural exchange visitor must meet the 
qualification requirements prescribed in paragraph (q)(3)(iv) of this 
section. To request substitution or replacement, the petitioner shall, 
by letter, notify the consular office at which the alien will apply for 
a visa or, in the case of visa-exempt aliens, the Service office at the 
port of entry where the alien will apply for admission. A copy of the 
petition's approval notice must be included with the letter. The 
petitioner must state the date of birth, country of nationality, level 
of education, and position title of each prospective international 
cultural exchange visitor and must certify that each is qualified to 
perform the service or labor or receive the type of training described 
in the approved petition. The petitioner must also indicate each

[[Page 436]]

international cultural exchange visitor's wages and certify that the 
international cultural exchange visitor is offered wages and working 
conditions comparable to those accorded to local domestic workers in 
accordance with paragraph (q)(11)(ii) of this section.
    (7) Approval of petition for international cultural exchange visitor 
program. (i) The director shall consider all the evidence submitted and 
request other evidence as he or she may deem necessary.
    (ii) The director shall notify the petitioner and the appropriate 
United States consulate(s) of the approval of a petition. For 
participants who are visa-exempt under 8 CFR 212.1(a), the director 
shall give notice of the approval to the director of the port of entry 
at which each such participant will apply for admission to the United 
States. The notice of approval shall include the name of the 
international cultural exchange visitors, their classification, and the 
petition's period of validity.
    (iii) An approved petition for an alien classified under section 
101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act is valid for the length of the approved 
program or fifteen (15) months, whichever is shorter.
    (iv) A petition shall not be approved for an alien who has an 
aggregate of fifteen (15) months in the United States under section 
101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act, unless the alien has resided and been 
physically present outside the United States for the immediate prior 
year.
    (8) Denial of the petition--(i) Notice of denial. The petitioner 
shall be notified of the denial of a petition, the reasons for the 
denial, and the right to appeal the denial under part 103 of this 
chapter.
    (ii) Multiple participants. A petition for multiple international 
cultural exchange visitors may be denied in whole or in part.
    (9) Revocation of approval of petition--(i) General. The petitioner 
shall immediately notify the appropriate Service center of any changes 
in the employment of a participant which would affect eligibility under 
section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act.
    (ii) Automatic revocation. The approval of any petition is 
automatically revoked if the qualifying employer goes out of business, 
files a written withdrawal of the petition, or terminates the approved 
international cultural exchange program prior to its expiration date. No 
further action or notice by the Service is necessary in the case of 
automatic revocation. In any other case, the Service shall follow the 
revocation procedures in paragraphs (q)(9) (iii) through (v) of this 
section.
    (iii) Revocation on notice. The director shall send the petitioner a 
notice of intent to revoke the petition in whole or in part if he or she 
finds that:
    (A) The international cultural exchange visitor is no longer 
employed by the petitioner in the capacity specified in the petition, or 
if the international cultural exchange visitor is no longer receiving 
training as specified in the petition;
    (B) The statement of facts contained in the petition was not true 
and correct;
    (C) The petitioner violated the terms and conditions of the approved 
petition; or
    (D) The Service approved the petition in error.
    (iv) Notice and decision. The notice of intent to revoke shall 
contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation and the 
period of time allowed for the petitioner's rebuttal. The petitioner may 
submit evidence in rebuttal within 30 days of receipt of the notice. The 
director shall consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding 
whether to revoke the petition in whole or in part. If the petition is 
revoked in part, the remainder of the petition shall remain approved and 
a revised approval notice shall be sent to the petitioner with the 
revocation notice.
    (v) Appeal of a revocation of a petition. Revocation with notice of 
a petition in whole or in part may be appealed to the Associate 
Commissioner for Examinations under part 103 of this chapter. Automatic 
revocation may not be appealed.
    (10) Extension of stay. An alien's total period of stay in the 
United States under section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act cannot exceed 
fifteen (15) months. The authorized stay of an international cultural 
exchange visitor may be extended within the 15-month limit if he or she 
is the beneficiary of a new petition

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filed in accordance with paragraph (q)(3) of this section. The new 
petition, if filed by the same employer, should include a copy of the 
previous petition's approval notice and a letter from the petitioner 
indicating any terms and conditions of the previous petition that have 
changed.
    (11) Employment provisions--(i) General. An alien classified under 
section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i) of the Act may be employed only by the 
qualified employer through which the alien attained Q-1 nonimmigrant 
status. An alien in this class is not required to apply for an 
employment authorization document. Employment outside the specific 
program violates the terms of the alien's Q-1 nonimmigrant status within 
the meaning of section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (ii) Wages and working conditions. The wages and working conditions 
of an international cultural exchange visitor must be comparable to 
those accorded to domestic workers similarly employed in the 
geographical area of the alien's employment. The employer must certify 
on the petition that such conditions are met as in accordance with 
paragraph (q)(4)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (12)-(14) [Reserved]
    (15) Irish peace process cultural and training program visitors (Q-
2) and their dependents (Q-3)--(i) General. An Irish Peace Process 
Cultural and Training Program (IPPCTP) visitor is a nonimmigrant alien 
coming to the United States temporarily to gain or upgrade work skills 
through training and temporary employment and to experience living in a 
diverse and peaceful environment.
    (ii) What are the requirements for participation? (A) The principal 
alien must have been physically resident in either Northern Ireland or 
the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal in 
the Republic of Ireland, for at least 3 months immediately preceding 
application to the program and must show that he or she has no intention 
of abandoning this residence.
    (B) The principal alien must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
    (C) The principal alien must:
    (1) Be unemployed for at least 3 months, or have completed or 
currently be enrolled in a training/employment program sponsored by the 
Training and Employment Agency of Northern Ireland (T&EA) or by the 
Training and Employment Authority of Ireland (FAS), or by other such 
publicly funded programs, or have been made redundant from employment 
(i.e., lost their job), or have received a notice of redundancy 
(termination of employment); or
    (2) Be a currently employed person whose employer has nominated him/
her to participate in this program for additional training or job 
experience that is to benefit both the participant and his/her employer 
upon returning home.
    (D) The principal alien must intend to come to the United States 
temporarily, for a period not to exceed 36 months, in order to obtain 
training, employment, and the experience of coexistence and conflict 
resolution in a diverse society.
    (iii) Are there any limitations on admissions? (A) No more than 
4,000 participants, including spouses and any minor children of 
principal aliens, may be admitted annually for 3 consecutive program 
years, beginning with FY 2000 (October 1, 1999, through September 30, 
2000).
    (B) For each alien admitted under section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of the 
Act, the number of aliens admitted under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of 
the Act is reduced by one for that fiscal year or the subsequent fiscal 
year.
    (C) This program expires on October 1, 2005.
    (iv) What are the requirements for initial admission to the United 
States? (A) Principal aliens, their spouses, and minor children of 
principal aliens must present valid passports and either a Q-2 or Q-3 
visa at the time of inspection.
    (B) Initial admission for those principal and dependent aliens in 
this program who received their visas at either the U.S. Embassy in 
Dublin or the U.S. Consulate in Belfast must take place at the Service's 
Pre-Flight Inspection facilities at either the Shannon or Dublin 
airports in the Republic of Ireland.
    (C) The principal alien will be required to present a Certification 
Letter issued by the Department of State's

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(DOS') Program Administrator documenting him or her as an individual 
selected for participation in the IPPCTP. Eligible dependents may be 
requested to present written documentation certifying their relationship 
to the principal.
    (v) May the principal alien and dependents make brief visits outside 
the United States? (A) The principal alien, spouse, and any minor 
children of the principal alien may make brief departures, for periods 
not to exceed 3 consecutive months, and may be readmitted without having 
to obtain a new visa. However, such periods of time spent outside the 
United States will not be added to the end of stay, which is not to 
exceed a total of 3 years from the initial date of entry of the 
principal alien.
    (B) Those participants or dependents who remain outside the United 
States in excess of 3 consecutive months will not be readmitted by the 
Service on their initial Q-2 or Q-3 visa. Instead, any such individual 
and eligible dependents wishing to rejoin the program will be required 
to reapply to the program and be in receipt of a new Q-2 or Q-3 visa and 
a Certification Letter issued by the DOS' Program Administrator, prior 
to any subsequent admission to the United States.
    (vi) How long may a Q-2 or Q-3 visa holder remain in the United 
States under this program? (A) The principal alien and any accompanying, 
or following-to-join, spouse or minor children of the principal alien 
are admitted for the duration of the principal alien's planned cultural 
and training program or 36 months, whichever is shorter.
    (B) Those participants and eligible dependents admitted for specific 
periods less than 36 months may extend their period of stay through the 
Service so that their total period of stay is 36 months, provided the 
extension of stay is related to employment or training certified by the 
DOS' Program Administrator.
    (vii) How is employment authorized under this program? (A) Following 
endorsement of his/her Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, by a Service 
officer, any principal alien admitted under section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of 
the Act is permitted to work for an employer or employers listed on the 
Certification Letter issued by the DOS' Program Administrator.
    (B) The accompanying spouse and minor children of the principal 
alien may not accept employment, unless the spouse has also been 
designated as a principal alien (Q-2) in this program and has been 
issued a Certification Letter by the DOS' Program Administrator.
    (viii) May the principal alien change employers? Principal aliens 
wishing to change employers must request such a change through the DOS' 
Program Administrator to the Service. Following review and consideration 
of the request by the Service, the Service will inform the participant 
of the decision. The Service will grant such approval of employers only 
if the new employer has been approved by DOS in accordance with its 
regulations and such approval is communicated to the Service through the 
DOS' Program Administrator. If approved, the participant's Form I-94 
will be annotated to show the new employer. If denied, there is no 
appeal under this section.
    (ix) May the principal alien hold other jobs during his/her U.S. 
visit? No; any principal alien classified as an Irish peace process 
cultural and training program visitor may only engage in employment that 
has been certified by the DOS' Program Administrator and approved by the 
DOS or the Service as endorsed on the Form I-94. An alien who engages in 
unauthorized employment violates the terms of the Q-2 visa and will be 
considered to have violated section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (x) What happens if a principal alien loses his/her job? A principal 
alien, who loses his or her job, will have 30 days from his/her last 
date of employment to locate appropriate employment or training, to have 
the job offer certified by the DOS' Program Administrator in accordance 
with the DOS' regulations and to have it approved by the Service. If 
appropriate employment or training cannot be found within this 30-day-
period, the principal alien and any accompany family members will be 
required to depart the United States.
    (r) Religious workers. This paragraph governs classification of an 
alien as a nonimmigrant religious worker (R-1).

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    (1) To be approved for temporary admission to the United States, or 
extension and maintenance of status, for the purpose of conducting the 
activities of a religious worker for a period not to exceed five years, 
an alien must:
    (i) Be a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-
profit religious organization in the United States for at least two 
years immediately preceding the time of application for admission;
    (ii) Be coming to the United States to work at least in a part time 
position (average of at least 20 hours per week);
    (iii) Be coming solely as a minister or to perform a religious 
vocation or occupation as defined in paragraph (r)(3) of this section 
(in either a professional or nonprofessional capacity);
    (iv) Be coming to or remaining in the United States at the request 
of the petitioner to work for the petitioner; and
    (v) Not work in the United States in any other capacity, except as 
provided in paragraph (r)(2) of this section.
    (2) An alien may work for more than one qualifying employer as long 
as each qualifying employer submits a petition plus all additional 
required documentation as prescribed by USCIS regulations.
    (3) Definitions. As used in this section, the term:
    Bona fide non-profit religious organization in the United States 
means a religious organization exempt from taxation as described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, subsequent 
amendment or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal 
Revenue Code, and possessing a currently valid determination letter from 
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming such exemption.
    Bona fide organization which is affiliated with the religious 
denomination means an organization which is closely associated with the 
religious denomination and which is exempt from taxation as described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or subsequent 
amendment or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal 
Revenue Code, and possessing a currently valid determination letter from 
the IRS confirming such exemption.
    Denominational membership means membership during at least the two-
year period immediately preceding the filing date of the petition, in 
the same type of religious denomination as the United States religious 
organization where the alien will work.
    Minister means an individual who:
    (A) Is fully authorized by a religious denomination, and fully 
trained according to the denomination's standards, to conduct religious 
worship and perform other duties usually performed by authorized members 
of the clergy of that denomination;
    (B) Is not a lay preacher or a person not authorized to perform 
duties usually performed by clergy;
    (C) Performs activities with a rational relationship to the 
religious calling of the minister; and
    (D) Works solely as a minister in the United States which may 
include administrative duties incidental to the duties of a minister.
    Petition means the form or as may be prescribed by USCIS, a 
supplement containing attestations required by this section, and the 
supporting evidence required by this part.
    Religious denomination means a religious group or community of 
believers that is governed or administered under a common type of 
ecclesiastical government and includes one or more of the following:
    (A) A recognized common creed or statement of faith shared among the 
denomination's members;
    (B) A common form of worship;
    (C) A common formal code of doctrine and discipline;
    (D) Common religious services and ceremonies;
    (E) Common established places of religious worship or religious 
congregations; or
    (F) Comparable indicia of a bona fide religious denomination.
    Religious occupation means an occupation that meets all of the 
following requirements:
    (A) The duties must primarily relate to a traditional religious 
function and be recognized as a religious occupation within the 
denomination;

[[Page 440]]

    (B) The duties must be primarily related to, and must clearly 
involve, inculcating or carrying out the religious creed and beliefs of 
the denomination;
    (C) The duties do not include positions which are primarily 
administrative or support such as janitors, maintenance workers, 
clerical employees, fund raisers, persons solely involved in the 
solicitation of donations, or similar positions, although limited 
administrative duties that are only incidental to religious functions 
are permissible; and
    (D) Religious study or training for religious work does not 
constitute a religious occupation, but a religious worker may pursue 
study or training incident to status.
    Religious vocation means a formal lifetime commitment, through vows, 
investitures, ceremonies, or similar indicia, to a religious way of 
life. The religious denomination must have a class of individuals whose 
lives are dedicated to religious practices and functions, as 
distinguished from the secular members of the religion. Examples of 
vocations include nuns, monks, and religious brothers and sisters.
    Religious worker means an individual engaged in and, according to 
the denomination's standards, qualified for a religious occupation or 
vocation, whether or not in a professional capacity, or as a minister.
    Tax-exempt organization means an organization that has received a 
determination letter from the IRS establishing that it, or a group it 
belongs to, is exempt from taxation in accordance with sections 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or subsequent amendments 
or equivalent sections of prior enactments of the Internal Revenue Code.
    (4) Requirements for admission/change of status; time limits--(i) 
Principal applicant (R-1 nonimmigrant). If otherwise admissible, an 
alien who meets the requirements of section 101(a)(15)(R) of the Act may 
be admitted as an R-1 alien or changed to R-1 status for an initial 
period of up to 30 months from date of initial admission. If visa-
exempt, the alien must present original documentation of the petition 
approval.
    (ii) Spouse and children (R-2 status). The spouse and unmarried 
children under the age of 21 of an R-1 alien may be accompanying or 
following to join the R-1 alien, subject to the following conditions:
    (A) R-2 status is granted for the same period of time and subject to 
the same limits as the principal, regardless of the time such spouse and 
children may have spent in the United States in R-2 status;
    (B) Neither the spouse nor children may accept employment while in 
the United States in R-2 status; and
    (C) The primary purpose of the spouse or children coming to the 
United States must be to join or accompany the principal R-1 alien.
    (5) Extension of stay or readmission. An R-1 alien who is 
maintaining status or is seeking readmission and who satisfies the 
eligibility requirements of this section may be granted an extension of 
R-1 stay or readmission in R-1 status for the validity period of the 
petition, up to 30 months, provided the total period of time spent in R-
1 status does not exceed a maximum of five years. A Petition for a 
Nonimmigrant Worker to request an extension of R-1 status must be filed 
by the employer with a supplement prescribed by USCIS containing 
attestations required by this section, the fee specified in 8 CFR part 
106, and the supporting evidence, in accordance with the applicable form 
instructions.
    (6) Limitation on total stay. An alien who has spent five years in 
the United States in R-1 status may not be readmitted to or receive an 
extension of stay in the United States under the R visa classification 
unless the alien has resided abroad and has been physically present 
outside the United States for the immediate prior year. The limitations 
in this paragraph shall not apply to R-1 aliens who did not reside 
continually in the United States and whose employment in the United 
States was seasonal or intermittent or was for an aggregate of six 
months or less per year. In addition, the limitations shall not apply to 
aliens who reside abroad and regularly commute to the United States to 
engage in part-time employment. To qualify for this exception, the 
petitioner and the alien must provide clear and convincing proof that 
the alien qualifies for such an exception.

[[Page 441]]

Such proof shall consist of evidence such as arrival and departure 
records, transcripts of processed income tax returns, and records of 
employment abroad.
    (7) Jurisdiction and procedures for obtaining R-1 status. An 
employer in the United States seeking to employ a religious worker, by 
initial petition or by change of status, shall file a petition in 
accordance with the applicable form instructions.
    (8) Attestation. An authorized official of the prospective employer 
of an R-1 alien must complete, sign and date an attestation prescribed 
by USCIS and submit it along with the petition. The prospective employer 
must specifically attest to all of the following:
    (i) That the prospective employer is a bona fide non-profit 
religious organization or a bona fide organization which is affiliated 
with the religious denomination and is exempt from taxation;
    (ii) That the alien has been a member of the denomination for at 
least two years and that the alien is otherwise qualified for the 
position offered;
    (iii) The number of members of the prospective employer's 
organization;
    (iv) The number of employees who work at the same location where the 
beneficiary will be employed and a summary of the type of 
responsibilities of those employees. USCIS may request a list of all 
employees, their titles, and a brief description of their duties at its 
discretion;
    (v) The number of aliens holding special immigrant or nonimmigrant 
religious worker status currently employed or employed within the past 
five years by the prospective employer's organization;
    (vi) The number of special immigrant religious worker and 
nonimmigrant religious worker petitions and applications filed by or on 
behalf of any aliens for employment by the prospective employer in the 
past five years;
    (vii) The title of the position offered to the alien and a detailed 
description of the alien's proposed daily duties;
    (viii) Whether the alien will receive salaried or non-salaried 
compensation and the details of such compensation;
    (ix) That the alien will be employed at least 20 hours per week;
    (x) The specific location(s) of the proposed employment; and
    (xi) That the alien will not be engaged in secular employment.
    (9) Evidence relating to the petitioning organization. A petition 
shall include the following initial evidence relating to the petitioning 
organization:
    (i) A currently valid determination letter from the IRS showing that 
the organization is a tax-exempt organization; or
    (ii) For a religious organization that is recognized as tax-exempt 
under a group tax-exemption, a currently valid determination letter from 
the IRS establishing that the group is tax-exempt; or
    (iii) For a bona fide organization that is affiliated with the 
religious denomination, if the organization was granted tax-exempt 
status under section 501(c)(3), or subsequent amendment or equivalent 
sections of prior enactments, of the Internal Revenue Code, as something 
other than a religious organization:
    (A) A currently valid determination letter from the IRS establishing 
that the organization is a tax-exempt organization;
    (B) Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose 
of the organization, such as a copy of the organizing instrument of the 
organization that specifies the purposes of the organization;
    (C) Organizational literature, such as books, articles, brochures, 
calendars, flyers, and other literature describing the religious purpose 
and nature of the activities of the organization; and
    (D) A religious denomination certification. The religious 
organization must complete, sign and date a statement certifying that 
the petitioning organization is affiliated with the religious 
denomination. The statement must be submitted by the petitioner along 
with the petition.
    (10) Evidence relating to the qualifications of a minister. If the 
alien is a minister, the petitioner must submit the following:
    (i) A copy of the alien's certificate of ordination or similar 
documents reflecting acceptance of the alien's qualifications as a 
minister in the religious denomination; and

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    (ii) Documents reflecting acceptance of the alien's qualifications 
as a minister in the religious denomination, as well as evidence that 
the alien has completed any course of prescribed theological education 
at an accredited theological institution normally required or recognized 
by that religious denomination, including transcripts, curriculum, and 
documentation that establishes that the theological education is 
accredited by the denomination, or
    (iii) For denominations that do not require a prescribed theological 
education, evidence of:
    (A) The denomination's requirements for ordination to minister;
    (B) The duties allowed to be performed by virtue of ordination;
    (C) The denomination's levels of ordination, if any; and
    (D) The alien's completion of the denomination's requirements for 
ordination.
    (11) Evidence relating to compensation. Initial evidence must state 
how the petitioner intends to compensate the alien, including specific 
monetary or in-kind compensation, or whether the alien intends to be 
self-supporting. In either case, the petitioner must submit verifiable 
evidence explaining how the petitioner will compensate the alien or how 
the alien will be self-supporting. Compensation may include:
    (i) Salaried or non-salaried compensation. Evidence of compensation 
may include past evidence of compensation for similar positions; budgets 
showing monies set aside for salaries, leases, etc.; verifiable 
documentation that room and board will be provided; or other evidence 
acceptable to USCIS. IRS documentation, such as IRS Form W-2 or 
certified tax returns, must be submitted, if available. If IRS 
documentation is unavailable, the petitioner must submit an explanation 
for the absence of IRS documentation, along with comparable, verifiable 
documentation.
    (ii) Self support. (A) If the alien will be self-supporting, the 
petitioner must submit documentation establishing that the position the 
alien will hold is part of an established program for temporary, 
uncompensated missionary work, which is part of a broader international 
program of missionary work sponsored by the denomination.
    (B) An established program for temporary, uncompensated work is 
defined to be a missionary program in which:
    (1) Foreign workers, whether compensated or uncompensated, have 
previously participated in R-1 status;
    (2) Missionary workers are traditionally uncompensated;
    (3) The organization provides formal training for missionaries; and
    (4) Participation in such missionary work is an established element 
of religious development in that denomination.
    (C) The petitioner must submit evidence demonstrating:
    (1) That the organization has an established program for temporary, 
uncompensated missionary work;
    (2) That the denomination maintains missionary programs both in the 
United states and abroad;
    (3) The religious worker's acceptance into the missionary program;
    (4) The religious duties and responsibilities associated with the 
traditionally uncompensated missionary work; and
    (5) Copies of the alien's bank records, budgets documenting the 
sources of self-support (including personal or family savings, room and 
board with host families in the United States, donations from the 
denomination's churches), or other verifiable evidence acceptable to 
USCIS.
    (12) Evidence of previous R-1 employment. Any request for an 
extension of stay as an R-1 must include initial evidence of the 
previous R-1 employment. If the beneficiary:
    (i) Received salaried compensation, the petitioner must submit IRS 
documentation that the alien received a salary, such as an IRS Form W-2 
or certified copies of filed income tax returns, reflecting such work 
and compensation for the preceding two years.
    (ii) Received non-salaried compensation, the petitioner must submit 
IRS documentation of the non-salaried compensation if available. If IRS 
documentation is unavailable, an explanation for the absence of IRS 
documentation must be provided, and the

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petitioner must provide verifiable evidence of all financial support, 
including stipends, room and board, or other support for the beneficiary 
by submitting a description of the location where the beneficiary lived, 
a lease to establish where the beneficiary lived, or other evidence 
acceptable to USCIS.
    (iii) Received no salary but provided for his or her own support, 
and that of any dependents, the petitioner must show how support was 
maintained by submitting with the petition verifiable documents such as 
audited financial statements, financial institution records, brokerage 
account statements, trust documents signed by an attorney, or other 
evidence acceptable to USCIS.
    (13) Change or addition of employers. An R-1 alien may not be 
compensated for work for any religious organization other than the one 
for which a petition has been approved or the alien will be out of 
status. A different or additional employer seeking to employ the alien 
may obtain prior approval of such employment through the filing of a 
separate petition and appropriate supplement, supporting documents, and 
fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2.
    (14) Employer obligations. When an R-1 alien is working less than 
the required number of hours or has been released from or has otherwise 
terminated employment before the expiration of a period of authorized R-
1 stay, the R-1 alien's approved employer must notify DHS within 14 days 
using procedures set forth in the instructions to the petition or 
otherwise prescribed by USCIS on the USCIS Internet Web site at 
www.uscis.gov.
    (15) Nonimmigrant intent. An alien classified under section 
101(a)(15)(R) of the Act shall maintain an intention to depart the 
United States upon the expiration or termination of R-1 or R-2 status. 
However, a nonimmigrant petition, application for initial admission, 
change of status, or extension of stay in R classification may not be 
denied solely on the basis of a filed or an approved request for 
permanent labor certification or a filed or approved immigrant visa 
preference petition.
    (16) Inspections, evaluations, verifications, and compliance 
reviews. The supporting evidence submitted may be verified by USCIS 
through any means determined appropriate by USCIS, up to and including 
an on-site inspection of the petitioning organization. The inspection 
may include a tour of the organization's facilities, an interview with 
the organization's officials, a review of selected organization records 
relating to compliance with immigration laws and regulations, and an 
interview with any other individuals or review of any other records that 
the USCIS considers pertinent to the integrity of the organization. An 
inspection may include the organization headquarters, or satellite 
locations, or the work locations planned for the applicable employee. If 
USCIS decides to conduct a pre-approval inspection, satisfactory 
completion of such inspection will be a condition for approval of any 
petition.
    (17) Denial and appeal of petition. USCIS will provide written 
notification of the reasons for the denial under 8 CFR 103.3(a)(1). The 
petitioner may appeal the denial under 8 CFR 103.3.
    (18) Revocation of approved petitions--(i) Director discretion. The 
director may revoke a petition at any time, even after the expiration of 
the petition.
    (ii) Automatic revocation. The approval of any petition is 
automatically revoked if the petitioner ceases to exist or files a 
written withdrawal of the petition.
    (iii) Revocation on notice--(A) Grounds for revocation. The director 
shall send to the petitioner a notice of intent to revoke the petition 
in relevant part if he or she finds that:
    (1) The beneficiary is no longer employed by the petitioner in the 
capacity specified in the petition;
    (2) The statement of facts contained in the petition was not true 
and correct;
    (3) The petitioner violated terms and conditions of the approved 
petition;
    (4) The petitioner violated requirements of section 101(a)(15)(R) of 
the Act or paragraph (r) of this section; or
    (5) The approval of the petition violated paragraph (r) of this 
section or involved gross error.
    (B) Notice and decision. The notice of intent to revoke shall 
contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation and the 
time period allowed

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for the petitioner's rebuttal. The petitioner may submit evidence in 
rebuttal within 30 days of receipt of the notice. The director shall 
consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to revoke 
the petition.
    (19) Appeal of a revocation of a petition. A petition that has been 
revoked on notice in whole or in part may be appealed under 8 CFR 103.3. 
Automatic revocations may not be appealed.
    (s) NATO nonimmigrant aliens--(1) General--(i) Background. The North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is constituted of nations signatory 
to the North Atlantic Treaty. The Agreement Between the Parties to the 
North Atlantic Treaty Regarding the Status of Their Forces, signed in 
London, June 1951 (NATO Status of Forces Agreement), is the agreement 
between those nations that defines the terms of the status of their 
armed forces while serving abroad.
    (A) Nonimmigrant aliens classified as NATO-1 through NATO-5 are 
officials, employees, or persons associated with NATO, and members of 
their immediate families, who may enter the United States in accordance 
with the NATO Status of Forces Agreement or the Protocol on the Status 
of International Military Headquarters set up pursuant to the North 
Atlantic Treaty (Paris Protocol). The following specific classifications 
shall be assigned to such NATO nonimmigrants:
    (1) NATO-1--A principal permanent representative of a Member State 
to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies) resident in the United 
States and resident members of permanent representative's official 
staff; Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Assistant 
Secretaries General and Executive Secretary of NATO; other permanent 
NATO officials of similar rank; and the members of the immediate family 
of such persons.
    (2) NATO-2--Other representatives of Member States to NATO 
(including any of its subsidiary bodies) including representatives, 
advisers and technical experts of delegations, and the members of the 
immediate family of such persons; dependents of members of a force 
entering in accordance with the provisions of the NATO Status of Forces 
Agreement or in accordance with the provisions of the Paris Protocol; 
members of such a force, if issued visas.
    (3) NATO-3--Official clerical staff accompanying a representative of 
a Member State to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies) and the 
members of the immediate family of such persons.
    (4) NATO-4--Officials of NATO (other than those classifiable under 
NATO-1) and the members of their immediate family
    (5) NATO-5--Experts, other than NATO officials classifiable under 
NATO-4, employed on missions on behalf of NATO and their dependents.
    (B) Nonimmigrant aliens classified as NATO-6 are civilians, and 
members of their immediate families, who may enter the United States as 
employees of a force entering in accordance with the NATO Status of 
Forces Agreement, or as members of a civilian component attached to or 
employed by NATO Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic 
(SACLANT), set up pursuant to the Paris Protocol.
    (C) Nonimmigrant aliens classified as NATO-7 are attendants, 
servants, or personal employees of nonimmigrant aliens classified as 
NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, and NATO-6, who are authorized 
to work only for the NATO-1 through NATO-6 nonimmigrant from whom they 
derive status, and members of their immediate families.
    (ii) Admission and extension of stay. NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-
4, and NATO-5 aliens are normally exempt from inspection under 8 CFR 
235.1(c). NATO-6 aliens may be authorized admission for duration of 
status. NATO-7 aliens may be admitted for not more than 3 years and may 
be granted extensions of temporary stay in increments of not more than 2 
years. In addition, an application for extension of temporary stay for a 
NATO-7 alien must be accompanied by a statement signed by the employing 
official stating that he or she intends to continue to employ the NATO-7 
applicant, describing the work the applicant will perform, and 
acknowledging that this is, and will be, the sole employment of the 
NATO-7 applicant.
    (2) Definition of a dependent of a NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, 
NATO-5, or NATO-6. For purposes of

[[Page 445]]

employment in the United States, the term dependent of a NATO-1, NATO-2, 
NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 principal alien, as used in this 
section, means any of the following immediate members of the family 
habitually residing in the same household as the NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, 
NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 principal alien assigned to official duty in 
the United States:
    (i) Spouse;
    (ii) Unmarried children under the age of 21;
    (iii) Unmarried sons or daughters under the age of 23 who are in 
full-time attendance as students at post-secondary educational 
institutions;
    (iv) Unmarried sons or daughters under the age of 25 who are in 
full-time attendance as students at post-secondary educational 
institutions if a formal bilateral employment agreement permitting their 
employment in the United States was signed prior to November 21, 1988, 
and such bilateral employment agreements do not specify under the age of 
23 as the maximum age for employment of such sons and daughters;
    (v) Unmarried sons or daughters who are physically or mentally 
disabled to the extent that they cannot adequately care for themselves 
or cannot establish, maintain, or re-establish their own households. The 
Service may require medical certification(s) as it deems necessary to 
document such mental or physical disability.
    (3) Dependent employment requirements based on formal bilateral 
employment agreements and informal de facto reciprocal arrangements--(i) 
Formal bilateral employment agreements. The Department of State's Family 
Liaison office (FLO) shall maintain all listing of NATO Member States 
which have entered into formal bilateral employment agreements that 
include NATO personnel. A dependent of a NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, 
NATO-5, or NATO-6 principal alien assigned to official duty in the 
United States may accept, or continue in, unrestricted employment based 
on such formal bilateral agreement upon favorable recommendation by 
SACLANT, pursuant to paragraph (s)(5) of this section, and issuance of 
employment authorization documentation by the Service in accordance with 
8 CFR part 274a. The application procedures are set forth in paragraph 
(s)(5) of this section.
    (ii) Informal de facto reciprocal arrangements. For purposes of this 
section, an informal de facto reciprocal arrangement exists when the 
Office of the Secretary of Defense, Foreign Military Rights Affairs 
(OSD/FMRA), certifies, with State Department concurrence, that a NATO 
Member State allows appropriate employment in the local economy for 
dependents of members of the force and members of the civilian component 
of the United States assigned to duty in the NATO Member State. OSD/FMRA 
and State's FLO shall maintain a listing of countries with which such 
reciprocity exists. Dependents of a NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, 
NATO-5, or NATO-6 principal alien assigned to official duty in the 
United States may be authorized to accept, or continue in, employment 
based upon informal de facto arrangements upon favorable recommendation 
by SACLANT, pursuant to paragraph (s)(5) of this section, and issuance 
of employment authorization by the Service in accordance with 8 CFR part 
274a. Additionally, the application procedures set forth in paragraph 
(s)(5) of this section must be complied with, and the following 
conditions must be met:
    (A) Both the principal alien and the dependent requesting employment 
are maintaining NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 
status, as appropriate;
    (B) The principal alien's total length of assignment in the United 
States is expected to last more than 6 months;
    (C) Employment of a similar nature for dependents of members of the 
force and members of the civilian component of the United States 
assigned to official duty in the NATO Member State employing the 
principal alien is not prohibited by the NATO Member State;
    (D) The proposed employment is not in an occupation listed in the 
Department of Labor's Schedule B (20 CFR part 656), or otherwise 
determined by the Department of Labor to be one for which there is an 
oversupply of qualified United States workers in the area

[[Page 446]]

of proposed employment. This Schedule B restriction does not apply to a 
dependent son or daughter who is a full-time student if the employment 
is part-time, consisting of not more than 20 hours per week, of if it is 
temporary employment of not more than 12 weeks during school holiday 
periods; and
    (E) The proposed employment is not contrary to the interest of the 
United States. Employment contrary to the interest of the United States 
includes, but is not limited to, the employment of NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-
3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 dependents who have criminal records; who 
have violated United States immigration laws or regulations, or visa 
laws or regulations; who have worked illegally in the United States; or 
who cannot establish that they have paid taxes and social security on 
income from current or previous United States employment.
    (iii) State's FLO shall inform the Service, by contacting 
Headquarters, Adjudications, Attention: Chief, Business and Trade 
Services Branch, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536, of any 
additions or changes to the formal bilateral employment agreements and 
informal de facto reciprocal arrangements.
    (4) Applicability of a formal bilateral agreement or an informal de 
facto arrangement for NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 
dependents. The applicability of a formal bilateral agreement shall be 
based on the NATO Member State which employs the principal alien and not 
on the nationality of the principal alien or dependent. The 
applicability of an informal de facto arrangement shall be based on the 
NATO Member State which employs the principal alien, and the principal 
alien also must be a national of the NATO Member State which employs him 
or her in the United States. Dependents of SACLANT employees receive 
bilateral agreement or de facto arrangement employment privileges as 
appropriate based upon the nationality of the SACLANT employee 
(principal alien).
    (5) Application procedures. The following procedures are required 
for dependent employment applications under bilateral agreements and de 
facto arrangements:
    (i) The dependent of a NATO alien shall submit a complete 
application for employment authorization, including Form I-765 and Form 
I-566, completed in accordance with the instructions on, or attached to, 
those forms. The complete application shall be submitted to SACLANT for 
certification of the Form I-566 and forwarding to the Service.
    (ii) In a case where a bilateral dependent employment agreement 
containing a numerical limitation on the number of dependents authorized 
to work is applicable, the certifying officer of SACLANT shall not 
forward the application for employment authorization to the Service 
unless, following consultation with State's Office of Protocol, the 
certifying officer has confirmed that this numerical limitation has not 
been reached. The countries with such limitations are indicated on the 
bilateral/de facto dependent employment listing issued by State's FLO.
    (iii) SACLANT shall keep copies of each application and certified 
Form I-566 for 3 years from the date of the certification.
    (iv) A dependent applying under the terms of a de facto arrangement 
must also attach a statement from the prospective employer which 
includes the dependent's name, a description of the position offered, 
the duties to be performed, the hours to be worked, the salary offered, 
and verification that the dependent possesses the qualifications for the 
position.
    (v) A dependent applying under paragraph (s)(2) (iii) or (iv) of 
this section must also submit a certified statement from the post-
secondary educational institution confirming that he or she is pursuing 
studies on a full-time basis.
    (vi) A dependent applying under paragraph (s)(2)(v) of this section 
must also submit medical certification regarding his or her condition. 
The certification should identify both the dependent and the certifying 
physician, give the physician's phone number, identify the condition, 
describe the symptoms, provide a clear prognosis, and certify that the 
dependent is unable to maintain a home of his or her own.
    (vii) The Service may require additional supporting documentation, 
but

[[Page 447]]

only after consultation with SACLANT.
    (6) Period of time for which employment may be authorized. If 
approved, an application to accept or continue employment under this 
paragraph shall be granted in increments of not more than 3 years.
    (7) Income tax and Social Security liability. Dependents who are 
granted employment authorization under this paragraph are responsible 
for payment of all Federal, state, and local income taxes, employment 
and related taxes and Social Security contributions on any remuneration 
received.
    (8) No appeal. There shall be no appeal from a denial of permission 
to accept or continue employment under this paragraph.
    (9) Unauthorized employment. An alien classified as a NATO-1, NATO-
2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, NATO-6, or NATO-7 who is not a NATO principal 
alien and who engages in employment outside the scope of, or in a manner 
contrary to, this paragraph may be considered in violation of status 
pursuant to section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act. A NATO principal alien 
in those classifications who engages in employment outside the scope of 
his or her official position may be considered in violation of status 
pursuant to section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (t) Alien witnesses and informants--(1) Alien witness or informant 
in criminal matter. An alien may be classified as an S-5 alien witness 
or informant under the provisions of section 101(a)(15)(S)(i) of the Act 
if, in the exercise of discretion pursuant to an application on Form I-
854 by an interested federal or state law enforcement authority 
(``LEA''), it is determined by the Commissioner that the alien:
    (i) Possesses critical reliable information concerning a criminal 
organization or enterprise;
    (ii) Is willing to supply, or has supplied, such information to 
federal or state LEA; and
    (iii) Is essential to the success of an authorized criminal 
investigation or the successful prosecution of an individual involved in 
the criminal organization or enterprise.
    (2) Alien witness or informant in counterterrorism matter. An alien 
may be classified as an S-6 alien counterterrorism witness or informant 
under the provisions of section 101(a)(15)(S)(ii) of the Act if it is 
determined by the Secretary of State and the Commissioner acting 
jointly, in the exercise of their discretion, pursuant to an application 
on Form I-854 by an interested federal LEA, that the alien:
    (i) Possesses critical reliable information concerning a terrorist 
organization, enterprise, or operation;
    (ii) Is willing to supply or has supplied such information to a 
federal LEA;
    (iii) Is in danger or has been placed in danger as a result of 
providing such information; and
    (iv) Is eligible to receive a reward under section 36(a) of the 
State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, 22 U.S.C. 2708(a).
    (3) Spouse, married and unmarried sons and daughters, and parents of 
alien witness or informant in criminal or counterterrorism matter. An 
alien spouse, married or unmarried son or daughter, or parent of an 
alien witness or informant may be granted derivative S classification 
(S-7) when accompanying, or following to join, the alien witness or 
informant if, in the exercise of discretion by, with respect to 
paragraph (t)(1) of this section, the Commissioner, or, with respect to 
paragraph (t)(2) of this section, the Secretary of State and the 
Commissioner acting jointly, consider it to be appropriate. A 
nonimmigrant in such derivative S-7 classification shall be subject to 
the same period of admission, limitations, and restrictions as the alien 
witness or informant and must be identified by the requesting LEA on the 
application Form I-854 in order to qualify for S nonimmigrant 
classification. Family members not identified on the Form I-854 
application will not be eligible for S nonimmigrant classification.
    (4) Request for S nonimmigrant classification. An application on 
Form I-854, requesting S nonimmigrant classification for a witness or 
informant, may only be filed by a federal or state LEA (which shall 
include a federal or state court or a United States Attorney's Office) 
directly in need of the information to be provided by the alien witness

[[Page 448]]

or informant. The completed application is filed with the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice, who will 
forward only properly certified applications that fall within the 
numerical limitation to the Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization 
Service, for approval, pursuant to the following process.
    (i) Filing request. For an alien to qualify for status as an S 
nonimmigrant, S nonimmigrant classification must be requested by an LEA. 
The LEA shall recommend an alien for S nonimmigrant classification by: 
Completing Form I-854, with all necessary endorsements and attachments, 
in accordance with the instructions on, or attached to, that form, and 
agreeing, as a condition of status, that no promises may be, have been, 
or will be made by the LEA that the alien will or may remain in the 
United States in S or any other nonimmigrant classification or parole, 
adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident, or otherwise attempt 
to remain beyond a 3-year period other than by the means authorized by 
section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act. The alien, including any derivative 
beneficiary who is 18 years or older, shall sign a statement, that is 
part of or affixed to Form I-854, acknowledging awareness that he or she 
is restricted by the terms of S nonimmigrant classification to the 
specific terms of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act as the exclusive 
means by which he or she may remain permanently in the United States.
    (A) District director referral. Any district director or Service 
officer who receives a request by an alien, an eligible LEA, or other 
entity seeking S nonimmigrant classification shall advise the requestor 
of the process and the requirements for applying for S nonimmigrant 
classification. Eligible LEAs seeking S nonimmigrant classification 
shall be referred to the Commissioner.
    (B) United States Attorney certification. The United States Attorney 
with jurisdiction over a prosecution or investigation that forms the 
basis for a request for S nonimmigrant classification must certify and 
endorse the application on Form I-854 and agree that no promises may be, 
have been, or will be made that the alien will or may remain in the 
United States in S or any other nonimmigrant classification or parole, 
adjust status to lawful permanent resident, or attempt to remain beyond 
the authorized period of admission.
    (C) LEA certification. LEA certifications on Form I-854 must be made 
at the seat-of-government level, if federal, or the highest level of the 
state LEA involved in the matter. With respect to the alien for whom S 
nonimmigrant classification is sought, the LEA shall provide evidence in 
the form of attachments establishing the nature of the alien's 
cooperation with the government, the need for the alien's presence in 
the United States, all conduct or conditions which may constitute a 
ground or grounds of excludability, and all factors and considerations 
warranting a favorable exercise of discretionary waiver authority by the 
Attorney General on the alien's behalf. The attachments submitted with a 
request for S nonimmigrant classification may be in the form of 
affidavits, statements, memoranda, or similar documentation. The LEA 
shall review Form I-854 for accuracy and ensure the alien understands 
the certifications made on Form I-854.
    (D) Filing procedure. Upon completion of Form I-854, the LEA shall 
forward the form and all required attachments to the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice, at the 
address listed on the form.
    (ii) Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division review--(A) 
Review of information. Upon receipt of a complete application for S 
nonimmigrant classification on Form I-854, with all required 
attachments, the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall 
ensure that all information relating to the basis of the application, 
the need for the witness or informant, and grounds of excludability 
under section 212 of the Act has been provided to the Service on Form I-
854, and shall consider the negative and favorable factors warranting an 
exercise of discretion on the alien's behalf. No application may be 
acted on by the Assistant Attorney

[[Page 449]]

General unless the eligible LEA making the request has proceeded in 
accordance with the instructions on, or attached to, Form I-854 and 
agreed to all provisions therein.
    (B) Advisory panel. Where necessary according to procedures 
established by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, an 
advisory panel, composed of representatives of the Service, Marshals 
Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement 
Administration, Criminal Division, and the Department of State, and 
those representatives of other LEAs, including state and federal courts 
designated by the Attorney General, will review the completed 
application and submit a recommendation to the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, regarding requests for S nonimmigrant 
classification. The function of this advisory panel is to prioritize 
cases in light of the numerical limitation in order to determine which 
cases will be forwarded to the Commissioner.
    (C) Assistant Attorney General certification. The certification of 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, to the Commissioner 
recommending approval of the application for S nonimmigrant 
classification shall contain the following:
    (1) All information and attachments that may constitute, or relate 
to, a ground or grounds of excludability under section 212(a) of the 
Act;
    (2) Each section of law under which the alien appears to be 
inadmissible;
    (3) The reasons that waiver(s) of inadmissibility are considered to 
be justifiable and in the national interest;
    (4) A detailed statement that the alien is eligible for S 
nonimmigrant classification, explaining the nature of the alien's 
cooperation with the government and the government's need for the 
alien's presence in the United States;
    (5) The intended date of arrival;
    (6) The length of the proposed stay in the United States;
    (7) The purpose of the proposed stay; and
    (8) A statement that the application falls within the statutorily 
specified numerical limitation.
    (D) Submission of certified requests for S nonimmigrant 
classification to Service. (1) The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, shall forward to the Commissioner only qualified applications 
for S-5 nonimmigrant classification that have been certified in 
accordance with the provisions of this paragraph and that fall within 
the annual numerical limitation.
    (2) The Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division, shall forward 
to the Commissioner applications for S-6 nonimmigrant classification 
that have been certified in accordance with the provisions of this 
paragraph, certified by the Secretary of State or eligibility for S-6 
classification, and that fall within the annual numerical limitation.
    (5) Decision on application. (i) The Attorney General's authority to 
waive grounds of excludability pursuant to section 212 of the Act is 
delegated to the Commissioner and shall be exercised with regard to S 
nonimmigrant classification only upon the certification of the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division. Such certification is nonreviewable 
as to the matter's significance, importance, and/or worthwhileness to 
law enforcement. The Commissioner shall make the final decision to 
approve or deny a request for S nonimmigrant classification certified by 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division.
    (ii) Decision to approve application. Upon approval of the 
application on Form I-854, the Commissioner shall notify the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, the Secretary of State, and Service 
officers as appropriate. Admission shall be authorized for a period not 
to exceed 3 years.
    (iii) Decision to deny application. In the event the Commissioner 
decides to deny an application for S nonimmigrant classification on Form 
I-854, the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the 
relevant LEA shall be notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to that 
decision. Unless the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
objects within 7 days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in 
the decision. In the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, the matter will

[[Page 450]]

be expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General for a final 
resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the relevant LEA have 
a right of appeal from any decision to deny.
    (6) Submission of requests for S nonimmigrant visa classification to 
Secretary of State. No request for S nonimmigrant visa classification 
may be presented to the Secretary of State unless it is approved and 
forwarded by the Commissioner.
    (7) Conditions of status. An alien witness or informant is 
responsible for certifying and fulfilling the terms and conditions 
specified on Form I-854 as a condition of status. The LEA that assumes 
responsibility for the S nonimmigrant must:
    (i) Ensure that the alien:
    (A) Reports quarterly to the LEA on his or her whereabouts and 
activities, and as otherwise specified on Form I-854 or pursuant to the 
terms of his or her S nonimmigrant classification;
    (B) Notifies the LEA of any change of home or work address and phone 
numbers or any travel plans;
    (C) Abides by the law and all specified terms, limitations, or 
restrictions on the visa, Form I-854, or any waivers pursuant to 
classification; and
    (D) Cooperates with the responsible LEA in accordance with the terms 
of his or her classification and any restrictions on Form I-854;
    (ii) Provide the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, with 
the name of the control agent on an ongoing basis and provide a 
quarterly report indicating the whereabouts, activities, and any other 
control information required on Form I-854 or by the Assistant Attorney 
General;
    (iii) Report immediately to the Service any failure on the alien's 
part to:
    (A) Report quarterly;
    (B) Cooperate with the LEA;
    (C) Comply with the terms and conditions of the specific S 
nonimmigrant classification; or
    (D) Refrain from criminal activity that may render the alien 
deportable, which information shall also be forwarded to the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division; and
    (iv) Report annually to the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, on whether the alien's S nonimmigrant classification and 
cooperation resulted in either:
    (A) A successful criminal prosecution or investigation or the 
failure to produce a successful resolution of the matter; or
    (B) The prevention or frustration of terrorist acts or the failure 
to prevent such acts.
    (v) Assist the alien in his or her application to the Service for 
employment authorization.
    (8) Annual report. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, in consultation with the Commissioner, shall compile the 
statutorily mandated annual report to the Committee on the Judiciary of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the 
Senate.
    (9) Admission. The responsible LEA will coordinate the admission of 
an alien in S nonimmigrant classification with the Commissioner as to 
the date, time, place, and manner of the alien's arrival.
    (10) Employment. An alien classified under section 101(a)(15)(S) of 
the Act may apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765, 
Application for Employment Authorization, with fee, in accordance with 
the instructions on, or attached to, that form pursuant to Sec.  
274a.12(c)(21) of this chapter.
    (11) Failure to maintain status. An alien classified under section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act shall abide by all the terms and conditions of 
his or her S nonimmigrant classification imposed by the Attorney 
General. If the terms and conditions of S nonimmigrant classification 
will not be or have not been met, or have been violated, the alien is 
convicted of any criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment 
of 1 year or more, is otherwise rendered deportable, or it is otherwise 
appropriate or in the public interest to do so, the Commissioner shall 
proceed to deport an alien pursuant to the terms of 8 CFR 242.26. In the 
event the Commissioner decides to deport an alien witness or informant 
in S nonimmigrant classification, the Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be notified in writing to 
that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall 
concur in or object to

[[Page 451]]

that decision. Unless the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
objects within 7 days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in 
the decision. In the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to 
the Deputy Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances 
shall the alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any 
decision to deport.
    (12) Change of classification. (i) An alien in S nonimmigrant 
classification is prohibited from changing to any other nonimmigrant 
classification.
    (ii) An LEA may request that any alien lawfully admitted to the 
United States and maintaining status in accordance with the provisions 
of Sec.  248.1 of this chapter, except for those aliens enumerated in 8 
CFR 248.2, have his or her nonimmigrant classification changed to that 
of an alien classified pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act as 
set forth in 8 CFR 248.3(h).
    (u) [Reserved]
    (v) Certain spouses and children of LPRs. Section 214.15 of this 
chapter provides the procedures and requirements pertaining to V 
nonimmigrant status.
    (w) CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1).

              Table 5 to Paragraph (w)--Paragraph Contents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Definitions
(2) Eligible aliens
(3) Derivative beneficiaries--CW-2 nonimmigrant classification
(4) Eligible employers
(5) Petition requirements
(6) Appropriate documents
(7) Change of employers
(8) Amended or new petition
(9) Multiple beneficiaries
(10) Named beneficiaries
(11) Early termination
(12) Approval
(13) Petition validity
(14) Validity of the labor certification
(15) How to apply for CW-1 or CW-2 status
(16) Biometrics and other information
(17) Period of admission
(18) Extension of petition validity and extension of stay
(19) Change or adjustment of status
(20) Effect of filing an application for or approval of a permanent
 labor certification, preference petition, or filing of an application
 for adjustment of status on CW-1 or CW-2 classification
(21) Rejection
(22) Denial
(23) Terms and conditions of CW Nonimmigrant status
(24) Expiration of status
(25) Waivers of inadmissibility for applicants lawfully present in the
 CNMI
(26) Semiannual report
(27) Revocation of approval of petition
(28) Appeal of a revocation of a petition
(29) Notice to DOL
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Definitions. The following definitions apply to petitions for 
and maintenance of CW status in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands (the CNMI or the Commonwealth):
    (i) CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification means 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved Form ETA-9142C (or 
successor form) and the appropriate appendices, a valid prevailing wage 
determination (Form ETA-9141C, or successor form), and all supporting 
documentation submitted by an employer, as set forth in the U.S. 
Department of Labor's (DOL) regulations at 20 CFR 655.420 through 
655.422, to secure a temporary labor certification determination from 
DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) Administrator.
    (ii) Direct Guam transit means travel from the CNMI to a foreign 
place by an alien in CW status, or from a foreign place to the CNMI by 
an alien with a valid CW visa, on a direct itinerary involving a flight 
stopover or connection in Guam (and no other place).
    (iii) Doing business means the regular, systematic, and continuous 
provision of goods or services by an employer as defined in this 
paragraph and does not include the mere presence of an agent or office 
of the employer in the CNMI.
    (iv) Employer means a person, firm, corporation, contractor, or 
other association, or organization which:
    (A) Engages a person to work within the CNMI; and

[[Page 452]]

    (B) Has or will have an employer-employee relationship with the CW-1 
nonimmigrant being petitioned for.
    (v) Employer-employee relationship means that the employer will 
hire, pay, fire, supervise, and control the work of the employee.
    (vi) Lawfully present in the CNMI means that the alien was lawfully 
admitted or paroled into the CNMI under the immigration laws on or after 
the transition program effective date, other than an alien admitted or 
paroled as a visitor for business or pleasure (B-1 or B-2, under any 
visa-free travel provision or parole of certain visitors from Russia and 
the People's Republic of China), and remains in a lawful immigration 
status or if paroled into the CNMI, the authorized parole period has not 
expired.
    (vii) Legitimate business, as determined by DHS, means a real, 
active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking that:
    (A) Produces services or goods for profit, or is a governmental, 
charitable or other validly recognized nonprofit entity;
    (B) Meets applicable legal requirements for doing business in the 
CNMI;
    (C) Has substantially complied with wage and hour laws, occupational 
safety and health requirements, nondiscrimination, and all other 
Federal, CNMI, and local requirements relating to employment during the 
five-year period immediately preceding the date of filing the petition, 
and continues to be in substantial compliance with such requirements;
    (D) Does not directly or indirectly engage in, or knowingly benefit 
from, prostitution, human trafficking, or any other activity that is 
illegal under Federal, CNMI, or local law;
    (E) Is a participant in good standing in the E-Verify program;
    (F) Does not have, as an owner, investor, manager, operator, or 
person meaningfully involved with the undertaking, any individual who 
has been an owner, investor, manager, operator, or person otherwise 
meaningfully involved with an undertaking that was not in compliance 
with paragraph (w)(1)(vii)(C) of this section at the time of the 
individual's involvement and within the five years immediately preceding 
the date of filing the petition; or that was not in compliance with 
clause paragraph (w)(1)(vii)(D) of this section at any time during which 
the individual was involved with the undertaking, or is an agent of such 
individual; and
    (G) Is not a successor in interest to an undertaking that has not 
complied with paragraphs (C) or (D).
    (viii) Long-term worker means an alien who was admitted to the CNMI, 
or otherwise granted status, as a CW-1 nonimmigrant during fiscal year 
2015, and during each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.
    (ix) Minor child means a child as defined in section 101(b)(1) of 
the Act who is under 18 years of age.
    (x) Numerical limitation means the maximum number of persons who may 
be granted CW-1 status in a given fiscal year, as follows:
    (A) For fiscal years 2018 through the first quarter of fiscal year 
2030, the numerical limitations are:
    (1) 9,998 for fiscal year 2018;
    (2) 13,000 for fiscal year 2019;
    (3) 12,500 for fiscal year 2020;
    (4) 12,000 for fiscal year 2021;
    (5) 11,500 for fiscal year 2022;
    (6) 11,000 for fiscal year 2023;
    (7) 10,000 for fiscal year 2024;
    (8) 9,000 for fiscal year 2025;
    (9) 8,000 for fiscal year 2026;
    (10) 7,000 for fiscal year 2027;
    (11) 6,000 for fiscal year 2028;
    (12) 5,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
    (13) 1,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2030.
    (B) A long-term worker granted CW-1 nonimmigrant status for a period 
exceeding one year shall be counted toward the numerical limitation, and 
toward any reservation of CW-1 numbers, as described in paragraph 
(w)(1)(x)(D)(1) of this section, if applicable, for each fiscal year 
within the period of petition validity.
    (C) For each petition revoked entirely or in part in a fiscal year, 
the numerical limitation for the next fiscal year shall be increased by 
the number of beneficiaries of such petitions subject to such revocation 
before the end of the validity period of the petition.
    (D)(1) Within the numerical limitations described in paragraph

[[Page 453]]

(w)(1)(x)(A) of this section, the following reservations of CW-1 numbers 
for specified occupational categories shall apply:
    (i) 200 for occupational categories 29-0000 (Healthcare 
Practitioners and Technical Occupations) and 31-0000 (Healthcare Support 
Occupations); and
    (ii) 60 for occupational categories related to the operations of the 
CNMI public utilities services, including, but not limited to, 17-2081 
(Water/Waste Water Engineers), 17-2071 (Electrical Engineers), 17-2141 
(Mechanical Engineers), and Trades Technicians.
    (2) Reserved CW-1 numbers described in paragraph (w)(1)(x)(D)(1) of 
this section will be made available to eligible petitioners requesting 
such numbers for a fiscal year in order of filing, separately under 
either paragraph (w)(1)(x)(D)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, until 
exhausted. Unused reserved numbers under either paragraph 
(w)(1)(x)(D)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section will not be available to 
other petitioners.
    (3) DHS may adjust the reservation of numbers for specified 
occupational categories for a fiscal year or other period via 
publication of a notice in the Federal Register, as long as such 
adjustment is consistent with paragraph (w)(1)(x)(A) of this section. 
DHS will base any such adjustment on factors including: The level of 
past demand for reserved numbers compared to supply; whether a 
reservation of numbers has resulted in unused numbers; reservation of 
numbers compared to overall numerical limitation in a fiscal year; and 
any recommendation received from the Governor of the CNMI regarding the 
adjustment of the reservation of numbers.
    (E) If the numerical limitation is not reached for a specified 
fiscal year, unused numbers do not carry over to the next fiscal year.
    (F) If USCIS receives a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 
numerical limitation in paragraph (w)(1)(x)(A) of this section in a 
fiscal year, USCIS will cease processing further cap-subject petitions 
in that fiscal year, and DOL may cease processing cap-subject 
applications for temporary labor certification for that fiscal year.
    (xi) Occupational category means those employment activities that 
DHS has determined require alien workers to supplement the resident 
workforce and includes:
    (A) Professional, technical, or management occupations;
    (B) Clerical and sales occupations;
    (C) Service occupations;
    (D) Agricultural, fisheries, forestry, and related occupations;
    (E) Processing occupations;
    (F) Machine trade occupations;
    (G) Benchwork occupations;
    (H) Structural work occupations; and
    (I) Miscellaneous occupations.
    (xii) Participant in good standing in the E-Verify program means an 
employer, as defined in paragraph (w)(1)(iv) of this section, that has 
enrolled in E-Verify with respect to all hiring sites in the United 
States as of the time of filing a petition; is in compliance with all 
requirements of the E-Verify program, including but not limited to 
verifying the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the 
United States; and continues to be a participant in good standing in E-
Verify at any time during which the employer employs any CW-1 
nonimmigrant.
    (xiii) Petition means USCIS Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only 
Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, a successor form, other form, or 
electronic equivalent, any supplemental information requested by USCIS, 
and additional evidence as may be prescribed or requested by USCIS.
    (xiv) Successor in interest means an employer that is controlling 
and carrying on the business of a previous employer. The following 
factors may be considered in determining whether an employer is a 
successor in interest; no one factor is dispositive, but all of the 
circumstances will be considered as a whole:
    (A) Substantial continuity of the same business operations;
    (B) Use of the same facilities;
    (C) Continuity of the work force;
    (D) Similarity of jobs and working conditions;
    (E) Similarity of supervisory personnel;
    (F) Whether the former management or owner retains a direct or 
indirect interest in the new enterprise;

[[Page 454]]

    (G) Similarity in machinery, equipment, and production methods;
    (H) Similarity of products and services; and
    (I) The ability of the predecessor to provide relief.
    (xv) Temporary Labor Certification or TLC means the certification 
made by the DOL OFLC Administrator, based on the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, and all supporting documentation, 
with respect to an employer seeking to file with a CW-1 petition.
    (xvi) Transition period means the period beginning on the transition 
program effective date and ending on December 31, 2029.
    (xvii) United States worker means a citizen or national of the 
United States, an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or a 
citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau who is eligible for 
nonimmigrant admission and is employment-authorized under the Compacts 
of Free Association between the United States and those nations.
    (2) Eligible aliens. Subject to the numerical limitation, an alien 
may be classified as a CW-1 nonimmigrant if, during the transition 
period, the alien:
    (i) Will enter or remain in the CNMI for the purpose of employment 
within the transition period in an occupational category that DHS has 
designated as requiring alien workers to supplement the resident 
workforce;
    (ii) Is petitioned for by an employer;
    (iii) Is not present in the United States, other than the CNMI;
    (iv) If present in the CNMI, is lawfully present in the CNMI;
    (v) Is not inadmissible to the United States as a nonimmigrant or 
has been granted a waiver of each applicable ground of inadmissibility;
    (vi) Is ineligible for status in a nonimmigrant worker 
classification under section 101(a)(15) of the Act; and
    (vii) Will not be employed in a Construction and Extraction 
Occupation (as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor as Standard 
Occupational Classification Group 47-0000 or successor provision) unless 
the alien is a long-term worker.
    (3) Derivative beneficiaries--CW-2 nonimmigrant classification. The 
spouse or minor child of a CW-1 nonimmigrant may accompany or follow the 
alien as a CW-2 nonimmigrant if the alien:
    (i) Is not present in the United States, other than the CNMI;
    (ii) If present in the CNMI, is lawfully present in the CNMI; and
    (iii) Is not inadmissible to the United States as a nonimmigrant or 
has been granted a waiver of each applicable ground of inadmissibility.
    (4) Eligible employers. To be eligible to petition for a CW-1 
nonimmigrant worker, an employer must:
    (i) Be engaged in legitimate business;
    (ii) Obtain a TLC from DOL and consider all available United States 
workers for the position being filled by the CW-1 worker;
    (iii) Offer terms and conditions of employment which are consistent 
with the nature of the petitioner's business and the nature of the 
occupation, activity, and industry in the CNMI; and
    (iv) Comply with all Federal and Commonwealth requirements relating 
to employment, including but not limited to nondiscrimination, 
occupational safety, and minimum wage requirements.
    (5) Petition requirements. An employer who seeks to classify an 
alien as a CW-1 worker must file a petition with USCIS and pay the 
requisite petition fee plus the CNMI education funding fee and the fraud 
prevention and detection fee as prescribed in the form instructions and 
8 CFR part 106. If the beneficiary will perform services for more than 
one employer, each employer must file a separate petition with fees with 
USCIS.
    (6) Appropriate documents. Documentary evidence establishing 
eligibility for CW status is required. A petition must be accompanied 
by:
    (i) Evidence demonstrating the petitioner meets the definition of 
eligible employer in this section;
    (ii) An attestation by the petitioner certified as true and accurate 
by an appropriate official of the petitioner, of the following:
    (A) The employer has not displaced and will not displace a United 
States

[[Page 455]]

worker in order to employ the beneficiary as agreed to in the CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification;
    (B) The employer is doing business as defined in paragraph 
(w)(1)(iii) of this section;
    (C) The employer is a legitimate business as defined in paragraph 
(w)(1)(vii) of this section;
    (D) The employer is an eligible employer as described in paragraph 
(w)(4) of this section and will continue to comply with the requirements 
for an eligible employer until such time as the employer no longer 
employs the CW-1 nonimmigrant worker;
    (E) The beneficiary meets the qualifications for the position;
    (F) The beneficiary, if present in the CNMI, is lawfully present in 
the CNMI;
    (G) The position is not temporary or seasonal employment, and the 
petitioner does not reasonably believe it to qualify as eligible for any 
other nonimmigrant worker classification, including H-2A or H-2B;
    (H) The position falls within the list of occupational categories 
designated by DHS;
    (I) The petitioner will pay the beneficiary a wage that is not less 
than the greater of--
    (1) The CNMI minimum wage;
    (2) The Federal minimum wage; or
    (3) The prevailing wage in the CNMI for the occupation in which the 
beneficiary will be employed as established by the U.S. Department of 
Labor; and
    (J) The petitioner will comply with the reporting and retention 
requirements in paragraph 26.
    (iii) Evidence of licensure if an occupation requires a Commonwealth 
or local license for an individual to fully perform the duties of the 
occupation. Categories of valid licensure for CW-1 classification are:
    (A) Licensure. An alien seeking CW-1 classification in that 
occupation must have that license prior to approval of the petition to 
be found qualified to enter the CNMI and immediately engage in 
employment in the occupation.
    (B) Temporary licensure. If a temporary license is available and 
allowed for the occupation with a temporary license, USCIS may grant the 
petition at its discretion after considering the duties performed, the 
degree of supervision received, and any limitations placed on the alien 
by the employer and/or pursuant to the temporary license.
    (C) Duties without licensure. If the CNMI allows an individual to 
fully practice the occupation that usually requires a license without a 
license under the supervision of licensed senior or supervisory 
personnel in that occupation, USCIS may grant CW-1 status at its 
discretion after considering the duties performed, the degree of 
supervision received, and any limitations placed on the alien if the 
facts demonstrate that the alien under supervision could fully perform 
the duties of the occupation.
    (iv) For any petition requesting an employment start date on or 
after October 1, 2019, including both new petitions and petitions for 
renewal of an existing permit, a TLC approved by DOL, confirming that 
there are not sufficient United States workers in the CNMI who are able, 
willing, qualified, and available at the time and place needed to 
perform the services or labor involved in the petition, and that the 
employment of the CW-1 nonimmigrant will not adversely affect the wages 
and working conditions of similarly employed United States workers. If 
the TLC accepts certain education, training, experience, or special 
requirements of the beneficiary, the petition must also be accompanied 
by documentation that the CW-1 nonimmigrant worker qualifies for the job 
offer as specified in the TLC.
    (7) Change of employers. A change of employment to a new employer 
inconsistent with paragraphs (w)(7)(i) and (ii) of this section will 
constitute a failure to maintain status within the meaning of section 
237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act. A CW-1 nonimmigrant may change employers if:
    (i) The prospective new employer files a petition to classify the 
alien as a CW-1 worker in accordance with paragraph (w)(5) of this 
section, and
    (ii) An extension of the alien's stay is requested if necessary for 
the validity period of the petition.
    (iii) A CW-1 worker may work for a prospective new employer after 
the prospective new employer files a Form

[[Page 456]]

I-129CW petition on the employee's behalf if:
    (A) The prospective employer has filed a nonfrivolous petition for 
new employment before the date of expiration of the CW-1 worker's 
authorized period of stay; and
    (B) Subsequent to his or her lawful admission, the CW-1 worker has 
not been employed without authorization in the United States.
    (iv) Employment authorization shall continue for such alien until 
the new petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, such 
authorization shall cease.
    (v) If a CW-1 worker's employment has been terminated prior to the 
filing of a petition by a prospective new employer consistent with 
paragraphs (w)(7)(i) and (ii), or if the CW-1's current petition has 
been revoked (other than for the reason described in paragraph 
(w)(27)(iii)(A)(7) of this section) the CW-1 worker will not be 
considered to be in violation of his or her CW-1 status during the 30-
day period immediately following the date on which the CW-1 worker's 
employment terminated if a nonfrivolous petition for new employment is 
filed consistent with this paragraph within that 30-day period and the 
CW-1 worker does not otherwise violate the terms and conditions of his 
or her status during that 30-day period.
    (8) Amended or new petition. If there are any material changes in 
the terms and conditions of employment, the petitioner must file an 
amended or new petition to reflect the changes. An amended or new 
petition must be submitted with a new TLC approved by DOL.
    (9) Multiple beneficiaries. A petitioning employer may include more 
than one beneficiary in a CW-1 petition if the beneficiaries will be 
working in the same occupational category, under the same terms and 
conditions, for the same period of time, and in the same location.
    (10) Named beneficiaries. The petition must include the name of the 
beneficiary and other required information, as indicated in the form 
instructions, at the time of filing. Unnamed beneficiaries are not 
permitted.
    (11) Early termination. The petitioning employer must pay the 
reasonable cost of return transportation of the alien to the alien's 
last place of foreign residence if the alien is dismissed from 
employment for any reason by the employer before the end of the period 
of authorized admission.
    (12) Approval. USCIS will consider all the evidence submitted and 
such other evidence required in the form instructions to adjudicate the 
petition. USCIS will notify the petitioner of the approval of the 
petition on Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in another form as USCIS 
may prescribe.
    (i) The approval notice will include the CW-1 classification and 
name of the beneficiary or beneficiaries and the petition's period of 
validity. A petition for more than one beneficiary may be approved in 
whole or in part.
    (ii) The application for a TLC may not be filed with DOL earlier 
than 120 days before the date of actual need for the beneficiary's 
services for an initial petition for CW-1 status, or 180 days before the 
date of expiration of CW-1 status in the case of an extension petition 
described in paragraph (w)(18) of this section. The petition may then be 
filed with USCIS after the TLC is approved. If DOL debars an employer 
from obtaining a CW-1 TLC, USCIS may not approve future petitions during 
the debarment period.
    (13) Petition validity. An approved petition will be valid for a 
period of up to one year, unless the beneficiary is a long-term worker 
in which case an approved petition will be valid for a period of up to 
three years.
    (14) Validity of the labor certification. A TLC is valid only for 
the period of employment as approved on the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification. The TLC expires on the last day of 
authorized employment.
    (15) How to apply for CW-1 or CW-2 status. (i) Upon approval of the 
petition, a beneficiary, his or her eligible spouse, and his or her 
minor child(ren) outside the CNMI will be informed in the approval 
notice of where they may apply for a visa authorizing admission in CW-1 
or CW-2 status.
    (ii) If the beneficiary is present in the CNMI, the petition also 
serves as the

[[Page 457]]

application for a grant of status as a CW-1.
    (iii) If the eligible spouse and/or minor child(ren) are present in 
the CNMI, the spouse or child(ren) may apply for CW-2 dependent status 
on Form I-539 (or such alternative form as USCIS may designate) in 
accordance with the form instructions. The CW-2 status may not be 
approved until approval of the CW-1 petition.
    (16) Biometrics and other information. The beneficiary of a CW-1 
petition or the spouse or child applying for a grant or, extension of 
CW-2 status, or a change of status to CW-2 status, must submit biometric 
information as requested by USCIS.
    (17) Period of admission. (i) A CW-1 nonimmigrant will be admitted 
for the period of petition validity, plus up to 10 days before the 
validity period begins and 10 days after the validity period ends. The 
CW-1 nonimmigrant may not work except during the validity period of the 
petition. A CW-2 spouse will be admitted for the same period as the 
principal alien. A CW-2 minor child will be admitted for the same period 
as the principal alien, but such admission will not extend beyond the 
child's 18th birthday.
    (ii) The temporary departure from the CNMI of the CW-1 nonimmigrant 
will not affect the derivative status of the CW-2 spouse and minor 
children, provided the familial relationship continues to exist and the 
principal remains eligible for admission as a CW-1 nonimmigrant.
    (18) Extension of petition validity and extension of stay. (i) The 
petitioner may request an extension of an employee's CW-1 nonimmigrant 
status by filing a new petition.
    (ii) A request for a petition extension may be filed only if the 
validity of the original petition has not expired.
    (iii) Extensions of CW-1 status may be granted for a period of up to 
1 year (or a period of up to 3 years if the beneficiary is a long-term 
worker) until the end of the transition period, subject to any numerical 
limitation.
    (iv) To qualify for an extension of stay, the petitioner must 
demonstrate that the beneficiary or beneficiaries:
    (A) Continuously maintained the terms and conditions of CW-1 status;
    (B) Remains admissible to the United States; and
    (C) Remains eligible for CW-1 classification.
    (v) A beneficiary (other than a long-term worker) may not be granted 
CW-1 status beyond three consecutive petition validity periods unless 
the beneficiary has departed and remained outside of the United States 
for a continuous period of at least 30 days after the expiration of the 
third petition validity period and before the filing of any new petition 
on behalf of the beneficiary.
    (vi) The derivative CW-2 nonimmigrant may file an application for 
extension of nonimmigrant stay on Form I-539 (or such alternative form 
as USCIS may designate) in accordance with the form instructions. The 
CW-2 status extension may not be approved until approval of the CW-1 
extension petition.
    (19) Change or adjustment of status. A CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant can 
apply to change nonimmigrant status under section 248 of the Act or 
apply for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, if 
otherwise eligible. During the transition period, CW-1 or CW-2 
nonimmigrants may be the beneficiary of a petition for or may apply for 
any nonimmigrant or immigrant visa classification for which they may 
qualify.
    (20) Effect of filing an application for or approval of a permanent 
labor certification, preference petition, or filing of an application 
for adjustment of status on CW-1 or CW-2 classification. An alien may be 
granted, be admitted in and maintain lawful CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant 
status while, at the same time, lawfully seeking to become a lawful 
permanent resident of the United States, provided he or she intends to 
depart the CNMI voluntarily at the end of the period of authorized stay. 
The filing of an application for or approval of a permanent labor 
certification or an immigrant visa preference petition, the filing of an 
application for adjustment of status, or the lack of residence abroad 
will not be the basis for denying:
    (i) A CW-1 petition filed on behalf of the alien;
    (ii) A request to extend a CW-1 status pursuant to a petition 
previously filed on behalf of the alien;

[[Page 458]]

    (iii) An application for CW-2 classification filed by an alien;
    (iv) A request to extend CW-2 status pursuant to the extension of a 
related CW-1 alien's extension; or
    (v) An application for admission as a CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant.
    (21) Rejection. USCIS may reject an employer's petition for new or 
extended CW-1 status if any numerical limitation has been met. In that 
case, the petition and accompanying fee will be rejected and returned 
with the notice that numbers are unavailable for the CW nonimmigrant 
classification. The beneficiary's application for admission based upon 
an approved petition will not be rejected based upon the numerical 
limitation.
    (22) Denial. The ultimate decision to grant or deny CW-1 or CW-2 
classification or status is a discretionary determination, and the 
petition or the application may be denied for failure of the petitioner 
or the applicant to demonstrate eligibility or for other good cause. The 
denial of a petition to classify an alien as a CW-1 may be appealed to 
the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office or any successor body. The 
denial of CW-1 or CW-2 status within the CNMI, or of an application for 
change or extension of status filed under this section, may not be 
appealed.
    (23) Terms and conditions of CW Nonimmigrant status--(i) 
Geographical limitations. CW-1 and CW-2 statuses are only applicable in 
the CNMI. Entry, employment and residence in the rest of the United 
States (including Guam) require the appropriate visa or visa waiver and 
nonimmigrant classification. Except as provided in paragraph 
(w)(23)(iii) of this section, an alien with CW-1 or CW-2 status who 
enters or attempts to enter, or travels or attempts to travel to any 
other part of the United States without an appropriate visa or visa 
waiver, or who violates conditions of nonimmigrant stay applicable to 
any such authorized status in any other part of the United States, will 
be deemed to have violated CW-1 or CW-2 status.
    (ii) Re-entry. An alien with CW-1 or CW-2 status who travels abroad 
from the CNMI will require a CW-1 or CW-2 or other appropriate visa to 
be re-admitted to the CNMI.
    (iii) Travel outside the CNMI--(A) Direct Guam transit from the 
CNMI. An alien with CW-1 or CW-2 status may travel to a foreign place 
via a direct Guam transit without being deemed to violate that status.
    (B) Travel from a foreign place to the CNMI. An alien with a valid 
CW-1 or CW-2 visa, who is admissible to the CNMI in such status, may be 
admitted to the United States in CW-1 or CW-2 status in Guam for the 
purpose of a direct Guam transit to the CNMI. An alien who violates the 
terms of direct Guam transit violates his or her CW-1 or CW-2 status.
    (iv) Employment authorization. An alien with CW-1 nonimmigrant 
status is only authorized employment in the CNMI for the petitioning 
employer. An alien with CW-2 status is not authorized to be employed.
    (24) Expiration of status. CW-1 status expires when the alien 
violates his or her CW-1 status (or in the case of a CW-1 status 
violation caused solely by termination of the alien's employment, at the 
end of the 30 day period described in paragraph (w)(7)(v) of this 
section), 10 days after the end of the petition's validity period, when 
the petition is revoked, or at the end of the transitional worker 
program, whichever is earlier. CW-2 nonimmigrant status expires when the 
status of the related CW-1 alien expires, on a CW-2 minor child's 18th 
birthday, when the alien violates his or her status, or at the end of 
the transitional worker program, whichever is earlier. No alien will be 
eligible for admission to the CNMI in CW-1 or CW-2 status, and no CW-1 
or CW-2 visa will be valid for travel to the CNMI, after the 
transitional worker program ends.
    (25) Waivers of inadmissibility for applicants lawfully present in 
the CNMI. An applicant for CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant status, who is 
otherwise eligible for such status and otherwise admissible to the 
United States, and who possesses appropriate documents demonstrating 
that the applicant is lawfully present in the CNMI, may be granted a 
waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,

[[Page 459]]

including the grounds of inadmissibility described in sections 
212(a)(6)(A)(i) and 212(a)(7)(B)(i)(II) of the Act, as a matter of 
discretion for the purpose of granting the CW-1 or CW-2 nonimmigrant 
status. Such waiver may be granted without additional form or fee. 
Appropriate documents required for such a waiver include a valid 
unexpired passport and other documentary evidence demonstrating that the 
applicant is lawfully present in the CNMI, such as a DHS-issued Form I-
94. Evidence that the applicant possesses appropriate documents may be 
provided by an employer to accompany a petition, by an eligible spouse 
or minor child to accompany the Form I-539 (or such alternative form as 
USCIS may designate), or in such other manner as USCIS may designate.
    (26) Semiannual report--(i) Filing. During the validity period of 
the petition, an employer whose petition has been approved for an 
employment start date on or after October 1, 2019 and for a validity 
period of six months or more, shall file a semiannual report, every six 
months after the petition validity start date up to and including the 
sixth month preceding the petition's validity end date. The semiannual 
report must be filed within a 60 day window surrounding the six month 
anniversary of the petition validity start date, with the filing window 
opening 30 days before and closing 30 days after the six month 
anniversary of the petition validity start date. The semiannual report 
must be filed with USCIS in the form and containing such evidence as 
USCIS may direct, to verify the continuing employment and payment of the 
beneficiary under the terms and conditions of the approved petition.
    (ii) Use. DHS may provide such semiannual reports to other federal 
partners, including DOL for investigative or other use as the DOL may 
deem appropriate. Failure to comply with the requirements of paragraph 
(w)(26) of this section may be a basis for revocation of an approved 
petition as provided in paragraph (w)(27) of this section, or for denial 
of subsequent petitions filed by the employer.
    (iii) Document retention. (A) An employer must retain all documents 
and records in support of an approved petition, and any semiannual 
report. An employer must retain evidence that supports the semiannual 
report including, but not limited to:
    (1) Personnel records for each CW-1 worker including the name, 
address of current residence in the Commonwealth, age, domicile, 
citizenship, point of hire, and approved employment contract termination 
date;
    (2) Payroll records for each CW-1 worker including the O*NET job 
classification; wage rate or salary, number of hours worked each week, 
gross compensation, itemized deductions, and evidence of net payments 
made and received biweekly; and
    (3) Direct evidence of payment of wages and overtime, such as 
receipts for cash payments, cancelled checks or deposit records. 
Petitioners must provide such documents and records to DHS and DOL at 
any time, during the retention period specified in paragraph 
(w)(26)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (B) An employer must retain documents and records until the date 
that is three years after the ending date of the petition validity 
period.
    (27) Revocation of approval of petition--(i) General. (A) The 
petitioner shall immediately notify USCIS of any changes in the terms 
and conditions of employment of a beneficiary which may affect 
eligibility under this paragraph (w). To notify USCIS of such changes, 
an amended petition shall be filed when the petitioner continues to 
employ the beneficiary. If the petitioner no longer employs the 
beneficiary, the petitioner shall send a letter to the office at which 
the CW-1 petition was filed explaining the basis on which the specific 
CW-1 nonimmigrant is no longer employed.
    (B) USCIS may revoke a petition at any time, even after the 
expiration of the petition.
    (ii) Immediate and automatic revocation. The approval of any 
petition is immediately and automatically revoked if the petitioner 
ceases operations, files a written withdrawal of the petition, or the 
U.S. Department of Labor revokes the temporary labor certification upon 
which the petition is based.

[[Page 460]]

    (iii) Revocation on notice--(A) Grounds for revocation. USCIS may in 
its discretion send to the petitioner a notice of intent to revoke the 
petition in relevant part, for good cause, including, if it finds that:
    (1) The beneficiary is no longer employed by the petitioner in the 
capacity specified in the petition;
    (2) The facts contained in the petition or on the application for a 
temporary labor certification was not true and correct, inaccurate, 
fraudulent, or misrepresented a material fact;
    (3) The petitioner violated terms and conditions of the approved 
petition;
    (4) The petitioner violated a requirement of paragraph (w) of this 
section;
    (5) The approval of the petition violated paragraph (w) this section 
or involved gross error;
    (6) The petitioner failed to maintain the continuous employment of 
the CW-1 nonimmigrant, failed to pay the nonimmigrant, failed to timely 
file a semiannual report described in paragraph (w)(26) of this section, 
committed any other violation of the terms and conditions of employment, 
or otherwise ceased to operate as a legitimate business;
    (7) The beneficiary did not apply for admission to the CNMI within 
10 days after the beginning of the petition validity period if the 
petition has been approved for consular processing; or
    (8) The employer failed to provide a former, current, or prospective 
CW-1 nonimmigrant, not later than 21 business days after a written 
request from such individual, with the original (or a certified copy of 
the original) of all petitions, notices, and other written communication 
related to the worker (other than sensitive financial or proprietary 
information of the employer which may be redacted) that has been 
exchanged between the employer and the Department of Labor, the 
Department of Homeland Security, or any other Federal agency or 
department.
    (B) Notice and decision. The notice of intent to revoke shall state 
the grounds for the revocation. The petitioner may submit evidence in 
rebuttal within 30 days of receipt of the notice. USCIS shall consider 
all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to revoke the 
petition in whole or in part. If the petition is revoked in part, the 
remainder of the petition shall remain approved and a revised approval 
notice shall be sent to the petitioner with the revocation notice.
    (28) Appeal of a revocation of a petition. A petition that has been 
revoked on notice in whole or in part may be appealed under part 103 of 
this chapter. Automatic revocations may not be appealed.
    (29) Notice to DOL. USCIS will provide notice to DOL of CW-1 
petition revocations.

(Title VI of the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 
(Pub. L. 94-484; 90 Stat. 2303); secs. 103 and 214, Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1103 and 1184))

[38 FR 35425, Dec. 28, 1973]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
214.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    Effective Date Notes: 1. At 86 FR 28230, May 25, 2021, Sec.  214.2 
was amended by adding paragraph (h)(6)(x), reserved paragraph (h)(25), 
and paragraph (h)(26), effective May 25, 2021, through May 28, 2024.
    2. At 87 FR 4758, Jan. 28, 2022, Sec.  214.2 was amended by adding 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xi) and (h)(27), effective Jan. 28, 2022, through Jan. 
28, 2025.
    3. At 87 FR 30375, May 18, 2022, Sec.  214.2 was amended by adding 
paragraphs (h)(6)(xii) and (h)(28), effective May 18, 2022, through May 
18, 2025.
    4. At 87 FR 76874, Dec. 15, 2022, Sec.  214.2 was amended by adding 
row (29) to table 3 to paragraph (h), and by adding paragraphs 
(h)(6)(xiii) and (h)(29), effective Dec. 15, 2022, through Dec. 15, 
2025. At 87 FR 77979, Dec. 21, 2022, paragraph (h)(6)(xiii) was 
corrected, effective Dec. 21, 2022, through Dec. 15, 2025.
    5. At 88 FR 80456, Nov. 17, 2023, Sec.  214.2 was amended by adding 
rows (30) and (31) to table 3 to paragraph (h), and by adding paragraphs 
(h)(6)(xiv) and (h)(31), effective Nov. 17, 2023, through Nov. 17, 2026.



Sec.  214.3  Certification and recertification of schools for enrollment 
of F and M nonimmigrants.

    (a) Filing petition--(1) General. A school or school system seeking 
certification or recertification for attendance by nonimmigrant students 
under sections 101(a)(15)(F) or 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act, or both, must 
file a petition for certification or recertification with SEVP, using 
the Student and Exchange

[[Page 461]]

Visitor Information System (SEVIS), in accordance with the procedures at 
paragraph (h) of this section. The petition must state whether the 
school or school system is seeking certification or recertification for 
attendance of nonimmigrant students under section 101(a)(15)(F) or 
101(a)(15)(M) of the Act or both. The petition must identify by name and 
address each location of the school that is included in the petition for 
certification or recertification, specifically including any physical 
location in which a nonimmigrant can attend classes through the school 
(i.e., campus, extension campuses, satellite campuses, etc.).
    (i) School systems. A school system, as used in this section, means 
public school (grades 9-12) or private school (grades kindergarten-12). 
A petition by a school system must include a list of the names and 
addresses of those schools included in the petition with the supporting 
documents.
    (ii) Submission requirements. Certification and recertification 
petitions require that a complete Form I-17, Petition for Approval of 
School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student, bearing signatures, be 
included with the school's submission of supporting documentation. In 
submitting the Form I-17, a school certifies that the designated school 
officials (DSOs) signing the form have read and understand DHS 
regulations relating to: nonimmigrant students at Sec.  214.1, 214.2(f), 
and/or 214.2(m); change of nonimmigrant classification for students at 8 
CFR part 248; school certification and recertification under this 
section; withdrawal of school certification under this section and 
Sec. Sec.  214.4; that both the school and its DSOs intend to comply 
with these regulations at all times; and that, to the best of its 
knowledge, the school is eligible for SEVP certification. Willful 
misstatements may constitute perjury (18 U.S.C. 1621).
    (2) Certification for F-1 or M-1 classification, or both--(i) F-1 
classification. The following schools may be certified for attendance by 
nonimmigrant students under section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Act:
    (A) A college or university, i.e., an institution of higher learning 
which awards recognized bachelor's, master's, doctor's or professional 
degrees.
    (B) A community college or junior college which provides instruction 
in the liberal arts or in the professions and which awards recognized 
associate degrees.
    (C) A seminary.
    (D) A conservatory.
    (E) An academic high school.
    (F) A private elementary or middle school.
    (G) An institution which provides language training, instruction in 
the liberal arts or fine arts, instruction in the professions, or 
instruction or training in more than one of these disciplines.
    (ii) M-1 classification. The following schools are considered to be 
vocational or nonacademic institutions and may be certified for 
attendance by nonimmigrant students under section 101(a)(15)(M) of the 
Act:
    (A) A community college or junior college which provides vocational 
or technical training and which awards recognized associate degrees.
    (B) A vocational high school.
    (C) A school which provides vocational or nonacademic training other 
than language training.
    (iii) Both F-1 and M-1 classification. A school may be certified for 
attendance by nonimmigrant students under both sections 101(a)(15)(F) 
and 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act if it has both instruction in the liberal 
arts, fine arts, language, religion, or the professions and vocational 
or technical training. In that case, a student whose primary intent is 
to pursue studies in liberal arts, fine arts, language, religion, or the 
professions at the school is classified as a nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(F) of the Act. A student whose primary intent is to pursue 
vocational or technical training at the school is classified as a 
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act.
    (iv) English language training for a vocational student. A student 
whose primary intent is to pursue vocational or technical training who 
takes English language training at the same school solely for the 
purpose of being able to understand the vocational or technical

[[Page 462]]

course of study is classified as a nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(M) of the Act.
    (v) Schools not qualified for attendance. The following may not be 
certified for attendance by foreign students:
    (A) A home school,
    (B) A public elementary or middle school; or
    (C) An adult education program, as defined by section 203(1) of the 
Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Public Law 113-128, as amended, 
U.S.C. 3272(1), if the adult education program is funded in whole or in 
part by a grant under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, or by 
any other Federal, State, county, or municipal funding.
    (3) Eligibility. (i) The petitioner, to be eligible for 
certification, must establish at the time of filing that it:
    (A) Is a bona fide school;
    (B) Is an established institution of learning or other recognized 
place of study;
    (C) Possesses the necessary facilities, personnel, and finances to 
conduct instruction in recognized courses; and
    (D) Is, in fact, engaged in instruction in those courses.
    (ii) The petitioner, to be eligible for recertification, must 
establish at the time of filing that it:
    (A) Remains eligible for certification in accordance with paragraph 
(a)(3)(i) of this section; and
    (B) Has complied during its previous period of certification or 
recertification with recordkeeping, retention, and reporting 
requirements and all other requirements of paragraphs (g), (j), (k), and 
(l) of this section.
    (b) Supporting documents. Schools petitioning for certification or 
recertification must submit the following supporting documents:
    (1) Licensure, approval, and accreditation documents. A charter will 
not be considered a license, approval, or accreditation.
    (i) Public Schools. A petitioning school or school system owned and 
operated as a public educational institution or system by the United 
States or a State or a political subdivision thereof must submit a 
certification to that effect signed by the authorized public official. 
The official must certify that they are authorized to do so.
    (ii) Private elementary, middle, or secondary schools. A petitioning 
private elementary, middle, or secondary school or school system must 
submit a certification signed by the authorized public official that it 
meets the requirements of the State or local public educational system. 
The official must certify that they are authorized to do so.
    (iii) Any other school. Any other petitioning school not included 
under paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section must submit a 
certification that--
    (A) The school is licensed, approved, or accredited by the 
authorized official, who must certify that they are authorized to do so; 
or
    (B) If the school offers courses recognized by a State-approving 
agency as appropriate for study for veterans under the provisions of 38 
U.S.C. 3675 and 3676, in lieu of such certification provided in 
paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section, the school may submit a 
statement of recognition signed by the authorized official of the State 
approving agency, who must certify that they are authorized to do so.
    (2) School operations information. Private schools that are not 
accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body or operated as 
part of a school that is accredited by a nationally recognized 
accrediting body must submit a school catalog, if one is issued. If not 
included in the catalog, or if a catalog is not issued, the school must 
furnish a written statement containing the following information listed 
in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (vii) of this section:
    (i) Size of its physical facilities;
    (ii) Nature of its facilities for study and training;
    (iii) Educational, vocational, or professional qualifications of the 
teaching staff;
    (iv) Salaries of the teachers;
    (v) Attendance and scholastic grading policy;
    (vi) Amount and character of supervisory and consultative services 
available to students and trainees; and
    (vii) Finances, including a certified copy of the accountant's last 
statement of school's net worth, income, and expenses.
    (c) Additional evidence--(1) Vocational, business, and language 
schools, and

[[Page 463]]

American institutions of research. A petitioning vocational, business, 
or language school, or an American institution of research recognized as 
such by the Secretary of Homeland Security, must submit evidence that 
its courses of study are accepted as fulfilling the requirements for the 
attainment of an educational, professional, or vocational objective, and 
have not been designated avocational or recreational through the 
appropriate licensing or approval officials.
    (2) Unaccredited private elementary, middle, and secondary schools. 
A petitioning private elementary, middle, or secondary school that is 
not accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body or operated 
by a school that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting 
body must submit evidence that attendance at the petitioning school--
    (i) Satisfies the compulsory attendance requirements of the State in 
which it is located; and
    (ii) Qualifies graduates for acceptance by schools of a higher 
educational level by a public school, a school accredited by a 
nationally recognized accrediting body, or a secondary school operated 
by a school that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting 
agency.
    (3) Unaccredited private institutions of higher learning. A private 
institution of higher learning that is not accredited by a nationally 
recognized accrediting body must submit evidence that--
    (i) It confers upon its graduates recognized bachelor, master, 
doctor, professional or divinity degrees; or
    (ii) If it does not confer such degrees, its credits have been and 
are accepted unconditionally by at least three other institutions of 
higher learning that are public or accredited by a nationally recognized 
accredited body.
    (d) Interview of petitioner. The petitioner or an authorized 
representative of the petitioner may be required to appear in person 
before or be interviewed by telephone by a DHS representative prior to 
the adjudication of a petition for certification or recertification. The 
interview will be conducted under oath.
    (e) Notices to schools related to certification or recertification 
petitions or to out-of-cycle review--(1) General. All notices from SEVP 
to schools or school systems related to school certification, 
recertification, or out-of-cycle review (including, but not limited to, 
notices related to the collection of evidence, testimony, and appearance 
pertaining to petitions for recertification encompassing compliance with 
the recordkeeping, retention and reporting, and other requirements of 
paragraphs (f), (g), (j), (k), and (l) of this section, as well as to 
eligibility) will be served in accordance with the procedures at 8 CFR 
103.2(b)(1), (4)-(16), (18) and (19), with the exception that all 
procedures will be conducted by SEVP, the SEVP Director, and the 
Assistant Secretary, ICE, as appropriate, and except as provided in this 
section. All such notices will be served (i.e., generated and 
transmitted) through SEVIS and/or by e-mail. The date of service is the 
date of transmission of the e-mail notice. DSOs must maintain current 
contact information, including current e-mail addresses, at all times. 
Failure of a school to receive SEVP notices due to inaccurate DSO e-mail 
addresses in SEVIS or blockages of the school's e-mail system caused by 
spam filters is not grounds for appeal of a denial or withdrawal. The 
term ``in writing'' means either a paper copy bearing original 
signatures or an electronic copy bearing electronic signatures.
    (2) SEVP approval notification and SEVIS updating by certified 
schools. SEVP will notify the petitioner by updating SEVIS to reflect 
approval of the petition and by e-mail upon approval of a certification 
or recertification petition. The certification or recertification is 
valid only for the type of program and nonimmigrant classification 
specified in the certification or recertification approval notice. The 
certification must be recertified every two years and may be subject to 
out-of-cycle review at any time. Approval may be withdrawn in accordance 
with 8 CFR 214.4.
    (3) Modifications to Form I-17 while a school is SEVP-certified. Any 
modification made by an SEVP-certified school on the Form I-17 at any 
time after certification and for the duration of a school's 
authorization to enroll F and/or M students must be reported to SEVP and 
will be processed by SEVP

[[Page 464]]

in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (f)(1), (g)(2) and 
(h)(3)(i) of this section.
    (4) Notice of Intent to Withdraw (NOIW) SEVP certification--(i) 
Automatic withdrawal. SEVP will serve the school with an NOIW 30 days 
prior to a school's SEVP certification expiration date if the school has 
not submitted to SEVP a completed recertification petition, in 
accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this section. The school will be 
automatically withdrawn immediately, in accordance with 8 CFR 
214.4(a)(3), if it has not submitted a completed recertification 
petition by the school's certification expiration date.
    (ii) Withdrawal on notice. SEVP will serve a Withdrawal on Notice, 
in accordance with 8 CFR 214.4(b), if SEVP determines that a school 
reviewed out-of-cycle has failed to sustain eligibility or has failed to 
comply with the recordkeeping, retention, reporting and other 
requirements of paragraphs (f), (g), (j), (k), and (l) of this section. 
When a school fails to file an answer to an NOIW within the 30-day 
period, SEVP will withdraw the school's certification and notify the 
DSOs of the decision, in accordance with 8 CFR 214.4(d). A withdrawal 
for failure to respond to a notice of intent may not be appealed.
    (5) Notice of Denial. A Notice of Denial will be served to a school 
when SEVP denies a petition for certification or recertification. The 
notice will address appeals options. Schools denied recertification must 
comply with 8 CFR 214.4(i).
    (6) Notice of Automatic Withdrawal. Schools that relinquish SEVP 
certification for any of the reasons cited in 8 CFR 214.4(a)(3) will be 
served a Notice of Automatic Withdrawal.
    (7) Notice of Withdrawal. A school found to be ineligible for 
continued SEVP certification as a result of an out-of-cycle review will 
receive a Notice of Withdrawal. Schools withdrawn must comply with 8 CFR 
214.4(i).
    (8) Notice of SEVIS Access Termination Date. The Notice of SEVIS 
Access Termination Date gives the official date for the school's denial 
or withdrawal to be final and SEVIS access to be terminated. In most 
situations, SEVP will not adjust a SEVIS access termination date for 
that school when the appeals process has concluded and the denial or 
withdrawal has been upheld, in accordance with Sec.  214.4(i)(2). The 
school will no longer be able to access SEVIS and SEVP will 
automatically terminate any remaining Active SEVIS records for that 
school on that date.
    (f) Adjudication of a petition for SEVP certification or 
recertification--(1) Approval. The school is required to immediately 
report through SEVIS any change to its school information upon approval 
of a petition for SEVP certification or recertification. Modification to 
school information listed in paragraph (h)(3) of this section will 
require a determination of continued eligibility for certification. The 
certification or recertification is valid only for the type of program 
and student specified in the approval notice. The certification may be 
withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 214.4, is subject 
to review at any time, and will be reviewed every two years.
    (2) Denial. The petitioner will be notified of the reasons for the 
denial and appeal rights, in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 
part 103 and 8 CFR 214.4, if SEVP denies a petition for certification or 
recertification.
    (g) Recordkeeping and reporting requirements--(1) Student records. 
An SEVP-certified school must keep records containing certain specific 
information and documents relating to each F-1 or M-1 student to whom it 
has issued a Form I-20 or successor form, while the student is attending 
the school and until the school notifies SEVP, in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section, that the 
student is no longer pursuing a full course of study at that school. 
Student information not required for entry in SEVIS may be kept in the 
school's student system of records, but must be accessible to DSOs. The 
school must keep a record of having complied with the reporting 
requirements for at least three years after the student is no longer 
pursuing a full course of study at that school. The school must maintain 
records on the student in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of 
this section if a school recommends reinstatement for a student who is 
out of status. The school must maintain records on the

[[Page 465]]

student for three years from the date of the denial if the reinstatement 
is denied. The DSO must make the information and documents required by 
this paragraph (g)(1) available, including academic transcripts, and 
must furnish them to DHS representatives upon request. Schools must 
maintain and be able to provide an academic transcript or other 
routinely maintained student records that reflect the total, unabridged 
academic history of the student at the institution, in accordance with 
paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this section. All courses must be recorded in 
the academic period in which the course was taken and graded. The 
information and documents that the school must keep on each student are 
as follows:
    (i) Identification of the school, to include name and full address.
    (ii) Identification of the student, to include name while in 
attendance (record any legal name change), date and place of birth, 
country of citizenship, and school's student identification number.
    (iii) Current address where the student and his or her dependents 
physically reside. In the event the student or his or her dependents 
cannot receive mail at such physical residence, the school must provide 
a mailing address in SEVIS. If the mailing address and the physical 
address are not the same, the school must maintain a record of both 
mailing and physical addresses and provide the physical location of 
residence of the student and his or her dependents to DHS upon request.
    (iv) Record of coursework. Identify the student's degree program and 
field of study. For each course, give the periods of enrollment, course 
identification code and course title; the number of credits or contact 
hours, and the grade; the number of credits or clock hours, and for 
credit hour courses the credit unit; the term unit (semester hour, 
quarter hour, etc.). Include the date of withdrawal if the student 
withdrew from a course. Show the grade point average for each session or 
term. Show the cumulative credits or clock hours and cumulative grade 
point average. Narrative evaluation will be accepted in lieu of grades 
when the school uses no other type of grading.
    (v) Record of transfer credit or clock hours accepted. Type of 
hours, course identification, grades.
    (vi) Academic status. Include the effective date or period if 
suspended, dismissed, placed on probation, or withdrawn.
    (vii) Whether the student has been certified for practical training, 
and the beginning and end dates of certification.
    (viii) Statement of graduation (if applicable). Title of degree or 
credential received, date conferred, program of study or major.
    (ix) Termination date and reason.
    (x) The documents referred to in paragraph (k) of this section.

    Note to paragraph (g)(1): A DHS officer may request any or all of 
the data in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (x) of this section on any 
individual student or class of students upon notice. This notice will be 
in writing if requested by the school. The school will have three work 
days to respond to any request for information concerning an individual 
student, and ten work days to respond to any request for information 
concerning a class of students. The school will respond orally on the 
same day the request for information is made if DHS requests information 
on a student who is being held in custody, and DHS will provide a 
written notification that the request was made after the fact, if the 
school so desires. DHS will first attempt to gain information concerning 
a class of students from DHS record systems.

    (2) Reporting changes in student and school information. (i) Schools 
must update SEVIS with the current information within 21 days of a 
change in any of the information contained in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(h)(3) of this section.
    (ii) Schools are also required to report within 21 days any change 
of the information contained in paragraph (g)(1) or the occurrence of 
the following events:
    (A) Any student who has failed to maintain status or complete his or 
her program;
    (B) A change of the student's or dependent's legal name or U.S. 
address;
    (C) Any student who has graduated early or prior to the program end 
date listed on SEVIS Form I-20;
    (D) Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student 
as a result of the student being convicted of a crime; and

[[Page 466]]

    (E) Any other notification request not covered by paragraph (g)(1) 
of this section made by DHS with respect to the current status of the 
student.
    (F) For F-1 students authorized by USCIS to engage in a 24-month 
extension of OPT under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C):
    (1) Any change that the student reports to the school concerning 
legal name, residential or mailing address, employer name, or employer 
address; and
    (2) The end date of the student's employment reported by a former 
employer in accordance with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(6).
    (iii) Each term or session and no later than 30 days after the 
deadline for registering for classes, schools are required to report the 
following registration information:
    (A) Whether the student has enrolled at the school, dropped below a 
full course of study without prior authorization by the DSO, or failed 
to enroll;
    (B) The current address of each enrolled student; and
    (C) The start date of the student's next session, term, semester, 
trimester, or quarter. For initial students, the start date is the 
``program start date'' or ``report date.'' (These terms are used 
interchangeably.) The DSO may choose a reasonable date to accommodate a 
student's need to be in attendance for required activities at the school 
prior to the actual start of classes when determining the report date on 
the Form I-20. Such required activities may include, but are not limited 
to, research projects and orientation sessions. The DSO may not, 
however, indicate a report date more than 30 days prior to the start of 
classes. The next session start date is the start of classes for 
continuing students.
    (D) Adjustment to the program completion date. Any factors that 
influence the student's progress toward program completion (e.g., 
deferred attendance, authorized drop below, program extension) must be 
reflected by making an adjustment updating the program completion date.
    (3) Administrative correction of a student's record. In instances 
where technological or computer problems on the part of SEVIS cause an 
error in the student's record, the DSO may request the SEVIS system 
administrator, without fee, to administratively correct the student's 
record.
    (h) SEVP certification, recertification, out-of-cycle review, and 
oversight of schools--(1) Certification. A school seeking SEVP 
certification for attendance by nonimmigrants under section 
101(a)(15)(F) or 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act must use SEVIS to file an 
electronic petition (which compiles the data for the Form I-17) and must 
submit the nonrefundable certification petition fee on-line.
    (i) Filing a petition. The school must access the SEVP website at 
https://www.ice.gov/sevis to file a certification petition in SEVIS. The 
school will be issued a temporary SEVIS user ID and password in order to 
access SEVIS to complete and submit an electronic Form I-17. The school 
must submit the proper nonrefundable certification petition fee as 
provided in 8 CFR 103.7(d)(2).
    (ii) Site visit, petition adjudication and school notification. SEVP 
will conduct a site visit for each petitioning school and its additional 
schools or campuses. SEVP will contact the school to arrange the site 
visit. The school must comply with and complete the visit within 30 days 
after the date SEVP contacts the school to arrange the visit, or the 
petition for certification will be denied as abandoned. DSOs and school 
officials that have signed the school's Form I-17 petition must be able 
to demonstrate to DHS representatives how they obtain access to the 
regulations cited in the certification petition as part of the site 
visit. Paper or electronic access is acceptable. DSOs must be able to 
extract pertinent citations within the regulations related to their 
requirements and responsibilities. SEVP will serve a notice of approval 
and SEVIS will be updated to reflect the school's certification if SEVP 
authorizes the school's certification petition.
    (iii) Certification denial. SEVP will serve a notice of denial in 
accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section if a school's petition 
for certification is denied.
    (2) Recertification. Schools are required to file a completed 
petition for

[[Page 467]]

SEVP recertification before the school's certification expiration date, 
which is 2 years from the date of their previous SEVP certification or 
recertification expiration date. The school must submit the proper 
nonrefundable recertification petition fee as provided in 8 CFR 
103.7(d)(2). SEVP will review a petitioning school's compliance with the 
recordkeeping, retention, and reporting, and other requirements of 
paragraphs (f), (g), (j), (k), and (l) of this section, as well as 
continued eligibility for certification, pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section.
    (i) Filing of petition for recertification. Schools must submit a 
completed Form I-17 (including any supplements and bearing signatures of 
all officials) using SEVIS. SEVP will notify all DSOs of a previously 
certified school 180 days prior to the school's certification expiration 
date that the school may submit a petition for recertification. A school 
may file its recertification petition at any time after receipt of this 
notification. A school must submit a complete recertification petition 
package, as outlined in the submission guidelines, by its certification 
expiration date. SEVP will send a notice of confirmation of complete 
filing or rejection to the school upon receipt of any filing of a 
petition for recertification.
    (A) Notice of confirmation assures a school of uninterrupted access 
to SEVIS while SEVP adjudicates the school's petition for 
recertification. A school that has complied with the petition submission 
requirements will continue to have SEVIS access after its certification 
expiration date while the adjudication for recertification is pending. 
The school is required to comply with all regulatory recordkeeping, 
retention and reporting, and other requirements of paragraphs (f), (g), 
(j), (k), and (l) of this section during the period the petition is 
pending.
    (B) Notice of rejection informs a school that it must take prompt 
corrective action in regard to its recertification petition prior to its 
certification expiration date to ensure that its SEVIS access will not 
be terminated and its petition for recertification will be accepted for 
adjudication.
    (ii) Consequence of failure to petition. SEVP will serve an NOIW to 
the school 30 days prior to a school's certification expiration date. 
SEVP will no longer accept a petition for recertification from the 
school and will immediately withdraw the school's certification if the 
school does not petition for recertification, abandons its petition, or 
does not submit a complete recertification petition package by the 
certification expiration date, in accordance with the automatic 
withdrawal criteria in 8 CFR 214.4(a)(3). The school must comply with 8 
CFR 214.4(i) upon withdrawal.
    (iii) School recertification process--(A) General. School 
recertification reaffirms the petitioning school's eligibility for SEVP 
certification and the school's compliance with recordkeeping, retention, 
reporting and other requirements of paragraphs (f), (g), (j), (k), and 
(l) of this section since its previous certification.
    (B) Compliance. Assessment by SEVP of a school petitioning for 
recertification will focus primarily on overall school compliance, but 
may also include examination of individual DSO compliance as data and 
circumstances warrant. Past performance of these individuals, whether or 
not they continue to serve as principal designated school officials 
(PDSOs) or DSOs, will be considered in any petition for recertification 
of the school.
    (C) On-site review for recertification. All schools are subject to 
on-site review, at the discretion of SEVP, in conjunction with 
recertification. The school must comply with and complete an on-site 
review within 30 days of the notification by a DHS representative of a 
school that it has been selected for an on-site review for 
recertification, or the petition for recertification will be denied as 
abandoned, resulting in the school's withdrawal from SEVIS.
    (iv) Recertification approval. SEVP will serve a notice of approval 
if a school's petition for recertification is approved. The date of the 
subsequent recertification review will be two years after the school's 
certification expiration date from this petition cycle.

[[Page 468]]

    (v) Recertification denial. SEVP will serve a notice of denial if a 
school's petition for recertification is denied, in accordance with 8 
CFR 103.3(a)(1)(i).
    (vi) Adjustment of certification expiration date. Schools eligible 
for recertification before March 25, 2009 will, at a minimum, have their 
certification expiration date extended to March 25, 2009. SEVP may 
extend the certification expiration date beyond this date during the 
first cycle of recertification.
    (3) Out-of-cycle review and oversight of SEVP-certified schools. (i) 
SEVP will determine if out-of-cycle review is required upon receipt in 
SEVIS of any changes from an SEVP-certified school to its Form I-17 
information. The Form I-17 information that requires out-of-cycle review 
when changed includes:
    (A) Approval for attendance of students (F/M/both);
    (B) Name of school system; name of main campus;
    (C) Mailing address of the school;
    (D) Location of the school;
    (E) School type;
    (F) Public/private school indicator;
    (G) Private school owner name;
    (H) The school is engaged in;
    (I) The school operates under the following Federal, State, Local or 
other authorization;
    (J) The school has been approved by the following national, 
regional, or state accrediting association or agency;
    (K) Areas of study;
    (L) Degrees available from the school;
    (M) If the school is engaged in elementary or secondary education;
    (N) If the school is engaged in higher education;
    (O) If the school is engaged in vocational or technical education;
    (P) If the school is engaged in English language training;
    (Q) Adding or deleting campuses;
    (R) Campus name;
    (S) Campus mailing address; and
    (T) Campus location address.
    (ii) SEVP may request a school to electronically update all Form I-
17 fields in SEVIS and provide SEVP with documentation supporting the 
update. The school must complete such updates in SEVIS and submit the 
supporting documentation to SEVP within 10 business days of the request 
from SEVP.
    (iii) SEVP may review a school's certification at any time to verify 
the school's compliance with the recordkeeping, retention, reporting and 
other requirements of paragraphs (f), (g), (j), (k), and (l) of this 
section to verify the school's continued eligibility for SEVP 
certification pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section. SEVP may 
initiate remedial action with the school, as appropriate, and may 
initiate withdrawal proceedings against the school pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.4(b) if noncompliance or ineligibility of a school is identified.
    (iv) On-site review. SEVP-certified schools are subject to on-site 
review at any time. SEVP will initiate withdrawal proceedings against a 
certified school, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.4(b), if the certified school 
selected for on-site review prior to its certification expiration date 
fails to comply with and complete the review within 30 days of the date 
SEVP contacted the school to arrange the review.
    (v) Notice of Continued Eligibility. SEVP will serve the school a 
notice of continued eligibility if, upon completion of an out-of-cycle 
review, SEVP determines that the school remains eligible for 
certification. Such notice will not change the school's previously-
determined certification expiration date unless specifically notified by 
SEVP.
    (vi) Withdrawal of certification. SEVP will institute withdrawal 
proceedings in accordance with 8 CFR 214.4(b) if, upon completion of an 
out-of-cycle review, SEVP determines that a school or its programs are 
no longer eligible for certification.
    (vii) Voluntary withdrawal. A school can voluntarily withdraw from 
SEVP certification at any time or in lieu of complying with an out-of-
cycle review or request. Failure of a school to comply with an out-of-
cycle review or request by SEVP will be treated as a voluntary 
withdrawal. A school must initiate voluntary withdrawal by sending a 
request for withdrawal on official school letterhead to SEVP.
    (i) Administration of student regulations. DHS officials may conduct 
out-

[[Page 469]]

of-cycle, on-site reviews on the campuses of SEVP-certified schools to 
determine whether nonimmigrant students on those campuses are complying 
with DHS regulations pertaining to them, including the requirement that 
each maintains a valid passport. DHS officers will take appropriate 
action regarding violations of the regulations by nonimmigrant students.
    (j) Advertising. In any advertisement, catalogue, brochure, 
pamphlet, literature, or other material hereafter printed or reprinted 
by or for an SEVP-certified school, any statement which may appear in 
such material concerning certification for attendance by nonimmigrant 
students shall be limited solely to the following: This school is 
authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
    (k) Issuance of Certificate of Eligibility. A DSO of an SEVP-
certified school must sign any completed Form I-20 issued for either a 
prospective or continuing student or a dependent. A Form I-20 issued by 
a certified school system must state which school within the system the 
student will attend. Only a DSO of an SEVP-certified school may issue a 
Form I-20 to a prospective student and his or her dependents, and only 
after the following conditions are met:
    (1) The prospective student has made a written application to the 
school.
    (2) The written application, the student's transcripts or other 
records of courses taken, proof of financial responsibility for the 
student, and other supporting documents have been received, reviewed, 
and evaluated at the school's location in the United States.
    (3) The appropriate school authority has determined that the 
prospective student's qualifications meet all standards for admission.
    (4) The official responsible for admission at the school has 
accepted the prospective student for enrollment in a full course of 
study.
    (l) Designated Official. (1) Meaning of term Designated Official. As 
used in Sec. Sec.  214.2(f) and (m), 214.3 and 214.4, a Designated 
Official, Designated School Official (DSO), or Principal Designated 
School Official (PDSO), means a regularly employed member of the school 
administration whose office is located at the school and whose 
compensation does not come from commissions for recruitment of foreign 
students. An individual whose principal obligation to the school is to 
recruit foreign students for compensation does not qualify as a 
designated official. The PDSO and any other DSO must be named by the 
president, owner, or head of a school or school system. The PDSO and DSO 
may not delegate this designation to any other person.
    (i) A PDSO and DSO must be either a citizen or lawful permanent 
resident of the United States.
    (ii) Each campus must have one PDSO. The PDSO is responsible for 
updating SEVIS to reflect the addition or deletion of any DSO on their 
associated campus. SEVP will use the PDSO at the main campus as the 
point of contact on any issues that relate to the school's compliance 
with the regulations, as well as any system alerts generated by SEVIS. 
SEVP may also designate certain functions in SEVIS for use by the PDSO 
only. The PDSO of the main campus is the only DSO authorized to submit a 
Form I-17 for recertification. The PDSO and DSO will share the same 
responsibilities in all other respects.
    (iii) School officials may nominate as many DSOs in addition to 
PDSOs as they determine necessary to adequately provide recommendations 
to F and/or M students enrolled at the school regarding maintenance of 
nonimmigrant status and to support timely and complete recordkeeping and 
reporting to DHS, as required by this section. School officials must not 
permit a DSO or PDSO nominee access to SEVIS until DHS approves the 
nomination.
    (2) Name, title, and signature. Petitions for SEVP certification, 
review and recertification must include the names, titles, and 
signatures of designated officials. An SEVP-certified school must update 
SEVIS upon any changes to the persons who are principal or designated 
officials, and furnish the name, title and e-mail address of any new 
official within 21 days of the change. Any changes to the PDSO or DSO 
must be made by the PDSO within 21 days of the change. DHS may, at its 
discretion, reject the submission of any individual as a DSO or withdraw

[[Page 470]]

a previous submission by a school of an individual.
    (3) Statement of designated officials. A petition for school 
certification must include a statement by each designated official 
certifying that the official is familiar with DHS regulations relating 
to the requirements for admission and maintenance of status of 
nonimmigrant students, change of nonimmigrant status under part 248 of 
this chapter, and school certification under Sec. Sec.  214.3 and 214.4, 
and affirming the official's intent to comply with these regulations. At 
the time a new designated official is added, the designated official 
must make the same certification.

[30 FR 919, Jan. 29, 1965]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
214.3, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  214.4  Denial of certification, denial of recertification, 
or withdrawal of SEVP certification.

    (a) General--(1) Denial of certification. The petitioning school 
will be notified of the reasons and its appeal rights if a petition for 
certification is denied, in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 
103.3(a)(1)(iii). A petitioning school denied certification may file a 
new petition for certification at any time.
    (2) Denial of recertification or withdrawal on notice. The school 
must wait at least one calendar year from the date of denial of 
recertification or withdrawal on notice before being eligible to 
petition again for SEVP certification if a school's petition for 
recertification is denied by SEVP pursuant to Sec.  214.3(h)(2)(v), or 
its certification is withdrawn on notice pursuant to paragraph (b) of 
this section. Eligibility to re-petition will be at the discretion of 
the Director of SEVP. SEVP certification of a school or school system 
for the attendance of nonimmigrant students, pursuant to sections 
101(a)(15)(F) and/or 101(a)(15)(M) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act, will be withdrawn on notice subsequent to out-of-cycle review, or 
recertification denied, if the school or school system is determined to 
no longer be entitled to certification for any valid and substantive 
reason including, but not limited to, the following:
    (i) Failure to comply with 8 CFR 214.3(g)(1) without a subpoena.
    (ii) Failure to comply with 8 CFR 214.3(g)(2).
    (iii) Failure of a DSO to notify SEVP of the attendance of an F-1 
transfer student as required by 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8)(ii).
    (iv) Failure of a DSO to identify on the Form I-20 or successor form 
which school within the system the student must attend, in compliance 
with 8 CFR 214.3(k).
    (v) Willful issuance by a DSO of a false statement, including 
wrongful certification of a statement by signature, in connection with a 
student's school transfer or application for employment or practical 
training.
    (vi) Conduct on the part of a DSO that does not comply with the 
regulations.
    (vii) The designation as a DSO of an individual who does not meet 
the requirements of 8 CFR 214.3(l)(1).
    (viii) Failure to provide SEVP with the school's Form I-17 bearing 
the names, titles, and signatures of DSOs as required by 8 CFR 
214.3(l)(2).
    (ix) Failure to submit statements of DSOs as required by 8 CFR 
214.3(l)(3).
    (x) Issuance of Form I-20 or successor form to students without 
receipt of proof that the students have met scholastic, language, or 
financial requirements as required by 8 CFR 214.3(k)(2).
    (xi) Issuance of Form I-20 or successor form to aliens who will not 
be enrolled in or carry full courses of study, as defined in 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6) or 214.2(m)(9).
    (xii) Failure to operate as a bona fide institution of learning.
    (xiii) Failure to employ adequate qualified professional personnel.
    (xiv) Failure to limit advertising in the manner prescribed in 8 CFR 
214.3(j).
    (xv) Failure to maintain proper facilities for instruction.
    (xvi) Failure to maintain accreditation or licensing necessary to 
qualify graduates as represented in the school's Form I-17.
    (xvii) Failure to maintain the physical plant, curriculum, and 
teaching

[[Page 471]]

staff in the manner represented in the Form I-17.
    (xviii) Failure to comply with the procedures for issuance of Form 
I-20 or successor form as set forth in 8 CFR 214.3(k).
    (xix) Failure of a DSO to notify SEVP of material changes, such as 
changes to the school's name, address, or curricular changes that 
represent material change to the scope of institution offerings (e.g., 
addition of a program, class or course for which the school is issuing 
Form I-20 or successor form, but which does not have Form I-17 
approval), as required by 8 CFR 214.3(f)(1).
    (3) Automatic withdrawal. A school that is automatically withdrawn 
and subsequently wishes to enroll nonimmigrant students in the future 
may file a new petition for SEVP certification at any time. The school 
must use the certification petition procedures described in Sec.  
214.3(h) to gain access to SEVIS for submitting its petition. Past 
compliance with the recordkeeping, retention, reporting and other 
requirements of 8 CFR 214.3(f), (g), (j), (k), and (l), and with the 
requirements for transition of students under paragraph (i) of this 
section will be considered in the evaluation of a school's subsequent 
petition for certification. SEVP certification will be automatically 
withdrawn:
    (i) As of the date of termination of operations, if an SEVP-
certified school terminates its operations.
    (ii) As of a school's certification expiration date, if an SEVP-
certified school does not submit a completed recertification petition in 
the manner required by 8 CFR 214.3(h)(2).
    (iii) Sixty days after the occurrence of the change of ownership if 
the school failed to update its information in accordance with Sec.  
214.3(h)(1) or properly file a new petition, SEVP will review the 
petition if the school properly files such petition to determine whether 
the school still meets the eligibility requirements of Sec.  214.3(a)(3) 
and is still in compliance with the recordkeeping, retention, reporting 
and other requirements of Sec.  214.3(f), (g), (j), (k), and (l). SEVP 
will review the petition if the school properly files such petition to 
determine whether the school still meets the eligibility requirements of 
8 CFR 214.3(a)(3) and is still in compliance with the recordkeeping, 
retention, reporting and other requirements of 8 CFR 214.3(f), (g), (j), 
(k), and (l). SEVP will institute withdrawal proceedings in accordance 
with paragraph (b) of this section if, upon completion of the review, 
SEVP finds that the school is no longer eligible for certification, or 
is not in compliance with the recordkeeping, retention, reporting and 
other requirements of Sec.  214.3(f), (g), (j), (k), and (l), or failed 
to file a new petition within the allowable 60-day timeframe.
    (iv) If an SEVP-certified school voluntarily withdraws from its 
certification.
    (b) Withdrawal on notice. SEVP will initiate an out-of-cycle review 
and serve the school with an NOIW if SEVP has information that a school 
or school system may no longer be entitled to SEVP certification prior 
to the school being due for its two-year recertification. The NOIW will 
inform the school of:
    (1) The grounds for withdrawing SEVP certification.
    (2) The 30-day deadline from the date of the service of the NOIW for 
the school to submit sworn statements, and documentary or other 
evidence, to rebut the grounds for withdrawal of certification in the 
NOIW. An NOIW is not a means for the school to submit evidence that it 
should have previously submitted as a part of its established reporting 
requirements.
    (3) The school's right to submit a written request (including e-
mail) within 30 days of the date of service of the NOIW for a telephonic 
interview in support of its response to the NOIW.
    (c) Assistance of counsel. The school or school system shall also be 
informed in the notice of intent to withdraw certification that it may 
be assisted or represented by counsel of its choice qualified under part 
292 of this chapter, at no expense to the Government, in preparation of 
its answer or in connection with the interview.
    (d) Allegations admitted or no answer filed. If the school or school 
system admits all of the allegations in the notice of intent to withdraw 
certification, or if the school or school system fails to file an answer 
within the 30-day period,

[[Page 472]]

SEVP will withdraw the certification previously granted and notify the 
designated school official of the decision. No appeal of SEVP's decision 
will be accepted if all allegations are admitted or no answer is filed 
within the 30-day period.
    (e) Allegations denied. If the school or school system denies the 
allegations in the notice of intent to withdraw certification, then the 
school or school system shall, in its answer, provide all information or 
evidence on which the answer is based.
    (f) Interview requested. (1) If in its answer to the notice of 
intent to withdraw certification the school or school system requests an 
interview, the school or school system will be given notice of the date 
set for the interview.
    (2) A summary of the information provided by the school or school 
system at the interview will be prepared and included in the record. At 
the discretion of SEVP, the interview may be recorded.
    (g) Decision. The decision of SEVP will be in accordance with 8 CFR 
103.3(a)(1).
    (h) Appeals. A school may file an appeal of a denial or withdrawal 
no later than 15 days after the service of the decision by ICE. The 
appeal must state the reasons and grounds for contesting the denial or 
withdrawal. The appeal must be accompanied by the fee as provided in 8 
CFR 103.7(d)(15).
    (i) Operations at a school when SEVP certification is relinquished 
or withdrawn, or whose recertification is denied and on the SEVIS access 
termination date--(1) General. A school whose certification is 
relinquished or withdrawn, or whose recertification is denied may, at 
SEVP discretion, no longer be able to create Initial student records or 
issue new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student 
Status, or successor form, for initial attendance. Schools must comply 
with the instructions given in the notice of withdrawal or denial with 
regard to management of status for their Initial and continuing F and/or 
M students. All other SEVIS functionality, including event reporting for 
students, will remain unchanged until the school's SEVIS access 
termination date. The school must continue to comply with the 
recordkeeping, retention, reporting and other requirements of 8 CFR 
214.3(f), (g), (j), (k), and (l) until its SEVIS access termination 
date.
    (2) SEVIS access termination. In determining the SEVIS access 
termination date, SEVP will consider the impact that such date will have 
upon SEVP, the school, and the school's nonimmigrant students in 
determining the SEVIS access termination date. In most situations, SEVP 
will not determine a SEVIS access termination date for that school until 
the appeals process has concluded and the denial or withdrawal has been 
upheld unless a school whose certification is withdrawn or whose 
recertification is denied is suspected of criminal activity or poses a 
potential national security threat. The school will no longer be able to 
access SEVIS, and SEVP will automatically terminate any remaining Active 
SEVIS records for that school on the SEVIS access termination date.
    (3) Legal obligations and ramifications for a school and its DSOs 
when a school is having SEVP certification denied or withdrawn. Schools 
are obligated to their students to provide the programs of study to 
which they have committed themselves in the students' application for 
enrollment and acceptance process. Schools are obligated to the U.S. 
government to comply with the recordkeeping, retention, reporting and 
other requirements contained in 8 CFR 214.3. With any new petition for 
SEVP certification, SEVP will consider the extent to which a school has 
fulfilled these obligations to students and the U.S. government during 
any previous period of SEVP certification.

[37 FR 17463, Aug. 29, 1972, as amended at 48 FR 14592, Apr. 5, 1983; 48 
FR 19867, May 3, 1983; 48 FR 22131, May 17, 1983; 49 FR 41015, Oct. 19, 
1984; 50 FR 9991, Mar. 13, 1985; 54 FR 19544, May 8, 1989; 55 FR 41988, 
Oct. 17, 1990; 67 FR 60112, Sept. 25, 2002; 73 FR 55702, Sept. 26, 2008; 
84 FR 23979, May 23, 2019; 87 FR 75911, Dec. 12, 2022; 88 FR 53761, Aug. 
9, 2023]



Sec.  214.5  Libyan and third country nationals acting on behalf 
of Libyan entities.

    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the 
nonimmigrant status of any Libyan national, or of any other foreign 
national acting on

[[Page 473]]

behalf of a Libyan entity, who is engaging in aviation maintenance, 
flight operations, or nuclear-related studies or training is terminated.
    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the 
following benefits will not be available to any Libyan national or any 
other foreign national acting on behalf of a Libyan entity where the 
purpose is to engage in, or seek to obtain aviation maintenance, flight 
operations or nuclear-related studies or training:
    (1) Application for school transfer.
    (2) Application for extension of stay.
    (3) Employment authorization or practical training.
    (4) Request for reinstatement of student status.
    (5) Application for change of nonimmigrant status.

(Secs. 103, 212, 214, 248; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1184, 1258)

[48 FR 10297, Mar. 3, 1983]



Sec.  214.6  Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking temporary entry under 
USMCA to engage in business activities at a professional level.

    (a) General. Under section 214(e) of the Act, a citizen of Canada or 
Mexico who seeks temporary entry as a business person to engage in 
business activities at a professional level may be admitted to the 
United States in accordance with the Agreement Between the United States 
of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA).
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, the terms:
    Business activities at a professional level means those undertakings 
which require that, for successful completion, the individual has a 
least a baccalaureate degree or appropriate credentials demonstrating 
status as a professional in a profession set forth in Appendix 2 to 
Annex 16-A of Chapter 16 of the USMCA.
    Business person, as defined in the USMCA, means a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico who is engaged in the trade of goods, the supply of services, 
or the conduct of investment activities.
    Engage in business activities at a professional level means the 
performance of prearranged business activities for a United States 
entity, including an individual. It does not authorize the establishment 
of a business or practice in the United States in which the professional 
will be, in substance, self-employed. A professional will be deemed to 
be self-employed if he or she will be rendering services to a 
corporation or entity of which the professional is the sole or 
controlling shareholder or owner.
    Temporary entry, as defined in the USMCA, means entry without the 
intent to establish permanent residence. The alien must satisfy the 
inspecting immigration officer that the proposed stay is temporary. A 
temporary period has a reasonable, finite end that does not equate to 
permanent residence. In order to establish that the alien's entry will 
be temporary, the alien must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the 
inspecting immigration officer that his or her work assignment in the 
United States will end at a predictable time and that he or she will 
depart upon completion of the assignment.
    (c) Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of Chapter 16 of the USMCA. Pursuant to 
the USMCA, an applicant seeking admission under this section shall 
demonstrate business activity at a professional level in one of the 
professions set forth in Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of Chapter 16. The 
professions in Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A and the minimum requirements for 
qualification for each are as follows: \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A business person seeking temporary employment under this 
Appendix may also perform training functions relating to the profession, 
including conducting seminars.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of Chapter 16 (Annotated)

                                 General

--Accountant--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or C.P.A., C.A., 
C.G.A., or C.M.A.
--Architect--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial 
license.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The terms ``state/provincial license'' and ``state/provincial/
federal license'' mean any document issued by a state, provincial, or 
federal government, as the case may be, or under its authority, but not 
by a local government, that permits a person to engage in a regulated 
activity or profession.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Computer Systems Analyst--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or 
Post-

[[Page 474]]

Secondary Diploma \3\ or Post-Secondary Certificate,\4\ and three years 
experience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ ``Post-Secondary Diploma'' means a credential issued, on 
completion of two or more years of postsecondary education, by an 
accredited academic institution in Canada or the United States.
    \4\ ``Post-Secondary Certificate'' means a certificate issued, on 
completion of two or more years of postsecondary education at an 
academic institution, by the federal government of Mexico or a state 
government in Mexico, an academic institution recognized by the federal 
government or a state government, or an academic institution created by 
federal or state law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster (claims adjuster employed by 
an insurance company located in the territory of a Party, or an 
independent claims adjuster)--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree, and 
successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance 
adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims; or three years 
experience in claims adjustment and successful completion of training in 
the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster 
relief claims.
--Economist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Engineer--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial 
license.
--Forester--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial 
license.
--Graphic Designer--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-
Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years 
experience.
--Hotel Manager--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in hotel/
restaurant management; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary 
Certificate in hotel/restaurant management, and three years experience 
in hotel/restaurant management.
--Industrial Designer--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-
Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years 
experience.
--Interior Designer--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-
Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years 
experience.
--Land Surveyor--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/
provincial/federal license.
--Landscape Architect--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Lawyer (including Notary in the province of Quebec)--L.L.B., J.D., 
L.L.L., B.C.L., or Licenciatura Degree (five years); or membership in a 
state/provincial bar.
--Librarian--M.L.S. or B.L.S. (for which another Baccalaureate or 
Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite).
--Management Consultant--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or 
equivalent professional experience as established by statement or 
professional credential attesting to five years experience as a 
management consultant, or five years experience in a field of specialty 
related to the consulting agreement.
--Mathematician (including Statistician)--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura 
Degree.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The term ``Mathematician'' includes the profession of Actuary. 
An Actuary must satisfy the necessary requirements to be recognized as 
an actuary by a professional actuarial association or society. A 
professional actuarial association or society means a professional 
actuarial association or society operating in the territory of at least 
one of the Parties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Range Manager/Range Conservationist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura 
Degree.
--Research Assistant (working in a post-secondary educational 
institution)--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Scientific Technician/Technologist \6\--Possession of (a) theoretical 
knowledge of any of the following disciplines: agricultural sciences, 
astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, 
geophysics, meteorology, or physics; and (b) the ability to solve 
practical problems in any of those disciplines, or the ability to apply 
principles of any of those disciplines to basic or applied research.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ A business person in this category must be seeking temporary 
entry for work in direct support of professionals in agricultural 
sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, 
geophysics, meteorology or physics.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Social Worker--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist)--Baccalaureate or 
Licenciatura Degree.
--Technical Publications Writer--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; 
or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years 
experience.
--Urban Planner (including Geographer)--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura 
Degree.
--Vocational Counselor--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.

                      Medical/Allied Professionals

--Dentist--D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia 
Dental; or state/provincial license.
--Dietitian--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial 
license.
--Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/Medical Technologist (Mexico 
and the United States) \7\--Baccalaureate or

[[Page 475]]

Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary 
Certificate, and three years experience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ A business person in this category must be seeking temporary 
entry to perform in a laboratory, chemical, biological, hematological, 
immunologic, microscopic or bacteriological tests and analyses for 
diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Nutritionist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Occupational Therapist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or 
state/provincial license.
--Pharmacist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial 
license.
--Physician (teaching or research only)--M.D. or Doctor en Medicina; or 
state/provincial license.
--Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura 
Degree; or state/provincial license.
--Psychologist--State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree.
--Recreational Therapist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Registered Nurse--State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree.
--Veterinarian--D.V.M., D.M.V., or Doctor en Veterinaria; or state/
provincial license.

                                Scientist

--Agriculturist (including Agronomist)--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura 
Degree.
--Animal Breeder--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Animal Scientist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Apiculturist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Astronomer--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Biochemist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Biologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The term ``Biologist'' includes the profession of Plant 
Pathologist.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Chemist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Dairy Scientist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Entomologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Epidemiologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Geneticist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Geochemist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Geologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the United 
States)--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Horticulturist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Meteorologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Pharmacologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada)--Baccalaureate or 
Licenciatura Degree.
--Plant Breeder--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Poultry Scientist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Soil Scientist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Zoologist--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.

                                 Teacher

--College--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--Seminary--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.
--University--Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree.

    (d) Classification of citizens of Canada or Mexico as TN 
professionals under the USMCA--(1) Citizens of Mexico. A citizen of 
Mexico who seeks temporary entry as a business person to engage in 
business activities at a professional level may be admitted to the 
United States in accordance with USMCA upon presentation of a valid 
passport and valid TN nonimmigrant visa at a United States Class A port-
of-entry, at a United States airport handling international traffic, or 
at a United States pre-clearance/pre-flight station.
    (2) Citizens of Canada. A citizen of Canada seeking temporary entry 
as a business person to engage in business activities at a professional 
level shall make application for admission with a Department officer at 
the United States Class A port-of-entry, at a United States airport 
handling international traffic, or at a United States pre-clearance/pre-
flight station.
    (3) Documentation. Upon application for a visa at a United States 
consular office, or, in the case of a citizen of Canada making 
application for admission at a port-of-entry, an applicant under this 
section shall present the following:
    (i) Proof of citizenship. A Mexican citizen applying for admission 
as a TN nonimmigrant must establish such

[[Page 476]]

citizenship by presenting a valid passport. Canadian citizens, while not 
required to present a valid passport for admission unless traveling from 
outside the Western hemisphere, must establish Canadian citizenship.
    (ii) Documentation demonstrating engagement in business activities 
at a professional level and demonstrating professional qualifications. 
The applicant must present documentation sufficient to satisfy the 
consular officer (in the case of a Mexican citizen) or the Department 
officer (in the case of a Canadian citizen) that the applicant is 
seeking entry to the United States to engage in business activities for 
a United States employer(s) or entity(ies) at a professional level, and 
that the applicant meets the criteria to perform at such a professional 
level. This documentation may be in the form of a letter from the 
prospective employer(s) in the United States or from the foreign 
employer, and must be supported by diplomas, degrees or membership in a 
professional organization. Degrees received by the applicant from an 
educational institution not located within Canada, Mexico, or the United 
States must be accompanied by an evaluation by a reliable credentials 
evaluation service which specializes in evaluating foreign educational 
credentials. The documentation shall fully affirm:
    (A) The profession of the applicant under Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A 
of Chapter 16 of the USMCA;
    (B) A description of the professional activities, including a brief 
summary of daily job duties, if appropriate, in which the applicant will 
engage in for the United States employer/entity;
    (C) The anticipated length of stay;
    (D) The educational qualifications or appropriate credentials which 
demonstrate that the Canadian or Mexican citizen has professional level 
status; and
    (E) The arrangements for remuneration for services to be rendered.
    (e) Procedures for admission. A citizen of Canada or Mexico who 
qualifies for admission under this section shall be provided confirming 
documentation and shall be admitted under the classification symbol TN 
for a period not to exceed three years. The conforming document provided 
shall bear the legend ``multiple entry.'' The fee prescribed under 8 CFR 
103.7(b)(1) shall be remitted by Canadian Citizens upon admission to the 
United States pursuant to the terms and conditions of the USMCA. Upon 
remittance of the prescribed fee, the TN applicant for admission shall 
be provided a DHS-issued receipt on the appropriate form.
    (f) [Reserved]
    (g) Readmission--(1) With a Form I-94. An alien may be readmitted to 
the United States in TN classification for the remainder of the 
authorized period of TN admission on Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), without 
presentation of the letter or supporting documentation described in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and without the prescribed fee set 
forth in 8 CFR 106.2, provided that the original intended professional 
activities and employer(s) have not changed, and the Form I-94 has not 
expired.
    (2) Without a valid I-94. If the alien seeking readmission to the 
United States in TN classification is no longer in possession of a 
valid, unexpired Form I-94, and the period of initial admission in TN 
classification has not lapsed, then a new Form I-94 may be issued for 
the period of validity that remains on the TN nonimmigrant's original 
Form I-94 with the legend ``multiple entry'' and the alien can then be 
readmitted in TN status if the alien presents alternate evidence as 
follows:
    (i) For Canadian citizens, alternate evidence may include, but is 
not limited to, a fee receipt for admission as a TN or a previously 
issued admission stamp as TN in a passport, and a confirming letter from 
the United States employer(s).
    (ii) For Mexican citizens seeking readmission as TN nonimmigrants, 
alternate evidence shall consist of presentation of a valid unexpired TN 
visa and evidence of a previous admission.
    (h) Extension of stay--(1) Filing. A United States employer of a 
citizen of Canada or Mexico who is currently maintaining valid TN 
nonimmigrant status, or a United States entity (in the case of a citizen 
of Canada or Mexico who is currently maintaining valid

[[Page 477]]

TN nonimmigrant status and is employed by a foreign employer), may 
request an extension of stay, subject to the following conditions:
    (i) An extension of stay must be requested by filing the appropriate 
form with the fee provided at 8 CFR 106.2, in accordance with the form 
instructions with USCIS.
    (ii) The beneficiary must be physically present in the United States 
at the time of the filing of the appropriate form requesting an 
extension of stay as a TN nonimmigrant. If the alien is required to 
leave the United States for any reason while the petition is pending, 
the petitioner may request that USCIS notify the consular office where 
the beneficiary is required to apply for a visa or, if visa exempt, a 
DHS-designated port-of-entry where the beneficiary will apply for 
admission to the United States, of the approval.
    (iii) An extension of stay in TN status may be approved by USCIS for 
a maximum period of three years.
    (iv) There is no specific limit on the total period of time an alien 
may be in TN status provided the alien continues to be engaged in TN 
business activities for a U.S. employer or entity at a professional 
level, and otherwise continues to properly maintain TN nonimmigrant 
status.
    (2) Readmission at the border. Nothing in paragraph (h)(1) of this 
section shall preclude a citizen of Canada or Mexico who has previously 
been admitted to the United States in TN status, and who has not 
violated such status while in the United States, from applying at a DHS-
designated port-of-entry, prior to the expiration date of the previous 
period of admission, for a new three-year period of admission. The 
application for a new period of admission must be supported by a new 
letter from the United States employer or the foreign employer, in the 
case of a citizen of Canada who is providing prearranged services to a 
United States entity, which meets the requirements of paragraph (d) of 
this section, together with the appropriate filing fee as noted in 8 CFR 
106.2. Citizens of Mexico must present a valid passport and a valid, 
unexpired TN nonimmigrant visa when applying for readmission, as 
outlined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (i) Request for change or addition of United States employers--(1) 
Filing at the service center. A citizen of Canada or Mexico admitted 
into the United States as a TN nonimmigrant who seeks to change or add a 
United States employer during the period of admission must have the new 
employer file a Form I-129 with appropriate supporting documentation, 
including a letter from the new employer describing the services to be 
performed, the time needed to render such services, and the terms of 
remuneration for services. Employment with a different or with an 
additional employer is not authorized prior to Department approval of 
the request.
    (2) Readmission at the border. Nothing in paragraph (i)(1) of those 
section precludes a citizen of Canada or Mexico from applying for 
readmission to the United States for the purpose of presenting 
documentation from a different or additional United States or foreign 
employer. Such documentation shall meet the requirements prescribed in 
paragraph (d) of this section. The fee prescribed under 8 CFR 106.2 
shall be remitted by Canadian citizens upon admission to the United 
States pursuant to the terms and conditions of the USMCA. Citizens of 
Mexico may present documentation from a different or additional United 
States or foreign employer to a consular officer as evidence in support 
of a new nonimmigrant TN visa application.
    (3) No action shall be required on the part of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico in TN status who is transferred to another location by the 
same United States employer to perform the same services. Such an 
acceptable transfer would be to a branch or office of the employer. In a 
case of a transfer to a separately incorporated subsidiary or affiliate, 
the requirements of paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this section will 
apply.
    (j) Spouse and unmarried minor children accompanying or following to 
join. (1) The spouse or unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status, if otherwise admissible, 
may be admitted initially, readmitted, or granted a change of 
nonimmigrant status or an extension of his or her period of stay for the 
same period of time granted to

[[Page 478]]

the TN nonimmigrant. Such spouse or unmarried minor children shall, upon 
approval of an application for admission, readmission, change of status 
or extension of stay be classified as TD nonimmigrants. A request for a 
change of status to TD or an extension of stay of a TD nonimmigrant may 
be made on the appropriate form together with appropriate filing fees 
and evidence of the principal alien's current TN status.
    (2) The spouse or unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada or 
Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status shall be required to present a 
valid, unexpired TD nonimmigrant visa unless otherwise exempt under 8 
CFR 212.1.
    (3) The spouse and unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status shall be issued confirming 
documentation bearing the legend ``multiple entry.'' There shall be no 
fee required for admission of the spouse and unmarried minor children.
    (4) The spouse and unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status shall not accept employment 
in the United States unless otherwise authorized under the Act.
    (k) Effect of a strike. (1) If the Secretary of Labor certifies or 
otherwise informs the Director of USCIS that a strike or other labor 
dispute involving a work stoppage of workers is in progress, and the 
temporary entry of a citizen of Mexico or Canada in TN nonimmigrant 
status may adversely affect the settlement of any labor dispute or the 
employment of any person who is involved in such dispute, the United 
States may refuse to issue an immigration document authorizing the entry 
or employment of such an alien.
    (2) If the alien has already commenced employment in the United 
States and is participating in a strike or other labor dispute involving 
a work stoppage of workers, whether or not such strike or other labor 
dispute has been certified by the Department of Labor, or whether USCIS 
has been otherwise informed that such a strike or labor dispute is in 
progress, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to maintain his or 
her status solely on account of past, present, or future participation 
in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers, 
but is subject to the following terms and conditions:
    (i) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations promulgated in the 
same manner as all other TN nonimmigrants;
    (ii) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is 
not modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her 
participation in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers; and
    (iii) Although participation by a TN nonimmigrant alien in a strike 
or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers will not 
constitute a ground for removal, any alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his or her authorized 
period of stay has expired will be subject to removal.
    (3) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (k)(1) of this section, or USCIS has 
not otherwise been informed by the Secretary that such a strike or labor 
dispute is in progress, Director of USCIS shall not deny a petition or 
deny entry to an applicant for TN status based upon such strike or other 
labor dispute.

[58 FR 69212, Dec. 30, 1993, as amended at 63 FR 1335, Jan. 9, 1998; 69 
FR 11289, Mar. 10, 2004; 69 FR 60941, Oct. 13, 2004; 73 FR 61334, Oct. 
16, 2008; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 85 FR 46925, Aug. 3, 2020; 87 FR 
41030, July 11, 2022]



Sec.  214.7  Habitual residence in the territories and possessions 
of the United States and consequences thereof.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the term:
    (1) Compacts means the agreements of free association between the 
United States and the governments of the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau, approved by 
Public Law 99-239 with respect to the governments of the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, and by Public 
Law 99-658, with respect to Palau.

[[Page 479]]

    (2) Freely associated states (FAS) means the following parts of the 
former Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, namely, the Republic of 
the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.
    (3) Territories and possessions of the United States means all 
territories and possessions of the United States to which the Act 
applies, including those commonwealths of the United States that are not 
States. It does not include American Samoa, as long as the Act does not 
apply to it.
    (4)(i) Habitual resident means a citizen of the FAS who has been 
admitted to a territory or possession of the United States (other than 
American Samoa, as long as the Act is not applicable to it) pursuant to 
section 141(a) of the Compacts and who occupies in such territory or 
possession a habitual residence as that term is defined in section 461 
of the Compacts, namely a place of general abode or a principal, actual 
dwelling place of a continuing or lasting nature. The term ``habitual 
resident'' does not apply to:
    (A) A person who has established a continuing residence in a 
territory or possession of the United States, but whose cumulative 
physical presence in the United States amounts to less than 365 days; or
    (B) A dependent of a resident representative described in section 
152 of the Compacts; or
    (C) A person who entered the United States for the purpose of full-
time studies as long as such person maintains that status.
    (ii) Since the term ``habitual'' resident requires that the person 
have entered the United States pursuant to section 141(a) of the 
Compacts, the term does not apply to FAS citizens whose presence in the 
territories or possessions is based on an authority other than section 
141(a), such as:
    (A) Members of the Armed Forces of the United States described in 8 
CFR Sec.  235.1(c);
    (B) Persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United 
States; or
    (C) Persons having nonimmigrant status whose entry into the United 
States is based on provisions of the Compacts or the Act other than 
section 141(a) of the Compacts.
    (5) Dependent means a citizen of the FAS, as defined in section 
141(a) of the Compacts, who:
    (i) Is a habitual resident;
    (ii) Resides with a principal habitual resident;
    (iii) Relies for financial support on that principal habitual 
resident; and
    (iv) Is either the parent, spouse, or unmarried child under the age 
of 21 of the principal habitual resident or the parent or child of the 
spouse of the principal habitual resident.
    (6) Principal habitual resident means a habitual resident with whom 
one or more dependents reside and on whom dependent(s) rely for 
financial support.
    (7) Self-supporting means:
    (i) Having a lawful occupation of a current and continuing nature 
that provides 40 hours of gainful employment each week. A part-time 
student attending an accredited college or institution of higher 
learning in a territory or possession of the United States receives for 
each college or graduate credit-hour of study a three-hour credit toward 
the 40-hour requirement; or
    (ii) If the person cannot meet the 40-hour employment requirement, 
having lawfully derived funds that meet or exceed 100 percent of the 
official poverty guidelines for Hawaii for a family unit of the 
appropriate size as published annually by the Department of Health and 
Human Services.
    (8) Receipt of unauthorized public benefits means the acceptance of 
public benefits by fraud or willful misrepresentation in violation of 
section 401 or 411 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193, 110 Stat. 2261, 2268, as 
amended by sections 5561 and 5565 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, 
Public Law 105-33, 111 Stat. 638. 639.
    (b) Where do these rules regarding habitual residence apply? The 
rules in this section apply to habitual residents living in a territory 
or possession of the United States to which the Act applies. Those 
territories and possessions are at present Guam, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the American Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands. These rules

[[Page 480]]

do not apply to habitual residents living in American Samoa as long as 
the Act does not extend to it. These rules are not applicable to 
habitual residents living in the fifty States or the District of 
Columbia.
    (c) When is an arriving FAS citizen presumed to be a habitual 
resident? (1) An arriving FAS citizen will be subject to the rebuttable 
presumption that he or she is a habitual resident if the Service has 
reason to believe that the arriving FAS citizen was previously admitted 
to the territory or possession more than one year ago; and
    (2) That the arriving FAS citizen either;
    (i) Failed to turn in his or her Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4) when he 
or she previously departed from the United States; or
    (ii) Failed to apply for a replacement Form I-94.
    (d) What rights do habitual residents have? Habitual residents have 
the right to enter, reside, study, and work in the United States, its 
territories or possessions, in nonimmigrant status without regard to the 
requirements of sections 212(a)(5)(A) and 212(a)(7)(A) and (B) of the 
Act.
    (e) What are the limitations on the rights of habitual residents? 
(1) A habitual resident who is not a dependent is subject to removal if 
he or she:
    (i) Is not and has not been self-supporting for a period exceeding 
60 consecutive days for reasons other than a lawful strike or other 
labor dispute involving work stoppage; or
    (ii) Has received unauthorized public benefits by fraud or willful 
misrepresentation; or
    (iii) Is subject to removal pursuant to section 237 of the Act, or 
any other provision of the Act.
    (2) Any dependent is removable from a territory or possession of the 
United States if:
    (i) The principal habitual resident who financially supports him or 
her and with whom he or she resides, becomes subject to removal unless 
the dependent establishes that he or she has become a dependent of 
another habitual resident or becomes self-supporting; or
    (ii) The dependent, as an individual, receives unauthorized public 
benefits by fraud or willful misrepresentation; or
    (iii) The dependent, as an individual, is subject to removal 
pursuant to section 237 of the Act, or any other provision of the Act.

[65 FR 56465, Sept. 19, 2000, as amended at 74 FR 55738, Oct. 28, 2009; 
78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec. Sec.  214.8-214.10  [Reserved]



Sec.  214.11  Alien victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons.

    (a) Definitions. Where applicable, USCIS will apply the definitions 
provided in section 103 and 107(e) of the Trafficking Victims Protection 
Act (TVPA) with due regard for the definitions and application of these 
terms in 28 CFR part 1100 and the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 77. As used in 
this section the term:
    Application for derivative T nonimmigrant status means a request by 
a principal alien on behalf of an eligible family member for derivative 
T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 nonimmigrant status on the form designated by 
USCIS for that purpose.
    Application for T nonimmigrant status means a request by a principal 
alien for T-1 nonimmigrant status on the form designated by USCIS for 
that purpose.
    Bona fide determination means a USCIS determination that an 
application for T-1 nonimmigrant status has been initially reviewed and 
determined that the application does not appear to be fraudulent, is 
complete and properly filed, includes completed fingerprint and 
background checks, and presents prima facie evidence of eligibility for 
T-1 nonimmigrant status including admissibility.
    Child means a person described in section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    Coercion means threats of serious harm to or physical restraint 
against any person; any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a 
person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious 
harm to or physical restraint against any person; or the abuse or 
threatened abuse of the legal process.
    Commercial sex act means any sex act on account of which anything of 
value is given to or received by any person.

[[Page 481]]

    Debt bondage means the status or condition of a debtor arising from 
a pledge by the debtor of his or her personal services or of those of a 
person under his or her control as a security for debt, if the value of 
those services as reasonably assessed is not applied toward the 
liquidation of the debt or the length and nature of those services are 
not respectively limited and defined.
    Derivative T nonimmigrant means an eligible family member who has 
been granted T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 derivative status. A family 
member outside of the United States is not a derivative T nonimmigrant 
until he or she is granted a T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 visa by the 
Department of State and is admitted to the United States in derivative T 
nonimmigrant status.
    Eligible family member means a family member who may be eligible for 
derivative T nonimmigrant status based on his or her relationship to an 
alien victim and, if required, upon a showing of a present danger or 
retaliation; and:
    (1) In the case of an alien victim who is 21 years of age or older, 
means the spouse and children of such alien;
    (2) In the case of an alien victim under 21 years of age, means the 
spouse, children, unmarried siblings under 18 years of age, and parents 
of such alien; and
    (3) Regardless of the age of an alien victim, means any parent or 
unmarried sibling under 18 years of age, or adult or minor child of a 
derivative of such alien where the family member faces a present danger 
of retaliation as a result of the alien victim's escape from a severe 
form of trafficking or cooperation with law enforcement.
    Involuntary servitude means a condition of servitude induced by 
means of any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to 
believe that, if the person did not enter into or continue in such 
condition, that person or another person would suffer serious harm or 
physical restraint; or a condition of servitude induced by the abuse or 
threatened abuse of legal process. Involuntary servitude includes a 
condition of servitude in which the victim is forced to work for the 
defendant by the use or threat of physical restraint or physical injury, 
or by the use or threat of coercion through the law or the legal 
process. This definition encompasses those cases in which the defendant 
holds the victim in servitude by placing the victim in fear of such 
physical restraint or injury or legal coercion.
    Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) means a Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, labor agency, children's 
protective services agency, or other authority that has the 
responsibility and authority for the detection, investigation, and/or 
prosecution of severe forms of trafficking in persons. Federal LEAs 
include but are not limited to the following: U.S. Attorneys' Offices, 
Civil Rights Division, Criminal Division, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal 
Bureau of Investigation (Department of Justice); U.S. Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); 
Diplomatic Security Service (Department of State); and Department of 
Labor.
    Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) endorsement means an official LEA 
endorsement on the form designated by USCIS for such purpose.
    Peonage means a status or condition of involuntary servitude based 
upon real or alleged indebtedness.
    Principal T nonimmigrant means the victim of a severe form of 
trafficking in persons who has been granted T-1 nonimmigrant status.
    Reasonable request for assistance means a request made by an LEA to 
a victim to assist in the investigation or prosecution of the acts of 
trafficking in persons or the investigation of crime where acts of 
trafficking are at least one central reason for the commission of that 
crime. The ``reasonableness'' of the request depends on the totality of 
the circumstances. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to: 
General law enforcement and prosecutorial practices; the nature of the 
victimization; the specific circumstances of the victim; severe trauma 
(both mental and physical); access to support services; whether the 
request would cause further trauma: The safety of the victim or the 
victim's family; compliance with other requests and the extent of such 
compliance; whether the request would yield essential information;

[[Page 482]]

whether the information could be obtained without the victim's 
compliance; whether an interpreter or attorney was present to help the 
victim understand the request; cultural, religious, or moral objections 
to the request; the time the victim had to comply with the request; and 
the age and maturity of the victim.
    Severe form of trafficking in persons means sex trafficking in which 
a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in 
which the person induced to perform such act is under the age of 18 
years; or the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or 
obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force, 
fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary 
servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
    Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, 
provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the 
purpose of a commercial sex act.
    United States means the fifty States of the United States, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons (victim) means an 
alien who is or has been subject to a severe form of trafficking in 
persons.
    (b) Eligibility for T-1 status. An alien is eligible for T-1 
nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i) of the Act if he or 
she demonstrates all of the following, subject to section 214(o) of the 
Act:
    (1) Victim. The alien is or has been a victim of a severe form of 
trafficking in persons.
    (2) Physical presence. The alien is physically present in the United 
States or at a port-of-entry thereto, according to paragraph (g) of this 
section.
    (3) Compliance with any reasonable request for assistance. The alien 
has complied with any reasonable request for assistance in a Federal, 
State, or local investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking in 
persons, or the investigation of a crime where acts of trafficking in 
persons are at least one central reason for the commission of that 
crime, or meets one of the conditions described below.
    (i) Exemption for minor victims. An alien under 18 years of age is 
not required to comply with any reasonable request.
    (ii) Exception for trauma. An alien who, due to physical or 
psychological trauma, is unable to cooperate with a reasonable request 
for assistance in the Federal, State, or local investigation or 
prosecution of acts of trafficking in persons, or the investigation of a 
crime where acts of trafficking in persons are at least one central 
reason for the commission of that crime, is not required to comply with 
such reasonable request.
    (4) Hardship. The alien would suffer extreme hardship involving 
unusual and severe harm upon removal.
    (5) Prohibition against traffickers in persons. No alien will be 
eligible to receive T nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(T) of 
the Act if there is substantial reason to believe that the alien has 
committed an act of a severe form of trafficking in persons.
    (c) Period of admission--(1) T-1 Principal. T-1 nonimmigrant status 
may be approved for a period not to exceed 4 years, except as provided 
in section 214(o)(7) of the Act.
    (2) Derivative family members. A derivative family member who is 
otherwise eligible for admission may be granted T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or 
T-6 nonimmigrant status for an initial period that does not exceed the 
expiration date of the initial period approved for the T-1 principal 
alien, except as provided in section 214(o)(7) of the Act.
    (3) Notice. At the time an alien is approved for T nonimmigrant 
status or receives an extension of T nonimmigrant status, USCIS will 
notify the alien when his or her T nonimmigrant status will expire. 
USCIS also will notify the alien that the failure to apply for 
adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, as set forth in 8 CFR 
245.23, will result in termination of the alien's T nonimmigrant status 
in the United States at the end of the 4-year period or any extension.
    (d) Application. USCIS has sole jurisdiction over all applications 
for T nonimmigrant status.

[[Page 483]]

    (1) Filing an application. An alien seeking T-1 nonimmigrant status 
must submit an application for T nonimmigrant status on the form 
designated by USCIS in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2 and with the evidence 
described in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (i) Applicants in pending immigration proceedings. An alien in 
removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, or in exclusion or 
deportation proceedings under former sections 236 or 242 of the Act (as 
in effect prior to April 1, 1997), and who wishes to apply for T-1 
nonimmigrant status must file an application for T nonimmigrant status 
directly with USCIS. In its discretion, DHS may agree to the alien's 
request to file with the immigration judge or the Board a joint motion 
to administratively close or terminate proceedings without prejudice, 
whichever is appropriate, while an application for T nonimmigrant status 
is adjudicated by USCIS.
    (ii) Applicants with final orders of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion. An alien subject to a final order of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion may file an application for T-1 nonimmigrant status directly 
with USCIS. The filing of an application for T nonimmigrant status has 
no effect on DHS authority or discretion to execute a final order of 
removal, although the alien may request an administrative stay of 
removal pursuant to 8 CFR 241.6(a). If the alien is in detention pending 
execution of the final order, the period of detention (under the 
standards of 8 CFR 241.4) reasonably necessary to bring about the 
applicant's removal will be extended during the period the stay is in 
effect. If USCIS subsequently determines under the procedures in 
paragraph (e) of this section that the application is bona fide, DHS 
will automatically grant an administrative stay of the final order of 
removal, deportation, or exclusion, and the stay will remain in effect 
until a final decision is made on the application for T nonimmigrant 
status.
    (iii) Minor applicants. When USCIS receives an application from a 
minor principal alien under the age of 18, USCIS will notify the 
Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate the provision of 
interim assistance.
    (2) Initial evidence. An application for T nonimmigrant status must 
include:
    (i) The applicant's signed statement describing the facts of the 
victimization and compliance with any reasonable law enforcement request 
(or a basis for why he or she has not complied) and any other 
eligibility requirements in his or her own words;
    (ii) Any credible evidence that the applicant would like USCIS to 
consider supporting any of the eligibility requirements set out in 
paragraphs (f), (g), (h) and (i) of this section; and
    (iii) Inadmissible applicants. If an applicant is inadmissible based 
on a ground that may be waived, he or she must also submit a request for 
a waiver of inadmissibility on the form designated by USCIS with the fee 
prescribed by 8 CFR 106.2, in accordance with form instructions and 8 
CFR 212.16, and accompanied by supporting evidence.
    (3) Evidence from law enforcement. An applicant may wish to submit 
evidence from an LEA to help establish certain eligibility requirements 
for T nonimmigrant status. Evidence from an LEA is optional and is not 
given any special evidentiary weight.
    (i) Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) endorsement. An LEA endorsement is 
optional evidence that can be submitted to help demonstrate 
victimization and/or compliance with reasonable requests. An LEA 
endorsement is not mandatory and is not given any special evidentiary 
weight. An LEA endorsement itself does not grant a benefit and is one 
form of possible evidence but it does not lead to automatic approval of 
the application for T nonimmigrant status by USCIS. If provided, the LEA 
endorsement must be submitted on the form designated by USCIS in 
accordance with the form instructions and must be signed by a 
supervising official responsible for the detection, investigation or 
prosecution of severe forms of trafficking in persons. The LEA 
endorsement must attach the results of any name or database inquiries 
performed and describe the victimization (including dates where known) 
and the cooperation of the victim. USCIS, not

[[Page 484]]

the LEA, will determine if the applicant was or is a victim of a severe 
form of trafficking in persons, and otherwise meets the eligibility 
requirements for T nonimmigrant status. The decision whether to complete 
an LEA endorsement is at the discretion of the LEA. A formal 
investigation or prosecution is not required to complete an LEA 
endorsement.
    (ii) Disavowed or revoked LEA endorsement. An LEA may revoke or 
disavow the contents of a previously submitted endorsement in writing. 
After revocation or disavowal, the LEA endorsement will no longer be 
considered as evidence.
    (iii) Continued Presence. An applicant granted Continued Presence 
under 28 CFR 110.35 should submit documentation of the grant of 
Continued Presence. If Continued Presence has been revoked, it will no 
longer be considered as evidence.
    (iv) Other evidence. An applicant may also submit any evidence 
regarding entry or admission into the United States or permission to 
remain in the United States or note that such evidence is contained in 
an applicant's immigration file.
    (4) Biometric services. All applicants for T-1 nonimmigrant status 
must submit biometrics in accordance with 8 CFR 103.16.
    (5) Evidentiary standards and burden of proof. The burden is on the 
applicant to demonstrate eligibility for T-1 nonimmigrant status. The 
applicant may submit any credible evidence relating to a T nonimmigrant 
application for consideration by USCIS. USCIS will conduct a de novo 
review of all evidence and may investigate any aspect of the 
application. Evidence previously submitted by the applicant for any 
immigration benefit or relief may be used by USCIS in evaluating the 
eligibility of an applicant for T-1 nonimmigrant status. USCIS will not 
be bound by previous factual determinations made in connection with a 
prior application or petition for any immigration benefit or relief. 
USCIS will determine, in its sole discretion, the evidentiary value of 
previously or concurrently submitted evidence.
    (6) Interview. USCIS may require an applicant for T nonimmigrant 
status to participate in a personal interview. The necessity and 
location of the interview is determined solely by USCIS in accordance 
with 8 CFR part 103. Every effort will be made to schedule the interview 
in a location convenient to the applicant.
    (7) Bona fide determination. Once an alien submits an application 
for T-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS will conduct an initial review to 
determine if the application is a bona fide application for T-1 
nonimmigrant status under the provisions of paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (8) Decision. After completing its de novo review of the application 
and evidence, USCIS will issue a decision approving or denying the 
application in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3.
    (9) Approval. If USCIS determines that the applicant is eligible for 
T-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS will approve the application and grant T-
1 nonimmigrant status, subject to the annual limitation as provided in 
paragraph (j) of this section. USCIS will provide the applicant with 
evidence of T-1 nonimmigrant status. USCIS may also notify other parties 
and entities of the approval as it determines appropriate, including any 
LEA providing an LEA endorsement and the Department of Health and Human 
Service's Office of Refugee Resettlement, consistent with 8 U.S.C. 1367.
    (i) Applicants with an outstanding order of removal, deportation or 
exclusion issued by DHS. For an applicant who is the subject of an order 
of removal, deportation or exclusion issued by DHS, the order will be 
deemed cancelled by operation of law as of the date of the USCIS 
approval of the application.
    (ii) Applicants with an outstanding order of removal, deportation or 
exclusion issued by the Department of Justice. An applicant who is the 
subject of an order of removal, deportation or exclusion issued by an 
immigration judge or the Board may seek cancellation of such order by 
filing a motion to reopen and terminate removal proceedings with the 
immigration judge or the Board. ICE may agree, as a matter of 
discretion, to join such motion to overcome any applicable time and 
numerical limitations of 8 CFR 1003.2 and 1003.23.

[[Page 485]]

    (10) Denial. Upon denial of an application, USCIS will notify the 
applicant in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3. USCIS may also notify any LEA 
providing an LEA endorsement and the Department of Health and Human 
Service's Office of Refugee Resettlement. If an applicant appeals a 
denial in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3, the denial will not become final 
until the administrative appeal is decided.
    (i) Effect on bona fide determination. Upon denial of an 
application, any benefits derived from a bona fide determination will 
automatically be revoked when the denial becomes final.
    (ii) Applicants previously in removal proceedings. In the case of an 
applicant who was previously in removal proceedings that were terminated 
on the basis of a pending application for T nonimmigrant status, once a 
denial becomes final, DHS may file a new Notice to Appear to place the 
individual in removal proceedings again.
    (iii) Applicants subject to an order of removal, deportation or 
exclusion. In the case of an applicant who is subject to an order of 
removal, deportation or exclusion that had been stayed due to the 
pending application for T nonimmigrant status, the stay will be 
automatically lifted as of the date the denial becomes final.
    (11) Employment authorization. An alien granted T-1 nonimmigrant 
status is authorized to work incident to status. There is no need for an 
alien to file a separate form to be granted employment authorization. 
USCIS will issue an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to 
such aliens, which will be valid for the duration of the alien's T-1 
nonimmigrant status. An alien granted T-1 nonimmigrant status seeking to 
replace an EAD that was lost, stolen, or destroyed must file an 
application on the form designated by USCIS in accordance with form 
instructions.
    (e) Bona fide determination. Once an alien submits an application 
for T-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS will conduct an initial review to 
determine if the application is a bona fide application for T-1 
nonimmigrant status.
    (1) Criteria. After initial review, an application will be 
determined to be bona fide if:
    (i) The application is properly filed and is complete;
    (ii) The application does not appear to be fraudulent;
    (iii) The application presents prima facie evidence of each 
eligibility requirement for T-1 nonimmigrant status;
    (iv) Biometrics and background checks are complete; and
    (v) The applicant is:
    (A) Admissible to the United States; or
    (B) Inadmissible to the United States based on a ground that may be 
waived (other than section 212(a)(4) of the Act); and either the 
applicant has filed a waiver of a ground of inadmissibility described in 
section 212(d)(13) of the Act concurrently with the application for T 
nonimmigrant status, or USCIS has already granted a waiver with respect 
to any ground of inadmissibility that applies to the applicant. USCIS 
may request further evidence from the applicant. All waivers are 
discretionary and require a request for waiver, on the form designated 
by USCIS.
    (2) USCIS determination. An application will not be treated as bona 
fide until USCIS provides notice to the applicant.
    (i) Incomplete or insufficient application. If an application is 
incomplete or if an application is complete but does not present 
sufficient evidence to establish prima facie eligibility for each 
eligibility requirement for T-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS may request 
additional information, issue a notice of intent to deny as provided in 
8 CFR 103.2(b)(8), or may adjudicate the application on the basis of the 
evidence presented under the procedures of this section.
    (ii) Notice. Once USCIS determines an application is bona fide, 
USCIS will notify the applicant. An application will be treated as a 
bona fide application as of the date of the notice.
    (3) Stay of final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion. If 
USCIS determines that an application is bona fide it automatically stays 
the execution of any final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion. 
This administrative stay will remain in effect until any adverse 
decision becomes final. The filing of an application for T nonimmigrant

[[Page 486]]

status does not automatically stay the execution of a final order unless 
USCIS has determined that the application is bona fide. Neither an 
immigration judge nor the Board has jurisdiction to adjudicate an 
application for a stay of removal, deportation, or exclusion on the 
basis of the filing of an application for T nonimmigrant status.
    (f) Victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons. To be 
eligible for T-1 nonimmigrant status an applicant must meet the 
definition of a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons 
described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (1) Evidence. The applicant must submit evidence that demonstrates 
that he or she is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking 
in persons. Except in instances of sex trafficking involving victims 
under 18 years of age, severe forms of trafficking in persons must 
involve both a particular means (force, fraud, or coercion) and a 
particular end or a particular intended end (sex trafficking, 
involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery). If a victim 
has not performed labor or services, or a commercial sex act, the victim 
must establish that he or she was recruited, transported, harbored, 
provided, or obtained for the purposes of subjection to sex trafficking, 
involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery, or patronized 
or solicited for the purposes of subjection to sex trafficking. The 
applicant may satisfy this requirement by submitting:
    (i) An LEA endorsement as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section;
    (ii) Documentation of a grant of Continued Presence under 28 CFR 
1100.35; or
    (iii) Any other evidence, including but not limited to, trial 
transcripts, court documents, police reports, news articles, copies of 
reimbursement forms for travel to and from court, and/or affidavits. In 
the victim's statement prescribed by paragraph (d)(2) of this section, 
the applicant should describe what the alien has done to report the 
crime to an LEA and indicate whether criminal records relating to the 
trafficking crime are available.
    (2) If the Continued Presence has been revoked or the contents of 
the LEA endorsement have been disavowed based on a determination that 
the applicant is not or was not a victim of a severe form of trafficking 
in persons, it will no longer be considered as evidence.
    (g) Physical presence. To be eligible for T-1 nonimmigrant status an 
applicant must be physically present in the United States, American 
Samoa, or at a port-of-entry thereto on account of such trafficking.
    (1) Applicability. The physical presence requirement requires USCIS 
to consider the alien's presence in the United States at the time of 
application. The requirement reaches an alien who:
    (i) Is present because he or she is currently being subjected to a 
severe form of trafficking in persons;
    (ii) Was liberated from a severe form of trafficking in persons by 
an LEA;
    (iii) Escaped a severe form of trafficking in persons before an LEA 
was involved, subject to paragraph (g)(2) of this section;
    (iv) Was subject to a severe form of trafficking in persons at some 
point in the past and whose continuing presence in the United States is 
directly related to the original trafficking in persons; or
    (v) Is present on account of the alien having been allowed entry 
into the United States for participation in investigative or judicial 
processes associated with an act or perpetrator of trafficking.
    (2) Departure from the United States. An alien who has voluntarily 
departed from (or has been removed from) the United States at any time 
after the act of a severe form of trafficking in persons is deemed not 
to be present in the United States as a result of such trafficking in 
persons unless:
    (i) The alien's reentry into the United States was the result of the 
continued victimization of the alien;
    (ii) The alien is a victim of a new incident of a severe form of 
trafficking in persons; or
    (iii) The alien has been allowed reentry into the United States for 
participation in investigative or judicial processes associated with an 
act or perpetrator of trafficking, described in paragraph (g)(4) of this 
section.
    (3) Presence for participation in investigative or judicial 
processes. An alien

[[Page 487]]

who was allowed initial entry or reentry into the United States for 
participation in investigative or judicial processes associated with an 
act or perpetrator of trafficking will be deemed to be physically 
present in the United States on account of trafficking in persons, 
regardless of where such trafficking occurred. To satisfy this section, 
an alien must submit documentation to show valid entry into the United 
States and evidence that this valid entry is for participation in 
investigative or judicial processes associated with an act or 
perpetrator of trafficking.
    (4) Evidence. The applicant must submit evidence that demonstrates 
that his or her physical presence in the United States or at a port-of-
entry thereto, is on account of trafficking in persons, including 
physical presence on account of the alien having been allowed entry into 
the United States for participation in investigative or judicial 
processes associated with an act or a perpetrator of trafficking. USCIS 
will consider all evidence presented to determine the physical presence 
requirement, including the alien's responses to questions on the 
application for T nonimmigrant status about when he or she escaped from 
the trafficker, what activities he or she has undertaken since that time 
including the steps he or she may have taken to deal with the 
consequences of having been trafficked, and the applicant's ability to 
leave the United States. The applicant may satisfy this requirement by 
submitting:
    (i) An LEA endorsement, described in paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section;
    (ii) Documentation of a grant of Continued Presence under 28 CFR 
1100.35;
    (iii) Any other documentation of entry into the United States or 
permission to remain in the United States, such as parole under section 
212(d)(5) of the Act, or a notation that such evidence is contained in 
the applicant's immigration file; or
    (iv) Any other credible evidence, including a personal statement 
from the applicant, stating the date and place (if known) and the manner 
and purpose (if known) for which the applicant entered the United States 
and demonstrating that the applicant is now present on account of the 
trafficking.
    (h) Compliance with any reasonable request for assistance in an 
investigation or prosecution. To be eligible for T-1 nonimmigrant 
status, an applicant must have complied with any reasonable request for 
assistance from an LEA in an investigation or prosecution of acts of 
trafficking or the investigation of a crime where acts of trafficking 
are at least one central reason for the commission of that crime, unless 
the applicant meets an exemption described in paragraph (h)(4) of this 
section.
    (1) Applicability. An applicant must have had, at a minimum, contact 
with an LEA regarding the acts of a severe form of trafficking in 
persons. An applicant who has never had contact with an LEA regarding 
the acts of a severe form of trafficking in persons will not be eligible 
for T-1 nonimmigrant status, unless he or she meets an exemption 
described in paragraph (h)(4) of this section.
    (2) Unreasonable requests. An applicant need only show compliance 
with reasonable requests made by an LEA for assistance in the 
investigation or prosecution of the acts of trafficking in persons. The 
reasonableness of the request depends on the totality of the 
circumstances. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to:
    (i) General law enforcement and prosecutorial practices;
    (ii) The nature of the victimization;
    (iii) The specific circumstances of the victim;
    (iv) Severity of trauma suffered (both mental and physical) or 
whether the request would cause further trauma;
    (v) Access to support services;
    (vi) The safety of the victim or the victim's family;
    (vii) Compliance with previous requests and the extent of such 
compliance;
    (viii) Whether the request would yield essential information;
    (ix) Whether the information could be obtained without the victim's 
compliance;
    (x) Whether an interpreter or attorney was present to help the 
victim understand the request;
    (xi) Cultural, religious, or moral objections to the request;
    (xii) The time the victim had to comply with the request; and

[[Page 488]]

    (xiii) The age and maturity of the victim.
    (3) Evidence. An applicant must submit evidence that demonstrates 
that he or she has complied with any reasonable request for assistance 
in a Federal, State, or local investigation or prosecution of 
trafficking in persons, or a crime where trafficking in persons is at 
least one central reason for the commission of that crime. In the 
alternative, an applicant can submit evidence to demonstrate that he or 
she should be exempt under paragraph (h)(4) of this section. If USCIS 
has any question about whether the applicant has complied with a 
reasonable request for assistance, USCIS may contact the LEA. The 
applicant may satisfy this requirement by submitting any of the 
following:
    (i) An LEA endorsement as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section;
    (ii) Documentation of a grant of Continued Presence under 28 CFR 
1100.35; or
    (iii) Any other evidence, including affidavits of witnesses. In the 
victim's statement prescribed by paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the 
applicant should show that an LEA that has responsibility and authority 
for the detection, investigation, or prosecution of severe forms of 
trafficking in persons has information about such trafficking in 
persons, that the victim has complied with any reasonable request for 
assistance in the investigation or prosecution of such acts of 
trafficking, and, if the victim did not report the crime, why the crime 
was not previously reported.
    (4) An applicant who has not had contact with an LEA or who has not 
complied with any reasonable request may be exempt from the requirement 
to comply with any reasonable request for assistance in an investigation 
or prosecution if either of the following two circumstances applies:
    (i) Trauma. The applicant is unable to cooperate with a reasonable 
request for assistance in the Federal, State, or local investigation or 
prosecution of acts of trafficking in persons due to physical or 
psychological trauma. An applicant must submit evidence of the trauma. 
An applicant may satisfy this by submitting an affirmative statement 
describing the trauma and any other credible evidence. ``Any other 
credible evidence'' includes, for instance, a signed statement from a 
qualified professional, such as a medical professional, social worker, 
or victim advocate, who attests to the victim's mental state, and 
medical, psychological, or other records which are relevant to the 
trauma. USCIS reserves the authority and discretion to contact the LEA 
involved in the case, if appropriate; or
    (ii) Age. The applicant is under 18 years of age. An applicant under 
18 years of age is exempt from the requirement to comply with any 
reasonable request for assistance in an investigation or prosecution, 
but he or she must submit evidence of age. Applicants should include, 
where available, an official copy of the alien's birth certificate, a 
passport, or a certified medical opinion. Other evidence regarding the 
age of the applicant may be submitted in accordance with 8 CFR 
103.2(b)(2)(i).
    (i) Extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm. To be 
eligible for T-1 nonimmigrant status, an applicant must demonstrate that 
removal from the United States would subject the applicant to extreme 
hardship involving unusual and severe harm.
    (1) Standard. Extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm is 
a higher standard than extreme hardship as described in 8 CFR 240.58. A 
finding of extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm may not be 
based solely upon current or future economic detriment, or the lack of, 
or disruption to, social or economic opportunities. The determination of 
extreme hardship is made solely by USCIS.
    (2) Factors. Factors that may be considered in evaluating whether 
removal would result in extreme hardship involving unusual and severe 
harm should include both traditional extreme hardship factors and 
factors associated with having been a victim of a severe form of 
trafficking in persons. These factors include, but are not limited to:
    (i) The age, maturity, and personal circumstances of the applicant;

[[Page 489]]

    (ii) Any physical or psychological issues the applicant has which 
necessitates medical or psychological care not reasonably available in 
the foreign country;
    (iii) The nature and extent of the physical and psychological 
consequences of having been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in 
persons;
    (iv) The impact of the loss of access to the United States courts 
and the criminal justice system for purposes relating to the incident of 
a severe form of trafficking in persons or other crimes perpetrated 
against the applicant, including criminal and civil redress for acts of 
trafficking in persons, criminal prosecution, restitution, and 
protection;
    (v) The reasonable expectation that the existence of laws, social 
practices, or customs in the foreign country to which the applicant 
would be returned would penalize the applicant severely for having been 
the victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons;
    (vi) The likelihood of re-victimization and the need, ability, and 
willingness of foreign authorities to protect the applicant;
    (vii) The likelihood of harm that the trafficker in persons or 
others acting on behalf of the trafficker in the foreign country would 
cause the applicant; or
    (viii) The likelihood that the applicant's individual safety would 
be threatened by the existence of civil unrest or armed conflict.
    (3) Evidence. An applicant must submit evidence that demonstrates he 
or she would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm 
if removed from the United States. An applicant is encouraged to 
describe and document all factors that may be relevant to the case, as 
there is no guarantee that a particular reason(s) will satisfy the 
requirement. Hardship to persons other than the alien victim cannot be 
considered in determining whether an applicant would suffer the 
requisite hardship. The applicant may satisfy this requirement by 
submitting any credible evidence regarding the nature and scope of the 
hardship if the applicant was removed from the United States, including 
evidence of hardship arising from circumstances surrounding the 
victimization and any other circumstances. An applicant may submit a 
personal statement or other evidence, including evidence from relevant 
country condition reports and any other public or private sources of 
information.
    (j) Annual cap. In accordance with section 214(o)(2) of the Act, DHS 
may not grant T-1 nonimmigrant status to more than 5,000 aliens in any 
fiscal year.
    (1) Waiting list. All eligible applicants who, due solely to the 
cap, are not granted T-1 nonimmigrant status will be placed on a waiting 
list and will receive written notice of such placement. Priority on the 
waiting list will be determined by the date the application was properly 
filed, with the oldest applications receiving the highest priority. In 
the next fiscal year, USCIS will issue a number to each application on 
the waiting list, in the order of the highest priority, providing the 
applicant remains admissible and eligible for T nonimmigrant status. 
After T-1 nonimmigrant status has been issued to qualifying applicants 
on the waiting list, any remaining T-1 nonimmigrant numbers for that 
fiscal year will be issued to new qualifying applicants in the order 
that the applications were properly filed.
    (2) Unlawful presence. While an applicant for T nonimmigrant status 
who was granted deferred action or parole is on the waiting list, the 
applicant will not accrue unlawful presence under section 212(a)(9)(B) 
of the Act while maintaining parole or deferred action.
    (3) Removal from the waiting list. An applicant may be removed from 
the waiting list and the deferred action or parole may be terminated 
consistent with law and policy. Applicants on the waiting list must 
remain admissible to the United States and otherwise eligible for T 
nonimmigrant status. If at any time prior to final adjudication USCIS 
receives information that an applicant is no longer eligible for 
nonimmigrant status, the applicant may be removed from the waiting list 
and the deferred action or parole may be terminated. USCIS will provide 
notice to the applicant of that decision.
    (k) Application for eligible family members--(1) Eligibility. 
Subject to section

[[Page 490]]

214(o) of the Act, an alien who has applied for or has been granted T-1 
nonimmigrant status (principal alien) may apply for the admission of an 
eligible family member, who is otherwise admissible to the United 
States, in derivative T nonimmigrant status if accompanying or following 
to join the principal alien.
    (i) Principal alien 21 years of age or older. For a principal alien 
who is 21 years of age or over, eligible family member means a T-2 
(spouse) or T-3 (child).
    (ii) Principal alien under 21 years of age. For a principal alien 
who is under 21 years of age, eligible family member means a T-2 
(spouse), T-3 (child), T-4 (parent), or T-5 (unmarried sibling under the 
age of 18).
    (iii) Family member facing danger of retaliation. Regardless of the 
age of the principal alien, if the eligible family member faces a 
present danger of retaliation as a result of the principal alien's 
escape from the severe form of trafficking or cooperation with law 
enforcement, in consultation with the law enforcement officer 
investigating a severe form of trafficking, eligible family member means 
a T-4 (parent), T-5 (unmarried sibling under the age of 18), or T-6 
(adult or minor child of a derivative of the principal alien).
    (iv) Admission requirements. The principal applicant must 
demonstrate that the alien for whom derivative T nonimmigrant status is 
being sought is an eligible family member of the T-1 principal alien, as 
defined in paragraph (a) of this section, and is otherwise eligible for 
that status.
    (2) Application. A T-1 principal alien may submit an application for 
derivative T nonimmigrant status on the form designated by USCIS in 
accordance with the form instructions. The application for derivative T 
nonimmigrant status for an eligible family member may be filed with the 
T-1 application, or separately. Derivative T nonimmigrant status is 
dependent on the principal alien having been granted T-1 nonimmigrant 
status and the principal alien maintaining T-1 nonimmigrant status. If a 
principal alien granted T-1 nonimmigrant status cannot maintain status 
due to his or her death, the provisions of section 204(l) of the Act may 
apply.
    (i) Eligible family members in pending immigration proceedings. If 
an eligible family member is in removal proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act, or in exclusion or deportation proceedings under former 
sections 236 or 242 of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997), 
the principal alien must file an application for derivative T 
nonimmigrant status directly with USCIS. In its discretion and at the 
request of the eligible family member, ICE may agree to file a joint 
motion to administratively close or terminate proceedings without 
prejudice with the immigration judge or the Board, whichever is 
appropriate, while USCIS adjudicates an application for derivative T 
nonimmigrant status.
    (ii) Eligible family members with final orders of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion. If an eligible family member is the subject 
of a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion, the principal 
alien may file an application for derivative T nonimmigrant status 
directly with USCIS. The filing of an application for derivative T 
nonimmigrant status has no effect on ICE's authority or discretion to 
execute a final order, although the alien may file a request for an 
administrative stay of removal pursuant to 8 CFR 241.6(a). If the 
eligible family member is in detention pending execution of the final 
order, the period of detention (under the standards of 8 CFR 241.4) will 
be extended while a stay is in effect for the period reasonably 
necessary to bring about the applicant's removal.
    (3) Required supporting evidence. In addition to the form, an 
application for derivative T nonimmigrant status must include the 
following:
    (i) Biometrics submitted in accordance with 8 CFR 103.16;
    (ii) Evidence demonstrating the relationship of an eligible family 
member, as provided in paragraph (k)(4) of this section;
    (iii) In the case of an alien seeking derivative T nonimmigrant 
status on the basis of danger of retaliation, evidence demonstrating 
this danger as provided in paragraph (k)(6) of this section.

[[Page 491]]

    (iv) Inadmissible applicants. If an eligible family member is 
inadmissible based on a ground that may be waived, a request for a 
waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(d)(13) or section 212(d)(3) 
of the Act must be filed in accordance with 8 CFR 212.16 and submitted 
with the completed application package.
    (4) Relationship. Except as described in paragraphs (k)(5) of this 
section, the family relationship must exist at the time:
    (i) The application for the T-1 nonimmigrant status is filed;
    (ii) The application for the T-1 nonimmigrant status is adjudicated;
    (iii) The application for derivative T nonimmigrant status is filed;
    (iv) The application for derivative T nonimmigrant status is 
adjudicated; and
    (v) The eligible family member is admitted to the United States if 
residing abroad.
    (5) Relationship and age-out protections--(i) Protection for new 
child of a principal alien. If the T-1 principal alien proves that he or 
she had a child after filing the application for T-1 nonimmigrant 
status, the child will be deemed to be an eligible family member 
eligible to accompany or follow to join the T-1 principal alien.
    (ii) Age-out protection for eligible family members of a principal 
alien under 21 years of age. If the T-1 principal alien was under 21 
years of age when he or she filed for T-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS 
will continue to consider a parent or unmarried sibling as an eligible 
family member. A parent or unmarried sibling will remain eligible even 
if the principal alien turns 21 years of age before adjudication of the 
T-1 application. An unmarried sibling will remain eligible even if the 
unmarried sibling is over 18 years of age at the time of adjudication of 
the T-1 application, so long as the unmarried sibling was under 18 years 
of age at the time of the T-1 application. The age of an unmarried 
sibling when USCIS adjudicates the T-1 application, when the unmarried 
sibling files the derivative application, when USCIS adjudicates the 
derivative application, or when the unmarried sibling is admitted to the 
United States does not affect eligibility.
    (iii) Age-out protection for child of a principal alien 21 years of 
age or older. If a T-1 principal alien was 21 years of age or older when 
he or she filed for T-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS will continue to 
consider a child as an eligible family member if the child was under 21 
years of age at the time the principal filed for T-1 nonimmigrant 
status. The child will remain eligible even if the child is over 21 
years of age at the time of adjudication of the T-1 application. The age 
of the child when USCIS adjudicates the T-1 application, when the child 
files the derivative application, when USCIS adjudicates the derivative 
application, or when the child is admitted to the United States does not 
affect eligibility.
    (iv) Marriage of an eligible family member. An eligible family 
member seeking T-3 or T-5 status must be unmarried when the principal 
files an application for T-1 status, when USCIS adjudicates the T-1 
application, when the eligible family member files for T-3 or T-5 
status, when USCIS adjudicates the T-3 or T-5 application, and when the 
family member is admitted to the United States. If a T-1 marries 
subsequent to filing the application for T-1 status, USCIS will not 
consider the spouse eligible as a T-2 eligible family member.
    (6) Evidence demonstrating a present danger of retaliation. An alien 
seeking derivative T nonimmigrant status on the basis of facing a 
present danger of retaliation as a result of the T-1 victim's escape 
from a severe form of trafficking or cooperation with law enforcement, 
must demonstrate the basis of this danger. USCIS may contact the LEA 
involved, if appropriate. An applicant may satisfy this requirement by 
submitting:
    (i) Documentation of a previous grant of advance parole to an 
eligible family member;
    (ii) A signed statement from a law enforcement official describing 
the danger of retaliation;
    (iii) An affirmative statement from the applicant describing the 
danger the family member faces and how the danger is linked to the 
victim's escape or cooperation with law enforcement (ordinarily an 
applicant's statement alone is not sufficient to prove present danger); 
and/or

[[Page 492]]

    (iv) Any other credible evidence, including trial transcripts, court 
documents, police reports, news articles, copies of reimbursement forms 
for travel to and from court, and affidavits from other witnesses.
    (7) Biometric collection; evidentiary standards. The provisions for 
biometric capture and evidentiary standards described in paragraph 
(d)(2) and (d)(4) of this section apply to an eligible family member's 
application for derivative T nonimmigrant status.
    (8) Review and decision. USCIS will review the application and issue 
a decision in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.
    (9) Derivative approvals. Aliens whose applications for derivative T 
nonimmigrant status are approved are not subject to the annual cap 
described in paragraph (j) of this section. USCIS will not approve 
applications for derivative T nonimmigrant status until USCIS has 
approved T-1 nonimmigrant status to the related principal alien.
    (i) Approvals for eligible family members in the United States. When 
USCIS approves an application for derivative T nonimmigrant status for 
an eligible family member in the United States, USCIS will concurrently 
approve derivative T nonimmigrant status. USCIS will notify the T-1 
principal alien of such approval and provide evidence of derivative T 
nonimmigrant status to the derivative.
    (ii) Approvals for eligible family members outside the United 
States. When USCIS approves an application for an eligible family member 
outside the United States, USCIS will notify the T-1 principal alien of 
such approval and provide the necessary documentation to the Department 
of State for consideration of visa issuance.
    (10) Employment authorization. An alien granted derivative T 
nonimmigrant status may apply for employment authorization by filing an 
application on the form designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 
CFR 106.2 in accordance with form instructions. For derivatives in the 
United States, the application may be filed concurrently with the 
application for derivative T nonimmigrant status or at any later time. 
For derivatives outside the United States, an application for employment 
authorization may only be filed after admission to the United States in 
T nonimmigrant status. If the application for employment authorization 
is approved, the derivative alien will be granted employment 
authorization pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(25) for the period remaining 
in derivative T nonimmigrant status.
    (l) Extension of T nonimmigrant status--(1) Eligibility. USCIS may 
grant extensions of T-1 nonimmigrant status beyond 4 years from the date 
of approval in 1-year periods from the date the T-1 nonimmigrant status 
ends if:
    (i) An LEA investigating or prosecuting activity related to human 
trafficking certifies that the presence of the alien in the United 
States is necessary to assist in the investigation or prosecution of 
such activity;
    (ii) The Secretary of Homeland Security determines that an extension 
is warranted due to exceptional circumstances; or
    (iii) The alien has a pending application for adjustment of status 
to that of a lawful permanent resident.
    (2) Application for a discretionary extension of status. Upon 
application, USCIS may extend T-1 nonimmigrant status based on law 
enforcement need or exceptional circumstances. A T-1 nonimmigrant may 
apply for an extension by submitting the form designated by USCIS with 
the prescribed fee and in accordance with form instructions. A T-1 
nonimmigrant should indicate on the application whether USCIS should 
apply the extension to any family member holding derivative T 
nonimmigrant status.
    (3) Timely filing. An alien should file the application to extend 
nonimmigrant status before the expiration of T-1 nonimmigrant status. If 
T-1 nonimmigrant status has expired, the applicant must explain in 
writing the reason for the untimely filing. USCIS may exercise its 
discretion to approve an untimely filed application for extension of T 
nonimmigrant status.
    (4) Evidence. In addition to the application, a T-1 nonimmigrant 
must include evidence to support why USCIS should grant an extension of 
T nonimmigrant status. The nonimmigrant bears the burden of establishing 
eligibility for an extension of status.

[[Page 493]]

    (5) Evidence of law enforcement need. An applicant may demonstrate 
law enforcement need by submitting evidence that comes directly from an 
LEA, including:
    (i) A new LEA endorsement;
    (ii) Evidence from a law enforcement official, prosecutor, judge, or 
other authority who can investigate or prosecute human trafficking 
activity, such as a letter on the agency's letterhead, email, or fax; or
    (iii) Any other credible evidence.
    (6) Evidence of exceptional circumstances. An applicant may 
demonstrate exceptional circumstances by submitting:
    (i) The applicant's affirmative statement; or
    (ii) Any other credible evidence, including medical records, police 
or court records, news articles, correspondence with an embassy or 
consulate, and affidavits of witnesses.
    (7) Mandatory extensions of status for adjustment of status 
applicants. USCIS will automatically extend T-1 nonimmigrant status when 
a T nonimmigrant properly files an application for adjustment of status 
in accordance with 8 CFR 245.23. No separate application for extension 
of T nonimmigrant status, or supporting evidence, is required.
    (m) Revocation of approved T nonimmigrant status--(1) Automatic 
revocation of derivative status. An approved application for derivative 
T nonimmigrant status will be revoked automatically if the beneficiary 
of the approved derivative application notifies USCIS that he or she 
will not apply for admission to the United States.
    (2) Revocation on notice/grounds for revocation. USCIS may revoke an 
approved application for T nonimmigrant status following issuance of a 
notice of intent to revoke. USCIS may revoke an approved application for 
T nonimmigrant status based on one or more of the following reasons:
    (i) The approval of the application violated the requirements of 
section 101(a)(15)(T) of the Act or 8 CFR 214.11 or involved error in 
preparation, procedure, or adjudication that affects the outcome;
    (ii) In the case of a T-2 spouse, the alien's divorce from the T-1 
principal alien has become final;
    (iii) In the case of a T-1 principal alien, an LEA with jurisdiction 
to detect or investigate the acts of severe forms of trafficking in 
persons notifies USCIS that the alien has refused to comply with 
reasonable requests to assist with the investigation or prosecution of 
the trafficking in persons and provides USCIS with a detailed 
explanation in writing; or
    (iv) The LEA that signed the LEA endorsement withdraws it or 
disavows its contents and notifies USCIS and provides a detailed 
explanation of its reasoning in writing.
    (3) Procedures. Procedures for revocation and appeal follow 8 CFR 
103.3. If USCIS revokes approval of the previously granted T 
nonimmigrant status application, USCIS may notify the LEA who signed the 
LEA endorsement, any consular officer having jurisdiction over the 
applicant, or the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of 
Health and Human Services.
    (4) Effect of revocation. Revocation of a principal alien's 
application for T-1 nonimmigrant status will result in termination of T-
1 status for the principal alien and, consequently, the automatic 
termination of the derivative T nonimmigrant status for all derivatives. 
If a derivative application is pending at the time of revocation, it 
will be denied. Revocation of an approved application for T-1 
nonimmigrant status or an application for derivative T nonimmigrant 
status also revokes any waiver of inadmissibility granted in conjunction 
with such application. The revocation of an alien's T-1 status will have 
no effect on the annual cap described in paragraph (j) of this section.
    (n) Removal proceedings. Nothing in this section prohibits DHS from 
instituting removal proceedings for conduct committed after admission, 
or for conduct or a condition that was not disclosed prior to the 
granting of T nonimmigrant status, including misrepresentations of 
material facts in the application for T-1 nonimmigrant status or in an 
application for derivative T nonimmigrant status, or after revocation of 
T nonimmigrant status.

[[Page 494]]

    (o) USCIS employee referral. Any USCIS employee who, while carrying 
out his or her official duties, comes into contact with an alien 
believed to be a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons and 
is not already working with an LEA should consult, as necessary, with 
the ICE officials responsible for victim protection, trafficking 
investigations and prevention, and deterrence. The ICE office may, in 
turn, refer the victim to another LEA with responsibility for 
investigating or prosecuting severe forms of trafficking in persons. If 
the alien has a credible claim to victimization, USCIS may advise the 
alien that he or she can submit an application for T nonimmigrant status 
and seek any other benefit or protection for which he or she may be 
eligible, provided doing so would not compromise the alien's safety.
    (p) Restrictions on use and disclosure of information relating to 
applicants for T nonimmigrant classification. (1) The use or disclosure 
(other than to a sworn officer or employee of DHS, the Department of 
Justice, the Department of State, or a bureau or agency of any of those 
departments, for legitimate department, bureau, or agency purposes) of 
any information relating to the beneficiary of a pending or approved 
application for T nonimmigrant status is prohibited unless the 
disclosure is made in accordance with an exception described in 8 U.S.C. 
1367(b).
    (2) Information protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367(a)(2) may be disclosed 
to federal prosecutors to comply with constitutional obligations to 
provide statements by witnesses and certain other documents to 
defendants in pending federal criminal proceedings.
    (3) Agencies receiving information under this section, whether 
governmental or non-governmental, are bound by the confidentiality 
provisions and other restrictions set out in 8 U.S.C. 1367.
    (4) DHS officials are prohibited from making adverse determinations 
of admissibility or deportability based on information obtained solely 
from the trafficker, unless the alien has been convicted of a crime or 
crimes listed in section 237(a)(2) of the Act.

[81 FR 92304, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 46925, Aug. 3, 2020; 85 
FR 49941, Aug. 17, 2020]



Sec.  214.12  [Reserved]



Sec.  214.13  SEVIS fee for certain F, J, and M nonimmigrants.

    (a) Applicability. The aliens in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of 
this section are required to submit a payment in the amount indicated 
for their status to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in 
advance of obtaining nonimmigrant status as an F or M student or J 
exchange visitor, in addition to any other applicable fees, except as 
otherwise provided for in this section:
    (1) An alien who applies for F-1 or F-3 status in order to enroll in 
a program of study at an SEVP-certified institution of higher education, 
as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as 
amended, or in a program of study at any other SEVP-certified academic 
or language training institution, including private elementary, middle, 
and secondary schools and public secondary schools, the amount of $350;
    (2) An alien who applies for J-1 status in order to commence 
participation in an exchange visitor program designated by the 
Department of State, the amount of $220, with a reduced fee for certain 
exchange visitor categories as provided in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of 
this section; and
    (3) An alien who applies for M-1 or M-3 status in order to enroll in 
a program of study at an SEVP-certified vocational educational 
institution, including a flight school, in the amount of $350.
    (b) Aliens not subject to a fee. No SEVIS fee is required with 
respect to:
    (1) A J-1 exchange visitor who is coming to the United States as a 
participant in an exchange visitor program sponsored by the Federal 
government, identified by a program identifier designation prefix of G-
1, G-2, G-3, or G-7;
    (2) Dependents of F, M, or J nonimmigrants. The principal alien must 
pay the fee, when required under this

[[Page 495]]

section, in order for his/her qualifying dependents to obtain F-2, J-2, 
or M-2 status. However, an F-2, J-2, or M-2 dependent is not required to 
pay a separate fee under this section in order to obtain that status or 
during the time he/she remains in that status.
    (c) Special Fee for Certain J-1 Nonimmigrants. A J-1 exchange 
visitor coming to the United States as an au pair, camp counselor, or 
participant in a summer work/travel program is subject to a fee of $35.
    (d) Time for payment of SEVIS fee. An alien who is subject to 
payment of the SEVIS fee must remit the fee directly to DHS as follows:
    (1) An alien seeking an F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3 visa from a 
consular officer abroad for initial attendance at an SEVP-certified 
school or to commence participation in a Department of State-designated 
exchange visitor program, must pay the fee to DHS before issuance of the 
visa.
    (2) An alien who is exempt from the visa requirement described in 
section 212(d)(4) of the Act must pay the fee to DHS before the alien 
applies for admission at a U.S. port-of-entry to begin initial 
attendance at an SEVP-certified school or initial participation in a 
Department of State-designated exchange visitor program.
    (3) A nonimmigrant alien in the United States seeking a change of 
status to F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1, or M-3 must pay the fee to DHS before the 
alien is granted the change of nonimmigrant status, except as provided 
in paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
    (4) A J-1 nonimmigrant who is applying for a change of program 
category within the United States, in accordance with 22 CFR 62.42, must 
pay the fee associated with that new category, if any, prior to being 
granted such a change.
    (5) A J-1 nonimmigrant initially granted J-1 status to participate 
in a program sponsored by the Federal government, as defined in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and transferring in accordance with 22 
CFR 62.42 to a program that is not similarly sponsored, must pay the fee 
associated with the new program prior to completing the transfer.
    (6) A J-1 nonimmigrant who is applying for reinstatement after a 
substantive violation of status, or who has been out of program status 
for longer than 120 days but less than 270 days during the course of 
his/her program must pay a new fee to DHS, if applicable, prior to being 
granted a reinstatement to valid J-1 status.
    (7) An F or M student who is applying for reinstatement of student 
status because of a violation of status, and who has been out of status 
for a period of time that exceeds the presumptive ineligibility deadline 
set forth in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16)(i)(A) or (m)(16)(i)(A), must pay a new 
fee to DHS prior to being granted a return to valid status.
    (8) An F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant who has been absent from 
the United States for a period that exceeds 5 months in duration, and 
wishes to reenter the United States to engage in further study in the 
same course of study, with the exception of students who have been 
working toward completion of a U.S. course of study in authorized 
overseas study, must pay a new fee to DHS prior to being granted student 
status.
    (e) Circumstances where no new fee is required. (1) Extension of 
stay, transfer, or optional practical training for students. An F-1, F-
3, M-1, or M-3 nonimmigrant is not required to pay a new fee in 
connection with:
    (i) An application for an extension of stay, as provided in 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(7) or (m)(10);
    (ii) An application for transfer, as provided in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8) 
or (m)(11);
    (iii) A change in educational level, as provided in 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(5)(ii); or
    (iv) An application for post-completion practical training, as 
provided in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii) or (m)(14).
    (2) Extension of program or transfer for exchange visitors. A J-1 
nonimmigrant is not required to pay a new fee in connection with:
    (i) An application for an extension of program, as provided in 22 
CFR 62.43; or
    (ii) An application for transfer of program, as provided in 22 CFR 
62.42.
    (3) Visa issuance for a continuation of study. An F-1, F-3, J-1, M-
1, or M-3 nonimmigrant who has previously paid the fee is not required 
to pay a new fee in order to be granted a visa to return

[[Page 496]]

to the United States as a continuing student or exchange visitor in a 
single course of study, so long as the nonimmigrant is not otherwise 
required to pay a new fee in accordance with the other provisions in 
this section.
    (4) Certain changes in student classification.
    (i) No fee is required for changes between the F-1 and F-3 
classifications, and no fee is required for changes between the M-1 and 
M-3 classifications.
    (ii) Institutional reclassification. DHS retains the discretionary 
authority to waive the additional fee requirement when a nonimmigrant 
changes classification between F and M, if the change of status is due 
solely to institutional reclassification by the Student and Exchange 
Visitor Program during that nonimmigrant's course of study.
    (5) Re-application following denial of application by consular 
officer. An alien who fully paid a SEVIS fee in connection with an 
initial application for an F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 visa, or a J-1 visa in 
a particular program category, whose initial application was denied, and 
who is reapplying for the same status, or the same J-1 exchange visitor 
category, within 12 months following the initial notice of denial is not 
required to repay the SEVIS fee.
    (6) Re-application following denial of an application for a change 
of status. A nonimmigrant who fully paid a SEVIS fee in connection with 
an initial application for a change of status within in the United 
States to F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3 classification, or for a change of 
status to a particular J-1 exchange visitor category, whose initial 
application was denied, and who is granted a motion to reopen the denied 
case is not required to repay the SEVIS fee if the motion to reopen is 
granted within 12 months of receipt of initial notice of denial.
    (f) [Reserved]
    (g) Procedures for payment of the SEVIS fee--(1) Options for 
payment. An alien subject to payment of a fee under this section may pay 
the fee by any procedure approved by DHS, including:
    (i) Submission of Form I-901, to DHS by mail, along with the proper 
fee paid by check, money order, or foreign draft drawn on a financial 
institution in the United States and payable in United States currency, 
as provided by 8 CFR 103.7(d)(8);
    (ii) Electronic submission of Form I-901 to DHS using a credit card 
or other electronic means of payment accepted by DHS; or,
    (iii) A designated payment service and receipt mechanism approved 
and set forth in future guidance by DHS.
    (2) Receipts. DHS will provide a receipt for each fee payment under 
paragraph (g)(1) of this section until such time as DHS issues a notice 
in the Federal Register that paper receipts will no longer be necessary. 
Further receipt provisions include:
    (i) DHS will provide for an expedited delivery of the receipt, upon 
request and receipt of an additional fee;
    (ii) If payment was made electronically, both DHS and the Department 
of State will accept a properly completed receipt that is printed-out 
electronically, in lieu of the receipt generated by DHS;
    (iii) If payment was made through an approved payment service, DHS 
and the Department of State will accept a properly completed receipt 
issued by the payment service, in lieu of the receipt generated by DHS.
    (3) Electronic record of fee payment. DHS will maintain an 
electronic record of payment for the alien as verification of receipt of 
the required fee under this section. If DHS records indicate that the 
fee has been paid, an alien who has lost or did not receive a receipt 
for a fee payment under this section will not be denied an immigration 
benefit, including visa issuance or admission to the United States, 
solely because of a failure to present a paper receipt of fee payment.
    (4) Third-party payments. DHS will accept payment of the required 
fee for an alien from a certified school or a designated exchange 
visitor program sponsor, or from another source, in accordance with 
procedures approved by DHS.
    (h) Failure to pay the fee. The failure to pay the required fee is 
grounds for denial of F, M, or J nonimmigrant status or status-related 
benefits. Payment of the fee does not preserve the lawful status of any 
F, J, or M nonimmigrant that has violated his or her status in some 
other manner.

[[Page 497]]

    (1) For purposes of reinstatement to F or M status, failure to pay 
the required fee will be considered a ``willful violation'' under 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(16) or (m)(16), unless DHS determines that there are sufficient 
extenuating circumstances (as determined at the discretion of the 
Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
    (2) For purposes of reinstatement to valid J program status, failure 
to pay the required fee will not be considered a ``minor or technical 
infraction'' under 22 CFR 62.45.

[69 FR 39825, July 1, 2004; 69 FR 41388, July 9, 2004, as amended at 73 
FR 55704, Sept. 26, 2008; 84 FR 23979, May 23, 2019; 87 FR 75911, Dec. 
12, 2022]



Sec.  214.14  Alien victims of certain qualifying criminal activity.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the term:
    (1) BIWPA means Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000 of 
the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, div. B, 
Violence Against Women Act of 2000, tit. V, Pub. L. 106-386, 114 Stat. 
1464, (2000), amended by Violence Against Women and Department of 
Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, tit. VIII, Pub. L. 109-162, 119 
Stat. 2960 (2006), amended by Violence Against Women and Department of 
Justice Reauthorization Act--Technical Corrections, Pub. L. 109-271, 120 
Stat. 750 (2006).
    (2) Certifying agency means a Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other authority, that has 
responsibility for the investigation or prosecution of a qualifying 
crime or criminal activity. This definition includes agencies that have 
criminal investigative jurisdiction in their respective areas of 
expertise, including, but not limited to, child protective services, the 
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Department of Labor.
    (3) Certifying official means:
    (i) The head of the certifying agency, or any person(s) in a 
supervisory role who has been specifically designated by the head of the 
certifying agency to issue U nonimmigrant status certifications on 
behalf of that agency; or
    (ii) A Federal, State, or local judge.
    (4) Indian Country is defined as:
    (i) All land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the 
jurisdiction of the United States Government, notwithstanding the 
issuance of any patent, and including rights-of-way running through the 
reservation;
    (ii) All dependent Indian communities within the borders of the 
United States whether within the original or subsequently acquired 
territory thereof, and whether within or without the limits of a state; 
and
    (iii) All Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not 
been extinguished, including rights-of-way running through such 
allotments.
    (5) Investigation or prosecution refers to the detection or 
investigation of a qualifying crime or criminal activity, as well as to 
the prosecution, conviction, or sentencing of the perpetrator of the 
qualifying crime or criminal activity.
    (6) Military Installation means any facility, base, camp, post, 
encampment, station, yard, center, port, aircraft, vehicle, or vessel 
under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, including any 
leased facility, or any other location under military control.
    (7) Next friend means a person who appears in a lawsuit to act for 
the benefit of an alien under the age of 16 or incapacitated or 
incompetent, who has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a 
result of being a victim of qualifying criminal activity. The next 
friend is not a party to the legal proceeding and is not appointed as a 
guardian.
    (8) Physical or mental abuse means injury or harm to the victim's 
physical person, or harm to or impairment of the emotional or 
psychological soundness of the victim.
    (9) Qualifying crime or qualifying criminal activity includes one or 
more of the following or any similar activities in violation of Federal, 
State or local criminal law of the United States: Rape; torture; 
trafficking; incest; domestic violence; sexual assault; abusive sexual 
contact; prostitution; sexual exploitation; female genital mutilation; 
being held hostage; peonage; involuntary servitude; slave trade; 
kidnapping; abduction; unlawful criminal restraint; false imprisonment; 
blackmail; extortion; manslaughter; murder;

[[Page 498]]

felonious assault; witness tampering; obstruction of justice; perjury; 
or attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above 
mentioned crimes. The term ``any similar activity'' refers to criminal 
offenses in which the nature and elements of the offenses are 
substantially similar to the statutorily enumerated list of criminal 
activities.
    (10) Qualifying family member means, in the case of an alien victim 
21 years of age or older who is eligible for U nonimmigrant status as 
described in section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U), 
the spouse or child(ren) of such alien; and, in the case of an alien 
victim under the age of 21 who is eligible for U nonimmigrant status as 
described in section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Act, qualifying family member 
means the spouse, child(ren), parents, or unmarried siblings under the 
age of 18 of such an alien.
    (11) Territories and Possessions of the United States means American 
Samoa, Swains Island, Bajo Nuevo (the Petrel Islands), Baker Island, 
Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway 
Atoll, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, Serranilla Bank, and Wake Atoll.
    (12) U nonimmigrant status certification means Form I-918, 
Supplement B, ``U Nonimmigrant Status Certification,'' which confirms 
that the petitioner has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to 
be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying 
criminal activity of which he or she is a victim.
    (13) U interim relief refers to the interim benefits that were 
provided by USCIS to petitioners for U nonimmigrant status, who 
requested such benefits and who were deemed prima facie eligible for U 
nonimmigrant status prior to the publication of the implementing 
regulations.
    (14) Victim of qualifying criminal activity generally means an alien 
who has suffered direct and proximate harm as a result of the commission 
of qualifying criminal activity.
    (i) The alien spouse, children under 21 years of age and, if the 
direct victim is under 21 years of age, parents and unmarried siblings 
under 18 years of age, will be considered victims of qualifying criminal 
activity where the direct victim is deceased due to murder or 
manslaughter, or is incompetent or incapacitated, and therefore unable 
to provide information concerning the criminal activity or be helpful in 
the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. For purposes 
of determining eligibility under this definition, USCIS will consider 
the age of the victim at the time the qualifying criminal activity 
occurred.
    (ii) A petitioner may be considered a victim of witness tampering, 
obstruction of justice, or perjury, including any attempt, solicitation, 
or conspiracy to commit one or more of those offenses, if:
    (A) The petitioner has been directly and proximately harmed by the 
perpetrator of the witness tampering, obstruction of justice, or 
perjury; and
    (B) There are reasonable grounds to conclude that the perpetrator 
committed the witness tampering, obstruction of justice, or perjury 
offense, at least in principal part, as a means:
    (1) To avoid or frustrate efforts to investigate, arrest, prosecute, 
or otherwise bring to justice the perpetrator for other criminal 
activity; or
    (2) To further the perpetrator's abuse or exploitation of or undue 
control over the petitioner through manipulation of the legal system.
    (iii) A person who is culpable for the qualifying criminal activity 
being investigated or prosecuted is excluded from being recognized as a 
victim of qualifying criminal activity.
    (b) Eligibility. An alien is eligible for U-1 nonimmigrant status if 
he or she demonstrates all of the following in accordance with paragraph 
(c) of this section:
    (1) The alien has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a 
result of having been a victim of qualifying criminal activity. Whether 
abuse is substantial is based on a number of factors, including but not 
limited to: The nature of the injury inflicted or suffered; the severity 
of the perpetrator's conduct; the severity of the harm suffered; the 
duration of the infliction of the harm; and the extent to which there is 
permanent or serious harm to the appearance, health, or physical or

[[Page 499]]

mental soundness of the victim, including aggravation of pre-existing 
conditions. No single factor is a prerequisite to establish that the 
abuse suffered was substantial. Also, the existence of one or more of 
the factors automatically does not create a presumption that the abuse 
suffered was substantial. A series of acts taken together may be 
considered to constitute substantial physical or mental abuse even where 
no single act alone rises to that level;
    (2) The alien possesses credible and reliable information 
establishing that he or she has knowledge of the details concerning the 
qualifying criminal activity upon which his or her petition is based. 
The alien must possess specific facts regarding the criminal activity 
leading a certifying official to determine that the petitioner has, is, 
or is likely to provide assistance to the investigation or prosecution 
of the qualifying criminal activity. In the event that the alien has not 
yet reached 16 years of age on the date on which an act constituting an 
element of the qualifying criminal activity first occurred, a parent, 
guardian or next friend of the alien may possess the information 
regarding a qualifying crime. In addition, if the alien is incapacitated 
or incompetent, a parent, guardian, or next friend may possess the 
information regarding the qualifying crime;
    (3) The alien has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be 
helpful to a certifying agency in the investigation or prosecution of 
the qualifying criminal activity upon which his or her petition is 
based, and since the initiation of cooperation, has not refused or 
failed to provide information and assistance reasonably requested. In 
the event that the alien has not yet reached 16 years of age on the date 
on which an act constituting an element of the qualifying criminal 
activity first occurred, a parent, guardian or next friend of the alien 
may provide the required assistance. In addition, if the petitioner is 
incapacitated or incompetent and, therefore, unable to be helpful in the 
investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity, a 
parent, guardian, or next friend may provide the required assistance; 
and
    (4) The qualifying criminal activity occurred in the United States 
(including Indian country and U.S. military installations) or in the 
territories or possessions of the United States, or violated a U.S. 
federal law that provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute 
the offense in a U.S. federal court.
    (c) Application procedures for U nonimmigrant status--(1) Filing a 
petition. USCIS has sole jurisdiction over all petitions for U 
nonimmigrant status. An alien seeking U-1 nonimmigrant status must 
submit, Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, and initial 
evidence to USCIS in accordance with this paragraph and the instructions 
to Form I-918. A petitioner who received interim relief is not required 
to submit initial evidence with Form I-918 if he or she wishes to rely 
on the law enforcement certification and other evidence that was 
submitted with the request for interim relief.
    (i) Petitioners in pending immigration proceedings. An alien who is 
in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1229a, or 
in exclusion or deportation proceedings initiated under former sections 
236 or 242 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1226 and 1252 (as in effect prior to 
April 1, 1997), and who would like to apply for U nonimmigrant status 
must file a Form I-918 directly with USCIS. U.S. Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement (ICE) counsel may agree, as a matter of discretion, to file, 
at the request of the alien petitioner, a joint motion to terminate 
proceedings without prejudice with the immigration judge or Board of 
Immigration Appeals, whichever is appropriate, while a petition for U 
nonimmigrant status is being adjudicated by USCIS.
    (ii) Petitioners with final orders of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion. An alien who is the subject of a final order of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion is not precluded from filing a petition for U-
1 nonimmigrant status directly with USCIS. The filing of a petition for 
U-1 nonimmigrant status has no effect on ICE's authority to execute a 
final order, although the alien may file a request for a stay of removal 
pursuant to 8 CFR 241.6(a) and 8 CFR 1241.6(a). If the alien is in 
detention pending execution of the final order, the time during

[[Page 500]]

which a stay is in effect will extend the period of detention (under the 
standards of 8 CFR 241.4) reasonably necessary to bring about the 
petitioner's removal.
    (2) Initial evidence. Form I-918 must include the following initial 
evidence:
    (i) Form I-918, Supplement B, ``U Nonimmigrant Status 
Certification,'' signed by a certifying official within the six months 
immediately preceding the filing of Form I-918. The certification must 
state that: the person signing the certificate is the head of the 
certifying agency, or any person(s) in a supervisory role who has been 
specifically designated by the head of the certifying agency to issue U 
nonimmigrant status certifications on behalf of that agency, or is a 
Federal, State, or local judge; the agency is a Federal, State, or local 
law enforcement agency, or prosecutor, judge or other authority, that 
has responsibility for the detection, investigation, prosecution, 
conviction, or sentencing of qualifying criminal activity; the applicant 
has been a victim of qualifying criminal activity that the certifying 
official's agency is investigating or prosecuting; the petitioner 
possesses information concerning the qualifying criminal activity of 
which he or she has been a victim; the petitioner has been, is being, or 
is likely to be helpful to an investigation or prosecution of that 
qualifying criminal activity; and the qualifying criminal activity 
violated U.S. law, or occurred in the United States, its territories, 
its possessions, Indian country, or at military installations abroad.
    (ii) Any additional evidence that the petitioner wants USCIS to 
consider to establish that: the petitioner is a victim of qualifying 
criminal activity; the petitioner has suffered substantial physical or 
mental abuse as a result of being a victim of qualifying criminal 
activity; the petitioner (or, in the case of a child under the age of 16 
or petitioner who is incompetent or incapacitated, a parent, guardian or 
next friend of the petitioner) possesses information establishing that 
he or she has knowledge of the details concerning the qualifying 
criminal activity of which he or she was a victim and upon which his or 
her application is based; the petitioner (or, in the case of a child 
under the age of 16 or petitioner who is incompetent or incapacitated, a 
parent, guardian or next friend of the petitioner) has been helpful, is 
being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to a Federal, State, or local 
law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or authority, or Federal or State 
judge, investigating or prosecuting the criminal activity of which the 
petitioner is a victim; or the criminal activity is qualifying and 
occurred in the United States (including Indian country and U.S. 
military installations) or in the territories or possessions of the 
United States, or violates a U.S. federal law that provides for 
extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute the offense in a U.S. federal 
court;
    (iii) A signed statement by the petitioner describing the facts of 
the victimization. The statement also may include information supporting 
any of the eligibility requirements set out in paragraph (b) of this 
section. When the petitioner is under the age of 16, incapacitated, or 
incompetent, a parent, guardian, or next friend may submit a statement 
on behalf of the petitioner; and
    (iv) If the petitioner is inadmissible, Form I-192, ``Application 
for Advance Permission to Enter as Non-Immigrant,'' in accordance with 8 
CFR 212.17.
    (3) Biometric capture. All petitioners for U-1 nonimmigrant status 
must submit to biometric capture and pay a biometric capture fee. USCIS 
will notify the petitioner of the proper time and location to appear for 
biometric capture after the petitioner files Form I-918.
    (4) Evidentiary standards and burden of proof. The burden shall be 
on the petitioner to demonstrate eligibility for U-1 nonimmigrant 
status. The petitioner may submit any credible evidence relating to his 
or her Form I-918 for consideration by USCIS. USCIS shall conduct a de 
novo review of all evidence submitted in connection with Form I-918 and 
may investigate any aspect of the petition. Evidence previously 
submitted for this or other immigration benefit or relief may be used by 
USCIS in evaluating the eligibility of a petitioner for U-1 nonimmigrant 
status.

[[Page 501]]

However, USCIS will not be bound by its previous factual determinations. 
USCIS will determine, in its sole discretion, the evidentiary value of 
previously or concurrently submitted evidence, including Form I-918, 
Supplement B, ``U Nonimmigrant Status Certification.''
    (5) Decision. After completing its de novo review of the petition 
and evidence, USCIS will issue a written decision approving or denying 
Form I-918 and notify the petitioner of this decision. USCIS will 
include in a decision approving Form I-918 a list of nongovernmental 
organizations to which the petitioner can refer regarding his or her 
options while in the United States and available resources.
    (i) Approval of Form I-918, generally. If USCIS determines that the 
petitioner has met the requirements for U-1 nonimmigrant status, USCIS 
will approve Form I-918. For a petitioner who is within the United 
States, USCIS also will concurrently grant U-1 nonimmigrant status, 
subject to the annual limitation as provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section. For a petitioner who is subject to an order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal issued by the Secretary, the order will be 
deemed canceled by operation of law as of the date of USCIS' approval of 
Form I-918. A petitioner who is subject to an order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal issued by an immigration judge or the Board may 
seek cancellation of such order by filing, with the immigration judge or 
the Board, a motion to reopen and terminate removal proceedings. ICE 
counsel may agree, as a matter of discretion, to join such a motion to 
overcome any applicable time and numerical limitations of 8 CFR 1003.2 
and 1003.23.
    (A) Notice of Approval of Form I-918 for U-1 petitioners within the 
United States. After USCIS approves Form I-918 for an alien who filed 
his or her petition from within the United States, USCIS will notify the 
alien of such approval on Form I-797, ``Notice of Action,'' and include 
Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), ``Arrival-Departure Record,'' indicating U-1 
nonimmigrant status.
    (B) Notice of Approval of Form I-918 for U-1 petitioners outside the 
United States. After USCIS approves Form I-918 for an alien who filed 
his or her petition from outside the United States, USCIS will notify 
the alien of such approval on Form I-797, ``Notice of Action,'' and will 
forward notice to the Department of State for delivery to the U.S. 
Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the area in which the 
alien is located, or, for a visa exempt alien, to the appropriate port 
of entry.
    (ii) Denial of Form I-918. USCIS will provide written notification 
to the petitioner of the reasons for the denial. The petitioner may 
appeal a denial of Form I-918 to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) 
in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 103.3. For petitioners who 
appeal a denial of their Form I-918 to the AAO, the denial will not be 
deemed administratively final until the AAO issues a decision affirming 
the denial. Upon USCIS' final denial of a petition for a petitioner who 
was in removal proceedings that were terminated pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.14(c)(1)(i), DHS may file a new Notice to Appear (see section 239 of 
the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1229) to place the individual in proceedings again. 
For petitioners who are subject to an order of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion and whose order has been stayed, USCIS' denial of the petition 
will result in the stay being lifted automatically as of the date the 
denial becomes administratively final.
    (6) Petitioners granted U interim relief. Petitioners who were 
granted U interim relief as defined in paragraph (a)(13) of this section 
and whose Form I-918 is approved will be accorded U-1 nonimmigrant 
status as of the date that a request for U interim relief was initially 
approved.
    (7) Employment authorization. An alien granted U-1 nonimmigrant 
status is employment authorized incident to status. USCIS automatically 
will issue an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to such 
aliens who are in the United States. For principal aliens who applied 
from outside the United States, the initial EAD will not be issued until 
the petitioner has been admitted to the United States in U nonimmigrant 
status. After admission, the alien may receive an initial EAD, upon 
request and submission of a copy

[[Page 502]]

of his or her Form I-94, ``Arrival-Departure Record,'' to the USCIS 
office having jurisdiction over the adjudication of petitions for U 
nonimmigrant status. No additional fee is required. An alien granted U-1 
nonimmigrant status seeking to renew his or her expiring EAD or replace 
an EAD that was lost, stolen, or destroyed, must file Form I-765 in 
accordance with the instructions to the form.
    (d) Annual cap on U-1 nonimmigrant status--(1) General. In 
accordance with section 214(p)(2) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1184(p)(2), the 
total number of aliens who may be issued a U-1 nonimmigrant visa or 
granted U-1 nonimmigrant status may not exceed 10,000 in any fiscal 
year.
    (2) Waiting list. All eligible petitioners who, due solely to the 
cap, are not granted U-1 nonimmigrant status must be placed on a waiting 
list and receive written notice of such placement. Priority on the 
waiting list will be determined by the date the petition was filed with 
the oldest petitions receiving the highest priority. In the next fiscal 
year, USCIS will issue a number to each petition on the waiting list, in 
the order of highest priority, providing the petitioner remains 
admissible and eligible for U nonimmigrant status. After U-1 
nonimmigrant status has been issued to qualifying petitioners on the 
waiting list, any remaining U-1 nonimmigrant numbers for that fiscal 
year will be issued to new qualifying petitioners in the order that the 
petitions were properly filed. USCIS will grant deferred action or 
parole to U-1 petitioners and qualifying family members while the U-1 
petitioners are on the waiting list. USCIS, in its discretion, may 
authorize employment for such petitioners and qualifying family members.
    (3) Unlawful presence. During the time a petitioner for U 
nonimmigrant status who was granted deferred action or parole is on the 
waiting list, no accrual of unlawful presence under section 212(a)(9)(B) 
of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B), will result. However, a petitioner 
may be removed from the waiting list, and the deferred action or parole 
may be terminated at the discretion of USCIS.
    (e) Restrictions on use and disclosure of information relating to 
petitioners for U nonimmigrant classification--(1) General. The use or 
disclosure (other than to a sworn officer or employee of DHS, the 
Department of Justice, the Department of State, or a bureau or agency of 
any of those departments, for legitimate department, bureau, or agency 
purposes) of any information relating to the beneficiary of a pending or 
approved petition for U nonimmigrant status is prohibited unless the 
disclosure is made:
    (i) By the Secretary of Homeland Security, at his discretion, in the 
same manner and circumstances as census information may be disclosed by 
the Secretary of Commerce under 13 U.S.C. 8;
    (ii) By the Secretary of Homeland Security, at his discretion, to 
law enforcement officials to be used solely for a legitimate law 
enforcement purpose;
    (iii) In conjunction with judicial review of a determination in a 
manner that protects the confidentiality of such information;
    (iv) After adult petitioners for U nonimmigrant status or U 
nonimmigrant status holders have provided written consent to waive the 
restrictions prohibiting the release of information;
    (v) To Federal, State, and local public and private agencies 
providing benefits, to be used solely in making determinations of 
eligibility for benefits pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1641(c);
    (vi) After a petition for U nonimmigrant status has been denied in a 
final decision;
    (vii) To the chairmen and ranking members of the Committee on the 
Judiciary of the Senate or the Committee on the Judiciary of the House 
of Representatives, for the exercise of congressional oversight 
authority, provided the disclosure relates to information about a closed 
case and is made in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the 
information and omits personally identifying information (including 
locational information about individuals);
    (viii) With prior written consent from the petitioner or derivative 
family members, to nonprofit, nongovernmental victims' service providers 
for the sole purpose of assisting the victim

[[Page 503]]

in obtaining victim services from programs with expertise working with 
immigrant victims; or
    (ix) To federal prosecutors to comply with constitutional 
obligations to provide statements by witnesses and certain other 
documents to defendants in pending federal criminal proceedings.
    (2) Agencies receiving information under this section, whether 
governmental or non-governmental, are bound by the confidentiality 
provisions and other restrictions set out in 8 U.S.C. 1367.
    (3) Officials of the Department of Homeland Security are prohibited 
from making adverse determinations of admissibility or deportability 
based on information obtained solely from the perpetrator of substantial 
physical or mental abuse and the criminal activity.
    (f) Admission of qualifying family members--(1) Eligibility. An 
alien who has petitioned for or has been granted U-1 nonimmigrant status 
(i.e., principal alien) may petition for the admission of a qualifying 
family member in a U-2 (spouse), U-3 (child), U-4 (parent of a U-1 alien 
who is a child under 21 years of age), or U-5 (unmarried sibling under 
the age of 18) derivative status, if accompanying or following to join 
such principal alien. A qualifying family member who committed the 
qualifying criminal activity in a family violence or trafficking context 
which established the principal alien's eligibility for U nonimmigrant 
status shall not be granted U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status. 
To be eligible for U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status, it must be 
demonstrated that:
    (i) The alien for whom U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 status is being sought 
is a qualifying family member, as defined in paragraph (a)(10) of this 
section; and
    (ii) The qualifying family member is admissible to the United 
States.
    (2) Filing procedures. A petitioner for U-1 nonimmigrant status may 
apply for derivative U nonimmigrant status on behalf of qualifying 
family members by submitting a Form I-918, Supplement A, ``Petition for 
Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Recipient,'' for each family member 
either at the same time the petition for U-1 nonimmigrant status is 
filed, or at a later date. An alien who has been granted U-1 
nonimmigrant status may apply for derivative U nonimmigrant status on 
behalf of qualifying family members by submitting Form I-918, Supplement 
A for each family member. All Forms I-918, Supplement A must be 
accompanied by initial evidence and the required fees specified in the 
instructions to the form. Forms I-918, Supplement A that are not filed 
at the same time as Form I-918 but are filed at a later date must be 
accompanied by a copy of the Form I-918 that was filed by the principal 
petitioner or a copy of his or her Form I-94 demonstrating proof of U-1 
nonimmigrant status, as applicable.
    (i) Qualifying family members in pending immigration proceedings. 
The principal alien of a qualifying family member who is in removal 
proceedings under section 240 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1229a, or in 
exclusion or deportation proceedings initiated under former sections 236 
or 242 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1226 and 1252 (as in effect prior to April 
1, 1997), and who is seeking U nonimmigrant status, must file a Form I-
918, Supplement A directly with USCIS. ICE counsel may agree to file, at 
the request of the qualifying family member, a joint motion to terminate 
proceedings without prejudice with the immigration judge or Board of 
Immigration Appeals, whichever is appropriate, while the petition for U 
nonimmigrant status is being adjudicated by USCIS.
    (ii) Qualifying family members with final orders of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion. An alien who is the subject of a final order 
of removal, deportation, or exclusion is not precluded from filing a 
petition for U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status directly with 
USCIS. The filing of a petition for U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant 
status has no effect on ICE's authority to execute a final order, 
although the alien may file a request for a stay of removal pursuant to 
8 CFR 241.6(a) and 8 CFR 1241.6(a). If the alien is in detention pending 
execution of the final order, the time during which a stay is in effect 
will extend the period of detention (under the standards of 8 CFR 241.4) 
reasonably necessary to bring about the alien's removal.

[[Page 504]]

    (3) Initial evidence. Form I-918, Supplement A, must include the 
following initial evidence:
    (i) Evidence demonstrating the relationship of a qualifying family 
member, as provided in paragraph (f)(4) of this section;
    (ii) If the qualifying family member is inadmissible, Form I-192, 
``Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-Immigrant,'' in 
accordance with 8 CFR 212.17.
    (4) Relationship. Except as set forth in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) and 
(ii) of this section, the relationship between the U-1 principal alien 
and the qualifying family member must exist at the time Form I-918 was 
filed, and the relationship must continue to exist at the time Form I-
918, Supplement A is adjudicated, and at the time of the qualifying 
family member's subsequent admission to the United States.
    (i) If the U-1 principal alien proves that he or she has become the 
parent of a child after Form I-918 was filed, the child shall be 
eligible to accompany or follow to join the U-1 principal alien.
    (ii) If the principal alien was under 21 years of age at the time he 
or she filed Form I-918, and filed Form I-918, Supplement A for an 
unmarried sibling under the age of 18, USCIS will continue to consider 
such sibling as a qualifying family member for purposes of U 
nonimmigrant status even if the principal alien is no longer under 21 
years of age at the time of adjudication, and even if the sibling is no 
longer under 18 years of age at the time of adjudication.
    (5) Biometric capture and evidentiary standards. The provisions for 
biometric capture and evidentiary standards in paragraphs (c)(3) and 
(c)(4) of this section also are applicable to petitions for qualifying 
family members.
    (6) Decision. USCIS will issue a written decision approving or 
denying Form I-918, Supplement A and send notice of this decision to the 
U-1 principal petitioner. USCIS will include in a decision approving 
Form I-918 a list of nongovernmental organizations to which the 
qualifying family member can refer regarding his or her options while in 
the United States and available resources. For a qualifying family 
member who is subject to an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal 
issued by the Secretary, the order will be deemed canceled by operation 
of law as of the date of USCIS' approval of Form I-918, Supplement A. A 
qualifying family member who is subject to an order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal issued by an immigration judge or the Board may 
seek cancellation of such order by filing, with the immigration judge or 
the Board, a motion to reopen and terminate removal proceedings. ICE 
counsel may agree, as a matter of discretion, to join such a motion to 
overcome any applicable time and numerical limitations of 8 CFR 1003.2 
and 1003.23.
    (i) Approvals for qualifying family members within the United 
States. When USCIS approves a Form I-918, Supplement A for a qualifying 
family member who is within the United States, it will concurrently 
grant that alien U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status. USCIS will 
notify the principal of such approval on Form I-797, ``Notice of 
Action,'' with Form I-94, ``Arrival-Departure Record,'' indicating U-2, 
U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status. Aliens who were previously granted 
U interim relief as defined in paragraph (a)(13) of this section will be 
accorded U nonimmigrant status as of the date that the request for U 
interim relief was approved. Aliens who are granted U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-
5 nonimmigrant status are not subject to an annual numerical limit. 
USCIS may not approve Form I-918, Supplement A unless it has approved 
the principal alien's Form I-918.
    (ii) Approvals for qualifying family members outside the United 
States. When USCIS approves Form I-918, Supplement A for a qualifying 
family member who is outside the United States, USCIS will notify the 
principal alien of such approval on Form I-797. USCIS will forward the 
approved Form I-918, Supplement A to the Department of State for 
delivery to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the 
area in which the qualifying family member is located, or, for a visa 
exempt alien, to the appropriate port of entry.
    (iii) Denial of the Form I-918, Supplement A. In accordance with 8 
CFR 103.3(a)(1), USCIS will provide written

[[Page 505]]

notification of the reasons for the denial. The principal alien may 
appeal the denial of Form I-918, Supplement A to the Administrative 
Appeals Office in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 103.3. Upon 
USCIS' final denial of Form I-918, Supplement A for a qualifying family 
member who was in removal proceedings that were terminated pursuant to 8 
CFR 214.14(f)(2)(i), DHS may file a new Notice to Appear (see section 
239 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1229) to place the individual in proceedings 
again. For qualifying family members who are subject to an order of 
removal, deportation, or exclusion and whose order has been stayed, 
USCIS' denial of the petition will result in the stay being lifted 
automatically as of the date the denial becomes administratively final.
    (7) Employment authorization. An alien granted U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 
nonimmigrant status is employment authorized incident to status. To 
obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), such alien must file 
Form I-765, ``Application for Employment Authorization,'' with the 
appropriate fee or a request for a fee waiver, in accordance with the 
instructions to the form. For qualifying family members within the 
United States, the Form I-765 may be filed concurrently with Form I-918, 
Supplement A, or at any time thereafter. For qualifying family members 
who are outside the United States, Form I-765 only may be filed after 
admission to the United States in U nonimmigrant status.
    (g) Duration of U nonimmigrant status--(1) In general. U 
nonimmigrant status may be approved for a period not to exceed 4 years 
in the aggregate. A qualifying family member granted U-2, U-3, U-4, and 
U-5 nonimmigrant status will be approved for an initial period that does 
not exceed the expiration date of the initial period approved for the 
principal alien.
    (2) Extension of status. (i) Where a U nonimmigrant's approved 
period of stay on Form I-94 is less than 4 years, he or she may file 
Form I-539, ``Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,'' to 
request an extension of U nonimmigrant status for an aggregate period 
not to exceed 4 years. USCIS may approve an extension of status for a 
qualifying family member beyond the date when the U-1 nonimmigrant's 
status expires when the qualifying family member is unable to enter the 
United States timely due to delays in consular processing, and an 
extension of status is necessary to ensure that the qualifying family 
member is able to attain at least 3 years in nonimmigrant status for 
purposes of adjusting status under section 245(m) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 
1255.
    (ii) Extensions of U nonimmigrant status beyond the 4-year period 
are available upon attestation by the certifying official that the 
alien's presence in the United States continues to be necessary to 
assist in the investigation or prosecution of qualifying criminal 
activity. In order to obtain an extension of U nonimmigrant status based 
upon such an attestation, the alien must file Form I-539 and a newly 
executed Form I-918, Supplement B in accordance with the instructions to 
Form I-539.
    (h) Revocation of approved petitions for U nonimmigrant status--(1) 
Automatic revocation. An approved petition for U-1 nonimmigrant status 
will be revoked automatically if, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14(d)(1), the 
beneficiary of the approved petition notifies the USCIS office that 
approved the petition that he or she will not apply for admission to the 
United States and, therefore, the petition will not be used.
    (2) Revocation on notice. (i) USCIS may revoke an approved petition 
for U nonimmigrant status following a notice of intent to revoke. USCIS 
may revoke an approved petition for U nonimmigrant status based on one 
or more of the following reasons:
    (A) The certifying official withdraws the U nonimmigrant status 
certification referred to in 8 CFR 214.14(c)(2)(i) or disavows the 
contents in writing;
    (B) Approval of the petition was in error;
    (C) Where there was fraud in the petition;
    (D) In the case of a U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant, the 
relationship to the principal petitioner has terminated; or

[[Page 506]]

    (E) In the case of a U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant, the 
principal U-1's nonimmigrant status is revoked.
    (ii) The notice of intent to revoke must be in writing and contain a 
statement of the grounds for the revocation and the time period allowed 
for the U nonimmigrant's rebuttal. The alien may submit evidence in 
rebuttal within 30 days of the date of the notice. USCIS shall consider 
all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to revoke the 
approved petition for U nonimmigrant status. The determination of what 
is relevant evidence and the weight to be given to that evidence will be 
within the sole discretion of USCIS. If USCIS revokes approval of a 
petition and thereby terminates U nonimmigrant status, USCIS will 
provide the alien with a written notice of revocation that explains the 
specific reasons for the revocation.
    (3) Appeal of a revocation of approval. A revocation on notice may 
be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office in accordance with 8 
CFR 103.3 within 30 days after the date of the notice of revocation. 
Automatic revocations may not be appealed.
    (4) Effects of revocation of approval. Revocation of a principal 
alien's approved Form I-918 will result in termination of status for the 
principal alien, as well as in the denial of any pending Form I-918, 
Supplement A filed for qualifying family members seeking U-2, U-3, U-4, 
or U-5 nonimmigrant status. Revocation of a qualifying family member's 
approved Form I-918, Supplement A will result in termination of status 
for the qualifying family member. Revocation of an approved Form I-918 
or Form I-918, Supplement A also revokes any waiver of inadmissibility 
granted in conjunction with such petition.
    (i) Removal proceedings. Nothing in this section prohibits USCIS 
from instituting removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, 8 
U.S.C. 1229(a), for conduct committed after admission, for conduct or a 
condition that was not disclosed to USCIS prior to the granting of U 
nonimmigrant status, for misrepresentations of material facts in Form I-
918 or Form I-918, Supplement A and supporting documentation, or after 
revocation of U nonimmigrant status.

[72 FR 53036, Sept. 17, 2007, as amended at 72 FR 54813, Sept. 27, 2007; 
74 FR 55738, Oct. 28, 2009; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 85 FR 46925, 
Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  214.15  Certain spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.

    (a) Aliens abroad. Under section 101(a)(15)(v) of the Act, certain 
eligible spouses and children of lawful permanent residents may apply 
for a V nonimmigrant visa at a consular office abroad and be admitted to 
the United States in V-1 (spouse), V-2 (child), or V-3 (dependent child 
of the spouse or child who is accompanying or following to join the 
principal beneficiary) nonimmigrant status to await the approval of:
    (1) A relative visa petition;
    (2) The availability of an immigrant visa number; or
    (3) Lawful permanent resident (LPR) status through adjustment of 
status or an immigrant visa.
    (b) Aliens already in the United States. Eligible aliens already in 
the United States may apply to the Service to obtain V nonimmigrant 
status for the same purpose. Aliens in the United States in V 
nonimmigrant status are entitled to reside in the United States as V 
nonimmigrants and obtain employment authorization.
    (c) Eligibility. Subject to section 214(o) of the Act, an alien who 
is the beneficiary (including a child of the principal alien, if 
eligible to receive a visa under section 203(d) of the Act) of an 
immigrant visa petition to accord a status under section 203(a)(2)(A) of 
the Act that was filed with the Service under section 204 of the Act on 
or before December 21, 2000, may apply for V nonimmigrant status if:
    (1) Such immigrant visa petition has been pending for 3 years or 
more; or
    (2) Such petition has been approved, and 3 or more years have passed 
since such filing date, in either of the following circumstances:
    (i) An immigrant visa is not immediately available to the alien 
because of a waiting list of applicants for visas under section 
203(a)(2)(A) of the Act; or
    (ii) The alien's application for an immigrant visa, or the alien's 
application

[[Page 507]]

for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, pursuant to the 
approval of such petition, remains pending.
    (d) The definition of ``pending petition.'' For purposes of this 
section, a pending petition is defined as a petition to accord a status 
under section 203(a)(2)(A) of the Act that was filed with USCIS under 
section 204 of the Act on or before December 21, 2000, and has not been 
adjudicated. In addition, the petition must have been properly filed 
according to 8 CFR 103.2(a), and if, subsequent to filing, USCIS returns 
the petition to the applicant for any reason or makes a request for 
evidence or issues a notice of intent to deny under 8 CFR 103.2(b), the 
petitioner must comply with the request within the time period set by 
USCIS. If USCIS denies a petition but the petitioner appeals that 
decision, the petition will be considered pending until the 
administrative appeal is decided by USCIS. A petition rejected by USCIS 
as not properly filed is not considered to be pending.
    (e) Classification process for aliens outside the United States--(1) 
V nonimmigrant visa. An eligible alien may obtain a V nonimmigrant visa 
from the Department of State at a consular office abroad pursuant to the 
procedures set forth in 22 CFR 41.86.
    (2) Aliens applying for admission to the United States as a V 
nonimmigrant at a port-of-entry. Aliens applying under section 235 of 
the Act for admission to the United States at a port-of-entry as a V 
nonimmigrant must have a visa in the appropriate category. Such aliens 
are exempt from the ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) 
of the Act.
    (f) Application by aliens in the United States. An alien described 
in paragraph (c) of this section who is in the United States may apply 
to the Service to obtain V nonimmigrant status pursuant to the 
procedures set forth in this section and 8 CFR part 248. The alien must 
be admissible to the United States, except that, in determining the 
alien's admissibility in V nonimmigrant status, sections 212(a)(6)(A), 
(a)(7), and (a)(9)(B) of the Act do not apply.
    (1) Contents of application. To apply for V nonimmigrant status, an 
eligible alien must submit:
    (i) Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, 
with the fee required by Sec.  103.7(b)(1) of this chapter;
    (ii) The fingerprint fee as required by Sec.  103.2(e)(4) of this 
chapter;
    (iii) Form I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment 
of Status, without the vaccination supplement; and
    (iv) Evidence of eligibility as described by Supplement A to Form I-
539 and in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
    (2) Evidence. Supplement A to Form I-539 provides instructions 
regarding the submission of evidence. An alien applying for V 
nonimmigrant status with the Service should submit proof of filing of 
the immigrant petition that qualifies the alien for V status. Proof of 
filing may include Form I-797, Notice of Action, which serves as a 
receipt of the petition or as a notice of approval, or a receipt for a 
filed petition or notice of approval issued by a local district office. 
If the alien does not have such proof, the Service will review other 
forms of evidence, such as correspondence to or from the Service 
regarding a pending petition. If the alien does not have any of the 
items previously mentioned in this paragraph, but believes he or she is 
eligible for V nonimmigrant status, he or she should state where and 
when the petition was filed, the name and alien number of the 
petitioner, and the names of all beneficiaries (if known).
    (g) Period of admission--(1) Spouse of an LPR. An alien admitted to 
the United States in V-1 nonimmigrant status (or whose status in the 
United States is changed to V-1) will be granted a period of admission 
not to exceed 2 years.
    (2) Child of an LPR or derivative child. An alien admitted to the 
United States in V-2 or V-3 nonimmigrant status (or whose status in the 
United States is changed to V-2 or V-3) will be granted a period of 
admission not to exceed 2 years or the day before the alien's 21st 
birthday, whichever comes first.
    (3) Extension of status. An alien may apply to the Service for an 
extension of V nonimmigrant status pursuant to this part and 8 CFR part 
248. Aliens may apply for the extension of V nonimmigrant status, 
submitting Form I-

[[Page 508]]

539, and the associated filing fee, on or before 120 days before the 
expiration of their status. If approved, the Service will grant an 
extension of status to aliens in V nonimmigrant status who remain 
eligible for V nonimmigrant status for a period not to exceed 2 years, 
or in the case of a child in V-2 or V-3 status, the day before the 
alien's 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
    (4) Special rules. The following special rules apply with respect to 
aliens who have a current priority date in the United States, but do not 
have a pending application for an immigrant visa abroad or an 
application to adjust status.
    (i) For an otherwise eligible alien who applies for admission to the 
United States in a V nonimmigrant category at a designated Port-of-Entry 
and has a current priority date but does not have a pending immigrant 
visa abroad or application for adjustment of status in the United 
States, the Service will admit the alien for a 6-month period (or to the 
date of the day before the alien's 21st birthday, as appropriate).
    (ii) For such an alien in the United States who applies for 
extension of V nonimmigrant status, the Service will grant a one-time 
extension not to exceed 6 months.
    (iii) If the alien has not filed an application, either for 
adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa within that 6-month 
period, the alien cannot extend or be admitted or readmitted to V 
nonimmigrant status. If the alien does file an application, either for 
adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa within the time allowed, 
the alien will continue to be eligible for further extensions of V 
nonimmigrant status as provided in this section while that application 
remains pending.
    (h) Employment authorization. An alien in V nonimmigrant status may 
apply to the Service for employment authorization pursuant to this 
section and Sec.  274a.12(a)(15) of this chapter. An alien must file 
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the fee 
required by 8 CFR 103.7. The Service will grant employment authorization 
to aliens in V nonimmigrant status who remain eligible for V 
nonimmigrant status valid for a period equal to the alien's authorized 
admission as a V nonimmigrant.
    (i) Travel abroad; unlawful presence--(1) V nonimmigrant status in 
the United States. An alien who applies for and obtains V nonimmigrant 
status in the United States will be issued Form I-797, Notice of Action, 
indicating the alien's V status in the United States. Form I-797 does 
not serve as a travel document. If such an alien departs the United 
States, he or she must obtain a V visa from a consular office abroad in 
order to be readmitted to the United States as a V nonimmigrant. This 
visa requirement, however, does not apply if the alien traveled to 
contiguous territory or adjacent islands, possesses another valid visa, 
and is eligible for automatic revalidation.
    (2) V nonimmigrants with a pending Form I-485. An alien in V 
nonimmigrant status with a pending Form I-485 (Application to Register 
Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) that was properly filed with the 
Service does not have to obtain advance parole in order to prevent the 
abandonment of that application when the alien departs the United 
States.
    (3) Unlawful presence--(i) Nonimmigrant admission. An alien 
otherwise eligible for admission as a V nonimmigrant is not subject to 
the ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act. 
This is true even if the alien had accrued more than 180 days of 
unlawful presence in the United States and is applying for admission as 
a nonimmigrant after travel abroad.
    (ii) Permanent resident status. A V nonimmigrant alien is subject to 
the ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act when 
applying for an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of a 
lawful permanent resident. Therefore, a departure from the United States 
at any time after having accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence 
will render the alien inadmissible under that section for the purpose of 
adjustment of status or admission as an immigrant, unless he or she has 
obtained a waiver under section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act or falls 
within one of the exceptions in section 212(a)(9)(B)(iii) of the Act.

[[Page 509]]

    (j) Termination of status--(1) General. The status of an alien 
admitted to the United States as a V nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(V) of the Act shall be automatically terminated 30 days 
following the occurrence of any of the following:
    (i) The denial, withdrawal, or revocation of the Form I-130, 
Petition for Immediate Relative, filed on behalf of that alien;
    (ii) The denial or withdrawal of the immigrant visa application 
filed by that alien;
    (iii) The denial or withdrawal of the alien's application for 
adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent residence;
    (iv) The V-1 spouse's divorce from the LPR becomes final; or
    (v) The marriage of an alien in V-2 or V-3 status.
    (2) Dependents. When a principal alien's V nonimmigrant status is 
terminated, the V nonimmigrant status of any alien listed as a V-3 
dependent or who is seeking derivative benefits is also terminated.
    (3) Appeals. If the denial of the immigrant visa petition is 
appealed, the alien's V nonimmigrant status does not terminate until 30 
days after the administrative appeal is dismissed.
    (4) Violations of status. Nothing in this section precludes the 
Service from immediately initiating removal proceedings for other 
violations of an alien's V nonimmigrant status.
    (k) Naturalization of the petitioner. If the lawful permanent 
resident who filed the qualifying Form I-130 immigrant visa petition 
subsequently naturalizes, the V nonimmigrant status of the spouse and 
any children will terminate after his or her current period of admission 
ends. However, in such a case, the alien spouse or child will be 
considered an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen as defined in section 
201(b) of the Act and will immediately be eligible to apply for 
adjustment of status and related employment authorization. If the V-1 
spouse or V-2 child had already filed an application for adjustment of 
status by the time the LPR naturalized, a new application for adjustment 
will not be required.
    (l) Aliens in proceedings. An alien who is already in immigration 
proceedings and believes that he or she may have become eligible to 
apply for V nonimmigrant status should request before the immigration 
judge or the Board, as appropriate, that the proceedings be 
administratively closed (or before the Board that a previously-filed 
motion for reopening or reconsideration be indefinitely continued) in 
order to allow the alien to pursue an application for V nonimmigrant 
status with the Service. If the alien appears eligible for V 
nonimmigrant status, the immigration judge or the Board, whichever has 
jurisdiction, shall administratively close the proceeding or continue 
the motion indefinitely. In the event that the Service finds an alien 
eligible for V nonimmigrant status, the Service can adjudicate the 
change of status under this section. In the event that the Service finds 
an alien ineligible for V nonimmigrant status, the Service shall 
recommence proceedings by filing a motion to re-calendar.

[66 FR 46702, Sept. 7, 2001, as amended at 72 FR 19107, Apr. 17, 2007]



PART 215_CONTROLS OF ALIENS DEPARTING FROM THE UNITED STATES; 
ELECTRONIC VISA UPDATE SYSTEM--Table of Contents



      Subpart A_Controls of Aliens Departing from the United States

Sec.
215.1 Definitions.
215.2 Authority of departure-control officer to prevent alien's 
          departure from the United States.
215.3 Alien whose departure is deemed prejudicial to the interests of 
          the United States.
215.4 Procedure in case of alien prevented from departing from the 
          United States.
215.5 Hearing procedure before special inquiry officer.
215.6 Departure from the Canal Zone, the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
          Islands, or outlying possessions of the United States.
215.7 Instructions from the Administrator required in certain cases.
215.8 Requirements for biometric identifiers from aliens on departure 
          from the United States.
215.9 Temporary Worker Visa Exit Program.

[[Page 510]]

                 Subpart B_Electronic Visa Update System

215.21 Purpose.
215.22 Applicability.
215.23 Definitions.
215.24 Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) requirements.

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 202(4), 236; 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1104, 1184, 
1185 (pursuant to Executive Order 13323 (Dec. 30, 2003)), 1365a note, 
1379, 1731-32; and 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 45 FR 65516, Oct. 3, 1980, unless otherwise noted.



      Subpart A_Controls of Aliens Departing from the United States



Sec.  215.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of this subpart:
    (a) The term alien means any person who is not a citizen or national 
of the United States.
    (b) The term Commissioner means the Commissioner of Immigration and 
Naturalization.
    (c) The term regional commissioner means an officer of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service duly appointed or designated as a 
regional commissioner, or an officer who has been designated to act as a 
regional commissioner.
    (d) The term district director means an officer of the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service duly appointed or designated as a district 
director, or an officer who has been designated to act as a district 
director.
    (e) The term United States means the several States, the District of 
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Swains 
Island, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (beginning 
November 28, 2009), and all other territory and waters, continental and 
insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
    (f) The term continental United States means the District of 
Columbia and the several States, except Alaska and Hawaii.
    (g) The term geographical part of the United States means:
    (1) The continental United States,
    (2) Alaska,
    (3) Hawaii,
    (4) Puerto Rico,
    (5) The Virgin Islands,
    (6) Guam,
    (7) American Samoa,
    (8) Swains Island, or
    (9) The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (beginning 
November 28, 2009).
    (h) The term depart from the United States means depart by land, 
water, or air: (1) From the United States for any foreign place, or (2) 
from one geographical part of the United States for a separate 
geographical part of the United States: Provided, That a trip or journey 
upon a public ferry, passenger vessel sailing coastwise on a fixed 
schedule, excursion vessel, or aircraft, having both termini in the 
continental United States or in any one of the other geographical parts 
of the United States and not touching any territory or waters under the 
jurisdiction or control of a foreign power, shall not be deemed a 
departure from the United States.
    (i) The term departure-control officer means any immigration officer 
as defined in the regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service who is designated to supervise the departure of aliens, or any 
officer or employee of the United States designated by the Governor of 
the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner of the Trust Territory of the 
Pacific Islands, or the governor of an outlying possession of the United 
States, to supervise the departure of aliens.
    (j) The term port of departure means a port in the continental 
United States, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands (beginning November 28, 2009), or the 
Virgin Islands, designated as a port of entry by the Secretary, or in 
exceptional circumstances such other place as the departure-control 
officer may, in his discretion, designate in an individual case, or a 
port in American Samoa, or Swains Island, designated as a port of entry 
by the chief executive officer thereof.
    (k) The term special inquiry officer shall have the meaning ascribed 
thereto in section 101(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

[45 FR 65516, Oct. 3, 1980, as amended at 74 FR 2836, Jan. 16, 2009; 74 
FR 25388, May 28, 2009; 81 FR 72491, Oct. 20, 2016]

[[Page 511]]



Sec.  215.2  Authority of departure-control officer to prevent alien's 
departure from the United States.

    (a) No alien shall depart, or attempt to depart, from the United 
States if his departure would be prejudicial to the interests of the 
United States under the provisions of Sec.  215.3. Any departure-control 
officer who knows or has reason to believe that the case of an alien in 
the United States comes within the provisions of Sec.  215.3 shall 
temporarily prevent the departure of such alien from the United States 
and shall serve him with a written temporary order directing him not to 
depart, or attempt to depart, from the United States until notified of 
the revocation of the order.
    (b) The written order temporarily preventing an alien, other than an 
enemy alien, from departing from the United States shall become final 15 
days after the date of service thereof upon the alien, unless prior 
thereto the alien requests a hearing as hereinafter provided. At such 
time as the alien is served with an order temporarily preventing his 
departure from the United States, he shall be notified in writing 
concerning the provisions of this paragraph, and shall be advised of his 
right to request a hearing if entitled thereto under Sec.  215.4. In the 
case of an enemy alien, the written order preventing departure shall 
become final on the date of its service upon the alien.
    (c) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States may be 
required, in the discretion of the departure-control officer, to be 
examined under oath and to submit for official inspection all documents, 
articles, and other property in his possession which are being removed 
from the United States upon, or in connection with, the alien's 
departure. The departure-control officer may permit certain other 
persons, including officials of the Department of State and 
interpreters, to participate in such examination or inspection and may 
exclude from presence at such examination or inspection any person whose 
presence would not further the objectives of such examination or 
inspection. The departure-control officer shall temporarily prevent the 
departure of any alien who refuses to submit to such examination or 
inspection, and may, if necessary to the enforcement of this 
requirement, take possession of the alien's passport or other travel 
document.



Sec.  215.3  Alien whose departure is deemed prejudicial to the interests 
of the United States.

    The departure from the United States of any alien within one or more 
of the following categories shall be deemed prejudicial to the interests 
of the United States.
    (a) Any alien who is in possession of, and who is believed likely to 
disclose to unauthorized persons, information concerning the plans, 
preparation, equipment, or establishments for the national defense and 
security of the United States.
    (b) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States to engage 
in, or who is likely to engage in, activities of any kind designed to 
obstruct, impede, retard, delay or counteract the effectiveness of the 
national defense of the United States or the measures adopted by the 
United States or the United Nations for the defense of any other 
country.
    (c) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States to engage 
in, or who is likely to engage in, activities which would obstruct, 
impede, retard, delay, or counteract the effectiveness of any plans made 
or action taken by any country cooperating with the United States in 
measures adopted to promote the peace, defense, or safety of the United 
States or such other country.
    (d) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States for the 
purpose of organizing, directing, or participating in any rebellion, 
insurrection, or violent uprising in or against the United States or a 
country allied with the United States, or of waging war against the 
United States or its allies, or of destroying, or depriving the United 
States of sources of supplies or materials vital to the national defense 
of the United States, or to the effectiveness of the measures adopted by 
the United States for its defense, or for the defense of any other 
country allied with the United States.
    (e) Any alien who is subject to registration for training and 
service in the Armed Forces of the United States and

[[Page 512]]

who fails to present a Registration Certificate (SSS Form No. 2) showing 
that he has complied with his obligation to register under the Universal 
Military Training and Service Act, as amended.
    (f) Any alien who is a fugitive from justice on account of an 
offense punishable in the United States.
    (g) Any alien who is needed in the United States as a witness in, or 
as a party to, any criminal case under investigation or pending in a 
court in the United States: Provided, That any alien who is a witness 
in, or a party to, any criminal case pending in any criminal court 
proceeding may be permitted to depart from the United States with the 
consent of the appropriate prosecuting authority, unless such alien is 
otherwise prohibited from departing under the provisions of this part.
    (h) Any alien who is needed in the United States in connection with 
any investigation or proceeding being, or soon to be, conducted by any 
official executive, legislative, or judicial agency in the United States 
or by any governmental committee, board, bureau, commission, or body in 
the United States, whether national, state, or local.
    (i) Any alien whose technical or scientific training and knowledge 
might be utilized by an enemy or a potential enemy of the United States 
to undermine and defeat the military and defensive operations of the 
United States or of any nation cooperating with the United States in the 
interests of collective security.
    (j) Any alien, where doubt exists whether such alien is departing or 
seeking to depart from the United States voluntarily except an alien who 
is departing or seeking to depart subject to an order issued in 
extradition, exclusion, or deportation proceedings.
    (k) Any alien whose case does not fall within any of the categories 
described in paragraphs (a) to (j), inclusive, of this section, but 
which involves circumstances of a similar character rendering the 
alien's departure prejudicial to the interests of the United States.



Sec.  215.4  Procedure in case of alien prevented from departing 
from the United States.

    (a) Any alien, other than an enemy alien, whose departure has been 
temporarily prevented under the provisions of Sec.  215.2, may, within 
15 days of the service upon him of the written order temporarily 
preventing his departure, request a hearing before a special inquiry 
officer. The alien's request for a hearing shall be made in writing and 
shall be addressed to the district director having administrative 
jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence. If the alien's request 
for a hearing is timely made, the district director shall schedule a 
hearing before a special inquiry officer, and notice of such hearing 
shall be given to the alien. The notice of hearing shall, as 
specifically as security considerations permit, inform the alien of the 
nature of the case against him, shall fix the time and place of the 
hearing, and shall inform the alien of his right to be represented, at 
no expense to the Government, by counsel of his own choosing.
    (b) Every alien for whom a hearing has been scheduled under 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be entitled: (1) To appear in person 
before the special inquiry officer, (2) to be represented by counsel of 
his own choice, (3) to have the opportunity to be heard and to present 
evidence, (4) to cross-examine the witnesses who appear at the hearing, 
except that if, in the course of the examination, it appears that 
further examination may divulge information of a confidential or 
security nature, the special inquiry officer may, in his discretion, 
preclude further examination of the witness with respect to such 
matters, (5) to examine any evidence in possession of the Government 
which is to be considered in the disposition of the case, provided that 
such evidence is not of a confidential or security nature the disclosure 
of which would be prejudicial to the interests of the United States, (6) 
to have the time and opportunity to produce evidence and witnesses on 
his own behalf, and (7) to reasonable continuances, upon request, for 
good cause shown.
    (c) Any special inquiry officer who is assigned to conduct the 
hearing provided for in this section shall have the

[[Page 513]]

authority to: (1) Administer oaths and affirmations, (2) present and 
receive evidence, (3) interrogate, examine, and cross examine under oath 
or affirmation both the alien and witnesses, (4) rule upon all 
objections to the introduction of evidence or motions made during the 
course of the hearing, (5) take or cause depositions to be taken, (6) 
issue subpoenas, and (7) take any further action consistent with 
applicable provisions of law, Executive orders, proclamations, and 
regulations.



Sec.  215.5  Hearing procedure before special inquiry officer.

    (a) The hearing before the special inquiry officer shall be 
conducted in accordance with the following procedure:
    (1) The special inquiry officer shall advise the alien of the rights 
and privileges accorded him under the provisions of Sec.  215.4.
    (2) The special inquiry officer shall enter of record: (i) A copy of 
the order served upon the alien temporarily preventing his departure 
from the United States, and (ii) a copy of the notice of hearing 
furnished the alien.
    (3) The alien shall be interrogated by the special inquiry officer 
as to the matters considered pertinent to the proceeding, with 
opportunity reserved to the alien to testify thereafter in his own 
behalf, if he so chooses.
    (4) The special inquiry officer shall present on behalf of the 
Government such evidence, including the testimony of witnesses and the 
certificates or written statements of Government officials or other 
persons, as may be necessary and available. In the event such 
certificates or statements are received in evidence, the alien may 
request and, in the discretion of the special inquiry officer, be given 
an opportunity to interrogate such officials or persons, by deposition 
or otherwise, at a time and place and in a manner fixed by the special 
inquiry officer: Provided, That when in the judgment of the special 
inquiry officer any evidence relative to the disposition of the case is 
of a confidential or security nature the disclosure of which would be 
prejudicial to the interests of the United States, such evidence shall 
not be presented at the hearing but shall be taken into consideration in 
arriving at a decision in the case.
    (5) The alien may present such additional evidence, including the 
testimony of witnesses, as is pertinent and available.
    (b) A complete verbatim transcript of the hearing, except statements 
made off the record shall be recorded. The alien shall be entitled, upon 
request, to the loan of a copy of the transcript, without cost, subject 
to reasonable conditions governing its use.
    (c) Following the completion of the hearing, the special inquiry 
officer shall make and render a recommended decision in the case, which 
shall be governed by and based upon the evidence presented at the 
hearing and any evidence of a confidential or security nature which the 
Government may have in its possession. The decision of the special 
inquiry officer shall recommend: (1) That the temporary order preventing 
the departure of the alien from the United States be made final, or (2) 
that the temporary order preventing the departure of the alien from the 
United States be revoked. This recommended decision of the special 
inquiry officer shall be made in writing and shall set forth the 
officer's reasons for such decision. The alien concerned shall at his 
request be furnished a copy of the recommended decision of the special 
inquiry officer, and shall be allowed a reasonable time, not to exceed 
10 days, in which to submit representations with respect thereto in 
writing.
    (d) As soon as practicable after the completion of the hearing and 
the rendering of a decision by the special inquiry officer, the district 
director shall forward the entire record of the case, including the 
recommended decision of the special inquiry officer and any written 
representations submitted by the alien, to the regional commissioner 
having jurisdiction over his district. After reviewing the record, the 
regional commissioner shall render a decision in the case, which shall 
be based upon the evidence in the record and on any evidence or 
information of a confidential or security nature which he deems 
pertinent. Whenever any decision is based in whole or in part on 
confidential or security information not included in the record, the 
decision

[[Page 514]]

shall state that such information was considered. A copy of the regional 
commissioner's decision shall be furnished the alien, or his attorney or 
representative. No administrative appeal shall lie from the regional 
commissioner's decision.
    (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the 
Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs referred to 
in section 104(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or such other 
officers of the Department of State as he may designate, after 
consultation with the Commissioner, or such other officers of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service as he may designate, may at any 
time permit the departure of an individual alien or of a group of aliens 
from the United States if he determines that such action would be in the 
national interest. If the Administrator specifically requests the 
Commissioner to prevent the departure of a particular alien or of a 
group of aliens, the Commissioner shall not permit the departure of such 
alien or aliens until he has consulted with the Administrator.
    (f) In any case arising under Sec. Sec.  215.1 to 215.7, the 
Administrator shall, at his request, be kept advised, in as much detail 
as he may indicate is necessary, of the facts and of any action taken or 
proposed.



Sec.  215.6  Departure from the Canal Zone, the Trust Territory 
of the Pacific Islands, or outlying possessions of the United States.

    (a) In addition to the restrictions and prohibitions imposed by the 
provisions of this part upon the departure of aliens from the United 
States, any alien who seeks to depart from the Canal Zone, the Trust 
Territory of the Pacific Islands, or an outlying possession of the 
United States shall comply with such other restrictions and prohibitions 
as may be imposed by regulations prescribed, with the concurrence of the 
Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs and the 
Commissioner, by the Governor of the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner 
of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or by the governor of an 
outlying possession of the United States, respectively. No alien shall 
be prevented from departing from such zone, territory, or possession 
without first being accorded a hearing as provided in Sec. Sec.  215.4 
and 215.5.
    (b) The Governor of the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner of the 
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or the governor of any outlying 
possession of the United States shall have the authority to designate 
any employee or class of employees of the United States as hearing 
officers for the purpose of conducting the hearing referred to in 
paragraph (a) of this section. The hearing officer so designated shall 
exercise the same powers, duties, and functions as are conferred upon 
special inquiry officers under the provisions of this part. The chief 
executive officer of such zone, territory, or possession shall, in lieu 
of the regional commissioner, review the recommended decision of the 
hearing officer, and shall render a decision in any case referred to 
him, basing it on evidence in the record and on any evidence or 
information of a confidential or a security nature which he deems 
pertinent.



Sec.  215.7  Instructions from the Administrator required in certain cases.

    In the absence of appropriate instructions from the Administrator of 
the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs, departure-control officers 
shall not exercise the authority conferred by Sec.  215.2 in the case of 
any alien who seeks to depart from the United States in the status of a 
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) (A) or (G) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, or in the status of a nonimmigrant under section 11(3), 
11(4), or 11(5) of the Agreement between the United Nations and the 
United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United 
Nations (61 Stat. 756): Provided, That in cases of extreme urgency, 
where the national security so requires, a departure-control officer may 
preliminarily exercise the authority conferred by Sec.  215.2 pending 
the outcome of consultation with the Administrator, which shall be 
undertaken immediately. In all cases arising under this section, the 
decision of the Administrator shall be controlling: Provided, That any 
decision to prevent the departure of an alien shall

[[Page 515]]

be based upon a hearing and record as prescribed in this part.



Sec.  215.8  Requirements for biometric identifiers from aliens on departure 
from the United States.

    (a)(1) The Secretary of Homeland Security, or his designee, may 
establish pilot programs at land border ports of entry, and at up to 
fifteen air or sea ports of entry, designated through notice in the 
Federal Register, through which the Secretary or his delegate may 
require an alien admitted to or paroled into the United States, other 
than aliens exempted under paragraph (a)(2) of this section or Canadian 
citizens under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act who were not otherwise 
required to present a visa or have been issued Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4) 
or Form I-95 upon arrival at the United States, who departs the United 
States from a designated port of entry, to provide fingerprints, 
photograph(s) or other specified biometric identifiers, documentation of 
his or her immigration status in the United States, and such other 
evidence as may be requested to determine the alien's identity and 
whether he or she has properly maintained his or her status while in the 
United States.
    (2) The requirements of paragraph (a)(1) shall not apply to:
    (i) Aliens younger than 14 or older than 79 on date of departure;
    (ii) Aliens admitted on A-1, A-2, C-3 (except for attendants, 
servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, 
G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visas, and 
certain Taiwan officials who hold E-1 visas and members of their 
immediate families who hold E-1 visas who are maintaining such status at 
time of departure, unless the Secretary of State and the Secretary of 
Homeland Security jointly determine that a class of such aliens should 
be subject to the requirements of paragraph (a)(1);
    (iii) Classes of aliens to whom the Secretary of Homeland Security 
and the Secretary of State jointly determine it shall not apply; or
    (iv) An individual alien to whom the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
the Secretary of State, or the Director of Central Intelligence 
determines it shall not apply.
    (b) An alien who is required to provide biometric identifiers at 
departure pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) and who fails to comply with the 
departure requirements may be found in violation of the terms of his or 
her admission, parole, or other immigration status. In addition, failure 
of a covered alien to comply with the departure requirements could be a 
factor in support of a determination that the alien is ineligible to 
receive a future visa or other immigration status documentation, or to 
be admitted to the United States. In making this determination, the 
officer will consider the totality of the circumstances, including, but 
not limited to, all positive and negative factors related to the alien's 
ability to comply with the departure procedures.
    (c) A covered alien who leaves the United States without complying 
with the departure requirements in this section may be found to have 
overstayed the period of his or her last admission where the available 
evidence clearly indicates that the alien did not depart the United 
States within the time period authorized at his or her last admission or 
extension of stay. A determination that the alien previously overstayed 
the terms of his admission may result in a finding of inadmissibility 
for accruing prior unlawful presence in the United States under section 
212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act or that the alien is 
otherwise ineligible for a visa or other authorization to reenter the 
United States, provided that all other requirements of section 212(a)(9) 
have been met. A determination that an alien who was admitted on the 
basis of a nonimmigrant visa has remained in the United States beyond 
his or her authorized period of stay may result in such visa being 
deemed void pursuant to section 222(g) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1202(g)) 
where all other requirements of that section are also met.

[69 FR 480, Jan. 5, 2004, as amended at 69 FR 53333, Aug. 31, 2004; 69 
FR 58037, Sept. 29, 2004; 73 FR 77491, Dec. 19, 2008; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 
27, 2013]

[[Page 516]]



Sec.  215.9  Temporary Worker Visa Exit Program.

    An alien admitted on certain temporary worker visas at a port of 
entry participating in the Temporary Worker Visa Exit Program must also 
depart at the end of his or her authorized period of stay through a port 
of entry participating in the program and must present designated 
biographic and/or biometric information upon departure. U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection will publish a Notice in the Federal Register 
designating which temporary workers must participate in the Temporary 
Worker Visa Exit Program, which ports of entry are participating in the 
program, which biographical and/or biometric information would be 
required, and the format for submission of that information by the 
departing designated temporary workers.

[73 FR 78130, Dec. 19, 2008]



                 Subpart B_Electronic Visa Update System

    Source: 81 FR 72491, Oct. 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  215.21  Purpose.

    The purpose of this subpart is to establish an electronic visa 
update system for nonimmigrant aliens who hold a passport issued by an 
identified country containing a U.S. nonimmigrant visa of a designated 
category.



Sec.  215.22  Applicability.

    This subpart is applicable to nonimmigrant aliens who hold a 
passport issued by an identified country containing a U.S. nonimmigrant 
visa of a designated category. The Secretary, in the Secretary's 
discretion and in consultation with the Secretary of State, may identify 
countries and designate nonimmigrant visa categories for purposes of 
this subpart. Notice of the identified countries and designated 
nonimmigrant visa categories will be published in the Federal Register.



Sec.  215.23  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply for purposes of this subpart.
    (a) Covered alien. A covered alien is a nonimmigrant alien who holds 
a passport issued by an EVUS country (as defined in paragraph (c) of 
this section) containing a U.S. nonimmigrant visa of a designated 
category.
    (b) Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). The Electronic Visa Update 
System (EVUS) is the electronic system used by a covered alien to 
provide required information to DHS after the receipt of his or her visa 
of a designated category.
    (c) EVUS country. An EVUS country is a country that has been 
identified for inclusion in EVUS, through publication of a notice in the 
Federal Register, by the Secretary after consultation with the Secretary 
of State.
    (d) Notification of compliance. A notification of compliance is a 
verification from CBP that a covered alien has successfully enrolled in 
EVUS. A notification of compliance is a positive determination that an 
alien's visa is:
    (1) Not automatically provisionally revoked pursuant to 22 CFR 
41.122(b)(3); and
    (2) Is considered valid for travel to the United States as of the 
time of notification.



Sec.  215.24  Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) requirements.

    (a) Enrollment required. Each covered alien must initially enroll in 
EVUS, in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, by providing 
the information set forth in paragraph (d) of this section 
electronically through EVUS. Each covered alien who intends to travel to 
the United States must have a valid notification of compliance as set 
forth in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Upon each successful 
enrollment or re-enrollment, CBP will issue a notification of 
compliance.
    (b) Validity period of notification of compliance--(1) General 
validity period. A notification of compliance will generally be valid 
for a period of two years from the date the notification of compliance 
is issued, except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) or (3) of this 
section.
    (2) Exception. If the nonimmigrant alien's passport or nonimmigrant 
visa will expire in less than two years from the date the notification 
of compliance is issued, the notification will be valid

[[Page 517]]

until the date of expiration of the passport or nonimmigrant visa, 
whichever is sooner.
    (3) Change in validity period of notification of compliance. The 
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may increase or 
decrease the notification of compliance validity period otherwise 
authorized by paragraph (b)(1) of this section for an EVUS country. Any 
such increase or decrease would apply to subsequently issued 
notifications of compliance. Any changes to the validity period will be 
done through rulemaking. The EVUS Web site will be updated to reflect 
the specific duration of notification of compliance validity periods for 
each EVUS country.
    (4) Relation to nonimmigrant visa validity. A notification of 
compliance is not valid unless the alien's nonimmigrant visa also is 
valid.
    (c) Schedule for EVUS enrollment--(1) Initial EVUS enrollment--(i) 
Visas received prior to November 29, 2016. Each covered alien who 
received his or her nonimmigrant visa of a designated category prior to 
November 29, 2016 must initially enroll in EVUS by December 14, 2016, 
unless the covered alien intends to travel to the United States before 
that date, in which case the requirements for EVUS enrollment outlined 
in paragraph (c)(2) of this section apply.
    (ii) Visas received on or after November 29, 2016. Each covered 
alien who received his or her nonimmigrant visa of a designated category 
on or after November 29, 2016 must initially enroll in EVUS upon receipt 
of such visa.
    (2) EVUS re-enrollment requirements prior to travel to the United 
States--(i) Individuals arriving at air or sea ports of entry. Each 
covered alien who intends to travel by air or sea to the United States 
on a nonimmigrant visa of a designated category must have a notification 
of compliance that is valid, as described in paragraph (b) of this 
section, prior to boarding a carrier destined for travel to the United 
States through the date when the covered alien will arrive at a U.S. 
port of entry.
    (ii) Individuals arriving at land ports of entry. Each covered alien 
who intends to travel by land to the United States on a nonimmigrant 
visa of a designated category must have a notification of compliance 
that is valid, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, through 
the date of application for admission to the United States.
    (d) Required EVUS enrollment elements. DHS will collect such 
information from covered aliens as DHS deems necessary in its 
discretion, after consultation with the Department of State. The 
required information will be reflected in the EVUS enrollment questions.
    (e) EVUS re-enrollment required. Each covered alien must re-enroll 
in EVUS and obtain a new notification of compliance from CBP if any of 
the following occurs:
    (1) The alien is issued a new passport or new nonimmigrant visa of a 
designated category;
    (2) The alien changes his or her name;
    (3) The alien changes his or her gender;
    (4) There is any change to the alien's country of citizenship or 
nationality, including becoming a dual national; or
    (5) The circumstances underlying the alien's previous responses to 
any of the EVUS enrollment questions requiring a ``yes'' or ``no'' 
response (eligibility questions) have changed.
    (f) Limitation. A notification of compliance is not a determination 
that the covered alien is admissible to the United States. A 
determination of admissibility is made after an applicant for admission 
is inspected by a CBP officer at a U.S. port of entry.
    (g) Noncompliance, expiration of notification of compliance, and 
change in EVUS status resulting in rescission of notification of 
compliance--(1) Initial EVUS enrollment. Failure to initially enroll in 
EVUS in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section will result in 
the automatic provisional revocation of the covered alien's nonimmigrant 
visa pursuant to 22 CFR 41.122(b)(3), pending enrollment.
    (2) Expiration of notification of compliance. Upon expiration of a 
notification of compliance, as described in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the covered alien's nonimmigrant visa will be automatically 
provisionally revoked pursuant to 22 CFR 41.122(b)(3), pending re-
enrollment. To prevent the automatic provisional revocation of his or 
her

[[Page 518]]

nonimmigrant visa due to the expiration of the notification of 
compliance, each covered alien must re-enroll in EVUS prior to such 
expiration.
    (3) Unsuccessful EVUS enrollment. If a covered alien's EVUS 
enrollment or re-enrollment is unsuccessful, his or her nonimmigrant 
visa will be automatically provisionally revoked pursuant to 22 CFR 
41.122(b)(3), pending successful enrollment or re-enrollment.
    (4) Change in EVUS status after receipt of a notification of 
compliance. In the event that irreconcilable errors are discovered after 
the issuance of a notification of compliance, or other circumstances 
occur including but not limited to a change in the validity period of 
the notification of compliance as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, CBP may rescind the notification of compliance. If a covered 
alien's notification of compliance is rescinded, his or her nonimmigrant 
visa will be automatically provisionally revoked pursuant to 22 CFR 
41.122(b)(3), pending successful enrollment. CBP will attempt to provide 
notification of a change in EVUS status to the covered alien through the 
provided email address.
    (h) Reversal of an automatically provisionally revoked visa and 
steps to address an unsuccessful EVUS enrollment or rescission of a 
notification of compliance--(1) Reversal of an automatically 
provisionally revoked visa. If a covered alien's nonimmigrant visa has 
been automatically provisionally revoked as described in paragraph 
(g)(1) or (2) of this section, the revocation of the alien's visa will 
be automatically reversed, following compliance with EVUS, if the visa 
remains valid and was not also revoked on other grounds. After a 
reversal of the revocation the visa will immediately resume the validity 
provided for on its face, pursuant to 22 CFR 41.122(b)(3), after the 
alien enrolls in EVUS and receives a notification of compliance.
    (2) Unsuccessful EVUS enrollment. If a covered alien's EVUS 
enrollment is unsuccessful per paragraph (g)(3) of this section, the 
covered alien may re-attempt enrollment or contact CBP.
    (3) Rescission of notification of compliance. If a covered alien's 
nonimmigrant visa has been automatically provisionally revoked as 
described in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the covered alien may re-
attempt enrollment or contact CBP.




PART 216_CONDITIONAL BASIS OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS--
Table of Contents



Sec.
216.1 Definition of conditional permanent resident.
216.2 Notification requirements.
216.3 Termination of conditional resident status.
216.4 Joint petition to remove conditional basis of lawful permanent 
          resident status for alien spouse.
216.5 Waiver of requirement to file joint petition to remove conditions 
          by alien spouse.
216.6 Petition by investor to remove conditional basis of lawful 
          permanent resident status.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1154, 1184, 1186a, 1186b, and 8 CFR 
part 2.

    Source: 53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  216.1  Definition of conditional permanent resident.

    A conditional permanent resident is an alien who has been lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence within the meaning of section 
101(a)(20) of the Act, except that a conditional permanent resident is 
also subject to the conditions and responsibilities set forth in section 
216 or 216A of the Act, whichever is applicable, and part 216 of this 
chapter. Unless otherwise specified, the rights, privileges, 
responsibilities and duties which apply to all other lawful permanent 
residents apply equally to conditional permanent residents, including 
but not limited to the right to apply for naturalization (if otherwise 
eligible), the right to file petitions on behalf of qualifying 
relatives, the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as 
an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not 
having changed; the duty to register with the Selective Service System, 
when required; and the responsibility for complying with all laws and 
regulations of the United States. All references within this chapter to 
lawful permanent residents

[[Page 519]]

apply equally to conditional permanent residents, unless otherwise 
specified. The conditions of section 216 of the Act shall not apply to 
lawful permanent resident status based on a self-petitioning 
relationship under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 
204(a)(1)(b)(ii), or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act or based on 
eligibility as the derivative child of a self-petitioning spouse under 
section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act, regardless of 
the date on which the marriage to the abusive citizen or lawful 
permanent resident occurred.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 26590, May 23, 1994; 61 
FR 13079, Mar. 26, 1996]



Sec.  216.2  Notification requirements.

    (a) When alien acquires status of conditional permanent resident. At 
the time an alien acquires conditional permanent residence through 
admission to the United States with an immigrant visa or adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, the Service shall notify the alien 
of the conditional basis of the alien's status, of the requirement that 
the alien apply for removal of the conditions within the ninety days 
immediately preceding the second anniversary of the alien's having been 
granted such status, and that failure to apply for removal of the 
conditions will result in automatic termination of the alien's lawful 
status in the United States.
    (b) When alien is required to apply for removal of the conditional 
basis of lawful permanent resident status. Approximately 90 days before 
the second anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained 
conditional permanent residence, the Service should notify the alien a 
second time of the requirement that the alien and the petitioning spouse 
or alien entrepreneur must file a petition to remove the conditional 
basis of the alien's lawful permanent residence. Such notification shall 
be mailed to the alien's last known address.
    (c) Effect of failure to provide notification. Failure of the 
Service to provide notification as required by either paragraph (a) or 
(b) of this section does not relieve the alien and the petitioning 
spouse, or alien entrepreneur of the requirement to file a petition to 
remove conditions within the 90 days immediately preceding the second 
anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained permanent residence.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 26590, May 23, 1994]



Sec.  216.3  Termination of conditional resident status.

    (a) During the two-year conditional period. The director shall send 
a formal written notice to the conditional permanent resident of the 
termination of the alien's conditional permanent resident status if the 
director determines that any of the conditions set forth in section 
216(b)(1) or 216A(b)(1) of the Act, whichever is applicable, are true, 
or it becomes known to the government that an alien entrepreneur who was 
admitted pursuant to section 203(b)(5) of the Act obtained his or her 
investment capital through other than legal means (such as through the 
sale of illegal drugs). If the Service issues a notice of intent to 
terminate an alien's conditional resident status, the director shall not 
adjudicate Form I-751 or Form I-829 until it has been determined that 
the alien's status will not be terminated. During this time, the alien 
shall continue to be a lawful conditional permanent resident with all 
the rights, privileges, and responsibilities provided to persons 
possessing such status. Prior to issuing the notice of termination, the 
director shall provide the alien with an opportunity to review and rebut 
the evidence upon which the decision is to be based, in accordance with 
Sec.  103.2(b)(2) of this chapter. The termination of status, and all of 
the rights and privileges concomitant thereto (including authorization 
to accept or continue in employment in this country), shall take effect 
as of the date of such determination by the director, although the alien 
may request a review of such determination in removal proceedings. In 
addition to the notice of termination, the director shall issue a notice 
to appear in accordance with 8 CFR part 239. During the ensuing removal 
proceedings, the alien may submit evidence to rebut the determination of 
the director. The burden of proof shall be on the Service to establish, 
by a preponderance of the

[[Page 520]]

evidence, that one or more of the conditions in section 216(b)(1) or 
216A(b)(1) of the Act, whichever is applicable, are true, or that an 
alien entrepreneur who was admitted pursuant to section 203(b)(5) of the 
Act obtained his or her investment capital through other than legal 
means (such as through the sale of illegal drugs).
    (b) Determination of fraud after two years. If, subsequent to the 
removal of the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident 
status, the director determines that an alien spouse obtained permanent 
resident status through a marriage which was entered into for the 
purpose of evading the immigration laws or an alien entrepreneur 
obtained permanent resident status through a commercial enterprise which 
was improper under section 216A(b)(1) of the Act, the director may 
institute rescission proceedings pursuant to section 246 of the Act (if 
otherwise appropriate) or removal proceedings under section 240 of the 
Act.

[62 FR 10349, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  216.4  Joint petition to remove conditional basis of lawful 
permanent resident status for alien spouse.

    (a) Filing the petition--(1) General procedures. Within the 90-day 
period immediately preceding the second anniversary of the date on which 
the alien obtained permanent residence, the alien and the alien's spouse 
who filed the original immigrant visa petition or fiance/fiancee 
petition through which the alien obtained permanent residence must file 
a Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence (Form I-751) with the 
Service. The petition shall be filed within this time period regardless 
of the amount of physical presence which the alien has accumulated in 
the United States. Before Form I-751 may be considered as properly 
filed, it must be accompanied by the fee required under 8 CFR 106.2 and 
by documentation as described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, and 
it must be properly signed by the alien and the alien's spouse. If the 
joint petition cannot be filed due to the termination of the marriage 
through annulment, divorce, or the death of the petitioning spouse, or 
if the petitioning spouse refuses to join in the filing of the petition, 
the conditional permanent resident may apply for a waiver of the 
requirement to file the joint petition in accordance with the provisions 
of Sec.  216.5 of this part. Upon receipt of a properly filed Form I-
751, the alien's conditional permanent resident status shall be extended 
automatically, if necessary, until such time as the director has 
adjudicated the petition.
    (2) Dependent children. Dependent children of a conditional 
permanent resident who acquired conditional permanent resident status 
concurrently with the parent may be included in the joint petition filed 
by the parent and the parent's petitioning spouse. A child shall be 
deemed to have acquired conditional residence status concurrently with 
the parent if the child's residence was acquired on the same date or 
within 90 days thereafter. Children who cannot be included in a joint 
petition filed by the parent and parent's petitioning spouse due to the 
child's not having acquired conditional resident status concurrently 
with the parent, the death of the parent, or other reasons may file a 
separate Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence (Form I-751).
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) Physical presence at time of filing. A petition may be filed 
regardless of whether the alien is physically present in the United 
States. However, if the alien is outside the United States at the time 
of filing, he or she must return to the United States, with his or her 
spouse and dependent children, to comply with the interview requirements 
contained in the Act. Furthermore, if the documentation submitted in 
support of the petition includes affidavits of third parties having 
knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship, the petitioner 
must arrange for the affiants to be present at the interview, at no 
expense to the government. Once the petition has been properly filed, 
the alien may travel outside the United States and return if in 
possession of documentation as set forth in Sec.  211.1(b)(1) of this 
chapter, provided the alien and the petitioning spouse comply with the 
interview requirements described in Sec.  216.4(b). An alien who is not 
physically present in the United States during the filing period

[[Page 521]]

but subsequently applies for admission to the United States shall be 
processed in accordance with Sec.  235.11 of this chapter.
    (5) Documentation. Form I-751 shall be accompanied by evidence that 
the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of evading the 
immigration laws of the United States. Such evidence may include:
    (i) Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
    (ii) Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;
    (iii) Documentation showing commingling of financial resources;
    (iv) Birth certificates of children born to the marriage;
    (v) Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the bona fides 
of the marital relationship, or
    (vi) Other documentation establishing that the marriage was not 
entered into in order to evade the immigration laws of the United 
States.
    (6) Termination of status for failure to file petition. Failure to 
properly file Form I-751 within the 90-day period immediately preceding 
the second anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained lawful 
permanent residence on a conditional basis shall result in the automatic 
termination of the alien's permanent residence status and the initiation 
of proceedings to remove the alien from the United States. In such 
proceedings the burden shall be on the alien to establish that he or she 
complied with the requirement to file the joint petition within the 
designated period. Form I-751 may be filed after the expiration of the 
90-day period only if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the 
director, in writing, that there was good cause for the failure to file 
Form I-751 within the required time period. If the joint petition is 
filed prior to the jurisdiction vesting with the immigration judge in 
removal proceedings and the director excuses the late filing and 
approves the petition, he or she shall restore the alien's permanent 
residence status, remove the conditional basis of such status and cancel 
any outstanding notice to appear in accordance with Sec.  239.2 of this 
chapter. If the joint petition is not filed until after jurisdiction 
vests with the immigration judge, the immigration judge may terminate 
the matter upon joint motion by the alien and the Service.
    (b) Interview--(1) Authority to waive interview. The director of the 
regional service center shall review the Form I-751 filed by the alien 
and the alien's spouse to determine whether to waive the interview 
required by the Act. If satisfied that the marriage was not for the 
purpose of evading the immigration laws, the regional service center 
director may waive the interview and approve the petition. If not so 
satisfied, then the regional service center director shall forward the 
petition to the district director having jurisdiction over the place of 
the alien's residence so that an interview of both the alien and the 
alien's spouse may be conducted. The director must either waive the 
requirement for an interview and adjudicate the petition or arrange for 
an interview within 90 days of the date on which the petition was 
properly filed.
    (2) Location of interview. Unless waived, an interview on the Form 
I-751 shall be conducted by an immigration examiner or other officer so 
designated by the district director at the district office, files 
control office or suboffice having jurisdiction over the residence of 
the joint petitioners.
    (3) Termination of status for failure to appear for interview. If 
the conditional resident alien and/or the petitioning spouse fail to 
appear for an interview in connection with the joint petition required 
by section 216(c) of the Act, the alien's permanent residence status 
will be automatically terminated as of the second anniversary of the 
date on which the alien obtained permanent residence. The alien shall be 
provided with written notification of the termination and the reasons 
therefor, and a notice to appear shall be issued placing the alien under 
removal proceedings. The alien may seek review of the decision to 
terminate his or her status in such proceedings, but the burden shall be 
on the alien to establish compliance with the interview requirements. If 
the alien submits a written request that the interview be rescheduled or 
that the interview be waived, and the director determines that there is 
good cause for granting the request, the interview

[[Page 522]]

may be rescheduled or waived, as appropriate. If the interview is 
rescheduled at the request of the petitioners, the Service shall not be 
required to conduct the interview within the 90-day period following the 
filing of the petition.
    (c) Adjudication of petition. The director shall adjudicate the 
petition within 90 days of the date of the interview, unless the 
interview is waived in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section. 
In adjudicating the petition the director shall determine whether--
    (1) The qualifying marriage was entered into in accordance with the 
laws of the place where the marriage took place;
    (2) The qualifying marriage has been judicially annulled or 
terminated, other than through the death of a spouse;
    (3) The qualifying marriage was entered into for the purpose of 
procuring permanent residence status for the alien; or
    (4) A fee or other consideration was given (other than a fee or 
other consideration to an attorney for assistance in preparation of a 
lawful petition) in connection with the filing of the petition through 
which the alien obtained conditional permanent residence. If derogatory 
information is determined regarding any of these issues, the director 
shall offer the petitioners the opportunity to rebut such information. 
If the petitioners fail to overcome such derogatory information the 
director may deny the joint petition, terminate the alien's permanent 
residence, and issue a notice to appear to initiate removal proceedings. 
If derogatory information not relating to any of these issues is 
determined during the course of the interview, such information shall be 
forwarded to the investigations unit for appropriate action. If no 
unresolved derogatory information is determined relating to these 
issues, the petition shall be approved and the conditional basis of the 
alien's permanent residence status removed, regardless of any action 
taken or contemplated regarding other possible grounds for removal.
    (d) Decision--(1) Approval. If the director approves the joint 
petition he or she shall provide written notice of the decision to the 
alien and shall require the alien to report to the appropriate office of 
the Service for processing for a new Permanent Resident Card (if 
necessary), at which time the alien shall surrender any Permanent 
Resident Card previously issued.
    (2) Denial. If the director denies the joint petition, he or she 
shall provide written notice to the alien of the decision and the 
reason(s) therefor and shall issue a notice to appear under section 239 
of the Act and 8 CFR part 239. The alien's lawful permanent resident 
status shall be terminated as of the date of the director's written 
decision. The alien shall also be instructed to surrender any Permanent 
Resident Card previously issued by the Service. No appeal shall lie from 
the decision of the director; however, the alien may seek review of the 
decision in removal proceedings. In such proceedings the burden of proof 
shall be on the Service to establish, by a preponderance of the 
evidence, that the facts and information set forth by the petitioners 
are not true or that the petition was properly denied.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 30369, July 20, 1989; 
59 FR 26590, May 23, 1994; 62 FR 10349, Mar. 6, 1997; 63 FR 70315, Dec. 
21, 1998; 74 FR 26939, June 5, 2009; 85 FR 46925, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  216.5  Waiver of requirement to file joint petition to remove conditions 
by alien spouse.

    (a) General. (1) A conditional resident alien who is unable to meet 
the requirements under section 216 of the Act for a joint petition for 
removal of the conditional basis of his or her permanent resident status 
may file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, if 
the alien requests a waiver, was not at fault in failing to meet the 
filing requirement, and the conditional resident alien is able to 
establish that:
    (i) Deportation or removal from the United States would result in 
extreme hardship;
    (ii) The marriage upon which his or her status was based was entered 
into

[[Page 523]]

in good faith by the conditional resident alien, but the marriage was 
terminated other than by death, and the conditional resident was not at 
fault in failing to file a timely petition; or
    (iii) The qualifying marriage was entered into in good faith by the 
conditional resident but during the marriage the alien spouse or child 
was battered by or subjected to extreme cruelty committed by the citizen 
or permanent resident spouse or parent.
    (2) A conditional resident who is in exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceedings may apply for the waiver only until such time as 
there is a final order of exclusion, deportation or removal.
    (b) Fee. Form I-751 shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee 
required under 8 CFR 106.2.
    (c) [Reserved]
    (d) Interview. The service center director may refer the application 
to the appropriate local office and require that the alien appear for an 
interview in connection with the application for a waiver. The director 
shall deny the application and initiate removal proceedings if the alien 
fails to appear for the interview as required, unless the alien 
establishes good cause for such failure and the interview is 
rescheduled.
    (e) Adjudication of waiver application--(1) Application based on 
claim of hardship. In considering an application for a waiver based upon 
an alien's claim that extreme hardship would result from the alien's 
removal from the United States, the director shall take into account 
only those factors that arose subsequent to the alien's entry as a 
conditional permanent resident. The director shall bear in mind that any 
removal from the United States is likely to result in a certain degree 
of hardship, and that only in those cases where the hardship is extreme 
should the application for a waiver be granted. The burden of 
establishing that extreme hardship exists rests solely with the 
applicant.
    (2) Application for waiver based upon the alien's claim that the 
marriage was entered into in good faith. In considering whether an alien 
entered into a qualifying marriage in good faith, the director shall 
consider evidence relating to the amount of commitment by both parties 
to the marital relationship. Such evidence may include--
    (i) Documentation relating to the degree to which the financial 
assets and liabilities of the parties were combined;
    (ii) Documentation concerning the length of time during which the 
parties cohabited after the marriage and after the alien obtained 
permanent residence;
    (iii) Birth certificates of children born to the marriage; and
    (iv) Other evidence deemed pertinent by the director.
    (3) Application for waiver based on alien's claim of having been 
battered or subjected to extreme mental cruelty. A conditional resident 
who entered into the qualifying marriage in good faith, and who was 
battered or was the subject of extreme cruelty or whose child was 
battered by or was the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the 
United States citizen or permanent resident spouse during the marriage, 
may request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. The conditional 
resident parent of a battered or abused child may apply for the waiver 
regardless of the child's citizenship or immigration status.
    (i) For the purpose of this chapter the phrase ``was battered by or 
was the subject of extreme cruelty'' includes, but is not limited to, 
being the victim of any act or threatened act of violence, including any 
forceful detention, which results or threatens to result in physical or 
mental injury. Psychological or sexual abuse or exploitation, including 
rape, molestation, incest (if the victim is a minor) or forced 
prostitution shall be considered acts of violence.
    (ii) A conditional resident or former conditional resident who has 
not departed the United States after termination of resident status may 
apply for the waiver. The conditional resident may apply for the waiver 
regardless of his or her present marital status. The conditional 
resident may still be residing with the citizen or permanent resident 
spouse, or may be divorced or separated.
    (iii) Evidence of physical abuse may include, but is not limited to, 
expert testimony in the form of reports and

[[Page 524]]

affidavits from police, judges, medical personnel, school officials and 
social service agency personnel. The Service must be satisfied with the 
credibility of the sources of documentation submitted in support of the 
application.
    (iv) The Service is not in a position to evaluate testimony 
regarding a claim of extreme mental cruelty provided by unlicensed or 
untrained individuals. Therefore, all waiver applications based upon 
claims of extreme mental cruelty must be supported by the evaluation of 
a professional recognized by the Service as an expert in the field. An 
evaluation which was obtained in the course of the divorce proceedings 
may be submitted if it was provided by a professional recognized by the 
Service as an expert in the field.
    (v) The evaluation must contain the professional's full name, 
professional address and license number. It must also identify the 
licensing, certifying, or registering authority. The Service retains the 
right to verify the professional's license.
    (vi) The Service's decision on extreme mental cruelty waivers will 
be based upon the evaluation of the recognized professional. The Service 
reserves the right to request additional evaluations from expert 
witnesses chosen by the Service. Requests for additional evaluations 
must be authorized by the Assistant Regional Commissioner for 
Adjudications.
    (vii) Licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and 
psychiatrists are professionals recognized by the Service for the 
purpose of this section. A clinical social worker who is not licensed 
only because the state in which he or she practices does not provide for 
licensing will be considered a licensed professional recognized by the 
Service if he or she is included in the Register of Clinical Social 
Workers published by the National Association of Social Workers or is 
certified by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work.
    (viii) As directed by the statute, the information contained in the 
application and supporting documents shall not be released without a 
court order or the written consent of the applicant; or, in the case of 
a child, the written consent of the parent or legal guardian who filed 
the waiver application on the child's behalf. Information may be 
released only to the applicant, his or her authorized representative, an 
officer of the Department of Justice, or any federal or State law 
enforcement agency. Any information provided under this part may be used 
for the purposes of enforcement of the Act or in any criminal 
proceeding.
    (f) Decision. The director shall provide the alien with written 
notice of the decision on the application for waiver. If the decision is 
adverse, the director shall advise the alien of the reasons therefor, 
notify the alien of the termination of his or her permanent residence 
status, instruct the alien to surrender any Permanent Resident Card 
issued by the Service and issue a notice to appear placing the alien in 
removal proceedings. No appeal shall lie from the decision of the 
director; however, the alien may seek review of such decision in removal 
proceedings.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 56 FR 22637, May 16, 1991; 59 
FR 26591, May 23, 1994; 62 FR 10350, Mar. 6, 1997; 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 
1998; 74 FR 26939, June 5, 2009; 85 FR 46925, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  216.6  Petition by investor to remove conditional basis of lawful 
permanent resident status.

    (a) Filing the petition--(1) General procedures. (i) A petition to 
remove the conditional basis of the permanent resident status of an 
investor accorded conditional permanent residence pursuant to section 
203(b)(5) of the Act must be filed by the investor with the appropriate 
fee. The investor must file within the 90-day period preceding the 
second anniversary of the date on which the investor acquired 
conditional permanent residence. Before the petition may be considered 
as properly filed, it must be accompanied by the fee required under 8 
CFR 106.2, and by documentation as described in paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section, and it must be properly signed by the investor. Upon receipt of 
a properly filed petition, the investor's conditional permanent resident 
status shall be extended automatically, if necessary, until such time as 
USCIS has adjudicated the petition.

[[Page 525]]

    (ii) The investor's spouse and children may be included in the 
investor's petition to remove conditions. Where the investor's spouse 
and children are not included in the investor's petition to remove 
conditions, the spouse and each child must each file his or her own 
petition to remove the conditions on their permanent resident status, 
unless the investor is deceased. If the investor is deceased, the spouse 
and children may file separate petitions or may be included in one 
petition. A child who reached the age of 21 or who married during the 
period of conditional permanent residence, or a former spouse who became 
divorced from the investor during the period of conditional permanent 
residence, may be included in the investor's petition or must each file 
a separate petition.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Physical presence at time of filing. A petition may be filed 
regardless of whether the alien is physically present in the United 
States. However, if the alien is outside the United States at the time 
of filing, he or she must return to the United States, with his or her 
spouse and children, if necessary, to comply with the interview 
requirements contained in the Act. Once the petition has been properly 
filed, the alien may travel outside the United States and return if in 
possession of documentation as set forth in Sec.  211.1(b)(1) of this 
chapter, provided the alien complies with the interview requirements 
described in paragraph (b) of this section. An alien who is not 
physically present in the United States during the filing period but 
subsequently applies for admission to the United States shall be 
processed in accordance with Sec.  235.11 of this chapter.
    (4) Documentation. The petition for removal of conditions must be 
accompanied by the following evidence:
    (i) [Reserved]
    (ii) Evidence that the alien invested or was actively in the process 
of investing the requisite capital. Such evidence may include, but is 
not limited to, an audited financial statement or other probative 
evidence; and
    (iii) Evidence that the alien sustained the actions described in 
paragraph (a)(4)(i) and (a)(4)(ii) of this section throughout the period 
of the alien's residence in the United States. The alien will be 
considered to have sustained the actions required for removal of 
conditions if he or she has, in good faith, substantially met the 
capital investment requirement of the statute and continuously 
maintained his or her capital investment over the two years of 
conditional residence. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, 
bank statements, invoices, receipts, contracts, business licenses, 
Federal or State income tax returns, and Federal or State quarterly tax 
statements.
    (iv) Evidence that the alien created or can be expected to create 
within a reasonable time ten full-time jobs for qualifying employees. In 
the case of a ``troubled business'' as defined in 8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii), 
the alien investor must submit evidence that the commercial enterprise 
maintained the number of existing employees at no less than the pre-
investment level for the period following his or her admission as a 
conditional permanent resident. Such evidence may include payroll 
records, relevant tax documents, and Forms I-9.
    (5) Termination of status for failure to file petition. Failure to 
properly file the petition to remove conditions within the 90-day period 
immediately preceding the second anniversary of the date on which the 
investor obtained lawful permanent residence on a conditional basis 
shall result in the automatic termination of the investor's permanent 
resident status and the initiation of removal proceedings. USCIS shall 
send a written notice of termination and a notice to appear to an 
investor who fails to timely file a petition for removal of conditions. 
No appeal shall lie from this decision; however, the investor may 
request a review of the determination during removal proceedings. In 
proceedings, the burden of proof shall rest with the investor to show by 
a preponderance of the evidence that he or she complied with the 
requirement to file the petition within the designated period. USCIS may 
deem the petition to have been filed prior to the second anniversary of 
the investor's obtaining conditional permanent resident status and 
accept and consider a late petition if the investor

[[Page 526]]

demonstrates to USCIS' satisfaction that failure to file a timely 
petition was for good cause and due to extenuating circumstances. If the 
late petition is filed prior to jurisdiction vesting with the 
immigration judge in proceedings and USCIS excuses the late filing and 
approves the petition, USCIS shall restore the investor's permanent 
resident status, remove the conditional basis of such status, and cancel 
any outstanding notice to appear in accordance with 8 CFR 239.2. If the 
petition is not filed until after jurisdiction vests with the 
immigration judge, the immigration judge may terminate the matter upon 
joint motion by the investor and DHS.
    (6) Death of investor and effect on spouse and children. If an 
investor dies during the prescribed 2-year period of conditional 
permanent residence, the spouse and children of the investor will be 
eligible for removal of conditions if it can be demonstrated that the 
conditions set forth in paragraph (a)(4) of this section have been met.
    (b) Petition review--(1) Authority to waive interview. USCIS shall 
review the petition to remove conditions and the supporting documents to 
determine whether to waive the interview required by the Act. If 
satisfied that the requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section have been met, USCIS may waive the interview and approve the 
petition. If not so satisfied, then USCIS may require that an interview 
of the investor be conducted.
    (2) Location of interview. Unless waived, an interview relating to 
the petition to remove conditions for investors shall be conducted by a 
USCIS immigration officer at the office that has jurisdiction over 
either the location of the investor's commercial enterprise in the 
United States, the investor's residence in the United States, or the 
location of the adjudication of the petition, at the agency's 
discretion.
    (3) Termination of status for failure to appear for interview. If 
the investor fails to appear for an interview in connection with the 
petition when requested by USCIS, the investor's permanent resident 
status will be automatically terminated as of the second anniversary of 
the date on which the investor obtained permanent residence. The 
investor will be provided with written notification of the termination 
and the reasons therefore, and a notice to appear shall be issued 
placing the investor in removal proceedings. The investor may seek 
review of the decision to terminate his or her status in such 
proceedings, but the burden shall be on the investor to establish by a 
preponderance of the evidence that he or she complied with the interview 
requirements. If the investor has failed to appear for a scheduled 
interview, he or she may submit a written request to USCIS asking that 
the interview be rescheduled or that the interview be waived. That 
request should explain his or her failure to appear for the scheduled 
interview, and if a request for waiver of the interview, the reasons 
such waiver should be granted. If USCIS determines that there is good 
cause for granting the request, the interview may be rescheduled or 
waived, as appropriate. If USCIS waives the interview, USCIS shall 
restore the investor's conditional permanent resident status, cancel any 
outstanding notice to appear in accordance with 8 CFR 239.2, and proceed 
to adjudicate the investor's petition. If USCIS reschedules that 
investor's interview, USCIS shall restore the investor's conditional 
permanent resident status, and cancel any outstanding notice to appear 
in accordance with 8 CFR 239.2.
    (c) Adjudication of petition. (1) The decision on the petition shall 
be made within 90 days of the date of filing or within 90 days of the 
interview, whichever is later. In adjudicating the petition, the 
director shall determine whether:
    (i) [Reserved]
    (ii) The alien invested or was actively in the process of investing 
the requisite capital; and
    (iii) The alien sustained the actions described in paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this section throughout the period of the 
alien's residence in the United States. The alien will be considered to 
have sustained the actions required for removal of conditions if he or 
she has, in good faith, substantially met the capital investment 
requirement of the statute and continuously

[[Page 527]]

maintained his or her capital investment over the two years of 
conditional residence.
    (iv) The alien created or can be expected to create within a 
reasonable period of time ten full-time jobs to qualifying employees. In 
the case of a ``troubled business'' as defined in 8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii), 
the alien maintained the number of existing employees at no less than 
the pre-investment level for the previous two years.
    (2) If derogatory information is determined regarding any of these 
issues or it becomes known to the government that the investor obtained 
his or her investment funds through other than legal means, USCIS shall 
offer the investor the opportunity to rebut such information. If the 
investor fails to overcome such derogatory information or evidence that 
the investment funds were obtained through other than legal means, USCIS 
may deny the petition, terminate the investor's permanent resident 
status, and issue a notice to appear. If derogatory information not 
relating to any of these issues is determined during the course of the 
interview, such information shall be forwarded to the investigations 
unit for appropriate action. If no unresolved derogatory information is 
determined relating to these issues, the petition shall be approved and 
the conditional basis of the investor's permanent resident status 
removed, regardless of any action taken or contemplated regarding other 
possible grounds for removal.
    (d) Decision--(1) Approval. If, after initial review or after the 
interview, USCIS approves the petition, USCIS will remove the 
conditional basis of the investor's permanent resident status as of the 
second anniversary of the date on which the investor acquired 
conditional permanent residence. USCIS shall provide written notice of 
the decision to the investor. USCIS may request the investor and 
derivative family members to appear for biometrics at a USCIS facility 
for processing for a new Permanent Resident Card.
    (2) Denial. If, after initial review or after the interview, USCIS 
denies the petition, USCIS will provide written notice to the investor 
of the decision and the reason(s) therefore, and shall issue a notice to 
appear. The investor's lawful permanent resident status and that of his 
or her spouse and any children shall be terminated as of the date of 
USCIS' written decision. The investor shall also be instructed to 
surrender any Permanent Resident Card previously issued by USCIS. No 
appeal shall lie from this decision; however, the investor may seek 
review of the decision in removal proceedings. In proceedings, the 
burden shall rest with USCIS to establish by a preponderance of the 
evidence that the facts and information in the investor's petition for 
removal of conditions are not true and that the petition was properly 
denied.

[59 FR 26591, May 23, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 74 
FR 26939, June 5, 2009; 84 FR 35809, July 24, 2019; 85 FR 46925, Aug. 3, 
2020]



PART 217_VISA WAIVER PROGRAM--Table of Contents



Sec.
217.1 Scope.
217.2 Eligibility.
217.3 Maintenance of status.
217.4 Inadmissibility and deportability.
217.5 Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
217.6 Carrier agreements.
217.7 Electronic data transmission requirement.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1187; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 53 FR 24901, June 30, 1988, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  217.1  Scope.

    The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) described in this section is 
established pursuant to the provisions of section 217 of the Act.

[62 FR 10351, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 87 FR 18980, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec.  217.2  Eligibility.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this part, the term:
    Carrier refers to the owner, charterer, lessee, or authorized agent 
of any commercial vessel or commercial aircraft engaged in transporting 
passengers to the United States from a foreign place.
    Designated country refers to Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, 
Brunei,

[[Page 528]]

Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, 
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, 
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the 
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, 
San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, 
Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom refers 
only to British citizens who have the unrestricted right of permanent 
abode in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, 
the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man); it does not refer to British 
overseas citizens, British dependent territories' citizens, or citizens 
of British Commonwealth countries. Taiwan refers only to individuals who 
have unrestricted right of permanent abode on Taiwan and are in 
possession of an electronic passport bearing a personal identification 
(household registration) number.
    Round trip ticket means any return trip transportation ticket in the 
name of an arriving Visa Waiver Program applicant on a participating 
carrier valid for at least 1 year, electronic ticket record, airline 
employee passes indicating return passage, individual vouchers for 
return passage, group vouchers for return passage for charter flights, 
and military travel orders which include military dependents for return 
to duty stations outside the United States on U.S. military flights. A 
period of validity of 1 year need not be reflected on the ticket itself, 
provided that the carrier agrees that it will honor the return portion 
of the ticket at any time, as provided in Form I-775, Visa Waiver 
Program Agreement.
    (b) Special program requirements--(1) General. In addition to 
meeting all of the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program specified in 
section 217 of the Act, each applicant must possess a valid, unexpired 
passport issued by a designated country and obtain a travel 
authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) 
as provided in Sec.  217.5.
    (2) Persons previously removed as deportable aliens. Aliens who have 
been deported or removed from the United States, after having been 
determined deportable, require the consent of the Attorney General to 
apply for admission to the United States pursuant to section 
212(a)(9)(A)(iii) of the Act. Such persons may not be admitted to the 
United States under the provisions of this part notwithstanding the fact 
that the required consent of the Attorney General may have been secured. 
Such aliens must secure a visa in order to be admitted to the United 
States as nonimmigrants, unless otherwise exempt.
    (c) Restrictions on manner of arrival--(1) Applicants arriving by 
air and sea. Applicants must arrive on a carrier that is signatory to a 
Visa Waiver Program Agreement and at the time of arrival must have a 
round trip ticket that will transport the traveler out of the United 
States to any other foreign port or place as long as the trip does not 
terminate in contiguous territory or an adjacent island; except that the 
round trip ticket may transport the traveler to contiguous territory or 
an adjacent island, if the traveler is a resident of the country of 
destination.
    (2) Applicants arriving at land border ports of entry. Any Visa 
Waiver Program applicant arriving at a land border port of entry must 
provide evidence to the CBP officer of financial solvency and a domicile 
abroad to which the applicant intends to return. An applicant arriving 
at a land border port of entry will be charged a fee as prescribed in 
Sec.  103.7(d)(5) of this chapter for issuance of Form I-94W, 
Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form. A round-trip 
transportation ticket is not required.
    (d) Aliens in transit. An alien who is in transit through the United 
States is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program, 
provided the applicant meets all other program requirements.

[62 FR 10351, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 62 FR 50999, Sept. 30, 1997; 
64 FR 42007, Aug. 3, 1999; 67 FR 7945, Feb. 21, 2002; 68 FR 10957, Mar. 
7, 2003; 73 FR 67712, Nov. 17, 2008; 73 FR 79597, Dec. 30, 2008; 75 FR 
15992, Mar. 31, 2010; 77 FR 64411, Oct. 22, 2012; 79 FR 17854, Mar. 31, 
2014; 84 FR 60318, Nov. 8, 2019; 85 FR 46925, Aug. 3, 2020; 86 FR 54031, 
Sept. 30, 2021; 87 FR 18980, Apr. 1, 2022; 88 FR 67065, Sept. 29, 2023]

[[Page 529]]



Sec.  217.3  Maintenance of status.

    (a) Satisfactory departure. If an emergency prevents an alien 
admitted under this part from departing from the United States within 
his or her period of authorized stay, the district director having 
jurisdiction over the place of the alien's temporary stay may, in his or 
her discretion, grant a period of satisfactory departure not to exceed 
30 days. If departure is accomplished during that period, the alien is 
to be regarded as having satisfactorily accomplished the visit without 
overstaying the allotted time.
    (b) Readmission after departure to contiguous territory or adjacent 
island. An alien admitted to the United States under this part may be 
readmitted to the United States after a departure to foreign contiguous 
territory or adjacent island for the balance of his or her original Visa 
Waiver Program admission period if he or she is otherwise admissible and 
meets all the conditions of this part with the exception of arrival on a 
signatory carrier.

[62 FR 10351, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 87 FR 18980, Apr. 1, 2022]



Sec.  217.4  Inadmissibility and deportability.

    (a) Determinations of inadmissibility. (1) An alien who applies for 
admission under the provisions of section 217 of the Act, who is 
determined by an immigration officer not to be eligible for admission 
under that section or to be inadmissible to the United States under one 
or more of the grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212 of the 
Act (other than for lack of a visa), or who is in possession of and 
presents fraudulent or counterfeit travel documents, will be refused 
admission into the United States and removed. Such refusal and removal 
shall be made at the level of the port director or officer-in-charge, or 
an officer acting in that capacity, and shall be effected without 
referral of the alien to an immigration judge for further inquiry, 
examination, or hearing, except that an alien who presents himself or 
herself as an applicant for admission under section 217 of the Act and 
applies for asylum in the United States must be issued a Form I-863, 
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, for a proceeding in accordance 
with 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1) and (c)(2).
    (2) The removal of an alien under this section may be deferred if 
the alien is paroled into the custody of a Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement agency for criminal prosecution or punishment. This section 
in no way diminishes the discretionary authority of the Attorney General 
enumerated in section 212(d) of the Act.
    (3) Refusal of admission under paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
shall not constitute removal for purposes of the Act.
    (b) Determination of deportability. (1) An alien who has been 
admitted to the United States under the provisions of section 217 of the 
Act and of this part who is determined by an immigration officer to be 
deportable from the United States under one or more of the grounds of 
deportability listed in section 237 of the Act shall be removed from the 
United States to his or her country of nationality or last residence. 
Such removal shall be determined by the district director who has 
jurisdiction over the place where the alien is found, and shall be 
effected without referral of the alien to an immigration judge for a 
determination of deportability, except that an alien who was admitted as 
a Visa Waiver Program visitor who applies for asylum in the United 
States must be issued a Form I-863 for a proceeding in accordance with 8 
CFR 208.2(c)(1) and (c)(2).
    (2) Removal by the district director under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section is equivalent in all respects and has the same consequences as 
removal after proceedings conducted under section 240 of the Act.
    (c)(1) Removal of inadmissible aliens who arrived by air or sea. 
Removal of an alien from the United States under this section may be 
effected using the return portion of the round trip passage presented by 
the alien at the time of entry to the United States as required by 
section 217(a)(7) of the Act. Such removal shall be on the first 
available means of transportation to the alien's point of embarkation to 
the United States. Nothing in this part absolves the carrier of the 
responsibility to remove any inadmissible or deportable

[[Page 530]]

alien at carrier expense, as provided in the carrier agreement.
    (2) Removal of inadmissible and deportable aliens who arrived at 
land border ports-of-entry. Removal under this section will be by the 
first available means of transportation deemed appropriate by the 
district director.

[53 FR 24901, June 30, 1988, as amended at 56 FR 32953, July 18, 1991; 
62 FR 10351, Mar. 6, 1997; 74 FR 55738, Oct. 28, 2009]



Sec.  217.5  Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

    (a) Travel authorization required. Each nonimmigrant alien intending 
to travel by air, sea, or land to the United States under the Visa 
Waiver Program (VWP) must, within the time specified in paragraph (b) of 
this section, receive a travel authorization, which is a positive 
determination of eligibility to travel to the United States under the 
VWP via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), from CBP. 
In order to receive a travel authorization, each nonimmigrant alien 
intending to travel to the United States by air, sea, or land under the 
VWP must provide the data elements set forth in paragraph (c) of this 
section to CBP, in English, in the manner specified herein, and must pay 
a fee as described in paragraph (h) of this section.
    (b) Time--(1) Applicants arriving at air or sea ports of entry. Each 
alien falling within the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section and 
intending to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP 
must receive a travel authorization via ESTA prior to boarding a carrier 
destined for travel to the United States.
    (2) Applicants arriving at land ports of entry. Each alien falling 
within the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section and intending to 
travel by land to the United States under the VWP must receive a travel 
authorization via ESTA prior to application for admission to the United 
States.
    (c) Required elements. CBP will collect such information as the 
Secretary deems necessary to issue a travel authorization as reflected 
in the ESTA application.
    (d) Duration--(1) General Rule. A travel authorization issued under 
ESTA will be valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance, 
unless the passport of the authorized alien will expire in less than two 
years, in which case the authorization will be valid until the date of 
expiration of the passport.
    (2) Exception. For travelers from countries which have not entered 
into agreements with the United States whereby their passports are 
recognized as valid for the return of the bearer to the country of the 
foreign-issuing authority for a period of six months beyond the 
expiration date specified in the passport, a travel authorization issued 
under ESTA is not valid beyond the six months prior to the expiration 
date of the passport. Travelers from these countries whose passports 
will expire in six months or less will not receive a travel 
authorization.
    (3) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may 
increase or decrease ESTA travel authorization validity period otherwise 
authorized by subparagraph (1) for a designated VWP country. Notice of 
any change to ESTA travel authorization validity periods will be 
published in the Federal Register. The ESTA Web site will be updated to 
reflect the specific ESTA travel authorization validity period for each 
VWP country.
    (e) New travel authorization required. A new travel authorization is 
required if any of the following occur:
    (1) The alien is issued a new passport;
    (2) The alien changes his or her name;
    (3) The alien changes his or her gender;
    (4) The alien's country of citizenship changes; or
    (5) The circumstances underlying the alien's previous responses to 
any of the ESTA application questions requiring a ``yes'' or ``no'' 
response (eligibility questions) have changed.
    (f) Limitations--(1) Current authorization period. An authorization 
under ESTA is a positive determination that an alien is eligible, and 
grants the alien permission, to travel to the United States under the 
VWP and to apply for admission under the VWP during the period of time 
the travel authorization is valid. An authorization under ESTA is not a 
determination

[[Page 531]]

that the alien is admissible to the United States. A determination of 
admissibility is made only after an applicant for admission is inspected 
by a CBP Officer at a U.S. port of entry.
    (2) Not a determination of visa eligibility. A determination under 
ESTA that an alien is not eligible to travel to the United States under 
the VWP is not a determination that the alien is ineligible for a visa 
to travel to the United States and does not preclude the alien from 
applying for a visa before a United States consular officer.
    (3) Judicial review. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a 
determination under ESTA is not subject to judicial review pursuant to 8 
U.S.C. 217(h)(3)(C)(iv).
    (4) Revocation. A determination under ESTA that an alien is eligible 
to travel to the United States to apply for admission under the VWP may 
be revoked at the discretion of the Secretary.
    (g) [Reserved]
    (h) Fee. (1) Through September 30, 2027, the fee for an approved 
ESTA is $21, which is the sum of two amounts: A $17 travel promotion fee 
to fund the Corporation for Travel Promotion and a $4 operational fee to 
at least ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and 
administering the system. In the event the ESTA application is denied, 
the fee is $4 to cover the operational costs.
    (2) Beginning October 1, 2027, the fee for using ESTA is an 
operational fee of $4 to at least ensure recovery of the full costs of 
providing and administering the system.

[73 FR 32452, June 9, 2008, as amended at 75 FR 47708, Aug. 9, 2010; 80 
FR 32294, June 8, 2015; 87 FR 18980, Apr. 1, 2022; 87 FR 30773, May 20, 
2022]



Sec.  217.6  Carrier agreements.

    (a) General. The carrier agreements referred to in section 217(e) of 
the Act shall be made by the Commissioner on behalf of the Attorney 
General and shall be on Form I-775, Visa Waiver Pilot Program Agreement.
    (b) Termination of agreements. The Commissioner, on behalf of the 
Attorney General, may terminate any carrier agreement under this part, 
with 5 days notice to a carrier, for the carrier's failure to meet the 
terms of such agreement. As a matter of discretion, the Commissioner may 
notify a carrier of the existence of a basis for termination of a 
carrier agreement under this part and allow the carrier a period not to 
exceed 15 days within which the carrier may bring itself into compliance 
with the terms of the carrier agreement. The agreement shall be subject 
to cancellation by either party for any reason upon 15 days' written 
notice to the other party.

[62 FR 10352, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  217.7  Electronic data transmission requirement.

    (a) An alien who applies for admission under the provisions of 
section 217 of the Act after arriving via sea or air at a port of entry 
will not be admitted under the Visa Waiver Program unless an appropriate 
official of the carrier transporting the alien electronically 
transmitted to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) passenger arrival 
manifest data relative to that alien passenger in accordance with 19 CFR 
4.7b or 19 CFR 122.49a. Upon departure from the United States by sea or 
air of an alien admitted under the Visa Waiver Program, an appropriate 
official of the transporting carrier must electronically transmit to CBP 
departure manifest data relative to that alien passenger in accordance 
with 19 CFR 4.64 and 19 CFR 122.75a.
    (b) If a carrier fails to submit the required electronic arrival or 
departure manifests specified in paragraph (a) of this section, CBP will 
evaluate the carrier's compliance with immigration requirements as a 
whole. CBP will inform the carrier of any noncompliance and then may 
revoke any contract agreements between CBP and the carrier. The carrier 
may also be subject to fines for failure to comply with manifest 
requirements or other statutory provisions. CBP will also review each 
Visa Waiver Program applicant who applies for admission and, on a case-
by-case basis, may authorize a waiver under current CBP policy and 
guidelines or deny the applicant admission into the United States.

[70 FR 17848, Apr. 7, 2005]

[[Page 532]]



PART 221_ADMISSION OF VISITORS OR STUDENTS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1201; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  221.1  Admission under bond.

    The district director having jurisdiction over the intended place of 
residence of an alien may accept a bond on behalf of an alien defined in 
section 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the Act prior to the issuance of a visa 
to the alien or upon receipt of a request directly from a U.S. consular 
officer or upon presentation by an interested person of a notification 
from the consular officer requiring such a bond; such a bond also may be 
accepted by the district director with jurisdiction over the port of 
entry or preinspection station where inspection of the alien takes 
place. Upon acceptance of such a bond, the district director shall 
notify the United States consular officer who requested the bond, giving 
the date and place of acceptance and amount of the bond. All bonds given 
as a condition of admission of an alien under section 221(g) of the Act 
shall be executed on Form I-352. For procedures relating to bond riders, 
acceptable sureties, cancellation, or breaching of bonds, see Sec.  
103.6 of this chapter.

[32 FR 9626, July 4, 1967, as amended at 34 FR 1008, Jan. 23, 1969; 62 
FR 10352, Mar. 6, 1997]



PART 223_REENTRY PERMITS, REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, 
AND ADVANCE PAROLE DOCUMENTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
223.1 Purpose of documents.
223.2 Application and processing.
223.3 Validity and effect on admissibility.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1181, 1182, 1186a, 1203, 1225, 1226, 1227, 
1251; Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, November 1, 1968, 19 
U.S.T. 6223 (TIAS) 6577; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 59 FR 1464, Jan. 11, 1994, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  223.1  Purpose of documents.

    (a) Reentry permit. A reentry permit allows a permanent resident to 
apply for admission to the United States upon return from abroad during 
the period of the permit's validity without the necessity of obtaining a 
returning resident visa.
    (b) Refugee travel document. A refugee travel document is issued 
pursuant to this part and article 28 of the United Nations Convention of 
July 29, 1951, for the purpose of travel. Except as provided in Sec.  
223.3(d)(2)(i), a person who holds refugee status pursuant to section 
207 of the Act, or asylum status pursuant to section 208 of the Act, 
must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States after 
temporary travel abroad unless he or she is in possession of a valid 
advance parole document.

[59 FR 1464, Jan. 11, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 10352, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  223.2  Application and processing.

    (a) Application. An applicant must submit an application for a 
reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole on the form 
designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (b) Filing eligibility--(1) Reentry permit. An applicant for a 
reentry permit must file such application while in the United States and 
in status as a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent 
resident.
    (2) Refugee travel document. (i) Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) of this section, an applicant for a refugee travel document 
must submit the application while in the United States and in valid 
refugee status under section 207 of the Act, valid asylum status under 
section 208 of the Act or is a permanent resident who received such 
status as a direct result of his or her asylum or refugee status.
    (ii) Discretionary authority to accept a refugee travel document 
application from an alien not within the United States. As a matter of 
discretion, the Service office with jurisdiction over a port-of-entry or 
pre-flight inspection location where the alien is seeking admission, or 
the overseas Service office where the alien is physically present, may 
accept and adjudicate an application for a refugee travel document from 
an alien who previously had been admitted to the United States as a 
refugee, or who previously had been granted asylum status in the United 
States,

[[Page 533]]

and who departed from the United States without having applied for such 
refugee travel document, provided the officer:
    (A) Is satisfied that the alien did not intend to abandon his or her 
refugee or asylum status at the time of departure from the United 
States;
    (B) The alien did not engage in any activities while outside the 
United States that would be inconsistent with continued refugee or 
asylum status; and
    (C) The alien has been outside the United States for less than 1 
year since his or her last departure.
    (c) Ineligibility--(1) Prior document still valid. An application 
for a reentry permit or refugee travel document will be denied if the 
applicant was previously issued a reentry permit or refugee travel 
document which is still valid, unless it was returned to USCIS or it is 
demonstrated that it was lost.
    (2) Extended absences. A reentry permit issued to a person who, 
since becoming a permanent resident or during the last five years, 
whichever is less, has been outside the United States for more than four 
years in the aggregate, shall be limited to a validity of one year, 
except that a permit with a validity of two years may be issued to:
    (i) A permanent resident described in 8 CFR 211.1(a)(6) or (a)(7);
    (ii) A permanent resident employed by a public international 
organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or 
statute, and his or her permanent resident spouse and children; or
    (iii) A permanent resident who is a professional athlete who 
regularly competes in the United States and worldwide.
    (3) Permanent resident entitled to nonimmigrant diplomatic or treaty 
status. A permanent resident entitled to nonimmigrant status under 
section 101(a)(15)(A), (E), or (G) of the Act because of occupational 
status may only be issued a reentry permit if the applicant executes and 
submits with the application, or has previously executed and submitted, 
a written waiver as required by 8 CFR part 247.
    (d) Effect of travel before a decision is made. Departure from the 
United States before a decision is made on an application for a reentry 
permit or refugee travel document will not affect the application.
    (e) Processing. USCIS may approve or deny a request for a reentry 
permit or refugee travel document as an exercise of discretion. If it 
approves the application, USCIS will issue an appropriate document.
    (f) Effect on proceedings. Issuance of a reentry permit or refugee 
travel document to a person in exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings shall not affect those proceedings.
    (g) Appeal. Denial of an application for a reentry permit or refugee 
travel document may be appealed in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3.

[76 FR 53790, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  223.3  Validity and effect on admissibility.

    (a) Validity--(1) Reentry permit. Except as provided in Sec.  
223.2(c)(2), a reentry permit issued to a permanent resident shall be 
valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. A reentry permit issued to 
a conditional permanent resident shall be valid for 2 years from the 
date of issuance, or to the date the conditional permanent resident must 
apply for removal of the conditions on his or her status, whichever 
comes first.
    (2) Refugee travel document. A refugee travel document shall be 
valid for 1 year, or to the date the refugee or asylee status expires, 
whichever comes first.
    (b) Invalidation. A document issued under this part is invalid if 
obtained through material false representation or concealment, or if the 
person is ordered excluded or deported. A refugee travel document is 
also invalid if the United Nations Convention of July 28, 1951, ceases 
to apply or does not apply to the person as provided in Article 1C, D, 
E, or F of the convention.
    (c) Extension. A reentry permit or refugee travel document may not 
be extended.
    (d) Effect on admissibility--(1) Reentry permit. A permanent 
resident or conditional permanent resident in possession of a valid 
reentry permit who is otherwise admissible shall not be deemed to have 
abandoned status based

[[Page 534]]

solely on the duration of an absence or absences while the permit is 
valid.
    (2) Refugee travel document--(i) Inspection and immigration status. 
Upon arrival in the United States, an alien who presents a valid 
unexpired refugee travel document, or who has been allowed to file an 
application for a refugee travel document and this application has been 
approved under the procedure set forth in Sec.  223.2(b)(2)(ii), shall 
be examined as to his or her admissibility under the Act. An alien shall 
be accorded the immigration status endorsed in his or her refugee travel 
document, or (in the case of an alien discussed in Sec.  
223.2(b)(2)(ii)) which will be endorsed in such document, unless he or 
she is no longer eligible for that status, or he or she applies for and 
is found eligible for some other immigration status.
    (ii) Inadmissibility. If an alien who presents a valid unexpired 
refugee travel document appears to the examining immigration officer to 
be inadmissible, he or she shall be referred for proceedings under 
section 240 of the Act. Section 235(c) of the Act shall not be 
applicable.

[59 FR 1464, Jan. 11, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]



PART 231_ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE MANIFESTS--Table of Contents



Sec.
231.1 Electronic manifest and I-94 requirement for passengers and crew 
          onboard arriving vessels and aircraft.
231.2 Electronic manifest and I-94 requirement for passengers and crew 
          onboard departing vessels and aircraft.
231.3 Exemptions for private vessels and aircraft.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1182, 1221, 1228, 1229; 8 CFR part 
2.



Sec.  231.1  Electronic manifest and I-94 requirement for passengers 
and crew onboard arriving vessels and aircraft.

    (a) Electronic submission of manifests. Provisions setting forth 
requirements applicable to commercial carriers regarding the electronic 
transmission of arrival manifests covering passengers and crew members 
under section 231 of the Act are set forth in 19 CFR 4.7b (passengers 
and crew members onboard vessels) and in 19 CFR 122.49a (passengers 
onboard aircraft) and 122.49b (crew members onboard aircraft).
    (b) Submission of Form I-94--(1) General requirement. In addition to 
the electronic manifest transmission requirement specified in paragraph 
(a) of this section, and subject to the exception of paragraph (2) of 
this paragraph (b), the master or commanding officer, or authorized 
agent, owner or consignee, of each commercial vessel or aircraft 
arriving in the United States from any place outside the United States 
must present to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the 
port of entry a properly completed Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-94 
(see Sec.  1.4), for each arriving passenger.
    (2) Exceptions. The Form I-94 requirement of paragraph (1) of this 
paragraph (b) does not apply to United States citizens, lawful permanent 
residents of the United States, immigrants to the United States, or 
passengers in transit through the United States; nor does it apply to 
vessels or aircraft arriving directly from Canada on a trip originating 
in that country or arriving in the Virgin Islands of the United States 
directly from a trip originating in the British Virgin Islands.
    (c) Progressive clearance. Inspection of arriving passengers may be 
deferred at the request of the carrier to an onward port of debarkation. 
However, verification of transmission of the electronic manifest 
referred to in paragraph (a) of this section must occur at the first 
port of arrival. Authorization for this progressive clearance may be 
granted by the Director, Field Operations, at the first port of arrival. 
When progressive clearance is requested, the carrier must present the 
Form I-92 referred to in paragraph (d) of this section in duplicate at 
the initial port of entry. The original Form I-92 will be processed at 
the initial port of entry, and the duplicate will be noted and returned 
to the carrier for presentation at the onward port of debarkation.
    (d) Aircraft/Vessel Report. A properly completed Aircraft/Vessel 
Report, Form I-92, must be completed for each arriving aircraft and 
vessel that is transporting passengers. Submission of

[[Page 535]]

the Form I-92 to the CBP officer must be accomplished on the day of 
arrival.

[70 FR 17849, Apr. 7, 2005, as amended at 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  231.2  Electronic manifest and I-94 requirement for passengers 
and crew onboard departing vessels and aircraft.

    (a) Electronic submission of manifests. Provisions setting forth 
requirements applicable to commercial carriers regarding the electronic 
transmission of departure manifests covering passengers and crew members 
under section 231 of the Act are set forth in 19 CFR 4.64 (passengers 
and crew members onboard vessels) and in 19 CFR 122.75a (passengers 
onboard aircraft) and 122.75b (crew members onboard aircraft).
    (b) Submission of Form I-94--(1) General requirement. In addition to 
the electronic manifest transmission requirement specified in paragraph 
(a) of this section, and subject to the exception of paragraph (2) of 
this paragraph (b), the master or commanding officer, or authorized 
agent, owner, or consignee, of each commercial vessel or aircraft 
departing from the United States to any place outside the United States 
must present a properly completed departure portion of an Arrival/
Departure Record, Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), to the Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP) officer at the port of departure for each person on 
board. Whenever possible, the departure Form I-94 presented must be the 
same form given to the alien at the time of arrival in the United 
States. The carrier must endorse the I-94 with the departure information 
on the reverse of the form. Submission of the I-94 to the CBP officer 
must be accomplished within 48 hours of the departure, exclusive of 
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Failure to submit the departure 
I-94 within this period may be regarded as a failure to comply with 
section 231(g) of the Act, unless prior authorization for delayed 
delivery is obtained from CBP. A non-immigrant alien departing on an 
aircraft proceeding directly to Canada on a flight terminating in that 
country must surrender any Form I-94 in his/her possession to the 
airline agent at the port of departure.
    (2) Exceptions. The form I-94 requirement of paragraph (1) of this 
paragraph (b) does not apply to United States citizens, lawful permanent 
residents of the United States, or passengers in transit through the 
United States; nor does it apply to a vessel or aircraft departing on a 
trip directly for and terminating in Canada or departing from the United 
States Virgin Islands directly to the British Virgin Islands on a trip 
terminating there.
    (c) Aircraft/Vessel Report. A properly completed Aircraft/Vessel 
Report, Form I-92, must be completed for each departing aircraft and 
vessel that is transporting passengers. Submission of the Form I-92 to 
the CBP officer must be accomplished on the day of departure.

[70 FR 17849, Apr. 7, 2005, as amended at 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  231.3  Exemptions for private vessels and aircraft.

    The provision of this part relating to the presentation of arrival 
and departure manifests shall not apply to a private vessel or private 
aircraft. Private aircraft as defined in 19 CFR 122.1(h) are subject to 
the arrival and departure manifest presentation requirements set forth 
in 19 CFR 122.22.

[73 FR 68309, Nov. 18, 2008]



PART 232_DETENTION OF ALIENS FOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION--
Table of Contents



Sec.
232.1 General.
232.2 Examination in the United States of alien applicants for benefits 
          under the immigration laws and other aliens.
232.3 Arriving aliens.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1222, 1224, 1252; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  232.1  General.

    The manner in which the physical and mental examination of aliens 
shall be conducted is set forth in 42 CFR part 34.

[38 FR 33061, Nov. 30, 1973, as amended at 38 FR 34315, Dec. 13, 1973. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]

[[Page 536]]



Sec.  232.2  Examination in the United States of alien applicants for benefits 
under the immigration laws and other aliens.

    (a) General. When a medical examination is required of an alien who 
files an application for status as a permanent resident under section 
245 of the Act or part 245 of this chapter, it shall be made by a 
selected civil surgeon. Such examination shall be performed in 
accordance with 42 CFR part 34 and any additional instructions and 
guidelines as may be considered necessary by the U.S. Public Health 
Service. In any other case in which the Service requests a medical 
examination of an alien, the examination shall be made by a medical 
officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, or by a civil surgeon if a 
medical officer of the U.S. Public Health Service is not located within 
a reasonable distance or is otherwise not available.
    (b) Selection of civil surgeons. When a civil surgeon is to perform 
the examination, he shall be selected by the district director having 
jurisdiction over the area of the alien's residence. The district 
director shall select as many civil surgeons, including clinics and 
local, county and state health departments employing qualified civil 
surgeons, as he determines to be necessary to serve the needs of the 
Service in a locality under his jurisdiction. Each civil surgeon 
selected shall be a licensed physician with no less than 4 years' 
professional experience. Under usual circumstances physicians will be 
required to meet the 4 year professional experience criteria. However, 
at the district director's discretion other physicians with less 
experience can be designated to address unusual or unforeseen situations 
as the need arises. Officers of local health departments and medical 
societies may be consulted to obtain the names of competent surgeons and 
clinics willing to make the examinations. An understanding shall be 
reached with respect to the fee which the surgeon or clinic will charge 
for the examination. The alien shall pay the fee agreed upon directly to 
the surgeon making the examination.
    (c) Civil surgeon reports--(1) Applicants for status of permanent 
resident. (i) When an applicant for status as a permanent resident is 
found upon examination to be free of any defect, disease, or disability 
listed in section 212(a) of the Act, the civil surgeon shall endorse 
Form I-486A, Medical Examination and Immigration Interview, and forward 
it with the X-ray and other pertinent laboratory reports to the 
immigration office from which the alien was referred, The immigration 
office may return the X-ray and laboratory reports to the alien. If the 
applicant is found to be afflicted with a defect, disease or disability 
listed under section 212(a) of the Act, the civil surgeon shall complete 
Form OF-157 in duplicate, and forward it with Form I-486A, X-ray, and 
other pertinent laboratory reports to the immigration office from which 
the alien was referred.
    (ii) If the applicant is found to be afflicted with active 
tuberculosis and a waiver is granted under section 212(g) of the Act, 
the immigration office will forward a copy of the completed Form I-601 
(Application for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability) and a copy of the 
Form OF-157 to the Director, Division of Quarantine, Center for 
Prevention Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
    (iii) If an alien who if found to be mentally retarded or to have 
had one or more previous attacks of insanity, applies for a waiver of 
excludability under section 212(g) of the Act, the immigration office 
will submit to the Director, Division of Quarantine, Center for 
Prevention Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333, the 
completed Form I-601, including a copy of the medical report specified 
in the instructions attached to that form, and a copy of Form OF-157. 
This official shall review the medical report and advise the Service 
whether it is acceptable, in accordance with Sec.  212.7(b)(4)(ii) of 
this chapter.
    (iv) In any other case where the applicant has been found to be 
afflicted with active or inactive tuberculosis or an infectious or 
noninfectious leprosy condition, the immigration office will forward a 
copy of Form OF-157 with the applicant's address endorsed on the reverse 
to the Director, Division of Quarantine, Center for Prevention Services, 
Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.

[[Page 537]]

    (2) Other aliens. The results of the examination of an alien who is 
not an applicant for status as a permanent resident shall be entered on 
Form I-141, Medical Certificate, in duplicate. This form shall be 
returned to the Service office by which the alien was referred.
    (d) U.S. Public Health Service hospital and outpatient clinic 
reports. When an applicant for a benefit under the immigration laws, 
other than an applicant for status as a permanent resident, is examined 
by a medical officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, the results of 
the examination shall be entered on Form I-141, Medical Certificate, in 
duplicate. The form shall be returned to the Service office by which the 
alien was referred.

[38 FR 33061, Nov. 30, 1973, as amended at 48 FR 30610, July 5, 1983; 52 
FR 16194, May 1, 1987. Redesignated at 62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  232.3  Arriving aliens.

    When a district director has reasonable grounds for believing that 
persons arriving in the United States should be detained for reasons 
specified in section 232 of the Act, he or she shall, after consultation 
with the United States Public Health Service at the port-of-entry, 
notify the master or agent of the arriving vessel or aircraft of his or 
her intention to effect such detention by serving on the master or agent 
Form I-259 in accordance with Sec.  235.3(a) of this chapter.

[62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]



PART 233_CONTRACTS WITH TRANSPORTATION LINES--Table of Contents



Sec.
233.1 Contracts.
233.2 Transportation lines bringing aliens to the United States from or 
          through foreign contiguous territory or adjacent islands.
233.3 [Reserved]
233.4 Preinspection outside the United States.
233.5 Aliens entering Guam pursuant to section 14 of Public Law 99-396, 
          ``Omnibus Territories Act''.
233.6 Aliens entering Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
          Islands pursuant to Title VII of Public Law 110-229, 
          ``Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008.''

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1182, 1221, 1228, 1229, 8 CFR part 
2.

    Source: Redesignated at 62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997.



Sec.  233.1  Contracts.

    The contracts with transportation lines referred to in section 
233(c) of the Act may be entered into by the Executive Associate 
Commissioner for Programs, or by an immigration officer designated by 
the Executive Associate Commissioner for Programs on behalf of the 
government and shall be documented on Form I-420. The contracts with 
transportation lines referred to in section 233(a) of the Act shall be 
made by the Commissioner on behalf of the government and shall be 
documented on Form I-426. The contracts with transportation lines 
desiring their passengers to be preinspected at places outside the 
United States shall be made by the Commissioner on behalf of the 
government and shall be documented on Form I-425; except that contracts 
for irregularly operated charter flights may be entered into by the 
Associate Commissioner for Examinations or an immigration officer 
designated by the Executive Associate Commissioner for Programs and 
having jurisdiction over the location where the inspection will take 
place.

[62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  233.2  Transportation lines bringing aliens to the United States 
from or through foreign contiguous territory or adjacent islands.

    Form I-420 shall be signed in duplicate and forwarded to the 
Headquarters Office of Inspections. After acceptance, each Regional 
Office of Inspections, the district office and the carrier will be 
furnished with one copy of the agreement. The transmittal letter to the 
Headquarters Office of Inspections shall indicate whether the signatory 
to the agreement is a subsidiary or affiliate of a line which has 
already signed a similar agreement. Correspondence regarding ancillary 
contracts for office space and other facilities to be furnished by 
transportation lines at Service stations in Canada shall be similarly 
handled.

[57 FR 59907, Dec. 17, 1992]

[[Page 538]]



Sec.  233.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  233.4  Preinspection outside the United States.

    (a) Form I-425 agreements. A transportation line bringing applicants 
for admission to the United States through preinspection sites outside 
the United States shall enter into an agreement on Form I-425. Such an 
agreement shall be negotiated directly by the Service's Headquarters 
Office of Inspections and the head office of the transportation line.
    (b) Signatory lines. A list of transportation lines with currently 
valid transportation agreements on Form I-425 is maintained by the 
Service's Headquarters Office of Inspections and is available upon 
written request.

[62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  233.5  Aliens entering Guam pursuant to section 14 of Public Law 99-396, 
``Omnibus Territories Act.''

    A transportation line bringing aliens to Guam under the visa waiver 
provisions of Sec.  212.1(e) of this chapter shall enter into an 
agreement on Form I-760. Such agreements shall be negotiated directly by 
the Service's Headquarters and head offices of the transportation lines.

[62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  233.6  Aliens entering Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands pursuant to Title VII of Public Law 110-229, 
``Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008.''

    A transportation line bringing aliens to Guam or the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands under the visa waiver provisions of Sec.  
212.1(q) of this chapter must enter into an agreement on CBP Form I-760. 
Such agreements must be negotiated directly by Customs and Border 
Protection and head offices of the transportation lines.

[74 FR 2836, Jan. 16, 2009]



PART 234_DESIGNATION OF PORTS OF ENTRY FOR ALIENS ARRIVING BY CIVIL AIRCRAFT--
Table of Contents



Sec.
234.1 Definitions.
234.2 Landing requirements.
234.3 Aircraft; how considered.
234.4 International airports for entry of aliens.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1221, 1229; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: Redesignated at 62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997.



Sec.  234.1  Definitions.

    (a) Scheduled Airline. This term means any individual, partnership, 
corporation, or association engaged in air transportation upon regular 
schedules to, over, or away from the United States, or from one place to 
another in the United States, and holding a Foreign Air Carrier permit 
or a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued pursuant to 
the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (72 Stat. 731).
    (b) International Airport. An international airport is one 
designated by the Commissioner for the entry of aliens with the prior 
approval of the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury and the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    (c) Landing Rights Airport. An airport, although not designated as 
international, at which permission to land has been granted to aircraft 
operated by scheduled airlines by the Commissioner of Customs.

[49 FR 50018, Dec. 26, 1984]



Sec.  234.2  Landing requirements.

    (a) Place of landing. Aircraft carrying passengers or crew required 
to be inspected under the Act must land at the international air ports 
of entry enumerated in part 100 of this chapter unless permission to 
land elsewhere is first obtained from the Commissioner of U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection (CBP) in the case of aircraft operated by 
scheduled airlines, and in all other cases from the port director of CBP 
or other CBP officer having jurisdiction over the CBP port of entry 
nearest the intended place of landing.
    (b) Advance notice of arrival. Aircraft carrying passengers or crew 
required to be inspected under the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
except aircraft of a scheduled airline arriving in accordance with the 
regular schedule filed with the Service at the place of landing, shall 
furnish notice of the intended

[[Page 539]]

flight to the immigration officer at or nearest the intended place of 
landing, or shall furnish similar notice to the district director of 
Customs or other Customs officer in charge at such place. Such notice 
shall specify the type of aircraft, the registration marks thereon, the 
name of the aircraft commander, the place of last departure, the airport 
of entry, or other place at which landing has been authorized, number of 
alien passengers, number of citizen passengers, and the estimated time 
of arrival. The notice shall be sent in sufficient time to enable the 
officers designated to inspect the aircraft to reach the airport of 
entry or such other place of landing prior to the arrival of the 
aircraft.
    (c) Permission to discharge or depart. Aircraft carrying passengers 
or crew required to be inspected under the Immigration and Nationality 
Act shall not discharge or permit to depart any passenger or crewman 
without permission from an immigration officer.
    (d) Emergency or forced landing. Should any aircraft carrying 
passengers or crew required to be inspected under the Immigration and 
Nationality Act make a forced landing in the United States, the 
commanding officer or person in command shall not allow any passenger or 
crewman thereon to depart from the landing place without permission of 
an immigration officer, unless such departure is necessary for purposes 
of safety or the preservation of life or property. As soon as 
practicable, the commanding officer or person in command, or the owner 
of the aircraft, shall communicate with the nearest immigration officer 
and make a full report of the circumstances of the flight and of the 
emergency or forced landing.

[22 FR 9795, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 32 FR 9631, July 4, 1967; 45 FR 
29243, May 1, 1980; 49 FR 50019, Dec. 26, 1984; 54 FR 102, Jan. 4, 1989; 
54 FR 1050, Jan. 11, 1989; 65 FR 58903, Oct. 3, 2000; 76 FR 5060, Jan. 
28, 2011; 81 FR 14953, Mar. 21, 2016]



Sec.  234.3  Aircraft; how considered.

    Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Immigration and 
Nationality Act and this chapter, aircraft arriving in or departing from 
the continental United States or Alaska directly from or to foreign 
contiguous territory or the French island of St. Pierre or Miquelon 
shall be regarded for the purposes of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act and this chapter as other transportation lines or companies arriving 
or departing over the land borders of the United States.

[22 FR 9795, Dec. 6, 1957. Redesignated and amended at 62 FR 10353, Mar. 
6, 1997]



Sec.  234.4  International airports for entry of aliens.

    International airports for the entry of aliens shall be those 
airports designated as such by the Commissioner. An application for 
designation of an airport as an international airport for the entry of 
aliens shall be made to the Commissioner and shall state whether the 
airport: (a) Has been approved by the Secretary of Commerce as a 
properly equipped airport, (b) has been designated by the Secretary of 
the Treasury as a port of entry for aircraft arriving in the United 
States from any place outside thereof and for the merchandise carried 
thereon, and (c) has been designated by the Secretary of Health, 
Education, and Welfare as a place for quarantine inspection. An airport 
shall not be so designated by the Commissioner without such prior 
approval and designation, and unless it appears to the satisfaction of 
the Commissioner that conditions render such designation necessary or 
advisable, and unless adequate facilities have been or will be provided 
at such airport without cost to the Federal Government for the proper 
inspection and disposition of aliens, including office space and such 
temporary detention quarters as may be found necessary. The designation 
of an airport as an international airport for the entry of aliens may be 
withdrawn whenever, in the judgment of the Commissioner, there appears 
just cause for such action.

[22 FR 9795, Dec. 6, 1957]



PART 235_INSPECTION OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR ADMISSION--Table of Contents



Sec.
235.1 Scope of examination.
235.2 Parole for deferred inspection.

[[Page 540]]

235.3 Inadmissible aliens and expedited removal.
235.4 Withdrawal of application for admission.
235.5 Preinspection.
235.6 Referral to immigration judge.
235.7 Automated inspection services.
235.8 Inadmissibility on security and related grounds.
235.9 Northern Marianas identification card.
235.10 U.S. Citizen Identification Card.
235.11 Admission of conditional permanent residents.
235.12 Global Entry program.
235.13 U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card 
          Program.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101 and note, 1103, 1183, 1185 (pursuant to 
E.O. 13323, 69 FR 241, 3 CFR, 2003 Comp., p. 278), 1201, 1224, 1225, 
1226, 1228, 1365a note, 1365b, 1379, 1731-32; 48 U.S.C. 1806, 1807, and 
1808 and 48 U.S.C. 1806 notes (title VII, Pub. L. 110-229, 122 Stat. 
754); 8 U.S.C. 1185 note (sec. 7209, Pub. L. 108-458, 118 Stat. 3638, 
and Pub. L. 112-54, 125 Stat. 550).



Sec.  235.1  Scope of examination.

    (a) General. Application to lawfully enter the United States shall 
be made in person to an immigration officer at a U.S. port-of-entry when 
the port is open for inspection, or as otherwise designated in this 
section.
    (b) U.S. Citizens. A person claiming U.S. citizenship must establish 
that fact to the examining officer's satisfaction and must present a 
U.S. passport or alternative documentation as required by 22 CFR part 
53. If such applicant for admission fails to satisfy the examining 
immigration officer that he or she is a U.S. citizen, he or she shall 
thereafter be inspected as an alien. A U.S. citizen must present a valid 
unexpired U.S. passport book upon entering the United States, unless he 
or she presents one of the following documents:
    (1) Passport card. A U.S. citizen who possesses a valid unexpired 
United States passport card, as defined in 22 CFR 53.1, may present the 
passport card when entering the United States from contiguous territory 
or adjacent islands at land or sea ports-of-entry.
    (2) Merchant Mariner Document. A U.S. citizen who holds a valid 
Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) issued by the U.S. Coast Guard may 
present an unexpired MMD used in conjunction with official maritime 
business when entering the United States.
    (3) Military identification. Any U.S. citizen member of the U.S. 
Armed Forces who is in the uniform of, or bears documents identifying 
him or her as a member of, such Armed Forces, and who is coming to or 
departing from the United States under official orders or permit of such 
Armed Forces, may present a military identification card and the 
official orders when entering the United States.
    (4) Trusted traveler programs. A U.S. citizen who travels as a 
participant in the NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI programs may present a valid 
NEXUS program card when using a NEXUS Air kiosk or a valid NEXUS, FAST, 
or SENTRI card at a land or sea port-of-entry prior to entering the 
United States from contiguous territory or adjacent islands. A U.S. 
citizen who enters the United States by pleasure vessel from Canada 
using the remote inspection system may present a NEXUS program card.
    (5) Certain cruise ship passengers. A U.S. citizen traveling 
entirely within the Western Hemisphere is permitted to present a 
government-issued photo identification document in combination with 
either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular 
Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State, or a 
Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services for entering the United States when the United States citizen:
    (i) Boards a cruise ship at a port or place within the United 
States; and,
    (ii) Returns on the return voyage of the same cruise ship to the 
same United States port or place from where he or she originally 
departed.


On such cruises, U.S. Citizens under the age of 16 may present an 
original or a copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth 
Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship 
and Immigration Services.

    (6) Native American holders of an American Indian card. A Native 
American holder of a Form I-872 American Indian Card arriving from 
contiguous territory or adjacent islands may present the Form I-872 card 
prior to entering the United States at a land or sea port-of-entry.

[[Page 541]]

    (7) Native American holders of tribal documents. A U.S. citizen 
holder of a tribal document issued by a United States qualifying tribal 
entity or group of United States qualifying tribal entities, as provided 
in paragraph (e) of this section, who is arriving from contiguous 
territory or adjacent islands may present the tribal document prior to 
entering the United States at a land or sea port-of-entry.
    (8) Children. A child who is a United States citizen entering the 
United States from contiguous territory at a sea or land ports-of-entry 
may present certain other documents, if the arrival falls under 
subsection (i) or (ii).
    (i) Children under Age 16. A U.S. citizen who is under the age of 16 
is permitted to present either an original or a copy of his or her birth 
certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department 
of State, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship 
and Immigration Services when entering the United States from contiguous 
territory at land or sea ports-of-entry.
    (ii) Groups of Children under Age 19. A U.S. citizen, who is under 
age 19 and is traveling with a public or private school group, religious 
group, social or cultural organization, or team associated with a youth 
sport organization is permitted to present either an original or a copy 
of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad 
issued by the Department of State, or a Certificate of Naturalization 
issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when arriving from 
contiguous territory at land or sea ports-of-entry, when the group, 
organization, or team is under the supervision of an adult affiliated 
with the group, organization, or team and when the child has parental or 
legal guardian consent to travel. For purposes of this paragraph, an 
adult is considered to be a person age 19 or older. The following 
requirements will apply:
    (A) The group or organization must provide to CBP upon crossing the 
border, on organizational letterhead:
    (1) The name of the group, organization or team, and the name of the 
supervising adult;
    (2) A list of the children on the trip;
    (3) For each child, the primary address, primary phone number, date 
of birth, place of birth, and name of a parent or legal guardian.
    (B) The adult leading the group, organization, or team must 
demonstrate parental or legal guardian consent by certifying in the 
writing submitted in paragraph (b)(8)(ii)(A) of this section that he or 
she has obtained for each child the consent of at least one parent or 
legal guardian.
    (C) The inspection procedure described in this paragraph is limited 
to members of the group, organization, or team who are under age 19. 
Other members of the group, organization, or team must comply with other 
applicable document and/or inspection requirements found in this part.
    (c) Alien members of United States Armed Forces and members of a 
force of a NATO country. Any alien member of the United States Armed 
Forces who is in the uniform of, or bears documents identifying him or 
her as a member of, such Armed Forces, and who is coming to or departing 
from the United States under official orders or permit of such Armed 
Forces is not subject to the removal provisions of the Act. A member of 
the force of a NATO country signatory to Article III of the Status of 
Forces Agreement seeking to enter the United States under official 
orders is exempt from the control provision of the Act. Any alien who is 
a member of either of the foregoing classes may, upon request, be 
inspected and his or her entry as an alien may be recorded. If the alien 
does not appear to the examining immigration officer to be clearly and 
beyond a doubt entitled to enter the United States under the provisions 
of the Act, the alien shall be so informed and his or her entry shall 
not be recorded.
    (d) Enhanced Driver's License Projects; alternative requirements. 
Upon the designation by the Secretary of Homeland Security of an 
enhanced driver's license as an acceptable document to denote identity 
and citizenship for purposes of entering the United States, U.S. and 
Canadian citizens may be permitted to present these documents in lieu of 
a passport upon entering or seeking admission to the United States

[[Page 542]]

according to the terms of the agreements entered between the Secretary 
of Homeland Security and the entity. The Secretary of Homeland Security 
will announce, by publication of a notice in the Federal Register, 
documents designated under this paragraph. A list of the documents 
designated under this paragraph will also be made available to the 
public.
    (e) Native American Tribal Cards; alternative requirements. Upon the 
designation by the Secretary of Homeland Security of a United States 
qualifying tribal entity document as an acceptable document to denote 
identity and citizenship for purposes of entering the United States, 
Native Americans may be permitted to present tribal cards upon entering 
or seeking admission to the United States according to the terms of the 
voluntary agreement entered between the Secretary of Homeland Security 
and the tribe. The Secretary of Homeland Security will announce, by 
publication of a notice in the Federal Register, documents designated 
under this paragraph. A list of the documents designated under this 
paragraph will also be made available to the public.
    (f) Alien applicants for admission. (1) Each alien seeking admission 
at a United States port-of-entry must present whatever documents are 
required and must establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting 
officer that the alien is not subject to removal under the immigration 
laws, Executive Orders, or Presidential Proclamations, and is entitled, 
under all of the applicable provisions of the immigration laws and this 
chapter, to enter the United States.
    (i) A person claiming to have been lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence must establish that fact to the satisfaction of the inspecting 
officer and must present proper documents in accordance with Sec.  211.1 
of this chapter.
    (ii) The Secretary of Homeland Security or his designee may require 
any alien, other than aliens exempted under paragraph (iv) of this 
section or Canadian citizens under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act who 
are not otherwise required to present a visa or be issued Form I-94 (see 
Sec.  1.4) or Form I-95 for admission or parole into the United States, 
to provide fingerprints, photograph(s) or other specified biometric 
identifiers, documentation of his or her immigration status in the 
United States, and such other evidence as may be requested to determine 
the alien's identity and whether he or she has properly maintained his 
or her status while in the United States and/or whether he or she is 
admissible. The failure of an alien at the time of inspection to comply 
with any requirement to provide biometric identifiers may result in a 
determination that the alien is inadmissible under section 212(a) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act or any other law.
    (iii) Aliens who are required under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) to provide 
biometric identifier(s) at inspection may also be subject to the 
departure requirements for biometrics contained in Sec.  215.8 of this 
chapter, unless otherwise exempted.
    (iv) The requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(ii) shall not apply to:
    (A) Aliens younger than 14 or older than 79 on date of admission;
    (B) Aliens admitted on A-1, A-2, C-3 (except for attendants, 
servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, 
G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visas, and 
certain Taiwan officials who hold E-1 visas and members of their 
immediate families who hold E-1 visas unless the Secretary of State and 
the Secretary of Homeland Security jointly determine that a class of 
such aliens should be subject to the requirements of paragraph 
(d)(1)(ii);
    (C) Classes of aliens to whom the Secretary of Homeland Security and 
the Secretary of State jointly determine it shall not apply; or
    (D) An individual alien to whom the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
the Secretary of State, or the Director of Central Intelligence 
determines it shall not apply.
    (2) An alien present in the United States who has not been admitted 
or paroled or an alien who seeks entry at other than an open, designated 
port-of-entry, except as otherwise permitted in this section, is subject 
to the provisions of section 212(a) of the Act and to removal under 
section 235(b) or 240 of the Act.

[[Page 543]]

    (3) An alien who is brought to the United States, whether or not to 
a designated port-of-entry and regardless of the means of 
transportation, after having been interdicted in international or United 
States waters, is considered an applicant for admission and shall be 
examined under section 235(b) of the Act.
    (4) An alien stowaway is not an applicant for admission and may not 
be admitted to the United States. A stowaway shall be removed from the 
United States under section 235(a)(2) of the Act. The provisions of 
section 240 of the Act are not applicable to stowaways, nor is the 
stowaway entitled to further hearing or review of the removal, except 
that an alien stowaway who indicates an intention to apply for asylum, 
or expresses a fear of persecution, a fear of torture, or a fear of 
return to the country of proposed removal shall be referred to an asylum 
officer for a determination of credible fear of persecution or torture 
in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act and Sec.  208.30 of 
this chapter. An alien stowaway who is determined to have a credible 
fear of persecution or torture shall have his or her asylum application 
adjudicated in accordance with Sec.  208.2(b)(2) of this chapter.
    (g) U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the United States, 
and other aliens, entering the United States along the northern border, 
other than at a port-of-entry. A citizen of Canada or a permanent 
resident of Canada who is a national of a country listed in Sec.  
217.2(a) of this chapter may, if in possession of a valid, unexpired, 
Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit(Form I-68) or evidence of enrollment 
in any other Service Alternative Inspections program (e.g., the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service Passenger Accelerated Service 
System (INSPASS) or the Port Passenger Accelerated Service System 
(PORTPASS)), enter the United States by means of a pleasure craft along 
the northern border of the United States from time-to-time without 
further inspection. No persons other than those described in this 
paragraph may participate in this program. Permanent residents of Canada 
who are nationals of a designated Visa Waiver Program country listed in 
Sec.  217.2(a) of this chapter must be in possession of a valid, 
unexpired passport issued by his or her country of nationality, and an 
unexpired multiple entry Form I-94W, Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/
Departure Form, or an unexpired passport, valid unexpired United States 
visa and I-94 Arrival/Departure Form. When an entry to the United States 
is made by a person who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of 
Canada who is a national of a designated Visa Waiver Program country 
listed in Sec.  217.2(a) of this chapter, entry may be made under this 
program only for a purpose as described in section 101(a)(15)(B)(ii) of 
the Act as a visitor for pleasure. Persons seeking to enter the United 
States for any other purpose must do so at a port-of-entry staffed by 
immigration inspectors. Persons aboard a vessel which has crossed the 
international boundary between the United States and Canada and who do 
not intend to land in the United States, other than at a staffed port-
of-entry, are not required to be in possession of Form I-68, Canadian 
Border Boat Landing Permit, or evidence of enrollment in an Alternative 
Inspections program merely because they have crossed the international 
boundary. However, the Service retains the right to conduct inspections 
or examinations of all persons applying for admission or readmission to 
or seeking transit through the United States in accordance with the Act.
    (1) Application. An eligible applicant may apply for a Canadian 
Border Boat Landing Permit by completing the Form I-68 in triplicate. 
Application forms will be made readily available through the Internet, 
from a Service office, or by mail. A family may apply on a single 
application. For the purposes of this paragraph, a family is defined as 
a husband, wife, unmarried children under the age of 21, and the parents 
of either husband or wife, who reside at the same address. In order for 
the I-68 application to be considered complete, it must be accompanied 
by the following:
    (i) For each person included on the application, evidence of 
citizenship, and, if not a citizen of the United States or Canada, 
evidence of legal permanent resident status in either the United States 
or Canada. Evidence of

[[Page 544]]

residency must be submitted by all applicants. It is not required that 
all persons on the application be of the same nationality; however, they 
must all be individually eligible to participate in this program.
    (ii) If multiple members of a family, as defined in paragraph (e)(1) 
of this section, are included on a single application, evidence of the 
familial relationship.
    (iii) A fee as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(d)(3).
    (iv) A copy of any previously approved Form I-68.
    (v) A permanent resident of Canada who is a national of a Visa 
Waiver Program may apply for admission simultaneously with the Form I-68 
application and thereby obtain a Form I-94 or I-94W.
    (2) Submission of Form I-68. Except as indicated in this paragraph, 
Form I-68 shall be properly completed and submitted in person, along 
with the documentary evidence and the required fee as specified in 8 CFR 
103.7(d)(3), to a United States immigration officer at a Canadian border 
Port-of-Entry located within the district having jurisdiction over the 
applicant's residence or intended place of landing. Persons previously 
granted Form I-68 approval may apply by mail to the issuing Service 
office for renewal if a copy of the previous Form I-68 is included in 
the application. At the discretion of the district director concerned, 
any applicant for renewal of Form I-68 may be required to appear for an 
interview in person if the applicant does not appear to be clearly 
eligible for renewal.
    (3) Denial of Form I-68. If the applicant has committed a violation 
of any immigration or customs regulation or, in the case of an alien, is 
inadmissible to the United States, approval of the Form I-68 shall be 
denied. However, if, in the exercise of discretion, the district 
director waives under section 212(d)(3) of the Act all applicable 
grounds of inadmissibility, the I-68 application may be approved for 
such non-citizens. If the Form I-68 application is denied, the applicant 
shall be given written notice of and the reasons for the denial by 
letter from the district director. There is no appeal from the denial of 
the Form I-68 application, but the denial is without prejudice to a 
subsequent application for this program or any other Service benefit, 
except that the applicant may not submit a subsequent Form I-68 
application for 90 days after the date of the last denial.
    (4) Validity. Form I-68 shall be valid for 1 year from the date of 
issuance, or until revoked or violated by the Service.
    (5) Conditions for participation in the I-68 program. Upon being 
inspected and positively identified by an immigration officer and found 
admissible and eligible for participation in the I-68 program, a 
participant must agree to abide by the following conditions:
    (i) Form I-68 may be used only when entering the United States by 
means of a vessel exclusively used for pleasure, including chartered 
vessels when such vessel has been chartered by an approved Form I-68 
holder. When used by a person who is a not a citizen or a lawful 
permanent resident of the United States, admission shall be for a period 
not to exceed 72 hours to visit within 25 miles of the shore line along 
the northern border of the United States, including the shore line of 
Lake Michigan and Puget Sound.
    (ii) Participants must be in possession of any authorization 
documents issued for participation in this program or another Service 
Alternative Inspections program (INSPASS or PORTPASS). Participants over 
the age of 15 years and who are not in possession of an INSPASS or 
PORTPASS enrollment card must also be in possession of a photographic 
identification document issued by a governmental agency. Participants 
who are permanent residents of Canada who are nationals of a Visa Waiver 
Program country listed in Sec.  217.2(a) of this chapter must also be in 
possession of proper documentation as described in paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (iii) Participants may not import merchandise or transport 
controlled or restricted items while entering the United States under 
this program. The entry of any merchandise or goods must be in 
accordance with the laws and regulations of all Federal Inspection 
Services.
    (iv) Participants must agree to random checks or inspections that 
may be

[[Page 545]]

conducted by the Service, at any time and at any location, to ensure 
compliance.
    (v) Participants must abide by all Federal, state, and local laws 
regarding the importation of alcohol or agricultural products or the 
importation or possession of controlled substances as defined in section 
101 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 802).
    (vi) Participants acknowledge that all devices, decals, cards, or 
other Federal Government supplied identification or technology used to 
identify or inspect persons or vessels seeking entry via this program 
remain the property of the United States Government at all times, and 
must be surrendered upon request by a Border Patrol Agent or any other 
officer of a Federal Inspection Service.
    (vii) The captain, charterer, master, or owner (if aboard) of each 
vessel bringing persons into the United States is responsible for 
determining that all persons aboard the vessel are in possession of a 
valid, unexpired Form I-68 or other evidence of participation in a 
Service Alternative Inspections program (INSPASS or PORTPASS) prior to 
entry into the territorial waters of the United States. If any person on 
board is not in possession of such evidence, the captain, charterer, 
master, or owner must transport such person to a staffed United States 
Port-of-Entry for an in-person immigration inspection.
    (6) Revocation. The district director, the chief patrol agent, or 
their designated representatives may revoke the designation of any 
participant who violates any condition of this program, as contained in 
paragraph (e)(5) of this section, or who has violated any immigration 
law or regulation, or a law or regulation of the United States Customs 
Service or other Federal Inspection Service, has abandoned his or her 
residence in the United States or Canada, is inadmissible to the United 
States, or who is otherwise determined by an immigration officer to be 
ineligible for continued participation in this program. Such persons may 
be subject to other applicable sanctions, such as criminal and/or 
administrative prosecution or deportation, as well as possible seizure 
of goods and/or vessels. If permission to participate is revoked, a 
written request to the district director for restoration of permission 
to participate may be made. The district director will notify the person 
of his or her decision and the reasons therefore in writing.
    (7) Compliance checking. Participation in this program does not 
relieve the holder from responsibility to comply with all other aspects 
of United States Immigration, Customs, or other Federal inspection 
service laws or regulations. To prevent abuse, the United States 
Immigration and Naturalization Service retains the right to conduct 
inspections or examinations of all persons applying for admission or 
readmission to or seeking transit through the United States in 
accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act.
    (h) Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record. (1) Unless otherwise 
exempted, each arriving nonimmigrant who is admitted to the United 
States will be issued a Form I-94 as evidence of the terms of admission. 
For land border admission, a Form I-94 will be issued only upon payment 
of a fee, and will be considered issued for multiple entries unless 
specifically annotated for a limited number of entries. A Form I-94 
issued at other than a land border port-of-entry, unless issued for 
multiple entries, must be surrendered upon departure from the United 
States in accordance with the instructions on the form. Form I-94 is not 
required by:
    (i) Any nonimmigrant alien described in Sec.  212.1(a) of this 
chapter and 22 CFR 41.33 who is admitted as a visitor for business or 
pleasure or admitted to proceed in direct transit through the United 
States;
    (ii) Any nonimmigrant alien residing in the British Virgin Islands 
who was admitted only to the U.S. Virgin Islands as a visitor for 
business or pleasure under Sec.  212.1(b) of this chapter;
    (iii) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(1)(v) of this section, any 
Mexican national admitted as a nonimmigrant visitor who is:
    (A) Exempt from a visa and passport pursuant to Sec.  212.1(c)(1) of 
this chapter and is admitted for a period not to exceed 30 days to visit 
within 25 miles of the border; or

[[Page 546]]

    (B) In possession of a valid visa and passport and is admitted for a 
period not to exceed 72 hours to visit within 25 miles of the border;
    (iv) Bearers of Mexican diplomatic or official passports described 
in Sec.  212.1(c) of this chapter; or
    (v) Any Mexican national admitted as a nonimmigrant visitor who is:
    (A) Exempt from a visa and passport pursuant to Sec.  212.1(c)(1) of 
this chapter and is admitted at the Mexican border POEs in the State of 
Arizona at Sasabe, Nogales, Mariposa, Naco or Douglas to visit within 
the State of Arizona within 75 miles of the border for a period not to 
exceed 30 days; or
    (B) In possession of a valid visa and passport and is admitted at 
the Mexican border POEs in the State of Arizona at Sasabe, Nogales, 
Mariposa, Naco or Douglas to visit within the State of Arizona within 75 
miles of the border for a period not to exceed 72 hours; or
    (C) Exempt from visa and passport pursuant to Sec.  212.1(c)(1) of 
this chapter and is admitted for a period not to exceed 30 days to visit 
within the State of New Mexico within 55 miles of the border or the area 
south of and including Interstate Highway I-10, whichever is further 
north; or
    (D) In possession of a valid visa and passport and is admitted for a 
period not to exceed 72 hours to visit within the State of New Mexico 
within 55 miles of the border or the area south of and including 
Interstate Highway I-10, whichever is further north.
    (2) Paroled aliens. Any alien paroled into the United States under 
section 212(d)(5) of the Act, including any alien crewmember, shall be 
issued a completely executed Form I-94, endorsed with the parole stamp.

[62 FR 10353, Mar. 6, 1997]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
235.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  235.2  Parole for deferred inspection.

    (a) A district director may, in his or her discretion, defer the 
inspection of any vessel or aircraft, or of any alien, to another 
Service office or port-of-entry. Any alien coming to a United States 
port from a foreign port, from an outlying possession of the United 
States, from Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands of the United 
States, or from another port of the United States at which examination 
under this part was deferred, shall be regarded as an applicant for 
admission at that onward port.
    (b) An examining immigration officer may defer further examination 
and refer the alien's case to the district director having jurisdiction 
over the place where the alien is seeking admission, or over the place 
of the alien's residence or destination in the United States, if the 
examining immigration officer has reason to believe that the alien can 
overcome a finding of inadmissibility by:
    (1) Posting a bond under section 213 of the Act;
    (2) Seeking and obtaining a waiver under section 211 or 212(d)(3) or 
(4) of the Act; or
    (3) Presenting additional evidence of admissibility not available at 
the time and place of the initial examination.
    (c) Such deferral shall be accomplished pursuant to the provisions 
of section 212(d)(5) of the Act for the period of time necessary to 
complete the deferred inspection.
    (d) Refusal of a district director to authorize admission under 
section 213 of the Act, or to grant an application for the benefits of 
section 211 or section 212(d) (3) or (4) of the Act, shall be without 
prejudice to the renewal of such application or the authorizing of such 
admission by the immigration judge without additional fee.
    (e) Whenever an alien on arrival is found or believed to be 
suffering from a disability that renders it impractical to proceed with 
the examination under the Act, the examination of such alien, members of 
his or her family concerning whose admissibility it is necessary to have 
such alien testify, and any accompanying aliens whose protection or 
guardianship will be required should such alien be found inadmissible 
shall be deferred for such time and under such conditions as the 
district director in whose district the port is located imposes.

[62 FR 10355, Mar. 6, 1997]

[[Page 547]]



Sec.  235.3  Inadmissible aliens and expedited removal.

    (a) Detention prior to inspection. All persons arriving at a port-
of-entry in the United States by vessel or aircraft shall be detained 
aboard the vessel or at the airport of arrival by the owner, agent, 
master, commanding officer, person in charge, purser, or consignee of 
such vessel or aircraft until admitted or otherwise permitted to land by 
an officer of the Service. Notice or order to detain shall not be 
required. The owner, agent, master, commanding officer, person in 
charge, purser, or consignee of such vessel or aircraft shall deliver 
every alien requiring examination to an immigration officer for 
inspection or to a medical officer for examination. The Service will not 
be liable for any expenses related to such detention or presentation or 
for any expenses of a passenger who has not been presented for 
inspection and for whom a determination has not been made concerning 
admissibility by a Service officer.
    (b) Expedited removal--(1) Applicability. The expedited removal 
provisions shall apply to the following classes of aliens who are 
determined to be inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or (7) of the 
Act:
    (i) Arriving aliens, as defined in 8 CFR 1.2;
    (ii) As specifically designated by the Commissioner, aliens who 
arrive in, attempt to enter, or have entered the United States without 
having been admitted or paroled following inspection by an immigration 
officer at a designated port-of-entry, and who have not established to 
the satisfaction of the immigration officer that they have been 
physically present in the United States continuously for the 2-year 
period immediately prior to the date of determination of 
inadmissibility. The Commissioner shall have the sole discretion to 
apply the provisions of section 235(b)(1) of the Act, at any time, to 
any class of aliens described in this section. The Commissioner's 
designation shall become effective upon publication of a notice in the 
Federal Register. However, if the Commissioner determines, in the 
exercise of discretion, that the delay caused by publication would 
adversely affect the interests of the United States or the effective 
enforcement of the immigration laws, the Commissioner's designation 
shall become effective immediately upon issuance, and shall be published 
in the Federal Register as soon as practicable thereafter. When these 
provisions are in effect for aliens who enter without inspection, the 
burden of proof rests with the alien to affirmatively show that he or 
she has the required continuous physical presence in the United States. 
Any absence from the United States shall serve to break the period of 
continuous physical presence. An alien who was not inspected and 
admitted or paroled into the United States but who establishes that he 
or she has been continuously physically present in the United States for 
the 2-year period immediately prior to the date of determination of 
inadmissibility shall be detained in accordance with section 235(b)(2) 
of the Act for a proceeding under section 240 of the Act.
    (2) Determination of inadmissibility--(i) Record of proceeding. An 
alien who is arriving in the United States, or other alien as designated 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, who is determined to 
be inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act 
(except an alien for whom documentary requirements are waived under 
Sec.  211.1(b)(3) or Sec.  212.1 of this chapter), shall be ordered 
removed from the United States in accordance with section 235(b)(1) of 
the Act. In every case in which the expedited removal provisions will be 
applied and before removing an alien from the United States pursuant to 
this section, the examining immigration officer shall create a record of 
the facts of the case and statements made by the alien. This shall be 
accomplished by means of a sworn statement using Form I-867AB, Record of 
Sworn Statement in Proceedings under Section 235(b)(1) of the Act. The 
examining immigration officer shall read (or have read) to the alien all 
information contained on Form I-867A. Following questioning and 
recording of the alien's statement regarding identity, alienage, and 
inadmissibility, the examining immigration officer shall record the 
alien's response to the questions contained on Form I-867B, and have the 
alien read

[[Page 548]]

(or have read to him or her) the statement, and the alien shall sign and 
initial each page of the statement and each correction. The examining 
immigration officer shall advise the alien of the charges against him or 
her on Form I-860, Notice and Order of Expedited Removal, and the alien 
shall be given an opportunity to respond to those charges in the sworn 
statement. After obtaining supervisory concurrence in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(7) of this section, the examining immigration official 
shall serve the alien with Form I-860 and the alien shall sign the 
reverse of the form acknowledging receipt. Interpretative assistance 
shall be used if necessary to communicate with the alien.
    (ii) No entitlement to hearings and appeals. Except as otherwise 
provided in this section, such alien is not entitled to a hearing before 
an immigration judge in proceedings conducted pursuant to section 240 of 
the Act, or to an appeal of the expedited removal order to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals.
    (iii) Detention and parole of alien in expedited removal. An alien 
whose inadmissibility is being considered under this section or who has 
been ordered removed pursuant to this section shall be detained pending 
determination and removal. Parole of such alien shall only be considered 
in accordance with section 212(d)(5) of the Act and Sec.  212.5(b) of 
this chapter. A grant of parole would be for the limited purpose of 
parole out of custody and cannot serve as an independent basis for 
employment authorization under Sec.  274a.12(c)(11) of this chapter.
    (3) Additional charges of inadmissibility. In the expedited removal 
process, the Service may not charge an alien with any additional grounds 
of inadmissibility other than section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the 
Act. If an alien appears to be inadmissible under other grounds 
contained in section 212(a) of the Act, and if the Service wishes to 
pursue such additional grounds of inadmissibility, the alien shall be 
detained and referred for a removal hearing before an immigration judge 
pursuant to sections 235(b)(2) and 240 of the Act for inquiry into all 
charges. Once the alien is in removal proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act, the Service is not precluded from lodging additional charges 
against the alien. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the Service 
from pursuing such additional grounds of inadmissibility against the 
alien in any subsequent attempt to reenter the United States, provided 
the additional grounds of inadmissibility still exist.
    (4) Claim of asylum or fear of persecution or torture. If an alien 
subject to the expedited removal provisions indicates an intention to 
apply for asylum, or expresses a fear of persecution or torture, or a 
fear of return to his or her country, the inspecting officer shall not 
proceed further with removal of the alien until the alien has been 
referred for an interview by an asylum officer in accordance with 8 CFR 
208.30. The examining immigration officer shall record sufficient 
information in the sworn statement to establish and record that the 
alien has indicated such intention, fear, or concern, and to establish 
the alien's inadmissibility.
    (i) Referral. The referring officer shall provide the alien with a 
written disclosure on Form M-444, Information About Credible Fear 
Interview, describing:
    (A) The purpose of the referral and description of the credible fear 
interview process;
    (B) The right to consult with other persons prior to the interview 
and any review thereof at no expense to the United States Government;
    (C) The right to request a review by an immigration judge of the 
asylum officer's credible fear determination; and
    (D) The consequences of failure to establish a credible fear of 
persecution or torture.
    (ii) Detention pending credible fear interview. Pending the credible 
fear determination by an asylum officer and any review of that 
determination by an immigration judge, the alien shall be detained. 
Parole of such alien shall only be considered in accordance with section 
212(d)(5) of the Act and Sec.  212.5(b) of this chapter. A grant of 
parole would be for the limited purpose of parole out of custody and 
cannot serve as an independent basis for employment authorization under 
Sec.  274a.12(c)(11) of this chapter. Prior to the interview, the alien 
shall be given time to contact

[[Page 549]]

and consult with any person or persons of the alien's choosing. If the 
alien is detained, such consultation shall be made available in 
accordance with the policies and procedures of the detention facility 
where the alien is detained, shall be at no expense to the Government, 
and shall not unreasonably delay the process.
    (5) Claim to lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee status or 
U.S. citizenship--(i) Verification of status. If an applicant for 
admission who is subject to expedited removal pursuant to section 
235(b)(1) of the Act claims to have been lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence, admitted as a refugee under section 207 of the Act, granted 
asylum under section 208 of the Act, or claims to be a U.S. citizen, the 
immigration officer shall attempt to verify the alien's claim. Such 
verification shall include a check of all available Service data systems 
and any other means available to the officer. An alien whose claim to 
lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee status, or U.S. citizen 
status cannot be verified will be advised of the penalties for perjury, 
and will be placed under oath or allowed to make a declaration as 
permitted under 28 U.S.C. 1746, concerning his or her lawful admission 
for permanent residence, admission as a refugee under section 207 of the 
Act, grant of asylum status under section 208 of the Act, or claim to 
U.S. citizenship. A written statement shall be taken from the alien in 
the alien's own language and handwriting, stating that he or she 
declares, certifies, verifies, or states that the claim is true and 
correct. The immigration officer shall issue an expedited order of 
removal under section 235(b)(1)(A)(i) of the Act and refer the alien to 
the immigration judge for review of the order in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(5)(iv) of this section and Sec.  235.6(a)(2)(ii). The 
person shall be detained pending review of the expedited removal order 
under this section. Parole of such person, in accordance with section 
212(d)(5) of the Act, may be permitted only when the Attorney General 
determines, in the exercise of discretion, that parole is required to 
meet a medical emergency or is necessary for a legitimate law 
enforcement objective.
    (ii) Verified lawful permanent residents. If the claim to lawful 
permanent resident status is verified, and such status has not been 
terminated in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, the 
examining immigration officer shall not order the alien removed pursuant 
to section 235(b)(1) of the Act. The examining immigration officer will 
determine in accordance with section 101(a)(13)(C) of the Act whether 
the alien is considered to be making an application for admission. If 
the alien is determined to be seeking admission and the alien is 
otherwise admissible, except that he or she is not in possession of the 
required documentation, a discretionary waiver of documentary 
requirements may be considered in accordance with section 211(b) of the 
Act and Sec.  211.1(b)(3) of this chapter or the alien's inspection may 
be deferred to an onward office for presentation of the required 
documents. If the alien appears to be inadmissible, the immigration 
officer may initiate removal proceedings against the alien under section 
240 of the Act.
    (iii) Verified refugees and asylees. If a check of Service records 
or other means indicates that the alien has been granted refugee status 
or asylee status, and such status has not been terminated in 
deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings, the immigration officer 
shall not order the alien removed pursuant to section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act. If the alien is not in possession of a valid, unexpired refugee 
travel document, the examining immigration officer may accept an 
application for a refugee travel document in accordance with Sec.  
223.2(b)(2)(ii) of this chapter. If accepted, the immigration officer 
shall readmit the refugee or asylee in accordance with Sec.  
223.3(d)(2)(i) of this chapter. If the alien is determined not to be 
eligible to file an application for a refugee travel document the 
immigration officer may initiate removal proceedings against the alien 
under section 240 of the Act.
    (iv) Review of order for claimed lawful permanent residents, 
refugees, asylees, or U.S. citizens. A person whose claim to U.S. 
citizenship has been verified may not be ordered removed. When an alien 
whose status has not been verified but who is claiming under oath or 
under

[[Page 550]]

penalty of perjury to be a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, 
or U.S. citizen is ordered removed pursuant to section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act, the case will be referred to an immigration judge for review of the 
expedited removal order under section 235(b)(1)(C) of the Act and Sec.  
235.6(a)(2)(ii). If the immigration judge determines that the alien has 
never been admitted as a lawful permanent resident or as a refugee, 
granted asylum status, or is not a U.S. citizen, the order issued by the 
immigration officer will be affirmed and the Service will remove the 
alien. There is no appeal from the decision of the immigration judge. If 
the immigration judge determines that the alien was once so admitted as 
a lawful permanent resident or as a refugee, or was granted asylum 
status, or is a U.S. citizen, and such status has not been terminated by 
final administrative action, the immigration judge will terminate 
proceedings and vacate the expedited removal order. The Service may 
initiate removal proceedings against such an alien, but not against a 
person determined to be a U.S. citizen, in proceedings under section 240 
of the Act. During removal proceedings, the immigration judge may 
consider any waivers, exceptions, or requests for relief for which the 
alien is eligible.
    (6) Opportunity for alien to establish that he or she was admitted 
or paroled into the United States. If the Commissioner determines that 
the expedited removal provisions of section 235(b)(1) of the Act shall 
apply to any or all aliens described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this 
section, such alien will be given a reasonable opportunity to establish 
to the satisfaction of the examining immigration officer that he or she 
was admitted or paroled into the United States following inspection at a 
port-of-entry. The alien will be allowed to present evidence or provide 
sufficient information to support the claim. Such evidence may consist 
of documentation in the possession of the alien, the Service, or a third 
party. The examining immigration officer will consider all such evidence 
and information, make further inquiry if necessary, and will attempt to 
verify the alien's status through a check of all available Service data 
systems. The burden rests with the alien to satisfy the examining 
immigration officer of the claim of lawful admission or parole. If the 
alien establishes that he or she was lawfully admitted or paroled, the 
case will be examined to determine if grounds of deportability under 
section 237(a) of the Act are applicable, or if paroled, whether such 
parole has been, or should be, terminated, and whether the alien is 
inadmissible under section 212(a) of the Act. An alien who cannot 
satisfy the examining officer that he or she was lawfully admitted or 
paroled will be ordered removed pursuant to section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act.
    (7) Review of expedited removal orders. Any removal order entered by 
an examining immigration officer pursuant to section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate supervisor before 
the order is considered final. Such supervisory review shall not be 
delegated below the level of the second line supervisor, or a person 
acting in that capacity. The supervisory review shall include a review 
of the sworn statement and any answers and statements made by the alien 
regarding a fear of removal or return. The supervisory review and 
approval of an expedited removal order for an alien described in section 
235(b)(1)(A)(iii) of the Act must include a review of any claim of 
lawful admission or parole and any evidence or information presented to 
support such a claim, prior to approval of the order. In such cases, the 
supervisor may request additional information from any source and may 
require further interview of the alien.
    (8) Removal procedures relating to expedited removal. An alien 
ordered removed pursuant to section 235(b)(1) of the Act shall be 
removed from the United States in accordance with section 241(c) of the 
Act and 8 CFR part 241.
    (9) Waivers of documentary requirements. Nothing in this section 
limits the discretionary authority of the Attorney General, including 
authority under sections 211(b) or 212(d) of the Act, to waive the 
documentary requirements for arriving aliens.
    (10) Applicant for admission under section 217 of the Act. The 
provisions of Sec.  235.3(b) do not apply to an applicant

[[Page 551]]

for admission under section 217 of the Act.
    (c) Arriving aliens placed in proceedings under section 240 of the 
Act or aliens referred for an asylum merits interview under Sec.  
208.2(a)(1)(ii) of this chapter. (1) Except as otherwise provided in 
this chapter, any arriving alien who appears to the inspecting officer 
to be inadmissible, and who is placed in removal proceedings pursuant to 
section 240 of the Act shall be detained in accordance with section 
235(b) of the Act. Parole of such alien shall only be considered in 
accordance with Sec.  212.5(b) of this chapter. This paragraph (c) shall 
also apply to any alien who arrived before April 1, 1997, and who was 
placed in exclusion proceedings.
    (2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any alien over 
whom USCIS exercises jurisdiction pursuant to Sec.  208.2(a)(1)(ii) of 
this chapter after being found to have a credible fear of persecution or 
torture shall be detained in accordance with section 235(b) of the Act. 
Parole of such alien shall only be considered in accordance with Sec.  
212.5(b) of this chapter.
    (d) Service custody. The Service will assume custody of any alien 
subject to detention under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section. In its 
discretion, the Service may require any alien who appears inadmissible 
and who arrives at a land border port-of-entry from Canada or Mexico, to 
remain in that country while awaiting a removal hearing. Such alien 
shall be considered detained for a proceeding within the meaning of 
section 235(b) of the Act and may be ordered removed in absentia by an 
immigration judge if the alien fails to appear for the hearing.
    (e) Detention in non-Service facility. Whenever an alien is taken 
into Service custody and detained at a facility other than at a Service 
Processing Center, the public or private entities contracted to perform 
such service shall have been approved for such use by the Service's Jail 
Inspection Program or shall be performing such service under contract in 
compliance with the Standard Statement of Work for Contract Detention 
Facilities. Both programs are administered by the Detention and 
Deportation section having jurisdiction over the alien's place of 
detention. Under no circumstances shall an alien be detained in 
facilities not meeting the four mandatory criteria for usage. These are:
    (1) 24-Hour supervision,
    (2) Conformance with safety and emergency codes,
    (3) Food service, and
    (4) Availability of emergency medical care.
    (f) Privilege of communication. The mandatory notification 
requirements of consular and diplomatic officers pursuant to Sec.  
236.1(e) of this chapter apply when an inadmissible alien is detained 
for removal proceedings, including for purpose of conducting the 
credible fear determination.

[62 FR 10355, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 82256, Dec. 28, 2000; 69 FR 69490, Nov. 29, 2004; 76 FR 53790, Aug. 
29, 2011; 82 FR 4771, Jan. 17, 2017; 87 FR 18220, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  235.4  Withdrawal of application for admission.

    The Attorney General may, in his or her discretion, permit any alien 
applicant for admission to withdraw his or her application for admission 
in lieu of removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act or expedited 
removal under section 235(b)(1) of the Act. The alien's decision to 
withdraw his or her application for admission must be made voluntarily, 
but nothing in this section shall be construed as to give an alien the 
right to withdraw his or her application for admission. Permission to 
withdraw an application for admission should not normally be granted 
unless the alien intends and is able to depart the United States 
immediately. An alien permitted to withdraw his or her application for 
admission shall normally remain in carrier or Service custody pending 
departure, unless the district director determines that parole of the 
alien is warranted in accordance with Sec.  212.5(b) of this chapter.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 15363, Apr. 1, 1997; 65 FR 82256, Dec. 
28, 2000]



Sec.  235.5  Preinspection.

    (a) In United States territories and possessions. In the case of any 
aircraft proceeding from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands (beginning November 28, 2009), Puerto

[[Page 552]]

Rico, or the United States Virgin Islands destined directly and without 
touching at a foreign port or place, to any other of such places, or to 
one of the States of the United States or the District of Columbia, the 
examination of the passengers and crew required by the Act may be made 
prior to the departure of the aircraft, and in such event, final 
determination of admissibility will be made immediately prior to such 
departure. The examination will be conducted in accordance with sections 
232, 235, and 240 of the Act and 8 CFR parts 235 and 240. If it appears 
to the immigration officer that any person in the United States being 
examined under this section is prima facie removable from the United 
States, further action with respect to his or her examination will be 
deferred and further proceedings regarding removability conducted as 
provided in section 240 of the Act and 8 CFR part 240. When the 
foregoing inspection procedure is applied to any aircraft, persons 
examined and found admissible will be placed aboard the aircraft, or 
kept at the airport separate and apart from the general public until 
they are permitted to board the aircraft. No other person will be 
permitted to depart on such aircraft until and unless he or she is found 
to be admissible as provided in this section.
    (b) In foreign territory. In the case of any aircraft, vessel, or 
train proceeding directly, without stopping, from a port or place in 
foreign territory to a port-of-entry in the United States, the 
examination and inspection of passengers and crew required by the Act 
and final determination of admissibility may be made immediately prior 
to such departure at the port or place in the foreign territory and 
shall have the same effect under the Act as though made at the destined 
port-of-entry in the United States.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 74 FR 2836, Jan. 16, 2009; 74 
FR 25388, May 28, 2009]



Sec.  235.6  Referral to immigration judge.

    (a) Notice--(1) Referral by Form I-862, Notice to Appear. An 
immigration officer or asylum officer will sign and deliver a Form I-862 
to an alien in the following cases:
    (i) If, in accordance with the provisions of section 235(b)(2)(A) of 
the Act, the examining immigration officer detains an alien for a 
proceeding before an immigration judge under section 240 of the Act; or
    (ii) If an immigration officer verifies that an alien subject to 
expedited removal under section 235(b)(1) of the Act has been admitted 
as a lawful permanent resident or refugee, or granted asylum, or, upon 
review pursuant to Sec.  235.3(b)(5)(iv) of chapter I, an immigration 
judge determines that the alien was once so admitted or granted asylum, 
provided that such status has not been terminated by final 
administrative action, and the DHS initiates removal proceedings against 
the alien under section 240 of the Act.
    (iii)-(iv) [Reserved]
    (2) Referral by Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge. 
An immigration officer will sign and deliver a Form I-863 to an alien in 
the following cases:
    (i) If an asylum officer determines that the alien does not have a 
credible fear of persecution or torture, and the alien requests a review 
of that determination by an immigration judge;
    (ii) If, in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(C) of the Act, an 
immigration officer refers an expedited removal order entered on an 
alien claiming to be a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or 
U.S. citizen for whom the officer could not verify such status to an 
immigration judge for review of the order; or
    (iii) If an immigration officer refers an applicant in accordance 
with the provisions of Sec.  208.2(c)(1) or (2) of this chapter to an 
immigration judge for an asylum- or withholding-only hearing.
    (b) Certification for mental condition; medical appeal. An alien 
certified under sections 212(a)(1) and 232(b) of the Act shall be 
advised by the examining immigration officer that he or she may appeal 
to a board of medical examiners of the United States Public Health 
Service pursuant to section 232 of the Act. If such appeal is taken, the 
district director shall arrange for the convening of the medical board.
    (c) The provisions of part 235 are separate and severable from one 
another. In the event that any provision in part

[[Page 553]]

235 is stayed, enjoined, not implemented, or otherwise held invalid, the 
remaining provisions shall nevertheless be implemented as an independent 
rule and continue in effect.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999; 74 
FR 55739, Oct. 28, 2009; 85 FR 29316, May 14, 2020; 85 FR 80393, Dec. 
11, 2020; 87 FR 18220, Mar. 29, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84196, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  235.6 was 
amended by revising paragraph (a)(2)(i), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The 
amendment to Sec.  235.7 was delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 6847, 
Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 15069, Mar. 
22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 73615, Dec. 28, 
2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 79789, Dec. 28, 
2022. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:



Sec.  235.6  Referral to immigration judge.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) If an asylum officer determines that the alien has not 
established a credible fear of persecution, reasonable possibility of 
persecution, reasonable possibility of torture, or that it is more 
likely than not that the alien would be tortured in the prospective 
country of removal, and the alien requests a review of that 
determination by an immigration judge; or

                                * * * * *



Sec.  235.7  Automated inspection services.

    (a) PORTPASS Program--(1) Definitions--(i) Port Passenger 
Accelerated Service System (PORTPASS). A system in which certain ports-
of-entry (POEs) are identified and designated by the Service as 
providing access to the United States for a group of identified, low-
risk, border crossers. Alien participants in the PORTPASS program are 
personally inspected, identified, and screened in advance of approval 
for participation in the program by an immigration officer, and may 
apply to enter the United States through a dedicated commuter lane (DCL) 
or through an automated permit port (APP). Such advance inspection and 
identification, when the enrolled participant satisfies the conditions 
and requirements set fourth in this section, satisfies the reporting 
requirements of Sec.  235.1(a). Each successful use of PORTPASS 
constitutes a separate and completed inspection and application for 
entry by the alien program participants on the date PORTPASS is used. 
United States citizens who meet the eligibility requirements for 
participation are subject to all rules, procedures, and conditions for 
use set forth in this section.
    (ii) Automated Permit Port (APP). A POE designated by the Service to 
provide access to the United States by an identified, low-risk, border 
crosser through the use of automation when the POE is not staffed. An 
APP has limited hours of operation and is located at a remote location 
on a land border. This program is limited to the northern border of the 
United States.
    (iii) Dedicated Commuter Lane (DCL). A special lane set apart from 
the normal flow of traffic at a land border POE which allows an 
accelerated inspection for identified, low-risk travelers. This program 
is limited to the northern border of the United States and the 
California-Mexico border.
    (iv) DCL system costs fee. A fee charged to a participant to cover 
the cost of the implementation and operation of the PORTPASS system. If 
a participant wishes to enroll more than one vehicle for use in the 
PORTPASS system, he or she will be assessed an additional vehicle fee 
for each additional vehicle enrolled. Regardless of when the additional 
vehicle is enrolled, the expiration date for use of that vehicle in the 
DCL will be the same date that the respective participant's authorized 
use of the lane expires, or is otherwise revoked.
    (2) Designation of POEs for PORTPASS access. The following criteria 
shall be used by the Service in the selection of a POE when classifying 
the POE as having PORTPASS access:
    (i) The location has an identifiable group of low-risk border 
crossers;
    (ii) The institution of PORTPASS access will not significantly 
inhibit normal traffic flow;
    (iii) The POE selected for access via a DCL has a sufficient number 
of Service personnel to perform primary and secondary inspection 
functions.
    (3) General eligibility requirements for PORTPASS program 
applicants. Applicants to PORTPASS must be citizens or lawful permanent 
residents of the

[[Page 554]]

United States, or nonimmigrants determined to be eligible by the 
Commissioner of the Service. Non-United States citizens must meet all 
applicable documentary and entry eligibility requirements of the Act. 
Applicants must agree to furnish all information requested on the 
application, and must agree to terms set forth for use of the PORTPASS 
program. Use of the PORTPASS program constitutes application for entry 
into the United States. Criminal justice information databases will be 
checked to assist in determining the applicant's eligibility for the 
PORTPASS program at the time the Form I-823, Application--Alternative 
Inspection Services, is submitted. Criminal justice information on 
PORTPASS participants will be updated regularly, and the results will be 
checked electronically at the time of each approved participant's use of 
PORTPASS. Notwithstanding the provisions of 8 CFR part 264, fingerprints 
on Form FD-258 or in the manner prescribed by the Service may be 
required.
    (4) Application. (i) Application for PORTPASS access shall be made 
on Form I-823, Application--Alternative Inspection Services. 
Applications may be submitted during regular working hours at the 
principal Port-of-Entry having jurisdiction over the Port-of-Entry for 
which the applicant requests access. Applications may also be submitted 
by mail.
    (ii) Each person seeking PORTPASS access must file a separate 
application.
    (iii) The number of persons and vehicles which can use a DCL is 
limited numerically by the technology of the system. For this reason, 
distribution of applications at each POE may be limited.
    (iv) Applications must be supported by evidence of citizenship, and, 
in the case of lawful permanent residents of the United States, evidence 
of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Alien 
applicants required to possess a valid visa must present documentation 
establishing such possession and any other documentation as required by 
the Act at the time of the application, and must be in possession of 
such documentation at the time of each entry, and at all times while 
present in the United States. Evidence of residency must be submitted by 
all applicants. Evidence of employment may be required to be furnished 
by the applicant. A current valid driver's license, and evidence of 
vehicle registration and insurance for the vehicle which will be 
occupied by the applicant as a driver or passenger when he or she uses 
the DCL or APP must be presented to the Service prior to approval of the 
application.
    (v) A completed Form I-823 must be accompanied by the fee as 
prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(d)(7). Each PORTPASS applicant 14 years-of-age 
or older must complete the application and pay the application fee. 
Applicants under the age of 14 will be required to complete the 
application, but will not be required to pay the application fee. An 
application for a replacement PORTPASS card must be made on the Form I-
823, and filed with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(d)(7). The 
district director having jurisdiction over the POE where the applicant 
requests access may, in his or her discretion, waive the application or 
replacement fee.
    (vi) If fingerprints are required to assist in a determination of 
eligibility at that POE, the applicant will be so advised by the Service 
prior to submitting his or her application. The applicant shall also be 
informed at that time of the current Federal Bureau of Investigation fee 
for conducting a fingerprint check. This fee must be paid by the 
applicant to the Service before any processing of the application shall 
occur. The fingerprint fee may be not be waived.
    (vii) Each applicant must present himself or herself for an 
inspection and/or positive identification at a time designated by the 
Service prior to approval of the application.
    (viii) Each vehicle that a PORTPASS participant desires to register 
in PORTPASS must be inspected and approved by the Service prior to use 
in the PORTPASS system. Evidence of valid, current registration and 
vehicle insurance must be presented to the Service at the time the 
vehicle is inspected. If the vehicle is not owned by the participant, 
the participant may be required to present written permission from the 
registered owner authorizing

[[Page 555]]

use of the vehicle in the PORTPASS program throughout the PORTPASS 
registration period.
    (ix) An applicant, whether an occupant or driver, may apply to use 
more than one vehicle in the DCL. The first vehicle listed on the Form 
I-823 will be designated as the applicant's primary vehicle. The second 
vehicle, if not designated by another applicant as his or her primary 
vehicle, is subject to the additional vehicle charge as prescribed by 
the Service.
    (x) An application may be denied in the discretion of the district 
director having jurisdiction over the POE where the applicant requests 
access. Notice of such denial shall be given to the applicant. There is 
no appeal from the denial, but denial is without prejudice to reapplying 
for this or any other Service benefit. Re-applications, or applications 
following revocation of permission to use the lane, will not be 
considered by the Service until 90 days have passed following the date 
of denial or revocation. Criteria which will be considered in the 
decision to approve or deny the application include the following: 
admissibility to the United States and documentation so evidencing, 
criminal history and/or evidence of criminality, purpose of travel, 
employment, residency, prior immigration history, possession of current 
driver's license, vehicle insurance and registration, and vehicle 
inspection.
    (xi) Applications approved by the Service will entitle the applicant 
to seek entry via a designated PORTPASS Program POE for a period of 2 
years from the date of approval of the application unless approval is 
otherwise withdrawn. An application for a replacement card will not 
extend the initial period of approval.
    (5) By applying for and participating in the PORTPASS program, each 
approved participant acknowledges and agrees to all of the following:
    (i) The installation and/or use of, in the vehicle approved for use 
in the PORTPASS program, any and all decals, devices, technology or 
other methodology deemed necessary by the Service to ensure inspection 
of the person(s) seeking entry through a DCL, in addition to any fee 
and/or monetary deposit assessed by the Service pending return of any 
and all such decals, devices, technology, and other methodology in 
undamaged condition.
    (ii) That all devices, decals, or other equipment, methodology, or 
technology used to identify or inspect persons or vehicles seeking entry 
via any PORTPASS program remains the property of the United States 
Government at all times, and must be surrendered upon request by the 
Service. Each participant agrees to abide by the terms set forth by the 
Service for use of any device, decal, or other equipment, method or 
technology.
    (iii) The payment of a system costs fee as determined by the Service 
to be necessary to cover the costs of implementing, maintaining, and 
operating the PORTPASS program.
    (iv) That each occupant of a vehicle applying for entry through 
PORTPASS must have current approval from the Service to apply for entry 
through the PORTPASS program in that vehicle.
    (v) That a participant must be in possession of any authorization 
document(s) issued for PORTPASS access and any other entry document(s) 
as required by the Act or by regulation at the time of each entry to the 
United States.
    (vi) That a participant must positively identify himself or herself 
in the manner prescribed by the Service at the time of each application 
for entry via the PORTPASS.
    (vii) That each use of PORTPASS constitutes a separate application 
for entry to the United States by the alien participant.
    (viii) That each participant agrees to be responsible for all 
contents of the vehicle that he or she occupies when using PORTPASS.
    (ix) That a participant may not import merchandise or transport 
controlled or restricted items using PORTPASS. The entry of any 
merchandise or goods must be in accordance with the laws and regulations 
of all other Federal inspection agencies.
    (x) That a participant must abide by all Federal, state and local 
laws regarding the importation of alcohol or agricultural products or 
the importation or possession of controlled substances as defined in 
section 101 of the

[[Page 556]]

Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. Sec.  802).
    (xi) That a participant will be subject to random checks or 
inspections that may be conducted by the Service at any time and at any 
location, to ensure compliance.
    (xii) That current vehicle registration and, if applicable, current 
permission to use the vehicle in PORTPASS, and evidence of current 
vehicle insurance, shall be in the vehicle at all times during use of 
PORTPASS.
    (xiii) Participant agrees to notify the Service if a vehicle 
approved for use in a PORTPASS program is sold, stolen, damaged, or 
disposed of otherwise. If a vehicle is sold, it is the responsibility of 
the participant to remove or obliterate any identifying device or other 
authorization for participation in the program or at the time of sale 
unless otherwise notified by the Service. If any license plates are 
replaced on an enrolled vehicle, the participant must submit a properly 
executed Form I-823, without fee, prior to use of the vehicle in the 
PORTPASS program.
    (xiv) That APP-approved participants who wish to enter the United 
States through a POE other than one designated as an APP through which 
they may pass must present themselves for inspection or examination by 
an immigration officer during normal business hours. Entry to the United 
States during hours when a Port of Entry is not staffed may be made only 
through a POE designated as an APP.
    (b) Violation of condition of the PORTPASS program. A PORTPASS 
program participant who violates any condition of the PORTPASS program, 
or who has violated any immigration law or regulation, or a law or 
regulation of the United States Customs Service or other Federal 
Inspection Service, or who is otherwise determined by an immigration 
officer to be inadmissible to the United States or ineligible to 
participate in PORTPASS, may have the PORTPASS access revoked at the 
discretion of the district director or the chief patrol agent and may be 
subject to other applicable sanctions, such as criminal and/or 
administrative prosecution or deportation, as well as possible seizure 
of goods and/or vehicles.
    (c) Judicial review. Nothing in this section is intended to create 
any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable in law or 
equity by a party against the Department of Justice, the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service, their officers or any employees of the 
Department of Justice.

[61 FR 53831, Oct. 16, 1996. Redesignated at 62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997; 
68 FR 10145, Mar. 4, 2003; 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  235.8  Inadmissibility on security and related grounds.

    (a) Report. When an immigration officer or an immigration judge 
suspects that an arriving alien appears to be inadmissible under section 
212(a)(3)(A) (other than clause (ii)), (B), or (C) of the Act, the 
immigration officer or immigration judge shall order the alien removed 
and report the action promptly to the district director who has 
administrative jurisdiction over the place where the alien has arrived 
or where the hearing is being held. The immigration officer shall, if 
possible, take a brief sworn question-and-answer statement from the 
alien, and the alien shall be notified by personal service of Form I-
147, Notice of Temporary Inadmissibility, of the action taken and the 
right to submit a written statement and additional information for 
consideration by the Attorney General. The district director shall 
forward the report to the regional director for further action as 
provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Action by regional director. (1) In accordance with section 
235(c)(2)(B) of the Act, the regional director may deny any further 
inquiry or hearing by an immigration judge and order the alien removed 
by personal service of Form I-148, Notice of Permanent Inadmissibility, 
or issue any other order disposing of the case that the regional 
director considers appropriate.
    (2) If the regional director concludes that the case does not meet 
the criteria contained in section 235(c)(2)(B) of the Act, the regional 
director may direct that:
    (i) An immigration officer shall conduct a further examination of 
the alien, concerning the alien's admissibility; or,

[[Page 557]]

    (ii) The alien's case be referred to an immigration judge for a 
hearing, or for the continuation of any prior hearing.
    (3) The regional director's decision shall be in writing and shall 
be signed by the regional director. Unless the written decision contains 
confidential information, the disclosure of which would be prejudicial 
to the public interest, safety, or security of the United States, the 
written decision shall be served on the alien. If the written decision 
contains such confidential information, the alien shall be served with a 
separate written order showing the disposition of the case, but with the 
confidential information deleted.
    (4) The Service shall not execute a removal order under this section 
under circumstances that violate section 241(b)(3) of the Act or Article 
3 of the Convention Against Torture. The provisions of part 208 of this 
chapter relating to consideration or review by an immigration judge, the 
Board of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer shall not apply.
    (c) Finality of decision. The regional director's decision under 
this section is final when it is served upon the alien in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(3) of this section. There is no administrative appeal 
from the regional director's decision.
    (d) Hearing by immigration judge. If the regional director directs 
that an alien subject to removal under this section be given a hearing 
or further hearing before an immigration judge, the hearing and all 
further proceedings in the matter shall be conducted in accordance with 
the provisions of section 240 of the Act and other applicable sections 
of the Act to the same extent as though the alien had been referred to 
an immigration judge by the examining immigration officer. In a case 
where the immigration judge ordered the alien removed pursuant to 
paragraph (a) of this section, the Service shall refer the case back to 
the immigration judge and proceedings shall be automatically reopened 
upon receipt of the notice of referral. If confidential information, not 
previously considered in the matter, is presented supporting the 
inadmissibility of the alien under section 212(a)(3)(A) (other than 
clause (ii)), (B) or (C) of the Act, the disclosure of which, in the 
discretion of the immigration judge, may be prejudicial to the public 
interest, safety, or security, the immigration judge may again order the 
alien removed under the authority of section 235(c) of the Act and 
further action shall be taken as provided in this section.
    (e) Nonapplicability. The provisions of this section shall apply 
only to arriving aliens, as defined in 8 CFR 1.2. Aliens present in the 
United States who have not been admitted or paroled may be subject to 
proceedings under Title V of the Act.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999; 76 
FR 53790, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  235.9  Northern Marianas identification card.

    During the two-year period that ended July 1, 1990, the Service 
issued Northern Marianas Identification Cards to aliens who acquired 
United States citizenship when the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United 
States entered into force on November 3, 1986. These cards remain valid 
as evidence of United States citizenship. Although the Service no longer 
issues these cards, a United States citizen to whom a card was issued 
may file Form I-777, Application for Issuance or Replacement of Northern 
Marianas Card, to obtain replacement of a lost, stolen, or mutilated 
Northern Marianas Identification Card.

[62 FR 10359, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  235.10  U.S. Citizen Identification Card.

    (a) General. Form I-197, U.S. Citizen Identification Card, is no 
longer issued by the Service but valid existing cards will continue to 
be acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship. Possession of the 
identification card is not mandatory for any purpose. A U.S. Citizen 
Identification Card remains the property of the United States. Because 
the identification card is no longer issued, there are no provisions for 
replacement cards.
    (b) Surrender and voidance--(1) Institution of proceeding under 
section 240 or 342 of the Act. A U.S. Citizen Identification

[[Page 558]]

Card must be surrendered provisionally to a Service office upon 
notification by the district director that a proceeding under section 
240 or 342 of the Act is being instituted against the person to whom the 
card was issued. The card shall be returned to the person if the final 
order in the proceeding does not result in voiding the card under this 
paragraph. A U.S. Citizen Identification Card is automatically void if 
the person to whom it was issued is determined to be an alien in a 
proceeding conducted under section 240 of the Act, or if a certificate, 
document, or record relating to that person is canceled under section 
342 of the Act.
    (2) Investigation of validity of identification card. A U.S. Citizen 
Identification Card must be surrendered provisionally upon notification 
by a district director that the validity of the card is being 
investigated. The card shall be returned to the person who surrendered 
it if the investigation does not result in a determination adverse to 
his or her claim to be a United States citizen. When an investigation 
results in a tentative determination adverse to the applicant's claim to 
be a United States citizen, the applicant shall be notified by certified 
mail directed to his or her last known address. The notification shall 
inform the applicant of the basis for the determination and of the 
intention of the district director to declare the card void unless 
within 30 days the applicant objects and demands an opportunity to see 
and rebut the adverse evidence. Any rebuttal, explanation, or evidence 
presented by the applicant must be included in the record of proceeding. 
The determination whether the applicant is a United States citizen must 
be based on the entire record and the applicant shall be notified of the 
determination. If it is determined that the applicant is not a United 
States citizen, the applicant shall be notified of the reasons, and the 
card deemed void. There is no appeal from the district director's 
decision.
    (3) Admission of alienage. A U.S. Citizen Identification Card is 
void if the person to whom it was issued admits in a statement signed 
before an immigration officer that he or she is an alien and consents to 
the voidance of the card. Upon signing the statement the card must be 
surrendered to the immigration officer.
    (4) Surrender of void card. A void U.S. Citizen Identification Card 
which has not been returned to the Service must be surrendered without 
delay to an immigration officer or to the issuing office of the Service.
    (c) U.S. Citizen Identification Card previously issued on Form I-
179. A valid Form I-179, U.S. Citizen Identification Card, continues to 
be valid subject to the provisions of this section.

[62 FR 10359, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  235.11  Admission of conditional permanent residents.

    (a) General--(1) Conditional residence based on family relationship. 
An alien seeking admission to the United States with an immigrant visa 
as the spouse or son or daughter of a United States citizen or lawful 
permanent resident shall be examined to determine whether the conditions 
of section 216 of the Act apply. If so, the alien shall be admitted 
conditionally for a period of 2 years. At the time of admission, the 
alien shall be notified that the alien and his or her petitioning spouse 
must file a Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, 
within the 90-day period immediately preceding the second anniversary of 
the alien's admission for permanent residence.
    (2) Conditional residence based on entrepreneurship. An alien 
seeking admission to the United States with an immigrant visa as an 
alien entrepreneur (as defined in section 216A(f)(1) of the Act) or the 
spouse or unmarried minor child of an alien entrepreneur shall be 
admitted conditionally for a period of 2 years. At the time of 
admission, the alien shall be notified that the principal alien 
(entrepreneur) must file a Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to 
Remove Conditions, within the 90-day period immediately preceding the 
second anniversary of the alien's admission for permanent residence.
    (b) Correction of endorsement on immigrant visa. If the alien is 
subject to the provisions of section 216 of the Act, but the 
classification endorsed on the immigrant visa does not so indicate, the 
endorsement shall be corrected and the

[[Page 559]]

alien shall be admitted as a lawful permanent resident on a conditional 
basis, if otherwise admissible. Conversely, if the alien is not subject 
to the provisions of section 216 of the Act, but the visa classification 
endorsed on the immigrant visa indicates that the alien is subject 
thereto (e.g., if the second anniversary of the marriage upon which the 
immigrant visa is based occurred after the issuance of the visa and 
prior to the alien's application for admission) the endorsement on the 
visa shall be corrected and the alien shall be admitted as a lawful 
permanent resident without conditions, if otherwise admissible.
    (c) Expired conditional permanent resident status. The lawful 
permanent resident alien status of a conditional resident automatically 
terminates if the conditional basis of such status is not removed by the 
Service through approval of a Form I-751, Petition to Remove the 
Conditions on Residence or, in the case of an alien entrepreneur (as 
defined in section 216A(f)(1) of the Act), Form I-829, Petition by 
Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. Therefore, an alien who is seeking 
admission as a returning resident subsequent to the second anniversary 
of the date on which conditional residence was obtained (except as 
provided in Sec.  211.1(b)(1) of this chapter) and whose conditional 
basis of such residence has not been removed pursuant to section 216(c) 
or 216A(c) of the Act, whichever is applicable, shall be placed under 
removal proceedings. However, in a case where conditional residence was 
based on a marriage, removal proceedings may be terminated and the alien 
may be admitted as a returning resident if the required Form I-751 is 
filed jointly, or by the alien alone (if appropriate), and approved by 
the Service. In the case of an alien entrepreneur, removal proceedings 
may be terminated and the alien admitted as a returning resident if the 
required Form I-829 is filed by the alien entrepreneur and approved by 
the Service.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  235.12  Global Entry program.

    (a) Program description. The Global Entry program is a voluntary 
international trusted traveler program consisting of an integrated 
passenger processing system that expedites the movement of low-risk air 
travelers into the United States by providing an alternate inspection 
process for pre-approved, pre-screened travelers. In order to 
participate, a person must meet the eligibility requirements specified 
in this section, apply in advance, undergo pre-screening by CBP, and be 
accepted into the program. The Global Entry program allows participants 
expedited entry into the United States at selected airports identified 
by CBP at www.globalentry.gov. Participants will be processed through 
the use of CBP-approved technology that will include the use of 
biometrics to validate identity and to perform enforcement queries.
    (b) Program eligibility criteria--(1) Eligible individuals. The 
following individuals, who hold a valid, machine-readable passport, a 
valid, machine-readable U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Form I-
551), or other appropriate travel document as determined by CBP, may 
apply to participate in Global Entry:
    (i) U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent 
residents absent any of the disqualifying factors described in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Certain nonimmigrant aliens from countries that have entered 
into arrangements with CBP concerning international trusted traveler 
programs absent any of the disqualifying factors described in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, and subject to the conditions set forth in the 
particular arrangement. Individuals from a country that has entered into 
such an arrangement with CBP may be eligible to apply for participation 
in Global Entry only after CBP announces the arrangement by publication 
of a notice in the Federal Register. The notice will include the 
country, the scope of eligibility of nonimmigrant aliens from that 
country (e.g., whether only citizens of the foreign country or citizens 
and non-citizens are eligible) and other conditions that may apply based 
on the terms of the arrangement. CBP may change or terminate these 
arrangements without prior notice to the public, but will announce such 
actions as soon as practicable on

[[Page 560]]

www.globalentry.gov and by publication of a notice in the Federal 
Register.
    (iii) Persons under the age of 18 who meet the eligibility criteria 
of paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section must have the consent of 
a parent or legal guardian to participate in Global Entry and provide 
proof of such consent in accordance with CBP instructions.
    (2) Disqualifying factors. An individual is ineligible to 
participate in Global Entry if CBP, at its sole discretion, determines 
that the individual presents a potential risk for terrorism, criminality 
(such as smuggling), or is otherwise not a low-risk traveler. This risk 
determination will be based in part upon an applicant's ability to 
demonstrate past compliance with laws, regulations, and policies. 
Reasons why an applicant may not qualify for participation include:
    (i) The applicant provides false or incomplete information on the 
application;
    (ii) The applicant has been arrested for, or convicted of, any 
criminal offense or has pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants 
in any country;
    (iii) The applicant has been found in violation of any customs, 
immigration, or agriculture regulations, procedures, or laws in any 
country;
    (iv) The applicant is the subject of an investigation by any 
federal, state, or local law enforcement agency in any country;
    (v) The applicant is inadmissible to the United States under 
applicable immigration laws or has, at any time, been granted a waiver 
of inadmissibility or parole;
    (vi) The applicant is known or suspected of being or having been 
engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or 
related to terrorism; or
    (vii) The applicant cannot satisfy CBP of his or her low-risk status 
or meet other program requirements.
    (c) Participating airports. The Global Entry program allows 
participants expedited entry into the United States at the locations 
identified at www.globalentry.gov. Expansions of the Global Entry 
program to new airports will be announced by publication in the Federal 
Register and at www.globalentry.gov.
    (d) Program application. (1) Each applicant must complete and submit 
the program application electronically through an approved application 
process as determined by CBP. The application and application 
instructions for the Global Entry program are available at 
www.globalentry.gov.
    (2) Each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee in the amount set 
forth at 8 CFR 103.7(d)(13) for ``Global Entry'' at the time of 
application. The fee is to be paid to CBP at the time of application 
through the Federal Government's on-line payment system, Pay.gov or 
other CBP-approved process.
    (3) Every applicant accepted into Global Entry is accepted for a 
period of 5 years provided participation is not suspended or terminated 
by CBP prior to the end of the 5-year period. Each applicant may apply 
to renew participation up to one year prior to the close of the 
participation period.
    (4) Each applicant may check the status of his or her application 
through his or her account with the application system in use for Global 
Entry.
    (e) Interview and enrollment. (1) After submitting the application, 
the applicant will be notified by CBP to schedule an in-person interview 
at a Global Entry enrollment center.
    (2) Each applicant must bring to the interview with CBP the original 
of the identification document specified in his or her application. 
During the interview, CBP will collect biometric information from the 
applicant (e.g., a set of ten fingerprints and/or digital photograph) to 
conduct background checks or as otherwise required for participation in 
the program.
    (3) CBP may provide for alternative enrollment procedures, as 
necessary, to facilitate enrollment and ensure an applicant's 
eligibility for the program.
    (f) Valid machine-readable passport or valid lawful permanent 
resident card. Each participant must possess a valid, machine-readable 
passport, a valid, machine-readable U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Card 
(Form I-551), or other appropriate travel document as determined by CBP.

[[Page 561]]

    (g) Arrival procedures. In order to utilize the Global Entry program 
upon arrival in the United States, each participant must:
    (1) Use the Global Entry kiosk and follow the on-screen 
instructions;
    (2) Declare all articles being brought into the United States 
pursuant to 19 CFR 148.11. A Global Entry participant will be redirected 
to the nearest open passport control primary inspection station if the 
participant declares any of the following:
    (i) Commercial merchandise or commercial samples, or items that 
exceed the applicable personal exemption amount;
    (ii) More than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments 
(checks, money orders, etc.), or foreign equivalent in any form; or
    (iii) Restricted/prohibited goods, such as agricultural products, 
firearms, mace, pepper spray, endangered animals, birds, controlled 
substances, fireworks, Cuban goods, and plants.
    (h) Application for entry, examination and inspection. Each 
successful use of Global Entry constitutes a separate and completed 
inspection and application for entry by the participant on the date that 
Global Entry is used. Pursuant to the enforcement provisions of 19 CFR 
Part 162, Global Entry participants may be subject to further CBP 
examination and inspection at any time during the arrival process.
    (i) Pilot participant enrollment. Upon implementation of the Global 
Entry Program, participants in the Global Entry pilot will be 
automatically enrolled in the Global Entry Program for 5 years from the 
date of enrollment in the pilot.
    (j) Denial, removal and suspension. (1) If an applicant is denied 
participation in Global Entry, CBP will notify the applicant of the 
denial, and the reasons for the denial. CBP will also provide 
instructions regarding how to proceed if the applicant wishes to seek 
additional information as to the reason for the denial.
    (2) A Global Entry participant may be suspended or removed from the 
program for any of the following reasons:
    (i) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant has 
engaged in any disqualifying activities under the Global Entry program 
as outlined in Sec.  235.12(b)(2);
    (ii) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
provided false information in the application and/or during the 
application process;
    (iii) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
failed to follow the terms, conditions and requirements of the program;
    (iv) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
has been arrested or convicted of a crime or otherwise no longer meets 
the program eligibility criteria; or
    (v) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that such action is 
otherwise necessary.
    (3) CBP will notify the participant of his or her suspension or 
removal in writing. Such suspension or removal is effective immediately.
    (4) An applicant or participant denied, suspended, or removed does 
not receive a refund, in whole or in part, of his or her application 
processing fee.
    (k) Redress. An individual whose application is denied or whose 
participation is suspended or terminated has three possible methods for 
redress. These processes do not create or confer any legal right, 
privilege or benefit on the applicant or participant, and are wholly 
discretionary on the part of CBP. The methods of redress are:
    (l) Enrollment center. The applicant/participant may contest his or 
her denial, suspension or removal by writing to the enrollment center 
where that individual's interview was conducted. The enrollment center 
addresses are available at www.globalentry.gov. The letter must be 
received by CBP within 30 calendar days of the date provided as the date 
of suspension or removal. The individual should write on the envelope 
``Redress Request RE: Global Entry.'' The letter should address any 
facts or conduct listed in the notification from CBP as contributing to 
the denial, suspension or removal and why the applicant/participant 
believes the reason for the action is invalid. If the applicant/
participant believes that the denial, suspension or revocation was based 
upon inaccurate information, the individual should also include any 
reasonably available supporting documentation with the letter. After 
review, CBP

[[Page 562]]

will inform the individual of its redress decision. If the individual's 
request for redress is successful, the individual's eligibility to 
participate in Global Entry will resume immediately.
    (2) DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). The applicant/
participant may choose to initiate the redress process through DHS TRIP. 
An applicant/participant seeking redress may obtain the necessary forms 
and information to initiate the process on the DHS TRIP Web site at 
www.dhs.gov/trip, or by contacting DHS TRIP by mail at the address on 
this Web site.
    (3) Ombudsman. Applicants (including applicants who were not 
scheduled for an interview at an enrollment center) and participants may 
contest a denial, suspension or removal by writing to the CBP Trusted 
Traveler Ombudsman at the address listed on the Web site 
www.globalentry.gov.

[77 FR 5690, Feb. 6, 2012, as amended at 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  235.13  U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business 
Travel Card Program.

    (a) Description. The U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 
Business Travel Card Program is a voluntary program designed to 
facilitate travel for bona fide U.S. business persons engaged in 
business in the APEC region and U.S. government officials actively 
engaged in APEC business within the APEC region. Participants will 
receive a U.S. APEC Business Travel Card that will enable them access to 
fast-track immigration lanes at participating airports in foreign APEC 
member economies. In order to obtain a U.S. APEC Business Travel Card, 
an individual must meet the eligibility requirements specified in this 
section, apply in advance, pay any requisite fee and be approved as a 
card holder. The APEC member economies are identified at http://
www.apec.org.
    (b) Program eligibility criteria--(1) Eligible individuals. An 
individual is eligible for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card if he or 
she is:
    (i) A U.S. citizen;
    (ii) An existing member in good standing of a CBP trusted traveler 
program or approved for membership in a CBP trusted traveler program 
during the application process described in paragraph (c) of this 
section. For the purpose of this section only, ``trusted traveler 
program'' is defined as a voluntary program of the Department that 
allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expedite clearance of pre-
approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States; and
    (iii) A bona fide U.S. business person engaged in business in the 
APEC region or U.S. Government official actively engaged in APEC 
business.
    (A) ``APEC business'' means U.S. government activities that support 
the work of APEC.
    (B) A ``bona fide business person engaged in business in the APEC 
region'' means a person engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of 
services, or the conduct of investment activities in the APEC region. 
Professional athletes, news correspondents, entertainers, musicians, 
artists or persons engaged in similar occupations are not considered to 
be bona fide business persons engaged in business in the APEC region.
    (2) Conditions regarding the use of the U.S. APEC Business Travel 
Card. (i) The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card is not transferable and may 
be used only by the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder and not by 
anyone else including the card holder's spouse or child.
    (ii) The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card can be used only if the card 
holder is traveling solely for business purposes to a foreign APEC 
member economy and is not engaging in paid employment in the foreign 
APEC member economy.
    (c) Application process. (1) Each applicant must complete and submit 
an application electronically through the Global Entry Enrollment System 
(GOES) or other applicable process as determined by CBP. The application 
and application instructions for the card are available as an add-on to 
the CBP trusted traveler application at www.globalentry.gov.
    (2) Each applicant must certify that he or she is an existing member 
in good standing in a CBP trusted traveler program or that he or she has 
submitted an application to a CBP trusted traveler program; that he or 
she is a bona fide U.S. business person engaged in

[[Page 563]]

business in the APEC region or U.S. Government official actively engaged 
in APEC business; and, that he or she is not a professional athlete, 
news correspondent, entertainer, musician, artist or person engaged in a 
similar occupation.
    (3) Each applicant must provide his or her signature so that the 
signature will appear on the face of the card.
    (4) If the applicant is not a member of a CBP trusted traveler 
program, the applicant must concurrently apply for membership in a CBP 
trusted traveler program and be approved for such membership. Applicants 
for a CBP trusted traveler program must have an in-person interview, 
undergo a vetting process and pay the relevant CBP trusted traveler fee. 
Active membership in a CBP trusted traveler program is necessary for the 
entire duration of the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card. If membership in 
the CBP trusted traveler program is set to lapse before the U.S. APEC 
Business Travel Card expires, the individual must renew his or her CBP 
trusted traveler membership prior to its expiration date in order to 
retain membership in the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card Program.
    (5) Each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee in the amount set 
forth at 8 CFR 103.7(d)(14) for ``U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 
(APEC) Business Travel Card'' at the time of application. The fee is to 
be paid to CBP at the time of application through the Federal 
Government's on-line payment system, Pay.gov or other CBP-approved 
process.
    (6) The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card is valid for a period of five 
years or until the expiration date of the card holder's passport if that 
is earlier, provided that membership is not terminated by CBP prior to 
the end of this period. CBP can terminate use of the U.S. APEC Business 
Travel Card if the card holder is no longer a member of a CBP trusted 
traveler program or if the individual is not compliant with the program 
requirements. Each applicant may apply to renew the card prior to its 
expiration.
    (d) Expedited entry privileges. The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card 
will enable card holders access to a dedicated fast-track lane for 
expedited immigration processing at participating airports in foreign 
APEC member economies.
    (e) Entry requirements. U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holders must 
present any travel or identity documentation, such as a passport and 
visa, required by the foreign APEC member economies.
    (f) Denial and removal. (1) If an applicant is denied a U.S. APEC 
Business Travel Card, CBP will notify the applicant of the denial, and 
the reasons for the denial. CBP will also provide instructions regarding 
how to proceed if the applicant wishes to seek additional information as 
to the reason for the denial.
    (2) A U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder may be removed from the 
U.S. APEC Business Travel Card Program if CBP determines at its sole 
discretion that:
    (i) The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder provided false 
information in the application and/or during the application process;
    (ii) The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder failed to follow the 
terms, conditions and requirements of the program (including continued 
active membership in a CBP trusted traveler program);
    (iii) The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder has been arrested or 
convicted of a crime or otherwise no longer meets the program 
eligibility criteria; or
    (iv) Such action is otherwise necessary.
    (3) CBP will notify the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder of his 
or her removal in writing. Such removal is effective immediately.
    (4) A U.S. APEC Business Travel Card applicant or a U.S. APEC 
Business Travel Card holder who is denied or removed will not receive a 
refund, in whole or in part, of the application fee.
    (g) Redress. An individual whose application is denied or whose 
participation is terminated has two possible methods of redress. These 
processes do not create or confer any legal right, privilege, or benefit 
on the applicant or participant, and are wholly discretionary on the 
part of CBP. The methods of redress are:
    (1) Enrollment center. If the applicant or participant applied 
concurrently for

[[Page 564]]

the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card and a CBP trusted traveler program, 
the applicant or participant may contest his or her denial or removal by 
writing to the enrollment center where that individual's CBP trusted 
traveler program interview was conducted. If the applicant or 
participant was already a member of a CBP trusted traveler program, the 
applicant or participant may contest his or her denial or removal by 
writing to the enrollment center where that individual's signature was 
collected for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card. The enrollment center 
addresses are available at www.globalentry.gov, http://
www.globalentry.gov/nexus.html and http://www.globalentry.gov/
sentri.html. The letter must be received by CBP within 30 calendar days 
of the date provided as the date of removal. The individual should write 
on the envelope ``Redress Request RE: U.S. APEC Business Travel Card.'' 
The letter should address any facts or conduct listed in the 
notification from CBP as contributing to the denial or removal and why 
the applicant or participant believes the reason for the action is 
invalid. If the applicant or participant believes that the denial or 
removal was based upon inaccurate information, the individual should 
also include any reasonably available supporting documentation with the 
letter. After review, CBP will inform the individual of its redress 
decision. If the individual's request for redress is successful, the 
individual's eligibility to be a U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holder 
will continue immediately.
    (2) Ombudsman. Applicants and participants may contest a denial or 
removal by writing to the CBP Trusted Traveler Ombudsman at the address 
listed on the Web site www.globalentry.gov.

[79 FR 27174, May 13, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 84415, Nov. 23, 2016; 84 
FR 27707, June 14, 2019; 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



PART 236_APPREHENSION AND DETENTION OF INADMISSIBLE AND DEPORTABLE ALIENS; 
REMOVAL OF ALIENS ORDERED REMOVED--Table of Contents



         Subpart A_Detention of Aliens Prior to Order of Removal

Sec.
236.1 Apprehension, custody, and detention.
236.2 Confined aliens, incompetents, and minors.
236.3 Processing, detention, and release of alien minors.
236.4 Removal of S-5, S-6, and S-7 nonimmigrants.
236.5 Fingerprints and photographs.
236.6 Information regarding detainees.
236.7-236.9 [Reserved]

                     Subpart B_Family Unity Program

236.10 Description of program.
236.11 Definitions.
236.12 Eligibility.
236.13 Ineligible aliens.
236.14 Filing.
236.15 Voluntary departure and eligibility for employment.
236.16 Travel outside the United States.
236.17 Eligibility for Federal financial assistance programs.
236.18 Termination of Family Unity Program benefits.

            Subpart C_Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

236.21 Applicability.
236.22 Discretionary determination.
236.23 Procedures for request, terminations, and restrictions on 
          information use.
236.24 Severability.
236.25 No private rights.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a; 6 U.S.C. 112(a)(2), 112(a)(3), 
112(b)(1), 112(e), 202, 251, 279, 291; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1224, 1225, 
1226, 1227, 1231, 1232, 1324a, 1357, 1362, 1611; 18 U.S.C. 4002, 
4013(c)(4); 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



         Subpart A_Detention of Aliens Prior to Order of Removal



Sec.  236.1  Apprehension, custody, and detention.

    (a) Detainers. The issuance of a detainer under this section shall 
be governed by the provisions of Sec.  287.7 of this chapter.

[[Page 565]]

    (b) Warrant of arrest--(1) In general. At the time of issuance of 
the notice to appear, or at any time thereafter and up to the time 
removal proceedings are completed, the respondent may be arrested and 
taken into custody under the authority of Form I-200, Warrant of Arrest. 
A warrant of arrest may be issued only by those immigration officers 
listed in Sec.  287.5(e)(2) of this chapter and may be served only by 
those immigration officers listed in Sec.  287.5(e)(3) of this chapter.
    (2) If, after the issuance of a warrant of arrest, a determination 
is made not to serve it, any officer authorized to issue such warrant 
may authorize its cancellation.
    (c) Custody issues and release procedures--(1) In general. (i) After 
the expiration of the Transition Period Custody Rules (TPCR) set forth 
in section 303(b)(3) of Div. C of Pub. L. 104-208, no alien described in 
section 236(c)(1) of the Act may be released from custody during removal 
proceedings except pursuant to section 236(c)(2) of the Act.
    (ii) Paragraph (c)(2) through (c)(8) of this section shall govern 
custody determinations for aliens subject to the TPCR while they remain 
in effect. For purposes of this section, an alien ``subject to the 
TPCR'' is an alien described in section 303(b)(3)(A) of Div. C of Pub. 
L. 104-208 who is in deportation proceedings, subject to a final order 
of deportation, or in removal proceedings. The TPCR do not apply to 
aliens in exclusion proceedings under former section 236 of the Act, 
aliens in expedited removal proceedings under section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act, or aliens subject to a final order of removal.
    (2) Aliens not lawfully admitted. Subject to paragraph (c)(6)(i) of 
this section, but notwithstanding any other provision within this 
section, an alien subject to the TPCR who is not lawfully admitted is 
not eligible to be considered for release from custody.
    (i) An alien who remains in status as an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence, conditionally admitted for permanent residence, or 
lawfully admitted for temporary residence is ``lawfully admitted'' for 
purposes of this section.
    (ii) An alien in removal proceedings, in deportation proceedings, or 
subject to a final order of deportation, and not described in paragraph 
(c)(2)(i) of this section, is not ``lawfully admitted'' for purposes of 
this section unless the alien last entered the United States lawfully 
and is not presently an applicant for admission to the United States.
    (3) Criminal aliens eligible to be considered for release. Except as 
provided in this section, or otherwise provided by law, an alien subject 
to the TPCR may be considered for release from custody if lawfully 
admitted. Such an alien must first demonstrate, by clear and convincing 
evidence, that release would not pose a danger to the safety of other 
persons or of property. If an alien meets this burden, the alien must 
further demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, that the alien is 
likely to appear for any scheduled proceeding (including any appearance 
required by the Service or EOIR) in order to be considered for release 
in the exercise of discretion.
    (4) Criminal aliens ineligible to be considered for release except 
in certain special circumstances. An alien, other than an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence, subject to section 303(b)(3)(A) (ii) 
or (iii) of Div. C. of Pub. L. 104-208 is ineligible to be considered 
for release if the alien:
    (i) Is described in section 241(a)(2)(C) of the Act (as in effect 
prior to April 1, 1997), or has been convicted of a crime described in 
section 101(a)(43)(B), (E)(ii) or (F) of the Act (as in effect on April 
1, 1997);
    (ii) Has been convicted of a crime described in section 
101(a)(43)(G) of the Act (as in effect on April 1, 1997) or a crime or 
crimes involving moral turpitude related to property, and sentenced 
therefor (including in the aggregate) to at least 3 years' imprisonment;
    (iii) Has failed to appear for an immigration proceeding without 
reasonable cause or has been subject to a bench warrant or similar legal 
process (unless quashed, withdrawn, or cancelled as improvidently 
issued);
    (iv) Has been convicted of a crime described in section 
101(a)(43)(Q) or (T) of the Act (as in effect on April 1, 1997);
    (v) Has been convicted in a criminal proceeding of a violation of 
section 273, 274, 274C, 276, or 277 of the Act, or has

[[Page 566]]

admitted the factual elements of such a violation;
    (vi) Has overstayed a period granted for voluntary departure;
    (vii) Has failed to surrender or report for removal pursuant to an 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal;
    (viii) Does not wish to pursue, or is statutorily ineligible for, 
any form of relief from exclusion, deportation, or removal under this 
chapter or the Act; or
    (ix) Is described in paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A), (B), or (C) of this 
section but has not been sentenced, including in the aggregate but not 
including any portions suspended, to at least 2 years' imprisonment, 
unless the alien was lawfully admitted and has not, since the 
commencement of proceedings and within the 10 years prior thereto, been 
convicted of a crime, failed to comply with an order to surrender or a 
period of voluntary departure, or been subject to a bench warrant or 
similar legal process (unless quashed, withdrawn, or cancelled as 
improvidently issued). An alien eligible to be considered for release 
under this paragraph must meet the burdens described in paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section in order to be released from custody in the exercise of 
discretion.
    (5) Criminal aliens ineligible to be considered for release. (i) A 
criminal alien subject to section 303(b)(3)(A)(ii) or (iii) of Div. C of 
Pub. L. 104-208 is ineligible to be considered for release if the alien 
has been sentenced, including in the aggregate but not including any 
portions suspended, to at least 2 years' imprisonment, and the alien
    (A) Is described in section 237(a)(2)(D)(i) or (ii) of the Act (as 
in effect on April 1, 1997), or has been convicted of a crime described 
in section 101(a)(43)(A), (C), (E)(i), (H), (I), (K)(iii), or (L) of the 
Act (as in effect on April 1, 1997);
    (B) Is described in section 237(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act; or
    (C) Has escaped or attempted to escape from the lawful custody of a 
local, State, or Federal prison, agency, or officer within the United 
States.
    (ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section, a 
permanent resident alien who has not, since the commencement of 
proceedings and within the 15 years prior thereto, been convicted of a 
crime, failed to comply with an order to surrender or a period of 
voluntary departure, or been subject to a bench warrant or similar legal 
process (unless quashed, withdrawn, or cancelled as improvidently 
issued), may be considered for release under paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section.
    (6) Unremovable aliens and certain long-term detainees. (i) If the 
district director determines that an alien subject to section 
303(b)(3)(A)(ii) or (iii) of Div. C of Pub. L. 104-208 cannot be removed 
from the United States because the designated country of removal or 
deportation will not accept the alien's return, the district director 
may, in the exercise of discretion, consider release of the alien from 
custody upon such terms and conditions as the district director may 
prescribe, without regard to paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of 
this section.
    (ii) The district director may also, notwithstanding paragraph 
(c)(5) of this section, consider release from custody, upon such terms 
and conditions as the district director may prescribe, of any alien 
described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section who has been in the 
Service's custody for six months pursuant to a final order of 
deportation terminating the alien's status as a lawful permanent 
resident.
    (iii) The district director may release an alien from custody under 
this paragraph only in accordance with the standards set forth in 
paragraph (c)(3) of this section and any other applicable provisions of 
law.
    (iv) The district director's custody decision under this paragraph 
shall not be subject to redetermination by an immigration judge, but, in 
the case of a custody decision under paragraph (c)(6)(ii) of this 
section, may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals pursuant to 
paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (7) Construction. A reference in this section to a provision in 
section 241 of the Act as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, shall be 
deemed to include a reference to the corresponding provision in section 
237 of the Act as in effect on April 1, 1997. A reference in this 
section

[[Page 567]]

to a ``crime'' shall be considered to include a reference to a 
conspiracy or attempt to commit such a crime. In calculating the 10-year 
period specified in paragraph (c)(4) of this section and the 15-year 
period specified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section, no period during 
which the alien was detained or incarcerated shall count toward the 
total. References in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section to the 
``district director'' shall be deemed to include a reference to any 
official designated by the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE to 
exercise custody authority over aliens covered by that paragraph. 
Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting an alien from 
seeking reconsideration of the Service's determination that the alien is 
within a category barred from release under this part.
    (8) Any officer authorized to issue a warrant of arrest may, in the 
officer's discretion, release an alien not described in section 
236(c)(1) of the Act, under the conditions at section 236(a)(2) and (3) 
of the Act; provided that the alien must demonstrate to the satisfaction 
of the officer that such release would not pose a danger to property or 
persons, and that the alien is likely to appear for any future 
proceeding. Such an officer may also, in the exercise of discretion, 
release an alien in deportation proceedings pursuant to the authority in 
section 242 of the Act (as designated prior to April 1, 1997), except as 
otherwise provided by law.
    (9) When an alien who, having been arrested and taken into custody, 
has been released, such release may be revoked at any time in the 
discretion of the district director, acting district director, deputy 
district director, assistant district director for investigations, 
assistant district director for detention and deportation, or officer in 
charge (except foreign), in which event the alien may be taken into 
physical custody and detained. If detained, unless a breach has 
occurred, any outstanding bond shall be revoked and canceled.
    (10) The provisions of Sec.  103.6 of this chapter shall apply to 
any bonds authorized. Subject to the provisions of this section, the 
provisions of Sec.  1003.19 of this chapter shall govern availability to 
the respondent of recourse to other administrative authority for release 
from custody.
    (11) An immigration judge may not exercise the authority provided in 
this section, and the review process described in paragraph (d) of this 
section shall not apply, with respect to any alien beyond the custody 
jurisdiction of the immigration judge as provided in Sec.  1003.19(h) of 
this chapter.
    (d) Appeals from custody decisions--(1) Application to immigration 
judge. After an initial custody determination by the district director, 
including the setting of a bond, the respondent may, at any time before 
an order under 8 CFR part 240 becomes final, request amelioration of the 
conditions under which he or she may be released. Prior to such final 
order, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the immigration 
judge is authorized to exercise the authority in section 236 of the Act 
(or section 242(a)(1) of the Act as designated prior to April 1, 1997 in 
the case of an alien in deportation proceedings) to detain the alien in 
custody, release the alien, and determine the amount of bond, if any, 
under which the respondent may be released, as provided in Sec.  1003.19 
of this chapter. If the alien has been released from custody, an 
application for amelioration of the terms of release must be filed 
within 7 days of release.
    (2) Application to the district director. After expiration of the 7-
day period in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the respondent may 
request review by the district director of the conditions of his or her 
release.
    (3) Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. An appeal relating 
to bond and custody determinations may be filed to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals in the following circumstances:
    (i) In accordance with Sec.  1003.38 of this chapter, the alien or 
the Service may appeal the decision of an immigration judge pursuant to 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (ii) The alien, within 10 days, may appeal from the district 
director's decision under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (4) Effect of filing an appeal. The filing of an appeal from a 
determination of

[[Page 568]]

an immigration judge or district director under this paragraph shall not 
operate to delay compliance with the order (except as provided in Sec.  
1003.19(i), nor stay the administrative proceedings or removal.
    (e) Privilege of communication. Every detained alien shall be 
notified that he or she may communicate with the consular or diplomatic 
officers of the country of his or her nationality in the United States. 
Existing treaties with the following countries require immediate 
communication with appropriate consular or diplomatic officers whenever 
nationals of the following countries are detained in removal 
proceedings, whether or not requested by the alien and even if the alien 
requests that no communication be undertaken in his or her behalf. When 
notifying consular or diplomatic officials, Service officers shall not 
reveal the fact that any detained alien has applied for asylum or 
withholding of removal.

Algeria \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Arrangements with the countries listed in 8 CFR 236.1(e) provide 
that U.S. authorities shall notify responsible representatives within 72 
hours of the arrest or detention of one of their nationals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Brunei
Bulgaria
China (People's Republic of) \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Notification is not mandatory in the case of any person who 
carries a ``Republic of China'' passport issued by Taiwan. Such persons 
should be informed without delay that the nearest office of the Taipei 
Economic and Cultural Representative Office (``TECRO''), the unofficial 
entity representing Taiwan's interests in the United States, can be 
notified at their request.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costa Rica
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Dominica
Fiji
Gambia, The
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
Hong Kong \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997, and 
is now officially referred to as the Hong Kong Special Administrative 
Region, or ``S.A.R.'' Under paragraph 3(f)(2) of the March 25, 1997, 
U.S.-China Agreement on the Maintenance of the U.S. Consulate General in 
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, U.S. officials are required 
to notify Chinese officials of the arrest or detention of the bearers of 
Hong Kong passports in the same manner as is required for bearers of 
Chinese passports--i.e., immediately, and in any event, within four days 
of the arrest or detention.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hungary
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Moldova
Mongolia
Nigeria
Philippines
Poland \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Consular communication is not mandatory for any Polish national 
who has been admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Such 
notification should only be provided upon request by a Polish national 
with permanent residency in the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Romania
Russian Federation
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent/Grenadines
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Kingdom \5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern 
Ireland and Islands and the British dependencies of Anguilla, British 
Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. 
Their residents carry British passports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S.S.R. \6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ All U.S.S.R. successor states are covered by this agreement. 
They are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and 
Uzbekistan. Although the U.S.S.R. no longer exists, the U.S.S.R is 
listed here, because some nationals of its successor states may still be 
traveling on a U.S.S.R. passport. Mandatory consular notification 
applies to any national of such a state, including one traveling on a 
U.S.S.R. passport.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 569]]

Uzbekistan
Zambia
Zimbabwe

    (f) Notification to Executive Office for Immigration Review of 
change in custody status. The Service shall notify the Immigration Court 
having administrative control over the Record of Proceeding of any 
change in custody location or of release from, or subsequent taking 
into, Service custody of a respondent/applicant pursuant to Sec.  
1003.19(g) of this chapter.
    (g) Notice of custody determination--(1) In general. At the time of 
issuance of the notice to appear, or at any time thereafter and up to 
the time removal proceedings are completed, an immigration official may 
issue a Form I-286, Notice of Custody Determination. A notice of custody 
determination may be issued by those immigration officials listed in 8 
CFR 287.5(e)(2) and may be served by those immigration officials listed 
in 8 CFR 287.5(e)(3), or other officers or employees of the Department 
or the United States who are delegated the authority to do so pursuant 
to 8 CFR 2.1.
    (2) Cancellation. If after the issuance of a notice of custody 
determination, a determination is made not to serve it, any official 
authorized to issue such notice may authorize its cancellation.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 15363, Apr. 1, 1997, as amended at 63 
FR 27449, May 19, 1998; 65 FR 80294, Dec. 21, 2000; 70 FR 67088, Nov. 4, 
2005; 72 FR 1924, Jan. 17, 2007; 81 FR 62355, Sept. 9, 2016]



Sec.  236.2  Confined aliens, incompetents, and minors.

    (a) Service. If the respondent is confined, or if he or she is an 
incompetent, or a minor under the age of 14, the notice to appear, and 
the warrant of arrest, if issued, shall be served in the manner 
prescribed in Sec.  239.1 of this chapter upon the person or persons 
specified by 8 CFR 103.8(c).
    (b) Service custody and cost of maintenance. An alien confined 
because of physical or mental disability in an institution or hospital 
shall not be accepted into physical custody by the Service until an 
order of removal has been entered and the Service is ready to remove the 
alien. When such an alien is an inmate of a public or private 
institution at the time of the commencement of the removal proceedings, 
expenses for the maintenance of the alien shall not be incurred by the 
Government until he or she is taken into physical custody by the 
Service.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 76 FR 53790, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  236.3  Processing, detention, and release of alien minors.

    (a) Generally. (1) DHS treats all minors and unaccompanied alien 
children (UACs) in its custody with dignity, respect and special concern 
for their particular vulnerability.
    (2) The provisions of this section apply to all minors in the legal 
custody of DHS, including minors who are subject to the mandatory 
detention provisions of the INA and applicable regulations, to the 
extent authorized by law.
    (b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
    (1) Minor means any alien who has not attained eighteen (18) years 
of age and has not been:
    (i) Emancipated in an appropriate state judicial proceeding; or
    (ii) Incarcerated due to a conviction for a criminal offense in 
which he or she was tried as an adult.
    (2) Special needs minor means a minor whose mental and/or physical 
condition requires special services and treatment as identified during 
an individualized needs assessment as referenced in paragraph 
(i)(4)(iii) of this section. A minor may have special needs due to drug 
or alcohol abuse, serious emotional disturbance, mental illness or 
intellectual disability, or a physical condition or chronic illness that 
requires special services or treatment. A minor who has suffered serious 
neglect or abuse may be considered a minor with special needs if the 
minor requires special services or treatment as a result of the neglect 
or abuse.

[[Page 570]]

    (3) Unaccompanied alien child (UAC) has the meaning provided in 6 
U.S.C. 279(g)(2), that is, a child who has no lawful immigration status 
in the United States and who has not attained 18 years of age; and with 
respect to whom: There is no parent or legal guardian present in the 
United States; or no parent or legal guardian in the United States is 
available to provide care and physical custody. An individual may meet 
the definition of UAC without meeting the definition of minor.
    (4) Custody means within the physical and legal control of an 
institution or person.
    (5) Emergency means an act or event (including, but not limited to, 
a natural disaster, facility fire, civil disturbance, or medical or 
public health concerns at one or more facilities) that prevents timely 
transport or placement of minors, or impacts other conditions provided 
by this section.
    (6) Escape-risk means that there is a serious risk that the minor 
will attempt to escape from custody. Factors to consider when 
determining whether a minor is an escape-risk include, but are not 
limited to, whether:
    (i) The minor is currently subject to a final order of removal;
    (ii) The minor's immigration history includes: A prior breach of 
bond, a failure to appear before DHS or the immigration courts, evidence 
that the minor is indebted to organized smugglers for his transport, or 
a voluntary departure or previous removal from the United States 
pursuant to a final order of removal; or
    (iii) The minor has previously absconded or attempted to abscond 
from state or Federal custody.
    (7) Family unit means a group of two or more aliens consisting of a 
minor or minors accompanied by his/her/their adult parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s). In determining the existence of a parental relationship or 
a legal guardianship for purposes of this definition, DHS will consider 
all available reliable evidence. If DHS determines that there is 
insufficient reliable evidence available that confirms the relationship, 
the minor will be treated as a UAC.
    (8) Family Residential Center (FRC) means a facility used by ICE for 
the detention of family units.
    (9) Licensed facility means an ICE detention facility that is 
licensed by the state, county, or municipality in which it is located, 
if such a licensing process exists. Licensed facilities shall comply 
with all applicable state child welfare laws and regulations and all 
state and local building, fire, health, and safety codes. If a licensing 
process for the detention of minors accompanied by a parent or legal 
guardian is not available in the state, county, or municipality in which 
an ICE detention facility is located, DHS shall employ an entity outside 
of DHS that has relevant audit experience to ensure compliance with the 
family residential standards established by ICE. Such audits will take 
place at the opening of a facility and on a regular, ongoing basis 
thereafter. DHS will make the results of these audits publicly 
available.
    (10) Influx means a situation in which there are, at any given time, 
more than 130 minors or UACs eligible for placement in a licensed 
facility under this section or corresponding provisions of ORR 
regulations, including those who have been so placed or are awaiting 
such placement.
    (11) Non-secure facility means a facility that meets the definition 
of non-secure under state law in the state in which the facility is 
located. If no such definition of non-secure exists under state law, a 
DHS facility shall be deemed non-secure if egress from a portion of the 
facility's building is not prohibited through internal locks within the 
building or exterior locks and egress from the facility's premises is 
not prohibited through secure fencing around the perimeter of the 
building.
    (12) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) means the U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, 
Office of Refugee Resettlement.
    (c) Age determination. (1) For purposes of exercising the 
authorities described in this part, DHS shall determine the age of an 
alien in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(4). Age determination 
decisions shall be based upon the totality of the evidence and 
circumstances.

[[Page 571]]

    (2) If a reasonable person would conclude that an individual is an 
adult, despite his or her claim to be under the age of 18, DHS may treat 
such person as an adult for all purposes, including confinement and 
release on bond, recognizance, or other conditions of release. In making 
this determination, an immigration officer may require such an 
individual to submit to a medical or dental examination conducted by a 
medical professional or other appropriate procedures to verify his or 
her age.
    (3) If an individual previously considered to have been an adult is 
subsequently determined to be under the age of 18, DHS will then treat 
such individual as a minor or UAC as prescribed by this section.
    (d) Determining whether an alien is a UAC--(1) Time of 
determination. Immigration officers will make a determination as to 
whether an alien under the age of 18 is a UAC at the time of encounter 
or apprehension and prior to the detention or release of such alien.
    (2) Aliens who are no longer UACs. When an alien previously 
determined to have been a UAC has reached the age of 18, when a parent 
or legal guardian in the United States is available to provide care and 
physical custody for such an alien, or when such alien has obtained 
lawful immigration status, the alien is no longer a UAC. An alien who is 
no longer a UAC is not eligible to receive legal protections limited to 
UACs under the relevant sections of the Act. Nothing in this paragraph 
affects USCIS' independent determination of its initial jurisdiction 
over asylum applications filed by UACs pursuant to section 208(b)(3)(C) 
of the Act.
    (3) Age-out procedures. When an alien previously determined to have 
been a UAC is no longer a UAC because he or she turns 18 years old, 
relevant ORR and ICE procedures shall apply.
    (e) Transfer of minors who are not UACs from one facility to 
another. (1) In the case of an influx or emergency, as defined in 
paragraph (b) of this section, DHS will transfer a minor who is not a 
UAC, and who does not meet the criteria for secure detention pursuant to 
paragraph (i)(1) of this section, to a licensed facility as defined in 
paragraph (b)(9) of this section, which is non-secure, as expeditiously 
as possible. Otherwise, to the extent consistent with law or court 
order, DHS will transfer such minor within three (3) days, if the minor 
was apprehended in a district in which a licensed program is located, or 
within five (5) days in all other cases.
    (2) In the case of an emergency or influx, DHS will abide by written 
guidance detailing all reasonable efforts that it will take to transfer 
all minors who are not UACs as expeditiously as possible.
    (f) Transfer of UACs from DHS to HHS. (1) All UACs apprehended by 
DHS, except those who are processed in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 
1232(a)(2), will be transferred to ORR for care, custody, and placement 
in accordance with 6 U.S.C. 279 and 8 U.S.C. 1232.
    (2) DHS will notify ORR within 48 hours upon the apprehension or 
discovery of a UAC or any claim or suspicion that an unaccompanied alien 
detained in DHS custody is under 18 years of age.
    (3) Unless exceptional circumstances are present, DHS will transfer 
custody of a UAC as soon as practicable after receiving notification of 
an ORR placement, but no later than 72 hours after determining that the 
minor is a UAC per paragraph (d) of this section. In the case of 
exceptional circumstances, DHS will abide by written guidance detailing 
the efforts that it will take to transfer all UACs as required by law.
    (4) The following relate to the conditions of transfer of UACs with 
unrelated detained adults:
    (i) UACs will not generally be transported with unrelated detained 
adults. A UAC will not be transported with an unrelated detained 
adult(s) unless the UAC is being transported from the place of 
apprehension to a DHS facility or if separate transportation is 
otherwise impractical or unavailable.
    (ii) When separate transportation is impractical or unavailable, 
necessary precautions will be taken to ensure the UAC's safety, 
security, and well-being. If a UAC is transported with any unrelated 
detained adult(s), DHS will separate the UAC from the unrelated adult(s) 
to the extent operationally feasible and take necessary precautions for 
protection of the UAC's safety, security, and well-being.

[[Page 572]]

    (g) DHS procedures in the apprehension and processing of minors or 
UACs--(1) Processing--(i) Notice of rights and request for disposition. 
Every minor or UAC who enters DHS custody, including minors and UACs who 
request voluntary departure or request to withdraw their application for 
admission, will be issued a Form I-770, Notice of Rights and Request for 
Disposition, which will include a statement that the minor or UAC may 
make a telephone call to a parent, close relative, or friend. The notice 
shall be provided, read, or explained to the minor or UAC in a language 
and manner that he or she understands. In the event that a minor or UAC 
is no longer amenable to voluntary departure or to a withdrawal of an 
application for admission, the minor or UAC will be issued a new Form I-
770 or the Form I-770 will be updated, as needed.
    (ii) Notice of Right to Judicial Review. Every minor who is not a 
UAC who is transferred to or remains in a DHS detention facility will be 
provided with a Notice of Right to Judicial Review, which informs the 
minor of his or her right to seek judicial review in United States 
District Court with jurisdiction and venue over the matter if the minor 
believes that his or her detention does not comply with the terms of 
paragraph (i) of this section. The Notice shall be read and explained to 
the minor in a language and manner that he or she understands.
    (iii) Current list of counsel. Every minor who is not a UAC who is 
transferred to or remains in a DHS detention facility will be provided 
the free legal service provider list, prepared pursuant to section 
239(b)(2) of the Act.
    (2) DHS custodial care immediately following apprehension. (i) 
Following the apprehension of a minor or UAC, DHS will process the minor 
or UAC as expeditiously as possible. Consistent with 6 CFR 115.114, 
minors and UACs shall be held in the least restrictive setting 
appropriate to the minor or UAC's age and special needs, provided that 
such setting is consistent with the need to protect the minor or UAC's 
well-being and that of others, as well as with any other laws, 
regulations, or legal requirements. DHS will hold minors and UACs in 
facilities that are safe and sanitary and that are consistent with DHS's 
concern for their particular vulnerability. Facilities will provide 
access to toilets and sinks, drinking water and food as appropriate, 
access to emergency medical assistance as needed, and adequate 
temperature and ventilation. DHS will provide adequate supervision and 
will provide contact with family members arrested with the minor or UAC 
in consideration of the safety and well-being of the minor or UAC, and 
operational feasibility. UACs generally will be held separately from 
unrelated adult detainees in accordance with 6 CFR 115.14(b) and 
115.114(b). In the event that such separation is not immediately 
possible, UACs in facilities covered by 6 CFR 115.114 may be housed with 
an unrelated adult for no more than 24 hours except in the case of an 
emergency.
    (ii) Consistent with the statutory requirements, DHS will transfer 
UACs to HHS in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (f) 
of this section.
    (h) Detention of family units. DHS's policy is to maintain family 
unity, including by detaining families together where appropriate and 
consistent with law and available resources. If DHS determines that 
detention of a family unit is required by law, or is otherwise 
appropriate, the family unit may be transferred to an FRC which is a 
licensed facility and non-secure.
    (i) Detention of minors who are not UACs in DHS custody. In any case 
in which DHS does not release a minor who is not a UAC, said minor shall 
remain in DHS detention. Consistent with 6 CFR 115.14, minors shall be 
detained in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the minor's age 
and special needs, provided that such setting is consistent with the 
need to protect the minor's well-being and that of others, as well as 
with any other laws, regulations, or legal requirements. The minor shall 
be placed temporarily in a licensed facility, which will be non-secure, 
until such time as release can be effected or until the minor's 
immigration proceedings are concluded, whichever occurs earlier. If 
immigration proceedings are concluded and result in a final order of 
removal, DHS will detain the minor for the purpose of removal.

[[Page 573]]

If immigration proceedings result in a grant of relief or protection 
from removal where both parties have waived appeal or the appeal period 
defined in 8 CFR 1003.38(b) has expired, DHS will release the minor.
    (1) A minor who is not a UAC referenced under this paragraph (i)(1) 
may be held in or transferred to a suitable state or county juvenile 
detention facility, or a secure DHS detention facility, or DHS 
contracted facility having separate accommodations for minors, whenever 
the Field Office Director and the ICE supervisory or management 
personnel have probable cause to believe that the minor:
    (i) Has been charged with, is chargeable with, or has been convicted 
of a crime or crimes, or is the subject of delinquency proceedings, has 
been adjudicated delinquent, or is chargeable with a delinquent act or 
acts, that fit within a pattern or practice of criminal activity;
    (ii) Has been charged with, is chargeable with, or has been 
convicted of a crime or crimes, or is the subject of delinquency 
proceedings, has been adjudicated delinquent, or is chargeable with a 
delinquent act or acts, that involve violence against a person or the 
use or carrying of a weapon;
    (iii) Has committed, or has made credible threats to commit, a 
violent or malicious act (whether directed at himself or others) while 
in Federal or state government custody or while in the presence of an 
immigration officer;
    (iv) Has engaged, while in the licensed facility, in conduct that 
has proven to be unacceptably disruptive of the normal functioning of 
the licensed facility in which the minor has been placed and transfer to 
another facility is necessary to ensure the welfare of the minor or 
others, as determined by the staff of the licensed facility;
    (v) Is determined to be an escape-risk pursuant to paragraph (b)(6) 
of this section; or
    (vi) Must be held in a secure facility for his or her own safety.
    (2) DHS will not place a minor who is not a UAC in a secure facility 
pursuant to paragraph (i)(1) if there are less restrictive alternatives 
that are available and appropriate in the circumstances, such as 
transfer to a facility which would provide intensive staff supervision 
and counseling services or another licensed facility. All determinations 
to place a minor in a secure facility will be reviewed and approved by 
the ICE Juvenile Coordinator referenced in paragraph (o) of this 
section. Secure facilities shall permit attorney-client visits in 
accordance with applicable facility rules and regulations.
    (3) Unless a secure facility is otherwise authorized pursuant to 
this section, ICE facilities used for the detention of minors who are 
not UACs shall be non-secure facilities.
    (4) Non-secure, licensed ICE facilities to which minors who are not 
UACs are transferred pursuant to the procedures in paragraph (e) of this 
section shall abide by applicable family residential standards 
established by ICE. At a minimum, such standards shall include 
provisions or arrangements for the following services for each minor who 
is not a UAC in its care:
    (i) Proper physical care and maintenance, including suitable living, 
accommodations, food and snacks, appropriate clothing, and personal 
grooming items;
    (ii) Appropriate routine medical, mental health and dental care, 
family planning services, and emergency health care services, including 
a complete medical examination (including screening for infectious 
disease) within 48 hours of admission, excluding weekends and holidays, 
unless the minor was recently examined at another facility; appropriate 
immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; administration of prescribed 
medication and special diets; appropriate mental health interventions 
when necessary;
    (iii) An individualized needs assessment which includes:
    (A) Various initial intake forms;
    (B) Essential data relating to the identification and history of the 
minor and family;
    (C) Identification of the minor's special needs including any 
specific problem(s) which appear to require immediate intervention;
    (D) An educational assessment and plan;

[[Page 574]]

    (E) An assessment of family relationships and interaction with 
adults, peers and authority figures;
    (F) A statement of religious preference and practice;
    (G) An assessment of the minor's personal goals, strengths and 
weaknesses; and
    (H) Identifying information regarding immediate family members, 
other relatives, godparents, or friends who may be residing in the 
United States and may be able to assist in family reunification;
    (iv) Educational services appropriate to the minor's level of 
development and communication skills in a structured classroom setting, 
Monday through Friday, which concentrates primarily on the development 
of basic academic competencies and secondarily on English Language 
Training (ELT). The educational program should include subjects similar 
to those found in U.S. programs and include science, social studies, 
math, reading, writing, and physical education. The program design 
should be appropriate for the minor's estimated length of stay and can 
include the necessary skills appropriate for transition into a U.S. 
school district. The program should also include acculturation and 
adaptation services which include information regarding the development 
of social and inter-personal skills that contribute to those abilities 
as age appropriate;
    (v) Appropriate reading materials in languages other than English 
for use during the minor's leisure time;
    (vi) Activities according to a recreation and leisure time plan 
which shall include daily outdoor activity, weather permitting, at least 
one hour per day of large muscle activity and one hour per day of 
structured leisure time activities (this should not include time spent 
watching television). Activities should be increased to a total of three 
hours on days when school is not in session;
    (vii) At least one individual counseling session or mental health 
wellness interaction (if the minor does not want to participate in a 
counseling session) per week conducted by trained social work staff with 
the specific objectives of reviewing the minor's progress, establishing 
new short-term objectives, and addressing both the developmental and 
crisis-related needs of each minor;
    (viii) Group counseling sessions at least twice a week. This is 
usually an informal process and takes place with all the minors present 
and can be held in conjunction with other structured activities. It is a 
time when new minors present in the facility are given the opportunity 
to get acquainted with the staff, other children, and the rules of the 
program. It is an open forum where everyone gets a chance to speak. 
Daily program management is discussed and decisions are made about 
recreational activities, etc. It is a time for staff and minors to 
discuss whatever is on their minds and to resolve problems;
    (ix) Upon admission, a comprehensive orientation regarding program 
intent, services, rules (written and verbal), expectations and the 
availability of legal assistance;
    (x) Whenever possible, access to religious services of the minor's 
choice;
    (xi) Visitation and contact with family members (regardless of their 
immigration status) which is structured to encourage such visitation. 
The staff shall respect the minor's privacy while reasonably preventing 
the unauthorized release of the minor and preventing the transfer of 
contraband;
    (xii) A reasonable right to privacy, which shall include the right 
to:
    (A) Wear his or her own clothes, when available;
    (B) Retain a private space in the residential facility for the 
storage of personal belongings;
    (C) Talk privately on the phone, as permitted by applicable facility 
rules and regulations;
    (D) Visit privately with guests, as permitted by applicable facility 
rules and regulations; and
    (E) Receive and send uncensored mail unless there is a reasonable 
belief that the mail contains contraband;
    (xiii) When necessary, communication with adult relatives living in 
the United States and in foreign countries regarding legal issues 
related to the release and/or removal of the minor;
    (xiv) Legal services information regarding the availability of free 
legal assistance, the right to be represented

[[Page 575]]

by counsel at no expense to the Government, the right to apply for 
asylum or to request voluntary departure;
    (xv) Attorney-client visits in accordance with applicable facility 
rules and regulations;
    (xvi) Service delivery is to be accomplished in a manner which is 
sensitive to the age, culture, native language, and the complex needs of 
each minor;
    (xvii) Parents/legal guardians will be responsible for supervising 
their children and providing parental support in managing their 
children's behavior. Licensed facility rules and discipline standards 
shall be formulated with consideration for the range of ages and 
maturity in the program and shall be culturally sensitive to the needs 
of alien minors. DHS shall not subject minors to corporal punishment, 
humiliation, mental abuse, or punitive interference with the daily 
functions of living, such as eating or sleeping. Any sanctions employed 
shall not adversely affect a minor's health, or physical or 
psychological well-being; or deny minors regular meals, sufficient 
sleep, exercise, medical care, correspondence privileges, or legal 
assistance;
    (xviii) Licensed facilities will maintain and safeguard individual 
case records. Agencies and organizations will maintain a system of 
accountability which preserves the confidentiality of client information 
and protects the records from unauthorized use or disclosure;
    (xix) Licensed facilities will maintain adequate records and make 
regular reports as required by DHS that permit DHS to monitor and 
enforce the regulations in this part and other requirements and 
standards as DHS may determine are in the best interests of the minors; 
and
    (xx) Licensed facilities will maintain a grievance and complaint 
filing process for aliens housed therein and post information about the 
process in a common area of the facility. Aliens will be required to 
follow the proscribed process for filing formal and informal grievances 
against facility staff that comports with the ICE Family Residential 
Standards Grievance Procedures. Complaints regarding conditions of 
detention shall be filed under the procedures required by the DHS Office 
of the Inspector General or the DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil 
Liberties. Staff is prohibited from retaliating against anyone who 
files, or on whose behalf is filed, a grievance or complaint. In the 
event of an emergency, a licensed, non-secure facility described in this 
paragraph (i) may transfer temporary physical custody of a minor prior 
to securing permission from DHS, but shall notify DHS of the transfer as 
soon as is practicable thereafter, but in all cases within 8 hours.
    (j) Release of minors who are not UACs from DHS custody. (1) DHS 
will make and record prompt and continuous efforts on its part toward 
the release of the minor who is not a UAC.
    (2) If a minor who is not a UAC is in expedited removal proceedings 
(including if he or she is awaiting a credible fear determination), or 
is subject to a final expedited removal order, custody is governed by 
Sec.  235.3(b)(2)(iii) or (b)(4)(ii) of this chapter, as applicable.
    (3) If a minor who is not a UAC is subject to pending removal 
proceedings under section 240 of the Act, DHS will consider whether to 
release the minor pursuant to section 212(d)(5) or section 236(a), and 
the implementing regulations in 8 CFR 212.5 and Sec.  235.3, as 
applicable.
    (4) The parole of minors who are not UACs who are detained pursuant 
to section 235(b)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act or Sec.  235.3(c) of this chapter 
will generally serve an urgent humanitarian reason warranting release on 
parole if DHS determines that detention is not required to secure the 
minor's timely appearance before DHS or the immigration court, or to 
ensure the minor's safety and well-being or the safety of others. In 
making this determination, DHS may consider aggregate and historical 
data, officer experience, statistical information, or any other 
probative information. The determination whether to parole a minor who 
is not a UAC is in the unreviewable discretion of DHS.
    (5) If DHS determines to release a minor who is not a UAC during 
removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, the following 
procedures shall apply:
    (i) If a parent or legal guardian is available to provide care and 
physical custody, DHS will make prompt and

[[Page 576]]

continuous efforts to release the minor to that parent or legal 
guardian. Nothing in this paragraph (j)(5)(i) precludes the release of a 
minor who is not a UAC to an adult relative (brother, sister, aunt, 
uncle, or grandparent) who is not in detention and is available to 
provide care and physical custody. Release of a minor who is not a UAC 
to an adult relative other than a parent or legal guardian is within the 
unreviewable discretion of DHS.
    (ii) Prior to releasing a minor who is not a UAC to an adult 
relative pursuant to paragraph (j)(5)(i) of this section, DHS will use 
all available reliable evidence to determine whether the relationship is 
bona fide. If no reliable evidence is available that confirms the 
relationship, DHS may continue to keep the minor who is not a UAC in 
custody or treat the minor as a UAC and transfer the UAC to HHS custody, 
as outlined in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (iii) DHS shall assist without undue delay in making transportation 
arrangements to the DHS office nearest the location of the relative to 
whom a minor is to be released. DHS may, in its discretion, provide 
transportation to minors.
    (iv) Nothing herein shall require DHS to release a minor to any 
person or agency whom DHS has reason to believe may harm or neglect the 
minor or fail to present him or her before DHS or the immigration courts 
when requested to do so.
    (k) Procedures upon transfer--(1) Possessions. Whenever a minor or 
UAC is transferred from one ICE placement to another, or from an ICE 
placement to an ORR placement, he or she will be transferred with all 
possessions and legal papers; provided, however, that if the minor or 
UAC's possessions exceed the amount normally permitted by the carrier in 
use, the possessions shall be shipped to the minor or UAC in a timely 
manner.
    (2) Notice to counsel. A minor or UAC who is represented will not be 
transferred from one ICE placement to another, or from an ICE placement 
to an ORR placement, until notice is provided to his or her counsel, 
except in unusual and compelling circumstances, such as where the safety 
of the minor or UAC or others is threatened or the minor or UAC has been 
determined to be an escape-risk, or where counsel has waived such 
notice. In unusual and compelling circumstances, notice will be sent to 
counsel within 24 hours following the transfer.
    (l) Notice to parent of refusal of release or application for 
relief. (1) A parent shall be notified of any of the following requests 
if the parent is present in the United States and can reasonably be 
contacted, unless such notification is otherwise prohibited by law or 
DHS determines that notification of the parent would pose a risk to the 
minor's safety or well-being:
    (i) A minor or UAC in DHS custody refuses to be released to his or 
her parent; or
    (ii) A minor or a UAC seeks release from DHS custody or seeks 
voluntary departure or a withdrawal of an application for admission, 
parole, or any form of relief from removal before DHS, and that the 
grant of such request or relief may effectively terminate some interest 
inherent in the parent-child relationship and/or the minor or UAC's 
rights and interests are adverse with those of the parent.
    (2) Upon notification, the parent will be afforded an opportunity to 
present his or her views and assert his or her interest to DHS before a 
determination is made as to the merits of the request for relief.
    (m) Bond hearings. Bond determinations made by DHS for minors who 
are in removal proceedings pursuant to section 240 of the Act and who 
are also in DHS custody may be reviewed by an immigration judge pursuant 
to 8 CFR part 1236 to the extent permitted by 8 CFR 1003.19. Minors in 
DHS custody who are not in section 240 proceedings are ineligible to 
seek review by an immigration judge of their DHS custody determinations.
    (n) Retaking custody of a previously released minor. (1) In addition 
to the ability to make a UAC determination upon each encounter as set 
forth in paragraph (c) of this section, DHS may take a minor back into 
custody if there is a material change in circumstances indicating the 
minor is an escape-risk, a danger to the community, or has a final order 
of removal. If the minor is

[[Page 577]]

accompanied, DHS shall place the minor in accordance with paragraphs (e) 
and (i) of this section. If the minor is a UAC, DHS shall transfer the 
minor into HHS custody in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
    (2) DHS may take a minor back into custody if there is no longer a 
parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative (brother, sister, aunt, 
uncle, or grandparent) available to care for the minor. If the minor is 
a UAC, DHS will transfer custody to HHS as outlined in paragraph (e) of 
this section.
    (3) Minors who are not UACs and who are taken back into DHS custody 
may request a custody redetermination hearing in accordance with 
paragraph (m) of this section and to the extent permitted by 8 CFR 
1003.19.
    (o) Monitoring. (1) CBP and ICE each shall identify a Juvenile 
Coordinator for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the terms of 
this section.
    (2) In addition to the monitoring required by paragraph (o)(1) of 
this section, the Juvenile Coordinators shall collect and periodically 
examine relevant statistical information about UACs and minors who 
remain in CBP or ICE custody for longer than 72 hours. Such statistical 
information may include but not necessarily be limited to:
    (i) Biographical information;
    (ii) Dates of custody; and
    (iii) Placements, transfers, removals, or releases from custody, 
including the reasons for a particular placement.

[84 FR 44525, Aug. 23, 2019]



Sec.  236.4  Removal of S-5, S-6, and S-7 nonimmigrants.

    (a) Condition of classification. As a condition of classification 
and continued stay in classification pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) 
of the Act, nonimmigrants in S classification must have executed Form I-
854, Part B, Inter-agency Alien Witness and Informant Record, certifying 
that they have knowingly waived their right to a removal hearing and 
right to contest, other than on the basis of an application for 
withholding of deportation or removal, any removal action, including 
detention pending deportation or removal, instituted before lawful 
permanent resident status is obtained.
    (b) Determination of deportability. (1) A determination to remove a 
deportable alien classified pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act 
shall be made by the district director having jurisdiction over the 
place where the alien is located.
    (2) A determination to remove such a deportable alien shall be based 
on one or more of the grounds of deportability listed in section 237 of 
the Act based on conduct committed after, or conduct or a condition not 
disclosed to the Service prior to, the alien's classification as an S 
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act, or for a violation 
of, or failure to adhere to, the particular terms and conditions of 
status in S nonimmigrant classification.
    (c) Removal procedures. (1) A district director who determines to 
remove an alien witness or informant in S nonimmigrant classification 
shall notify the Commissioner, the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, and the relevant law enforcement agency in writing to that 
effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall concur 
in or object to that decision. Unless the Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he or she shall be deemed to 
have concurred in the decision. In the event of an objection by the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, the matter will be 
expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General for a final 
resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the relevant law 
enforcement agency have a right of appeal from any decision to remove.
    (2) A district director who has provided notice as set forth in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section and who has been advised by the 
Commissioner that the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, has 
not objected shall issue a Warrant of Removal. The alien shall 
immediately be arrested and taken into custody by the district director 
initiating the removal. An alien classified under the provisions of 
section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act who is determined, pursuant to a 
warrant issued by a district director, to be deportable from the United 
States shall be removed from the United States to his or

[[Page 578]]

her country of nationality or last residence. The agency that requested 
the alien's presence in the United States shall ensure departure from 
the United States and so inform the district director in whose 
jurisdiction the alien has last resided. The district director, if 
necessary, shall oversee the alien's departure from the United States 
and, in any event, shall notify the Commissioner of the alien's 
departure.
    (d) Withholding of removal. An alien classified pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act who applies for withholding of removal shall 
have 10 days from the date the Warrant of Removal is served upon the 
alien to file an application for such relief with the district director 
initiating the removal order. The procedures contained in Sec. Sec.  
208.2 and 208.16 of this chapter shall apply to such an alien who 
applies for withholding of removal.
    (e) Inadmissibility. An alien who applies for admission under the 
provisions of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act who is determined by an 
immigration officer not to be eligible for admission under that section 
or to be inadmissible to the United States under one or more of the 
grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212 of the Act and which 
have not been previously waived by the Commissioner will be taken into 
custody. The district director having jurisdiction over the port-of-
entry shall follow the notification procedures specified in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section. A district director who has provided such notice 
and who has been advised by the Commissioner that the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, has not objected shall remove the alien 
without further hearing. An alien may not contest such removal, other 
than by applying for withholding of removal.



Sec.  236.5  Fingerprints and photographs.

    Every alien 14 years of age or older against whom proceedings based 
on deportability under section 237 of the Act are commenced under this 
part by service of a notice to appear shall be fingerprinted and 
photographed. Such fingerprints and photographs shall be made available 
to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies upon request to 
the district director or chief patrol agent having jurisdiction over the 
alien's record. Any such alien, regardless of his or her age, shall be 
photographed and/or fingerprinted if required by any immigration officer 
authorized to issue a notice to appear. Every alien 14 years of age or 
older who is found to be inadmissible to the United States and ordered 
removed by an immigration judge shall be fingerprinted, unless during 
the preceding year he or she has been fingerprinted at an American 
consular office.



Sec.  236.6  Information regarding detainees.

    No person, including any state or local government entity or any 
privately operated detention facility, that houses, maintains, provides 
services to, or otherwise holds any detainee on behalf of the Service 
(whether by contract or otherwise), and no other person who by virtue of 
any official or contractual relationship with such person obtains 
information relating to any detainee, shall disclose or otherwise permit 
to be made public the name of, or other information relating to, such 
detainee. Such information shall be under the control of the Service and 
shall be subject to public disclosure only pursuant to the provisions of 
applicable federal laws, regulations and executive orders. Insofar as 
any documents or other records contain such information, such documents 
shall not be public records. This section applies to all persons and 
information identified or described in it, regardless of when such 
persons obtained such information, and applies to all requests for 
public disclosure of such information, including requests that are the 
subject of proceedings pending as of April 17, 2002.

[67 FR 19511, Apr. 22, 2002]



Sec. Sec.  236.7-236.9  [Reserved]



                     Subpart B_Family Unity Program



Sec.  236.10  Description of program.

    The family unity program implements the provisions of section 301 of 
the Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649. This Act is referred to 
in this subpart as ``IMMACT 90''.

[[Page 579]]



Sec.  236.11  Definitions.

    In this subpart, the term:
    Eligible immigrant means a qualified immigrant who is the spouse or 
unmarried child of a legalized alien.
    For purposes of Sec. Sec.  236.10 to 236.18 only, Legalized alien 
means an alien who:
    (1) Is a temporary or permanent resident under section 210 or 245A 
of the Act;
    (2) Is a permanent resident under section 202 of the Immigration 
Reform and Control Act of 1986 (Cuban/Haitian Adjustment); or
    (3) Is a naturalized U.S. citizen who was a permanent resident under 
section 210 or 245A of the Act or section 202 of the Immigrant Reform 
and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) (Cuban/Haitian Adjustment), and 
maintained such a status until his or her naturalization.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 43679, July 14, 2000]



Sec.  236.12  Eligibility.

    (a) General. An alien who is not a lawful permanent resident is 
eligible to apply for benefits under the Family Unity Program if he or 
she establishes:
    (1) That he or she entered the United States before May 5, 1988 (in 
the case of a relationship to a legalized alien described in subsection 
(b)(2)(B) or (b)(2)(C) of section 301 of IMMACT 90), or as of December 
1, 1988 (in the case of a relationship to a legalized alien described in 
subsection (b)(2)(A) of section 301 of IMMACT 90), and has been 
continuously residing in the United States since that date; and
    (2) That as of May 5, 1988, (in the case of a relationship to a 
legalized alien described in subsection (b)(2)(B) or (b)(2) (C) of 
section 301 of IMMACT 90) or as of December 1, 1988, (in the case of a 
relationship to a legalized alien described in subsection (b)(2) (A) of 
section 301 of IMMACT 90), he or she was the spouse or unmarried child 
of a legalized alien, and that he or she has been eligible continuously 
since that time for family-sponsored immigrant status under section 
203(a) (1), (2), or (3) or as an immediate relative under section 201 
(b)(2) of the Act based on the same relationship.
    (b) Legalization application pending as of May 5, 1988 or December 
1, 1988. An alien whose legalization application was filed on or before 
May 5, 1988 (in the case of a relationship to a legalized alien 
described in subsection (b)(2)(B) or (b)(2)(C) of section 301 of IMMACT 
90), or as of December 1, 1988 (in the case of a relationship to a 
legalized alien described in subsection (b)(2)(A) of section 301 of 
IMMACT 90), but not approved until after that date will be treated as 
having been a legalized alien as of May 5, 1988 (in the case of a 
relationship to a legalized alien described in subsection (b)(2)(B) or 
(b)(2)(C) of section 301 of IMMACT 90), or as of December 1, 1988 (in 
the case of a relationship to a legalized alien described in subsection 
(b)(2)(A) of section 301 of IMMACT 90), for purposes of the Family Unity 
Program.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 43679, July 14, 2000]



Sec.  236.13  Ineligible aliens.

    The following categories of aliens are ineligible for benefits under 
the Family Unity Program:
    (a) An alien who is deportable under any paragraph in section 237(a) 
of the Act, except paragraphs (1)(A), (1)(B), (1)(C), and (3)(A); 
provided that an alien who is deportable under section 237(a)(1)(A) of 
such Act is also ineligible for benefits under the Family Unity Program 
if deportability is based upon a ground of inadmissibility described in 
section 212(a)(2) or (3) of the Act;
    (b) An alien who has been convicted of a felony or three or more 
misdemeanors in the United States;
    (c) An alien described in section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act; or
    (d) An alien who has committed an act of juvenile delinquency (as 
defined in 18 U.S.C. 5031) which if committed by an adult would be 
classified as:
    (1) A felony crime of violence that has an element the use or 
attempted use of physical force against another individual; or
    (2) A felony offense that by its nature involves a substantial risk 
that physical force against another individual may be used in the course 
of committing the offense.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 43680, July 14, 2000]

[[Page 580]]



Sec.  236.14  Filing.

    (a) General. A Form I-817, Application for Family Unity Benefits, 
must be filed with the correct fee required in 8 CFR 106.2 and the 
required supporting documentation. A separate application with 
appropriate fee and documentation must be filed for each person claiming 
eligibility.
    (b) Decision. The service center director has sole jurisdiction to 
adjudicate an application for benefits under the Family Unity Program. 
The director will provide the applicant with specific reasons for any 
decision to deny an application. Denial of an application may not be 
appealed. An applicant who believes that the grounds for denial have 
been overcome may submit another application with the appropriate fee 
and documentation.
    (c) Referral of denied cases for consideration of issuance of notice 
to appear. If an application is denied, the case will be referred to the 
district director with jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence 
for consideration of whether to issue a notice to appear. After an 
initial denial, an applicant's case will not be referred for issuance of 
a notice to appear until 90 days from the date of the initial denial, to 
allow the alien the opportunity to file a new Form I-817 application in 
order to attempt to overcome the basis of the denial. However, if the 
applicant is found not to be eligible for benefits under Sec.  
236.13(b), the Service reserves the right to issue a notice to appear at 
any time after the initial denial.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 43680, July 14, 2000; 66 
FR 29672, June 1, 2001; 74 FR 26939, June 5, 2009; 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 
2020]



Sec.  236.15  Voluntary departure and eligibility for employment.

    (a) Authority. Voluntary departure under this section implements the 
provisions of section 301 of IMMACT 90, and authority to grant voluntary 
departure under the family unity program derives solely from that 
section. Voluntary departure under the family unity program shall be 
governed solely by this section, notwithstanding the provisions of 
section 240B of the Act and 8 CFR part 240.
    (b) Children of legalized aliens. Children of legalized aliens 
residing in the United States, who were born during an authorized 
absence from the United States of mothers who are currently residing in 
the United States under voluntary departure pursuant to the Family Unity 
Program, may be granted voluntary departure under section 301 of IMMACT 
90 for a period of 2 years.
    (c) Duration of voluntary departure. An alien whose application for 
benefits under the Family Unity Program is approved will receive 
voluntary departure for 2 years, commencing with the date of approval of 
the application. Voluntary departure under this section shall be 
considered effective from the date on which the application was properly 
filed.
    (d) Employment authorization. An alien granted benefits under the 
Family Unity Program is authorized to be employed in the United States 
and will receive an employment authorization document. The validity 
period of the employment authorization document will coincide with the 
period of voluntary departure.
    (e) Extension of voluntary departure. An application for an 
extension of voluntary departure under the Family Unity Program must be 
filed by the alien on Form I-817 along with the correct fee required in 
8 CFR 106.2 and the required supporting documentation. The submission of 
a copy of the previous approval notice will assist in shortening the 
processing time. An extension may be granted if the alien continues to 
be eligible for benefits under the Family Unity Program. However, an 
extension may not be approved if the legalized alien is a lawful 
permanent resident, or a naturalized U.S. citizen who was a lawful 
permanent resident under section 210 or 245A of the Act or section 202 
of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), Pub. L. 66-
903, and maintained such status until his or her naturalization, and a 
petition for family-sponsored immigrant status has not been filed on 
behalf of the applicant. In such case, the Service will notify the alien 
of the reason for the denial and afford him or her the opportunity to 
file another Form I-817 once the petition, Form I-

[[Page 581]]

130, has been filed on his or her behalf. No charging document will be 
issued for a period of 90 days from the date of the denial.
    (f) Supporting documentation for extension application. Supporting 
documentation need not include documentation provided with the previous 
application(s). The extension application should only include changes to 
previous applications and evidence of continuing eligibility since the 
date of prior approval.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 43680, July 14, 2000; 85 
FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  236.16  Travel outside the United States.

    An alien granted Family Unity Program benefits who intends to travel 
outside the United States temporarily must apply for advance 
authorization in accordance with 8 CFR 223.2(a). The authority to grant 
an application for advance authorization for an alien granted Family 
Unity Program benefits rests solely with USCIS. An alien who is granted 
advance authorization and returns to the United States in accordance 
with such authorization, and who is found not to be inadmissible under 
section 212(a)(2) or (3) of the Act, shall be inspected and admitted in 
the same immigration status as the alien had at the time of departure, 
and shall be provided the remainder of the voluntary departure period 
previously granted under the Family Unity Program.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 76 FR 53790, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  236.17  Eligibility for Federal financial assistance programs.

    An alien granted Family Unity Program benefits based on a 
relationship to a legalized alien as defined in Sec.  236.11 is 
ineligible for public welfare assistance in the same manner and for the 
same period as the legalized alien who is ineligible for such assistance 
under section 245A(h) or 210(f) of the Act, respectively.



Sec.  236.18  Termination of Family Unity Program benefits.

    (a) Grounds for termination. The Service may terminate benefits 
under the Family Unity Program whenever the necessity for the 
termination comes to the attention of the Service. Such grounds will 
exist in situations including, but not limited to, those in which:
    (1) A determination is made that Family Unity Program benefits were 
acquired as the result of fraud or willful misrepresentation of a 
material fact;
    (2) The beneficiary commits an act or acts which render him or her 
inadmissible as an immigrant ineligible for benefits under the Family 
Unity Program;
    (3) The legalized alien upon whose status benefits under the Family 
Unity Program were based loses his or her legalized status;
    (4) The beneficiary is the subject of a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal issued subsequent to the grant of Family Unity 
benefits unless such final order is based on entry without inspection; 
violation of status; or failure to comply with section 265 of the Act; 
or inadmissibility at the time of entry other than inadmissibility 
pursuant to section 212(a)(2) or 212(a)(3) of the Act, regardless of 
whether the facts giving rise to such ground occurred before or after 
the benefits were granted; or
    (5) A qualifying relationship to a legalized alien no longer exists.
    (b) Notice procedure. Notice of intent to terminate and of the 
grounds thereof shall be served pursuant to the provisions of 8 CFR 
103.8(a)(2). The alien shall be given 30 days to respond to the notice 
and may submit to the Service additional evidence in rebuttal. Any final 
decision of termination shall also be served pursuant to the provisions 
of 8 CFR 103.8(a)(2). Nothing in this section shall preclude the Service 
from commencing exclusion or deportation proceedings prior to 
termination of Family Unity Program benefits.
    (c) Effect of termination. Termination of benefits under the Family 
Unity Program, other than as a result of a final order of removal, shall 
render the alien amenable to removal proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act. If benefits are terminated, the period of voluntary

[[Page 582]]

departure under this section is also terminated.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 43680, July 14, 2000; 76 
FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



            Subpart C_Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

    Source: 87 FR 53297, Aug. 30, 2022, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  236.21  Applicability.

    (a) This subpart applies to requests for deferred action under the 
enforcement discretion policy set forth in this subpart, which will be 
described as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This subpart 
does not apply to or govern any other request for or grant of deferred 
action or any other DHS deferred action policy.
    (b) Except as specifically provided in this subpart, the provisions 
of 8 CFR part 103 do not apply to requests filed under this subpart.
    (c)(1) Deferred action is an exercise of the Secretary's broad 
authority to establish national immigration enforcement policies and 
priorities under 6 U.S.C. 202(5) and section 103 of the Act. It is a 
form of enforcement discretion not to pursue the removal of certain 
aliens for a limited period in the interest of ordering enforcement 
priorities in light of limitations on available resources, taking into 
account humanitarian considerations and administrative convenience. It 
furthers the administrability of the complex immigration system by 
permitting the Secretary to focus enforcement on higher priority 
targets. This temporary forbearance from removal does not confer any 
right or entitlement to remain in or reenter the United States. A grant 
of deferred action under this section does not preclude DHS from 
commencing removal proceedings at any time or prohibit DHS or any other 
Federal agency from initiating any criminal or other enforcement action 
at any time.
    (2) During this period of forbearance, on the basis of this subpart 
only, USCIS may grant employment authorization pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.13 
and 274a.12(c)(33) to DACA recipients who have demonstrated an economic 
need.
    (3) During this period of forbearance, on the basis of this subpart 
only, a DACA recipient is considered ``lawfully present'' under the 
provisions of 8 CFR 1.3(a)(4)(vi).
    (4) During this period of forbearance, on the basis of this subpart 
only, a DACA recipient is not considered ``unlawfully present'' for the 
purpose of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9) of the Act.
    (d) This subpart rescinds and replaces the DACA guidance set forth 
in the Memorandum issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security on June 
15, 2012. All current grants of deferred action and any ancillary 
features previously issued pursuant to the Memorandum remain in effect 
and will expire according to their existing terms. All such current 
grants of deferred action and any ancillary features, as well as any 
requests for renewals of those grants and new requests, are hereafter 
governed by this subpart and not the Memorandum.



Sec.  236.22  Discretionary determination.

    (a) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; in general. (1) USCIS 
may consider requests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 
submitted by aliens described in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) A pending request for deferred action under this section does 
not authorize or confer any interim immigration benefits such as 
employment authorization or advance parole.
    (3) Subject to paragraph (c) of this section, the requestor bears 
the burden of demonstrating by a preponderance of the evidence that he 
or she meets the threshold criteria described in paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (b) Threshold criteria. Subject to paragraph (c) of this section, a 
request for deferred action under this section may be granted only if 
USCIS determines in its sole discretion that the requestor meets each of 
the following threshold criteria and merits a favorable exercise of 
discretion:
    (1) Came to the United States under the age of 16. The requestor 
must demonstrate that he or she first resided in the United States 
before his or her sixteenth birthday.

[[Page 583]]

    (2) Continuous residence in the United States from June 15, 2007, to 
the time of filing of the request. The requestor also must demonstrate 
that he or she has been residing in the United States continuously from 
June 15, 2007, to the time of filing of the request. As used in this 
section, ``residence'' means the principal, actual dwelling place in 
fact, without regard to intent, and specifically the country of the 
actual dwelling place. Brief, casual, and innocent absences from the 
United States will not break the continuity of one's residence. However, 
unauthorized travel outside of the United States on or after August 15, 
2012, will interrupt continuous residence, regardless of whether it was 
otherwise brief, casual, and innocent. An absence will be considered 
brief, casual, and innocent if it occurred before August 15, 2012, and--
    (i) The absence was short and reasonably calculated to accomplish 
the purpose for the absence;
    (ii) The absence was not because of a post-June 15, 2007 order of 
exclusion, deportation, or removal;
    (iii) The absence was not because of a post-June 15, 2007 order of 
voluntary departure, or an administrative grant of voluntary departure 
before the requestor was placed in exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings; and
    (iv) The purpose of the trip, and the requestor's actions while 
outside the United States, were not contrary to law.
    (3) Physical presence in the United States. The requestor must 
demonstrate that he or she was physically present in the United States 
both on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing of the request for 
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals under this section.
    (4) Lack of lawful immigration status. Both on June 15, 2012, and at 
the time of filing of the request for Deferred Action for Childhood 
Arrivals under this section, the requestor must not have been in a 
lawful immigration status. If the requestor was in lawful immigration 
status at any time before June 15, 2012, or at any time after June 15, 
2012, and before the submission date of the request, he or she must 
submit evidence that that lawful status had expired or otherwise 
terminated prior to those dates.
    (5) Education or veteran status. The requestor must currently be 
enrolled in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of 
completion from high school, have obtained a General Educational 
Development certificate, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the 
United States Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States.
    (6) Criminal history, public safety, and national security. The 
requestor must not have been convicted (as defined in section 101(a)(48) 
of the Act and as demonstrated by any of the documents or records listed 
in Sec.  1003.41 of this chapter) of a felony, a misdemeanor described 
in this paragraph (b)(6), or three or more other misdemeanors not 
occurring on the same date and not arising out of the same act, 
omission, or scheme of misconduct, or otherwise pose a threat to 
national security or public safety. For purposes of this paragraph 
(b)(6) only, expunged convictions, juvenile delinquency adjudications, 
and convictions under State (including U.S. territory) laws for 
immigration-related offenses are not considered disqualifying 
convictions. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(6) only, a single 
misdemeanor is disqualifying if it is a misdemeanor as defined by 
Federal law (specifically, one for which the maximum term of 
imprisonment authorized is 1 year or less but greater than 5 days) and 
that meets the following criteria:
    (i) Regardless of the sentence imposed, is an offense of domestic 
violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, burglary, unlawful possession or 
use of a firearm, drug distribution or trafficking, or driving under the 
influence; or
    (ii) If not an offense listed above, is one for which the individual 
was sentenced to time in custody of more than 90 days. The sentence must 
involve time to be served in custody and, therefore, does not include a 
suspended sentence.
    (7) Age at time of request. The requestor must have been born on or 
after June 16, 1981. Additionally, the requestor must be at least 15 
years of age at the time of filing his or her request, unless, at the 
time of his or her

[[Page 584]]

request, he or she is in removal proceedings, has a final order of 
removal, or has a voluntary departure order.
    (c) Final discretionary determination. Deferred action requests 
submitted under this section are determined on a case-by-case basis. 
Even if the threshold criteria in paragraph (b) are all found to have 
been met, USCIS retains the discretion to assess the individual's 
circumstances and to determine that any factor specific to that 
individual makes deferred action inappropriate.



Sec.  236.23  Procedures for request, terminations, and restrictions 
on information use.

    (a) General. (1) A request for Deferred Action for Childhood 
Arrivals must be filed in the manner and on the form designated by 
USCIS, with the required fee, including any biometrics required by 8 CFR 
103.16. A request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals must also 
contain a request for employment authorization filed pursuant to 8 CFR 
274a.12(c)(33) and 274a.13.
    (2) All requests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, 
including any requests made by aliens in removal proceedings before 
EOIR, must be filed with USCIS. USCIS has exclusive jurisdiction to 
consider requests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. EOIR shall 
have no jurisdiction to consider requests for Deferred Action for 
Childhood Arrivals or to review USCIS approvals or denials of such 
requests. A voluntary departure order or a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal is not a bar to requesting Deferred Action for 
Childhood Arrivals. An alien who is in removal proceedings may request 
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals regardless of whether those 
proceedings have been administratively closed. An alien who is in 
immigration detention may request Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 
but may not be approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 
unless the alien is released from detention by ICE prior to USCIS' 
decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals request.
    (3) USCIS may request additional evidence from the requestor, 
including, but not limited to, by notice, interview, or other appearance 
of the requestor. USCIS may deny a request for Deferred Action for 
Childhood Arrivals without prior issuance of a request for evidence or 
notice of intent to deny.
    (4) A grant of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals will be 
provided for an initial or renewal period of 2 years, subject to DHS's 
discretion. Related work authorization granted pursuant to 8 CFR 
274a.12(c)(33), if approved in DHS's discretion, will be issued, subject 
to DHS's discretion, for the period of the associated grant of Deferred 
Action for Childhood Arrivals.
    (b) Consideration of a request for Deferred Action for Childhood 
Arrivals. In considering requests for Deferred Action for Childhood 
Arrivals, USCIS may consult, as it deems appropriate in its discretion 
and without notice to the requestor, with any other component or office 
of DHS, including ICE and CBP, any other Federal agency, or any State or 
local law enforcement agency, in accordance with paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (c) Notice of decision. (1) USCIS will notify the requestor and, if 
applicable, the requestor's attorney of record or accredited 
representative of the decision in writing. Denial of a request for 
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals does not bar a requestor from 
applying for any benefit or form of relief under the immigration laws or 
requesting any other form of prosecutorial discretion, including another 
request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
    (2) If USCIS denies a request for Deferred Action for Childhood 
Arrivals under this section, USCIS will not issue a Notice to Appear or 
refer a requestor's case to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for 
possible enforcement action based on such denial unless USCIS determines 
that the case involves denial for fraud, a threat to national security, 
or public safety concerns.
    (3) There is no administrative appeal from a denial of a request for 
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The alien may not file, pursuant 
to 8 CFR 103.5 or otherwise, a motion to reopen or reconsider a denial 
of a request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
    (d) Termination--(1) Discretionary termination. USCIS may terminate 
a grant

[[Page 585]]

of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals at any time in its discretion. 
USCIS will provide a Notice of Intent to Terminate and an opportunity to 
respond prior to terminating a grant of Deferred Action for Childhood 
Arrivals, except USCIS may terminate a grant of Deferred Action for 
Childhood Arrivals without a Notice of Intent to Terminate and an 
opportunity to respond if the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 
recipient is convicted of a national security-related offense involving 
conduct described in 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(iii), (iv), or 
1227(a)(4)(A)(i), or an egregious public safety offense. If USCIS 
terminates a grant of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals without a 
Notice of Intent to Terminate and an opportunity to respond, USCIS will 
provide the individual with notice of the termination.
    (2) Departure without advance parole and reentry without inspection. 
USCIS may terminate a grant of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, 
in its discretion and following issuance of a Notice of Intent to 
Terminate with an opportunity to respond, for DACA recipients who depart 
from the United States without first obtaining an advance parole 
document and subsequently enter the United States without inspection.
    (3) Automatic termination of employment authorization. Any grant of 
employment authorization pursuant to Sec.  274a.12(c)(33) of this 
chapter will automatically terminate upon termination of a grant of 
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, rather than in accordance with 
Sec.  274a.14(a)(1)(ii) of this chapter. Notice of intent to revoke 
employment authorization is not required pursuant to Sec.  274a.14(a)(2) 
of this chapter.
    (e) Restrictions on information use. (1) Information contained in a 
request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals related to the 
requestor will not be used by DHS for the purpose of initiating 
immigration enforcement proceedings against such requestor, unless DHS 
is initiating immigration enforcement proceedings against the requestor 
due to a criminal offense, fraud, a threat to national security, or 
public safety concerns.
    (2) Information contained in a request for Deferred Action for 
Childhood Arrivals related to the requestor's family members or 
guardians will not be used for immigration enforcement purposes against 
such family members or guardians.



Sec.  236.24  Severability.

    (a) Any provision of this subpart held to be invalid or 
unenforceable as applied to any person or circumstance shall be 
construed so as to continue to give the maximum effect to the provision 
permitted by law, including as applied to persons not similarly situated 
or to dissimilar circumstances, unless such holding is that the 
provision of this subpart is invalid and unenforceable in all 
circumstances, in which event the provision shall be severable from the 
remainder of this subpart and shall not affect the remainder thereof.
    (b) The provisions in Sec.  236.21(c)(2) through (4) and Sec.  
274a.12(c)(14) and 274a.12(c)(33) are intended to be severable from one 
another, from this subpart and any grant of forbearance from removal 
resulting from this subpart, and from any provision referenced in those 
paragraphs, including such referenced provision's application to persons 
with deferred action generally.



Sec.  236.25  No private rights.

    This subpart is an exercise of the Secretary's enforcement 
discretion. This subpart--
    (a) Is not intended to and does not supplant or limit otherwise 
lawful activities of the Department or the Secretary; and
    (b) Is not intended to and does not create any rights, substantive 
or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter, civil or 
criminal.

                           PART 237 [RESERVED]



PART 238_EXPEDITED REMOVAL OF AGGRAVATED FELONS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1228; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  238.1  Proceedings under section 238(b) of the Act.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this part the term:
    Deciding Service officer means a district director, chief patrol 
agent, or another immigration officer designated

[[Page 586]]

by a district director, chief patrol agent, the Deputy Executive 
Associate Commissioner for Detention and Removal, or the Director of the 
Office of Juvenile Affairs, so long as that person is not the same 
person as the Issuing Service Officer.
    Issuing Service officer means any Service officer listed in Sec.  
239.1 of this chapter as authorized to issue notices to appear.
    (b) Preliminary consideration and Notice of Intent to Issue a Final 
Administrative Deportation Order; commencement of proceedings--(1) Basis 
of Service charge. An issuing Service officer shall cause to be served 
upon an alien a Form I-851, Notice of Intent to Issue a Final 
Administrative Deportation Order (Notice of Intent), if the officer is 
satisfied that there is sufficient evidence, based upon questioning of 
the alien by an immigration officer and upon any other evidence 
obtained, to support a finding that the individual:
    (i) Is an alien;
    (ii) Has not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or has 
conditional permanent resident status under section 216 of the Act;
    (iii) Has been convicted (as defined in section 101(a)(48) of the 
Act and as demonstrated by any of the documents or records listed in 
Sec.  1003.41 of this chapter) of an aggravated felony and such 
conviction has become final; and
    (iv) Is deportable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Act, 
including an alien who has neither been admitted nor paroled, but who is 
conclusively presumed deportable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) by 
operation of section 238(c) of the Act (``Presumption of 
Deportability'').
    (2) Notice. (i) Removal proceedings under section 238(b) of the Act 
shall commence upon personal service of the Notice of Intent upon the 
alien, as prescribed by8 CFR 103.8. The Notice of Intent shall set forth 
the preliminary determinations and inform the alien of the Service's 
intent to issue a Form I-851A, Final Administrative Removal Order, 
without a hearing before an immigration judge. The Notice of Intent 
shall constitute the charging document. The Notice of Intent shall 
include allegations of fact and conclusions of law. It shall advise that 
the alien: has the privilege of being represented, at no expense to the 
government, by counsel of the alien's choosing, as long as counsel is 
authorized to practice in removal proceedings; may request withholding 
of removal to a particular country if he or she fears persecution or 
torture in that country; may inspect the evidence supporting the Notice 
of Intent; may rebut the charges within 10 calendar days after service 
of such Notice (or 13 calendar days if service of the Notice was by 
mail).
    (ii) The Notice of Intent also shall advise the alien that he or she 
may designate in writing, within the rebuttal period, the country to 
which he or she chooses to be deported in accordance with section 241 of 
the Act, in the event that a Final Administrative Removal Order is 
issued, and that the Service will honor such designation only to the 
extent permitted under the terms, limitations, and conditions of section 
241 of the Act.
    (iii) The Service must determine that the person served with the 
Notice of Intent is the person named on the notice.
    (iv) The Service shall provide the alien with a list of available 
free legal services programs qualified under 8 CFR part 3 and 
organizations recognized pursuant to 8 CFR part 292, located within the 
district or sector where the Notice of Intent is issued.
    (v) The Service must either provide the alien with a written 
translation of the Notice of Intent or explain the contents of the 
Notice of Intent to the alien in the alien's native language or in a 
language that the alien understands.
    (c) Alien's response--(1) Time for response. The alien will have 10 
calendar days from service of the Notice of Intent or 13 calendar days 
if service is by mail, to file a response to the Notice of Intent. In 
the response, the alien may: designate his or her choice of country for 
removal; submit a written response rebutting the allegations supporting 
the charge and/or requesting the opportunity to review the Government's 
evidence; and/or submit a statement indicating an intention to request 
withholding of removal under 8 CFR 208.16 of this chapter, and/or 
request in writing an extension of time for response,

[[Page 587]]

stating the specific reasons why such an extension is necessary.
    (2) Nature of rebuttal or request to review evidence. (i) If an 
alien chooses to rebut the allegations contained in the Notice of 
Intent, the alien's written response must indicate which finding(s) are 
being challenged and should be accompanied by affidavit(s), documentary 
information, or other specific evidence supporting the challenge.
    (ii) If an alien's written response requests the opportunity to 
review the Government's evidence, the Service shall serve the alien with 
a copy of the evidence in the record of proceeding upon which the 
Service is relying to support the charge. The alien may, within 10 
calendar days following service of the Government's evidence (13 
calendar days if service is by mail), furnish a final response in 
accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If the alien's final 
response is a rebuttal of the allegations, such a final response should 
be accompanied by affidavit(s), documentary information, or other 
specific evidence supporting the challenge.
    (d) Determination by deciding Service officer--(1) No response 
submitted or concession of deportability. If the deciding Service 
officer does not receive a timely response and the evidence in the 
record of proceeding establishes deportability by clear, convincing, and 
unequivocal evidence, or if the alien concedes deportability, then the 
deciding Service officer shall issue and cause to be served upon the 
alien a Final Administrative Removal Order that states the reasons for 
the deportation decision. The alien may, in writing, waive the 14-day 
waiting period before execution of the final order of removal provided 
in a paragraph (f) of this section.
    (2) Response submitted--(i) Insufficient rebuttal; no genuine issue 
of material fact. If the alien timely submits a rebuttal to the 
allegations, but the deciding Service officer finds that deportability 
is established by clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence in the 
record of proceeding, the deciding Service officer shall issue and cause 
to be served upon the alien a Final Administrative Removal Order that 
states the reasons for the decision of deportability.
    (ii) Additional evidence required. (A) If the deciding Service 
officer finds that the record of proceeding, including the alien's 
timely rebuttal, raises a genuine issue of material fact regarding the 
preliminary findings, the deciding Service officer may either obtain 
additional evidence from any source, including the alien, or cause to be 
issued a notice to appear to initiate removal proceedings under section 
240 of the Act. The deciding Service officer may also obtain additional 
evidence from any source, including the alien, if the deciding Service 
officer deems that such additional evidence may aid the officer in the 
rendering of a decision.
    (B) If the deciding Service officer considers additional evidence 
from a source other than the alien, that evidence shall be made a part 
of the record of proceeding, and shall be provided to the alien. If the 
alien elects to submit a response to such additional evidence, such 
response must be filed with the Service within 10 calendar days of 
service of the additional evidence (or 13 calendar days if service is by 
mail). If the deciding Service officer finds, after considering all 
additional evidence, that deportability is established by clear, 
convincing, and unequivocal evidence in the record of proceeding, the 
deciding Service officer shall issue and cause to be served upon the 
alien a Final Administrative Removal Order that states the reasons for 
the decision of deportability.
    (iii) Conversion to proceedings under section 240 of the Act. If the 
deciding Service officer finds that the alien is not amenable to removal 
under section 238 of the Act, the deciding Service officer shall 
terminate the expedited proceedings under section 238 of the Act and 
shall, where appropriate, cause to be issued a notice to appear for the 
purpose of initiating removal proceedings before an immigration judge 
under section 240 of the Act.
    (3) Termination of proceedings by deciding Service officer. Only the 
deciding Service officer may terminate proceedings under section 238 of 
the Act, in accordance with this section.
    (e) Proceedings commenced under section 240 of the Act. In any 
proceeding

[[Page 588]]

commenced under section 240 of the Act which is based on deportability 
under section 237 of the Act, if it appears that the respondent alien is 
subject to removal pursuant to section 238 of the Act, the immigration 
judge may, upon the Service's request, terminate the case and, upon such 
termination, the Service may commence administrative proceedings under 
section 238 of the Act. However, in the absence of any such request, the 
immigration judge shall complete the proceeding commenced under section 
240 of the Act.
    (f) Executing final removal order of deciding Service officer--(1) 
Time of execution. Upon the issuance of a Final Administrative Removal 
Order, the Service shall issue a Warrant of Removal in accordance with 
Sec.  241.2 of this chapter; such warrant shall be executed no sooner 
than 14 calendar days after the date the Final Administrative Removal 
Order is issued, unless the alien knowingly, voluntarily, and in writing 
waives the 14-day period.
    (2) Country to which alien is to be removed. The deciding Service 
officer shall designate the country of removal in the manner prescribed 
by section 241 of the Act.
    (3) Withholding of removal. If the alien has requested withholding 
of removal under Sec.  208.16 of this chapter, the deciding officer 
shall, upon issuance of a Final Administrative Removal Order, 
immediately refer the alien's case to an asylum officer to conduct a 
reasonable fear determination in accordance with Sec.  208.31 of this 
chapter.
    (g) Arrest and detention. At the time of issuance of a Notice of 
Intent or at any time thereafter and up to the time the alien becomes 
the subject of a Warrant of Removal, the alien may be arrested and taken 
into custody under the authority of a Warrant of Arrest issued by an 
officer listed in Sec.  287.5(e)(2) of this chapter. The decision of the 
Service concerning custody or bond shall not be administratively 
appealable during proceedings initiated under section 238 of the Act and 
this part.
    (h) Record of proceeding. The Service shall maintain a record of 
proceeding for judicial review of the Final Administrative Removal Order 
sought by any petition for review. The record of proceeding shall 
include, but not necessarily be limited to: the charging document 
(Notice of Intent); the Final Administrative Removal Order (including 
any supplemental memorandum of decision); the alien's response, if any; 
all evidence in support of the charge; and any admissible evidence, 
briefs, or documents submitted by either party respecting deportability. 
The executed duplicate of the Notice of Intent in the record of 
proceedings shall be retained as evidence that the individual upon whom 
the notice for the proceeding was served was, in fact, the alien named 
in the notice.

[62 FR 10365, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999; 67 
FR 39258, June 7, 2002; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011; 81 FR 62355, Sept. 
9, 2016]



PART 239_INITIATION OF REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS--Table of Contents



Sec.
239.1 Notice to appear.
239.2 Cancellation of notice to appear.
239.3 Effect of filing notice to appear.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1221, 1229; Homeland Security Act of 2002, 
Public Law 107-296; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10366, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  239.1  Notice to appear.

    (a) Issuance of notice to appear. Any immigration officer, or 
supervisor thereof, performing an inspection of an arriving alien at a 
port-of-entry may issue a notice to appear to such alien. In addition, 
the following officers, or officers acting in such capacity, may issue a 
notice to appear:
    (1) District directors (except foreign);
    (2) Deputy district directors (except foreign);
    (3) Chief patrol agents;
    (4) Deputy chief patrol agents;
    (5) Division chiefs;
    (6) Assistant chief patrol agents;
    (7) Patrol agents in charge;
    (8) Deputy patrol agents in charge;
    (9) Border patrol watch commanders;
    (10) Special operations supervisors;
    (11) Supervisory border patrol agents;
    (12) Directors of air operations;
    (13) Directors of marine operations;
    (14) Supervisory air and marine interdiction agents;
    (15) Service center directors;

[[Page 589]]

    (16) Deputy service center directors;
    (17) Assistant service center directors for examinations;
    (18) Supervisory immigration services officers;
    (19) Supervisory immigration officers;
    (20) Supervisory asylum officers;
    (21) Officers in charge (except foreign);
    (22) Assistant officers in charge (except foreign);
    (23) Special agents in charge;
    (24) Deputy special agents in charge;
    (25) Associate special agents in charge;
    (26) Assistant special agents in charge;
    (27) Resident agents in charge;
    (28) Supervisory special agents;
    (29) Directors of investigations;
    (30) District directors for interior enforcement;
    (31) Deputy or assistant district directors for interior 
enforcement;
    (32) Director of enforcement and removal operations;
    (33) Field office directors;
    (34) Deputy field office directors;
    (35) Supervisory deportation officers;
    (36) Supervisory detention and deportation officers;
    (37) Directors or officers in charge of detention facilities;
    (38) Directors of field operations;
    (39) Assistant directors of field operations;
    (40) Port directors;
    (41) Assistant port directors;
    (42) Field operations watch commanders;
    (43) Field operations chiefs;
    (44) Unit Chief, Law Enforcement Support Center;
    (45) Section Chief, Law Enforcement Support Center; or
    (46) Other duly authorized officers or employees of the Department 
of Homeland Security or of the United States who are delegated the 
authority as provided by 8 CFR 2.1 to issue notices to appear, and who 
have successfully completed any required immigration law enforcement 
training.
    (b) Service of notice to appear. Service of the notice to appear 
shall be in accordance with section 239 of the Act.

[68 FR 35275, June 13, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 67089, Nov. 4, 2005; 81 
FR 62355, Sept. 9, 2016]



Sec.  239.2  Cancellation of notice to appear.

    (a) Any officer authorized by Sec.  239.1(a) to issue a notice to 
appear may cancel such notice prior to jurisdiction vesting with the 
immigration judge pursuant to Sec.  3.14 of this chapter provided the 
officer is satisfied that:
    (1) The respondent is a national of the United States;
    (2) The respondent is not deportable or inadmissible under 
immigration laws;
    (3) The respondent is deceased;
    (4) The respondent is not in the United States;
    (5) The notice was issued for the respondent's failure to file a 
timely petition as required by section 216(c) of the Act, but his or her 
failure to file a timely petition was excused in accordance with section 
216(d)(2)(B) of the Act;
    (6) The notice to appear was improvidently issued, or
    (7) Circumstances of the case have changed after the notice to 
appear was issued to such an extent that continuation is no longer in 
the best interest of the government.
    (b) A notice to appear issued pursuant to section 235(b)(3) of the 
Act may be canceled under provisions in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(6) of 
this section only by the issuing officer, unless it is impracticable for 
the issuing officer to cancel the notice.
    (c) Motion to dismiss. After commencement of proceedings pursuant to 
8 CFR 1003.14, ICE counsel, or any officer enumerated in paragraph (a) 
of this section, may move for dismissal of the matter on the grounds set 
out under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (d) Motion for remand. After commencement of the hearing, ICE 
counsel, or any officer enumerated in paragraph (a) of this section may 
move for remand of the matter to district jurisdiction on the ground 
that the foreign

[[Page 590]]

relations of the United States are involved and require further 
consideration.
    (e) Warrant of arrest. When a notice to appear is canceled or 
proceedings are terminated under this section any outstanding warrant of 
arrest is canceled.

[62 FR 10366, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 68 FR 35276, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  239.3  Effect of filing notice to appear.

    The filing of a notice to appear shall have no effect in determining 
periods of unlawful presence as defined in section 212(a)(9)(B) of the 
Act.



PART 240_VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE, SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION AND SPECIAL RULE 
CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL--Table of Contents



Subpart A--Removal Proceedings [Reserved]

                    Subpart B_Cancellation of Removal

Sec.
240.21 Suspension of deportation and adjustment of status under section 
          244(a) of the Act (as in effect before April 1, 1997) and 
          cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under section 
          240A(b) of the Act for certain nonpermanent residents.

                      Subpart C_Voluntary Departure

240.25 Voluntary departure--authority of the Service.

Subpart D--Exclusion of Aliens (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 
1997) [Reserved]

Subpart E--Proceedings To Determine Deportability of Aliens in the United 
States: Hearing and Appeal (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 
1997) [Reserved]

Subpart F--Suspension of Deportation and Voluntary Departure (for 
Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997) [Reserved]

Subpart G--Civil Penalties for Failure To Depart [Reserved]

  Subpart H_Applications for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule 
      Cancellation of Removal Under Section 203 of Pub. L. 105	100

240.60 Definitions.
240.61 Applicability.
240.62 Jurisdiction.
240.63 Application process.
240.64 Eligibility--general.
240.65 Eligibility for suspension of deportation.
240.66 Eligibility for special rule cancellation of removal.
240.67 Procedure for interview before an asylum officer.
240.68 Failure to appear at an interview before an asylum officer or 
          failure to follow requirements for fingerprinting.
240.69 Reliance on information compiled by other sources.
240.70 Decision by the Service.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103; 1182, 1186a, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1251, 
1252 note, 1252a, 1252b, 1362; secs. 202 and 203, Pub. L. 105-100 (111 
Stat. 2160, 2193); sec. 902, Pub. L. 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681); 8 CFR 
part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A--Removal Proceedings [Reserved]



                    Subpart B_Cancellation of Removal



Sec.  240.21  Suspension of deportation and adjustment of status under 
section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect before April 1, 1997) 
and cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under section 
240A(b) of the Act for certain nonpermanent residents.

    (a) Applicability of annual cap on suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal. (1) As used in this section, the term cap means 
the numerical limitation of 4,000 grants of suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal in any fiscal year (except fiscal year 1998, 
which has a limitation of 8,000 grants) pursuant to section 240A(e) of 
the Act.
    (2) The provisions of this section apply to grants of suspension of 
deportation pursuant to section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect before 
April 1, 1997) or cancellation of removal pursuant to

[[Page 591]]

section 240A(b) of the Act that are subject to a numerical limitation in 
section 240A(e) of the Act for any fiscal year. This section does not 
apply to grants of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal 
to aliens described in section 309(c)(5)(C)(i) of the Illegal 
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), as amended 
by section 203(a)(1) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American 
Relief Act (NACARA), or aliens in deportation proceedings prior to April 
1, 1997, who apply for suspension of deportation pursuant to section 
244(a)(3) of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997). The 
Immigration Court and the Board shall no longer issue conditional grants 
of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal as provided in 8 
CFR 240.21 (as in effect prior to September 30, 1998).
    (b) Conditional grants of suspension of deportation or cancellation 
of removal in fiscal year 1998 cases--(1) Conversion to grants. Except 
with respect to cases described in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this 
section, EOIR shall grant suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal without condition prior to October 1, 1998, to the first 8,000 
aliens given conditional grants of suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal (as determined by the date of the immigration 
judge's order or, if the order was appealed to the Board, the date such 
order was entered by the Board.)
    (2) Treatment of certain nationals of Nicaragua and Cuba who 
received conditional grants of suspension of deportation or cancellation 
of removal on or before September 30, 1998--(i) NACARA adjustment 
request. An application for suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal filed by a national of Nicaragua or Cuba that was granted on a 
conditional basis on or before September 30, 1998, shall be deemed to be 
a request for adjustment of status pursuant to section 202 of NACARA 
(``NACARA adjustment'') for the period starting September 30, 1998 and 
ending December 31, 1998. The Service shall provide the applicant with 
notice of the date, time, and place at which the applicant must appear 
before a Service officer to perfect the request for NACARA adjustment. 
Such notice shall include an attestation form, Attestation of Alien and 
Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence, Form I-
895, regarding the applicant's eligibility for NACARA adjustment.
    (ii) Submission of documentation. To perfect the request for NACARA 
adjustment, the applicant must appear before a Service officer on the 
date scheduled with the following documentation:
    (A) The order granting suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal on a conditional basis issued on or before September 30, 1998;
    (B) A completed, but unsigned Form I-895, which the applicant shall 
be required to sign and to attest to the veracity of the information 
contained therein in the presence of a Service officer;
    (C) Any applicable applications for waiver of inadmissibility; and
    (D) Two ``ADIT-style'' photographs; meeting the specifications in 
the instructions attached to Form I-895.
    (iii) Waiver of documentation and fees. The provisions of Sec.  
245.13(e) and (f) of this chapter relating to documentary requirements 
for NACARA adjustment are waived with respect to an alien seeking to 
perfect a request for adjustment of status pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) 
of this section. In addition, the fees for the NACARA adjustment and for 
any applications for waivers of inadmissibility submitted in conjunction 
with perfecting a request for NACARA adjustment shall be waived.
    (iv) NACARA adjustment determination. In determining an applicant's 
eligibility for NACARA adjustment under the provisions of paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, unless the Service officer before whom the 
applicant appears is not satisfied that the applicant is admissible to 
the United States in accordance with section 202(a)(1)(B) of NACARA, and 
has continuously resided in the United States from December 1, 1995, 
through the date of appearance before the Service officer (not counting 
an absence or absences from the United States totaling 180 days or less 
or any absences that occurred pursuant to advance authorization for 
parole (Form I-512 issued by the Service)), the Service

[[Page 592]]

officer shall accept an alien's attestation of admissibility and/or 
continuous physical presence as sufficient evidence that the applicant 
has met the admissibility and/or continuous physical presence 
requirement for NACARA adjustment. If the Service officer grants NACARA 
adjustment, then the Service officer shall create a record of lawful 
permanent residence and the prior order granting suspension of 
deportation or cancellation of removal on a conditional basis shall be 
automatically vacated and the deportation or removal proceedings shall 
be automatically terminated. The Service officer (whose decision in this 
regard is not subject to appeal) shall not adjust the applicant to 
lawful permanent resident status pursuant to section 202 of NACARA if:
    (A) The Service officer is not satisfied that the applicant is 
eligible for NACARA adjustment and so indicates on the attestation form; 
or
    (B) The applicant indicates on the attestation form that he or she 
does not wish to receive NACARA adjustment.
    (v) Automatic conversion. If the Service officer does not adjust the 
applicant to lawful permanent resident status pursuant to section 202 of 
NACARA, the applicant's conditional grant of suspension of deportation 
or cancellation of removal shall be automatically converted to a grant 
of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal. Upon such a 
conversion, the Service shall create a record of lawful permanent 
residence based upon the grant of suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal.
    (vi) Failure to appear. An alien who fails to appear to perfect his 
or her request for NACARA adjustment shall have his or her conditional 
grant of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal 
automatically converted by the Immigration Court or the Board to a grant 
of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal effective 
December 31, 1998.
    (3) Conditional grants not converted in fiscal year 1998. The 
provisions of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section for granting 
relief shall not apply with respect to:
    (i) Any case in which a conditional grant of suspension of 
deportation or cancellation of removal is pending on appeal before the 
Board as of September 30, 1998 or, if the right to appeal to the Board 
has not been waived, the time for an appeal has not expired. After the 
Board issues its decision or the time for appeal has expired, the 
conditional grant shall be converted to a grant when a grant is 
available.
    (ii) Any other conditional grant not described in paragraphs (b)(1), 
(b)(2) or (b)(3)(i) of this section, which was not converted to a grant 
in fiscal year 1998. Such a conditional grant shall be converted to a 
grant when a grant is available.
    (4) Motion to reopen. The Service may file a motion to reopen within 
90 days after the alien is issued a grant of suspension of deportation 
or cancellation of removal pursuant to paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), or 
(b)(3) of this section, if after the issuance of a conditional grant by 
the Immigration Court or the Board the applicant committed an act that 
would have rendered him or her ineligible for suspension of deportation 
or cancellation or removal at the time of the conversion.
    (5) Travel for aliens conditionally granted suspension of 
deportation or cancellation of removal. If the Immigration Court or the 
Board granted suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal on a 
conditional basis or, if the conditional grant by the Immigration Court 
was appealed to the Board and the Board issued such a conditional grant, 
the alien shall retain the conditional grant of suspension of 
deportation or cancellation of removal upon return to the United States 
following a temporary absence abroad and be permitted to resume 
completion of his or her case, provided that:
    (i) The alien departed on or before September 30, 1998 with or 
without a grant of advance parole from the District Director; or
    (ii) The alien, prior to his or her departure from the United States 
after September 30, 1998, obtained a grant of advance parole from the 
District Director in accordance with section 212(d)(5) of the Act and 
Sec.  212.5 of this chapter and complied with the terms and conditions 
of the advance parole.
    (c) Grants of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal 
in fiscal years

[[Page 593]]

subsequent to fiscal year 1998. On and after October 1, 1998, the 
Immigration Court and the Board may grant applications for suspension of 
deportation and adjustment of status under section 244(a) of the Act (as 
in effect prior to April 1, 1997) or cancellation of removal and 
adjustment of status under section 240A(b) of the Act that meet the 
statutory requirements for such relief and warrant a favorable exercise 
of discretion until the annual numerical limitation has been reached in 
that fiscal year. The awarding of such relief shall be determined 
according to the date the order granting such relief becomes final as 
defined in Sec. Sec.  3.1(d)(3) and 3.39 of this chapter.
    (1) Applicability of the annual cap. When grants are no longer 
available in a fiscal year, further decisions to grant or deny such 
relief shall be reserved until such time as a grant becomes available 
under the annual limitation in a subsequent fiscal year. Immigration 
judges and the Board may deny without reserving decision or may 
pretermit those suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal 
applications in which the applicant has failed to establish statutory 
eligibility for relief. The basis of such denial or pretermission may 
not be based on an unfavorable exercise of discretion, a finding of no 
good moral character on a ground not specifically noted in section 
101(f) of the Act, a failure to establish exceptional or extremely 
unusual hardship to a qualifying relative in cancellation cases, or a 
failure to establish extreme hardship to the applicant and/or qualifying 
relative in suspension cases.
    (2) Aliens applying for additional forms of relief. Whether or not 
the cap has been reached, the Immigration Court or the Board shall 
adjudicate concurrently all other forms of relief for which the alien 
has applied. Applications for suspension of deportation or cancellation 
of removal shall be denied in the exercise of discretion if the alien is 
granted asylum or adjustment of status, including pursuant to section 
202 of NACARA, while the suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal application is pending. Where an appeal of a decision granting 
asylum or adjustment is sustained by the Board, a decision to deny as a 
matter of discretion an application for suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal on this basis shall be reconsidered.

[63 FR 52138, Sept. 30, 1998, as amended at 66 FR 6446, Jan. 22, 2001]



                      Subpart C_Voluntary Departure



Sec.  240.25  Voluntary departure--authority of the Service.

    (a) Authorized officers. The authority contained in section 240B(a) 
of the Act to permit aliens to depart voluntarily from the United States 
may be exercised in lieu of being subject to proceedings under section 
240 of the Act by district directors, assistant district directors for 
investigations, assistant district directors for examinations, officers 
in charge, chief patrol agents, the Deputy Executive Associate Director 
for Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Director of the Office of 
Juvenile Affairs, service center directors, and assistant service center 
directors for examinations.
    (b) Conditions. The Service may attach to the granting of voluntary 
departure any conditions it deems necessary to ensure the alien's timely 
departure from the United States, including the posting of a bond, 
continued detention pending departure, and removal under safeguards. The 
alien shall be required to present to the Service, for inspection and 
photocopying, his or her passport or other travel documentation 
sufficient to assure lawful entry into the country to which the alien is 
departing. The Service may hold the passport or documentation for 
sufficient time to investigate its authenticity. A voluntary departure 
order permitting an alien to depart voluntarily shall inform the alien 
of the penalties under section 240B(d) of the Act.
    (c) Decision. The authorized officer, in his or her discretion, 
shall specify the period of time permitted for voluntary departure, and 
may grant extensions thereof, except that the total period allowed, 
including any extensions, shall not exceed 120 days. Every decision 
regarding voluntary departure shall be communicated in writing on Form 
I-210, Notice of Action--Voluntary Departure. Voluntary departure may 
not

[[Page 594]]

be granted unless the alien requests such voluntary departure and agrees 
to its terms and conditions.
    (d) Application. Any alien who believes himself or herself to be 
eligible for voluntary departure under this section may apply therefor 
at any office of the Service. After the commencement of removal 
proceedings, the application may be communicated through the Service 
counsel. If the Service agrees to voluntary departure after proceedings 
have commenced, it may either:
    (1) Join in a motion to terminate the proceedings, and if the 
proceedings are terminated, grant voluntary departure; or
    (2) Join in a motion asking the immigration judge to permit 
voluntary departure in accordance with Sec.  240.26.
    (e) Appeals. An appeal shall not lie from a denial of an application 
for voluntary departure under this section, but the denial shall be 
without prejudice to the alien's right to apply to the immigration judge 
for voluntary departure in accordance with Sec.  240.26 or for relief 
from removal under any provision of law.
    (f) Revocation. If, subsequent to the granting of an application for 
voluntary departure under this section, it is ascertained that t+he 
application should not have been granted, that grant may be revoked 
without advance notice by any officer authorized to grant voluntary 
departure under Sec.  240.25(a). Such revocation shall be communicated 
in writing, citing the statutory basis for revocation. No appeal shall 
lie from revocation.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 67 FR 39258, June 7, 2002; 81 
FR 62355, Sept. 9, 2016]

Subpart D--Exclusion of Aliens (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 
1997) [Reserved]

Subpart E--Proceedings To Determine Deportability of Aliens in the United 
States: Hearing and Appeal (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 
1997) [Reserved]

Subpart F--Suspension of Deportation and Voluntary Departure (for 
Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997) [Reserved]



       Subpart G_Civil Penalties for Failure To Depart [Reserved]

Subpart H--Applications for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule 
Cancellation of Removal Under Section 203 of Pub. L. 105-100

    Source: 64 FR 27876, May 21, 1999, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  240.60  Definitions.

    As used in this subpart the term:
    ABC means American Baptist Churches v. Thornburgh, 760 F. Supp. 796 
(N.D. Cal. 1991).
    ABC class member refers to:
    (1) Any Guatemalan national who first entered the United States on 
or before October 1, 1990; and
    (2) Any Salvadoran national who first entered the United States on 
or before September 19, 1990.
    Asylum application pending adjudication by the Service means any 
asylum application for which the Service has not served the applicant 
with a final decision or which has not been referred to the Immigration 
Court.
    Filed an application for asylum means the proper filing of a 
principal asylum application or filing a derivative asylum application 
by being properly included as a dependent spouse or child in an asylum 
application pursuant to the regulations and procedures in effect at the 
time of filing the principal or derivative asylum application.
    IIRIRA means the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996, enacted as Pub. L. 104-208 (110 Stat. 3009-
625).
    NACARA means the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief 
Act (NACARA), enacted as title II of Pub. L. 105-100 (111 Stat. 2160, 
2193), as amended by the Technical Corrections to the Nicaraguan 
Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, Pub. L. 105-139 (111 Stat. 
2644).

[[Page 595]]

    Registered ABC class member means an ABC class member who:
    (1) In the case of an ABC class member who is a national of El 
Salvador, properly submitted an ABC registration form to the Service on 
or before October 31, 1991, or applied for temporary protected status on 
or before October 31, 1991; or
    (2) In the case of an ABC class member who is a national of 
Guatemala, properly submitted an ABC registration form to the Service on 
or before December 31, 1991.



Sec.  240.61  Applicability.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this 
subpart H applies to the following aliens:
    (1) A registered ABC class member who has not been apprehended at 
the time of entry after December 19, 1990;
    (2) A Guatemalan or Salvadoran national who filed an application for 
asylum with the Service on or before April 1, 1990, either by filing an 
application with the Service or filing the application with the 
Immigration Court and serving a copy of that application on the Service.
    (3) An alien who entered the United States on or before December 31, 
1990, filed an application for asylum on or before December 31, 1991, 
and, at the time of filing the application, was a national of the Soviet 
Union, Russia, any republic of the former Soviet Union, Latvia, Estonia, 
Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, 
East Germany, Yugoslavia, or any state of the former Yugoslavia;
    (4) An alien who is the spouse or child of an individual described 
in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section at the time a 
decision is made to suspend the deportation, or cancel the removal, of 
the individual described in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this 
section;
    (5) An alien who is:
    (i) The unmarried son or unmarried daughter of an individual 
described in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section and is 
21 years of age or older at the time a decision is made to suspend the 
deportation, or cancel the removal, of the parent described in paragraph 
(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section; and
    (ii) Entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990.
    (b) This subpart H does not apply to any alien who has been 
convicted at any time of an aggravated felony, as defined in section 
101(a)(43) of the Act.



Sec.  240.62  Jurisdiction.

    (a) Office of International Affairs. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b) of this section, the Office of International Affairs shall have 
initial jurisdiction to grant or refer to the Immigration Court or Board 
an application for suspension of deportation or special rule 
cancellation of removal filed by an alien described in Sec.  240.61, 
provided:
    (1) In the case of a national of El Salvador described in Sec.  
240.61(a)(1), the alien filed a complete asylum application on or before 
January 31, 1996 (with an administrative grace period extending to 
February 16, 1996), or otherwise met the asylum application filing 
deadline pursuant to the ABC settlement agreement, and the application 
is still pending adjudication by the Service;
    (2) In the case of a national of Guatemala described in Sec.  
240.61(a)(1), the alien filed a complete asylum application on or before 
January 3, 1995, or otherwise met the asylum application filing deadline 
pursuant to the ABC settlement agreement, and the application is still 
pending adjudication by the Service;
    (3) In the case of an individual described in Sec.  240.61(a)(2) or 
(3), the individual's asylum application is pending adjudication by the 
Service;
    (4) In the case of an individual described in Sec.  240.61(a)(4) or 
(5), the individual's parent or spouse has an application pending with 
the Service under this subpart H or has been granted relief by the 
Service under this subpart.
    (b) Immigration Court. The Immigration Court shall have exclusive 
jurisdiction over an application for suspension of deportation or 
special rule cancellation of removal filed pursuant to section 
309(f)(1)(A) or (B) of IIRIRA, as amended by NACARA, by an alien who has 
been served Form I-221, Order to Show Cause, or Form I-862, Notice to 
Appear, after a copy of the charging

[[Page 596]]

document has been filed with the Immigration Court, unless the alien is 
covered by one of the following exceptions:
    (1) Certain ABC class members. (i) The alien is a registered ABC 
class member for whom proceedings before the Immigration Court or the 
Board have been administratively closed or continued (including those 
aliens who had final orders of deportation or removal who have filed and 
been granted a motion to reopen as required under 8 CFR 3.43);
    (ii) The alien is eligible for benefits of the ABC settlement 
agreement and has not had a de novo asylum adjudication pursuant to the 
settlement agreement; and
    (iii) The alien has not moved for and been granted a motion to 
recalendar proceedings before the Immigration Court or the Board to 
request suspension of deportation.
    (2) Spouses, children, unmarried sons, and unmarried daughters. (i) 
The alien is described in Sec.  240.61(a) (4) or (5);
    (ii) The alien's spouse or parent is described in Sec.  
240.61(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) and has a Form I-881 pending with the 
Service; and
    (iii) The alien's proceedings before the Immigration Court have been 
administratively closed, or the alien's proceedings before the Board 
have been continued, to permit the alien to file an application for 
suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal with 
the Service.



Sec.  240.63  Application process.

    (a) Form and fees. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the application must be made on the form prescribed by USCIS 
for this program and filed in accordance with the instructions for that 
form. An applicant who submitted to EOIR a completed Form EOIR-40, 
Application for Suspension of Deportation, before the effective date of 
the form prescribed by USCIS may apply with the Service by submitting 
the completed Form EOIR-40 attached to a completed first page of the 
application. Each application must be filed with the required fees as 
provided in 8 CFR 106.2.
    (b) Applications filed with EOIR. If jurisdiction rests with the 
Immigration Court under Sec.  260.62(b), the application must be made on 
the Form I-881, if filed subsequent to June 21, 1999. The application 
form, along with any supporting documents, must be filed with the 
Immigration Court and served on the Service's district counsel in 
accordance with the instructions on or accompanying the form. 
Applications for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal filed prior to June 21, 1999 shall be filed on Form EOIR-40.
    (c) Applications filed with the Service. If jurisdiction rests with 
the Service under Sec.  240.62(a), the Form I-881 and supporting 
documents must be filed in accordance with the instructions on or 
accompanying the form.
    (d) Conditions and consequences of filing. Applications filed under 
this section shall be filed under the following conditions and shall 
have the following consequences:
    (1) The information provided in the application may be used as a 
basis for the initiation of removal proceedings, or to satisfy any 
burden of proof in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings;
    (2) The applicant and anyone other than a spouse, parent, son, or 
daughter of the applicant who assists the applicant in preparing the 
application must sign the application under penalty of perjury. The 
applicant's signature establishes a presumption that the applicant is 
aware of the contents of the application. A person other than a relative 
specified in this paragraph who assists the applicant in preparing the 
application also must provide his or her full mailing address;
    (3) An application that does not include a response to each of the 
questions contained in the application, is unsigned, or is unaccompanied 
by the required materials specified in the instructions to the 
application is incomplete and shall be returned by mail to the applicant 
within 30 days of receipt of the application by the Service; and
    (4) Knowing placement of false information on the application may 
subject the person supplying that information to criminal penalties 
under title 18 of

[[Page 597]]

the United States Code and to civil penalties under section 274C of the 
Act.

[64 FR 27876, May 21, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 26939, June 5, 2009; 85 
FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  240.64  Eligibility--general.

    (a) Burden and standard of proof. The burden of proof is on the 
applicant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she 
is eligible for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal and that discretion should be exercised to grant relief.
    (b) Calculation of continuous physical presence and certain breaks 
in presence. For purposes of calculating continuous physical presence 
under this section, section 309(c)(5)(A) of IIRIRA and section 
240A(d)(1) of the Act shall not apply to persons described in Sec.  
240.61. For purposes of this subpart H, a single absence of 90 days or 
less or absences which in the aggregate total no more than 180 days 
shall be considered brief.
    (1) For applications for suspension of deportation made under former 
section 244 of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, the burden 
of proof is on the applicant to establish that any breaks in continuous 
physical presence were brief, casual, and innocent and did not 
meaningfully interrupt the period of continuous physical presence in the 
United States. For purposes of evaluating whether an absence is brief, 
single absences in excess of 90 days, or absences that total more than 
180 days in the aggregate will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. An 
applicant must establish that any absence from the United States was 
casual and innocent and did not meaningfully interrupt the period of 
continuous physical presence.
    (2) For applications for special rule cancellation of removal made 
under section 309(f)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by NACARA, the applicant 
shall be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical 
presence in the United States if he or she has departed from the United 
States for any period in excess of 90 days or for any periods in the 
aggregate exceeding 180 days. The applicant must establish that any 
period of absence less than 90 days was casual and innocent and did not 
meaningfully interrupt the period of continuous physical presence in the 
United States.
    (3) For all applications made under this subpart, a period of 
continuous physical presence is terminated whenever an alien is removed 
from the United States under an order issued pursuant to any provision 
of the Act or the alien has voluntarily departed under the threat of 
deportation or when the departure is made for purposes of committing an 
unlawful act.
    (4) The requirements of continuous physical presence in the United 
States under this subpart shall not apply to an alien who:
    (i) Has served for a minimum period of 24 months in an active-duty 
status in the Armed Forces of the United States and, if separated from 
such service, was separated under honorable conditions, and
    (ii) At the time of the alien's enlistment or induction, was in the 
United States.
    (c) Factors relevant to extreme hardship. Except as described in 
paragraph (d) of this section, extreme hardship shall be determined as 
set forth in Sec.  240.58.
    (d) Rebuttable presumption of extreme hardship for certain classes 
of aliens--(1) Presumption of extreme hardship. An applicant described 
in paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of Sec.  240.61 who has submitted a 
completed Form I-881 or Form EOIR-40 to either the Service or the 
Immigration Court, in accordance with Sec.  240.63, shall be presumed to 
have established that deportation or removal from the United States 
would result in extreme hardship to the applicant or to his or her 
spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the United States or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (2) Rebuttal of presumption. A presumption of extreme hardship as 
described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall be rebutted if the 
evidence in the record establishes that it is more likely than not that 
neither the applicant nor a qualified relative would suffer extreme 
hardship if the applicant were deported or removed from the United 
States. In making such a determination, the adjudicator shall consider 
relevant factors, including those listed in Sec.  240.58.

[[Page 598]]

    (3) Burden of proof. In those cases where a presumption of extreme 
hardship applies, the burden of proof shall be on the Service to 
establish that it is more likely than not that neither the applicant nor 
a qualified relative would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were 
deported or removed from the United States.
    (4) Effect of rebuttal. (i) A determination that it is more likely 
than not that neither the applicant nor a qualified relative would 
suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were deported or removed from 
the United States shall be grounds for referral to the Immigration Court 
or dismissal of an application submitted initially to the Service. The 
applicant is entitled to a de novo adjudication and will again be 
considered to have a presumption of extreme hardship before the 
Immigration Court.
    (ii) If the Immigration Court determines that extreme hardship will 
not result from deportation or removal from the United States, the 
application will be denied.

[64 FR 27876, May 21, 1999; 64 FR 33386, June 23, 1999]



Sec.  240.65  Eligibility for suspension of deportation.

    (a) Applicable statutory provisions. To establish eligibility for 
suspension of deportation under this section, the applicant must be an 
individual described in Sec.  240.61; must establish that he or she is 
eligible under former section 244 of the Act, as in effect prior to 
April 1, 1997; must not be subject to any bars to eligibility in former 
section 242B(e) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, or any 
other provisions of law; and must not have been convicted of an 
aggravated felony or be an alien described in former section 
241(a)(4)(D) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997 (relating 
to Nazi persecution and genocide).
    (b) General rule. To establish eligibility for suspension of 
deportation under former section 244(a)(1) of the Act, as in effect 
prior to April 1, 1997, an alien must be deportable under any law of the 
United States, except the provisions specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section, and must establish:
    (1) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the 
date the application was filed;
    (2) During all of such period the alien was and is a person of good 
moral character; and
    (3) The alien's deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney 
General, result in extreme hardship to the alien or to the alien's 
spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the United States or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (c) Aliens deportable on criminal or certain other grounds. To 
establish eligibility for suspension of deportation under former section 
244(a)(2) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, an alien who 
is deportable under former section 241(a) (2), (3), or (4) of the Act, 
as in effect prior to April 1, 1997 (relating to criminal activity, 
document fraud, failure to register, and security threats), must 
establish that:
    (1) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 10 years immediately following the 
commission of an act, or the assumption of a status constituting a 
ground for deportation;
    (2) The alien has been and is a person of good moral character 
during all of such period; and
    (3) The alien's deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney 
General, result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the 
alien, or to the alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of 
the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (d) Battered spouses and children. To establish eligibility for 
suspension of deportation under former section 244(a)(3) of the Act, as 
in effect prior to April 1, 1997, an alien must be deportable under any 
law of the United States, except under former section 241(a)(1)(G) of 
the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997 (relating to marriage 
fraud), and except under the provisions specified in paragraph (c) of 
this section, and must establish that:
    (1) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 3 years

[[Page 599]]

immediately preceding the date the application was filed;
    (2) The alien has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in 
the United States by a spouse or parent who is a United States citizen 
or lawful permanent resident (or is the parent of a child of a United 
States citizen or lawful permanent resident and the child has been 
battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by such 
citizen or permanent resident parent); and
    (3) During all of such time in the United States the alien was and 
is a person of good moral character; and
    (4) The alien's deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney 
General, result in extreme hardship to the alien or the alien's parent 
or child.



Sec.  240.66  Eligibility for special rule cancellation of removal.

    (a) Applicable statutory provisions. To establish eligibility for 
special rule cancellation of removal, the applicant must show he or she 
is eligible under section 309(f)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 
of NACARA. The applicant must be described in Sec.  240.61, must be 
inadmissible or deportable, must not be subject to any bars to 
eligibility in sections 240(b)(7), 240A(c), or 240B(d) of the Act, or 
any other provisions of law, and must not have been convicted of an 
aggravated felony or be an alien described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(I) of 
the Act (relating to persecution of others).
    (b) General rule. To establish eligibility for special rule 
cancellation of removal under section 309(f)(1)(A) of IIRIRA, as amended 
by section 203 of NACARA, the alien must establish that:
    (1) The alien is not inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) or (3) or 
deportable under section 237(a)(2), (3) or (4) of the Act (relating to 
criminal activity, document fraud, failure to register, and security 
threats);
    (2) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of 7 years immediately preceding the date the 
application was filed;
    (3) The alien has been a person of good moral character during the 
required period of continuous physical presence; and
    (4) The alien's removal from the United States would result in 
extreme hardship to the alien, or to the alien's spouse, parent or child 
who is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence.
    (c) Aliens inadmissible or deportable on criminal or certain other 
grounds. To establish eligibility for special rule cancellation of 
removal under section 309(f)(1)(B) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 
of NACARA, the alien must be described in Sec.  240.61 and establish 
that:
    (1) The alien is inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) of the Act 
(relating to criminal activity), or deportable under paragraphs (a)(2) 
(other than section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii), relating to aggravated felony 
convictions), or (a)(3) of section 237 of the Act (relating to criminal 
activity, document fraud, and failure to register);
    (2) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 10 years immediately following the 
commission of an act, or the assumption of a status constituting a 
ground for removal;
    (3) The alien has been a person of good moral character during the 
required period of continuous physical presence; and
    (4) The alien's removal from the United States would result in 
exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the alien or to the 
alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a United States citizen or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.



Sec.  240.67  Procedure for interview before an asylum officer.

    (a) Fingerprinting requirements. USCIS will notify each applicant 14 
years of age or older to appear for an interview only after the 
applicant has complied with fingerprinting requirements pursuant to 8 
CFR 103.16, and USCIS has received a definitive response from the FBI 
that a full criminal background check has been completed. A definitive 
response that a full criminal background check on an applicant has been 
completed includes:
    (1) Confirmation from the FBI that an applicant does not have an 
administrative or criminal record;

[[Page 600]]

    (2) Confirmation from the FBI that an applicant has an 
administrative or a criminal record; or
    (3) Confirmation from the FBI that two properly prepared fingerprint 
cards (Form FD-258) have been determined unclassifiable for the purpose 
of conducting a criminal background check and have been rejected.
    (b) Interview. (1) The asylum officer shall conduct the interview in 
a non-adversarial manner and, except at the request of the applicant, 
separate and apart from the general public. The purpose of the interview 
shall be to elicit all relevant and useful information bearing on the 
applicant's eligibility for suspension of deportation or special rule 
cancellation of removal. If the applicant has an asylum application 
pending with the Service, the asylum officer may also elicit information 
relating to the application for asylum in accordance with Sec.  208.9 of 
this chapter. At the time of the interview, the applicant must provide 
complete information regarding the applicant's identity, including name, 
date and place of birth, and nationality, and may be required to 
register this identity electronically or through any other means 
designated by the Attorney General.
    (2) The applicant may have counsel or a representative present, may 
present witnesses, and may submit affidavits of witnesses and other 
evidence.
    (3) An applicant unable to proceed with the interview in English 
must provide, at no expense to the Service, a competent interpreter 
fluent in both English and a language in which the applicant is fluent. 
The interpreter must be at least 18 years of age. The following 
individuals may not serve as the applicant's interpreter: the 
applicant's attorney or representative of record; a witness testifying 
on the applicant's behalf; or, if the applicant also has an asylum 
application pending with the Service, a representative or employee of 
the applicant's country of nationality, or, if stateless, country of 
last habitual residence. Failure without good cause to comply with this 
paragraph may be considered a failure to appear for the interview for 
purposes of Sec.  240.68.
    (4) The asylum officer shall have authority to administer oaths, 
verify the identity of the applicant (including through the use of 
electronic means), verify the identity of any interpreter, present and 
receive evidence, and question the applicant and any witnesses.
    (5) Upon completion of the interview, the applicant or the 
applicant's representative shall have an opportunity to make a statement 
or comment on the evidence presented. The asylum officer may, in the 
officer's discretion, limit the length of such statement or comment and 
may require its submission in writing. Upon completion of the interview, 
and except as otherwise provided by the asylum officer, the applicant 
shall be informed of the requirement to appear in person to receive and 
to acknowledge receipt of the decision and any other accompanying 
material at a time and place designated by the asylum officer.
    (6) The asylum officer shall consider evidence submitted by the 
applicant with the application, as well as any evidence submitted by the 
applicant before or at the interview. As a matter of discretion, the 
asylum officer may grant the applicant a brief extension of time 
following an interview, during which the applicant may submit additional 
evidence.

[64 FR 27876, May 21, 1999, as amended at 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  240.68  Failure to appear at an interview before an asylum officer 
or failure to follow requirements for fingerprinting.

    (a) Failure to appear for a scheduled interview without prior 
authorization may result in dismissal of the application or waiver of 
the right to an adjudication by an asylum officer. A written request to 
reschedule will be granted if it is an initial request and is received 
by the Asylum Office at least 2 days before the scheduled interview 
date. All other requests to reschedule the interview, including those 
submitted after the interview date, will be granted only if the 
applicant has a reasonable excuse for not appearing, and the excuse was 
received by the Asylum Office in writing within a reasonable time after 
the scheduled interview date.
    (b) Failure to comply with fingerprint processing requirements 
without

[[Page 601]]

reasonable excuse may result in dismissal of the application or waiver 
of the right to an adjudication by an asylum officer.
    (c) Failure to appear shall be excused if the notice of the 
interview or fingerprint appointment was not mailed to the applicant's 
current address and such address had been provided to the Office of 
International Affairs by the applicant prior to the date of mailing in 
accordance with section 265 of the Act and Service regulations, unless 
the asylum officer determines that the applicant received reasonable 
notice of the interview or fingerprinting appointment.



Sec.  240.69  Reliance on information compiled by other sources.

    In determining whether an applicant is eligible for suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal, the asylum officer 
may rely on material described in Sec.  208.12 of this chapter. Nothing 
in this subpart shall be construed to entitle the applicant to conduct 
discovery directed toward records, officers, agents, or employees of the 
Service, the Department of Justice, or the Department of State.



Sec.  240.70  Decision by the Service.

    (a) Service of decision. Unless the asylum officer has granted the 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal at the time of the interview or as otherwise provided by an 
Asylum Office, the applicant will be required to return to the Asylum 
Office to receive service of the decision on the applicant's 
application. If the applicant does not speak English fluently, the 
applicant shall bring an interpreter when returning to the office to 
receive service of the decision.
    (b) Grant of suspension of deportation. An asylum officer may grant 
suspension of deportation to an applicant eligible to apply for this 
relief with the Service who qualifies for suspension of deportation 
under former section 244(a)(1) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 
1, 1997, who is not an alien described in former section 241(a)(4)(D) of 
the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, and who admits 
deportability under any law of the United States, excluding former 
section 241(a)(2), (3), or (4) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 
1, 1997. If the Service has made a preliminary decision to grant the 
applicant suspension of deportation under this subpart, the applicant 
shall be notified of that decision and will be asked to sign an 
admission of deportability or inadmissibility. The applicant must sign 
the admission before the Service may grant the relief sought. If 
suspension of deportation is granted, the Service shall adjust the 
status of the alien to lawful permanent resident, effective as of the 
date that suspension of deportation is granted.
    (c) Grant of cancellation of removal. An asylum officer may grant 
cancellation of removal to an applicant who is eligible to apply for 
this relief with the Service, and who qualifies for cancellation of 
removal under section 309(f)(1)(A) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 
of NACARA, and who admits deportability under section 237(a), excluding 
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), of the Act, or inadmissibility under 
section 212(a), excluding paragraphs (2) or (3), of the Act. If the 
Service has made a preliminary decision to grant the applicant 
cancellation of removal under this subpart, the applicant shall be 
notified of that decision and asked to sign an admission of 
deportability or inadmissibility. The applicant must sign the concession 
before the Service may grant the relief sought. If the Service grants 
cancellation of removal, the Service shall adjust the status of the 
alien to lawful permanent resident, effective as of the date that 
cancellation of removal is granted.
    (d) Referral of the application. Except as provided in paragraphs 
(e) and (f) of this section, and unless the applicant is granted asylum 
or is in lawful immigrant or non-immigrant status, an asylum officer 
shall refer the application for suspension of deportation or special 
rule cancellation of removal to the Immigration Court for adjudication 
in deportation or removal proceedings, and will provide the applicant 
with written notice of the statutory or regulatory basis for the 
referral, if:
    (1) The applicant is not clearly eligible for suspension of 
deportation under former section 244(a)(1) of the Act as in

[[Page 602]]

effect prior to April 1, 1997, or for cancellation of removal under 
section 309(f)(1)(A) of IIRIRA, as amended by NACARA;
    (2) The applicant does not appear to merit relief as a matter of 
discretion;
    (3) The applicant appears to be eligible for suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under this subpart, 
but does not admit deportability or inadmissibility; or
    (4) The applicant failed to appear for a scheduled interview with an 
asylum officer or failed to comply with fingerprinting processing 
requirements and such failure was not excused by the Service, unless the 
application is dismissed.
    (e) Dismissal of the application. An asylum officer shall dismiss 
without prejudice an application for suspension of deportation or 
special rule cancellation of removal submitted by an applicant who has 
been granted asylum, or who is in lawful immigrant or non-immigrant 
status. An asylum officer may also dismiss an application for failure to 
appear, pursuant to Sec.  240.68. The asylum officer will provide the 
applicant written notice of the statutory or regulatory basis for the 
dismissal.
    (f) Special provisions for certain ABC class members whose 
proceedings before EOIR were administratively closed or continued. The 
following provisions shall apply with respect to an ABC class member who 
was in proceedings before the Immigration Court or the Board, and those 
proceedings were closed or continued pursuant to the ABC settlement 
agreement:
    (1) Suspension of deportation or asylum granted. If an asylum 
officer grants asylum or suspension of deportation, the previous 
proceedings before the Immigration Court or Board shall be terminated as 
a matter of law on the date relief is granted.
    (2) Asylum denied and application for suspension of deportation not 
approved. If an asylum officer denies asylum and does not grant the 
applicant suspension of deportation, the Service shall move to 
recalendar proceedings before the Immigration Court or resume 
proceedings before the Board, whichever is appropriate. The Service 
shall refer to the Immigration Court or the Board the application for 
suspension of deportation. In the case where jurisdiction rests with the 
Board, an application for suspension of deportation that is referred to 
the Board will be remanded to the Immigration Court for adjudication.
    (g) Special provisions for dependents whose proceedings before EOIR 
were administratively closed or continued. If an asylum officer grants 
suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal to an 
applicant described in Sec.  240.61(a)(4) or (a)(5), whose proceedings 
before EOIR were administratively closed or continued, those proceedings 
shall terminate as of the date the relief is granted. If suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal is not granted, the 
Service shall move to recalendar proceedings before the Immigration 
Court or resume proceedings before the Board, whichever is appropriate. 
The Service shall refer to the Immigration Court or the Board the 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal. In the case where jurisdiction rests with the Board, an 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal that is referred to the Board will be remanded to the 
Immigration Court for adjudication.
    (h) Special provisions for applicants who depart the United States 
and return under a grant of advance parole while in deportation 
proceedings. Notwithstanding paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section, for 
purposes of adjudicating an application for suspension of deportation or 
special rule cancellation of removal under this subpart, if an applicant 
departs and returns to the United States pursuant to a grant of advance 
parole while in deportation proceedings, including deportation 
proceedings administratively closed or continued pursuant to the ABC 
settlement agreement, the deportation proceedings will be considered 
terminated as of the date of applicant's departure from the United 
States. A decision on the NACARA application shall be issued in 
accordance with paragraph (a), and paragraphs (c) through (e) of this 
section.

[[Page 603]]



PART 241_APPREHENSION AND DETENTION OF ALIENS ORDERED REMOVED--
Table of Contents



              Subpart A_Post-hearing Detention and Removal

Sec.
241.1 Final order of removal.
241.2 Warrant of removal.
241.3 Detention of aliens during removal period.
241.4 Continued detention of inadmissible, criminal, and other aliens 
          beyond the removal period.
241.5 Conditions of release after removal period.
241.6 Administrative stay of removal.
241.7 Self-removal.
241.8 Reinstatement of removal orders.
241.9 Notice to transportation line of alien's removal.
241.10 Special care and attention of removable aliens.
241.11 Detention and removal of stowaways.
241.12 Nonapplication of costs of detention and maintenance.
241.13 Determination of whether there is a significant likelihood of 
          removing a detained alien in the reasonably foreseeable 
          future.
241.14 Continued detention of removable aliens on account of special 
          circumstances.
241.15 Countries to which aliens may be removed.
241.16-241.19 [Reserved]

 Subpart B_Deportation of Excluded Aliens (for Hearings Commenced Prior 
                            to April 1, 1997)

241.20 Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.
241.21 Stay of deportation of excluded alien.
241.22 Notice to surrender for deportation.
241.23 Cost of maintenance not assessed.
241.24 Notice to transportation line of alien's exclusion.
241.25 Deportation.
241.26-241.29 [Reserved]

   Subpart C_Deportation of Aliens in the United States (for Hearings 
                    Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997)

241.30 Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.
241.31 Final order of deportation.
241.32 Warrant of deportation.
241.33 Expulsion.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1223, 1224, 
1225, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1231, 1251, 1253, 1255, 1330, 1362; 18 U.S.C. 
4002, 4013(c)(4); Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 101, et 
seq.); 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



              Subpart A_Post-hearing Detention and Removal



Sec.  241.1  Final order of removal.

    An order of removal becomes final in accordance with 8 CFR 1241.1.

[70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  241.2  Warrant of removal.

    (a) Issuance of a warrant of removal--(1) In general. A Form I-205, 
Warrant of Removal, based on the final administrative removal order in 
the alien's case will be issued by any of the following immigration 
officials:
    (i) Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations;
    (ii) Deputy Assistant Director, Field Operations;
    (iii) Field Office Directors;
    (iv) Deputy Field Office Directors;
    (v) Assistant Field Office Directors;
    (vi) Officers in Charge;
    (vii) Special Agents in Charge;
    (viii) Deputy Special Agents in Charge;
    (ix) Associate Special Agents in Charge;
    (x) Assistant Special Agents in Charge;
    (xi) Group Supervisors;
    (xii) Resident Agents in Charge;
    (xiii) District Field Officers;
    (xiv) Chief Patrol Agents;
    (xv) Deputy Chief Patrol Agents;
    (xvi) Division Chiefs;
    (xvii) Assistant Chief Patrol Agents;
    (xviii) Patrol Agents in Charge;
    (xix) Deputy Patrol Agents in Charge;
    (xx) Watch Commanders, Border Patrol;
    (xxi) Director of Air Operations;
    (xxii) Director of Marine Operations;
    (xxiii) Supervisory Air and Marine Interdiction Agents;
    (xxiv) Unit Chief, Law Enforcement Support Center;
    (xxv) Section Chief, Law Enforcement Support Center;
    (xxvi) Port Directors;
    (xxvii) Assistant Port Directors;
    (xxviii) Directors, Field Operations;

[[Page 604]]

    (xxix) Assistant Directors, Field Operations;
    (xxx) Watch Commanders, Field Operations;
    (xxxi) Chiefs, Field Operations; and
    (xxxii) Other duly authorized officers or employees of the 
Department of Homeland Security or the United States who are delegated 
the authority as provided in 8 CFR 2.1 to issue Warrants of Removal, and 
who have successfully completed any required immigration law enforcement 
training.
    (2) Costs and care during removal. The immigration officials listed 
in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (xxxi) of this section, and other 
officers or employees of the Department or the United States who are 
delegated the authority as provided in 8 CFR 2.1, shall exercise the 
authority contained in section 241 of the Act to determine at whose 
expense the alien shall be removed and whether his or her mental or 
physical condition requires personal care and attention en route to his 
or her destination.
    (b) Execution of the warrant of removal. Any officer authorized by 8 
CFR 287.5(e)(3) to execute administrative warrants of arrest may execute 
a warrant of removal.

[70 FR 67089, Nov. 4, 2005, as amended at 81 FR 62355, Sept. 9, 2016]



Sec.  241.3  Detention of aliens during removal period.

    (a) Assumption of custody. Once the removal period defined in 
section 241(a)(1) of the Act begins, an alien in the United States will 
be taken into custody pursuant to the warrant of removal.
    (b) Cancellation of bond. Any bond previously posted will be 
canceled unless it has been breached or is subject to being breached.
    (c) Judicial stays. The filing of (or intention to file) a petition 
or action in a Federal court seeking review of the issuance or execution 
of an order of removal shall not delay execution of the Warrant of 
Removal except upon an affirmative order of the court.
    (d) Information regarding detainees. Disclosure of information 
relating to detainees shall be governed by the provisions of 8 CFR 
236.3.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  241.4  Continued detention of inadmissible, criminal, and other aliens 
beyond the removal period.

    (a) Scope. The authority to continue an alien in custody or grant 
release or parole under sections 241(a)(6) and 212(d)(5)(A) of the Act 
shall be exercised by the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner, as 
follows: Except as otherwise directed by the Commissioner or his or her 
designee, the Executive Associate Commissioner for Field Operations 
(Executive Associate Commissioner), the Deputy Executive Associate 
Commissioner for Detention and Removal, the Director of the Detention 
and Removal Field Office or the district director may continue an alien 
in custody beyond the removal period described in section 241(a)(1) of 
the Act pursuant to the procedures described in this section. Except as 
provided for in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the provisions of this 
section apply to the custody determinations for the following group of 
aliens:
    (1) An alien ordered removed who is inadmissible under section 212 
of the Act, including an excludable alien convicted of one or more 
aggravated felony offenses and subject to the provisions of section 
501(b) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649, 104 Stat. 
4978, 5048 (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1226(e)(1) through (e)(3)(1994));
    (2) An alien ordered removed who is removable under section 
237(a)(1)(C) of the Act;
    (3) An alien ordered removed who is removable under sections 
237(a)(2) or 237(a)(4) of the Act, including deportable criminal aliens 
whose cases are governed by former section 242 of the Act prior to 
amendment by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility 
Act of 1996, Div. C of Public Law 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009-546; and
    (4) An alien ordered removed who the decision-maker determines is 
unlikely to comply with the removal order or is a risk to the community.
    (b) Applicability to particular aliens--(1) Motions to reopen. An 
alien who has

[[Page 605]]

filed a motion to reopen immigration proceedings for consideration of 
relief from removal, including withholding or deferral of removal 
pursuant to 8 CFR 208.16 or 208.17, shall remain subject to the 
provisions of this section unless the motion to reopen is granted. 
Section 236 of the Act and 8 CFR 236.1 govern custody determinations for 
aliens who are in pending immigration proceedings before the Executive 
Office for Immigration Review.
    (2) Parole for certain Cuban nationals. The review procedures in 
this section do not apply to any inadmissible Mariel Cuban who is being 
detained by the Service pending an exclusion or removal proceeding, or 
following entry of a final exclusion or pending his or her return to 
Cuba or removal to another country. Instead, the determination whether 
to release on parole, or to revoke such parole, or to detain, shall in 
the case of a Mariel Cuban be governed by the procedures in 8 CFR 
212.12.
    (3) Individuals granted withholding or deferral of removal. Aliens 
granted withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or 
withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture 
who are otherwise subject to detention are subject to the provisions of 
this part 241. Individuals subject to a termination of deferral hearing 
under 8 CFR 208.17(d) remain subject to the provisions of this part 241 
throughout the termination process.
    (4) Service determination under 8 CFR 241.13. The custody review 
procedures in this section do not apply after the Service has made a 
determination, pursuant to the procedures provided in 8 CFR 241.13, that 
there is no significant likelihood that an alien under a final order of 
removal can be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future. However, if 
the Service subsequently determines, because of a change of 
circumstances, that there is a significant likelihood that the alien may 
be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future to the country to which 
the alien was ordered removed or to a third country, the alien shall 
again be subject to the custody review procedures under this section.
    (c) Delegation of authority. The Attorney General's statutory 
authority to make custody determinations under sections 241(a)(6) and 
212(d)(5)(A) of the Act when there is a final order of removal is 
delegated as follows:
    (1) District Directors and Directors of Detention and Removal Field 
Offices. The initial custody determination described in paragraph (h) of 
this section and any further custody determination concluded in the 3 
month period immediately following the expiration of the 90-day removal 
period, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, 
will be made by the district director or the Director of the Detention 
and Removal Field Office having jurisdiction over the alien. The 
district director or the Director of the Detention and Removal Field 
Office shall maintain appropriate files respecting each detained alien 
reviewed for possible release, and shall have authority to determine the 
order in which the cases shall be reviewed, and to coordinate activities 
associated with these reviews in his or her respective jurisdictional 
area.
    (2) Headquarters Post-Order Detention Unit (HQPDU). For any alien 
the district director refers for further review after the removal 
period, or any alien who has not been released or removed by the 
expiration of the three-month period after the review, all further 
custody determinations will be made by the Executive Associate 
Commissioner, acting through the HQPDU.
    (3) The HQPDU review plan. The Executive Associate Commissioner 
shall appoint a Director of the HQPDU. The Director of the HQPDU shall 
have authority to establish and maintain appropriate files respecting 
each detained alien to be reviewed for possible release, to determine 
the order in which the cases shall be reviewed, and to coordinate 
activities associated with these reviews.
    (4) Additional delegation of authority. All references to the 
Executive Associate Commissioner, the Director of the Detention and 
Removal Field Office, and the district director in this section shall be 
deemed to include any person or persons (including a committee) 
designated in writing by the Executive Associate Commissioner, the 
Director of the Detention and Removal

[[Page 606]]

Field Office, or the district director to exercise powers under this 
section.
    (d) Custody determinations. A copy of any decision by the district 
director, Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office, or 
Executive Associate Commissioner to release or to detain an alien shall 
be provided to the detained alien. A decision to retain custody shall 
briefly set forth the reasons for the continued detention. A decision to 
release may contain such special conditions as are considered 
appropriate in the opinion of the Service. Notwithstanding any other 
provisions of this section, there is no appeal from the district 
director's or the Executive Associate Commissioner's decision.
    (1) Showing by the alien. The district director, Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office, or Executive Associate Commissioner 
may release an alien if the alien demonstrates to the satisfaction of 
the Attorney General or her designee that his or her release will not 
pose a danger to the community or to the safety of other persons or to 
property or a significant risk of flight pending such alien's removal 
from the United States. The district director, Director of the Detention 
and Removal Field Office, or Executive Associate Commissioner may also, 
in accordance with the procedures and consideration of the factors set 
forth in this section, continue in custody any alien described in 
paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) of this section.
    (2) Service of decision and other documents. All notices, decisions, 
or other documents in connection with the custody reviews conducted 
under this section by the district director, Director of the Detention 
and Removal Field Office, or Executive Associate Commissioner shall be 
served on the alien, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.8, by the Service 
district office having jurisdiction over the alien. Release 
documentation (including employment authorization if appropriate) shall 
be issued by the district office having jurisdiction over the alien in 
accordance with the custody determination made by the district director 
or by the Executive Associate Commissioner. Copies of all such documents 
will be retained in the alien's record and forwarded to the HQPDU.
    (3) Alien's representative. The alien's representative is required 
to complete Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or 
Representative, at the time of the interview or prior to reviewing the 
detainee's records. The Service will forward by regular mail a copy of 
any notice or decision that is being served on the alien only to the 
attorney or representative of record. The alien remains responsible for 
notification to any other individual providing assistance to him or her.
    (e) Criteria for release. Before making any recommendation or 
decision to release a detainee, a majority of the Review Panel members, 
or the Director of the HQPDU in the case of a record review, must 
conclude that:
    (1) Travel documents for the alien are not available or, in the 
opinion of the Service, immediate removal, while proper, is otherwise 
not practicable or not in the public interest;
    (2) The detainee is presently a non-violent person;
    (3) The detainee is likely to remain nonviolent if released;
    (4) The detainee is not likely to pose a threat to the community 
following release;
    (5) The detainee is not likely to violate the conditions of release; 
and
    (6) The detainee does not pose a significant flight risk if 
released.
    (f) Factors for consideration. The following factors should be 
weighed in considering whether to recommend further detention or release 
of a detainee:
    (1) The nature and number of disciplinary infractions or incident 
reports received when incarcerated or while in Service custody;
    (2) The detainee's criminal conduct and criminal convictions, 
including consideration of the nature and severity of the alien's 
convictions, sentences imposed and time actually served, probation and 
criminal parole history, evidence of recidivism, and other criminal 
history;
    (3) Any available psychiatric and psychological reports pertaining 
to the detainee's mental health;
    (4) Evidence of rehabilitation including institutional progress 
relating to participation in work, educational, and vocational programs, 
where available;

[[Page 607]]

    (5) Favorable factors, including ties to the United States such as 
the number of close relatives residing here lawfully;
    (6) Prior immigration violations and history;
    (7) The likelihood that the alien is a significant flight risk or 
may abscond to avoid removal, including history of escapes, failures to 
appear for immigration or other proceedings, absence without leave from 
any halfway house or sponsorship program, and other defaults; and
    (8) Any other information that is probative of whether the alien is 
likely to--
    (i) Adjust to life in a community,
    (ii) Engage in future acts of violence,
    (iii) Engage in future criminal activity,
    (iv) Pose a danger to the safety of himself or herself or to other 
persons or to property, or
    (v) Violate the conditions of his or her release from immigration 
custody pending removal from the United States.
    (g) Travel documents and docket control for aliens continued in 
detention--(1) Removal period. (i) The removal period for an alien 
subject to a final order of removal shall begin on the latest of the 
following dates:
    (A) the date the order becomes administratively final;
    (B) If the removal order is subject to judicial review (including 
review by habeas corpus) and if the court has ordered a stay of the 
alien's removal, the date on which, consistent with the court's order, 
the removal order can be executed and the alien removed; or
    (C) If the alien was detained or confined, except in connection with 
a proceeding under this chapter relating to removability, the date the 
alien is released from the detention or confinement.
    (ii) The removal period shall run for a period of 90 days. However, 
the removal period is extended under section 241(a)(1)(C) of the Act if 
the alien fails or refuses to make timely application in good faith for 
travel or other documents necessary to the alien's departure or 
conspires or acts to prevent the alien's removal subject to an order of 
removal. The Service will provide such an alien with a Notice of Failure 
to Comply, as provided in paragraph (g)(5) of this section, before the 
expiration of the removal period. The removal period shall be extended 
until the alien demonstrates to the Service that he or she has complied 
with the statutory obligations. Once the alien has complied with his or 
her obligations under the law, the Service shall have a reasonable 
period of time in order to effect the alien's removal.
    (2) In general. The district director shall continue to undertake 
appropriate steps to secure travel documents for the alien both before 
and after the expiration of the removal period. If the district director 
is unable to secure travel documents within the removal period, he or 
she shall apply for assistance from Headquarters Detention and 
Deportation, Office of Field Operations. The district director shall 
promptly advise the HQPDU Director when travel documents are obtained 
for an alien whose custody is subject to review by the HQPDU. The 
Service's determination that receipt of a travel document is likely may 
by itself warrant continuation of detention pending the removal of the 
alien from the United States.
    (3) Availability of travel document. In making a custody 
determination, the district director and the Director of the HQPDU shall 
consider the ability to obtain a travel document for the alien. If it is 
established at any stage of a custody review that, in the judgment of 
the Service, travel documents can be obtained, or such document is 
forthcoming, the alien will not be released unless immediate removal is 
not practicable or in the public interest.
    (4) Removal. The Service will not conduct a custody review under 
these procedures when the Service notifies the alien that it is ready to 
execute an order of removal.
    (5) Alien's compliance and cooperation. (i) Release will be denied 
and the alien may remain in detention if the alien fails or refuses to 
make timely application in good faith for travel documents necessary to 
the alien's departure or conspires or acts to prevent the alien's 
removal. The detention provisions of section 241(a)(2) of the Act will 
continue to apply, including provisions

[[Page 608]]

that mandate detention of certain criminal and terrorist aliens.
    (ii) The Service shall serve the alien with a Notice of Failure to 
Comply, which shall advise the alien of the following: the provisions of 
sections 241(a)(1)(C) (extension of removal period) and 243(a) of the 
Act (criminal penalties related to removal); the circumstances 
demonstrating his or her failure to comply with the requirements of 
section 241(a)(1)(C) of the Act; and an explanation of the necessary 
steps that the alien must take in order to comply with the statutory 
requirements.
    (iii) The Service shall advise the alien that the Notice of Failure 
to Comply shall have the effect of extending the removal period as 
provided by law, if the removal period has not yet expired, and that the 
Service is not obligated to complete its scheduled custody reviews under 
this section until the alien has demonstrated compliance with the 
statutory obligations.
    (iv) The fact that the Service does not provide a Notice of Failure 
to Comply, within the 90-day removal period, to an alien who has failed 
to comply with the requirements of section 241(a)(1)(C) of the Act, 
shall not have the effect of excusing the alien's conduct.
    (h) District director's or Director of the Detention and Removal 
Field Office's custody review procedures. The district director's or 
Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office's custody 
determination will be developed in accordance with the following 
procedures:
    (1) Records review. The district director or Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office will conduct the initial custody 
review. For aliens described in paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) of this 
section, the district director or Director of the Detention and Removal 
Field Office will conduct a records review prior to the expiration of 
the removal period. This initial post-order custody review will consist 
of a review of the alien's records and any written information submitted 
in English to the district director by or on behalf of the alien. 
However, the district director or Director of the Detention and Removal 
Field Office may in his or her discretion schedule a personal or 
telephonic interview with the alien as part of this custody 
determination. The district director or Director of the Detention and 
Removal Field Office may also consider any other relevant information 
relating to the alien or his or her circumstances and custody status.
    (2) Notice to alien. The district director or Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office will provide written notice to the 
detainee approximately 30 days in advance of the pending records review 
so that the alien may submit information in writing in support of his or 
her release. The alien may be assisted by a person of his or her choice, 
subject to reasonable security concerns at the institution and panel's 
discretion, in preparing or submitting information in response to the 
district director's notice. Such assistance shall be at no expense to 
the Government. If the alien or his or her representative requests 
additional time to prepare materials beyond the time when the district 
director or Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office expects 
to conduct the records review, such a request will constitute a waiver 
of the requirement that the review occur prior to the expiration of the 
removal period.
    (3) Factors for consideration. The district director's or Director 
of the Detention and Removal Field Office's review will include but is 
not limited to consideration of the factors described in paragraph (f) 
of this section. Before making any decision to release a detainee, the 
district director must be able to reach the conclusions set forth in 
paragraph (e) of this section.
    (4) District director's or Director of the Detention and Removal 
Field Office's decision. The district director or Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office will notify the alien in writing that 
he or she is to be released from custody, or that he or she will be 
continued in detention pending removal or further review of his or her 
custody status.
    (5) District office or Detention and Removal Field office staff. The 
district director or the Director of the Detention and Removal Field 
Office may delegate the authority to conduct the custody review, develop 
recommendations, or

[[Page 609]]

render the custody or release decisions to those persons directly 
responsible for detention within his or her geographical areas of 
responsibility. This includes the deputy district director, the 
assistant director for detention and deportation, the officer-in-charge 
of a detention center, the assistant director of the detention and 
removal field office, the director of the detention and removal resident 
office, the assistant director of the detention and removal resident 
office, officers in charge of service processing centers, or such other 
persons as the district director or the Director of the Detention and 
Removal Field Office may designate from the professional staff of the 
Service.
    (i) Determinations by the Executive Associate Commissioner. 
Determinations by the Executive Associate Commissioner to release or 
retain custody of aliens shall be developed in accordance with the 
following procedures.
    (1) Review panels. The HQPDU Director shall designate a panel or 
panels to make recommendations to the Executive Associate Commissioner. 
A Review Panel shall, except as otherwise provided, consist of two 
persons. Members of a Review Panel shall be selected from the 
professional staff of the Service. All recommendations by the two-member 
Review Panel shall be unanimous. If the vote of the two-member Review 
Panel is split, it shall adjourn its deliberations concerning that 
particular detainee until a third Review Panel member is added. The 
third member of any Review Panel shall be the Director of the HQPDU or 
his or her designee. A recommendation by a three-member Review Panel 
shall be by majority vote.
    (2) Records review. Initially, and at the beginning of each 
subsequent review, the HQPDU Director or a Review Panel shall review the 
alien's records. Upon completion of this records review, the HQPDU 
Director or the Review Panel may issue a written recommendation that the 
alien be released and reasons therefore.
    (3) Personal interview. (i) If the HQPDU Director does not accept a 
panel's recommendation to grant release after a records review, or if 
the alien is not recommended for release, a Review Panel shall 
personally interview the detainee. The scheduling of such interviews 
shall be at the discretion of the HQPDU Director. The HQPDU Director 
will provide a translator if he or she determines that such assistance 
is appropriate.
    (ii) The alien may be accompanied during the interview by a person 
of his or her choice, subject to reasonable security concerns at the 
institution's and panel's discretion, who is able to attend at the time 
of the scheduled interview. Such assistance shall be at no expense to 
the Government. The alien may submit to the Review Panel any 
information, in English, that he or she believes presents a basis for 
his or her release.
    (4) Alien's participation. Every alien shall respond to questions or 
provide other information when requested to do so by Service officials 
for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section.
    (5) Panel recommendation. Following completion of the interview and 
its deliberations, the Review Panel shall issue a written recommendation 
that the alien be released or remain in custody pending removal or 
further review. This written recommendation shall include a brief 
statement of the factors that the Review Panel deems material to its 
recommendation.
    (6) Determination. The Executive Associate Commissioner shall 
consider the recommendation and appropriate custody review materials and 
issue a custody determination, in the exercise of discretion under the 
standards of this section. The Executive Associate Commissioner's review 
will include but is not limited to consideration of the factors 
described in paragraph (f) of this section. Before making any decision 
to release a detainee, the Executive Associate Commissioner must be able 
to reach the conclusions set forth in paragraph (e) of this section. The 
Executive Associate Commissioner is not bound by the panel's 
recommendation.
    (7) No significant likelihood or removal. During the custody review 
process as provided in this paragraph (i), or at the conclusion of that 
review, if the alien submits, or the record contains, information 
providing a substantial reason

[[Page 610]]

to believe that the removal of a detained alien is not significantly 
likely in the reasonably foreseeable future, the HQPDU shall treat that 
as a request for review and initiate the review procedures under Sec.  
241.13. To the extent relevant, the HQPDU may consider any information 
developed during the custody review process under this section in 
connection with the determinations to be made by the Service under Sec.  
241.13. The Service shall complete the custody review under this section 
unless the HQPDU is able to make a prompt determination to release the 
alien under an order of supervision under Sec.  241.13 because there is 
no significant likelihood that the alien will be removed in the 
reasonably foreseeable future.
    (j) Conditions of release--(1) In general. The district director, 
Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office, or Executive 
Associate Commissioner shall impose such conditions or special 
conditions on release as the Service considers appropriate in an 
individual case or cases, including but not limited to the conditions of 
release noted in 8 CFR 212.5(c) and Sec.  241.5. An alien released under 
this section must abide by the release conditions specified by the 
Service in relation to his or her release or sponsorship.
    (2) Sponsorship. The district director, Director of the Detention 
and Removal Field Office, or Executive Associate Commissioner may, in 
the exercise of discretion, condition release on placement with a close 
relative who agrees to act as a sponsor, such as a parent, spouse, 
child, or sibling who is a lawful permanent resident or a citizen of the 
United States, or may condition release on the alien's placement or 
participation in an approved halfway house, mental health project, or 
community project when, in the opinion of the Service, such condition is 
warranted. No detainee may be released until sponsorship, housing, or 
other placement has been found for the detainee, if ordered, including 
but not limited to, evidence of financial support.
    (3) Employment authorization. The district director, Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office, and the Executive Associate 
Commissioner, may, in the exercise of discretion, grant employment 
authorization under the same conditions set forth in Sec.  241.5(c) for 
aliens released under an order of supervision.
    (4) Withdrawal of release approval. The district director, Director 
of the Detention and Removal Field Office, or Executive Associate 
Commissioner may, in the exercise of discretion, withdraw approval for 
release of any detained alien prior to release when, in the decision-
maker's opinion, the conduct of the detainee, or any other circumstance, 
indicates that release would no longer be appropriate.
    (k) Timing of reviews. The timing of reviews shall be in accordance 
with the following guidelines:
    (1) District director or Director of the Detention and Removal Field 
Office. (i) Prior to the expiration of the removal period, the district 
director or Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office shall 
conduct a custody review for an alien described in paragraphs (a) and 
(b)(1) of this section where the alien's removal, while proper, cannot 
be accomplished during the period, or is impracticable or contrary to 
the public interest. As provided in paragraph (h)(4) of this section, 
the district director or Director of the Detention and Removal Field 
Office will notify the alien in writing that he or she is to be released 
from custody, or that he or she will be continued in detention pending 
removal or further review of his or her custody status.
    (ii) When release is denied pending the alien's removal, the 
district director or Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office 
in his or her discretion may retain responsibility for custody 
determinations for up to three months after expiration of the removal 
period, during which time the district director or Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office may conduct such additional review of 
the case as he or she deems appropriate. The district director may 
release the alien if he or she is not removed within the three-month 
period following the expiration of the removal period, in accordance 
with paragraphs (e), (f), and (j) of this section, or the district 
director or Director of the Detention and Removal

[[Page 611]]

Field Office may refer the alien to the HQPDU for further custody 
review.
    (2) HQPDU reviews--(i) District director or Director of the 
Detention and Removal Field Office referral for further review. When the 
district director or Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office 
refers a case to the HQPDU for further review, as provided in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section, authority over the custody determination 
transfers to the Executive Associate Commissioner, according to 
procedures established by the HQPDU. The Service will provide the alien 
with approximately 30 days notice of this further review, which will 
ordinarily be conducted by the expiration of the removal period or as 
soon thereafter as practicable.
    (ii) District director or Director of the Detention and Removal 
Field Office retains jurisdiction. When the district director or 
Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office has advised the alien 
at the 90-day review as provided in paragraph (h)(4) of this section 
that he or she will remain in custody pending removal or further custody 
review, and the alien is not removed within three months of the district 
director's decision, authority over the custody determination transfers 
from the district director or Director of the Detention and Removal 
Field Office to the Executive Associate Commissioner. The initial HQPDU 
review will ordinarily be conducted at the expiration of the three-month 
period after the 90-day review or as soon thereafter as practicable. The 
Service will provide the alien with approximately 30 days notice of that 
review.
    (iii) Continued detention cases. A subsequent review shall 
ordinarily be commenced for any detainee within approximately one year 
of a decision by the Executive Associate Commissioner declining to grant 
release. Not more than once every three months in the interim between 
annual reviews, the alien may submit a written request to the HQPDU for 
release consideration based on a proper showing of a material change in 
circumstances since the last annual review. The HQPDU shall respond to 
the alien's request in writing within approximately 90 days.
    (iv) Review scheduling. Reviews will be conducted within the time 
periods specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i), (k)(2)(i), (k)(2)(ii), and 
(k)(2)(iii) of this section or as soon as possible thereafter, allowing 
for any unforeseen circumstances or emergent situation.
    (v) Discretionary reviews. The HQPDU Director, in his or her 
discretion, may schedule a review of a detainee at shorter intervals 
when he or she deems such review to be warranted.
    (3) Postponement of review. In the case of an alien who is in the 
custody of the Service, the district director or the HQPDU Director may, 
in his or her discretion, suspend or postpone the custody review process 
if such detainee's prompt removal is practicable and proper, or for 
other good cause. The decision and reasons for the delay shall be 
documented in the alien's custody review file or A file, as appropriate. 
Reasonable care will be exercised to ensure that the alien's case is 
reviewed once the reason for delay is remedied or if the alien is not 
removed from the United States as anticipated at the time review was 
suspended or postponed.
    (4) Transition provisions. (i) The provisions of this section apply 
to cases that have already received the 90-day review. If the alien's 
last review under the procedures set out in the Executive Associate 
Commissioner memoranda entitled Detention Procedures for Aliens Whose 
Immediate Repatriation is Not Possible or Practicable, February 3, 1999; 
Supplemental Detention Procedures, April 30, 1999; Interim Changes and 
Instructions for Conduct of Post-order Custody Reviews, August 6, 1999; 
Review of Long-term Detainees, October 22, 1999, was a records review 
and the alien remains in custody, the HQPDU will conduct a custody 
review within six months of that review (Memoranda available at http://
www.ins.usdoj.gov). If the alien's last review included an interview, 
the HQPDU review will be scheduled one year from the last review. These 
reviews will be conducted pursuant to the procedures in paragraph (i) of 
this section, within the time periods specified in this paragraph or as 
soon as possible thereafter, allowing for resource limitations, 
unforeseen circumstances, or an emergent situation.

[[Page 612]]

    (ii) Any case pending before the Board on December 21, 2000 will be 
completed by the Board. If the Board affirms the district director's 
decision to continue the alien in detention, the next scheduled custody 
review will be conducted one year after the Board's decision in 
accordance with the procedures in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (l) Revocation of release--(1) Violation of conditions of release. 
Any alien described in paragraph (a) or (b)(1) of this section who has 
been released under an order of supervision or other conditions of 
release who violates the conditions of release may be returned to 
custody. Any such alien who violates the conditions of an order of 
supervision is subject to the penalties described in section 243(b) of 
the Act. Upon revocation, the alien will be notified of the reasons for 
revocation of his or her release or parole. The alien will be afforded 
an initial informal interview promptly after his or her return to 
Service custody to afford the alien an opportunity to respond to the 
reasons for revocation stated in the notification.
    (2) Determination by the Service. The Executive Associate 
Commissioner shall have authority, in the exercise of discretion, to 
revoke release and return to Service custody an alien previously 
approved for release under the procedures in this section. A district 
director may also revoke release of an alien when, in the district 
director's opinion, revocation is in the public interest and 
circumstances do not reasonably permit referral of the case to the 
Executive Associate Commissioner. Release may be revoked in the exercise 
of discretion when, in the opinion of the revoking official:
    (i) The purposes of release have been served;
    (ii) The alien violates any condition of release;
    (iii) It is appropriate to enforce a removal order or to commence 
removal proceedings against an alien; or
    (iv) The conduct of the alien, or any other circumstance, indicates 
that release would no longer be appropriate.
    (3) Timing of review when release is revoked. If the alien is not 
released from custody following the informal interview provided for in 
paragraph (l)(1) of this section, the HQPDU Director shall schedule the 
review process in the case of an alien whose previous release or parole 
from immigration custody pursuant to a decision of either the district 
director, Director of the Detention and Removal Field Office, or 
Executive Associate Commissioner under the procedures in this section 
has been or is subject to being revoked. The normal review process will 
commence with notification to the alien of a records review and 
scheduling of an interview, which will ordinarily be expected to occur 
within approximately three months after release is revoked. That custody 
review will include a final evaluation of any contested facts relevant 
to the revocation and a determination whether the facts as determined 
warrant revocation and further denial of release. Thereafter, custody 
reviews will be conducted annually under the provisions of paragraphs 
(i), (j), and (k) of this section.

[65 FR 80294, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 56976, 56977, Nov. 14, 
2001; 67 FR 39259, June 7, 2002; 70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005; 76 FR 53791, 
Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  241.5  Conditions of release after removal period.

    (a) Order of supervision. An alien released pursuant to Sec.  241.4 
shall be released pursuant to an order of supervision. The Commissioner, 
Deputy Commissioner, Executive Associate Commissioner Field Operations, 
regional director, district director, acting district director, deputy 
district director, assistant district director for investigations, 
assistant district director for detention and deportation, or officer-
in-charge may issue Form I-220B, Order of Supervision. The order shall 
specify conditions of supervision including, but not limited to, the 
following:
    (1) A requirement that the alien report to a specified officer 
periodically and provide relevant information under oath as directed;
    (2) A requirement that the alien continue efforts to obtain a travel 
document and assist the Service in obtaining a travel document;
    (3) A requirement that the alien report as directed for a mental or 
physical examination or examinations as directed by the Service;

[[Page 613]]

    (4) A requirement that the alien obtain advance approval of travel 
beyond previously specified times and distances; and
    (5) A requirement that the alien provide DHS with written notice of 
any change of address in the prescribed manner.
    (b) Posting of bond. An officer authorized to issue an order of 
supervision may require the posting of a bond in an amount determined by 
the officer to be sufficient to ensure compliance with the conditions of 
the order, including surrender for removal.
    (c) Employment authorization. An officer authorized to issue an 
order of supervision may, in his or her discretion, grant employment 
authorization to an alien released under an order of supervision if the 
officer specifically finds that:
    (1) The alien cannot be removed in a timely manner; or
    (2) The removal of the alien is impracticable or contrary to public 
interest.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 80298, Dec. 21, 2000; 70 
FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  241.6  Administrative stay of removal.

    (a) Any request of an alien under a final order of deportation or 
removal for a stay of deportation or removal shall be filed on Form I-
246, Stay of Removal, with the district director having jurisdiction 
over the place where the alien is at the time of filing. The 
Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Executive Associate Commissioner for 
Field Operations, Deputy Executive Associate Commissioner for Detention 
and Removal, the Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, regional 
directors, or district director, in his or her discretion and in 
consideration of factors listed in 8 CFR 212.5 and section 241(c) of the 
Act, may grant a stay of removal or deportation for such time and under 
such conditions as he or she may deem appropriate. Neither the request 
nor failure to receive notice of disposition of the request shall delay 
removal or relieve the alien from strict compliance with any outstanding 
notice to surrender for deportation or removal.
    (b) Denial by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Executive 
Associate Commissioner for Field Operations, Deputy Executive Associate 
Commissioner for Detention and Removal, Director of the Office of 
Juvenile Affairs, regional director, or district director of a request 
for a stay is not appealable, but such denial shall not preclude an 
immigration judge or the Board from granting a stay in connection with a 
previously filed motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider as provided 
in 8 CFR part 3.
    (c) The Service shall take all reasonable steps to comply with a 
stay granted by an immigration judge or the Board. However, such a stay 
shall cease to have effect if granted (or communicated) after the alien 
has been placed aboard an aircraft or other conveyance for removal and 
the normal boarding has been completed.

[65 FR 80298, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 39259, June 7, 2002]



Sec.  241.7  Self-removal.

    A district director, the Deputy Executive Associate Commissioner for 
Detention and Removal, or the Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs 
may permit an alien ordered removed (including an alien ordered excluded 
or deported in proceedings prior to April 1, 1997) to depart at his or 
her own expense to a destination of his or her own choice. Any alien who 
has departed from the United States while an order of deportation or 
removal is outstanding shall be considered to have been deported, 
excluded and deported, or removed, except that an alien who departed 
before the expiration of the voluntary departure period granted in 
connection with an alternate order of deportation or removal shall not 
be considered to be so deported or removed.

[67 FR 39260, June 7, 2002]



Sec.  241.8  Reinstatement of removal orders.

    (a) Applicability. An alien who illegally reenters the United States 
after having been removed, or having departed voluntarily, while under 
an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal shall be removed from the

[[Page 614]]

United States by reinstating the prior order. The alien has no right to 
a hearing before an immigration judge in such circumstances. In 
establishing whether an alien is subject to this section, the 
immigration officer shall determine the following:
    (1) Whether the alien has been subject to a prior order of removal. 
The immigration officer must obtain the prior order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal relating to the alien.
    (2) The identity of the alien, i.e., whether the alien is in fact an 
alien who was previously removed, or who departed voluntarily while 
under an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. In disputed cases, 
verification of identity shall be accomplished by a comparison of 
fingerprints between those of the previously excluded, deported, or 
removed alien contained in Service records and those of the subject 
alien. In the absence of fingerprints in a disputed case the alien shall 
not be removed pursuant to this paragraph.
    (3) Whether the alien unlawfully reentered the United States. In 
making this determination, the officer shall consider all relevant 
evidence, including statements made by the alien and any evidence in the 
alien's possession. The immigration officer shall attempt to verify an 
alien's claim, if any, that he or she was lawfully admitted, which shall 
include a check of Service data systems available to the officer.
    (b) Notice. If an officer determines that an alien is subject to 
removal under this section, he or she shall provide the alien with 
written notice of his or her determination. The officer shall advise the 
alien that he or she may make a written or oral statement contesting the 
determination. If the alien wishes to make such a statement, the officer 
shall allow the alien to do so and shall consider whether the alien's 
statement warrants reconsideration of the determination.
    (c) Order. If the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are 
met, the alien shall be removed under the previous order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal in accordance with section 241(a)(5) of the Act.
    (d) Exception for applicants for benefits under section 902 of HRIFA 
or sections 202 or 203 of NACARA. If an alien who is otherwise subject 
to this section has applied for adjustment of status under either 
section 902 of Division A of Public Law 105-277, the Haitian Refugee 
Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA), or section 202 of Public Law 
105-100, the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act 
(NACARA), the provisions of section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act shall not apply. The immigration officer may not 
reinstate the prior order in accordance with this section unless and 
until a final decision to deny the application for adjustment has been 
made. If the application for adjustment of status is granted, the prior 
order shall be rendered moot.
    (e) Exception for withholding of removal. If an alien whose prior 
order of removal has been reinstated under this section expresses a fear 
of returning to the country designated in that order, the alien shall be 
immediately referred to an asylum officer for an interview to determine 
whether the alien has a reasonable fear of persecution or torture 
pursuant to Sec.  208.31 of this chapter.
    (f) Execution of reinstated order. Execution of the reinstated order 
of removal and detention of the alien shall be administered in 
accordance with this part.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8495, Feb. 19, 1999; 66 
FR 29451, May 31, 2001]



Sec.  241.9  Notice to transportation line of alien's removal.

    (a) An alien who has been ordered removed shall, immediately or as 
promptly as the circumstances permit, be offered for removal to the 
owner, agent, master, commanding officer, person in charge, purser, or 
consignee of the vessel or aircraft on which the alien is to be removed, 
as determined by the district director, with a written notice specifying 
the cause of inadmissibility or deportability, the class of travel in 
which such alien arrived and is to be removed, and with the return of 
any documentation that will assist in effecting his or her removal. If 
special care and attention are required, the provisions of Sec.  241.10 
shall apply.

[[Page 615]]

    (b) Failure of the carrier to accept for removal an alien who has 
been ordered removed shall result in the carrier being assessed any 
costs incurred by the Service for detention after the carrier's failure 
to accept the alien for removal, including the cost of any 
transportation as required under section 241(e) of the Act. The User Fee 
Account shall not be assessed for expenses incurred because of the 
carrier's violation of the provisions of section 241 of the Act and this 
paragraph. The Service will, at the carrier's option, retain custody of 
the alien for an additional 7 days beyond the date of the removal order. 
If, after the third day of this additional 7-day period, the carrier has 
not made all the necessary transportation arrangements for the alien to 
be returned to his or her point of embarkation by the end of the 
additional 7-day period, the Service will make the arrangements and bill 
the carrier for its costs.



Sec.  241.10  Special care and attention of removable aliens.

    When, in accordance with section 241(c)(3) of the Act, a 
transportation line is responsible for the expenses of an inadmissible 
or deportable alien's removal, and the alien requires special care and 
attention, the alien shall be delivered to the owner, agent, master, 
commanding officer, person in charge, purser, or consignee of the vessel 
or aircraft on which the alien will be removed, who shall be given Forms 
I-287, I-287A, and I-287B. The reverse of Form I-287A shall be signed by 
the officer of the vessel or aircraft to whom the alien has been 
delivered and immediately returned to the immigration officer effecting 
delivery. Form I-287B shall be retained by the receiving officer and 
subsequently filled out by the agents or persons therein designated and 
returned by mail to the district director named on the form. The 
transportation line shall at its own expense forward the alien from the 
foreign port of disembarkation to the final destination specified on 
Form I-287. The special care and attention shall be continued to such 
final destination, except when the foreign public officers decline to 
allow such attendant to proceed and they take charge of the alien, in 
which case this fact shall be recorded by the transportation line on the 
reverse of Form I-287B. If the transportation line fails, refuses, or 
neglects to provide the necessary special care and attention or comply 
with the directions of Form I-287, the district director shall 
thereafter and without notice employ suitable persons, at the expense of 
the transportation line, and effect such removal.



Sec.  241.11  Detention and removal of stowaways.

    (a) Presentation of stowaways. The owner, agent, master, commanding 
officer, charterer, or consignee of a vessel or aircraft (referred to in 
this section as the carrier) bringing any alien stowaway to the United 
States is required to detain the stowaway on board the vessel or 
aircraft, at the expense of the owner of the vessel or aircraft, until 
completion of the inspection of the alien by an immigration officer. If 
detention on board the vessel or aircraft pending inspection is not 
possible, the carrier shall advise the Service of this fact without 
delay, and the Service may authorize that the carrier detain the 
stowaway at another designated location, at the expense of the owner, 
until the immigration officer arrives. No notice to detain the alien 
shall be required. Failure to detain an alien stowaway pending 
inspection shall result in a civil penalty under section 243(c)(1)(A) of 
the Act. The owner, agent, master, commanding officer, charterer, or 
consignee of a vessel or aircraft must present the stowaway for 
inspection, along with any documents or evidence of identity or 
nationality in the possession of the alien or obtained by the carrier 
relating to the alien stowaway, and must provide any available 
information concerning the alien's boarding or apprehension.
    (b) Removal of stowaways from vessel or aircraft for medical 
treatment. The district director may parole an alien stowaway into the 
United States for medical treatment, but the costs of detention and 
treatment of the alien stowaway shall be at the expense of the owner of 
the vessel or aircraft, and such removal of the stowaway from the vessel 
or aircraft does not relieve the

[[Page 616]]

carrier of the requirement to remove the stowaway from the United States 
once such medical treatment has been completed.
    (c) Repatriation of stowaways--(1) Requirements of carrier. 
Following inspection, an immigration officer may order the owner, agent, 
master, commanding officer, charterer, or consignee of a vessel or 
aircraft bringing any alien stowaway to the United States to remove the 
stowaway on the vessel or aircraft of arrival, unless it is 
impracticable to do so or other factors exist which would preclude 
removal on the same vessel or aircraft. Such factors may include, but 
are not limited to, sanitation, health, and safety concerns for the crew 
and/or stowaway, whether the stowaway is a female or a juvenile, loss of 
insurance coverage on account of the stowaway remaining aboard, need for 
repairs to the vessel, and other similar circumstances. If the owner, 
agent, master, commanding officer, charterer, or consignee requests that 
he or she be allowed to remove the stowaway by other means, the Service 
shall favorably consider any such request, provided the carrier has 
obtained, or will obtain in a timely manner, any necessary travel 
documents and has made or will make all transportation arrangements. The 
owner, agent, master, commanding officer, charterer, or consignee shall 
transport the stowaway or arrange for secure escort of the stowaway to 
the vessel or aircraft of departure to ensure that the stowaway departs 
the United States. All expenses relating to removal shall be borne by 
the owner. Other than requiring compliance with the detention and 
removal requirements contained in section 241(d)(2) of the Act, the 
Service shall not impose additional conditions on the carrier regarding 
security arrangements. Failure to comply with an order to remove an 
alien stowaway shall result in a civil penalty under section 
243(c)(1)(A) of the Act.
    (2) Detention of stowaways ordered removed. If detention of the 
stowaway is required pending removal on other than the vessel or 
aircraft of arrival, or if the stowaway is to be removed on the vessel 
or aircraft of arrival but departure of the vessel or aircraft is not 
imminent and circumstances preclude keeping the stowaway on board the 
vessel or aircraft, the Service shall take the stowaway into Service 
custody. The owner is responsible for all costs of maintaining and 
detaining the stowaway pending removal, including costs for stowaways 
seeking asylum as described in paragraph (d) of this section. Such costs 
will be limited to those normally incurred in the detention of an alien 
by the Service, including, but not limited to, housing, food, 
transportation, medical expenses, and other reasonable costs incident to 
the detention of the stowaway. The Service may require the posting of a 
bond or other surety to ensure payment of costs of detention.
    (d) Stowaways claiming asylum--(1) Referral for credible fear 
determination. A stowaway who indicates an intention to apply for asylum 
or a fear of persecution or torture upon return to his or her native 
country or country of last habitual residence (if not a national of any 
country) shall be removed from the vessel or aircraft of arrival in 
accordance with Sec.  208.5(b) of this chapter. The immigration officer 
shall refer the alien to an asylum officer for a determination of 
credible fear in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act and 
Sec.  208.30 of this chapter. The stowaway shall be detained in the 
custody of the Service pending the credible fear determination and any 
review thereof. Parole of such alien, in accordance with section 
212(d)(5) of the Act, may be permitted only when the Attorney General 
determines, in the exercise of discretion, that parole is required to 
meet a medical emergency or is necessary for a legitimate law 
enforcement objective. A stowaway who has established a credible fear of 
persecution or torture in accordance with Sec.  208.30 of this chapter 
may be detained or paroled pursuant to Sec.  212.5 of this chapter 
during any consideration of the asylum application. In determining 
whether to detain or parole the alien, the Service shall consider the 
likelihood that the alien will abscond or pose a security risk.
    (2) Costs of detention of asylum-seeking stowaways. The owner of the 
vessel or aircraft that brought the stowaway to the United States shall 
reimburse the Service for the costs of maintaining and detaining the 
stowaway pending a

[[Page 617]]

determination of credible fear under section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act, up 
to a maximum period of 72 hours. The owner is also responsible for the 
costs of maintaining and detaining the stowaway during the period in 
which the stowaway is pursuing his or her asylum application, for a 
maximum period of 15 working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and 
holidays. The 15-day period shall begin on the day following the day in 
which the alien is determined to have a credible fear of persecution by 
the asylum officer, or by the immigration judge if such review was 
requested by the alien pursuant to section 235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(III) of the 
Act, but not later than 72 hours after the stowaway was initially 
presented to the Service for inspection. Following the determination of 
credible fear, if the stowaway's application for asylum is not 
adjudicated within 15 working days, the Service shall pay the costs of 
detention beyond this time period. If the stowaway is determined not to 
have a credible fear of persecution, or if the stowaway's application 
for asylum is denied, including any appeals, the carrier shall be 
notified and shall arrange for repatriation of the stowaway at the 
expense of the owner of the vessel or aircraft on which the stowaway 
arrived.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8495, Feb. 19, 1999]



Sec.  241.12  Nonapplication of costs of detention and maintenance.

    The owner of a vessel or aircraft bringing an alien to the United 
States who claims to be exempt from payment of the costs of detention 
and maintenance of the alien pursuant to section 241(c)(3)(B) of the Act 
shall establish to the satisfaction of the district director in charge 
of the port of arrival that such costs should not be applied. The 
district director shall afford the owner a reasonable time within which 
to submit affidavits and briefs to support the claim. There is no appeal 
from the decision of the district director.



Sec.  241.13  Determination of whether there is a significant likelihood 
of removing a detained alien in the reasonably foreseeable future.

    (a) Scope. This section establishes special review procedures for 
those aliens who are subject to a final order of removal and are 
detained under the custody review procedures provided at Sec.  241.4 
after the expiration of the removal period, where the alien has provided 
good reason to believe there is no significant likelihood of removal to 
the country to which he or she was ordered removed, or to a third 
country, in the reasonably foreseeable future.
    (b) Applicability to particular aliens--(1) Relationship to Sec.  
241.4. Section 241.4 shall continue to govern the detention of aliens 
under a final order of removal, including aliens who have requested a 
review of the likelihood of their removal under this section, unless the 
Service makes a determination under this section that there is no 
significant likelihood of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future. 
The Service may release an alien under an order of supervision under 
Sec.  241.4 if it determines that the alien would not pose a danger to 
the public or a risk of flight, without regard to the likelihood of the 
alien's removal in the reasonably foreseeable future.
    (2) Continued detention pending determinations. (i) The Service's 
Headquarters Post-order Detention Unit (HQPDU) shall continue in custody 
any alien described in paragraph (a) of this section during the time the 
Service is pursuing the procedures of this section to determine whether 
there is no significant likelihood the alien can be removed in the 
reasonably foreseeable future. The HQPDU shall continue in custody any 
alien described in paragraph (a) of this section for whom it has 
determined that special circumstances exist and custody procedures under 
Sec.  241.14 have been initiated.
    (ii) The HQPDU has no obligation to release an alien under this 
section until the HQPDU has had the opportunity during a six-month 
period, dating from the beginning of the removal period (whenever that 
period begins and unless that period is extended as provided in section 
241(a)(1) of the Act),

[[Page 618]]

to make its determination as to whether there is a significant 
likelihood of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future.
    (3) Limitations. This section does not apply to:
    (i) Arriving aliens, including those who have not entered the United 
States, those who have been granted immigration parole into the United 
States, and Mariel Cubans whose parole is governed by Sec.  212.12 of 
this chapter;
    (ii) Aliens subject to a final order of removal who are still within 
the removal period, including aliens whose removal period has been 
extended for failure to comply with the requirements of section 
241(a)(1)(C) of the Act; or
    (iii) Aliens who are ordered removed by the Alien Terrorist Removal 
Court pursuant to title 5 of the Act.
    (c) Delegation of authority. The HQPDU shall conduct a review under 
this section, in response to a request from a detained alien, in order 
to determine whether there is no significant likelihood that the alien 
will be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future. If so, the HQPDU 
shall determine whether the alien should be released from custody under 
appropriate conditions of supervision or should be referred for a 
determination under Sec.  241.14 as to whether the alien's continued 
detention may be justified by special circumstances.
    (d) Showing by the alien--(1) Written request. An eligible alien may 
submit a written request for release to the HQPDU asserting the basis 
for the alien's belief that there is no significant likelihood that the 
alien will be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future. The alien 
may submit whatever documentation to the HQPDU he or she wishes in 
support of the assertion that there is no significant likelihood of 
removal in the reasonably foreseeable future.
    (2) Compliance and cooperation with removal efforts. The alien shall 
include with the written request information sufficient to establish his 
or her compliance with the obligation to effect his or her removal and 
to cooperate in the process of obtaining necessary travel documents.
    (3) Timing of request. An eligible alien subject to a final order of 
removal may submit, at any time after the removal order becomes final, a 
written request under this section asserting that his or her removal is 
not significantly likely in the reasonably foreseeable future. However, 
the Service may, in the exercise of its discretion, postpone its 
consideration of such a request until after expiration of the removal 
period.
    (e) Review by HQPDU--(1) Initial response. Within 10 business days 
after the HQPDU receives the request (or, if later, the expiration of 
the removal period), the HQPDU shall respond in writing to the alien, 
with a copy to counsel of record, by regular mail, acknowledging receipt 
of the request for a review under this section and explaining the 
procedures that will be used to evaluate the request. The notice shall 
advise the alien that the Service may continue to detain the alien until 
it has made a determination under this section whether there is a 
significant likelihood the alien can be removed in the reasonably 
foreseeable future.
    (2) Lack of compliance, failure to cooperate. The HQPDU shall first 
determine if the alien has failed to make reasonable efforts to comply 
with the removal order, has failed to cooperate fully in effecting 
removal, or has obstructed or hampered the removal process. If so, the 
HQPDU shall so advise the alien in writing, with a copy to counsel of 
record by regular mail. The HQPDU shall advise the alien of the efforts 
he or she needs to make in order to assist in securing travel documents 
for return to his or her country of origin or a third country, as well 
as the consequences of failure to make such efforts or to cooperate, 
including the provisions of section 243(a) of the Act. The Service shall 
not be obligated to conduct a further consideration of the alien's 
request for release until the alien has responded to the HQPDU and has 
established his or her compliance with the statutory requirements.
    (3) Referral to the State Department. If the HQPDU believes that the 
alien's request provides grounds for further review, the Service may, in 
the exercise of its discretion, forward a copy of the

[[Page 619]]

alien's release request to the Department of State for information and 
assistance. The Department of State may provide detailed country 
conditions information or any other information that may be relevant to 
whether a travel document is obtainable from the country at issue. The 
Department of State may also provide an assessment of the accuracy of 
the alien's assertion that he or she cannot be returned to the country 
at issue or to a third country. When the Service bases its decision, in 
whole or in part, on information provided by the Department of State, 
that information shall be made part of the record.
    (4) Response by alien. The Service shall permit the alien an 
opportunity to respond to the evidence on which the Service intends to 
rely, including the Department of State's submission, if any, and other 
evidence of record presented by the Service prior to any HQPDU decision. 
The alien may provide any additional relevant information to the 
Service, including reasons why his or her removal would not be 
significantly likely in the reasonably foreseeable future even though 
the Service has generally been able to accomplish the removal of other 
aliens to the particular country.
    (5) Interview. The HQPDU may grant the alien an interview, whether 
telephonically or in person, if the HQPDU determines that an interview 
would provide assistance in reaching a decision. If an interview is 
scheduled, the HQPDU will provide an interpreter upon its determination 
that such assistance is appropriate.
    (6) Special circumstances. If the Service determines that there are 
special circumstances justifying the alien's continued detention 
notwithstanding the determination that removal is not significantly 
likely in the reasonably foreseeable future, the Service shall initiate 
the review procedures in Sec.  241.14, and provide written notice to the 
alien. In appropriate cases, the Service may initiate review proceedings 
under Sec.  241.14 before completing the HQPDU review under this 
section.
    (f) Factors for consideration. The HQPDU shall consider all the 
facts of the case including, but not limited to, the history of the 
alien's efforts to comply with the order of removal, the history of the 
Service's efforts to remove aliens to the country in question or to 
third countries, including the ongoing nature of the Service's efforts 
to remove this alien and the alien's assistance with those efforts, the 
reasonably foreseeable results of those efforts, and the views of the 
Department of State regarding the prospects for removal of aliens to the 
country or countries in question. Where the Service is continuing its 
efforts to remove the alien, there is no presumptive period of time 
within which the alien's removal must be accomplished, but the prospects 
for the timeliness of removal must be reasonable under the 
circumstances.
    (g) Decision. The HQPDU shall issue a written decision based on the 
administrative record, including any documentation provided by the 
alien, regarding the likelihood of removal and whether there is a 
significant likelihood that the alien will be removed in the reasonably 
foreseeable future under the circumstances. The HQPDU shall provide the 
decision to the alien, with a copy to counsel of record, by regular 
mail.
    (1) Finding of no significant likelihood of removal. If the HQPDU 
determines at the conclusion of the review that there is no significant 
likelihood that the alien will be removed in the reasonably foreseeable 
future, despite the Service's and the alien's efforts to effect removal, 
then the HQPDU shall so advise the alien. Unless there are special 
circumstances justifying continued detention, the Service shall promptly 
make arrangements for the release of the alien subject to appropriate 
conditions, as provided in paragraph (h) of this section. The Service 
may require that the alien submit to a medical or psychiatric 
examination prior to establishing appropriate conditions for release or 
determining whether to refer the alien for further proceedings under 
Sec.  214.14 because of special circumstances justifying continued 
detention. The Service is not required to release an alien if the alien 
refuses to submit to a medical or psychiatric examination as ordered.

[[Page 620]]

    (2) Denial. If the HQPDU determines at the conclusion of the review 
that there is a significant likelihood that the alien will be removed in 
the reasonably foreseeable future, the HQPDU shall deny the alien's 
request under this section. The denial shall advise the alien that his 
or her detention will continue to be governed under the established 
standards in Sec.  214.4. There is no administrative appeal from the 
HQPDU decision denying a request from an alien under this section.
    (h) Conditions of release--(1) In general. An alien's release 
pursuant to an HQPDU determination that the alien's removal is not 
significantly likely in the reasonably foreseeable future shall be upon 
appropriate conditions specified in this paragraph and in the order of 
supervision, in order to protect the public safety and to promote the 
ability of the Service to effect the alien's removal as ordered, or 
removal to a third country, should circumstances change in the future. 
The order of supervision shall include all of the conditions provided in 
section 241(a)(3) of the Act, and Sec.  241.5, and shall also include 
the conditions that the alien obey all laws, including any applicable 
prohibitions on the possession or use of firearms (see, e.g., 18 U.S.C. 
922(g)); and that the alien continue to seek to obtain travel documents 
and provide the Service with all correspondence to Embassies/Consulates 
requesting the issuance of travel documents and any reply from the 
Embassy/Consulate. The order of supervision may also include any other 
conditions that the HQPDU considers necessary to ensure public safety 
and guarantee the alien's compliance with the order of removal, 
including, but not limited to, attendance at any rehabilitative/
sponsorship program or submission for medical or psychiatric 
examination, as ordered.
    (2) Advice of consequences for violating conditions of release. The 
order of supervision shall advise an alien released under this section 
that he or she must abide by the conditions of release specified by the 
Service. The order of supervision shall also advise the alien of the 
consequences of violation of the conditions of release, including the 
authority to return the alien to custody and the sanctions provided in 
section 243(b) of the Act.
    (3) Employment authorization. The Service may, in the exercise of 
its discretion, grant employment authorization under the same conditions 
set forth in Sec.  241.5(c) for aliens released under an order of 
supervision.
    (4) Withdrawal of release approval. The Service may, in the exercise 
of its discretion, withdraw approval for release of any alien under this 
section prior to release in order to effect removal in the reasonably 
foreseeable future or where the alien refuses to comply with the 
conditions of release.
    (i) Revocation of release--(1) Violation of conditions of release. 
Any alien who has been released under an order of supervision under this 
section who violates any of the conditions of release may be returned to 
custody and is subject to the penalties described in section 243(b) of 
the Act. In suitable cases, the HQPDU shall refer the case to the 
appropriate U.S. Attorney for criminal prosecution. The alien may be 
continued in detention for an additional six months in order to effect 
the alien's removal, if possible, and to effect the conditions under 
which the alien had been released.
    (2) Revocation for removal. The Service may revoke an alien's 
release under this section and return the alien to custody if, on 
account of changed circumstances, the Service determines that there is a 
significant likelihood that the alien may be removed in the reasonably 
foreseeable future. Thereafter, if the alien is not released from 
custody following the informal interview provided for in paragraph 
(h)(3) of this section, the provisions of Sec.  241.4 shall govern the 
alien's continued detention pending removal.
    (3) Revocation procedures. Upon revocation, the alien will be 
notified of the reasons for revocation of his or her release. The 
Service will conduct an initial informal interview promptly after his or 
her return to Service custody to afford the alien an opportunity to 
respond to the reasons for revocation stated in the notification. The 
alien may submit any evidence or information that he or she believes 
shows there is no significant likelihood he or

[[Page 621]]

she be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future, or that he or she 
has not violated the order of supervision. The revocation custody review 
will include an evaluation of any contested facts relevant to the 
revocation and a determination whether the facts as determined warrant 
revocation and further denial of release.
    (j) Subsequent requests for review. If the Service has denied an 
alien's request for release under this section, the alien may submit a 
request for review of his or her detention under this section, six 
months after the Service's last denial of release under this section. 
After applying the procedures in this section, the HQPDU shall consider 
any additional evidence provided by the alien or available to the 
Service as well as the evidence in the prior proceedings but the HQPDC 
shall render a de novo decision on the likelihood of removing the alien 
in the reasonably foreseeable future under the circumstances.

[66 FR 56977, Nov. 14, 2001, as amended at 70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  241.14  Continued detention of removable aliens on account 
of special circumstances.

    (a) Scope. The Service may invoke the procedures of this section in 
order to continue detention of particular removable aliens on account of 
special circumstances even though there is no significant likelihood 
that the alien will be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future.
    (1) Applicability. This section applies to removable aliens as to 
whom the Service has made a determination under Sec.  241.13 that there 
is no significant likelihood of removal in the reasonably foreseeable 
future. This section does not apply to aliens who are not subject to the 
special review provisions under Sec.  241.13.
    (2) Jurisdiction. The immigration judges and the Board have 
jurisdiction with respect to determinations as to whether release of an 
alien would pose a special danger to the public, as provided in 
paragraphs (f) through (k) of this section, but do not have jurisdiction 
with respect to aliens described in paragraphs (b), (c), or (d) of this 
section.
    (b) Aliens with a highly contagious disease that is a threat to 
public safety. If, after a medical examination of the alien, the Service 
determines that a removable alien presents a threat to public safety 
initiate efforts with the Public Health Service or proper State and 
local government officials to secure appropriate arrangements for the 
alien's continued medical care or treatment.
    (1) Recommendation. The Service shall not invoke authority to 
continue detention of an alien under this paragraph except upon the 
express recommendation of the Public Health Service. The Service will 
provide every reasonably available form of treatment while the alien 
remains in the custody of the Service.
    (2) Conditions of release. If the Service, in consultation with the 
Public Health Service and the alien, identifies an appropriate medical 
facility that will treat the alien, then the alien may be released on 
condition that he or she continue with appropriate medical treatment 
until he or she no longer poses a threat to public safety because of a 
highly contagious disease.
    (c) Aliens detained on account of serious adverse foreign policy 
consequences of release--(1) Certification. The Service shall continue 
to detain a removable alien where the Attorney General or Deputy 
Attorney General has certified in writing that:
    (i) Without regard to the grounds upon which the alien has been 
found inadmissible or removable, the alien is a person described in 
section 212(a)(3)(C) or section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Act;
    (ii) The alien's release is likely to have serious adverse foreign 
policy consequences for the United States; and
    (iii) No conditions of release can reasonably be expected to avoid 
those serious adverse foreign policy consequences,
    (2) Foreign policy consequences. A certification by the Attorney 
General or Deputy Attorney General that an alien should not be released 
from custody on account of serious adverse foreign policy consequences 
shall be made only after consultation with the Department of State and 
upon the recommendation of the Secretary of State.

[[Page 622]]

    (3) Ongoing review. The certification is subject to ongoing review 
on a semi-annual basis but is not subject to further administrative 
review.
    (d) Aliens detained on account of security or terrorism concerns--
(1) Standard for continued detention. Subject to the review procedures 
under this paragraph (d), the Service shall continue to detain a 
removable alien based on a determination in writing that:
    (i) The alien is a person described in section 212(a)(3)(A) or (B) 
or section 237(a)(4)(A) of (B) of the Act or the alien has engaged or 
will likely engage in any other activity that endangers the national 
security;
    (ii) The alien's release presents a significant threat to the 
national security or a significant risk of terrorism; and
    (iii) No conditions of release can reasonably be expected to avoid 
the threat to the national security or the risk of terrorism, as the 
case may be.
    (2) Procedure. Prior to the Commissioner's recommendation to the 
Attorney General under paragraph (d)(5) of this section, the alien shall 
be notified of the Service's intention to continue the alien in 
detention and of the alien's right to submit a written statement and 
additional information for consideration by the Commissioner. The 
Service shall continue to detain the alien pending the decision of the 
Attorney General under this paragraph. To the greatest extent consistent 
with protection of the national security and classified information:
    (i) The Service shall provide a description of the factual basis for 
the alien's continued detention; and
    (ii) The alien shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine 
evidence against him or her, and to present information on his or her 
own behalf.
    (3) Aliens ordered removed on grounds other than national security 
or terrorism. If the alien's final order of removal was based on grounds 
of inadmissibility other than any of those stated in section 
212(a)(3)(A)(i), (A)(iii), or (B) of the Act, or on grounds of 
deportability other than any of those stated in section 237(a)(4)(A) or 
(B) of the Act:
    (i) An immigration officer shall, if possible, conduct an interview 
in person and take a sworn question-and-answer statement from the alien, 
and the Service shall provide an interpreter for such interview, if such 
assistance is determined to be appropriate; and
    (ii) The alien may be accompanied at the interview by an attorney or 
other representative of his or her choice in accordance with 8 CFR part 
292, at no expense to the government.
    (4) Factors for consideration. In making a recommendation to the 
Attorney General that an alien should not be released from custody on 
account of security or terrorism concerns, the Commissioner shall take 
into account all relevant information, including but not limited to:
    (i) The recommendations of appropriate enforcement officials of the 
Service, including the director of the Headquarters Post-order Detention 
Unit (HQPDU), and of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or other 
federal law enforcement or national security agencies;
    (ii) The statements and information submitted by the alien, if any;
    (iii) The extent to which the alien's previous conduct (including 
but not limited to the commission of national security or terrorism-
related offenses, engaging in terrorist activity or other activity that 
poses a danger to the national security and any prior convictions in a 
federal, state or foreign court) indicates a likelihood that the alien's 
release would present a significant threat to the national security or a 
significant risk of terrorism; and
    (iv) Other special circumstances of the alien's case indicating that 
release from detention would present a significant threat to the 
national security or a significant risk of terrorism.
    (5) Recommendation to the Attorney General. The Commissioner shall 
submit a written recommendation and make the record available to the 
Attorney General. If the continued detention is based on a significant 
risk of terrorism, the recommendation shall state in as much detail as 
practicable the factual basis for this determination.
    (6) Attorney General certification. Based on the record developed by 
the Service, and upon this recommendation of the Commissioner and the 
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Attorney General 
may certify that

[[Page 623]]

an alien should continue to be detained on account of security or 
terrorism grounds as provided in this paragraph (d). Before making such 
a certification, the Attorney General shall order any further procedures 
or reviews as may be necessary under the circumstances to ensure the 
development of a complete record, consistent with the obligations to 
protect national security and classified information and to comply with 
the requirements of due process.
    (7) Ongoing review. The detention decision under this paragraph (d) 
is subject to ongoing review on a semi-annual basis as provided in this 
paragraph (d), but is not subject to further administrative review. 
After the initial certification by the Attorney General, further 
certifications under paragraph (d)(6) of this section may be made by the 
Deputy Attorney General.
    (e) [Reserved]
    (f) Detention of aliens determined to be specially dangerous--(1) 
Standard for continued detention. Subject to the review procedures 
provided in this section, the Service shall continue to detain an alien 
if the release of the alien would pose a special danger to the public, 
because:
    (i) The alien has previously committed one or more crimes of 
violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 16;
    (ii) Due to a mental condition or personality disorder and behavior 
associated with that condition or disorder, the alien is likely to 
engage in acts of violence in the future; and
    (iii) No conditions of release can reasonably be expected to ensure 
the safety of the public.
    (2) Determination by the Commissioner. The Service shall promptly 
initiate review proceedings under paragraph (g) of this section if the 
Commissioner has determined in writing that the alien's release would 
pose a special danger to the public, according to the standards of 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (3) Medical or mental health examination. Before making such a 
determination, the Commissioner shall arrange for a report by a 
physician employed or designated by the Public Health Service based on a 
full medical and psychiatric examination of the alien. The report shall 
include recommendations pertaining to whether, due to a mental condition 
or personality disorder and behavior associated with that condition or 
disorder, the alien is likely to engage in acts of violence in the 
future.
    (4) Detention pending review. After the Commissioner or Deputy 
Commissioner has made a determination under this paragraph, the Service 
shall continue to detain the alien, unless an immigration judge or the 
Board issues an administratively final decision dismissing the review 
proceedings under this section.
    (g) Referral to Immigration Judge. Jurisdiction for an immigration 
judge to review a determination by the Service pursuant to paragraph (f) 
of this section that an alien is specially dangerous shall commence with 
the filing by the Service of a Notice of Referral to the Immigration 
Judge (Form I-863) with the Immigration Court having jurisdiction over 
the place of the alien's custody. The Service shall promptly provide to 
the alien by personal service a copy of the Notice of Referral to the 
Immigration Judge and all accompanying documents.
    (1) Factual basis. The Service shall attach a written statement that 
contains a summary of the basis for the Commissioner's determination to 
continue to detain the alien, including a description of the evidence 
relied upon to reach the determination regarding the alien's special 
dangerousness. The Service shall attach copies of all relevant documents 
used to reach its decision to continue to detain the alien.
    (2) Notice of reasonable cause hearing. The Service shall attach a 
written notice advising the alien that the Service is initiating 
proceedings for the continued detention of the alien and informing the 
alien of the procedures governing the reasonable cause hearing, as set 
forth at paragraph (h) of this section.
    (3) Notice of alien's rights. The Service shall also provide written 
notice advising the alien of his or her rights during the reasonable 
cause hearing and the merits hearing before the Immigration Court, as 
follows:
    (i) The alien shall be provided with a list of free legal services 
providers, and may be represented by an attorney or other representative 
of his or her

[[Page 624]]

choice in accordance with 8 CFR part 292, at no expense to the 
Government;
    (ii) The Immigration Court shall provide an interpreter for the 
alien, if necessary, for the reasonable cause hearing and the merits 
hearing.
    (iii) The alien shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine 
evidence against the alien, to present evidence in the alien's own 
behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the Service; and
    (iv) The alien shall have the right, at the merits hearing, to 
cross-examine the author of any medical or mental health reports used as 
a basis for the determination under paragraph (f) of this section that 
the alien is specially dangerous.
    (4) Record. All proceedings before the immigration judge under this 
section shall be recorded. The Immigration Court shall create a record 
of proceeding that shall include all testimony and documents related to 
the proceedings.
    (h) Reasonable cause hearing. The immigration judge shall hold a 
preliminary hearing to determine whether the evidence supporting the 
Service's determination is sufficient to establish reasonable cause to 
go forward with a merits hearing under paragraph (i) of this section. A 
finding of reasonable cause under this section will be sufficient to 
warrant the alien's continued detention pending the completion of the 
review proceedings under this section.
    (1) Scheduling of hearing. The reasonable cause hearing shall be 
commenced not later than 10 business days after the filing of the Form 
I-863. The Immigration Court shall provide prompt notice to the alien 
and to the Service of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing may 
be continued at the request of the alien or his or her representative.
    (2) Evidence. The Service must show that there is reasonable cause 
to conduct a merits hearing under a merits hearing under paragraph (i) 
of this section. The Service may offer any evidence that is material and 
relevant to the proceeding. Testimony of witnesses, if any, shall be 
under oath or affirmation. The alien may, but is not required to, offer 
evidence on his or her own behalf.
    (3) Decision. The immigration judge shall render a decision, which 
should be in summary form, within 5 business days after the close of the 
record, unless that time is extended by agreement of both parties, by a 
determination from the Chief Immigration Judge that exceptional 
circumstances make it impractical to render the decision on a highly 
expedited basis, or because of delay caused by the alien. If the 
immigration judge determines that the Service has met its burden of 
establishing reasonable cause, the immigration judge shall advise the 
alien and the Service, and shall schedule a merits hearing under 
paragraph (i) of this section to review the Service's determination that 
the alien is specially dangerous. If the immigration judge determines 
that the Service has not met its burden, the immigration judge shall 
order that the review proceedings under this section be dismissed. The 
order and any documents offered shall be included in the record of 
proceedings, and may be relied upon in a subsequent merits hearing.
    (4) Appeal. If the immigration judge dismisses the review 
proceedings, the Service may appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals 
in accordance with Sec.  3.38 of this chapter, except that the Service 
must file the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) with the Board within 2 
business days after the immigration judge's order. The Notice of Appeal 
should state clearly and conspicuously that it is an appeal of a 
reasonable cause decision under this section.
    (i) If the Service reserves appeal of a dismissal of the reasonable 
cause hearing, the immigration judge's order shall be stayed until the 
expiration of the time to appeal. Upon the Service's filing of a timely 
Notice of Appeal, the immigration judge's order shall remain in abeyance 
pending a final decision of the appeal. The stay shall expire if the 
Service fails to file a timely Notice of Appeal.
    (ii) The Board will decide the Service's appeal, by single Board 
Member review, based on the record of proceedings before the immigration 
judge. The Board shall expedite its review as

[[Page 625]]

far as practicable, as the highest priority among the appeals filed by 
detained aliens, and shall determine the issue within 20 business days 
of the filing of the notice of appeal, unless that time is extended by 
agreement of both parties, by a determination from the Chairman of the 
Board that exceptional circumstances make it impractical to render the 
decision on a highly expedited basis, or because of delay caused by the 
alien.
    (iii) If the Board determines that the Service has met its burden of 
showing reasonable cause under this paragraph (h), the Board shall 
remand the case to the immigration judge for the scheduling of a merits 
hearing under paragraph (i) of this section. If the Board determines 
that the Service has not met its burden, the Board shall dismiss the 
review proceedings under this section.
    (i) Merits hearing. If there is reasonable cause to conduct a merits 
hearing under this section, the immigration judge shall promptly 
schedule the hearing and shall expedite the proceedings as far as 
practicable. The immigration judge shall allow adequate time for the 
parties to prepare for the merits hearing, but, if requested by the 
alien, the hearing shall commence within 30 days. The hearing may be 
continued at the request of the alien or his or her representative, or 
at the request of the Service upon a showing of exceptional 
circumstances by the Service.
    (1) Evidence. The Service shall have the burden of proving, by clear 
and convincing evidence, that the alien should remain in custody because 
the alien's release would pose a special danger to the public, under the 
standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The immigration judge may 
receive into evidence any oral or written statement that is material and 
relevant to this determination. Testimony of witnesses shall be under 
oath or affirmation. The alien may, but is not required to, offer 
evidence on his or her own behalf.
    (2) Factors for consideration. In making any determination in a 
merits hearing under this section, the immigration judge shall consider 
the following non-exclusive list of factors:
    (i) The alien's prior criminal history, particularly the nature and 
seriousness of any prior crimes involving violence or threats of 
violence;
    (ii) The alien's previous history of recidivism, if any, upon 
release from either Service or criminal custody;
    (iii) The substantiality of the Service's evidence regarding the 
alien's current mental condition or personality disorder;
    (iv) The likelihood that the alien will engage in acts of violence 
in the future; and
    (v) The nature and seriousness of the danger to the public posed by 
the alien's release.
    (3) Decision. After the closing of the record, the immigration judge 
shall render a decision as soon as practicable. The decision may be oral 
or written. The decision shall state whether or not the Service has met 
its burden of establishing that the alien should remain in custody 
because the alien's release would pose a special danger to the public, 
under the standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The decision 
shall also include the reasons for the decision under each of the 
standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, although a formal 
enumeration of findings is not required. Notice of the decision shall be 
served in accordance with Sec.  240.13(a) or (b).
    (i) If the immigration judge determines that the Service has met its 
burden, the immigration judge shall enter an order providing for the 
continued detention of the alien.
    (ii) If the immigration judge determines that the Service has failed 
to meet its burden, the immigration judge shall order that the review 
proceedings under this section be dismissed.
    (4) Appeal. Either party may appeal an adverse decision to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals in accordance with Sec.  3.38 of this chapter, 
except that, if the immigration judge orders dismissal of the 
proceedings, the Service shall have only 5 business days to file a 
Notice of Appeal with the Board. The Notice of Appeal should state 
clearly and conspicuously that this is an appeal of a merits decision 
under this section.
    (i) If the Service reserves appeal of a dismissal, the immigration 
judge's

[[Page 626]]

order shall be stayed until the expiration of the time to appeal. Upon 
the Service's filing of a timely Notice of Appeal, the immigration 
judge's order shall remain in abeyance pending a final decision of the 
appeal. The stay shall expire if the Service fails to file a timely 
Notice of Appeal.
    (ii) The Board shall conduct its review of the appeal as provided in 
8 CFR part 3, but shall expedite its review as far as practicable, as 
the highest priority among the appeals filed by detained aliens. The 
decision of the Board shall be final as provided in Sec.  3.1(d)(3) of 
this chapter.
    (j) Release of alien upon dismissal of proceedings. If there is an 
administratively final decision by the immigration judge or the Board 
dismissing the review proceedings under this section upon conclusion of 
the reasonable cause hearing or the merits hearing, the Service shall 
promptly release the alien on conditions of supervision, as determined 
by the Service, pursuant to Sec.  241.13. The conditions of supervision 
shall not be subject to review by the immigration judge or the Board.
    (k) Subsequent review for aliens whose release would pose a special 
danger to the public--(1) Periodic review. In any case where the 
immigration judge or the Board has entered an order providing for the 
alien to remain in custody after a merits hearing pursuant to paragraph 
(i) of this section, the Service shall continue to provide an ongoing, 
periodic review of the alien's continued detention, according to Sec.  
241.4 and paragraphs (f)(1)(ii) and (f)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (2) Alien's request for review. The alien may also request a review 
of his or her custody status because of changed circumstances, as 
provided in this paragraph (k). The request shall be in writing and 
directed to the HQPDU.
    (3) Time for review. An alien may only request a review of his or 
her custody status under this paragraph (k) no earlier than six months 
after the last decision of the immigration judge under this section or, 
if the decision was appealed, the decision of the Board.
    (4) Showing of changed circumstances. The alien shall bear the 
initial burden to establish a material change in circumstances such that 
the release of the alien would no longer pose a special danger to the 
public under the standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (5) Review by the Service. If the Service determines, upon 
consideration of the evidence submitted by the alien and other relevant 
evidence, that the alien is not likely to commit future acts of violence 
or that the Service will be able to impose adequate conditions of 
release so that the alien will not pose a special danger to the public, 
the Service shall release the alien from custody pursuant to the 
procedures in Sec.  241.13. If the Service determines that continued 
detention is needed in order to protect the public, the Service shall 
provide a written notice to the alien stating the basis for the 
Service's determination, and provide a copy of the evidence relied upon 
by the Service. The notice shall also advise the alien of the right to 
move to set aside the prior review proceedings under this section.
    (6) Motion to set aside determination in prior review proceedings. 
If the Service denies the alien's request for release from custody, the 
alien may file a motion with the Immigration Court that had jurisdiction 
over the merits hearing to set aside the determination in the prior 
review proceedings under this section. The immigration judge shall 
consider any evidence submitted by the alien or relied upon by the 
Service and shall provide an opportunity for the Service to respond to 
the motion.
    (i) If the immigration judge determines that the alien has provided 
good reason to believe that, because of a material change in 
circumstances, releasing the alien would no longer pose a special danger 
to the public under the standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, 
the immigration judge shall set aside the determination in the prior 
review proceedings under this section and schedule a new merits hearing 
as provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (ii) Unless the immigration judge determines that the alien has 
satisfied the requirements under paragraph (k)(6)(i) of this section, 
the immigration judge shall deny the motion. Neither the immigration 
judge nor the Board may sua sponte set aside a determination in prior 
review proceedings.

[[Page 627]]

Notwithstanding 8 CFR 3.23 or 3.2 (motions to reopen), the provisions 
set forth in this paragraph (k) shall be the only vehicle for seeking 
review based on material changed circumstances.
    (iii) The alien may appeal an adverse decision to the Board in 
accordance with Sec.  3.38 of this chapter. The Notice of Appeal should 
state clearly and conspicuously that this is an appeal of a denial of a 
motion to set aside a prior determination in review proceedings under 
this section.

[66 FR 56979, Nov. 14, 2001]



Sec.  241.15  Countries to which aliens may be removed.

    (a) Country. For the purposes of section 241(b) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 
1231(b)), the Secretary retains discretion to remove an alien to any 
country described in section 241(b) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(b)), 
without regard to the nature or existence of a government.
    (b) Acceptance. For the purposes of section 241(b) of the Act (8 
U.S.C. 1231(b)), the Secretary retains discretion to determine the 
effect, if any, of acceptance or lack thereof, when an acceptance by a 
country is required, and what constitutes sufficient acceptance.
    (c) Absence or lack of response. The absence of or lack of response 
from a de jure or functioning government (whether recognized by the 
United States, or otherwise) or a body acting as a de jure or 
functioning government in the receiving country does not preclude the 
removal of an alien to a receiving country.
    (d) Prior commitment. No commitment of acceptance by the receiving 
country is required prior to designation of the receiving country, 
before travel arrangements are made, or before the alien is transported 
to the receiving country.
    (e) Specific provisions regarding acceptance. Where the Department 
cannot remove an alien under section 241(b)(2)(A)-(D) of the Act, 
acceptance is not required to remove an alien to a receiving country 
pursuant to section 241(b)(2)(E)(i)-(vi) of the Act. Where the 
Department cannot remove an arriving alien under section 241(b)(1)(A) or 
(B) of the Act, acceptance is not required to remove an alien to a 
receiving country pursuant to section 241(b)(1)(C)(i)-(iii) of the Act.
    (f) Interest of the United States controlling. The Secretary or his 
designee may designate a country previously identified in section 
241(b)(2)(A)-(D) of the Act when selecting a removal country under 
section 241(b)(2)(E) of the Act (and may designate a country previously 
identified in section 241(b)(1)(A) or (B) of the Act when selecting an 
alternative removal country under subsection 241(b)(1)(C) of the Act) if 
the Secretary or his designee determines that such designation is in the 
best interests of the United States.
    (g) Limitation on construction. Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to create any substantive or procedural right or benefit that 
is legally enforceable by any party against the United States or its 
agencies or officers or any other person.

[70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec. Sec.  241.16-241.19  [Reserved]



 Subpart B_Deportation of Excluded Aliens (for Hearings Commenced Prior 
                            to April 1, 1997)



Sec.  241.20  Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.

    Subpart B of 8 CFR part 241 applies to exclusion proceedings 
commenced prior to April 1, 1997. All references to the Act contained in 
this subpart are references to the Act in effect prior to April 1, 1997.



Sec.  241.21  Stay of deportation of excluded alien.

    The district director in charge of the port of arrival may stay the 
immediate deportation of an excluded alien pursuant to sections 237 (a) 
and (d) of the Act under such conditions as he or she may prescribe.



Sec.  241.22  Notice to surrender for deportation.

    An alien who has been finally excluded pursuant to 8 CFR part 240, 
subpart D may at any time surrender himself or herself to the custody of 
the Service and shall surrender to such custody upon notice in writing 
of the

[[Page 628]]

time and place for his or her surrender. The Service may take the alien 
into custody at any time. An alien taken into custody either upon notice 
to surrender or by arrest shall not be deported less than 72 hours 
thereafter without his or her consent thereto filed in writing with the 
district director in charge of the place of his or her detention. An 
alien in foreign contiguous territory shall be informed that he or she 
may remain there in lieu of surrendering to the Service, but that he or 
she will be deemed to have acknowledged the execution of the order of 
exclusion and deportation in his or her case upon his or her failure to 
surrender at the time and place prescribed.



Sec.  241.23  Cost of maintenance not assessed.

    A claim pursuant to section 237(a)(1) of the Act shall be 
established to the satisfaction of the district director in charge of 
the port of arrival, from whose adverse decision no appeal shall lie. 
The district director shall afford the line a reasonable time within 
which to submit affidavits and briefs to support its claim.



Sec.  241.24  Notice to transportation line of alien's exclusion.

    (a) An excluded alien shall, immediately or as promptly as the 
circumstances permit, be offered for deportation to the master, 
commanding officer, purser, person in charge, agent, owner, or consignee 
of the vessel or aircraft on which the alien is to be deported, as 
determined by the district director, with a written notice specifying 
the cause of exclusion, the class of travel in which such alien arrived 
and is to be deported, and with the return of any documentation that 
will assist in effecting his or her deportation. If special care and 
attention are required, the provisions of Sec.  241.10 shall apply.
    (b) Failure of the carrier to accept for removal an alien who has 
been ordered excluded and deported shall result in the carrier being 
assessed any costs incurred by the Service for detention after the 
carrier's failure to accept the alien for removal including the cost of 
any transportation. The User Fee Account shall not be assessed for 
expenses incurred because of the carrier's violation of the provisions 
of section 237 of the Act and this paragraph. The Service will, at the 
carrier's option, retain custody of the excluded alien for an additional 
7 days beyond the date of the deportation/exclusion order. If, after the 
third day of this additional 7-day period, the carrier has not made all 
the necessary transportation arrangements for the excluded alien to be 
returned to his or her point of embarkation by the end of the additional 
7-day period, the Service will make the arrangements and bill the 
carrier for its costs.



Sec.  241.25  Deportation.

    (a) Definitions of terms. For the purposes of this section, the 
following terms mean:
    (1) Adjacent island--as defined in section 101(b)(5) of the Act.
    (2) Foreign contiguous territory--any country sharing a common 
boundary with the United States.
    (3) Residence in foreign contiguous territory or adjacent island--
any physical presence, regardless of intent, in a foreign contiguous 
territory or an adjacent island if the government of such territory or 
island agrees to accept the alien.
    (4) Aircraft or vessel--any conveyance and other mode of travel by 
which arrival is effected.
    (5) Next available flight--the carrier's next regularly scheduled 
departure to the excluded alien's point of embarkation regardless of 
seat availability. If the carrier's next regularly scheduled departure 
to the excluded aliens point of embarkation is full, the carrier has the 
option of arranging for return transportation on other carriers which 
service the excluded aliens point of embarkation.
    (b) Place to which deported. Any alien (other than an alien 
crewmember or an alien who boarded an aircraft or vessel in foreign 
contiguous territory or an adjacent island) who is ordered excluded 
shall be deported to the country where the alien boarded the vessel or 
aircraft on which the alien arrived in the United States. Otherwise, the 
Secretary may, as a matter of discretion, deport the alien to the 
country of

[[Page 629]]

which the alien is a subject, citizen, or national; the country where 
the alien was born; the country where the alien has a residence; or any 
other country.
    (c) Contiguous territory and adjacent islands. Any alien ordered 
excluded who boarded an aircraft or vessel in foreign contiguous 
territory or in any adjacent island shall be deported to such foreign 
contiguous territory or adjacent island if the alien is a native, 
citizen, subject, or national of such foreign contiguous territory or 
adjacent island, or if the alien has a residence in such foreign 
contiguous territory or adjacent island. Otherwise, the alien shall be 
deported, in the first instance, to the country in which is located the 
port at which the alien embarked for such foreign contiguous territory 
or adjacent island.
    (d) Land border pedestrian arrivals. Any alien ordered excluded who 
arrived at a land border on foot shall be deported in the same manner as 
if the alien had boarded a vessel or aircraft in foreign contiguous 
territory.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec. Sec.  241.26-241.29  [Reserved]



   Subpart C_Deportation of Aliens in the United States (for Hearings 
                    Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997)



Sec.  241.30  Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.

    Subpart C of 8 CFR part 241 applies to deportation proceedings 
commenced prior to April 1, 1997. All references to the Act contained in 
this subpart are references to the Act in effect prior to April 1, 1997.



Sec.  241.31  Final order of deportation.

    An order of deportation becomes final in accordance with 8 CFR 
1241.31.

[70 FR 673, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  241.32  Warrant of deportation.

    A Form I-205, Warrant of Deportation, based upon the final 
administrative order of deportation in the alien's case shall be issued 
by a district director. The district director shall exercise the 
authority contained in section 243 of the Act to determine at whose 
expense the alien shall be deported and whether his or her mental or 
physical condition requires personal care and attention en route to his 
or her destination.



Sec.  241.33  Expulsion.

    (a) Execution of order. Except in the exercise of discretion by the 
district director, and for such reasons as are set forth in Sec.  
212.5(b) of this chapter, once an order of deportation becomes final, an 
alien shall be taken into custody and the order shall be executed. An 
order of deportation becomes final in accordance with 8 CFR 1241.31.
    (b) Service of decision. In the case of an order entered by any of 
the authorities enumerated above, the order shall be executed no sooner 
than 72 hours after service of the decision, regardless of whether the 
alien is in Service custody, provided that such period may be waived on 
the knowing and voluntary request of the alien. Nothing in this 
paragraph shall be construed, however, to preclude assumption of custody 
by the Service at the time of issuance of the final order.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 82256, Dec. 28, 2000; 70 
FR 674, Jan. 5, 2005]

                        PARTS 242	243 [RESERVED]



PART 244_TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR NATIONALS OF DESIGNATED STATES--
Table of Contents



Sec.
244.1 Definitions.
244.2 Eligibility.
244.3 Applicability of grounds of inadmissibility.
244.4 Ineligible aliens.
244.5 Temporary treatment benefits for eligible aliens.
244.6 Application.
244.7 Filing the application.
244.8 Appearance.
244.9 Evidence.
244.10 Decision and appeal.
244.11 Renewal of application; appeal to the Board of Immigration 
          Appeals.
244.12 Employment authorization.
244.13 Termination of temporary treatment benefits.
244.14 Withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status.
244.15 Travel abroad.
244.16 Confidentiality.

[[Page 630]]

244.17 Periodic registration.
244.18 Issuance of charging documents; detention.
244.19 Termination of designation.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1254, 1254a note, 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  244.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Brief, casual, and innocent absence means a departure from the 
United States that satisfies the following criteria:
    (1) Each such absence was of short duration and reasonably 
calculated to accomplish the purpose(s) for the absence;
    (2) The absence was not the result of an order of deportation, an 
order of voluntary departure, or an administrative grant of voluntary 
departure without the institution of deportation proceedings; and
    (3) The purposes for the absence from the United States or actions 
while outside of the United States were not contrary to law.
    Charging document means the written instrument which initiates a 
proceeding before an Immigration Judge. For proceedings initiated prior 
to April 1, 1997, these documents include an Order to Show Cause, a 
Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing before 
Immigration Judge, and a Notice of Intention to Rescind and Request for 
Hearing by Alien. For proceedings initiated after April 1, 1997, these 
documents include a Notice to Appear, a Notice of Referral to 
Immigration Judge, and a Notice of Intention to Rescind and Request for 
Hearing by Alien.
    Continuously physically present means actual physical presence in 
the United States for the entire period specified in the regulations. An 
alien shall not be considered to have failed to maintain continuous 
physical presence in the United States by virtue of brief, casual, and 
innocent absences as defined within this section.
    Continuously resided means residing in the United States for the 
entire period specified in the regulations. An alien shall not be 
considered to have failed to maintain continuous residence in the United 
States by reason of a brief, casual and innocent absence as defined 
within this section or due merely to a brief temporary trip abroad 
required by emergency or extenuating circumstances outside the control 
of the alien.
    Felony means a crime committed in the United States, punishable by 
imprisonment for a term of more than one year, regardless of the term 
such alien actually served, if any, except: When the offense is defined 
by the State as a misdemeanor and the sentence actually imposed is one 
year or less regardless of the term such alien actually served. Under 
this exception for purposes of section 244 of the Act, the crime shall 
be treated as a misdemeanor.
    Foreign state means any foreign country or part thereof as 
designated by the Attorney General pursuant to section 244 of the Act.
    Misdemeanor means a crime committed in the United States, either:
    (1) Punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or less, 
regardless of the term such alien actually served, if any, or
    (2) A crime treated as a misdemeanor under the term ``felony'' of 
this section.
    For purposes of this definition, any crime punishable by 
imprisonment for a maximum term of five days or less shall not be 
considered a felony or misdemeanor.
    Prima facie means eligibility established with the filing of a 
completed application for Temporary Protected Status containing factual 
information that if unrebutted will establish a claim of eligibility 
under section 244 of the Act.
    Register means to properly file, with the director, a completed 
application, with proper fee, for Temporary Protected Status during the 
registration period designated under section 244(b) of the Act.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63595, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4781, Feb. 1, 1999]



Sec.  244.2  Eligibility.

    Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  244.3 and 244.4, an alien may in 
the discretion of the director be granted Temporary

[[Page 631]]

Protected Status if the alien establishes that he or she:
    (a) Is a national, as defined in section 101(a)(21) of the Act, of a 
foreign state designated under section 244(b) of the Act;
    (b) Has been continuously physically present in the United States 
since the effective date of the most recent designation of that foreign 
state;
    (c) Has continuously resided in the United States since such date as 
the Attorney General may designate;
    (d) Is admissible as an immigrant except as provided under Sec.  
244.3;
    (e) Is not ineligible under Sec.  244.4; and
    (f)(1) Registers for Temporary Protected Status during the initial 
registration period announced by public notice in the Federal Register, 
or
    (2) During any subsequent extension of such designation if at the 
time of the initial registration period:
    (i) The applicant is a nonimmigrant or has been granted voluntary 
departure status or any relief from removal;
    (ii) The applicant has an application for change of status, 
adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any relief from 
removal which is pending or subject to further review or appeal;
    (iii) The applicant is a parolee or has a pending request for 
reparole; or
    (iv) The applicant is a spouse or child of an alien currently 
eligible to be a TPS registrant.
    (3) Eligibility for late initial registration in a currently 
designated foreign state shall also continue until January 15, 1999, for 
any applicant who would have been eligible to apply previously if 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section as revised had been in effect before 
November 16, 1998.
    (g) Has filed an application for late registration with the 
appropriate Service director within a 60-day period immediately 
following the expiration or termination of conditions described in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section.

[63 FR 63595, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  244.3  Applicability of grounds of inadmissibility.

    (a) Grounds of inadmissibility not to be applied. Paragraphs (4), 
(5) (A) and (B), and (7)(A)(i) of section 212(a) of the Act shall not 
render an alien ineligible for Temporary Protected Status.
    (b) Waiver of grounds of inadmissibility. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section, USCIS may waive any other provision of 
section 212(a) of the Act in the case of individual aliens for 
humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when the granting of 
such a waiver is in the public interest. If an alien is inadmissible on 
grounds which may be waived as set forth in this paragraph, he or she 
shall be advised of the procedures for applying for a waiver.
    (c) Grounds of inadmissibility that may not be waived. USCIS may not 
waive the following provisions of section 212(a) of the Act:
    (1) Paragraphs (2)(A)(i), (2)(B), and (2)(C) (relating to criminals 
and drug offenses);
    (2) Paragraphs (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(C), and (3)(D) (relating to 
national security); or
    (3) Paragraph (3)(E) (relating to those who assisted in the Nazi 
persecution).

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 58937, Nov. 5, 1993. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 
2011]



Sec.  244.4  Ineligible aliens.

    An alien is ineligible for Temporary Protected Status if the alien:
    (a) Has been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors, as 
defined in Sec.  244.1, committed in the United States, or
    (b) Is an alien described in section 208(b)(2)(A) of the Act.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.5  Temporary treatment benefits for eligible aliens.

    (a) Prior to the registration period. Prior to the registration 
period established by DHS, a national of a foreign state designated by 
DHS shall be afforded temporary treatment benefits upon the filing, 
after the effective date of such designation, of a completed application 
for Temporary Protected Status which establishes the alien's prima facie 
eligibility for benefits under section 244 of the Act. This application 
may be filed without fee. Temporary

[[Page 632]]

treatment benefits, if granted, shall terminate unless the registration 
fee is paid or a waiver is sought within the first thirty days of the 
registration period designated by DHS. If the registration fee is paid 
or a waiver is sought within such thirty day period, temporary treatment 
benefits shall continue until terminated under Sec.  244.13. The denial 
of temporary treatment benefits prior to the registration period 
designated by DHS shall be without prejudice to the filing of an 
application for Temporary Protected Status during such registration 
period.
    (b) During the registration period. Upon the filing of an 
application for Temporary Protected Status, the alien shall be afforded 
temporary treatment benefits, if the application establishes the alien's 
prima facie eligibility for Temporary Protected Status. Such temporary 
treatment benefits shall continue until terminated under Sec.  244.13.
    (c) Denied benefits. There shall be no appeal from the denial of 
temporary treatment benefits.

[56 FR 619, May 22, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.6  Application.

    (a) An application for Temporary Protected Status must be submitted 
in accordance with the form instructions, the applicable country-
specific Federal Register notice that announces the procedures for TPS 
registration or re-registration and, except as otherwise provided in 
this section, with the appropriate fees as described in 8 CFR part 106.
    (b) An applicant for TPS may also request an employment 
authorization document pursuant to 8 CFR 274a by filing an Application 
for Employment Authorization in accordance with the form instructions 
and in accordance with 8 CFR 106.2 and 106.3.

[85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  244.7  Filing the application.

    (a) An application for Temporary Protected Status must be filed on 
the form designated by USCIS with any prescribed fees and in accordance 
with the form instructions.
    (b) An application for Temporary Protected Status must be filed 
during the registration period established by DHS, except in the case of 
an alien described in Sec.  244.2(f)(2).
    (c) Each applicant must pay a fee, as determined at the time of the 
designation of the foreign state, except as provided in Sec.  244.5(a).
    (d) If the alien has a pending deportation or exclusion proceeding 
before the immigration judge or Board of Immigration Appeals at the time 
a foreign state is designated under section 244(b) of the Act, the alien 
shall be given written notice concerning Temporary Protected Status. 
Such alien shall have the opportunity to submit an application for 
Temporary Protected Status to the director under paragraph (a) of this 
section during the published registration period unless the basis of the 
charging document, if established, would render the alien ineligible for 
Temporary Protected Status under Sec.  244.3(c) or Sec.  244.4. 
Eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in the latter instance shall 
be decided by the Executive Office for Immigration Review during such 
proceedings.

[63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998, as amended at 74 FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 73477, Nov. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.8  Appearance.

    The applicant may be required to appear in person before an 
immigration officer. The applicant may be required to present 
documentary evidence to establish his or her eligibility. The applicant 
may have a representative as defined in Sec.  292.1 of this chapter 
present during any examination. Such representative shall not directly 
participate in the examination; however, such representative may consult 
with and provide advice to the applicant. The record of examination 
shall consist of the application, documents relating to the application, 
and the decision of the director.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998]

[[Page 633]]



Sec.  244.9  Evidence.

    (a) Documentation. Applicants shall submit all documentation as 
required in the instructions or requested by the Service. The Service 
may require proof of unsuccessful efforts to obtain documents claimed to 
be unavailable. If any required document is unavailable, an affidavit or 
other credible evidence may be submitted.
    (1) Evidence of identity and nationality. Each application must be 
accompanied by evidence of the applicant's identity and nationality, if 
available. If these documents are unavailable, the applicant shall file 
an affidavit showing proof of unsuccessful efforts to obtain such 
identity documents, explaining why the consular process is unavailable, 
and affirming that he or she is a national of the designated foreign 
state. A personal interview before an immigration officer shall be 
required for each applicant who fails to provide documentary proof of 
identity or nationality. During this interview, the applicant may 
present any secondary evidence that he or she feels would be helpful in 
showing nationality. Acceptable evidence in descending order of 
preference may consist of:
    (i) Passport;
    (ii) Birth certificate accompanied by photo identification; and/or
    (iii) Any national identity document from the alien's country of 
origin bearing photo and/or fingerprint.
    (2) Proof of residence. Evidence to establish proof of continuous 
residence in the United States during the requisite period of time may 
consist of any of the following:
    (i) Employment records, which may consist of pay stubs, W-2 Forms, 
certification of the filing of Federal, State, or local income tax 
returns; letters from employer(s) or, if the applicant has been self 
employed, letters from banks, and other firms with whom he or she has 
done business. In all of the above, the name of the alien and the name 
of the employer or other interested organization must appear on the form 
or letter, as well as relevant dates. Letters from employers must be in 
affidavit form, and shall be signed and attested to by the employer 
under penalty of perjury. Such letters from employers must include:
    (A) Alien's address(es) at the time of employment;
    (B) Exact period(s) of employment;
    (C) Period(s) of layoff; and
    (D) Duties with the company.
    (ii) Rent receipts, utility bills (gas, electric, telephone, etc.), 
receipts, or letters from companies showing the dates during which the 
applicant received service;
    (iii) School records (letters, report cards, etc.) from the schools 
that the applicant or his or her children have attended in the United 
States showing name of school and period(s) of school attendance;
    (iv) Hospital or medical records showing medical treatment or 
hospitalization of the applicant or his or her children, showing the 
name of the medical facility or physician as well as the date(s) of the 
treatment or hospitalization;
    (v) Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations of the 
applicant's residence by letter which:
    (A) Identifies applicant by name;
    (B) Is signed by an official whose title is also shown;
    (C) Shows inclusive dates of membership;
    (D) States the address where applicant resided during the membership 
period;
    (E) Includes the seal of the organization impressed on the letter or 
is on the letterhead of the organization, if the organization has 
letterhead stationery;
    (F) Establishes how the attestor knows the applicant; and
    (G) Establishes the origin of the information being attested to.
    (vi) Additional documents to support the applicant's claim, which 
may include:
    (A) Money order receipts for money sent in or out of the country;
    (B) Passport entries;
    (C) Birth certificates of children born in the United States;
    (D) Bank books with dated transactions;
    (E) Correspondence between the applicant and other persons or 
organizations;
    (F) Social Security card;
    (G) Selective Service card;

[[Page 634]]

    (H) Automobile license receipts, title, vehicle registration, etc.;
    (I) Deeds, mortgages, contracts to which applicant has been a party;
    (J) Tax receipts;
    (K) Insurance policies, receipts, or letters; and/or
    (L) Any other relevant document.
    (3) Evidence of eligibility under section 244(c)(2) of the Act. An 
applicant has the burden of showing that he or she is eligible for 
benefits under this part.
    (4) Evidence of valid immigrant or nonimmigrant status. In the case 
of an alien described in Sec.  244.2(f)(2), evidence of admission for 
lawful permanent residence or nonimmigrant status must be submitted by 
the applicant.
    (b) Sufficiency of evidence. The sufficiency of all evidence will be 
judged according to its relevancy, consistency, credibility, and 
probative value. To meet his or her burden of proof the applicant must 
provide supporting documentary evidence of eligibility apart from his or 
her own statements.
    (c) Failure to timely respond. Failure to timely respond to a 
request for information, or to appear for a scheduled interview, without 
good cause, will be deemed an abandonment of the application and will 
result in a denial of the application for lack of prosecution. Such 
failure shall be excused if the request for information, or the notice 
of the interview was not mailed to the applicant's most recent address 
provided to the Service.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991; 58 FR 
58937, Nov. 5, 1993. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, 
as amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.10  Decision and appeal.

    (a) Temporary treatment benefits. USCIS will grant temporary 
treatment benefits to the applicant if the applicant establishes prima 
facie eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in accordance with 8 
CFR 244.5.
    (b) Temporary Protected Status. Upon review of the evidence 
presented, USCIS may approve or deny the application for Temporary 
Protected Status in the exercise of discretion, consistent with the 
standards for eligibility in 8 CFR 244.2, 244.3, and 244.4.
    (c) Denial. The initial decision to deny Temporary Protected Status, 
a waiver of inadmissibility, or temporary treatment benefits shall be in 
writing served in person or by mail to the alien's most recent address 
provided to the Service and shall state the reason(s) for the denial. 
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the alien will be given 
written notice of his or her right to appeal. If an appeal is filed, the 
administrative record shall be forwarded to the USCIS AAO for review and 
decision, except as otherwise provided in this section.
    (1) If the basis for the denial of the Temporary Protected Status 
constitutes a ground for deportability or inadmissibility which renders 
the alien ineligible for Temporary Protected Status under Sec.  244.4 or 
inadmissible under Sec.  244.3(c), the decision shall include a charging 
document which sets forth such ground(s).
    (2) If such a charging document is issued, the alien shall not have 
the right to appeal the USCIS decision denying Temporary Protected 
Status as provided in 8 CFR 103.3. However, the decision will also 
apprise the alien of his or her right to a de novo determination of his 
or her eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in removal proceedings 
pursuant to section 240 of the Act and 8 CFR 1244.18.
    (d) Administrative appeal. The appellate decision will be served in 
accordance with 8 CFR 103.8. If the appeal is dismissed, the decision 
must state the reasons for dismissal.
    (1) If the appeal is dismissed on appeal under 8 CFR 244.18(b), the 
decision shall also apprise the alien of his or her right to a de novo 
determination of eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in removal 
proceedings pursuant to section 240 of the Act and 8 CFR 1244.18.
    (2) If the appeal is dismissed, USCIS may issue a charging document 
if no charging document is presently filed with the Immigration Court.
    (3) If a charging document has previously been filed or is pending 
before the Immigration Court, either party may move to re-calendar the 
case after the administrative appeal is dismissed.
    (e) Grant of temporary treatment benefits. (1) Temporary treatment 
benefits shall be evidenced by the issuance of an

[[Page 635]]

employment authorization document. The alien shall be given, in English 
and in the language of the designated foreign state or a language that 
the alien understands, a notice of the registration requirements for 
Temporary Protected Status and a notice of the following benefits:
    (i) Temporary stay of deportation; and
    (ii) Temporary employment authorization.
    (2) Unless terminated under Sec.  244.13, temporary treatment 
benefits shall remain in effect until a final decision has been made on 
the application for Temporary Protected Status.
    (f) Grant of temporary protected status. (1) The decision to grant 
Temporary Protected Status shall be evidenced by the issuance of an 
alien registration document. For those aliens requesting employment 
authorization, the employment authorization document will act as alien 
registration.
    (2) The alien shall be provided with a notice, in English and in the 
language of the designated foreign state or a language that the alien 
understands, of the following benefits:
    (i) The alien shall not be deported while maintaining Temporary 
Protected Status;
    (ii) Employment authorization;
    (iii) The privilege to travel abroad with the prior consent of the 
director as provided in Sec.  244.15;
    (iv) For the purposes of adjustment of status under section 245 of 
the Act and change of status under section 248 of the Act, the alien is 
considered as being in, and maintaining, lawful status as a nonimmigrant 
while the alien maintains Temporary Protected Status.
    (v) An alien eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status under 
Sec.  244.2(f)(2), who was prevented from filing a late application for 
registration because the regulations failed to provide him or her with 
this opportunity, will be considered to have been maintaining lawful 
status as a nonimmigrant until the benefit is granted.
    (3) The benefits contained in the notice are the only benefits the 
alien is entitled to under Temporary Protected Status.
    (4) Such notice shall also advise the alien of the following:
    (i) The alien must remain eligible for Temporary Protected Status;
    (ii) The alien must register annually with the district office or 
service center having jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence; 
and
    (iii) The alien's failure to comply with paragraphs (f)(4) (i) or 
(ii) of this section will result in the withdrawal of Temporary 
Protected Status, including work authorization granted under this 
Program, and may result in the alien's deportation from the United 
States.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991; 58 FR 
58937, Nov. 5, 1993; 60 FR 34090, June 30, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 
10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 
FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999; 76 FR 53791, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.11  Renewal of application; appeal to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals.

    If a charging document is served on the alien with a notice of 
denial or withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status, an alien may renew 
the application for Temporary Protected Status in deportation or 
exclusion proceedings. The decision of the immigration judge as to 
eligibility for Temporary Protected Status may be appealed to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals pursuant to 8 CFR 1003. The provisions of this 
section do not extend the benefits of Temporary Protected Status beyond 
the termination of a foreign state's designation pursuant to Sec.  
244.19.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 76 FR 53792, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.12  Employment authorization.

    (a) Upon approval of an application for Temporary Protected Status, 
USCIS shall grant an employment authorization document valid during the 
initial period of the foreign state's designation (and any extensions of 
such period).
    (b) If the alien's Temporary Protected Status is withdrawn under 
Sec.  244.14, employment authorization expires upon notice of withdrawal 
or on

[[Page 636]]

the date stated on the employment authorization document, whichever 
occurs later.
    (c) If Temporary Protected Status is denied by USCIS, employment 
authorization shall terminate upon notice of denial or at the expiration 
of the employment authorization document, whichever occurs later.
    (d) If the application is renewed or appealed in deportation or 
exclusion proceedings, or pending administrative appeal pursuant to 
Sec.  244.18(b), employment authorization will be extended during the 
pendency of the renewal and/or appeal.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991; 60 FR 
21975, May 4, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as 
amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999; 76 FR 
53792, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.13  Termination of temporary treatment benefits.

    (a) Temporary treatment benefits terminate upon a final 
determination with respect to the alien's eligibility for Temporary 
Protected Status.
    (b) Temporary treatment benefits terminate, in any case, sixty (60) 
days after the date that notice is published of the termination of a 
foreign state's designation under section 244(b)(3) of the Act.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997, as amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  244.14  Withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status.

    (a) Authority of USCIS. USCIS may withdraw the status of an alien 
granted Temporary Protected Status under section 244 of the Act at any 
time upon the occurrence of any of the following:
    (1) The alien was not in fact eligible at the time such status was 
granted, or at any time thereafter becomes ineligible for such status;
    (2) The alien has not remained continuously physically present in 
the United States from the date the alien was first granted Temporary 
Protected Status under this part. For the purpose of this provision, an 
alien granted Temporary Protected Status under this part shall be deemed 
not to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence in the 
United States if the alien departs the United States after first 
obtaining permission from USCIS to travel pursuant to Sec.  244.15;
    (3) The alien fails without good cause to register with DHS annually 
within thirty (30) days before the end of each 12-month period after the 
granting of Temporary Protected Status.
    (b) Decision by USCIS. (1) Withdrawal of an alien's status under 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be in writing and served by personal 
service pursuant to 8 CFR 103.8(a)(2). If the ground for withdrawal is 8 
CFR 244.14(a)(3), the notice shall provide that the alien has thirty 
(30) days within which to provide evidence of good cause for failure to 
register. If the alien fails to respond within thirty (30) days, 
Temporary Protected Status shall be withdrawn without further notice.
    (2) Withdrawal of the alien's Temporary Protected Status under 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section may subject the applicant to exclusion 
or deportation proceedings under sections 235, 236, 237, 238, 240, or 
241 of the Act as appropriate.
    (3) If the basis for the withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status 
constitutes a ground of deportability or excludability which renders an 
alien ineligible for Temporary Protected Status under Sec.  244.4 or 
inadmissible under Sec.  244.3(c), the decision shall include a charging 
document which sets forth such ground(s) with notice of the right of a 
de novo determination of eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in 
deportation or exclusion proceedings. If the basis for withdrawal does 
not constitute such a ground, the alien shall be given written notice of 
his or her right to appeal to the AAU. Upon receipt of an appeal, the 
administrative record will be forwarded to the AAU for review and 
decision pursuant to the authority delegated under Sec.  103.1(f)(2). 
Temporary Protected Status benefits will be extended during the pendency 
of an appeal.
    (c) Decision by AAU. If a decision to withdraw Temporary Protected 
Status is entered by the AAU, the AAU shall notify the alien of the 
decision and the

[[Page 637]]

right to a de novo determination of eligibility for Temporary Protected 
Status in deportation or exclusion proceedings, if the alien is then 
deportable or excludable, as provided by Sec.  244.10(d).

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, 63597, Nov. 16, 1998; 76 FR 53792, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 73477, 
Nov. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.15  Travel abroad.

    (a) After the grant of Temporary Protected Status, the alien must 
remain continuously physically present in the United States under the 
provisions of section 244(c)(3)(B) of the Act. The grant of Temporary 
Protected Status shall not constitute permission to travel abroad. 
Permission to travel may be granted by the director pursuant to the 
Service's advance parole provisions. There is no appeal from a denial of 
advance parole.
    (b) Failure to obtain advance parole prior to the alien's departure 
from the United States may result in the withdrawal of Temporary 
Protected Status and/or the institution or recalendering of deportation 
or exclusion proceedings against the alien.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63597, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999]



Sec.  244.16  Confidentiality.

    The information contained in the application and supporting 
documents submitted by an alien shall not be released in any form 
whatsoever to a third party requester without a court order, or the 
written consent of the alien. For the purpose of this provision, a third 
party requester means any requester other than the alien, his or her 
authorized representative, an officer of DHS, or any federal or State 
law enforcement agency. Any information provided under this part may be 
used for purposes of enforcement of the Act or in any criminal 
proceeding.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997; 76 FR 53792, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.17  Periodic registration.

    (a) Aliens granted Temporary Protected Status must re-register 
periodically in accordance with USCIS instructions. Such registration 
applies to nationals of those foreign states designated for more than 
one year by DHS or where a designation has been extended for a year or 
more. Applicants for re-registration must apply during the period 
provided by USCIS. Re-registration applicants do not need to pay the fee 
that was required for initial registration except the biometric services 
fee, unless that fee is waived in the applicable form instructions, and 
if requesting an employment authorization document, the application fee 
for an Application for Employment Authorization. By completing the 
application, applicants attest to their continuing eligibility. Such 
applicants do not need to submit additional supporting documents unless 
USCIS requests that they do so.
    (b) If an alien fails to register without good cause, USCIS will 
withdraw Temporary Protected Status. USCIS may, for good cause, accept 
and approve an untimely registration request.

[76 FR 53792, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  244.18  Issuance of charging documents; detention.

    (a) A charging document may be issued against an alien granted 
Temporary Protected Status on grounds of deportability or excludability 
which would have rendered the alien statutorily ineligible for such 
status pursuant to Sec. Sec.  244.3(c) and 244.4. Aliens shall not be 
deported for a particular offense for which the Service has expressly 
granted a waiver. If the alien is deportable on a waivable ground, and 
no such waiver for the charged offense has been previously granted, then 
the alien may seek such a waiver in deportation or exclusion 
proceedings. The charging document shall constitute notice to the alien 
that his or her status in the United States is subject to withdrawal. A 
final order of deportation or exclusion against an alien granted 
Temporary Protected Status shall constitute a withdrawal of such status.
    (b) The filing of the charging document by DHS with the Immigration 
Court renders inapplicable any other administrative, adjudication or 
review of eligibility for Temporary Protected

[[Page 638]]

Status. The alien shall have the right to a de novo determination of his 
or her eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in removal proceedings 
pursuant to section 240 of the Act and 8 CFR 1244.18. Review by the 
Board of Immigration Appeals shall be the exclusive administrative 
appellate review procedure. If an appeal is already pending before the 
Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), USCIS will notify the AAO of the 
filing of the charging document, in which case the pending appeal shall 
be dismissed and the record of proceeding returned to the jurisdiction 
where the charging document was filed.
    (c) Upon denial of Temporary Protected Status by the Administrative 
Appeals Unit, the Administrative Appeals Unit shall immediately forward 
the record of proceeding to the director having jurisdiction over the 
alien's place of residence. The director shall, as soon as practicable, 
file a charging document with the Immigration Court if the alien is then 
deportable or excludable under section 241(a) or section 212(a) of the 
Act, respectively.
    (d) An alien who is determined by USCIS deportable or inadmissible 
upon grounds which would have rendered the alien ineligible for such 
status as provided in 8 CFR 244.3(c) and 8 CFR 244.4 may be detained 
under the provisions of this chapter pending removal proceedings. Such 
alien may be removed from the United States upon entry of a final order 
of removal.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991; 60 FR 
34090, June 30, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, 
as amended at 63 FR 63597, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999; 76 
FR 53792, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  244.19  Termination of designation.

    Upon the termination of designation of a foreign state, those 
nationals afforded temporary Protected Status shall, upon the sixtieth 
(60th) day after the date notice of termination is published in the 
Federal Register, or on the last day of the most recent extension of 
designation by the Attorney General, automatically and without further 
notice or right of appeal, lose Temporary Protected Status in the United 
States. Such termination of a foreign state's designation is not subject 
to appeal.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997, as amended at 63 FR 63597, Nov. 16, 1998]



PART 245_ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSON ADMITTED 
FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE--Table of Contents



Sec.
245.1 Eligibility.
245.2 Application.
245.3 Adjustment of status under section 13 of the Act of September 11, 
          1957, as amended.
245.4 Documentary requirements.
245.5 Medical examination.
245.6 Interview.
245.7 Adjustment of status of certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees 
          under the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal 
          Year 1990 (Pub. L. 101-167).
245.8 Adjustment of status as a special immigrant under section 
          101(a)(27)(K) of the Act.
245.9 [Reserved]
245.10 Adjustment of status upon payment of additional sum under Public 
          Law 103-317.
245.11 Adjustment of aliens in S nonimmigrant classification.
245.12-245.14 [Reserved]
245.15 Adjustment of status of certain Haitian nationals under the 
          Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA).
245.18 Physicians with approved employment-based petitions serving in a 
          medically underserved area or a Veterans Affairs facility.
245.20 [Reserved]
245.21 Adjustment of status of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, 
          and Laos (section 586 of Public Law 106-429).
245.22 Evidence to demonstrate an alien's physical presence in the 
          United States on a specific date.
245.23 Adjustment of aliens in T nonimmigrant classification.
245.24 Adjustment of aliens in U nonimmigrant status.
245.25 Adjustment of status of aliens with approved employment-based 
          immigrant visa petitions; validity of petition and offer of 
          employment.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1182, 1255; Pub. L. 105-100, section 
202, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193; Pub. L. 105-277, section 902, 112 Stat. 2681; 
Pub. L. 110-229, tit. VII, 122 Stat. 754; 8 CFR part 2.

[[Page 639]]



Sec.  245.1  Eligibility.

    (a) General. Any alien who is physically present in the United 
States, except for an alien who is ineligible to apply for adjustment of 
status under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, may apply for 
adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the 
United States if the applicant is eligible to receive an immigrant visa 
and an immigrant visa is immediately available at the time of filing of 
the application. A special immigrant described under section 
101(a)(27)(J) of the Act shall be deemed, for the purpose of applying 
the adjustment to status provisions of section 245(a) of the Act, to 
have been paroled into the United States, regardless of the actual 
method of entry into the United States.
    (b) Restricted aliens. The following categories of aliens are 
ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident alien under section 245 of the Act, unless the alien 
establishes eligibility under the provisions of section 245(i) of the 
Act and Sec.  245.10, is not included in the categories of aliens 
prohibited from applying for adjustment of status listed in Sec.  
245.1(c), is eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and has an immigrant 
visa immediately available at the time of filing the application for 
adjustment of status:
    (1) Any alien who entered the United States in transit without a 
visa;
    (2) Any alien who, on arrival in the United States, was serving in 
any capacity on board a vessel or aircraft or was destined to join a 
vessel or aircraft in the United States to serve in any capacity 
thereon;
    (3) Any alien who was not admitted or paroled following inspection 
by an immigration officer;
    (4) Any alien who, on or after January 1, 1977, was employed in the 
United States without authorization prior to filing an application for 
adjustment of status. This restriction shall not apply to an alien who 
is:
    (i) An immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) of the Act;
    (ii) A special immigrant as defined in section 101(a)(27)(H) or (J) 
of the Act;
    (iii) Eligible for the benefits of Public Law 101-238 (the 
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989) and files an application for 
adjustment of status on or before October 17, 1991; or
    (iv) Eligible for the benefits of Public Law 101-238 (the 
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989), and has not entered into or 
continued in unauthorized employment on or after November 29, 1990.
    (5) Any alien who on or after November 6, 1986 is not in lawful 
immigration status on the date of filing his or her application for 
adjustment of status, except an applicant who is an immediate relative 
as defined in section 201(b) or a special immigrant as defined in 
section 101(a)(27) (H), (I), or (J).
    (6) Any alien who files an application for adjustment of status on 
or after November 6, 1986, who has failed (other than through no fault 
of his or her own or for technical reasons) to maintain continuously a 
lawful status since entry into the United States, except an applicant 
who is an immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) of the Act or 
a special immigrant as defined in section 101(a)(27) (H), (I), or (J) of 
the Act;
    (7) Any alien admitted as a visitor under the visa waiver provisions 
of 8 CFR 212.1(e) or (q), other than an immediate relative as defined in 
section 201(b) of the Act;
    (8) Any alien admitted as a Visa Waiver Pilot Program visitor under 
the provisions of section 217 of the Act and part 217 of this chapter 
other than an immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) of the 
Act;
    (9) Any alien who seeks adjustment of status pursuant to an 
employment-based immigrant visa petition under section 203(b) of the Act 
and who is not maintaining a lawful nonimmigrant status at the time he 
or she files an application for adjustment of status; and
    (10) Any alien who was ever employed in the United States without 
the authorization of the Service or who has otherwise at any time 
violated the terms of his or her admission to the United States as a 
nonimmigrant, except an alien who is an immediate relative as defined in 
section 201(b) of the Act or a special immigrant as defined in section 
101(a)(27)(H), (I), (J), or (K) of the Act. For purposes of this 
paragraph, an alien who meets the requirements of Sec.  274a.12(c)(9) of 
this chapter

[[Page 640]]

shall not be deemed to have engaged in unauthorized employment during 
the pendency of his or her adjustment application.
    (c) Ineligible aliens. The following categories of aliens are 
ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident alien under section 245 of the Act:
    (1) Any nonpreference alien who is seeking or engaging in gainful 
employment in the United States who is not the beneficiary of a valid 
individual or blanket labor certification issued by the Secretary of 
Labor or who is not exempt from certification requirements under Sec.  
212.8(b) of this chapter;
    (2) Except for an alien who is applying for residence under the 
provisions of section 133 of the Immigration Act of 1990, any alien who 
has or had the status of an exchange visitor under section 101(a)(15)(J) 
of the Act and who is subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act, unless the alien has complied with the 
foreign residence requirement or has been granted a waiver of that 
requirement, under that section. An alien who has been granted a waiver 
under section 212(e)(iii) of the Act based on a request by a State 
Department of Health (or its equivalent) under Pub. L. 103-416 shall be 
ineligible to apply for adjustment of status under section 245 of the 
Act if the terms and conditions specified in section 214(l) of the Act 
and Sec.  212.7(c)(9) of this chapter have not been met;
    (3) Any alien who has nonimmigrant status under paragraph (15)(A), 
(15)(E), or (15)(G) of section 101(a) of the Act, or has an occupational 
status which would, if the alien were seeking admission to the United 
States, entitle the alien to nonimmigrant status under those paragraphs, 
unless the alien first executes and submits the written waiver required 
by section 247(b) of the Act and part 247 of this chapter;
    (4) Any alien who claims immediate relative status under section 
201(b) or preference status under sections 203(a) or 203(b) of the Act, 
unless the applicant is the beneficiary of a valid unexpired visa 
petition filed in accordance with part 204 of this chapter;
    (5) Any alien who is already an alien lawfully admitted to the 
United States for permanent residence on a conditional basis pursuant to 
section 216 or 216A of the Act, regardless of any other quota or non-
quota immigrant visa classification for which the alien may otherwise be 
eligible;
    (6) Any alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant 
defined in section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Act, unless:
    (i) In the case of a K-1 fiance[eacute](e) under section 
101(a)(15)(K)(i) of the Act or the K-2 child of a fiance[eacute](e) 
under section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of the Act, the alien is applying for 
adjustment of status based upon the marriage of the K-1 
fiance[eacute](e) which was contracted within 90 days of entry with the 
United States citizen who filed a petition on behalf of the K-1 
fiance[eacute](e) pursuant to Sec.  214.2(k) of this chapter;
    (ii) In the case of a K-3 spouse under section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of 
the Act or the K-4 child of a spouse under section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of 
the Act, the alien is applying for adjustment of status based upon the 
marriage of the K-3 spouse to the United States citizen who filed a 
petition on behalf of the K-3 spouse pursuant to Sec.  214.2(k) of this 
chapter;
    (7) A nonimmigrant classified pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of 
the Act, unless the nonimmigrant is applying for adjustment of status 
pursuant to the request of a law enforcement authority, the provisions 
of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act, and 8 CFR 245.11;
    (8) Any alien who seeks to adjust status based upon a marriage which 
occurred on or after November 10, 1986, and while the alien was in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, or judicial proceedings 
relating thereto.
    (i) Commencement of proceedings. The period during which the alien 
is in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings or judicial 
proceedings relating thereto, commences:
    (A) With the issuance of the Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and 
Notice of Hearing prior to June 20, 1991;
    (B) With the filing of a Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice 
of Hearing, issued on or after June 20, 1991, with the Immigration 
Court;
    (C) With the issuance of Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for 
Admission Detained for Hearing Before Immigration Judge, prior to April 
1, 1997,

[[Page 641]]

    (D) With the filing of a Form I-862, Notice to Appear, with the 
Immigration Court, or
    (E) With the issuance and service of Form I-860, Notice and Order of 
Expedited Removal.
    (ii) Termination of proceedings. The period during which the alien 
is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, or judicial 
proceedings relating thereto, terminates:
    (A) When the alien departs from the United States while an order of 
exclusion, deportation, or removal is outstanding or before the 
expiration of the voluntary departure time granted in connection with an 
alternate order of deportation or removal;
    (B) When the alien is found not to be inadmissible or deportable 
from the United States;
    (C) When the Form I-122, I-221, I-860, or I-862 is canceled;
    (D) When proceedings are terminated by the immigration judge or the 
Board of Immigration Appeals; or
    (E) When a petition for review or an action for habeas corpus is 
granted by a Federal court on judicial review.
    (iii) Exemptions. This prohibition shall no longer apply if:
    (A) The alien is found not to be inadmissible or deportable from the 
United States;
    (B) Form I-122, I-221, I-860, or I-862, is canceled;
    (C) Proceedings are terminated by the immigration judge or the Board 
of Immigration Appeals;
    (D) A petition for review or an action for habeas corpus is granted 
by a Federal court on judicial review;
    (E) The alien has resided outside the United States for 2 or more 
years following the marriage; or
    (F) The alien establishes the marriage is bona fide by providing 
clear and convincing evidence that the marriage was entered into in good 
faith and in accordance with the laws of the place where the marriage 
took place, was not entered into for the purpose of procuring the 
alien's entry as an immigrant, and no fee or other consideration was 
given (other than to an attorney for assistance in preparation of a 
lawful petition) for the filing of a petition.
    (iv) Request for exemption. No application or fee is required to 
request the exemption under section 245(e) of the Act. The request must 
be made in writing and submitted with the Form I-485. Application for 
Permanent Residence. The request must state the basis for requesting 
consideration for the exemption and must be supported by documentary 
evidence establishing eligibility for the exemption.
    (v) Evidence to establish eligibility for the bona fide marriage 
exemption. Section 204(g) of the Act provides that certain visa 
petitions based upon marriages entered into during deportation, 
exclusion or related judicial proceedings may be approved only if the 
petitioner provides clear and convincing evidence that the marriage is 
bona fide. Evidence that a visa petition based upon the same marriage 
was approved under the bona fide marriage exemption to section 204(g) of 
the Act will be considered primary evidence of eligibility for the bona 
fide marriage exemption provided in this part. The applicant will not be 
required to submit additional evidence to qualify for the bona fide 
marriage exemption provided in this part, unless the district director 
determines that such additional evidence is needed. In cases where the 
district director notifies the applicant that additional evidence is 
required, the applicant must submit documentary evidence which clearly 
and convincingly establishes that the marriage was entered into in good 
faith and not entered into for the purpose of procuring the alien's 
entry as an immigrant. Such evidence may include:
    (A) Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
    (B) Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;
    (C) Documentation showing commingling of financial resources;
    (D) Birth certificates of children born to the applicant and his or 
her spouse;
    (E) Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the bona fides 
of the marital relationship, or
    (F) Other documentation establishing that the marriage was not 
entered into in order to evade the immigration laws of the United 
States.

[[Page 642]]

    (vi) Decision. An application for adjustment of status filed during 
the prohibited period shall be denied, unless the applicant establishes 
eligibility for an exemption from the general prohibition.
    (vii) Denials. The denial of an application for adjustment of status 
because the marriage took place during the prohibited period shall be 
without prejudice to the consideration of a new application or a motion 
to reopen a previously denied application, if deportation or exclusion 
proceedings are terminated while the alien is in the United States. The 
denial shall also be without prejudice to the consideration of a new 
application or motion to reopen the adjustment of status application, if 
the applicant presents clear and convincing evidence establishing 
eligibility for the bona fide marriage exemption contained in this part.
    (viii) Appeals. An application for adjustment of status to lawful 
permanent resident which is denied by the district director solely 
because the applicant failed to establish eligibility for the bona fide 
marriage exemption contained in this part may be appealed to the 
Associate Commissioner, Examinations, in accordance with 8 CFR part 103. 
The appeal to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations, shall be the 
single level of appellate review established by statute.
    (d) Definitions--(1) Lawful immigration status. For purposes of 
section 245(c)(2) of the Act, the term ``lawful immigration status'' 
will only describe the immigration status of an individual who is:
    (i) In lawful permanent resident status;
    (ii) An alien admitted to the United States in nonimmigrant status 
as defined in section 101(a)(15) of the Act, whose initial period of 
admission has not expired or whose nonimmigrant status has been extended 
in accordance with part 214 of this chapter;
    (iii) In refugee status under section 207 of the Act, such status 
not having been revoked;
    (iv) In asylee status under section 208 of the Act, such status not 
having been revoked;
    (v) In parole status which has not expired, been revoked or 
terminated; or
    (vi) Eligible for the benefits of Public Law 101-238 (the 
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989) and files an application for 
adjustment of status on or before October 17, 1991.
    (2) No fault of the applicant or for technical reasons. The 
parenthetical phrase other than through no fault of his or her own or 
for technical reasons shall be limited to:
    (i) Inaction of another individual or organization designated by 
regulation to act on behalf of an individual and over whose actions the 
individual has no control, if the inaction is acknowledged by that 
individual or organization (as, for example, where a designated school 
official certified under Sec.  214.2(f) of this chapter or an exchange 
program sponsor under Sec.  214.2(j) of this chapter did not provide 
required notification to the Service of continuation of status, or did 
not forward a request for continuation of status to the Service); or
    (ii) A technical violation resulting from inaction of the Service 
(as for example, where an applicant establishes that he or she properly 
filed a timely request to maintain status and the Service has not yet 
acted on that request). An individual whose refugee or asylum status has 
expired through passage of time, but whose status has not been revoked, 
will be considered to have gone out of status for a technical reason.
    (iii) A technical violation caused by the physical inability of the 
applicant to request an extension of nonimmigrant stay from the Service 
either in person or by mail (as, for example, an individual who is 
hospitalized with an illness at the time nonimmigrant stay expires). The 
explanation of such a technical violation shall be accompanied by a 
letter explaining the circumstances from the hospital or attending 
physician.
    (iv) A technical violation resulting from the Service's application 
of the maximum five/six year period of stay for certain H-1 nurses only 
if the applicant was subsequently reinstated to H-1 status in accordance 
with the terms of Public Law 101-656 (Immigration Amendments of 1988).

[[Page 643]]

    (3) Effect of departure. The departure and subsequent reentry of an 
individual who was employed without authorization in the United States 
after January 1, 1977 does not erase the bar to adjustment of status in 
section 245(c)(2) of the Act. Similarly, the departure and subsequent 
reentry of an individual who has not maintained a lawful immigration 
status on any previous entry into the United States does not erase the 
bar to adjustment of status in section 245(c)(2) of the Act for any 
application filed on or after November 6, 1986.
    (e) Special categories--(1) Alien medical graduates. Any alien who 
is a medical graduate qualified for special immigrant classification 
under section 101(a)(27)(H) of the Act and is the beneficiary of an 
approved petition as required under section 204(a)(1)(E)(i) of the Act 
is eligible for adjustment of status. An accompanying spouse and 
children also may apply for adjustment of status under this section. 
Temporary absences from the United States for 30 days or less, during 
which the applicant was practicing or studying medicine, do not 
interrupt the continuous presence requirement. Temporary absences 
authorized under the Service's advance parole procedures will not be 
considered interruptive of continuous presence when the alien applies 
for adjustment of status.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Special immigrant juveniles--(i) Eligibility for adjustment of 
status. For the limited purpose of meeting one of the eligibility 
requirements for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Act, 
which requires that an individual be inspected and admitted or paroled, 
an applicant classified as a special immigrant juvenile under section 
101(a)(27)(J) of the Act will be deemed to have been paroled into the 
United States as provided in Sec.  245.1(a) and section 245(h) of the 
Act.
    (ii) Bars to adjustment. An applicant classified as a special 
immigrant juvenile is subject only to the adjustment bar described in 
section 245(c)(6) of the Act. Therefore, an applicant classified as a 
special immigrant juvenile is barred from adjustment if deportable due 
to engagement in terrorist activity or association with terrorist 
organizations (section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act). There is no waiver of 
or exemption to this adjustment bar if it applies.
    (iii) Inadmissibility provisions that do not apply. The following 
inadmissibility provisions of section 212(a) of the Act do not apply to 
an applicant classified as a special immigrant juvenile and do not 
render the applicant ineligible for the benefit:
    (A) Public charge (section 212(a)(4) of the Act);
    (B) Labor certification (section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Act);
    (C) Aliens present without admission or parole (section 212(a)(6)(A) 
of the Act);
    (D) Misrepresentation (section 212(a)(6)(C) of the Act);
    (E) Stowaways (section 212(a)(6)(D) of the Act);
    (F) Documentation requirements for immigrants (section 212(a)(7)(A) 
of the Act);
    (G) Aliens unlawfully present (section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act);
    (iv) Inadmissibility provisions that do apply. Except as provided 
for in paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section, all inadmissibility 
provisions in section 212(a) of the Act apply to an applicant classified 
as a special immigrant juvenile.
    (v) Waivers. (A) Pursuant to section 245(h)(2)(B) of the Act, USCIS 
may grant a waiver for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or 
in the public interest for any applicable provision of section 212(a) of 
the Act to an applicant seeking to adjust status based upon their 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile, except for the following 
provisions:
    (1) Conviction of certain crimes (section 212(a)(2)(A) of the Act) 
(except for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of 
marijuana);
    (2) Multiple criminal convictions (section 212(a)(2)(B) of the Act) 
(except for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of 
marijuana);
    (3) Controlled substance traffickers (section 212(a)(2)(C) of the 
Act) (except for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or 
less of marijuana);
    (4) Security and related grounds (section 212(a)(3)(A) of the Act);
    (5) Terrorist activities (section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Act);

[[Page 644]]

    (6) Foreign policy (section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Act); or
    (7) Participants in Nazi persecution, genocide, or the commission of 
any act of torture or extrajudicial killing (section 212(a)(3)(E) of the 
Act).
    (B) The relationship between an applicant classified as a special 
immigrant juvenile and the applicant's natural or prior adoptive parents 
cannot be considered a factor in issuing a waiver based on family unity 
under paragraph (v) of this section.
    (vi) No parental immigration rights based on special immigrant 
juvenile classification. The natural or prior adoptive parent(s) of an 
applicant classified as a special immigrant juvenile will not be 
accorded any right, privilege, or status under the Act by virtue of 
their parentage. This prohibition applies to all of the applicant's 
natural and prior adoptive parent(s) and remains in effect even after 
the special immigrant juvenile becomes a lawful permanent resident or a 
United States citizen.
    (vii) No contact. During the application or interview process, USCIS 
will take no action that requires an applicant classified as a special 
immigrant juvenile to contact the person who allegedly battered, abused, 
neglected, or abandoned the applicant (or the family member of such 
person(s)).
    (f) Concurrent applications to overcome grounds of inadmissibility. 
Except as provided in 8 CFR parts 235 and 249, an application under this 
part shall be the sole method of requesting the exercise of discretion 
under sections 212(g), (h), (i), and (k) of the Act, as they relate to 
the inadmissibility of an alien in the United States. No fee is required 
for filing an application to overcome the grounds of inadmissibility of 
the Act if filed concurrently with an application for adjustment of 
status under the provisions of the Act of October 28, 1977, and of this 
part.
    (g) Availability of immigrant visas under section 245 and priority 
dates--(1) Availability of immigrant visas under section 245. An alien 
is ineligible for the benefits of section 245 of the Act unless an 
immigrant visa is immediately available to him or her at the time the 
application is filed. If the applicant is a preference alien, the 
current Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Bulletin 
will be consulted to determine whether an immigrant visa is immediately 
available. A preference immigrant visa is considered available for 
accepting and processing if the applicant has a priority date on the 
waiting list which is earlier than the date shown in the Bulletin (or 
the Bulletin shows that numbers for visa applicants in his or her 
category are current). Information concerning the immediate availability 
of an immigrant visa may be obtained at any Service office.
    (2) Priority dates. The priority date of an applicant who is seeking 
the allotment of an immigrant visa number under one of the preference 
classes specified in section 203(a) or 203(b) of the Act by virtue of a 
valid visa petition approved in his or her behalf shall be fixed by the 
date on which such approved petition was filed.
    (h) Conditional basis of status. Whenever an alien spouse (as 
defined in section 216(g)(1) of the Act), an alien son or daughter (as 
defined in section 216(g)(2) of the Act), an alien entrepreneur (as 
defined in section 216A(f)(1) of the Act), or an alien spouse or child 
(as defined in section 216A(f)(2) of the Act) is granted adjustment of 
status to that of lawful permanent residence, the alien shall be 
considered to have obtained such status on a conditional basis subject 
to the provisions of section 216 or 216A of the Act, as appropriate.
    (i) Adjustment of status from K-3/K-4 status. An alien admitted to 
the United States as a K-3 under section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of the Act 
may apply for adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident 
pursuant to section 245 of the Act at any time following the approval of 
the Form I-130 petition filed on the alien's behalf, by the same citizen 
who petitioned for the alien's K-3 status. An alien admitted to the 
United States as a K-4 under section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of the Act may 
apply for adjustment of status to that of permanent residence pursuant 
to section 245 of the Act at any time following the approval of the Form 
I-130 petition filed on the alien's behalf, by the same citizen who 
petitioned for the alien's parent's K-3 status. Upon approval of the 
application, the director shall record his or her lawful admission for

[[Page 645]]

permanent residence in accordance with that section and subject to the 
conditions prescribed in section 216 of the Act. An alien admitted to 
the U.S. as a K-3/K-4 alien may not adjust to that of permanent resident 
status in any way other than as a spouse or child of the U.S. citizen 
who originally filed the petition for that alien's K-3/K-4 status.

(Title I of Pub. L. 95-145 enacted Oct. 28, 1977 (91 Stat. 1223), sec. 
103 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1103). Interpret or 
apply secs. 101, 212, 242 and 245 (8 U.S.C. 1101, 1182, 1252 and 1255))

[30 FR 14778, Nov. 30, 1965]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
245.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  245.2  Application.

    (a) General--(1) Jurisdiction. USCIS has jurisdiction to adjudicate 
an application for adjustment of status filed by any alien, unless the 
immigration judge has jurisdiction to adjudicate the application under 8 
CFR 1245.2(a)(1).
    (2) Proper filing of application--(i) Under section 245. (A) An 
immigrant visa must be immediately available in order for an alien to 
properly file an adjustment application under section 245 of the Act See 
Sec.  245.1(g)(1) to determine whether an immigrant visa is immediately 
available.
    (B) If, at the time of filing, approval of a visa petition filed for 
classification under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i), section 203(a) or section 
203(b)(1), (2) or (3) of the Act would make a visa immediately available 
to the alien beneficiary, the alien beneficiary's adjustment application 
will be considered properly filed whether submitted concurrently with or 
subsequent to the visa petition, provided that it meets the filing 
requirements contained in parts 103 and 245. For any other 
classification, the alien beneficiary may file the adjustment 
application only after the Service has approved the visa petition.
    (C) A visa petition and an adjustment application are concurrently 
filed only if:
    (1) The visa petitioner and adjustment applicant each file their 
respective form at the same time, bundled together within a single 
mailer or delivery packet, with the proper filing fees on the same day 
and at the same Service office, or;
    (2) the visa petitioner filed the visa petition, for which a visa 
number has become immediately available, on, before or after July 31, 
2002, and the adjustment applicant files the adjustment application, 
together with the proper filing fee and a copy of the Form I-797, Notice 
of Action, establishing the receipt and acceptance by the Service of the 
underlying Form I-140 visa petition, at the same Service office at which 
the visa petitioner filed the visa petition, or;
    (3) The visa petitioner filed the visa petition, for which a visa 
number has become immediately available, on, before, or after July 31, 
2002, and the adjustment applicant files the adjustment application, 
together with proof of payment of the filing fee with the Service and a 
copy of the Form I-797 Notice of Action establishing the receipt and 
acceptance by the Service of the underlying Form I-140 visa petition, 
with the Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals when 
jurisdiction lies under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (ii) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. An application for the 
benefits of section 1 of the Act of November 2, 1966 is not properly 
filed unless the applicant was inspected and admitted or paroled into 
the United States subsequent to January 1, 1959. An applicant is 
ineligible for the benefits of the Act of November 2, 1966 unless he or 
she has been physically present in the United States for one year 
(amended from two years by the Refugee Act of 1980).
    (3) Submission of documents--(i) General. A separate application 
shall be filed by each applicant for benefits under section 245, or the 
Act of November 2, 1966. Each application shall be accompanied by an 
executed Form G-325A, if the applicant has reached his or her 14th 
birthday. Form G-325A shall be considered part of the application. An 
application under this part shall be accompanied by the document 
specified in the instructions which are attached to the application.

[[Page 646]]

    (ii) Under section 245. An application for adjustment of status is 
submitted on Form I-485, Application for Permanent Residence. The 
application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee as explained in 
the instructions to the application.
    (iii) Under section 245(i). An alien who seeks adjustment of status 
under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act must file Form I-485, 
with the required fee. The alien must also file Supplement A to Form I-
485, with any required additional sum.
    (iv) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. An application for 
adjustment of status is made on Form I-485A. The application must be 
accompanied by Form I-643, Health and Human Services Statistical Data 
Sheet. The application must include a clearance from the local police 
jurisdiction for any area in the United States when the applicant has 
lived for six months or more since his or her 14th birthday.
    (4) Effect of departure--(i) General. The effect of a departure from 
the United States is dependent upon the law under which the applicant is 
applying for adjustment.
    (ii) Under section 245 of the Act. (A) The departure from the United 
States of an applicant who is under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings shall be deemed an abandonment of the application 
constituting grounds for termination of the proceeding by reason of the 
departure. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(B) and (C) of this 
section, the departure of an applicant who is not under exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings shall be deemed an abandonment of 
the application constituting grounds for termination of any pending 
application for adjustment of status, unless the applicant was 
previously granted advance parole by the Service for such absences, and 
was inspected upon returning to the United States. If the adjustment 
application of an individual granted advance parole is subsequently 
denied the individual will be treated as an applicant for admission, and 
subject to the provisions of section 212 and 235 of the Act.
    (B) The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment who is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings shall not be deemed an abandonment of the application if he 
or she was previously granted advance parole by the Service for such 
absences, and was inspected and paroled upon returning to the United 
States. If the adjustment of status application of such individual is 
subsequently denied, he or she will be treated as an applicant for 
admission, and subject to the provisions of section 212 and 235 of the 
Act.
    (C) The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment of status who is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceeding and who is in lawful H-1 or L-1 status shall not be deemed an 
abandonment of the application if, upon returning to this country, the 
alien remains eligible for H or L status, is coming to resume employment 
with the same employer for whom he or she had previously been authorized 
to work as an H-1 or L-1 nonimmigrant, and, is in possession of a valid 
H or L visa (if required). The travel outside of the United States by an 
applicant for adjustment of status who is not under exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceeding and who is in lawful H-4 or L-2 
status shall not be deemed an abandonment of the application if the 
spouse or parent of such alien through whom the H-4 or L-2 status was 
obtained is maintaining H-1 or L-1 status and the alien remains 
otherwise eligible for H-4 or L-2 status, and, the alien is in 
possession of a valid H-4 or L-2 visa (if required). The travel outside 
of the United States by an applicant for adjustment of status, who is 
not under exclusion, deportation, or removal proceeding and who is in 
lawful K-3 or K-4 status shall not be deemed an abandonment of the 
application if, upon returning to this country, the alien is in 
possession of a valid K-3 or K-4 visa and remains eligible for K-3 or K-
4 status.
    (D) The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment of status who is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceeding and who is in lawful V status shall not be deemed an 
abandonment of the application if, upon returning to this country, the 
alien is admissible as a V nonimmigrant.

[[Page 647]]

    (iii) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. If an applicant who was 
admitted or paroled subsequent to January 1, 1959, later departs from 
the United States temporarily with no intention of abandoning his or her 
residence, and is readmitted or paroled upon return, the temporary 
absence shall be disregarded for purposes of the applicant's ``last 
arrival'' into the United States in regard to cases filed under section 
1 of the Act of November 2, 1966.
    (5) Decision--(i) General. The applicant shall be notified of the 
decision of the director and, if the application is denied, the reasons 
for the denial.
    (ii) Under section 245 of the Act. If the application is approved, 
the applicant's permanent residence shall be recorded as of the date of 
the order approving the adjustment of status. An application for 
adjustment of status, as a preference alien, shall not be approved until 
an immigrant visa number has been allocated by the Department of State. 
No appeal lies from the denial of an application by the director, but 
the applicant, if not an arriving alien, retains the right to renew his 
or her application in proceedings under 8 CFR part 240. Also, an 
applicant who is a parolee and meets the two conditions described in 
Sec.  245.2(a)(1) may renew a denied application in proceedings under 8 
CFR part 240 to determine admissibility. At the time of renewal of the 
application, an applicant does not need to meet the statutory 
requirement of section 245(c) of the Act, or Sec.  245.1(g), if, in 
fact, those requirements were met at the time the renewed application 
was initially filed with the director. Nothing in this section shall 
entitle an alien to proceedings under section 240 of the Act who is not 
otherwise so entitled.
    (iii) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. If the application is 
approved, the applicant's permanent residence shall be recorded in 
accordance with the provisions of section 1. No appeal lies from the 
denial of an application by the director, but the applicant, if not an 
arriving alien, retains the right to renew his or her application in 
proceedings under 8 CFR part 240. Also, an applicant who is a parolee 
and meets the two conditions described in Sec.  245.2(a)(1) may renew a 
denied application in proceedings under 8 CFR part 240 to determine 
admissibility.
    (b) Application under section 2 of the Act of November 2, 1966. An 
application by a native or citizen of Cuba or by his spouse or child 
residing in the United States with him, who was lawfully admitted to the 
United States for permanent residence prior to November 2, 1966, and who 
desires such admission to be recorded as of an earlier date pursuant to 
section 2 of the Act of November 2, 1966, shall be made on Form I-485A. 
The application shall be accompanied by the Permanent Resident Card, 
Form I-151 or I-551, issued to the applicant in connection with his 
lawful admission for permanent residence. No appeal shall lie from the 
decision. If the application is approved, the applicant will be 
furnished with a replacement of his Form I-151 or I-551 bearing the new 
date as of which the lawful admission for permanent residence has been 
recorded.
    (c) Application under section 214(d) of the Act. An application for 
permanent resident status pursuant to section 214(d) of the Act shall be 
filed on Form I-485. A separate application shall be filed by each 
applicant. If the application is approved, USCIS shall record the lawful 
admission of the applicant as of the date of approval. The applicant 
shall be notified of the decision and, if the application is denied, of 
the reasons therefor. No appeal shall lie from the denial of an 
application but such denial shall be without prejudice to the alien's 
right to renew his or her application in proceedings under 8 CFR part 
240.

[30 FR 14778, Nov. 30, 1965]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
245.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  245.3  Adjustment of status under section 13 of the Act 
of September 11, 1957, as amended.

    Any application for benefits under section 13 of the Act of 
September 11, 1957, as amended, must be filed on Form I-485 with the 
director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. 
The benefits under section 13

[[Page 648]]

are limited to aliens who were admitted into the United States under 
section 101, paragraphs (a)(15)(A)(i), (a)(15)(A)(ii), (a)(15)(G)(i), or 
(a)(15)(G)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act who performed 
diplomatic or semi-diplomatic duties and to their immediate families, 
and who establish that there are compelling reasons why the applicant or 
the member of the applicant's immediate family is unable to return to 
the country represented by the government which accredited the applicant 
and that adjustment of the applicant's status to that of an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence would be in the national 
interest. Aliens whose duties were of a custodial, clerical, or menial 
nature, and members of their immediate families, are not eligible for 
benefits under section 13. In view of the annual limitation of 50 on the 
number of aliens whose status may be adjusted under section 13, any 
alien who is prima facie eligible for adjustment of status to that of a 
lawful permanent resident under another provision of law shall be 
advised to apply for adjustment pursuant to such other provision of law. 
An applicant for the benefits of section 13 shall not be subject to the 
labor certification requirement of section 212(a)(14) of the Immigration 
and Nationality Act. The applicant shall be notified of the decision 
and, if the application is denied, of the reasons for the denial and of 
the right to appeal under the provisions of part 103 of this chapter. 
Any applications pending with the Service before December 29, 1981 must 
be resubmitted to comply with the requirements of this section.

(Secs. 103, 245, of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended; 71 
Stat. 642, as amended, sec. 17, Pub. L. 97-116, 95 Stat. 1619 (8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1255, 1255b))

[47 FR 44238, Oct. 7, 1982, as amended at 59 FR 33905, July 1, 1994]



Sec.  245.4  Documentary requirements.

    The provisions of part 211 of this chapter relating to the 
documentary requirements for immigrants shall not apply to an applicant 
under this part.

(Secs. 103, 214, 245 Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended; (8 
U.S.C. 1103, 1184, 8 U.S.C. 1255, Sec. 2, 96 Stat. 1157, 8 U.S.C. 1255 
note))

[30 FR 14779, Nov. 30, 1965. Redesignated at 48 FR 4770, Feb. 3, 1983, 
further redesignated at 52 FR 6322, Mar. 3, 1982, and further 
redesignated at 56 FR 49481, Oct. 2, 1991, as amended at 84 FR 41507, 
Aug. 14, 2019; 86 FR 14228, Mar. 15, 2021]



Sec.  245.5  Medical examination.

    Pursuant to section 232(b) of the Act, an applicant for adjustment 
of status shall be required to have a medical examination by a 
designated civil surgeon, whose report setting forth the findings of the 
mental and physical condition of the applicant, including compliance 
with section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act, shall be incorporated into the 
record. A medical examination shall not be required of an applicant for 
adjustment of status who entered the United States as a nonimmigrant 
spouse, fiance[eacute], or fiancee[eacute] of a United States citizen or 
the child of such an alien as defined in section 101(a)(15)(K) of the 
Act and Sec.  214.2(k) of this chapter if the applicant was medically 
examined prior to, and as a condition of, the issuance of the 
nonimmigrant visa; provided that the medical examination must have 
occurred not more than 1 year prior the date of application for 
adjustment of status. Any applicant certified under paragraphs 
(1)(A)(ii) or (1)(A)(iii) of section 212(a) of the Act may appeal to a 
Board of Medical Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service as provided 
in section 234 of the Act and part 235 of this chapter.

[56 FR 49841, Oct. 2, 1991, as amended at 62 FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 66 
FR 42595, Aug. 14, 2001]



Sec.  245.6  Interview.

    Each applicant for adjustment of status under this part shall be 
interviewed by an immigration officer. This interview may be waived in 
the case of a child under the age of 14; when the applicant is clearly 
ineligible under section 245(c) of the Act or Sec.  245.1 of this 
chapter; or when it is determined by

[[Page 649]]

the Service that an interview is unnecessary.

[57 FR 49375, Nov. 2, 1992]



Sec.  245.7  Adjustment of status of certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees 
under the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1990 
(Pub. L. 101-167).

    (a) Application. Each person applying for benefits under section 
599E of Public Law 101-167, 103 Stat. 1195, 1263, must file an 
application on the form prescribed by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 
CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the form instructions.
    (b) Aliens eligible to apply for adjustment. The benefits of this 
section shall only apply to an alien who:
    (1) Was a national of the Soviet Union, Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia, 
and
    (2) Was inspected and granted parole into the United States during 
the period beginning on August 15, 1988, and ending on September 30, 
1990, after being denied refugee status.
    (c) Eligibility. Benefits under Section 599E of Public Law 101-167 
are limited to any alien described in paragraph (b) of this section who:
    (1) Applies for such adjustment,
    (2) Has been physically present in the United States for at least 
one year and is physically present in the United States on the date the 
application for such adjustment is filed,
    (3) Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as 
provided in paragraph (d) of this section, and
    (4) Pays a fee for the processing of such application.
    (d) Waiver of certain grounds for inadmissibility. The provisions of 
paragraphs (14), (15), (20), (21), (25), (28) (other than subparagraph 
(F), and (32) of section 212(a) of the Act shall not apply to adjustment 
under this section. The Attorney General may waive any other provision 
of section 212(a) (other than paragraph (23)(B), (27), (29), or (33)) 
with respect to such an adjustment for humanitarian purposes, to assure 
family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.
    (e) Date of approval. Upon approval of such an application for 
adjustment of status, the Attorney General shall create a record of the 
alien's admission as a lawful permanent resident as of the date of the 
alien's inspection and parole described in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section.
    (f) No offset in number of visas available. When an alien is granted 
the status of having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
under this section, the Secretary of State shall not be required to 
reduce the number of immigrant visas authorized to be issued under the 
Immigration and Nationality Act.

[55 FR 24860, July 19, 1990. Redesignated at 56 FR 49841, Oct. 2, 1991, 
as amended at 59 FR 33905, July 1, 1994; 63 FR 12987, Mar. 17, 1998; 74 
FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53792, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 
2020]



Sec.  245.8  Adjustment of status as a special immigrant under section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act.

    (a) Application. Each person applying for adjustment of status as a 
special immigrant under section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act must file a 
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust 
Status. Benefits under this section are limited to aliens who have 
served honorably (or are enlisted to serve) in the Armed Forces of the 
United States for at least 12 years, and their spouses and children. For 
purposes of this section, special immigrants described in section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act and his or her spouse and children shall be 
deemed to have been paroled into the United States pursuant to section 
245(g) of the Act. Each applicant must file a separate application with 
the appropriate fee.
    (b) Eligibility. The benefits of this section shall apply only to an 
alien described in section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act who applies for such 
adjustment. The accompanying spouse or child of an applicant for 
adjustment of status who benefits from Public Law 102-110 may also apply 
for adjustment of status. The provisions of section 245(c) of the Act do 
not apply to the principal Armed Forces special immigrant or to his or 
her spouse or child.
    (c) Interview of the applicant. Upon completion of the adjustment of 
status interview for a special immigrant under section 101(a)(27)(K) of 
the Act, the director shall make a prima facie determination regarding 
eligibility for

[[Page 650]]

naturalization benefits if the applicant is to be granted status as an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. If the director 
determines that the applicant is immediately eligible for naturalization 
under section 328 or 329 of the Act, the director shall advise the 
applicant that he or she is eligible to apply for naturalization on Form 
N-400, Application to File Petition for Naturalization. If the applicant 
wishes to apply for naturalization, the director shall instruct the 
applicant concerning the requirements for naturalization and provide him 
or her with the necessary forms.
    (d) Spouse or child outside the United States. When a spouse or 
child of an alien granted special immigrant status under section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act is outside the United States, the principal 
alien may file Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved 
Application or Petition, with the office which approved the original 
application.
    (e) Removal provisions of section 237 of the Act. If the Service is 
made aware by notification from the appropriate executive department or 
by any other means that a section 101(a)(27)(K) special immigrant who 
has already been granted permanent residence fails to complete his or 
her total active duty service obligation for reasons other than an 
honorable discharge, the alien may become subject to the removal 
provisions of section 237 of the Act, provided the alien is in one or 
more of the classes of deportable aliens specified in section 237 of the 
Act. The Service shall obtain a current Form DD-214, Certificate of 
Release or Discharge from Active Duty, from the appropriate executive 
department for verification of the alien's failure to maintain 
eligibility.
    (f) Rescission proceedings under section 246 of the Act. If the 
Service determines that a military special immigrant under section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act was not in fact eligible for adjustment of 
status, the Service may pursue rescission proceedings under section 246 
of the Act.

[57 FR 33862, July 31, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 50836, Sept. 29, 1993; 
62 FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 74 FR 26940, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  245.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  245.10  Adjustment of status upon payment of additional sum 
under section 245(i).

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section the term:
    (1)(i) Grandfathered alien means an alien who is the beneficiary 
(including a spouse or child of the alien beneficiary if eligible to 
receive a visa under section 203(d) of the Act) of:
    (A) A petition for classification under section 204 of the Act which 
was properly filed with the Attorney General on or before April 30, 
2001, and which was approvable when filed; or
    (B) An application for labor certification under section 
212(a)(5)(A) of the Act that was properly filed pursuant to the 
regulations of the Secretary of Labor on or before April 30, 2001, and 
which was approvable when filed.
    (ii) If the qualifying visa petition or application for labor 
certification was filed after January 14, 1998, the alien must have been 
physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000. This 
requirement does not apply with respect to a spouse or child 
accompanying or following to join a principal alien who is a 
grandfathered alien as described in this section.
    (2) Properly filed means:
    (i) With respect to a qualifying immigrant visa petition, that the 
application was physically received by the Service on or before April 
30, 2001, or if mailed, was postmarked on or before April 30, 2001, and 
accepted for filing as provided in Sec.  103.2(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
chapter; and
    (ii) With respect to a qualifying application for labor 
certification, that the application was properly filed and accepted 
pursuant to the regulations of the Secretary of Labor, 20 CFR 656.21.
    (3) Approvable when filed means that, as of the date of the filing 
of the qualifying immigrant visa petition under section 204 of the Act 
or qualifying application for labor certification, the qualifying 
petition or application was properly filed, meritorious in fact, and 
non-frivolous (``frivolous'' being defined herein as patently without 
substance). This determination will be made based on the circumstances 
that

[[Page 651]]

existed at the time the qualifying petition or application was filed. A 
visa petition that was properly filed on or before April 30, 2001, and 
was approvable when filed, but was later withdrawn, denied, or revoked 
due to circumstances that have arisen after the time of filing, will 
preserve the alien beneficiary's grandfathered status if the alien is 
otherwise eligible to file an application for adjustment of status under 
section 245(i) of the Act.
    (4) Circumstances that have arisen after the time of filing means 
circumstances similar to those outlined in Sec.  205.1(a)(3)(i) or 
(a)(3)(ii) of this chapter.
    (b) Eligibility. An alien who is included in the categories of 
restricted aliens under Sec.  245.1(b) and meets the definition of a 
``grandfathered alien'' may apply for adjustment of status under section 
245 of the Act if the alien meets the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) 
through (b)(7) of this section:
    (1) Is physically present in the United States;
    (2) Is eligible for immigrant classification and has an immigrant 
visa number immediately available at the time of filing for adjustment 
of status;
    (3) Is not inadmissible from the United States under any provision 
of section 212 of the Act, or all grounds for inadmissibility have been 
waived;
    (4) Properly files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent 
Residence or Adjust Status on or after October 1, 1994, with the 
required fee for that application;
    (5) Properly files Supplement A to Form I-485 on or after October 1, 
1994;
    (6) Pays an additional sum of $1,000, unless payment of the 
additional sum is not required under section 245(i) of the Act; and
    (7) Will adjust status under section 245 of the Act to that of 
lawful permanent resident of the United States on or after October 1, 
1994.
    (c) Payment of additional sum. An adjustment applicant filing under 
the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act must pay the standard 
adjustment application filing fee as specified in 8 CFR 106.2. Each 
application submitted under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act 
must be submitted with an additional sum of $1,000. An applicant must 
submit the additional sum of $1,000 only once per application for 
adjustment of status submitted under the provisions of section 245(i) of 
the Act. However, an applicant filing under the provisions of section 
245(i) of the Act is not required to pay the additional sum if, at the 
time the application for adjustment of status is filed, the alien is:
    (1) Unmarried and less than 17 years of age;
    (2) The spouse of a legalized alien, qualifies for and has properly 
filed Form I-817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family 
Unity Program, and submits a copy of his or her receipt or approval 
notice for filing Form I-817; or
    (3) The child of a legalized alien, is unmarried and less than 21 
years of age, qualifies for and has filed Form I-817, and submits a copy 
of his or her receipt or approval notice for filing Form I-817. Such an 
alien must pay the additional sum if he or she has reached the age of 21 
years at the time of filing for adjustment of status. Such an alien must 
meet all other conditions for adjustment of status contained in the Act 
and in this chapter.
    (d) Pending adjustment application with the Service or Executive 
Office for Immigration Review filed without Supplement A to Form I-485 
and additional sum. An alien who filed an adjustment of status 
application with the Service in accordance with Sec.  103.2 of this 
chapter will be allowed the opportunity to amend such an application to 
request consideration under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act, 
if it appears that the alien is not otherwise ineligible for adjustment 
of status. The Service shall notify the applicant in writing of the 
Service's intent to deny the adjustment of status application, and any 
other requests for benefits that derive from the adjustment application, 
unless Supplement A to Form I-485 and any required additional sum is 
filed within 30 days of the date of the notice. If the application for 
adjustment of status is pending before the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review (EOIR), EOIR will allow the respondent an opportunity 
to amend an adjustment of status application filed in accordance with 
Sec.  103.2 of this chapter (to include Supplement A to Form

[[Page 652]]

I-485 and proof of remittance to the INS of the required additional sum) 
in order to request consideration under the provisions of section 245(i) 
of the Act.
    (e) Applications for Adjustment of Status filed before October 1, 
1994. The provisions of section 245(i) of the Act shall not apply to an 
application for adjustment of status that was filed before October 1, 
1994. The provisions of section 245(i) of the Act also shall not apply 
to a motion to reopen or reconsider an application for adjustment of 
status if the application for adjustment of status was filed before 
October 1, 1994. An applicant whose pre-October 1, 1994, application for 
adjustment of status has been denied may file a new application for 
adjustment of status pursuant to section 245(i) of the Act on or after 
October 1, 1994, provided that such new application is accompanied by: 
the required fee; Supplement A to Form I-485; the additional sum 
required by section 245(i) of the Act; and all other required initial 
and additional evidence.
    (f) Effect of section 245(i) on completed adjustment applications 
before the Service. (1) Any motion to reopen or reconsider before the 
Service alleging availability of section 245(i) of the Act must be filed 
in accordance with Sec.  103.5 of this chapter. If said motion to reopen 
with the Service is granted, the alien must remit to the Service 
Supplement A to Form I-485 and the additional sum required by section 
245(i) of the Act. If the alien had previously remitted Supplement A to 
Form I-485 and the additional sum with the application which is the 
subject of the motion to reopen, then no additional sum need be remitted 
upon such reopening.
    (2) An alien whose adjustment application was adjudicated and denied 
by the Service because of ineligibility under section 245(a) or (c) of 
the Act and now alleges eligibility due to the availability of section 
245(i) of the Act may file a new application for adjustment of status 
pursuant to section 245(i) of the Act, provided that such new 
application is accompanied by the required fee for the application, 
Supplement A to Form I-485, additional sum required by section 245(i) of 
the Act and all other required and additional evidence.
    (g) Aliens deportable under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act are 
ineligible to adjust status. Section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act renders any 
alien who has engaged, is engaged, or at any time after admission 
engages in any terrorist activity, as defined in section 
212(a)(3)(B)(iii) of the Act, deportable. Under section 245(c)(6) of the 
Act, persons who are deportable under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act 
are ineligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Act. Any 
person who is deportable under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act is also 
ineligible to adjust status under section 245(i) of the Act.
    (h) Asylum or diversity immigrant visa applications. An asylum 
application, diversity visa lottery application, or diversity visa 
lottery-winning letter does not serve to grandfather the alien for 
purposes of section 245(i) of the Act. However, an otherwise 
grandfathered alien may use winning a diversity visa as a basis for 
adjustment.
    (i) Denial, withdrawal, or revocation of the approval of a visa 
petition or application for labor certification. The denial, withdrawal, 
or revocation of the approval of a qualifying immigrant visa petition, 
or application for labor certification, that was properly filed on or 
before April 30, 2001, and that was approvable when filed, will not 
preclude its grandfathered alien (including the grandfathered alien's 
family members) from seeking adjustment of status under section 245(i) 
of the Act on the basis of another approved visa petition, a diversity 
visa, or any other ground for adjustment of status under the Act, as 
appropriate.
    (j) Substitution of a beneficiary on an application for a labor 
certification. Only the alien who was the beneficiary of the application 
for the labor certification on or before April 30, 2001, will be 
considered to have been grandfathered for purposes of filing an 
application for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Act. An 
alien who was previously the beneficiary of the application for the 
labor certification but was subsequently replaced by another alien on or 
before April 30, 2001, will not be considered to be a grandfathered 
alien. An alien who was substituted for the previous beneficiary of

[[Page 653]]

the application for the labor certification after April 30, 2001, will 
not be considered to be a grandfathered alien.
    (k) Changes in employment. An applicant for adjustment under section 
245(i) of the Act who is adjusting status through an employment-based 
category is not required to work for the petitioner who filed the 
petition that grandfathered the alien, unless he or she is seeking 
adjustment based on employment for that same petitioner.
    (l) Effects of grandfathering on an alien's nonimmigrant status. An 
alien's nonimmigrant status is not affected by the fact that he or she 
is a grandfathered alien. Lawful immigration status for a nonimmigrant 
is defined in Sec.  245.1(d)(1)(ii).
    (m) Effect of grandfathering on unlawful presence under section 
212(a)(9)(B) and (c) of the Act. If the alien is not in a period of stay 
authorized by the Attorney General, the fact that he or she is a 
grandfathered alien does not prevent the alien from accruing unlawful 
presence under section 212(a)(9)(B) and (C) of the Act.
    (n) Evidentiary requirement to demonstrate physical presence on 
December 21, 2000. (1) Unless the qualifying immigrant visa petition or 
application for labor certification was filed on or before January 14, 
1998, a principal grandfathered alien must establish that he or she was 
physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000, to be 
eligible to apply to adjust status under section 245(i) of the Act. If 
no one document establishes the alien's physical presence on December 
21, 2000, he or she may submit several documents establishing his or her 
physical presence in the United States prior to, and after December 21, 
2000.
    (2) To demonstrate physical presence on December 21, 2000, the alien 
may submit copies of documents issued by the former INS or EOIR such as 
arrival-departure forms or notices to appear in immigration court.
    (3) To demonstrate physical presence on December 21, 2000, the alien 
may submit other government documentation. Other government 
documentation issued by a Federal, state, or local authority must bear 
the signature, seal, or other authenticating instrument of such 
authority (if the document normally bears such instrument), be dated at 
the time of issuance, and bear a date of issuance not later than 
December 21, 2000. For this purpose, the term Federal, state, or local 
authority includes any governmental, educational, or administrative 
function operated by Federal, state, county, or municipal officials. 
Examples of such other documentation include, but are not limited to:
    (i) A state driver's license;
    (ii) A state identification card;
    (iii) A county or municipal hospital record;
    (iv) A public college or public school transcript;
    (v) Income tax records;
    (vi) A certified copy of a Federal, state, or local governmental 
record which was created on or prior to December 21, 2000, shows that 
the applicant was present in the United States at the time, and 
establishes that the applicant sought on his or her own behalf, or some 
other party sought on the applicant's behalf, a benefit from the 
Federal, state, or local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (vii) A certified copy of a Federal, state, or local governmental 
record which was created on or prior to December 21, 2000, that shows 
that the applicant was present in the United States at the time, and 
establishes that the applicant submitted an income tax return, property 
tax payment, or similar submission or payment to the Federal, state, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (viii) A transcript from a private or religious school that is 
registered with, or approved or licensed by, appropriate State or local 
authorities, accredited by the State or regional accrediting body, or by 
the appropriate private school association, or maintains enrollment 
records in accordance with State or local requirements or standards.
    (4) To demonstrate physical presence on December 21, 2000, the alien 
may submit non-government documentation. Examples of documentation 
establishing physical presence on December 21, 2000, may include, but 
are not limited to:
    (i) School records;
    (ii) Rental receipts;

[[Page 654]]

    (iii) Utility bill receipts;
    (iv) Any other dated receipts;
    (v) Personal checks written by the applicant bearing a bank 
cancellation stamp;
    (vi) Employment records, including pay stubs;
    (vii) Credit card statements showing the dates of purchase, payment, 
or other transaction;
    (viii) Certified copies of records maintained by organizations 
chartered by the Federal or State government, such as public utilities, 
accredited private and religious schools, and banks;
    (ix) If the applicant established that a family unit was in 
existence and cohabiting in the United States, documents evidencing the 
presence of another member of the same family unit; and
    (x) For applicants who have ongoing correspondence or other 
interaction with the Service, a list of the types and dates of such 
correspondence or other contact that the applicant knows to be contained 
or reflected in Service records.
    (5)(i) The adjudicator will evaluate all evidence on a case-by-case 
basis and will not accept a personal affidavit attesting to physical 
presence on December 21, 2000, without requiring an interview or 
additional evidence to validate the affidavit.
    (ii) In all cases, any doubts as to the existence, authenticity, 
veracity, or accuracy of the documentation shall be resolved by the 
official government record, with records of the Service and the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) having precedence over 
the records of other agencies. Furthermore, determinations as to the 
weight to be given any particular document or item of evidence shall be 
solely within the discretion of the adjudicating authority (i.e., the 
Service or EOIR). It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to 
obtain and submit copies of the records of any other government agency 
that the applicant desires to be considered in support of his or her 
application.

[59 FR 51095, Oct. 7, 1994; 59 FR 53020, Oct. 20, 1994, as amended at 62 
FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 39424, July 23, 1997; 62 FR 55153, Oct. 
23, 1997; 66 FR 16388, Mar. 26, 2001; 76 FR 53793, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 
46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245.11  Adjustment of aliens in S nonimmigrant classification.

    (a) Eligibility. An application on Form I-854, requesting that an 
alien witness or informant in S nonimmigrant classification be allowed 
to adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident, may only be filed 
by the federal or state law enforcement authority (``LEA'') (which shall 
include a federal or state court or a United States Attorney's Office) 
that originally requested S classification for the alien. The completed 
application shall be filed with the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, Department of Justice, who will forward only properly 
certified applications to the Commissioner, Immigration and 
Naturalization Service, for approval. Upon receipt of an approved Form 
I-854 allowing the S nonimmigrant to adjust status to that of lawful 
permanent resident, the alien may proceed to file with that Form, Form 
I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, 
pursuant to the following process.
    (1) Request to allow S nonimmigrant to apply for adjustment of 
status to that of lawful permanent resident. The LEA that requested S 
nonimmigrant classification for an S nonimmigrant witness or informant 
pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act may request that the 
principal S nonimmigrant be allowed to apply for adjustment of status by 
filing Form I-854 with the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, in accordance with the instructions on, or attached to, that 
form and certifying that the alien has fulfilled the terms of his or her 
admission and classification. The same Form I-854 may be used by the LEA 
to request that the principals nonimmigrant's spouse, married and 
unmarried sons and daughters, regardless of age, and parents who are in 
derivative S nonimmigrant classification and who are qualified family 
members as described in paragraph (b) of this section similarly be 
allowed to apply for adjustment of status pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act.
    (2) Certification. Upon receipt of an LEA's request for the 
adjustment of an alien in S nonimmigrant classification on Form I-854, 
the Assistant Attorney

[[Page 655]]

General, Criminal Division, shall review the information and determine 
whether to certify the request to the Commissioner in accordance with 
the instructions on the form.
    (3) Submission of requests for adjustment of status to the 
Commissioner. No application by an LEA on Form I-854 requesting the 
adjustment to lawful permanent resident status of an S nonimmigrant 
shall be forwarded to the Commissioner unless first certified by the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division.
    (4) Decision on request to allow adjustment of S nonimmigrant. The 
Commissioner shall make the final decision on a request to allow an S 
nonimmigrant to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent 
resident.
    (i) In the event the Commissioner decides to deny an application on 
Form I-854 to allow an S nonimmigrant to apply for adjustment of status, 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA 
shall be notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. 
Unless the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 
7 days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In 
the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy 
Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the 
alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to 
deny.
    (ii) Upon approval of the request on Form I-854, the Commissioner 
shall forward a copy of the approved form to the Assistant Attorney 
General and the S nonimmigrant, notifying them that the S nonimmigrant 
may proceed to file Form I-485 and request adjustment of status to that 
of lawful permanent resident, and that, to be eligible for adjustment of 
status, the nonimmigrant must otherwise:
    (A) Meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, if 
requesting adjustment as a qualified family member of the certified 
principal S nonimmigrant witness or informant;
    (B) Be admissible to the United States as an immigrant, unless the 
ground of inadmissibility has been waived;
    (C) Establish eligibility for adjustment of status under all 
provisions of section 245 of the Act, unless the basis for ineligibility 
has been waived; and
    (D) Properly file with his or her Form I-485, Application to 
Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the approved Form I-854.
    (b) Family members--(1) Qualified family members. A qualified family 
member of an S nonimmigrant includes the spouse, married or unmarried 
son or daughter, or parent of a principal S nonimmigrant who meets the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided that:
    (i) The family member qualified as the spouse, married or unmarried 
son or daughter, or parent (as defined in section 101(b) of the Act) of 
the principal S nonimmigrant when the family member was admitted as or 
granted a change of status to that of a nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act;
    (ii) The family member was admitted in S nonimmigrant classification 
to accompany, or follow to join, the principal S-5 or S-6 alien pursuant 
to the LEA's request;
    (iii) The family member is not inadmissible from the United States 
as a participant in Nazi persecution or genocide as described in section 
212(a)(3)(E) of the Act;
    (iv) The qualifying relationship continues to exist; and
    (v) The principal alien has adjusted status, has a pending 
application for adjustment of status or is concurrently filing an 
application for adjustment of status under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the 
Act.
    (vi) Paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) and (v) of this section do not apply if 
the alien witness or informant has died and, in the opinion of the 
Attorney General, was in compliance with the terms of his or her S 
classification under section 245(i) (1) and (2) of the Act.
    (2) Other family member. The adjustment provisions in this section 
do not apply to a family member who has not been classified as an S 
nonimmigrant pursuant to a request on Form I-854 or

[[Page 656]]

who does not otherwise meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this 
section. However, a spouse or an unmarried child who is less than 21 
years old, and whose relationship to the principal S nonimmigrant or 
qualified family member was established prior to the approval of the 
principal S nonimmigrant's adjustment of status application, may be 
accorded the priority date and preference category of the principal S 
nonimmigrant or qualified family member, in accordance with the 
provisions of section 203(d) of the Act. Such a spouse or child:
    (i) May use the principal S nonimmigrant or qualified member's 
priority date and category when it becomes current, in accordance with 
the limitations set forth in sections 201 and 202 of the Act;
    (ii) May seek immigrant visa issuance abroad or adjustment of status 
to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States when the 
priority date becomes current for the spouse's or child's country of 
chargeability under the fourth employment-based preference 
classification;
    (iii) Must meet all the requirements for immigrant visa issuance or 
adjustment of status, unless those requirements have been waived;
    (iv) Is not applying for adjustment of status under 101(a)(15)(S) of 
the Act, is not required to file Form I-854, and is not required to 
obtain LEA certification; and
    (v) Will lose eligibility for benefits if the child marries or has 
his or her twenty-first birthday before being admitted with an immigrant 
visa or granted adjustment of status.
    (c) Waivers of inadmissibility. An alien seeking to adjust status 
pursuant to the provisions of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act may not 
be denied adjustment of status for conduct or a condition that:
    (1) Was disclosed to the Attorney General prior to admission; and
    (2) Was specifically waived pursuant to the waiver provisions set 
forth at section 212(d)(1) and 212(d)(3) of the Act.
    (d) Application. Each S nonimmigrant requesting adjustment of status 
under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act must:
    (1) File Form I-485, with the prescribed fee, accompanied by the 
approved Form I-854, and the supporting documents specified in the 
instructions to Form I-485 and described in 8 CFR 245.2. Secondary 
evidence may be submitted if the nonimmigrant is unable to obtain the 
required primary evidence as provided in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(2). The S 
nonimmigrant applying to adjust must complete Part 2 of Form I-485 by 
checking box ``h-other'' and writing ``S'' or ``S-Qualified Family 
Member.'' Qualified family members must submit documentary evidence of 
the relationship to the principal S nonimmigrant witness or informant.
    (2) Submit detailed and inclusive evidence of eligibility for the 
adjustment of status benefits of S classification, which shall include:
    (i) A photocopy of all pages of the alien's most recent passport or 
an explanation of why the alien does not have a passport; or
    (ii) An attachment on a plain piece of paper showing the dates of 
all arrivals and departures from the United States in S nonimmigrant 
classification and the reason for each departure; and
    (iii) Primary evidence of a qualifying relationship to the principal 
S nonimmigrant, such as birth or marriage certificate. If any required 
primary evidence is unavailable, church or school records, or other 
secondary evidence may be submitted. If such documents are unavailable, 
affidavits may be submitted as provided in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(2).
    (e) Priority date. The S nonimmigrant's priority date shall be the 
date his or her application for adjustment of status as an S 
nonimmigrant is properly filed with the Service.
    (f) Visa number limitation. An adjustment of status application 
under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act may be filed regardless of the 
availability of immigrant visa numbers. The adjustment of status 
application may not, however, be approved and the alien's adjustment of 
status to that of lawful permanent resident of the United States may not 
be granted until a visa number becomes available for the alien under the 
worldwide allocation for employment-based immigrants under section 
201(d) and section 203(b)(4) of the

[[Page 657]]

Act. The applicant may request employment authorization or permission to 
travel outside the United States while the application is pending by 
filing an application pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.13 or 8 CFR 223.2.
    (g) Filing and decision. An application for adjustment of status 
filed by an S nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act shall 
be filed with the district director having jurisdiction over the alien's 
place of residence. Upon approval of adjustment of status under this 
section, the district director shall record the alien's lawful admission 
for permanent residence as of the date of such approval. The district 
director shall notify the Commissioner and the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, of the adjustment.
    (h) Removal under section 237 of the Act. Nothing in this section 
shall prevent an alien adjusted pursuant to the terms of these 
provisions from being removed for conviction of a crime of moral 
turpitude committed within 10 years after being provided lawful 
permanent residence under this section or for any other ground under 
section 237 of the Act.
    (i) Denial of application. In the event the district director 
decides to deny an application on Form I-485 and an approved Form I-854 
to allow an S nonimmigrant to adjust status, the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be notified in 
writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. Unless the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he 
or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In the event 
of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General 
for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the 
relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to deny. A denial 
of an adjustment application under this paragraph may not be renewed in 
subsequent removal proceedings.

[60 FR 44269, Aug. 25, 1995; 60 FR 52248, Oct. 5, 1995, as amended at 62 
FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 76 FR 53793, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec. Sec.  245.12-245.14  [Reserved]



Sec.  245.15  Adjustment of status of certain Haitian nationals 
under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA).

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the terms:
    Abandoned and abandonment mean that both parents have, or the sole 
or surviving parent has, or in the case of a child who has been placed 
into a guardianship, the child's guardian or guardians have, willfully 
forsaken all parental or guardianship rights, obligations, and claims to 
the child, as well as all control over and possession of the child, 
without intending to transfer these rights to any specific person(s).
    Guardian means a person lawfully invested (by order of a competent 
Federal, State, or local authority) with the power, and charged with the 
duty, of taking care of, including managing the property, rights, and 
affairs of, a child.
    Orphan and orphaned refer to the involuntary detachment or severance 
of a child from his or her parents due to any of the following:
    (1) The death or disappearance of, desertion by, or separation or 
loss from both parents, as those terms are defined in Sec.  204.3(b) of 
this chapter;
    (2) The irrevocable and written release of all parental rights by 
the sole parent, as that term is defined in Sec.  204.3(b) of this 
chapter, based upon the inability of that parent to provide proper care 
(within the meaning of that phrase in Sec.  204.3(b) of this chapter) 
for the child, provided that at the time of such irrevocable release 
such parent is legally obligated to provide such care; or
    (3) The death or disappearance, as that term is defined in Sec.  
204.3(b) of this chapter, of one parent and the irrevocable and written 
release of all parental rights by the sole remaining parent based upon 
the inability of that parent to provide proper care (within the meaning 
of that phrase in Sec.  204.3(b) of this chapter) for the child, 
provided that at the time of such irrevocable release such parent is 
legally obligated to provide such care.
    Parent, father, or mother means a parent, father, or mother only 
where the relationship exists by reason of any of

[[Page 658]]

the circumstances set forth in paragraphs (A) through (E) of section 
101(b)(1) of the Act.
    Sole remaining parent means a person who is the child's only parent 
because:
    (1) The child's other parent has died; or
    (2) The child's other parent has been certified by competent Haitian 
authorities to be presumed dead as a result of his or her disappearance, 
within the meaning of that term as set forth in Sec.  204.3(b) of this 
chapter.
    (b) Applicability of provisions of section 902 of HRIFA in general. 
Section 902 of Division A of Pub. L. 105-277, the Haitian Refugee 
Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA), provides special rules for 
adjustment of status for certain nationals of Haiti, and without regard 
to section 241(a)(5) of the Act, if they meet the other requirements of 
HRIFA.
    (1) Principal applicants. Section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA defines five 
categories of principal applicants who may apply for adjustment of 
status, if the alien was physically present in the United States on 
December 31, 1995:
    (i) An alien who filed for asylum before December 31, 1995;
    (ii) An alien who was paroled into the United States prior to 
December 31, 1995, after having been identified as having a credible 
fear of persecution, or paroled for emergent reasons or reasons deemed 
strictly in the public interest; or
    (iii) An alien who at the time of arrival in the United States and 
on December 31, 1995, was unmarried and under 21 years of age and who:
    (A) Arrived in the United States without parents in the United 
States and has remained, without parents, in the United States since his 
or her arrival;
    (B) Became orphaned subsequent to arrival in the United States; or
    (C) Was abandoned by parents or guardians prior to April 1, 1998, 
and has remained abandoned since such abandonment.
    (2) Dependents. Section 902(d) of HRIFA provides for certain Haitian 
nationals to apply for adjustment of status as the spouse, child, or 
unmarried son or daughter of a principal HRIFA beneficiary, even if the 
individual would not otherwise be eligible for adjustment under section 
902. The eligibility requirements for dependents are described further 
in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (c) Eligibility of principal HRIFA applicants. A Haitian national 
who is described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is eligible to 
apply for adjustment of status under the provisions of section 902 of 
HRIFA if the alien meets the following requirements:
    (1) Physical presence. The alien is physically present in the United 
States at the time the application is filed;
    (2) Proper application. The alien properly files an application for 
adjustment of status in accordance with this section, including the 
evidence described in paragraphs (h), (i), (j), and (k) of this section. 
For purposes of Sec.  245.15 of this chapter only, an Application to 
Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) submitted by 
a principal applicant for benefits under HRIFA may be considered to have 
been properly filed if it:
    (i) Is received not later than March 31, 2000, at the Nebraska 
Service Center, the Board, or the Immigration Court having jurisdiction;
    (ii) Has been properly completed and signed by the applicant;
    (iii) Identifies the provision of HRIFA under which the applicant is 
seeking adjustment of status; and
    (iv) Is accompanied by either:
    (A) The correct fee as specified in 8 CFR 106.2; or
    (B) [Reserved]
    (3) Admissibility. The alien is not inadmissible to the United 
States for permanent residence under any provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section; and
    (4) Continuous physical presence. The alien has been physically 
present in the United States for a continuous period beginning on 
December 31, 1995, and ending on the date the application for adjustment 
is granted, except for the following periods of time:
    (i) Any period or periods of absence from the United States not 
exceeding 180 days in the aggregate; and
    (ii) Any periods of absence for which the applicant received an 
advance parole authorization prior to his or her

[[Page 659]]

departure from the United States, provided the applicant returned to the 
United States in accordance with the conditions of such authorization.
    (iii) Any periods of absence from the United States occurring after 
October 21, 1998, and before July 12, 1999, provided the applicant 
departed the United States prior to December 31, 1998.
    (d) Eligibility of dependents of a principal HRIFA beneficiary. A 
Haitian national who is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter 
of a principal beneficiary eligible for adjustment of status under the 
provisions of HRIFA is eligible to apply for benefits as a dependent, if 
the dependent alien meets the following requirements:
    (1) Physical presence. The alien is physically present in the United 
States at the time the application is filed;
    (2) Proper application. The alien properly files an application for 
adjustment of status as a dependent in accordance with this section, 
including the evidence described in paragraphs (h) and (l) of this 
section;
    (3) Admissibility. The alien is not inadmissible to the United 
States for permanent residence under any provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section;
    (4) Relationship. The qualifying relationship to the principal alien 
must have existed at the time the principal was granted adjustment of 
status and must continue to exist at the time the dependent alien is 
granted adjustment of status. To establish the qualifying relationship 
to the principal alien, evidence must be submitted in accordance with 
Sec.  204.2 of this chapter. Such evidence should consist of the 
documents specified in Sec.  204.2(a)(1)(i)(B), (a)(1)(iii)(B), (a)(2), 
(d)(2), and (d)(5) of this chapter;
    (5) Continuous physical presence. If the alien is applying as the 
unmarried son or unmarried daughter of a principal HRIFA beneficiary, he 
or she must have been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period beginning not later than December 31, 1995, and ending 
on the date the application for adjustment is granted, as provided in 
paragraphs (c)(4) and (j) of this section.
    (e) Applicability of grounds of inadmissibility contained in section 
212(a)--(1) Certain grounds of inadmissibility inapplicable to HRIFA 
applicants. Paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), (7)(A) and (9)(B) of section 
212(a) of the Act are inapplicable to HRIFA principal applicants and 
their dependents. Accordingly, an applicant for adjustment of status 
under section 902 of HRIFA need not establish admissibility under those 
provisions in order to be able to adjust his or her status to that of 
permanent resident.
    (2) Availability of individual waivers. If a HRIFA applicant is 
inadmissible under any of the other provisions of section 212(a) of the 
Act for which an immigrant waiver is available, the applicant may apply 
for one or more of the immigrant waivers of inadmissibility under 
section 212 of the Act, in accordance with Sec.  212.7 of this chapter. 
In considering an application for waiver under section 212(g) of the Act 
by an otherwise statutorily eligible applicant for adjustment of status 
under HRIFA who was paroled into the United States from the U.S. Naval 
Base at Guantanamo Bay, for the purpose of receiving treatment of an HIV 
or AIDS condition, the fact that his or her arrival in the United States 
was the direct result of a government decision to provide such treatment 
should be viewed as a significant positive factor when weighing 
discretionary factors. In considering an application for waiver under 
section 212(i) of the Act by an otherwise statutorily eligible applicant 
for adjustment of status under HRIFA who used counterfeit documents to 
travel from Haiti to the United States, the adjudicator shall, when 
weighing discretionary factors, take into consideration the general 
lawlessness and corruption which was widespread in Haiti at the time of 
the alien's departure, the difficulties in obtaining legitimate 
departure documents at that time, and other factors unique to Haiti at 
that time which may have induced the alien to commit fraud or make 
willful misrepresentations.
    (3) Special rule for waiver of inadmissibility grounds for HRIFA 
applicants under section 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act. An 
applicant for adjustment of status under HRIFA who

[[Page 660]]

is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(A) or 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act, 
may apply for a waiver of these grounds of inadmissibility while present 
in the United States. Such an alien must file Form I-601, Application 
for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability. If the application for 
adjustment is pending at the Nebraska Service Center, Form I-601 must be 
filed with the director of that office. If the application for 
adjustment is pending at a district office, Form I-601 must be filed 
with the district director having jurisdiction over the application. If 
the application for adjustment is pending before the immigration court, 
Form I-601 must be filed with the immigration judge having jurisdiction, 
or with the Board of Immigration Appeals if the appeal is pending before 
the Board.
    (f) Time for filing of applications--(1) Applications for HRIFA 
benefits by a principal HRIFA applicant. The application period begins 
on June 11, 1999. To benefit from the provisions of section 902 of 
HRIFA, an alien who is applying for adjustment as a principal applicant 
must properly file an application for adjustment of status before April 
1, 2000.
    (2) Applications by dependent aliens. The spouse, minor child, or 
unmarried son or daughter of an alien who is eligible for adjustment of 
status as a principal beneficiary under HRIFA may file an application 
for adjustment of status under this section concurrently with or 
subsequent to the filing of the application of the principal HRIFA 
beneficiary. An application filed by a dependent may not be approved 
prior to approval of the principal's application.
    (g) Jurisdiction for filing of applications--(1) Filing of 
applications with USCIS. USCIS has jurisdiction over all applications 
for the benefits of section 902 of HRIFA as a principal applicant or as 
a dependent under this section, except for applications filed by aliens 
who are in pending immigration proceedings as provided in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this section. All applications filed with USCIS for the 
benefits of section 902 of HRIFA must be submitted on the form 
designated by USCIS with the fees prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions. After proper filing of the 
application, USCIS will instruct the applicant to appear for biometrics 
collection as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.16.
    (2) Filing of applications by aliens in pending exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings. An alien who is in exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings pending before the Immigration Court 
or the Board, or who has a pending motion to reopen or motion to 
reconsider filed with the Immigration Court or the Board on or before 
May 12, 1999, must apply for HRIFA benefits to the Immigration Court or 
the Board, as provided in paragraph (p)(1) of this section, rather than 
to the Service. However, an alien whose proceeding has been 
administratively closed (see paragraph (p)(4) of this section) may only 
apply for HRIFA benefits with the Service as provided in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this section.
    (3)(i) Filing of applications with the Service by aliens who are 
subject to a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. An alien 
who is subject to a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, 
and who has not been denied adjustment of status under section 902 of 
HRIFA by the Immigration Court or the Board, may only apply for HRIFA 
benefits with the Service as provided in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
section. This includes applications for HRIFA benefits filed by aliens 
who have filed a motion to reopen or motion to reconsider a final order 
after May 12, 1999.
    (ii) An alien present in the United States who is subject to a final 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal and has been denied 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA by the Immigration Court 
or the Board, or who never applied for adjustment of status with the 
Service, an Immigration Court, or the Board on or before March 31, 2000, 
and who was made eligible for HRIFA benefits under the Legal Immigration 
Family Equity Act of 2000 (LIFE Act) and LIFE amendments, Public Law 
106-553 and Public Law 106-554, respectively, may file a motion to 
reopen with either the Immigration Court or the Board, whichever had 
jurisdiction last. As provided by the LIFE Act, motions to reopen must 
be filed on or before June 19, 2001.
    (iii) Stay of final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. The 
filing of an

[[Page 661]]

application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA with the Service 
shall not stay the execution of such final order unless the applicant 
has requested and been granted a stay in connection with the HRIFA 
application. An alien who has filed a HRIFA application with the Service 
may file an Application for Stay of Removal (Form I-246) in accordance 
with section 241(c)(2) of the Act and Sec.  241.6 of this chapter.
    (iv) Grant of stay. Absent evidence of the applicant's statutory 
ineligibility for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA or 
significant negative discretionary factors, a Form I-246 filed by a bona 
fide applicant for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA shall be 
approved and the removal of the applicant shall be stayed until such 
time as the Service has adjudicated the application for adjustment in 
accordance with this section.
    (h) Application and supporting documents. Each applicant for 
adjustment of status must file an Application to Register Permanent 
Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485). An applicant should complete 
Part 2 of Form I-485 by checking box ``h--other'' and writing ``HRIFA--
Principal'' or ``HRIFA--Dependent'' next to that block. Each application 
must be accompanied by:
    (1) Application fee. The fee for Form I-485 prescribed in 8 CFR 
106.2;
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Identifying information. (i) A copy of the applicant's birth 
certificate or other record of birth as provided in paragraph (m) of 
this section;
    (ii) A completed Biographic Information Sheet (Form G-325A), if the 
applicant is between 14 and 79 years of age;
    (iii) A report of medical examination, as specified in Sec.  245.5 
of this chapter; and
    (iv) Two photographs, as described in the instructions to Form I-
485;
    (4) Arrival-Departure Record. A copy of the Form I-94 (see Sec.  
1.4), Arrival-Departure Record, issued at the time of the applicant's 
arrival in the United States, if the alien was inspected and admitted or 
paroled;
    (5) Police clearances. If the applicant is 14 years old or older, a 
police clearance from each municipality where the alien has resided for 
6 months or longer since arriving in the United States. If there are 
multiple local law enforcement agencies (e.g., city police and county 
sheriff) with jurisdiction over the alien's residence, the applicant may 
obtain a clearance from either agency. If the applicant resides or 
resided in a State where the State police maintain a compilation of all 
local arrests and convictions, a statewide clearance is sufficient. If 
the applicant presents a letter from the local police agencies involved, 
or other evidence, to the effect that the applicant attempted to obtain 
such clearance but was unable to do so because of local or State policy, 
the director or immigration judge having jurisdiction over the 
application may waive the local police clearance. Furthermore, if such 
local police agency has provided the Service or the Immigration Court 
with a blanket statement that issuance of such police clearance is 
against local or State policy, the director or immigration judge having 
jurisdiction over the case may waive the local police clearance 
requirement regardless of whether the applicant individually submits a 
letter from that local police agency;
    (6) Proof of Haitian nationality. If the applicant acquired Haitian 
nationality other than through birth in Haiti, a copy of the certificate 
of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by the Haitian 
government; and
    (7) Additional supporting evidence. Additional supporting evidence 
pertaining to the applicant as provided in paragraphs (i) through (l) of 
this section.
    (i) Evidence of presence in the United States on December 31, 1995. 
An alien seeking HRIFA benefits as a principal applicant must provide 
with the application evidence establishing the alien's presence in the 
United States on December 31, 1995. Such evidence may consist of the 
evidence listed in Sec.  245.22.
    (j) Evidence of continuity of presence in the United States since 
December 31, 1995. An alien seeking HRIFA benefits as a principal 
applicant, or as the unmarried son or daughter of a principal applicant, 
must provide with the application evidence establishing continuity of 
the alien's physical presence in the United States since December 31, 
1995. (This requirement does not apply to a dependent seeking HRIFA 
benefits as

[[Page 662]]

the spouse or minor child of a principal applicant.)
    (1) Evidence establishing presence. Evidence establishing the 
continuity of the alien's physical presence in the United States since 
December 31, 1995, may consist of any documentation issued by any 
governmental or nongovernmental authority, provided such evidence bears 
the name of the applicant, was dated at the time it was issued, and 
bears the signature, seal, or other authenticating instrument of the 
authorized representative of the issuing authority, if the document 
would normally contain such authenticating instrument.
    (2) Examples. Documentation establishing continuity of physical 
presence may include, but is not limited to:
    (i) School records;
    (ii) Rental receipts;
    (iii) Utility bill receipts;
    (iv) Any other dated receipts;
    (v) Personal checks written by the applicant bearing a dated bank 
cancellation stamp;
    (vi) Employment records, including pay stubs;
    (vii) Credit card statements showing the dates of purchase, payment, 
or other transaction;
    (viii) Certified copies of records maintained by organizations 
chartered by the Federal or State government, such as public utilities, 
accredited private and religious schools, and banks;
    (ix) If the applicant establishes that a family unit was in 
existence and cohabiting in the United States, documents evidencing 
presence of another member of that same family unit; and
    (x) For applicants who have had ongoing correspondence or other 
interaction with the Service, a list of the types and dates of such 
correspondence or other contact that the applicant knows to be contained 
or reflected in Service records.
    (3) Evidence relating to absences from the United States since 
December 31, 1995. If the alien is applying as a principal applicant, or 
as the unmarried son or daughter of a principal applicant, and has 
departed from and returned to the United States since December 31, 1995, 
the alien must provide with the application an attachment on a plain 
piece of paper showing:
    (i) The date of the applicant's last arrival in the United States 
before December 31, 1995;
    (ii) The date of each departure (if any) from the United States 
since that arrival;
    (iii) The reason for each departure; and
    (iv) The date, manner, and place of each return to the United 
States.
    (k) Evidence establishing the alien's eligibility under section 
902(b) of HRIFA. An alien seeking HRIFA benefits as a principal 
applicant must provide with the application evidence establishing that 
the alien satisfies one of the eligibility standards described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (1) Applicant for asylum. If the alien is a principal applicant who 
filed for asylum before December 31, 1995, the applicant must provide 
with the application either:
    (i) A photocopy of the first page of the Application for Asylum and 
Withholding of Removal (Form I-589); or
    (ii) If the alien is not in possession of a photocopy of the first 
page of the Form I-589, a statement to that effect giving the date of 
filing and the location of the Service office or Immigration Court at 
which it was filed;
    (2) Parolee. If the alien is a principal applicant who was paroled 
into the United States prior to December 31, 1995, after having been 
identified as having a credible fear of persecution, or paroled for 
emergent reasons or reasons deemed strictly in the public interest, the 
applicant must provide with the application either:
    (i) A photocopy of the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) issued 
when he or she was granted parole; or
    (ii) If the alien is not in possession of the original Form I-94, a 
statement to that effect giving the date of parole and the location of 
the Service port-of-entry at which parole was authorized.
    (3) Child without parents. If the alien is a principal applicant who 
arrived in the United States as a child without parents in the United 
States, the applicant must provide with the application:
    (i) Evidence, showing the date, location, and manner of his or her 
arrival in the United States, such as:

[[Page 663]]

    (A) A photocopy of the Form I-94 issued at the time of the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (B) A copy of the airline or vessel records showing transportation 
to the United States;
    (C) Other similar documentation; or
    (D) If none of the documents in paragraphs (k)(3)(i)(A)-(C) of this 
section are available, a statement from the applicant, accompanied by 
whatever evidence the applicant is able to submit in support of that 
statement; and
    (ii) Evidence establishing the absence of the child's parents, which 
may include either:
    (A) Evidence showing the deaths of, or disappearance or desertion 
by, the applicant's parents; or
    (B) Evidence showing that the applicant's parents did not live in 
the United States with the applicant. Such evidence may include, but is 
not limited to, documentation or affidavits showing that the applicant's 
parents have been continuously employed outside the United States, are 
deceased, disappeared, or abandoned the applicant prior to the 
applicant's arrival, or were otherwise engaged in activities showing 
that they were not in the United States, or (if they have been in the 
United States) that the applicant and his or her parents did not reside 
together.
    (4) Orphaned child. If the alien is a principal applicant who is or 
was a child who became orphaned subsequent to arrival in the United 
States, the applicant must provide with the application:
    (i) Evidence, showing the date, location, and manner of his or her 
arrival in the United States, such as:
    (A) A photocopy of the Form I-94 issued at the time of the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (B) A copy of the airline or vessel records showing transportation 
to the United States;
    (C) Other similar documentation; or
    (D) If none of the documents in paragraphs (k)(4)(i)(A)-(C) of this 
section are available, a statement from the applicant, accompanied by 
whatever evidence the applicant is able to submit in support of that 
statement; and
    (ii) Either:
    (A) The death certificates of both parents (or in the case of a 
child having only one parent, the death certificate of the sole parent) 
showing that the death or deaths occurred after the date of the 
applicant's arrival in the United States;
    (B) Evidence from a State, local, or other court or governmental 
authority having jurisdiction and authority to make decisions in matters 
of child welfare establishing the disappearance of, the separation or 
loss from, or desertion by, both parents (or, in the case of a child 
born out of wedlock who has not been legitimated, the sole parent); or
    (C) Evidence of:
    (1) Either:
    (i) The child having only a sole parent, as that term is defined in 
Sec.  204.3(b) of this chapter;
    (ii) The death of one parent; or
    (iii) Certification by competent Haitian authorities that one parent 
is presumed dead as a result of his or her disappearance, within the 
meaning of that term as set forth in Sec.  204.3(b) of this chapter; and
    (2) A copy of a written statement executed by the sole parent, or 
the sole remaining parent, irrevocably releasing all parental rights 
based upon the inability of that parent to provide proper care for the 
child.
    (5) Abandoned child. If the alien is a principal applicant who was 
abandoned by parents or guardians prior to April 1, 1998, and has 
remained abandoned since such abandonment, the applicant must provide 
with the application:
    (i) Evidence, showing the date, location, and manner of his or her 
arrival in the United States, such as:
    (A) A photocopy of the Form I-94 issued at the time of the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (B) A copy of the airline or vessel records showing transportation 
to the United States;
    (C) Other similar documentation; or
    (D) If none of the documents in paragraphs (k)(5)(i)(A)-(C) of this 
section are available, a statement from the applicant, accompanied by 
whatever evidence the applicant is able to submit in support of that 
statement; and
    (ii) Either:

[[Page 664]]

    (A) Evidence from a State, local, or other court or governmental 
authority having jurisdiction and authority to make decisions in matters 
of child welfare establishing such abandonment; or
    (B) Evidence to establish that the applicant would have been 
considered to be abandoned according to the laws of the State where he 
or she resides, or where he or she resided at the time of the 
abandonment, had the issue been presented to the proper authorities.
    (l) Evidence relating to applications by dependents under section 
902(d) of HRIFA--(1) Evidence of spousal relationship. If the alien is 
applying as the spouse of a principal HRIFA beneficiary, the applicant 
must provide with the application a copy of their certificate of 
marriage and copies of documents showing the legal termination of all 
other marriages by the applicant or the other beneficiary.
    (2) Evidence of parent-child relationship. If the applicant is 
applying as the child, unmarried son, or unmarried daughter of a 
principal HRIFA beneficiary, and the principal beneficiary is not the 
applicant's biological mother, the applicant must provide with the 
application evidence to demonstrate the parent-child relationship 
between the principal beneficiary and the applicant. Such evidence may 
include copies of the applicant's parent's marriage certificate and 
documents showing the legal termination of all other marriages, an 
adoption decree, or other relevant evidence.
    (m) Secondary evidence. Except as otherwise provided in this 
paragraph, if the primary evidence required in this section is 
unavailable, church or school records, or other secondary evidence 
pertinent to the facts in issue, may be submitted. If such documents are 
unavailable, affidavits may be submitted. The applicant may submit as 
many types of secondary evidence as necessary to establish birth, 
marriage, or other relevant events. Documentary evidence establishing 
that primary evidence is unavailable must accompany secondary evidence 
of birth or marriage in the home country. The unavailability of such 
documents may be shown by submission of a copy of the written request 
for a copy of such documents which was sent to the official keeper of 
the records. In adjudicating the application for adjustment of status 
under section 902 of HRIFA, the Service or immigration judge shall 
determine the weight to be given such secondary evidence. Secondary 
evidence may not be submitted in lieu of the documentation specified in 
paragraphs (i) or (j) of this section. However, subject to verification 
by the Service, if the documentation specified in this paragraph or in 
paragraphs (h)(3)(i), (i), (j), (l)(1), and (l)(2) of this section is 
already contained in the Service's file relating to the applicant, the 
applicant may submit an affidavit to that effect in lieu of the actual 
documentation.
    (n) Authorization to be employed in the United States while the 
application is pending--(1) Application for employment authorization. An 
applicant for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA who wishes 
to obtain initial or continued employment authorization during the 
pendency of the adjustment application must file an application on the 
form designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions. The applicant may submit the 
application either concurrently with or subsequent to the filing of the 
application for HRIFA benefits.
    (2) Adjudication and issuance. Employment authorization may not be 
issued to an applicant for adjustment of status under section 902 of 
HRIFA until the adjustment application has been pending for 180 days, 
unless USCIS verifies that DHS records contain evidence that the 
applicant meets the criteria set forth in section 902(b) or 902(d) of 
HRIFA, and determines that there is no indication that the applicant is 
clearly ineligible for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA, 
in which case USCIS may approve the application for employment 
authorization, and issue the resulting document, immediately upon such 
verification. If USCIS fails to adjudicate the application for 
employment authorization upon the expiration of the 180-day waiting 
period, or within 90 days of the filing of application for employment 
authorization, whichever comes later, the applicant shall be eligible 
for an employment authorization document.

[[Page 665]]

Nothing in this section shall preclude an applicant for adjustment of 
status under HRIFA from being granted an initial employment 
authorization or an extension of employment authorization under any 
other provision of law or regulation for which the applicant may be 
eligible.
    (o) Adjudication of HRIFA applications filed with the Service--(1) 
Referral for interview. Except as provided in paragraphs (o)(2) and 
(o)(3) of this section, all aliens filing applications for adjustment of 
status with the Service under this section must be personally 
interviewed by an immigration officer at a local office of the Service. 
If the Director of the Nebraska Service Center determines that an 
interview of the applicant is necessary, the Director shall forward the 
case to the appropriate local Service office for interview and 
adjudication.
    (2) Approval without interview. Upon examination of the application, 
including all other evidence submitted in support of the application, 
all relevant Service records and all other relevant law enforcement 
indices, the Director may approve the application without an interview 
if the Director determines that:
    (i) The alien's claim to eligibility for adjustment of status under 
section 902 of HRIFA is verified through existing Service records; and
    (ii) The alien is clearly eligible for adjustment of status.
    (3) Denial without interview. If, upon examination of the 
application, all supporting documentation, all relevant Service records, 
and all other relevant law enforcement indices, the Director determines 
that the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of status under 
HRIFA and that an interview of the applicant is not necessary, the 
Director may deny the application.
    (p) Adjudication of HRIFA applications filed in pending exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings--(1) Proceedings pending before an 
Immigration Court. Except as provided in paragraph (p)(4) of this 
section, the Immigration Court shall have sole jurisdiction over an 
application for adjustment of status under this section filed by an 
alien who is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings pending 
before an immigration judge or the Board, or who has a pending motion to 
reopen or motion to reconsider filed with an immigration judge or the 
Board on or before May 12, 1999. The immigration judge having 
jurisdiction over the exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings 
shall have jurisdiction to accept and adjudicate any application for 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA during the course of 
such proceedings. All applications for adjustment of status under 
section 902 of HRIFA filed with an Immigration Court shall be subject to 
the requirements of Sec. Sec.  3.11 and 3.31 of this chapter.
    (2) Motion to reopen or motion to reconsider. If an alien who has a 
pending motion to reopen or motion to reconsider timely filed with an 
immigration judge on or before May 12, 1999, files an application for 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA, the immigration judge 
shall reopen the alien's proceedings for consideration of the adjustment 
application, unless the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of 
status under section 902 of HRIFA.
    (3) Proceedings pending before the Board. Except as provided in 
paragraph (d)(4) of this section, in the case of an alien who either has 
a pending appeal with the Board or has a pending motion to reopen or 
motion to reconsider timely filed with the Board on or before May 12, 
1999, the Board shall remand, or reopen and remand, the proceedings to 
the Immigration Court for the sole purpose of adjudicating an 
application for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA, unless 
the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of status under section 
902 of HRIFA. If the immigration judge denies, or the alien fails to 
file, the application for adjustment of status under section 902 of 
HRIFA, the immigration judge shall certify the decision to the Board for 
consideration in conjunction with the applicant's previously pending 
appeal or motion.
    (4) Administrative closure of exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings. (i) An alien who is in exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings, or who has a pending motion to reopen or a motion to 
reconsider such proceedings

[[Page 666]]

filed on or before May 12, 1999, may request that the proceedings be 
administratively closed, or that the motion be indefinitely continued, 
in order to allow the alien to file such application with the Service as 
prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section. If the alien appears to be 
eligible to file an application for adjustment of status under this 
section, the Immigration Court or the Board (whichever has jurisdiction) 
shall, with the concurrence of the Service, administratively close the 
proceedings or continue indefinitely the motion.
    (ii) In the case of an otherwise-eligible alien whose exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings have been administratively closed 
for reasons not specified in this section, the alien may only apply 
before the Service for adjustment of status under this section.
    (q) Approval of HRIFA applications--(1) Applications approved by the 
Service. If the Service approves the application for adjustment of 
status under the provisions of section 902 of HRIFA, the director shall 
record the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence as of the 
date of such approval and notify the applicant accordingly. The director 
shall also advise the alien regarding the delivery of his or her 
Permanent Resident Card and of the process for obtaining temporary 
evidence of alien registration. If the alien had previously been issued 
a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, such order shall be 
deemed canceled as of the date of the director's approval of the 
application for adjustment of status. If the alien had been in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings that were 
administratively closed, such proceedings shall be deemed terminated as 
of the date of approval of the application for adjustment of status by 
the director.
    (2) Applications approved by an immigration judge or the Board. If 
an immigration judge or (upon appeal) the Board grants an application 
for adjustment under the provisions of section 902 of HRIFA, the date of 
the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence shall be the date 
of such grant.
    (r) Review of decisions by the Service denying HRIFA applications--
(1)(i) Denial notification. If the Service denies the application for 
adjustment of status under the provisions of section 902 of HRIFA, the 
director shall notify the applicant of the decision and of any right to 
renew the application in proceedings before the Immigration Court.
    (ii) An alien made eligible for adjustment of status under HRIFA by 
the LIFE Act amendments and whose case has not been referred to EOIR 
under paragraphs (r)(2) or (r)(3) of this section, may file a motion to 
reopen with the Service.
    (2) Renewal of application for HRIFA benefits in removal, 
deportation, or exclusion proceedings. An alien who is not the subject 
of a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion may renew his or 
her application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA during the 
course of such removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings.
    (i) Initiation of removal proceedings. In the case of an alien who 
is not maintaining valid nonimmigrant status and who had not previously 
been placed in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, the 
director shall initiate removal proceedings in accordance with Sec.  
239.1 of this chapter.
    (ii) Recalendaring or reinstatement of prior proceedings. In the 
case of an alien whose previously initiated exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceeding had been administratively closed or continued 
indefinitely under paragraph (p)(4) of this section, the director shall 
make a request for recalendaring or reinstatement to the Immigration 
Court that had administratively closed the proceeding, or the Board, as 
appropriate, when the application has been denied. The Immigration Court 
or the Board will then recalendar or reinstate the prior exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceeding.
    (iii) Filing of renewed application. A principal alien may file a 
renewed application for HRIFA benefits with the Immigration Court either 
before or after March 31, 2000, if he or she had filed his or her 
initial application for such benefits with the Service on or before 
March 31, 2000. A dependent of a principal applicant may file such 
renewed application with the Immigration Court either before or after 
March 31, 2000, regardless of when he or she

[[Page 667]]

filed his or her initial application for HRIFA benefits with the 
Service.
    (3) Aliens with final orders. In the case of an alien who is the 
subject of an outstanding final order of exclusion, deportation, or 
removal, the Service shall refer the decision to deny the application by 
filing a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) with the Immigration 
Court that issued the final order for consideration in accordance with 
paragraph (s) of this section.
    (4)(i) An alien whose case has been referred to the Immigration 
Court under paragraphs (r)(2) or (r)(3) of this section, or who filed an 
appeal with the Board after his or her application for adjustment of 
status under section 902 of HRIFA was denied, and whose proceedings are 
pending, and who is now eligible for adjustment of status under HRIFA as 
amended by section 1505(b) of the LIFE Act and its amendments, may renew 
the application for adjustment of status with either the Immigration 
Court or the Board, whichever has jurisdiction. The application will be 
adjudicated in accordance with section 1505(b) of the LIFE Act and its 
amendments.
    (ii) An alien present in the United States who is subject to a final 
order of exclusion, deportation or removal after his or her HRIFA 
adjustment application was denied by an Immigration Court or the Board, 
but who was made eligible for HRIFA adjustment as a result of section 
1505(b) of the LIFE Act and its amendments, may file a motion to reopen 
with either the Immigration Court or the Board, whichever had 
jurisdiction last. Such motion to reopen must be filed on or before June 
19, 2001.
    (s) Action of immigration judge upon referral of decision by a 
notice of certification--(1) General. Upon the referral by a notice of 
certification of a decision to deny the application, in accordance with 
paragraph (r)(3) of this section, the immigration judge will conduct a 
hearing to determine whether the alien is eligible for adjustment of 
status under section 902 of HRIFA in accordance with this paragraph 
(s)(1).
    (2) Stay pending review. When the Service refers a decision to the 
Immigration Court on a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) in 
accordance with paragraph (r)(3) of this section, the referral shall not 
stay the execution of the final order. Execution of such final order 
shall proceed unless a stay of execution is specifically granted by the 
immigration judge, the Board, or an authorized Service officer.
    (3) Appeal of Immigration Court decision. Once the immigration judge 
issues his or her decision on the application, either the alien or the 
Service may appeal the decision to the Board. Such appeal must be filed 
pursuant to the requirements for appeals to the Board from an 
Immigration Court decision set forth in Sec. Sec.  3.3 and 3.8 of this 
chapter.
    (4) Rescission or reopening of the decision of an Immigration Court. 
The decision of an Immigration Court under paragraph (s)(1) of this 
section denying an application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA 
for failure to appear may be rescinded or reopened only:
    (i) Upon a motion to reopen filed within 180 days after the date of 
the denial if the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was 
because of exceptional circumstances as defined in section 240(e)(1) of 
the Act;
    (ii) Upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien 
demonstrates that he or she did not receive notice of the hearing in 
person (or, if personal service was not practicable, through service by 
mail to the alien or to the alien's counsel of record, if any) or the 
alien demonstrates that he or she was in Federal or State custody and 
the failure to appear was through no fault of the alien; or
    (iii) Upon a motion to reopen filed not later than June 19, 2001, by 
an alien present in the United States who became eligible for adjustment 
of status under HRIFA, as amended by section 1505, of Public Law 106-
554.
    (t) Parole authorization for purposes of travel--(1) Travel from and 
return to the United States while the application for adjustment of 
status is pending. If an applicant for benefits under section 902 of 
HRIFA desires to travel outside, and return to, the United States while 
the application for adjustment of status is pending, he or she must file 
a request for advance parole authorization on the form designated by 
USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the 
form instructions. Unless

[[Page 668]]

the applicant files an advance parole request prior to departing from 
the United States and USCIS approves such request, his or her 
application for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA is 
deemed to be abandoned as of the moment of departure. Parole may only be 
authorized pursuant to the authority contained in, and the standards 
prescribed in, section 212(d)(5) of the Act.
    (2) Parole authorization for the purpose of filing an application 
for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA. (i) An otherwise 
eligible applicant who is outside the United States and wishes to come 
to the United States in order to apply for benefits under section 902 of 
HRIFA may request parole authorization for such purpose by filing a 
request on the form designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 
106.2 and in accordance with the form instructions. Such application 
must be supported by a photocopy of the application for adjustment of 
status that the alien will file once he or she has been paroled into the 
United States. The applicant must include photocopies of all the 
supporting documentation listed in paragraph (h) of this section, except 
the filing fee, the medical report, the fingerprint card, and the local 
police clearances.
    (ii) If the Director of the Nebraska Service Center is satisfied 
that the alien will be eligible for adjustment of status once the alien 
has been paroled into the United States and files the application, he or 
she may issue an Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United 
States (Form I-512) to allow the alien to travel to, and be paroled 
into, the United States for a period of 60 days.
    (iii) The applicant shall have 60 days from the date of parole to 
file the application for adjustment of status. If the alien files the 
application for adjustment of status within that 60-day period, the 
Service may re-parole the alien for such time as is necessary for 
adjudication of the application. Failure to file such application for 
adjustment of status within 60 days shall result in the alien being 
returned to the custody of the Service and being examined as an arriving 
alien applying for admission. Such examination will be conducted in 
accordance with the provisions of section 235(b)(1) of the Act if the 
alien is inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the 
Act, or section 240 of the Act if the alien is inadmissible under any 
other grounds.
    (iv) Parole may only be authorized pursuant to the authority 
contained in, and the standards prescribed in, section 212(d)(5) of the 
Act. The authority of the Director of the Nebraska Service Center to 
authorize parole from outside the United States under this provision 
shall expire on March 31, 2000.
    (3) Effect of departure on an outstanding warrant of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal. If an alien who is the subject of an 
outstanding final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal departs 
from the United States, with or without an advance parole authorization, 
such final order shall be executed by the alien's departure. The 
execution of such final order shall not preclude the applicant from 
filing an Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the 
United States After Deportation or Removal (Form I-212) in accordance 
with Sec.  212.2 of this chapter.
    (u) Tolling the physical presence in the United States provision for 
certain individuals--(1) Departure with advance authorization for 
parole. In the case of an alien who departed the United States after 
having been issued an Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the 
United States (Form I-512), and who returns to the United States in 
accordance with the conditions of that document, the physical presence 
in the United States requirement of section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA is tolled 
while the alien is outside the United States pursuant to the issuance of 
the Form I-512.
    (2) Request for parole authorization from outside the United States. 
In the case of an alien who is outside the United States and submits an 
application for parole authorization in accordance with paragraph (t)(2) 
of this section, and such application for parole authorization is 
granted by the Service, the physical presence requirement contained in 
section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA is tolled from the date the application is 
received at the Nebraska Service Center until the alien is paroled into

[[Page 669]]

the United States pursuant to the issuance of the Form I-512.
    (3) Departure without advance authorization for parole. In the case 
of an otherwise-eligible applicant who departed the United States on or 
before December 31, 1998, the physical presence in the United States 
provision of section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA is tolled as of October 21, 
1998, and until July 12, 1999.
    (v) Judicial review of HRIFA adjustment of status determinations. 
Pursuant to the provisions of section 902(f) of HRIFA, there shall be no 
judicial appeal or review of any administrative determination as to 
whether the status of an alien should be adjusted under the provisions 
of section 902 of HRIFA.

[64 FR 25767, May 12, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 15844, Mar. 24, 2000; 66 
FR 29452, May 1, 2001; 67 FR 78673, Dec. 26, 2002; 76 FR 53793, Aug. 29, 
2011; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 85 FR 46926, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245.18  Physicians with approved employment-based petitions serving 
in a medically underserved area or a Veterans Affairs facility.

    (a) Which physicians are eligible for this benefit? Any alien 
physician who has been granted a national interest waiver under Sec.  
204.12 of this chapter may submit Form I-485 during the 6-year period 
following Service approval of a second preference employment-based 
immigrant visa petition.
    (b) Do alien physicians have special time-related requirements for 
adjustment? (1) Alien physicians who have been granted a national 
interest waiver under Sec.  204.12 of this chapter must meet all the 
adjustment of status requirements of this part.
    (2) The Service shall not approve an adjustment application filed by 
an alien physician who obtained a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) 
of the Act until the alien physician has completed the period of 
required service established in Sec.  204.12 of this chapter.
    (c) Are the filing procedures and documentary requirements different 
for these particular alien physicians? Alien physicians submitting 
adjustment applications upon approval of an immigrant petition are 
required to follow the procedures outlined within this part with the 
following modifications.
    (1) Delayed fingerprinting. Fingerprinting, as noted in the Form I-
485 instructions, will not be scheduled at the time of filing. 
Fingerprinting will be scheduled upon the physician's completion of the 
required years of service.
    (2) Delayed medical examination. The required medical examination, 
as specified in Sec.  245.5, shall not be submitted with Form I-485. The 
medical examination report shall be submitted with the documentary 
evidence noting the physician's completion of the required years of 
service.
    (d) Employment authorization. (1) Once USCIS has approved a petition 
described in paragraph (a) of this section, the alien physician may 
apply for permanent residence and employment authorization on the forms 
designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (2) Since section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act requires the alien 
physician to complete the required employment before USCIS can approve 
the alien physician's adjustment application, an alien physician who was 
in lawful nonimmigrant status when he or she filed the adjustment 
application is not required to maintain a nonimmigrant status while the 
adjustment application remains pending. Even if the alien physician's 
nonimmigrant status expires, the alien physician shall not be considered 
to be unlawfully present, so long as the alien physician is practicing 
medicine in accordance with Sec.  204.5(k)(4)(iii) of this chapter.
    (e) When does the Service begin counting the physician's 5-year or 
3-year medical practice requirement? Except as provided in this 
paragraph, the 6-year period during which a physician must provide the 
required 5 years of service begins on the date of the notice approving 
the Form I-140 and the national interest waiver. Alien physicians who 
have a 3-year medical practice requirement must complete their service 
within the 4-year period beginning on that date.
    (1) If the physician does not already have employment authorization 
and so must obtain employment authorization before the physician can 
begin working, then the period begins on the date

[[Page 670]]

the Service issues the employment authorization document.
    (2) If the physician formerly held status as a J-1 nonimmigrant, but 
obtained a waiver of the foreign residence requirement and a change of 
status to that of an H-1B nonimmigrant, pursuant to section 214(1) of 
the Act, as amended by section 220 of Public Law 103-416, and Sec.  
212.7(c)(9) of this chapter, the period begins on the date of the 
alien's change from J-1 to H-1B status. The Service will include the 
alien's compliance with the 3-year period of service required under 
section 214(l) in calculating the alien's compliance with the period of 
service required under section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii)(II) of the Act and this 
section.
    (3) An alien may not include any time employed as a J-1 nonimmigrant 
physician in calculating the alien's compliance with the 5 or 3-year 
medical practice requirement. If an alien is still in J-1 nonimmigrant 
status when the Service approves a Form I-140 petition with a national 
interest job offer waiver, the aggregate period during which the medical 
practice requirement period must be completed will begin on the date the 
Service issues an employment authorization document.
    (f) Will the Service provide information to the physician about 
evidence and supplemental filings? The Service shall provide the 
physician with the information and the projected timetables for 
completing the adjustment process, as described in this paragraph. If 
the physician either files the Form I-485 concurrently with or waits to 
subsequently file the Form I-485 while the previously filed Form I-140 
is still pending, then the Service will given this information upon 
approval of the Form I-140. If the physician does not file the 
adjustment application until after approval of the Form I-140 visa 
petition, the Service shall provide this information upon receipt of the 
Form I-485 adjustment application.
    (1) The Service shall note the date that the medical service begins 
(provided the physician already had work authorization at the time the 
Form I-140 was filed) or the date that an employment authorization 
document was issued.
    (2) A list of the evidence necessary to satisfy the requirements of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section.
    (3) A projected timeline noting the dates that the physician will 
need to submit preliminary evidence two years and 120 days into his or 
her medical service in an underserved area or VA facility, and a 
projected date six years and 120 days in the future on which the 
physician's final evidence of completed medical service will be due.
    (g) Will physicians be required to file evidence prior to the end of 
the 5 or 3-year period? (1) For physicians with a 5-year service 
requirement, no later than 120 days after the second anniversary of the 
approval of Petition for Immigrant Worker, Form I-140, the alien 
physician must submit to the Service Center having jurisdiction over his 
or her place of employment documentary evidence that proves the 
physician has in fact fulfilled at least 12 months of qualifying 
employment. This may be accomplished by submitting the following.
    (i) Evidence noted in paragraph (h) of this section that is 
available at the second anniversary of the I-140 approval.
    (ii) Documentation from the employer attesting to the fill-time 
medical practice and the date on which the physician began his or her 
medical service.
    (2) Physicians with a 3-year service requirement are not required to 
make a supplemental filing, and must only comply with the requirements 
of paragraph (h) of this section.
    (h) What evidence is needed to prove final compliance with the 
service requirement? No later than 120 days after completion of the 
service requirement established under Sec.  204.12(a) of this section, 
an alien physician must submit to the Service Center having jurisdiction 
over his or her place of employment documentary evidence that proves the 
physician has in fact satisfied the service requirement. Such evidence 
must include, but is not limited to:
    (1) Individual Federal income tax returns, including copies of the 
alien'sW-2 forms, for the entire 3-year period or the balance years of 
the 5-year period

[[Page 671]]

that follow the submission of the evidence required in paragraph (e) of 
this section;
    (2) Documentation from the employer attesting to the full-time 
medical service rendered during the required aggregate period. The 
documentation shall address instances of breaks in employment, other 
than routine breaks such as paid vacations;
    (3) If the physician established his or her own practice, documents 
noting the actual establishment of the practice, including incorporation 
of the medical practice (if incorporated), the business license, and the 
business tax returns and tax withholding documents submitted for the 
entire 3 year period, or the balance years of the 5-year period that 
follow the submission of the evidence required in paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (i) What if the physician does not comply with the requirements of 
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section? If an alien physician does not 
submit (in accordance with paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section) proof 
that he or she has completed the service required under 8 CFR 204.12(a), 
USCIS shall serve the alien physician with a written notice of intent to 
deny the alien physician's application for adjustment of status and, 
after the denial is finalized, to revoke approval of the Form I-140 and 
national interest waiver. The written notice shall require the alien 
physician to provide the evidence required by paragraph (f) or (g) of 
this section. If the alien physician fails to submit the evidence within 
the allotted time, USCIS shall deny the alien physician's application 
for adjustment of status and shall revoke approval of the Form I-140 and 
of the national interest waiver.
    (j) Will a Service officer interview the physician? (1) Upon 
submission of the evidence noted in paragraph (h) of this section, the 
Service shall match the documentary evidence with the pending form I-485 
and schedule the alien physician for fingerprinting at an Application 
Support Center.
    (2) The local Service office shall schedule the alien for an 
adjustment interview with a Service officer, unless the Service waives 
the interview as provided in Sec.  245.6. The local Service office shall 
also notify the alien if supplemental documentation should either be 
mailed to the office, or brought to the adjustment interview.
    (k) Are alien physicians allowed to travel outside the United States 
during the mandatory 3 or 5-year service period? An alien physician who 
has been granted a national interest waiver under Sec.  204.12 of this 
chapter and has a pending application for adjustment of status may 
travel outside of the United States during the required 3 or 5-year 
service period by obtaining advanced parole prior to traveling. Such 
physicians may apply for advance parole on the form designated by USCIS 
with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the form 
instructions.
    (l) What if the Service denies the adjustment application? If the 
Service denies the adjustment application, the alien physician may renew 
the application in removal proceedings.

[65 FR 53895, Sept. 6, 2000; 65 FR 57861, Sept. 26, 2000; 65 FR 57944, 
Sept. 27, 2000; 67 FR 49563, July 31, 2002; 72 FR 19107, Apr. 17, 2007; 
76 FR 53793, Aug. 29, 2011; 81 FR 82490, Nov. 18, 2016; 85 FR 46927, 
Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245.20  [Reserved]



Sec.  245.21  Adjustment of status of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, 
and Laos (section 586 of Public Law 106-429).

    (a) Eligibility. USCIS may adjust the status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident, a native or citizen of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos 
who:
    (1) Was inspected and paroled into the United States before October 
1, 1997;
    (2) Was paroled into the United States from Vietnam under the 
auspices of the Orderly Departure Program (ODP), a refugee camp in East 
Asia, or a displaced person camp administered by the United Nations High 
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand;
    (3) Was physically present in the United States prior to and on 
October 1, 1997; and
    (4) Is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is 
otherwise admissible as an immigrant to the United States except as 
provided in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section.

[[Page 672]]

    (b) Application. An applicant must submit an application on the form 
designated by USCIS with the fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (c) Applications from aliens in immigration proceedings. An alien in 
pending immigration proceedings who believes he or she is eligible for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 must apply 
directly to USCIS in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. An 
immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals may not adjudicate 
applications for adjustment of status under this section. An alien who 
is currently in immigration proceedings who alleges eligibility for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 may contact 
USCIS counsel after filing an application to request the consent of 
USCIS to the filing of a joint motion for administrative closure. Unless 
USCIS consents to such a motion, the immigration judge or the Board may 
not defer or dismiss the proceeding in connection with section 586 of 
Public Law 106-429.
    (d) Applications from aliens with final orders of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion. An alien with a final order of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion who believes he or she is eligible for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 must apply 
directly to USCIS in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) An application under this section does not automatically stay 
the order of removal, deportation, or exclusion. An alien who is 
eligible for adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-
429 may request a stay of removal during the pendency of the 
application. The regulations governing such a request are found at 8 CFR 
241.6.
    (2) DHS will exercise its discretion not to grant a stay of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion with respect to an alien who is inadmissible 
on any of the grounds specified in paragraph (m)(3) of this section, 
unless there is substantial reason to believe that USCIS will grant the 
necessary waivers of inadmissibility.
    (3) An immigration judge or the Board may not grant a motion to re-
open or stay in connection with an application under this section.
    (4) If USCIS approves the application, the approval will constitute 
the automatic re-opening of the alien's immigration proceedings, 
vacating of the final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion, and 
termination of the reopened proceedings.
    (e) Grounds of inadmissibility that do not apply. In making a 
determination of whether an applicant is otherwise eligible for 
admission to the United States for lawful permanent residence under the 
provisions of section 586 of Public Law 106-429, the grounds of 
inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(7)(A), and (a)(9) 
of the Act shall not apply.
    (f) Waiver of grounds of inadmissibility. In connection with an 
application for adjustment of status under this section, the alien may 
apply for a waiver of the grounds of inadmissibility under sections 
212(a)(1), (a)(6)(B), (a)(6)(C), (a)(6)(F), (a)(8)(A), (a)(10)(B), and 
(a)(10)(D) of the Act as provided in section 586(c) of Public Law 106-
429, if the alien demonstrates that a waiver is necessary to prevent 
extreme hardship to the alien, or to the alien's spouse, parent, son or 
daughter who is a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence. In addition, the alien may apply for any other 
waiver of inadmissibility under section 212 of the Act, if eligible. In 
order to obtain a waiver for any of these grounds, the applicant must 
submit an application on the form designated by USCIS with the fee 
prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the form instructions.
    (g) Evidence. Applicants must submit evidence that demonstrates they 
are eligible for adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 
106-429. Such evidence shall include the following:
    (1) A birth certificate or other record of birth;
    (2) Documentation to establish that the applicant was physically 
present in the United States on October 1, 1997, under the standards set 
forth in Sec.  245.22 of this chapter.
    (3) A copy of the applicant's Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) 
(see Sec.  1.4) or other evidence that the alien was inspected or 
paroled into the United States prior to October 1, 1997, from one of the 
three programs listed in

[[Page 673]]

paragraph (a)(2) of this section. Subject to verification, documentation 
pertaining to paragraph (a)(2) of this section is already contained in 
USCIS files and the applicant may submit an affidavit to that effect in 
lieu of actual documentation.
    (h) Employment authorization. Applicants who want to obtain 
employment authorization based on a pending application for adjustment 
of status under this section may apply on the form specified by USCIS 
with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the form 
instructions.
    (i) Travel while an application to adjust status is pending. An 
applicant who wishes to travel outside the United States while the 
application is pending must obtain advance permission by filing the 
application specified by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 
and in accordance with the form instructions.
    (j) Approval and date of admission as a lawful permanent resident. 
When USCIS approves an application to adjust status to that of lawful 
permanent resident based on section 586 of Public Law 106-429, the 
applicant will be notified in writing of USCIS's decision. In addition, 
the record of the alien's admission as a lawful permanent resident will 
be recorded as of the date of the alien's inspection and parole into the 
United States, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (k) Notice of denial. When USCIS denies an application to adjust 
status to that of lawful permanent resident based on section 586 of 
Public Law 106-429, the applicant will be notified of the decision in 
writing.
    (l) Administrative review. An alien whose application for adjustment 
of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 is denied by USCIS may 
appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office in accordance 
with 8 CFR 103.3(a)(2).

[67 FR 78673, Dec. 26, 2002, as amended at 76 FR 53793, Aug. 29, 2011; 
76 FR 73477, Nov. 29, 2011; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 85 FR 46927, 
Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245.22  Evidence to demonstrate an alien's physical presence 
in the United States on a specific date.

    (a) Evidence. Generally, an alien who is required to demonstrate his 
or her physical presence in the United States on a specific date in 
connection with an application to adjust status to that of an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence should submit evidence 
according to this section. In cases where a more specific regulation 
relating to a particular adjustment of status provision has been issued 
in the 8 CFR, such regulation is controlling to the extent that it 
conflicts with this section.
    (b) The number of documents. If no one document establishes the 
alien's physical presence on the required date, he or she may submit 
several documents establishing his or her physical presence in the 
United States prior to and after that date.
    (c) DHS-issued documentation. An applicant for permanent residence 
may demonstrate physical presence by submitting DHS-issued (or 
predecessor agency-issued) documentation such as an arrival-departure 
form or notice to appear in immigration proceedings.
    (d) Government-issued documentation. To demonstrate physical 
presence on the required date, the alien may submit other government 
documentation. Other government documentation issued by a Federal, 
State, or local authority must bear the signature, seal, or other 
authenticating instrument of such authority (if the document normally 
bears such instrument), be dated at the time of issuance, and bear a 
date of issuance not later than the required date. For this purpose, the 
term Federal, State, or local authority includes any governmental, 
educational, or administrative function operated by Federal, State, 
county, or municipal officials. Examples of such other documentation 
include, but are not limited to:
    (1) A state driver's license;
    (2) A state identification card;
    (3) A county or municipal hospital record;
    (4) A public college or public school transcript;
    (5) Income tax records;

[[Page 674]]

    (6) A certified copy of a Federal, State, or local governmental 
record that was created on or prior to the required date, shows that the 
applicant was present in the United States at the time, and establishes 
that the applicant sought in his or her own behalf, or some other party 
sought in the applicant's behalf, a benefit from the Federal, State, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (7) A certified copy of a Federal, State, or local governmental 
record that was created on or prior to the required date, that shows 
that the applicant was present in the United States at the time, and 
establishes that the applicant submitted an income tax return, property 
tax payment, or similar submission or payment to the Federal, State, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record; or
    (8) A transcript from a private or religious school that is 
registered with, or approved or licensed by, appropriate State or local 
authorities, accredited by the State or regional accrediting body, or by 
the appropriate private school association, or maintains enrollment 
records in accordance with State or local requirements or standards. 
Such evidence will only be accepted to document the physical presence of 
an alien who was in attendance and under the age of 21 on the specific 
date that physical presence in the United States is required.
    (e) Copies of records. It shall be the responsibility of the 
applicant to obtain and submit copies of the records of any other 
government agency that the applicant desires to be considered in support 
of his or her application. If the alien is not in possession of such a 
document or documents, but believes that a copy is already contained in 
the Service file relating to him or her, he or she may submit a 
statement as to the name and location of the issuing Federal, State, or 
local government agency, the type of document and the date on which it 
was issued.
    (f) Other relevant document(s) and evaluation of evidence. The 
adjudicator will consider any other relevant document(s) as well as 
evaluate all evidence submitted, on a case-by-case basis. The Service 
may require an interview when necessary.
    (g) Accuracy of documentation. In all cases, any doubts as to the 
existence, authenticity, veracity, or accuracy of the documentation 
shall be resolved by the official government record, with records of the 
Service having precedence over the records of other agencies. 
Furthermore, determinations as to the weight to be given any particular 
document or item of evidence shall be solely within the discretion of 
the adjudicating authority.

[67 FR 78674, Dec. 26, 2002, as amended at 76 FR 53794, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  245.23  Adjustment of aliens in T nonimmigrant classification.

    (a) Eligibility of principal T-1 applicants. Except as described in 
paragraph (c) of this section, an alien may be granted adjustment of 
status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, 
provided the alien:
    (1) Applies for such adjustment;
    (2)(i) Was lawfully admitted to the United States as a T-1 
nonimmigrant, as defined in 8 CFR 214.11(a)(2); and
    (ii) Continues to hold such status at the time of application, or 
accrued 4 years in T-1 nonimmigrant status and files a complete 
application before April 13, 2009;
    (3) Has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of at least 3 years since the first date of lawful 
admission as a T-1 nonimmigrant, or has been physically present in the 
United States for a continuous period during the investigation or 
prosecution of acts of trafficking and the Attorney General has 
determined that the investigation or prosecution is complete, whichever 
period is less; except
    (i) If the applicant has departed from the United States for any 
single period in excess of 90 days or for any periods in the aggregate 
exceeding 180 days, the applicant shall be considered to have failed to 
maintain continuous physical presence in the United States for purposes 
of section 245(l)(1)(A) of the Act; and
    (ii) If the alien was granted T nonimmigrant status under 8 CFR 
214.11, such alien's physical presence in the CNMI before, on, or after 
November 28, 2009, and subsequent to the grant of T nonimmigrant status, 
is considered as

[[Page 675]]

equivalent to presence in the United States pursuant to an admission in 
T nonimmigrant status.
    (4) Is admissible to the United States under the Act, or otherwise 
has been granted a waiver by USCIS of any applicable ground of 
inadmissibility, at the time of examination for adjustment;
    (5) Has been a person of good moral character since first being 
lawfully admitted as a T-1 nonimmigrant and until USCIS completes the 
adjudication of the application for adjustment of status; and
    (6)(i) Has, since first being lawfully admitted as a T-1 
nonimmigrant and until the conclusion of adjudication of the 
application, complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the 
investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking, as defined in 8 CFR 
214.11(a), or
    (ii) Would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm 
upon removal from the United States, as provided in 8 CFR 214.11(i).
    (b) Eligibility of derivative family members. A derivative family 
member of a T-1 nonimmigrant status holder may be granted adjustment of 
status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, 
provided:
    (1) The T-1 principal nonimmigrant has applied for adjustment of 
status under this section and meets the eligibility requirements 
described under subsection (a);
    (2) The derivative family member was lawfully admitted to the United 
States in derivative T nonimmigrant status under section 
101(a)(15)(T)(ii) of the Act, and continues to hold such status at the 
time of application;
    (3) The derivative family member has applied for such adjustment; 
and
    (4) The derivative family member is admissible to the United States 
under the Act, or otherwise has been granted a waiver by USCIS of any 
applicable ground of inadmissibility, at the time of examination for 
adjustment.
    (c) Exceptions. An alien is not eligible for adjustment of status 
under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section if:
    (1) The alien's T nonimmigrant status has been revoked pursuant to 8 
CFR 214.11(s);
    (2) The alien is described in sections 212(a)(3), 212(a)(10)(C), or 
212(a)(10)(E) of the Act; or
    (3) The alien is inadmissible under any applicable provisions of 
section 212(a) of the Act and has not obtained a waiver of 
inadmissibility in accordance with 8 CFR 212.18 or 214.11(j). Where the 
alien establishes that the victimization was a central reason for the 
alien's unlawful presence in the United States, section 
212(a)(9)(B)(iii) of the Act is not applicable, and the alien need not 
obtain a waiver of that ground of inadmissibility. The alien, however, 
must submit with the Form I-485 evidence sufficient to demonstrate that 
the victimization suffered was a central reason for the unlawful 
presence in the United States. To qualify for this exception, the 
victimization need not be the sole reason for the unlawful presence but 
the nexus between the victimization and the unlawful presence must be 
more than tangential, incidental, or superficial.
    (d) Jurisdiction. USCIS shall determine whether a T-1 applicant for 
adjustment of status under this section was lawfully admitted as a T-1 
nonimmigrant and continues to hold such status, has been physically 
present in the United States during the requisite period, is admissible 
to the United States or has otherwise been granted a waiver of any 
applicable ground of inadmissibility, and has been a person of good 
moral character during the requisite period. The Attorney General shall 
determine whether the applicant received a reasonable request for 
assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking as 
defined in 8 CFR 214.11(a), and, if so, whether the applicant complied 
in such request. If the Attorney General determines that the applicant 
failed to comply with any reasonable request for assistance, USCIS shall 
deny the application for adjustment of status unless USCIS finds that 
the applicant would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe 
harm upon removal from the United States.
    (e) Application--(1) General. Each T-1 principal applicant and each 
derivative family member who is applying for adjustment of status must 
file Form I-

[[Page 676]]

485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and
    (i) Accompanying documents, in accordance with the form 
instructions;
    (ii) The fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 or an application for a fee 
waiver;
    (iii) [Reserved]
    (iv) A photocopy of the alien's Form I-797, Notice of Action, 
granting T nonimmigrant status;
    (v) A photocopy of all pages of the alien's most recent passport or 
an explanation of why the alien does not have a passport;
    (vi) A copy of the alien's Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-
Departure Record; and
    (vii) Evidence that the applicant was lawfully admitted in T 
nonimmigrant status and continues to hold such status at the time of 
application. For T nonimmigrants who traveled outside the United States 
and re-entered using an advance parole document issued under 8 CFR 
245.2(a)(4)(ii)(B), the date that the alien was first admitted in lawful 
T status will be the date of admission for purposes of this section, 
regardless of how the applicant's Form I-94 ``Arrival-Departure Record'' 
is annotated.
    (2) T-1 principal applicants. In addition to the items in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section, T-1 principal applicants must submit:
    (i) Evidence, including an affidavit from the applicant and a 
photocopy of all pages of all of the applicant's passports valid during 
the required period (or equivalent travel document or a valid 
explanation of why the applicant does not have a passport), that he or 
she has been continuously physically present in the United States for 
the requisite period as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. 
Applicants should submit evidence described in 8 CFR 245.22. A signed 
statement from the applicant attesting to the applicant's continuous 
physical presence alone will not be sufficient to establish this 
eligibility requirement. If additional documentation is not available, 
the applicant must explain why in an affidavit and provide additional 
affidavits from others with first-hand knowledge who can attest to the 
applicant's continuous physical presence by specific facts.
    (A) If the applicant has departed from and returned to the United 
States while in T-1 nonimmigrant status, the applicant must submit 
supporting evidence showing the dates of each departure from the United 
States and the date, manner and place of each return to the United 
States.
    (B) Applicants applying for adjustment of status under this section 
who have less than 3 years of continuous physical presence while in T-1 
nonimmigrant status must submit a document signed by the Attorney 
General or his designee, attesting that the investigation or prosecution 
is complete.
    (ii) Evidence of good moral character in accordance with paragraph 
(g) of this section; and
    (iii)(A) Evidence that the alien has complied with any reasonable 
request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the 
trafficking as described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section since 
having first been lawfully admitted in T-1 nonimmigrant status and until 
the adjudication of the application; or
    (B) Evidence that the alien would suffer extreme hardship involving 
unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States as described 
in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
    (3) Evidence relating to discretion. Each T applicant bears the 
burden of showing that discretion should be exercised in his or her 
favor. Where adverse factors are present, an applicant may offset these 
by submitting supporting documentation establishing mitigating equities 
that the applicant wants USCIS to consider. Depending on the nature of 
adverse factors, the applicant may be required to clearly demonstrate 
that the denial of adjustment of status would result in exceptional and 
extremely unusual hardship. Moreover, depending on the gravity of the 
adverse factors, such a showing might still be insufficient. For 
example, only the most compelling positive factors would justify a 
favorable exercise of discretion in cases where the applicant has 
committed or been convicted of a serious violent crime, a crime 
involving sexual abuse committed upon a child, or multiple drug-related 
crimes, or where there are security- or terrorism-related concerns.

[[Page 677]]

    (f) Assistance in the investigation or prosecution or a showing of 
extreme hardship. Each T-1 principal applicant must establish, to the 
satisfaction of the Attorney General, that since having been lawfully 
admitted as a T-1 nonimmigrant and up until the adjudication of the 
application, he or she complied with any reasonable request for 
assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the acts of 
trafficking, as defined in 8 CFR 214.11(a), or establish, to the 
satisfaction of USCIS, that he or she would suffer extreme hardship 
involving unusual and severe harm upon removal from the United States.
    (1) Each T-1 applicant for adjustment of status under section 245(l) 
of the Act must submit a document issued by the Attorney General or his 
designee certifying that the applicant has complied with any reasonable 
requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the human 
trafficking offenses during the requisite period; or
    (2) In lieu of showing continued compliance with requests for 
assistance, an applicant may establish, to the satisfaction of USCIS, 
that he or she would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and 
severe harm upon removal from the United States. The hardship 
determination will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in accordance 
with the factors described in 8 CFR 214.11(i). Where the basis for the 
hardship claim represents a continuation of the hardship claimed in the 
application for T nonimmigrant status, the applicant need not re-
document the entire claim, but rather may submit evidence to establish 
that the previously established hardship is ongoing. However, in 
reaching its decision regarding hardship under this section, USCIS is 
not bound by its previous hardship determination made under 8 CFR 
214.11(i).
    (g) Good moral character. A T-1 nonimmigrant applicant for 
adjustment of status under this section must demonstrate that he or she 
has been a person of good moral character since first being lawfully 
admitted as a T-1 nonimmigrant and until USCIS completes the 
adjudication of their applications for adjustment of status. Claims of 
good moral character will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking 
into account section 101(f) of the Act and the standards of the 
community. The applicant must submit evidence of good moral character as 
follows:
    (1) An affidavit from the applicant attesting to his or her good 
moral character, accompanied by a local police clearance or a state-
issued criminal background check from each locality or state in the 
United States in which the applicant has resided for 6 or more months 
during the requisite period in continued presence or T-1 nonimmigrant 
status.
    (2) If police clearances, criminal background checks, or similar 
reports are not available for some or all locations, the applicant may 
include an explanation and submit other evidence with his or her 
affidavit.
    (3) USCIS will consider other credible evidence of good moral 
character, such as affidavits from responsible persons who can 
knowledgeably attest to the applicant's good moral character.
    (4) An applicant who is under 14 years of age is generally presumed 
to be a person of good moral character and is not required to submit 
evidence of good moral character. However, if there is reason to believe 
that an applicant who is under 14 years of age may lack good moral 
character, USCIS may require evidence of good moral character.
    (h) Filing and decision. An application for adjustment of status 
from a T nonimmigrant under section 245(l) of the Act shall be filed 
with the USCIS office identified in the instructions to Form I-485. Upon 
approval of adjustment of status under this section, USCIS will record 
the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence as of the date of 
such approval and will notify the applicant in writing. Derivative 
family members' applications may not be approved before the principal 
applicant's application is approved.
    (i) Denial. If the application for adjustment of status or the 
application for a waiver of inadmissibility is denied, USCIS will notify 
the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial and of the right 
to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) 
pursuant to the AAO appeal procedures found at 8 CFR 103.3. Denial of 
the T-1 principal applicant's application will result in the automatic 
denial

[[Page 678]]

of a derivative family member's application.
    (j) Effect of Departure. If an applicant for adjustment of status 
under this section departs the United States, he or she shall be deemed 
to have abandoned the application, and it will be denied. If, however, 
the applicant is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings, and he or she filed a Form I-131, Application for Travel 
Document, in accordance with the instructions on the form, or any other 
appropriate form, and was granted advance parole by USCIS for such 
absences, and was inspected and paroled upon returning to the United 
States, he or she will not be deemed to have abandoned the application. 
If the adjustment of status application of such an individual is 
subsequently denied, he or she will be treated as an applicant for 
admission subject to sections 212 and 235 of the Act. If an applicant 
for adjustment of status under this section is under exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings, USCIS will deem the application for 
adjustment of status abandoned as of the moment of the applicant's 
departure from the United States.
    (k) Inapplicability of 8 CFR 245.1 and 245.2. Sections 245.1 and 
245.2 of this chapter do not apply to aliens seeking adjustment of 
status under this section.
    (l) Annual cap of T-1 principal applicant adjustments--(1) General. 
The total number of T-1 principal applicants whose status is adjusted to 
that of lawful permanent residents under this section may not exceed the 
statutory cap in any fiscal year.
    (2) Waiting list. All eligible applicants who, due solely to the 
limit imposed in section 245(l)(4) of the Act and paragraph (m)(1) of 
this section, are not granted adjustment of status will be placed on a 
waiting list. USCIS will send the applicant written notice of such 
placement. Priority on the waiting list will be determined by the date 
the application was properly filed, with the oldest applications 
receiving the highest priority. In the following fiscal year, USCIS will 
proceed with granting adjustment of status to applicants on the waiting 
list who remain admissible and eligible for adjustment of status in 
order of highest priority until the available numbers are exhausted for 
the given fiscal year. After the status of qualifying applicants on the 
waiting list has been adjusted, any remaining numbers for that fiscal 
year will be issued to new qualifying applicants in the order that the 
applications were properly filed.

[73 FR 75558, Dec. 12, 2008, as amended at 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 
81 FR 92312, Dec. 19, 2016; 84 FR 41507, Aug. 14, 2019; 85 FR 46927, 
Aug. 3, 2020; 86 FR 14228, Mar. 15, 2021; 87 FR 55639, Sept. 9, 2022]



Sec.  245.24  Adjustment of aliens in U nonimmigrant status.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the term:
    (1) Continuous Physical Presence means the period of time that the 
alien has been physically present in the United States and must be a 
continuous period of at least 3 years since the date of admission as a U 
nonimmigrant continuing through the date of the conclusion of 
adjudication of the application for adjustment of status. If the alien 
has departed from the United States for any single period in excess of 
90 days or for any periods in the aggregate exceeding 180 days, the 
applicant must include a certification from the agency that signed the 
Form I-918, Supplement B, in support of the alien's U nonimmigrant 
status that the absences were necessary to assist in the criminal 
investigation or prosecution or were otherwise justified.
    (2) Qualifying Family Member means a U-1 principal applicant's 
spouse, child, or, in the case of an alien child, a parent who has never 
been admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under sections 
101(a)(15)(U) and 214(p) of the Act.
    (3) U Interim Relief means deferred action and work authorization 
benefits provided by USCIS or the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
to applicants for U nonimmigrant status deemed prima facie eligible for 
U nonimmigrant status prior to publication of the U nonimmigrant status 
regulations.
    (4) U Nonimmigrant means an alien who is in lawful U-1, U-2, U-3, U-
4, or U-5 status.

[[Page 679]]

    (5) Refusal to Provide Assistance in a Criminal Investigation or 
Prosecution is the refusal by the alien to provide assistance to a law 
enforcement agency or official that had responsibility for the 
investigation or prosecution of persons in connection with the 
qualifying criminal activity after the alien was granted U nonimmigrant 
status. The Attorney General will determine whether the alien's refusal 
was unreasonable under the totality of the circumstances based on all 
available affirmative evidence. The Attorney General may take into 
account such factors as general law enforcement, prosecutorial, and 
judicial practices; the kinds of assistance asked of other victims of 
crimes involving an element of force, coercion, or fraud; the nature of 
the request to the alien for assistance; the nature of the 
victimization; the applicable guidelines for victim and witness 
assistance; and the specific circumstances of the applicant, including 
fear, severe traumatization (both mental and physical), and the age and 
maturity of the applicant.
    (b) Eligibility of U Nonimmigrants. Except as described in paragraph 
(c) of this section, an alien may be granted adjustment of status to 
that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, provided the 
alien:
    (1) Applies for such adjustment;
    (2)(i) Was lawfully admitted to the United States as either a U-1, 
U-2, U-3, U-4 or U-5 nonimmigrant, as defined in 8 CFR 214.1(a)(2), and
    (ii) Continues to hold such status at the time of application; or 
accrued at least 4 years in U interim relief status and files a complete 
adjustment application within 120 days of the date of approval of the 
Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status;
    (3) Has continuous physical presence for 3 years as defined in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
    (4) Is not inadmissible under section 212(a)(3)(E) of the Act;
    (5) Has not unreasonably refused to provide assistance to an 
official or law enforcement agency that had responsibility in an 
investigation or prosecution of persons in connection with the 
qualifying criminal activity after the alien was granted U nonimmigrant 
status, as determined by the Attorney General, based on affirmative 
evidence; and
    (6) Establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the 
alien's presence in the United States is justified on humanitarian 
grounds, to ensure family unity, or is in the public interest.
    (c) Exception. An alien is not eligible for adjustment of status 
under paragraph (b) of this section if the alien's U nonimmigrant status 
has been revoked pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14(h).
    (d) Application Procedures for U nonimmigrants. Each U nonimmigrant 
who is requesting adjustment of status must submit:
    (1) Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or 
Adjust Status, in accordance with the form instructions;
    (2) The fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 or an application for a fee 
waiver;
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) A photocopy of the alien's Form I-797, Notice of Action, 
granting U nonimmigrant status;
    (5) A photocopy of all pages of all of the applicant's passports 
valid during the required period (or equivalent travel document or a 
valid explanation of why the applicant does not have a passport) and 
documentation showing the following:
    (i) The date of any departure from the United States during the 
period that the applicant was in U nonimmigrant status;
    (ii) The date, manner, and place of each return to the United States 
during the period that the applicant was in U nonimmigrant status; and
    (iii) If the applicant has been absent from the United States for 
any period in excess of 90 days or for any periods in the aggregate of 
180 days or more, a certification from the investigating or prosecuting 
agency that the absences were necessary to assist in the investigation 
or prosecution of the criminal activity or were otherwise justified;
    (6) A copy of the alien's Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-
Departure Record;
    (7) Evidence that the applicant was lawfully admitted in U 
nonimmigrant status and continues to hold such status at the time of 
application;
    (8) Evidence pertaining to any request made to the alien by an 
official

[[Page 680]]

or law enforcement agency for assistance in an investigation or 
prosecution of persons in connection with the qualifying criminal 
activity, and the alien's response to such request;
    (9) Evidence, including an affidavit from the applicant, that he or 
she has continuous physical presence for at least 3 years as defined in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Applicants should submit evidence 
described in 8 CFR 245.22. A signed statement from the applicant 
attesting to continuous physical presence alone will not be sufficient 
to establish this eligibility requirement. If additional documentation 
is not available, the applicant must explain why in an affidavit and 
provide additional affidavits from others with first-hand knowledge who 
can attest to the applicant's continuous physical presence by specific 
facts;
    (10) Evidence establishing that approval is warranted. Any other 
information required by the instructions to Form I-485, including 
whether adjustment of status is warranted as a matter of discretion on 
humanitarian grounds, to ensure family unity, or is otherwise in the 
public interest; and
    (11) Evidence relating to discretion. An applicant has the burden of 
showing that discretion should be exercised in his or her favor. 
Although U adjustment applicants are not required to establish that they 
are admissible, USCIS may take into account all factors, including acts 
that would otherwise render the applicant inadmissible, in making its 
discretionary decision on the application. Where adverse factors are 
present, an applicant may offset these by submitting supporting 
documentation establishing mitigating equities that the applicant wants 
USCIS to consider when determining whether or not a favorable exercise 
of discretion is appropriate. Depending on the nature of the adverse 
factors, the applicant may be required to clearly demonstrate that the 
denial of adjustment of status would result in exceptional and extremely 
unusual hardship. Moreover, depending on the gravity of the adverse 
factors, such a showing might still be insufficient. For example, USCIS 
will generally not exercise its discretion favorably in cases where the 
applicant has committed or been convicted of a serious violent crime, a 
crime involving sexual abuse committed upon a child, or multiple drug-
related crimes, or where there are security- or terrorism-related 
concerns.
    (e) Continued assistance in the investigation or prosecution. Each 
applicant for adjustment of status under section 245(m) of the Act must 
provide evidence of whether or not any request was made to the alien to 
provide assistance, after having been lawfully admitted as a U 
nonimmigrant, in an investigation or prosecution of persons in 
connection with the qualifying criminal activity, and his or her 
response to any such requests.
    (1) An applicant for adjustment of status under section 245(m) of 
the Act may submit a document signed by an official or law enforcement 
agency that had responsibility for the investigation or prosecution of 
persons in connection with the qualifying criminal activity, affirming 
that the applicant complied with (or did not unreasonably refuse to 
comply with) reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or 
prosecution during the requisite period. To meet this evidentiary 
requirement, applicants may submit a newly executed Form I-918, 
Supplement B, ``U Nonimmigrant Status Certification.''
    (2) If the applicant does not submit a document described in 
paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the applicant may submit an affidavit 
describing the applicant's efforts, if any, to obtain a newly executed 
Form I-918, Supplement B, or other evidence describing whether or not 
the alien received any request to provide assistance in a criminal 
investigation or prosecution, and the alien's response to any such 
request.
    (i) The applicant should also include, when possible, identifying 
information about the law enforcement personnel involved in the case and 
any information, of which the applicant is aware, about the status of 
the criminal investigation or prosecution, including any charges filed 
and the outcome of any criminal proceedings, or whether the 
investigation or prosecution was dropped and the reasons.
    (ii) If applicable, an applicant may also provide a more detailed 
description of situations where the applicant

[[Page 681]]

refused to comply with requests for assistance because the applicant 
believed that the requests for assistance were unreasonable.
    (3) In determining whether the applicant has satisfied the continued 
assistance requirement, USCIS or the Department of Justice may at its 
discretion contact the certifying agency that executed the applicant's 
original Form I-918, Supplement B, ``U Nonimmigrant Status 
Certification'' or any other law enforcement agency.
    (4) In accordance with procedures determined by the Department of 
Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS will refer 
certain applications for adjustment of status to the Department of 
Justice for determination of whether the applicant unreasonably refused 
to provide assistance in a criminal investigation or prosecution. If the 
applicant submits a document described in paragraph (e)(1) of this 
section, USCIS will not refer the application for consideration by the 
Department of Justice absent extraordinary circumstances. In other 
cases, USCIS will only refer an application to the Department of Justice 
if an official or law enforcement agency has provided evidence that the 
alien has refused to comply with requests to provide assistance in an 
investigation or prosecution of persons in connection with the 
qualifying criminal activity or if there are other affirmative evidence 
in the record suggesting that the applicant may have unreasonably 
refused to provide such assistance. In these instances, USCIS will 
request that the Department of Justice determine, based on all available 
affirmative evidence, whether the applicant unreasonably refused to 
provide assistance in a criminal investigation or prosecution. The 
Department of Justice will have 90 days to provide a written 
determination to USCIS, or where appropriate, request an extension of 
time to provide such a determination. After such time, USCIS may 
adjudicate the application whether or not the Department of Justice has 
provided a response.
    (f) Decision. The decision to approve or deny a Form I-485 filed 
under section 245(m) of the Act is a discretionary determination that 
lies solely within USCIS's jurisdiction. After completing its review of 
the application and evidence, USCIS will issue a written decision 
approving or denying Form I-485 and notify the applicant of this 
decision.
    (1) Approvals. If USCIS determines that the applicant has met the 
requirements for adjustment of status and merits a favorable exercise of 
discretion, USCIS will approve the Form I-485. Upon approval of 
adjustment of status under this section, USCIS will record the alien's 
lawful admission for permanent residence as of the date of such 
approval.
    (2) Denials. Upon the denial of an application for adjustment of 
status under section 245(m) of the Act, the applicant will be notified 
in writing of the decision and the reason for the denial in accordance 
with 8 CFR part 103. If an applicant chooses to appeal the denial to the 
Administrative Appeals Office pursuant to the provisions of 8 CFR 103.3, 
the denial will not become final until the appeal is adjudicated.
    (g) Filing petitions for qualifying family members. A principal U-1 
applicant may file an immigrant petition under section 245(m)(3) of the 
Act on behalf of a qualifying family member as defined in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, provided that:
    (1) The qualifying family member has never held U nonimmigrant 
status;
    (2) The qualifying family relationship, as defined in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section, exists at the time of the U-1 principal's 
adjustment and continues to exist through the adjudication of the 
adjustment or issuance of the immigrant visa for the qualifying family 
member;
    (3) The qualifying family member or the principal U-1 alien, would 
suffer extreme hardship as described in 8 CFR 245.24(g) (to the extent 
the factors listed are applicable) if the qualifying family member is 
not allowed to remain in or enter the United States; and
    (4) The principal U-1 alien has adjusted status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident, has a pending application for adjustment of status, 
or is concurrently filing an application for adjustment of status.
    (h) Procedures for filing petitions for qualifying family members--
(1) Required

[[Page 682]]

documents. For each qualifying family member who plans to seek an 
immigrant visa or adjustment of status under section 245(m)(3) of the 
Act, the U-1 principal applicant must submit, either concurrently with, 
or after he or she has filed, his or her Form I-485:
    (i) Form I-929 in accordance with the form instructions;
    (ii) The fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 or an application for a fee 
waiver;
    (iii) Evidence of the relationship listed in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, such as a birth or marriage certificate. If primary 
evidence is unavailable, secondary evidence or affidavits may be 
submitted in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(2);
    (iv) Evidence establishing that either the qualifying family member 
or the U-1 principal alien would suffer extreme hardship if the 
qualifying family member is not allowed to remain in or join the 
principal in the United States. Extreme hardship is evaluated on a case-
by-case basis, taking into account the particular facts and 
circumstances of each case. Applicants are encouraged to document all 
applicable factors in their applications, as the presence or absence of 
any one factor may not be determinative in evaluating extreme hardship. 
To establish extreme hardship to a qualifying family member who is 
physically present in the United States, an applicant must demonstrate 
that removal of the qualifying family member would result in a degree of 
hardship beyond that typically associated with removal. Factors that may 
be considered in evaluating whether removal would result in extreme 
hardship to the alien or to the alien's qualifying family member 
include, but are not limited to:
    (A) The nature and extent of the physical or mental abuse suffered 
as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity;
    (B) The impact of loss of access to the United States courts and 
criminal justice system, including but not limited to, participation in 
the criminal investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity of 
which the alien was a victim, and any civil proceedings related to 
family law, child custody, or other court proceeding stemming from the 
criminal activity;
    (C) The likelihood that the perpetrator's family, friends, or others 
acting on behalf of the perpetrator in the home country would harm the 
applicant or the applicant's children;
    (D) The applicant's needs for social, medical, mental health, or 
other supportive services for victims of crime that are unavailable or 
not reasonably accessible in the home country;
    (E) Where the criminal activity involved arose in a domestic 
violence context, the existence of laws and social practices in the home 
country that punish the applicant or the applicant's child(ren) because 
they have been victims of domestic violence or have taken steps to leave 
an abusive household;
    (F) The perpetrator's ability to travel to the home country and the 
ability and willingness of authorities in the home country to protect 
the applicant or the applicant's children; and
    (G) The age of the applicant, both at the time of entry to the 
United States and at the time of application for adjustment of status; 
and
    (v) Evidence, including a signed statement from the qualifying 
family member and other supporting documentation, to establish that 
discretion should be exercised in his or her favor. Although qualifying 
family members are not required to establish that they are admissible on 
any of the grounds set forth in section 212(a) of the Act other than on 
section 212(a)(3)(E) of the Act, USCIS may take into account all 
factors, including acts that would otherwise render the applicant 
inadmissible, in making its discretionary decision on the application. 
Where adverse factors are present, an applicant may offset these by 
submitting supporting documentation establishing mitigating equities 
that the applicant wants USCIS to consider when determining whether or 
not a favorable exercise of discretion is appropriate. Depending on the 
nature of the adverse factors, the applicant may be required to clearly 
demonstrate that the denial of adjustment of status would result in 
exceptional and extremely unusual hardship. Moreover, depending on the 
gravity of the adverse factors, such a showing might still be 
insufficient. For example, USCIS will generally not exercise

[[Page 683]]

its discretion favorably in cases where the applicant has committed or 
been convicted of a serious violent crime, a crime involving sexual 
abuse committed upon a child, or multiple drug-related crimes, or where 
there are security- or terrorism-related concerns.
    (2) Decision. The decision to approve or deny a Form I-929 is a 
discretionary determination that lies solely within USCIS's 
jurisdiction. The Form I-929 for a qualifying family member may not be 
approved, however, until such time as the principal U-1 applicant's 
application for adjustment of status has been approved. After completing 
its review of the application and evidence, USCIS will issue a written 
decision and notify the applicant of that decision in writing.
    (i) Approvals. (A) For qualifying family members who are outside of 
the United States, if the Form I-929 is approved, USCIS will forward 
notice of the approval either to the Department of State's National Visa 
Center so the applicant can apply to the consular post for an immigrant 
visa, or to the appropriate port of entry for a visa exempt alien.
    (B) For qualifying family members who are physically present in the 
United States, if the Form I-929 is approved, USCIS will forward notice 
of the approval to the U-1 principal applicant.
    (ii) Denials. If the Form I-929 is denied, the applicant will be 
notified in writing of the reason(s) for the denial in accordance with 8 
CFR part 103. If an applicant chooses to appeal the denial to the 
Administrative Appeals Office pursuant to 8 CFR 103.3, the denial will 
not become final until the appeal is adjudicated. Denial of the U-1 
principal applicant's application will result in the automatic denial of 
a qualifying family member's Form I-929. There shall be no appeal of 
such an automatic denial.
    (i) Application procedures for qualifying family members who are 
physically present in the United States to request adjustment of 
status--(1) Required documents. Qualifying family members in the United 
States may request adjustment of status by submitting:
    (i) Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or 
Adjust Status, in accordance with the form instructions;
    (ii) An approved Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member 
of a U-1 Nonimmigrant;
    (iii) The fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 or an application for a fee 
waiver; and
    (2) Decision. The decision to approve or deny Form I-485 is a 
discretionary determination that lies solely within USCIS's 
jurisdiction. After completing its review of the application and 
evidence, USCIS will issue a written decision approving or denying Form 
I-485 and notify the applicant of this decision in writing.
    (i) Approvals. Upon approval of a Form I-485 under this section, 
USCIS shall record the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence 
as of the date of such approval.
    (ii) Denial. Upon the denial of any application for adjustment of 
status, the applicant will be notified in writing of the decision and 
the reason for the denial in accordance with 8 CFR part 103. If an 
applicant chooses to appeal the denial to the Administrative Appeals 
Office pursuant to the provisions of 8 CFR 103.3, the denial will not 
become final until the appeal is adjudicated. During the appeal period, 
the applicant may not obtain or renew employment authorization under 8 
CFR 274a.12(c)(9). Denial of the U-1 principal applicant's application 
will result in the automatic denial of a qualifying family member's Form 
I-485; such an automatic denial is not appealable.
    (j) Effect of departure. If an applicant for adjustment of status 
under this section departs the United States, he or she shall be deemed 
to have abandoned the application, and it will be denied. If, however, 
the applicant is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings, and he or she filed a Form I-131, Application for Travel 
Document, in accordance with the instructions on the form, or any other 
appropriate form, and was granted advance parole by USCIS for such 
absences, and was inspected and paroled upon returning to the United 
States, he or she will not be deemed to have abandoned the application. 
If the adjustment of status application of such an individual is

[[Page 684]]

subsequently denied, he or she will be treated as an applicant for 
admission subject to sections 212 and 235 of the Act. If an applicant 
for adjustment of status under this section is under exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings, USCIS will deem the application for 
adjustment of status abandoned as of the moment of the applicant's 
departure from the United States.
    (k) Exclusive jurisdiction. USCIS shall have exclusive jurisdiction 
over adjustment applications filed under section 245(m) of the Act.
    (l) Inapplicability of 8 CFR 245.1 and 245.2. The provisions of 8 
CFR 245.1 and 245.2 do not apply to aliens seeking adjustment of status 
under section 245(m) of the Act.

[73 FR 75560, Dec. 12, 2008; 74 FR 395, Jan. 6, 2009; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 
27, 2013; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245.25  Adjustment of status of aliens with approved employment-based 
immigrant visa petitions; validity of petition and offer of employment.

    (a) Validity of petition for continued eligibility for adjustment of 
status. An alien who has a pending application to adjust status to that 
of a lawful permanent resident based on an approved employment-based 
immigrant visa petition filed under section 204(a)(1)(F) of the Act on 
the applicant's behalf must have a valid offer of employment based on a 
valid petition at the time the application to adjust status is filed and 
at the time the alien's application to adjust status is adjudicated, and 
the applicant must intend to accept such offer of employment. Prior to a 
final administrative decision on an application to adjust status, USCIS 
may require that the applicant demonstrate, or the applicant may 
affirmatively demonstrate to USCIS, on Form I-485 Supplement J, with any 
supporting material and credible documentary evidence, in accordance 
with the form instructions that:
    (1) The employment offer by the petitioning employer is continuing; 
or
    (2) Under section 204(j) of the Act, the applicant has a new offer 
of employment from the petitioning employer or a different U.S. 
employer, or a new offer based on self-employment, in the same or a 
similar occupational classification as the employment offered under the 
qualifying petition, provided that:
    (i) The alien's application to adjust status based on a qualifying 
petition has been pending for 180 days or more; and
    (ii) The qualifying immigrant visa petition:
    (A) Has already been approved; or
    (B) Is pending when the beneficiary notifies USCIS of a new job 
offer 180 days or more after the date the alien's adjustment of status 
application was filed, and the petition is subsequently approved:
    (1) Adjudication of the pending petition shall be without regard to 
the requirement in 8 CFR 204.5(g)(2) to continuously establish the 
ability to pay the proffered wage after filing and until the beneficiary 
obtains lawful permanent residence; and
    (2) The pending petition will be approved if it was eligible for 
approval at the time of filing and until the alien's adjustment of 
status application has been pending for 180 days, unless approval of the 
qualifying immigrant visa petition at the time of adjudication is 
inconsistent with a requirement of the Act or another applicable 
statute; and
    (iii) The approval of the qualifying petition has not been revoked.
    (3) In all cases, the applicant and his or her intended employer 
must demonstrate the intention for the applicant to be employed under 
the continuing or new employment offer (including self-employment) 
described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, as applicable, 
within a reasonable period upon the applicant's grant of lawful 
permanent resident status.
    (b) Definition of same or similar occupational classification. The 
term ``same occupational classification'' means an occupation that 
resembles in every relevant respect the occupation for which the 
underlying employment-based immigrant visa petition was approved. The 
term ``similar occupational classification'' means an occupation that 
shares essential qualities or has a marked resemblance or likeness with

[[Page 685]]

the occupation for which the underlying employment-based immigrant visa 
petition was approved.

[81 FR 82490, Nov. 18, 2016]



PART 245a_ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSONS ADMITTED FOR TEMPORARY 
OR PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS UNDER SECTION 245A OF THE IMMIGRATION 
AND NATIONALITY ACT--Table of Contents



Subpart A_Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (RICA) Legalization 
                               Provisions

Sec.
245a.1 Definitions.
245a.2 Application for temporary residence.
245a.3 Application for adjustment from temporary to permanent resident 
          status.
245a.4 Adjustment to lawful resident status of certain nationals of 
          countries for which extended voluntary departure has been made 
          available.
245a.5 Temporary disqualification of certain newly legalized aliens from 
          receiving benefits from programs of financial assistance 
          furnished under federal law.
245a.6 Treatment of denied application under part 245a, Subpart B.

   Subpart B_Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act Legalization 
                               Provisions

245a.10 Definitions.
245a.11 Eligibility to adjust to LPR status.
245a.12 Filing and applications.
245a.13 During pendency of application.
245a.14 Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano 
          lawsuit.
245a.15 Continuous residence in an unlawful status since prior to 
          January 1, 1982, through May 4, 1988.
245a.16 Continuous physical presence from November 6, 1986, through May 
          4, 1988.
245a.17 Citizenship skills.
245a.18 Ineligibility and applicability of grounds of inadmissibility.
245a.19 Interviews.
245a.20 Decisions, appeals, motions, and certifications.
245a.21 Confidentiality.
245a.22 Rescission.
245a.23-245a.29 [Reserved]

          Subpart C_LIFE Act Amendments Family Unity Provisions

245a.30 Description of program.
245a.31 Eligibility.
245a.32 Ineligible aliens.
245a.33 Filing.
245a.34 Protection from removal, eligibility for employment, and period 
          of authorized stay.
245a.35 Travel outside the United States.
245a.36 [Reserved]
245a.37 Termination of Family Unity Program benefits.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1255a and 1255a note.

    Source: 52 FR 16208, May 1, 1987, unless otherwise noted.



Subpart A_Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) Legalization 
                               Provisions



Sec.  245a.1  Definitions.

    As used in this chapter:
    (a) Act means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by The 
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
    (b) Service means the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
    (c)(1) Resided continuously as used in section 245A(a)(2) of the 
Act, means that the alien shall be regarded as having resided 
continuously in the United States if, at the time of filing of the 
application for temporary resident status:

An alien who after appearing for a scheduled interview to obtain an 
immigrant visa at a Consulate or Embassy in Canada or Mexico but who 
subsequently is not issued an immigrant visa and who is paroled back 
into the United States, pursuant to the stateside criteria program, 
shall be regarded as having been granted advance parole by the Service.
    (i) No single absence from the United States has exceeded forty-five 
(45) days, and the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded one 
hundred and eighty (180) days between January 1, 1982 through the date 
the application for temporary resident status is filed, unless the alien 
can establish that due to emergent reasons, his or her return to the 
United States could not be accomplished within the time period allowed;
    (ii) The alien was maintaining residence in the United States; and
    (iii) The alien's departure from the United States was not based on 
an order of deportation.

[[Page 686]]


An alien who has been absent from the United States in accordance with 
the Service's advance parole procedures shall not be considered as 
having interrupted his or her continuous residence as required at the 
time of filing an application.
    (2) Continuous residence, as used in section 245A(b)(1)(B) of the 
Act, means that the alien shall be regarded as having resided 
continuously in the United States if, at the time of applying for 
adjustment from temporary residence to permanent resident status: No 
single absence from the United States has exceeded thirty (30) days, and 
the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded ninety (90) days between 
the date of granting of lawful temporary resident status and of applying 
for permanent resident status, unless the alien can establish that due 
to emergent reasons the return to the United States could not be 
accomplished within the time period(s) allowed.
    (d) In the term alien's unlawful status was known to the government, 
the term government means the Immigration and Naturalization Service. An 
alien's unlawful status was known to the government only if:
    (1) The Service received factual information constituting a 
violation of the alien's nonimmigrant status from any agency, bureau or 
department, or subdivision thereof, of the Federal government, and such 
information was stored or otherwise recorded in the official Service 
alien file, whether or not the Service took follow-up action on the 
information received. In order to meet the standard of information 
constituting a violation of the alien's nonimmigrant status, the alien 
must have made a clear statement or declaration to the other federal 
agency, bureau or department that he or she was in violation of 
nonimmigrant status; or
    (2) An affirmative determination was made by the Service prior to 
January 1, 1982 that the alien was subject to deportation proceedings. 
Evidence that may be presented by an alien to support an assertion that 
such a determination was made may include, but is not limited to, 
official Service documents issued prior to January 1, 1982, i.e., Forms 
I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-Departure Records granting a period of 
time in which to depart the United States without imposition of 
proceedings; Forms I-210, Voluntary Departure Notice letter; and Forms 
I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing. Evidence from Service 
records that may be used to support a finding that such a determination 
was made may include, but is not limited to, record copies of the 
aforementioned forms and other documents contained in alien files, i.e., 
Forms I-213, Record of Deportable Alien;
    Unexecuted Forms I-205, Warrant of Deportation; Forms I-265, 
Application for Order to Show Cause and Processing Sheet; Forms I-541, 
Order of Denial of Application for Extension of Stay granting a period 
of time in which to depart the United States without imposition of 
proceedings, or any other Service record reflecting that the alien's 
nonimmigrant status was considered by the Service to have terminated or 
the alien was otherwise determined to be subject to deportation 
proceedings prior to January 1, 1982, whether or not deportation 
proceedings were instituted; or
    (3) A copy of a response by the Service to any other agency which 
advised that agency that a particular alien had no legal status in the 
United States or for whom no record could be found.
    (4) The applicant produces documentation from a school approved to 
enroll foreign students under Sec.  214.3 which establishes that the 
said school forwarded to the Service a report that clearly indicated the 
applicant had violated his or her nonimmigrant student status prior to 
January 1, 1982. A school may submit an affirmation that the school did 
forward to the Service the aforementioned report and that the school no 
longer has available copies of the actual documentation sent. In order 
to be eligible under this part, the applicant must not have been 
reinstated to nonimmigrant student status.
    (e) The term to make a determination as used in Sec.  245a.2(t)(3) 
of this part means obtaining and reviewing all information required to 
adjudicate an application for the benefit sought and making a decision 
thereon. If fraud, willful misrepresentation or concealment of a 
material fact, knowingly

[[Page 687]]

providing a false writing or document, knowingly making a false 
statement or representation, or any other activity prohibited by section 
245A(c)(6) of the Act is established during the process of making the 
determination on the application, the Service shall refer to the United 
States Attorney for prosecution of the alien or of any person who 
created or supplied a false writing or document for use in an 
application for adjustment of status under this part.
    (f) The term continuous physical presence as used in section 
245A(a)(3)(A) of the Act means actual continuous presence in the United 
States since November 6, 1986 until filing of any application for 
adjustment of status. Aliens who were outside of the United States on 
the date of enactment or departed the United States after enactment may 
apply for legalization if they reentered prior to May 1, 1987, provided 
they meet the continuous residence requirements, and are otherwise 
eligible for legalization.
    (g) Brief, casual, and innocent means a departure authorized by the 
Service (advance parole) subsequent to May 1, 1987 of not more than 
thirty (30) days for legitimate emergency or humanitarian purposes 
unless a further period of authorized departure has been granted in the 
discretion of the district director or a departure was beyond the 
alien's control.
    (h) The term brief and casual absences as used in section 
245a(b)(3)(A) of the Act permits temporary trips abroad as long as the 
alien establishes a continuing intention to adjust to lawful permanent 
resident status. However, such absences must comply with Sec.  
245a.3(b)(2) of this chapter in order for the alien to maintain 
continuous residence as specified in the Act.
    (i) Public cash assistance means income or needs-based monetary 
assistance to include, but not limited to, supplemental security income 
received by the alien through federal, state, or local programs designed 
to meet subsistence levels. It does not include assistance in kind, such 
as food stamps, public housing, or other non-cash benefits, nor does it 
include work-related compensation or certain types of medical assistance 
(Medicare, Medicaid, emergency treatment, services to pregnant women or 
children under 18 years of age, or treatment in the interest of public 
health).
    (j) Legalization Office means local offices of the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service which accept and process applications for 
Legalization or Special Agricultural Worker status, under the authority 
of the INS district directors in whose districts such offices are 
located.
    (k) Regional Processing Facility means Service offices established 
in each of the four Service regions to adjudicate, under the authority 
of the INS Directors of the Regional Processing Facilities, applications 
for adjustment of status under section 210, 245A(a) or 245A(b)(1) of the 
Act.
    (l) Designated entity means any state, local, church, community, 
farm labor organization, voluntary organization, association of 
agricultural employers or individual determined by the Service to be 
qualified to assist aliens in the preparation of applications for 
Legalization status.
    (m) The term family unity as used in section 245(d)(2)(B)(i) of the 
Act means maintaining the family group without deviation or change. The 
family group shall include the spouse, unmarried minor children under 18 
years of age who are not members of some other household, and parents 
who reside regularly in the household of the family group.
    (n) The term prima facie as used in section 245(e)(1) and (2) of the 
Act means eligibility is established if the applicant presents a 
completed I-687 and specific factual information which in the absence of 
rebuttal will establish a claim of eligibility under this part.
    (o) Misdemeanor means a crime committed in the United States, either 
(1) punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or less, 
regardless of the term such alien actually served, if any, or (2) a 
crime treated as a misdemeanor under 8 CFR 245a.1(p). For purposes of 
this definition, any crime punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term 
of five days or less shall not be considered a misdemeanor.
    (p) Felony means a crime committed in the United States, punishable 
by imprisonment for a term of more than one year, regardless of the term 
such

[[Page 688]]

alien actually served, if any, except: When the offense is defined by 
the State as a misdemeanor and the sentence actually imposed is one year 
or less regardless of the term such alien actually served. Under this 
exception, for purposes of 8 CFR part 245a, the crime shall be treated 
as a misdemeanor.
    (q) Subject of an Order to Show Cause means actual service of the 
Order to Show Cause upon the alien through the mail or by personal 
service.
    (r) A qualified designated entity in good-standing with the Service 
means those designated entities whose cooperative agreements were not 
suspended or terminated by the Service or those whose agreements were 
not allowed to lapse by the Service prior to January 30, 1989 (the 
expiration date of the INS cooperative agreements for all designated 
entities), or those whose agreements were not terminated for cause by 
the Service subsequent to January 30, 1989.
    Subsequent to January 30, 1989, and throughout the period ending on 
November 6, 1990, a QDE in good-standing may: (1) Serve as an authorized 
course provider under Sec.  245a.3(b)(5)(i)(C) of this chapter; (2) 
Administer the IRCA Test for Permanent Residency (proficiency test), 
provided an agreement has been entered into with and authorization has 
been given by INS under Sec.  245a.1(s)(5) of this chapter; and, (3) 
Certify as true and complete copies of original documents submitted in 
support of Form I-698 in the format prescribed in Sec.  245a.3(d)(2) of 
this chapter.
    (s) Satisfactorily pursuing, as used in section 245A(b)(1)(D)(i)(II) 
of the Act, means:
    (1) An applicant for permanent resident status has attended a 
recognized program for at least 40 hours of a minimum 60-hour course as 
appropriate for his or her ability level, and is demonstrating progress 
according to the performance standards of the English/citizenship course 
prescribed by the recognized program in which he or she is enrolled (as 
long as enrollment occurred on or after May 1, 1987, course standards 
include attainment of particular functional skills related to 
communicative ability, subject matter knowledge, and English language 
competency, and attainment of these skills is measured either by 
successful completion of learning objectives appropriate to the 
applicant's ability level, or attainment of a determined score on a test 
or tests, or both of these); or
    (2) An applicant presents a high school diploma or general 
educational development diploma (GED) from a school in the United 
States. A GED gained in a language other than English is acceptable only 
if a GED English proficiency test has been passed. (The curriculum for 
both the high school diploma and the GED must have included at least 40 
hours of instruction in English and U.S. history and government); or
    (3) An applicant has attended for a period of one academic year (or 
the equivalent thereof according to the standards of the learning 
institution), a state recognized, accredited learning institution in the 
United States and that institution certifies such attendance (as long as 
the curriculum included at least 40 hours of instruction in English and 
U.S. history and government); or
    (4) An applicant has attended courses conducted by employers, 
social, community, or private groups certified (retroactively, if 
necessary, as long as enrollment occurred on or after May 1, 1987, and 
the curriculum included at least 40 hours of instruction in English and 
U.S. history and government) by the district director or the Director of 
the Outreach Program under Sec.  245a.3(b)(5)(i)(D) of this chapter; or
    (5) An applicant attests to having completed at least 40 hours of 
individual study in English and U.S. history and government and passes 
the proficiency test for legalization, called the IRCA Test for 
Permanent Residency, indicating that the applicant is able to read and 
understand minimal functional English within the context of the history 
and government of the United States. Such test may be given by INS, as 
well as, State Departments of Education (SDEs) (and their accredited 
educational agencies) and Qualified Designated Entities in good-standing 
(QDEs) upon agreement with and authorization by INS. Those SDEs and QDEs 
wishing to participate in this effort should write to the Director of 
the

[[Page 689]]

INS Outreach Program at 425 ``I'' Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536, for 
further information.
    (t) Minimal understanding of ordinary English as used in section 
245A(b)(1)(D)(i) of the Act means an applicant can satisfy basic 
survival needs and routine social demands. The person can handle jobs 
that involve following simple oral and very basic written communication.
    (u) Curriculum means a defined course for an instructional program. 
Minimally, the curriculum prescribes what is to be taught, how the 
course is to be taught, with what materials, and when and where. The 
curriculum must:
    (1) Teach words and phrases in ordinary, everyday usage;
    (2) Include the content of the Federal Citizenship Text series as 
the basis for curriculum development (other texts with similar content 
may be used in addition to, but not in lieu of, the Federal Citizenship 
Text series);
    (3) Be designed to provide at least 60 hours of instruction per 
class level;
    (4) Be relevant and educationally appropriate for the program focus 
and the intended audience; and
    (5) Be available for examination and review by INS as requested.
    (v) The term developmentally disabled means the same as the term 
developmental disability defined in section 102(5) of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1987, Public Law 100-
146. As a convenience to the public, that definition is printed here in 
its entirety:

    The term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability 
of a person which:
    (1) Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or 
combination of mental and physical impairments;
    (2) Is manifested before the person attains age twenty-two;
    (3) Is likely to continue indefinitely;
    (4) Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more 
of the following areas of major life activity: (i) Self-care, (ii) 
receptive and expressive language, (iii) learning, (iv) mobility, (v) 
self direction, (vi) capacity for independent living, and (vii) economic 
self-sufficiency; and
    (5) Reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of 
special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other 
services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually 
planned and coordinated.

[52 FR 16208, May 1, 1987, as amended at 52 FR 43845, Nov. 17, 1987; 53 
FR 9863, Mar. 28, 1988; 53 FR 23382, June 22, 1988; 53 FR 43992, Oct. 
31, 1988; 54 FR 29448, July 12, 1989; 56 FR 31061, July 9, 1991; 78 FR 
18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  245a.2  Application for temporary residence.

    (a) Application period for temporary residence. (1) An alien who has 
resided unlawfully in the United States since January 1, 1982, who 
believes that he or she meets the eligibility requirements of section 
245A of the Act must make application within the twelve month period 
beginning on May 5, 1987 and ending on May 4, 1988, except as provided 
in the following paragraphs.
    (2)(i) [Reserved]
    (ii) An alien who is the subject of an Order to Show Cause issued 
under section 242 of the Act during the period beginning on May 5, 1987 
and ending on April 4, 1988 must file an application for adjustment of 
status to that of a temporary resident prior to the thirty-first day 
after the issuance of the Order to Show Cause.
    (iii) An alien who is the subject of an Order to Show Cause issued 
under section 242 of the Act during the period beginning on April 5, 
1988 and ending on May 4, 1988 must file an application for adjustment 
of status to that of a temporary resident not later than May 4, 1988.
    (iv) An alien, described in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (iii) of 
this section, who fails to file an application for adjustment of status 
to that of a temporary resident under section 245A(a) of the Act during 
the respective time period(s), will be statutorily ineligible for such 
adjustment of status.
    (b) Eligibility. The following categories of aliens, who are 
otherwise eligible to apply for legalization, may file for adjustment to 
temporary residence status:
    (1) An alien (other than an alien who entered as a nonimmigrant) who 
establishes that he or she entered the United States prior to January 1, 
1982, and who has thereafter resided continuously in the United States 
in an unlawful status, and who has been physically

[[Page 690]]

present in the United States from November 6, 1986, until the date of 
filing the application.
    (2) An alien who establishes that he or she entered the United 
States as a nonimmigrant prior to January 1, 1982, and whose period of 
authorized admission expired through the passage of time prior to 
January 1, 1982, and who has thereafter resided continuously in the 
United States in an unlawful status, and who has been physically present 
in the United States from November 6, 1986, until the date of filing the 
application.
    (3) An alien who establishes that he or she entered the United 
States as a nonimmigrant prior to January 1, 1982, and whose unlawful 
status was known to the Government as of January 1, 1982, and who has 
thereafter resided continuously in the United States in an unlawful 
status, and who has been physically present in the United States from 
November 6, 1986, until the date of filing the application.
    (4) An alien described in paragraphs (b) (1) through (3) of this 
section who was at any time a nonimmigrant exchange visitor (as defined 
in section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act), must establish that he or she was 
not subject to the two-year foreign residence requirements of section 
212(e) or has fulfilled that requirement or has received a waiver of 
such requirements and has resided continuously in the United States in 
unlawful status since January 1, 1982.
    (5) An alien who establishes that he or she was granted voluntary 
departure, voluntary return, extended voluntary departure or placed in 
deferred action category by the Service prior to January 1, 1982 and who 
has thereafter resided continuously in such status in the United States 
and who has been physically present in the United States from November 
6, 1986 until the date of filing the application.
    (6) An alien who establishes that he or she was paroled into the 
United States prior to January 1, 1982, and whose parole status 
terminated prior to January 1, 1982, and who has thereafter resided 
continuously in such status in the United States, and who has been 
physically present in the United States from November 6, 1986, until the 
date of filing the application.
    (7) An alien who establishes that he or she is a Cuban or Haitian 
Entrant who was physically present in the United States prior to January 
1, 1982, and who has thereafter resided continuously in the United 
States, and who has been physically present in the United States from 
November 6, 1986, until the date of filing the application, without 
regard to whether such alien has applied for adjustment of status 
pursuant to section 202 of the Act.
    (8) An alien's eligibility under the categories described in section 
245(a)(2)(b) (1) through (7) and (9) through (15) shall not be affected 
by entries to the United States subsequent to January 1, 1982 that were 
not documented on Service Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-Departure 
Record.
    (9) An alien who would be otherwise eligible for legalization and 
who was present in the United States in an unlawful status prior to 
January 1, 1982, and reentered the United States as a nonimmigrant, such 
entry being documented on Service Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, 
in order to return to an unrelinquished unlawful residence.
    (10) An alien described in paragraph (b)(9) of this section must 
receive a waiver of the excludable charge 212(a)(19) as an alien who 
entered the United States by fraud.
    (11) A nonimmigrant who entered the United States for duration of 
status (``D/S'') is one of the following classes, A, A-1, A-2, G, G-1, 
G-2, G-3 or G-4, whose qualifying employment terminated or who ceased to 
be recognized by the Department of State as being entitled to such 
classification prior to January 1, 1982, and who has thereafter 
continued to reside in the United States in an unlawful status. An alien 
who was a dependent family member and who may be otherwise eligible for 
legalization may be considered a member of this class of eligible aliens 
if the dependent family member was also in A and G status when the 
principal A or G alien's status terminated or ceased to be recognized by 
the Department of State.
    (12) A nonimmigrant who entered the United States for duration of 
status (``D/S'') in one of the following classes,

[[Page 691]]

F, F-1, or F-2, who completed a full course of study, including 
practical training and whose time period if any to depart the United 
States after completion of study expired prior to January 1, 1982 and 
who has remained in the United States in an unlawful status since that 
time. A dependent F-2 alien otherwise eligible who was admitted into the 
United States with a specific time period, as opposed to duration of 
status, documented on Service Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record that 
extended beyond January 1, 1982 is considered eligible if the principal 
F-1 alien is found eligible.
    (13) An alien who establishes that he or she is a member of the 
class in the Silva-Levi lawsuit (No. 76-C-4268 (N.D. ILL. March 22, 
1977)); that is, an alien from an independent country of the Western 
Hemisphere who was present in the United States prior to March 11, 1977, 
and was known by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to 
have a priority date for the issuance of an immigrant visa between July 
1, 1968 and December 31, 1976, inclusive, and who was clearly eligible 
for an immigrant visa.
    (14) An alien who filed an asylum application prior to January 1, 
1982 and whose application was subsequently denied or whose application 
has not yet been decided is considered an alien in an unlawful status 
known to the government.
    (15) An alien, otherwise eligible who departed the United States and 
was paroled into the United States on or before May 1, 1987 in order to 
return to an unrelinquished unlawful residence.
    (c) Ineligible aliens. (1) An alien who has been convicted of a 
felony, or three or more misdemeanors.
    (2) An alien who has assisted in the persecution of any person or 
persons on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group or political opinion.
    (3) An alien excludable under the provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act whose grounds of excludability may not be waived, pursuant to 
section 245A(d)(2)(B)(ii) of this Act.
    (4) An alien who at any time was a nonimmigrant exchange visitor who 
is subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement unless the 
requirement has been satisfied or waived pursuant to the provisions of 
section 212(e) of the Act who has resided continuously in the United 
States in an unlawful status since January 1, 1982.
    (5) [Reserved]
    (6) An alien who is the subject of an Order to Show Cause issued 
under section 242 of the Act during the period beginning on May 5, 1987 
and ending on April 4, 1988 who does not file an application for 
adjustment of status to that of temporary resident under section 245A(a) 
of the Act prior to the thirty-first day after issuance of the order.
    (7) An alien who is the subject of an Order to Show Cause issued 
under section 242 of the Act during the period beginning on April 5, 
1988 and ending on May 4, 1988 who does not file an application for 
adjustment of status to that of a temporary resident under section 
245A(a) of the Act prior to May 5, 1988.
    (8) An alien who was paroled into the United States prior to January 
1, 1982 and whose parole status terminated or expired subsequent to 
January 1, 1982, except an alien who was granted advance parole.
    (d) Documentation. Evidence to support an alien's eligibility for 
the legalization program shall include documents establishing proof of 
identity, proof of residence, and proof of financial responsibility, as 
well as photographs, a completed fingerprint card (Form FD-258), and a 
completed medical report of examination (Form I-693). All documentation 
submitted will be subject to Service verification. Applications 
submitted with unverifiable documentation may be denied. Failure by an 
applicant to authorize release to INS of information protected by the 
Privacy Act and/or related laws in order for INS to adjudicate a claim 
may result in denial of the benefit sought. Acceptable supporting 
documents for these three categories are discussed below.
    (1) Proof of identity. Evidence to establish identity is listed 
below in descending order of preference:
    (i) Passport;
    (ii) Birth certificate;

[[Page 692]]

    (iii) Any national identity document from the alien's country of 
origin bearing photo and fingerprint (e.g., a ``cedula'' or 
``cartilla'');
    (iv) Driver's license or similar document issued by a state if it 
contains a photo;
    (v) Baptismal Record/Marriage Certificate; or
    (vi) Affidavits.
    (2) Assumed names--(i) General. In cases where an applicant claims 
to have met any of the eligibility criteria under an assumed name, the 
applicant has the burden of proving that the applicant was in fact the 
person who used that name. The applicant's true identity is established 
pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of this section. The 
assumed name must appear in the documentation provided by the applicant 
to establish eligibility. To meet the requirements of this paragraph 
documentation must be submitted to prove the common identity, i.e., that 
the assumed name was in fact used by the applicant.
    (ii) Proof of common identity. The most persuasive evidence is a 
document issued in the assumed name which identifies the applicant by 
photograph, fingerprint or detailed physical description. Other evidence 
which will be considered are affidavit(s) by a person or persons other 
than the applicant, made under oath, which identify the affiant by name 
and address, state the affiant's relationship to the applicant and the 
basis of the affiant's knowledge of the applicant's use of the assumed 
name. Affidavits accompanied by a photograph which has been identified 
by the affiant as the individual known to affiant under the assumed name 
in question will carry greater weight.
    (3) Proof of residence. Evidence to establish proof of continuous 
residence in the United States during the requisite period of time may 
consist of any combination of the following:
    (i) Past employment records, which may consist of pay stubs, W-2 
Forms, certification of the filing of Federal income tax returns on IRS 
Form 6166, state verification of the filing of state income tax returns, 
letters from employer(s) or, if the applicant has been in business for 
himself or herself, letters from banks and other firms with whom he or 
she has done business. In all of the above, the name of the alien and 
the name of the employer or other interested organization must appear on 
the form or letter, as well as relevant dates. Letters from employers 
should be on employer letterhead stationery, if the employer has such 
stationery, and must include:
    (A) Alien's address at the time of employment;
    (B) Exact period of employment;
    (C) Periods of layoff;
    (D) Duties with the company;
    (E) Whether or not the information was taken from official company 
records; and
    (F) Where records are located and whether the Service may have 
access to the records.

If the records are unavailable, an affidavit form-letter stating that 
the alien's employment records are unavailable and why such records are 
unavailable may be accepted in lieu of (3)(i)(E) and (3)(i)(F) of this 
paragraph. This affidavit form-letter shall be signed, attested to by 
the employer under penalty of perjury, and shall state the employer's 
willingness to come forward and give testimony if requested.
    (ii) Utility bills (gas, electric, phone, etc.), receipts, or 
letters from companies showing the dates during which the applicant 
received service are acceptable documentation.
    (iii) School records (letters, report cards, etc.) from the schools 
that the applicant or their children have attended in the United States 
must show name of school and periods of school attendance.
    (iv) Hospital or medical records showing treatment or 
hospitalization of the applicant or his or her children must show the 
name of the medical facility or physician and the date(s) of the 
treatment or hospitalization.
    (v) Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations to the 
applicant's residence by letter which:
    (A) Identifies applicant by name;
    (B) Is signed by an official (whose title is shown);
    (C) Shows inclusive dates of membership;
    (D) States the address where applicant resided during membership 
period;

[[Page 693]]

    (E) Includes the seal of the organization impressed on the letter or 
the letterhead of the organization, if the organization has letterhead 
stationery;
    (F) Establishes how the author knows the applicant; and
    (G) Establishes the origin of the information being attested to.
    (vi) Additional documents to support the applicant's claim may 
include:
    (A) Money order receipts for money sent in or out of the country;
    (B) Passport entries;
    (C) Birth certificates of children born in the United States;
    (D) Bank books with dated transactions;
    (E) Letters or correspondence between applicant and another person 
or organization;
    (F) Social Security card;
    (G) Selective Service card;
    (H) Automobile license receipts, title, vehicle registration, etc.;
    (I) Deeds, mortgages, contracts to which applicant has been a party;
    (J) Tax receipts;
    (K) Insurance policies, receipts, or letters; and
    (L) Any other relevant document.
    (4) Proof of financial responsibility. An applicant for adjustment 
of status under this part is subject to the provisions of section 
212(a)(15) of the Act relating to excludability of aliens likely to 
become public charges. Generally, the evidence of employment submitted 
under paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section will serve to demonstrate the 
alien's financial responsibility during the documented period(s) of 
employment. If the alien's period(s) of residence in the United States 
include significant gaps in employment or if there is reason to believe 
that the alien may have received public assistance while employed, the 
alien may be required to provide proof that he or she has not received 
public cash assistance. An applicant for residence who is determined 
likely to become a public charge and is unable to overcome this 
determination after application of the special rule will be denied 
adjustment. The burden of proof to demonstrate the inapplicability of 
this provision of law lies with the applicant who may provide:
    (i) Evidence of a history of employment (i.e., employment letter, W-
2 Forms, income tax returns, etc.);
    (ii) Evidence that he/she is self-supporting (i.e., bank statements, 
stocks, other assets, etc.); or
    (iii) Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, completed by a spouse in 
behalf of the applicant and/or children of the applicant or a parent in 
behalf of children which guarantees complete or partial financial 
support. Acceptance of the affidavit of support shall be extended to 
other family members where family circumstances warrant.
    (5) Burden of proof. An alien applying for adjustment of status 
under this part has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the 
evidence that he or she has resided in the United States for the 
requisite periods, is admissible to the United States under the 
provisions of section 245a of the Act, and is otherwise eligible for 
adjustment of status under this section. The inference to be drawn from 
the documentation provided shall depend on the extent of the 
documentation, its credibility and amenability to verification as set 
forth in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (6) Evidence. The sufficiency of all evidence produced by the 
applicant will be judged according to its probative value and 
credibility. To meet his or her burden of proof, an applicant must 
provide evidence of eligibility apart from his or her own testimony. In 
judging the probative value and credibility of the evidence submitted, 
greater weight will be given to the submission of original 
documentation.
    (e) Filing of application. (1) The application must be filed on Form 
I-687 at an office of a designated entity or at a Service Legalization 
Office within the jurisdiction of the District wherein the applicant 
resides. If the application is filed with a designated entity, the alien 
must have consented to having the designated entity forward the 
application to the legalization office. In the case of applications 
filed at a legalization office, the district director may, at his or her 
discretion:
    (i) Require the applicant to file the application in person; or
    (ii) Require the applicant to file the application by mail; or

[[Page 694]]

    (iii) Permit the filing of applications either by mail or in person.

    The applicant must appear for a personal interview at the 
legalization office as scheduled. If the applicant is 14 years of age or 
older, the application must be accompanied by a completed Form FD-258 
(Applicant Card).
    (2) At the time of the interview, wherever possible, original 
documents must be submitted except the following: Official government 
records; employment or employment-related records maintained by 
employers, unions, or collective bargaining organizations; medical 
records; school records maintained by a school or school board; or other 
records maintained by a party other than the applicant. Copies of 
records maintained by parties other than the applicant which are 
submitted in evidence must be certified as true and correct by such 
parties and must bear their seal or signature or the signature and title 
of persons authorized to act in their behalf. If at the time of the 
interview the return of original documents is desired by the applicant, 
they must be accompanied by notarized copies or copies certified true 
and correct by a qualified designated entity or by the alien's 
representative in the format prescribed in Sec.  204.2(j)(1) or (2) of 
this chapter. At the discretion of the district director, original 
documents, even if accompanied by certified copies, may be temporarily 
retained for forensic examination by the Document Analysis Unit at the 
Regional Processing Facility having jurisdiction over the legalization 
office to which the documents were submitted.
    (3) A separate application must be filed by each applicant with the 
fees required by 8 CFR 106.2.
    (f) Filing date of application. The date the alien submits a 
completed application to a Service Legalization Office or designated 
entity shall be considered the filing date of the application, provided 
that in the case of an application filed at a designated entity the 
alien has consented to having the designated entity forward the 
application to the Service Legalization Office having jurisdiction over 
the location of the alien's residence. The designated entities are 
required to forward completed applications to the appropriate Service 
Legalization Office within sixty days of receipt.
    (g) Selective Service registration. At the time of filing an 
application under this section, male applicants over the age of 17 and 
under the age of 26 are required to be registered under the Military 
Selective Service Act. An applicant shall present evidence that he has 
previously registered under that Act in the form of a letter of 
acknowledgement from the Selective Service System, or such alien shall 
present a completed and signed Form SSS-1 at the time of filing Form I-
687 with the Immigration and Naturalization Service or a designated 
entity. Form SSS-1 will be forwarded to the Selective Service System by 
the Service.
    (h) Continuous residence. (1) For the purpose of this Act, an 
applicant for temporary resident status shall be regarded as having 
resided continuously in the United States if, at the time of filing of 
the application:
    (i) No single absence from the United States has exceeded forty-five 
(45) days, and the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded one 
hundred and eighty (180) days between January 1, 1982 through the date 
the application for temporary resident status is filed, unless the alien 
can establish that due to emergent reasons, his or her return to the 
United States could not be accomplished within the time period allowed;
    (ii) The alien was maintaining a residence in the United States; and
    (iii) The alien's departure from the United States was not based on 
an order of deportation.
    (2) An alien who has been absent from the United States in 
accordance with the Service's advance parole procedures shall not be 
considered as having interrupted his or her continuous residence as 
required at the time of filing an application under this section.
    (i) Medical examination. An applicant under this part shall be 
required to submit to an examination by a designated civil surgeon at no 
expense to the government. The designated civil surgeon shall report on 
the findings of the mental and physical condition of the applicant and 
the determination of

[[Page 695]]

the alien's immunization status. Results of the medical examination must 
be presented to the Service at the time of interview and shall be 
incorporated into the record. Any applicant certified under paragraphs 
(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 212(a) of the Act may appeal to a 
Board of Medical Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service as provided 
in section 234 of the Act and part 235 of this chapter.
    (j) Interview. Each applicant, regardless of age, must appear at the 
appropriate Service Office and must be fingerprinted for the purpose of 
issuance of an employment authorization document and Form I-688. Each 
applicant shall be interviewed by an immigration officer, except that 
the interview may be waived for a child under 14, or when it is 
impractical because of the health or advanced age of the applicant.
    (k) Applicability of exclusion grounds--(1) Grounds of exclusion not 
to be applied. The following paragraphs of section 212(a) of the Act 
shall not apply to applicants for temporary resident status: (14) 
Workers entering without Labor Certification; (20) immigrants not in 
possession of a valid entry document; (21) visas issued without 
compliance with section 203; (25) illiterates; and (32) graduates of 
non-accredited medical schools.
    (2) Waiver of grounds of exclusion. Except as provided in paragraph 
(k)(3) of this section, the Attorney General may waive any other 
provision of section 212(a) of the Act only in the case of individual 
aliens for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when the 
granting of such a waiver is in the public interest. If an alien is 
excludable on grounds which may be waived as set forth in this 
paragraph, he or she shall be advised of the procedures for applying for 
a waiver of grounds of excludability on Form I-690. When an application 
for waiver of grounds of excludability is filed jointly with an 
application for temporary residence under this section, it shall be 
accepted for processing at the legalization office. If an application 
for waiver of grounds of excludability is submitted after the alien's 
preliminary interview at the legalization office, it shall be forwarded 
to the appropriate Regional Processing Facility. All applications for 
waivers of grounds of excludability must be accompanied by the correct 
fee in the exact amount. All fees for applications filed in the United 
States must be in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or bank 
check. No personal checks or currency will be accepted. Fees will not be 
waived or refunded under any circumstances. An application for waiver of 
grounds of excludability under this part shall be approved or denied by 
the director of the Regional Processing Facility in whose jurisdiction 
the applicant's application for adjustment of status was filed except 
that in cases involving clear statutory ineligibility or admitted fraud, 
such application may be denied by the district director in whose 
jurisdiction the application is filed, and in cases returned to a 
Service Legalization Office for re-interview, such application may be 
approved at the discretion of the district director. The applicant shall 
be notified of the decision and, if the application is denied, of the 
reason therefor. Appeal from an adverse decision under this part may be 
taken by the applicant on Form I-694 within 30 days after the service of 
the notice only to the Service's Administrative Appeals Unit pursuant to 
the provisions of Sec.  103.3(a) of this chapter.
    (3) Grounds of exclusion that may not be waived. Notwithstanding any 
other provision of the Act, the following provisions of section 212(a) 
may not be waived by the Attorney General under paragraph (k)(2) of this 
section:
    (i) Paragraphs (9) and (10) (criminals);
    (ii) Paragraph (23) (narcotics) except for a single offense of 
simple possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana;
    (iii) Paragraphs (27) (prejudicial to the public interest), (28) 
(communist), and (29) (subversive);
    (iv) Paragraph (33) (participated in Nazi persecution).
    (4) Special rule for determination of public charge. An alien who 
has a consistent employment history which shows the ability to support 
himself or herself even though his or her income may be below the 
poverty level, may be admissible. The alien's employment history need 
not be continuous in that

[[Page 696]]

it is uninterrupted. It should be continuous in the sense that the alien 
shall be regularly attached to the workforce, has an income over a 
substantial period of the applicable time, and has demonstrated the 
capacity to exist on his or her income without recourse to public cash 
assistance. This regulation is prospective in that the Service shall 
determine, based on the alien's history, whether he or she is likely to 
become a public charge. Past acceptance of public cash assistance within 
a history of consistent employment will enter into this decision. The 
weight given in considering applicability of the public charge 
provisions will depend on many factors, but the length of time an 
applicant has received public cash assistance will constitute a 
significant factor.
    (5) Public assistance and criminal history verification. 
Declarations by an applicant that he or she has not been the recipient 
of public cash assistance and/or has not had a criminal record are 
subject to a verification of facts by the Service. The applicant must 
agree to fully cooperate in the verification process. Failure to assist 
the Service in verifying information necessary for the adjudication of 
the application may result in a denial of the application.
    (l) Continuous physical presence since November 6, 1986. (1) An 
alien applying for adjustment to temporary resident status must 
establish that he or she has been continuously physically present in the 
United States since November 6, 1986. Aliens who were outside of the 
United States on the date of enactment or departed the United States 
after enactment may apply for legalization if they reentered prior to 
May 1, 1987, and meet the continuous residence requirements and are 
otherwise eligible for legalization.
    (2) A brief, casual and innocent absence means a departure 
authorized by the Service (advance parole) subsequent to May 1, 1987 of 
not more than thirty (30) days for legitimate emergency or humanitarian 
purposes unless a further period of authorized departure has been 
granted in the discretion of the district director or a departure was 
beyond the alien's control.
    (m) Departure. (1) During the time period from the date that an 
alien's application establishing prima facie eligibility for temporary 
resident status is reviewed at a Service Legalization Office and the 
date status as a temporary resident is granted, the alien applicant can 
only be readmitted to the United States provided his or her departure 
was authorized under the Service's advance parole provisions contained 
in Sec.  212.5(f) of this chapter.
    (2) An alien whose application for temporary resident status has 
been approved may be admitted to the United States upon return as a 
returning temporary resident provided he or she:
    (i) Is not under deportation proceedings, such proceedings having 
been instituted subsequent to the approval of temporary resident status. 
A temporary resident alien will not be considered deported if that alien 
departs the United States while under an outstanding order of 
deportation issued prior to the approval of temporary resident status;
    (ii) Has not been absent from the United States more than thirty 
(30) days on the date application for admission is made;
    (iii) Has not been absent from the United States for an aggregate 
period of more than 90 days since the date the alien was granted lawful 
temporary resident status;
    (iv) Presents Form I-688;
    (v) Presents himself or herself for inspection; and
    (vi) Is otherwise admissible.
    (3) The periods of time in paragraph (m)(2)(ii) and (m)(2)(iii) of 
this section may be waived at the discretion of the Attorney General in 
cases where the absence from the United States was due merely to a brief 
temporary trip abroad due to emergent or extenuating circumstances 
beyond the alien's control.
    (n)(1) Employment and travel authorization; general. Authorization 
for employment and travel abroad for temporary resident status 
applicants under section 245A(a) of the Act may only be granted by a 
Service Office. INS district directors will determine the Service 
location for the completion of processing of travel documentation. In 
the case of an application which has been

[[Page 697]]

filed with a designated entity, employment authorization may only be 
granted by the Service after the application has been properly received 
at the Service Office.
    (2) Employment authorization prior to the granting of temporary 
resident status. (i) Permission to travel abroad and accept employment 
may be granted to the applicant after an interview has been conducted in 
connection with an application establishing prima facie eligibility for 
temporary resident status. Permission to travel abroad may be granted in 
emergent circumstances in accordance with the Service's advance parole 
provisions contained in Sec.  212.5(f) of this chapter after an 
interview has been conducted in connection with an application 
establishing prima facie eligibility for temporary resident status.
    (ii) If an interview appointment cannot be scheduled within 30 days 
from the date an application is filed at a Service office, authorization 
to accept employment will be granted, valid until the scheduled 
appointment date. Employment authorization, both prior and subsequent to 
an interview, will be restricted to increments of 1 year, pending final 
determination on the application for temporary resident status. If a 
final determination has not been made prior to the expiration date on 
the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766, Form I-688A or Form 
I-688B), that date may be extended upon return of the employment 
authorization document by the applicant to the appropriate Service 
office.
    (3) Employment and travel authorization upon grant of temporary 
resident status. Upon the granting of an application for adjustment to 
temporary resident status, the service center will forward a notice of 
approval to the applicant at his or her last known address and to his or 
her qualified designated entity or representative. The applicant may 
appear at any Service office and, upon surrender of the previously 
issued Employment Authorization Document, will be issued Form I-688, 
Temporary Resident Card, authorizing employment and travel abroad.
    (4) Revocation of employment authorization upon denial of temporary 
resident status. Upon denial of an application for adjustment to 
temporary resident status the alien will be notified that if a timely 
appeal is not submitted, employment authorization shall be automatically 
revoked on the final day of the appeal period.
    (o) Decision. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the 
decision, and, if the application is denied, of the reason therefor. An 
appeal from an adverse decision under this part may be taken by the 
applicant on Form I-694.
    (p) Appeal process. An adverse decision under this part may be 
appealed to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative 
Appeals Unit). Any appeal with the required fee shall be filed with the 
Regional Processing Facility within thirty (30) days after service of 
the notice of denial in accordance with the procedures of Sec.  103.3(a) 
of this chapter. An appeal received after the thirty (30) day period has 
tolled will not be accepted. The thirty (30) day period includes any 
time required for service or receipt by mail.
    (q) Motions. The Regional Processing Facility director may sua 
sponte reopen and reconsider any adverse decision. When an appeal to the 
Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative Appeals Unit) has 
been filed, the INS director of the Regional Processing Facility may 
issue a new decision that will grant the benefit which has been 
requested. The director's new decision must be served on the appealing 
party within 45 days of receipt of any briefs and/or new evidence, or 
upon expiration of the time allowed for the submission of any briefs. 
Motions to reopen a proceeding or reconsider a decision shall not be 
considered under this part.
    (r) Certifications. The Regional Processing Facility director may, 
in accordance with Sec.  103.4 of this chapter, certify a decision to 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative Appeals Unit) 
when the case involves an unusually complex or novel question of law or 
fact. The party affected shall be given notice of such certification and 
of the right to submit a brief within thirty (30) days from service of 
the notice.
    (s) Date of adjustment to temporary residence. The status of an 
alien whose application for temporary resident status

[[Page 698]]

is approved shall be adjusted to that of a lawful temporary resident as 
of the date indicated on the application fee receipt issued at Service 
Legalization Office.
    (t) Limitation on access to information and confidentiality. (1) No 
person other than a sworn officer or employee of the Justice Department 
or bureau of agency thereof, will be permitted to examine individual 
applications, except employees of designated entities where applications 
are filed with the same designated entity. For purposes of this part, 
any individual employed under contract by the Service to work in 
connection with the legalization program shall be considered an 
``employee of the Justice Department or bureau or agency thereof.''
    (2) Files and records prepared by designated entities under this 
section are confidential. The Attorney General and the Service shall not 
have access to these files and records without the consent of the alien.
    (3) No information furnished pursuant to an application for 
legalization under this section shall be used for any purpose except: 
(i) To make a determination on the application; or, (ii) for the 
enforcement of the provisions encompassed in section 245A(c)(6) of the 
Act, except as provided in paragraph (t)(4) of this section.
    (4) If a determination is made by the Service that the alien has, in 
connection with his or her application, engaged in fraud or willful 
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, knowingly provided 
a false writing or document in making his or her application, knowingly 
made a false statement or representation, or engaged in any other 
activity prohibited by section 245A(c)(6) of the Act, the Service shall 
refer the matter to the United States Attorney for prosecution of the 
alien or of any person who created or supplied a false writing or 
document for use in an application for adjustment of status under this 
part.
    (5) Information obtained in a granted legalization application and 
contained in the applicant's file is subject to subsequent review in 
reference to future benefits applied for (including petitions for 
naturalization and permanent resident status for relatives).
    (u) Termination of temporary resident status--(1) Termination of 
temporary resident status; General. The status of an alien lawfully 
admitted for temporary residence under section 245A(a)(1) of the Act may 
be terminated at any time in accordance with section 245A(b)(2) of the 
Act. It is not necessary that a final order of deportation be entered in 
order to terminate temporary resident status. The temporary resident 
status may be terminated upon the occurrence of any of the following:
    (i) It is determined that the alien was ineligible for temporary 
residence under section 245A of this Act;
    (ii) The alien commits an act which renders him or her inadmissible 
as an immigrant, unless a waiver is secured pursuant to Sec.  
245a.2(k)(2).
    (iii) The alien is convicted of any felony, or three or more 
misdemeanors;
    (iv) The alien fails to file for adjustment of status from temporary 
resident to permanent resident on Form I-698 within forty-three (43) 
months of the date he/she was granted status as a temporary resident 
under Sec.  245a.1 of this part.
    (2) Procedure--(i) Termination by the Service. Except as provided in 
paragraph (u)(2)(ii) of this section, termination of an alien's 
temporary resident status under paragraph (u)(1) of this section will be 
made before instituting deportation proceedings against a temporary 
resident alien and only on notice sent to the alien by certified mail 
directed to his or her last known address, and to his or her 
representative, if any. The alien must be given an opportunity to offer 
evidence in opposition to the grounds alleged for termination of his or 
her status. Evidence in opposition must be submitted within thirty (30) 
days after the service of the Notice of Intent to Terminate. If the 
alien's status is terminated, the director of the regional processing 
facility shall notify the alien of the decision and the reasons for the 
termination, and further notify the alien that any Service Form I-94, 
Arrival-Departure Record or other official Service document issued to 
the alien authorizing employment and/or travel abroad, or any Form I-
688, Temporary Resident Card previously issued to the alien will be 
declared void by the director of the

[[Page 699]]

regional processing facility within thirty (30) days if no appeal of the 
termination decision is filed within that period. The alien may appeal 
the decision to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative 
Appeals Unit). Any appeal with the required fee shall be filed with the 
regional processing facility within thirty (30) days after the service 
of the notice of termination. If no appeal is filed within that period, 
the I-94, I-688 or other official Service document shall be deemed void, 
and must be surrendered without delay to an immigration officer or to 
the issuing office of the Service.
    (ii) Termination upon entry of final order of deportation or 
exclusion. (A) The Service may institute deportation or exclusion 
proceedings against a temporary resident alien without regard to the 
procedures set forth in paragraph (u)(2)(i) of this section:
    (1) If the ground for deportation arises under section 
241(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1251(a)(2)(A)(iii));
    (2) If the ground for deportation arises after the acquisition of 
temporary resident status, and the basis of such ground of deportation 
is not waivable pursuant to section 245A(d)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act (8 
U.S.C. 1255a(d)(2)(B)(ii)); or
    (3) If the ground for exclusion arises after the acquisition of 
temporary resident status and is not waivable pursuant to section 
245A(d)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1255a(d)(2)(B)(ii)).
    (B) In such cases, the entry of a final order of deportation or 
exclusion will automatically terminate an alien's temporary resident 
status acquired under section 245A(a)(1) of the Act.
    (3) Termination not construed as rescission under section 246. For 
the purposes of this part the phrase termination of status of an alien 
granted lawful temporary residence under section 245A(a) of the Act 
shall not be construed to necessitate a rescission of status as 
described in section 246 of the Act, and the proceedings required by the 
regulations issued thereunder shall not apply.
    (4) Return to unlawful status after termination. Termination of the 
status of any alien previously adjusted to lawful temporary residence 
under section 245A(a) of the Act shall act to return such alien to the 
unlawful status held prior to the adjustment, and render him or her 
amenable to exclusion or deportation proceedings under section 236 or 
242 of the Act, as appropriate.
    (v) Ineligibility for immigration benefits. An alien whose status is 
adjusted to that of a lawful temporary resident under section 245A of 
the Act is not entitled to submit a petition pursuant to section 
203(a)(2) or to any other benefit or consideration accorded under the 
Act to aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (w) Declaration of Intending Citizen. An alien who has been granted 
the status of temporary resident under section 245A(a)(1) of this Act 
may assert a claim of discrimination on the basis of citizenship status 
under section 274B of the Act only if he or she has previously filed 
Form I-772 (Declaration of Intending Citizen) after being granted such 
status. The Declaration of Intending Citizen is not required as a basis 
for filing a petition for naturalization; nor shall it be regarded as a 
right to United States citizenship; nor shall it be regarded as evidence 
of a person's status as a resident.

[52 FR 16208, May 1, 1987, as amended at 52 FR 43845, 43846, Nov. 17, 
1987; 53 FR 23382, June 22, 1988; 54 FR 29449, July 12, 1989; 56 FR 
31061, July 9, 1991; 58 FR 45236, Aug. 27, 1993; 60 FR 21040, May 1, 
1995; 60 FR 21975, May 4, 1995; 61 FR 46536, Sept. 4, 1996; 65 FR 82256, 
Dec. 28, 2000; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.3  Application for adjustment from temporary to 
permanent resident status.

    (a) Application period for permanent residence. (1) An alien may 
submit an application for lawful permanent resident status, with fee, 
immediately subsequent to the granting of lawful temporary resident 
status. Any application received prior to the alien's becoming eligible 
for adjustment to permanent resident status will be administratively 
processed and held by the INS, but will not be considered filed until 
the beginning of the nineteenth month after the date the alien was 
granted temporary resident status as defined in Sec.  245a.2(s) of this 
chapter.
    (2) No application shall be denied for failure to timely apply 
before the end of 43 months from the date of actual

[[Page 700]]

approval of the temporary resident application.
    (3) The Service Center Director shall sua sponte reopen and 
reconsider without fee any application which was previously denied for 
late filing. No additional fee will be required for those applications 
which are filed during the twelve month extension period but prior to 
July 9, 1991.
    (b) Eligibility. Any alien who has been lawfully admitted for 
temporary resident status under section 245A(a) of the Act, such status 
not having been terminated, may apply for adjustment of status of that 
of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if the alien:
    (1) Applies for such adjustment anytime subsequent to the granting 
of temporary resident status but on or before the end of 43 months from 
the date of actual approval of the temporary resident application. The 
alien need not be physically present in the United States at the time of 
application; however, the alien must establish continuous residence in 
the United States in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) 
of this section and must be physically present in the United States at 
the time of interview and/or processing for permanent resident status 
(ADIT processing);
    (2) Establishes continuous residence in the United States since the 
date the alien was granted such temporary residence status. An alien 
shall be regarded as having resided continuously in the United States 
for the purpose of this part if, at the time of applying for adjustment 
from temporary to permanent resident status, or as of the date of 
eligibility for permanent residence, whichever is later, no single 
absence from the United States has exceeded thirty (30) days, and the 
aggregate of all absences has not exceeded ninety (90) days between the 
date of approval of the temporary resident application, Form I-687 (not 
the ``roll-back'' date) and the date the alien applied or became 
eligible for permanent resident status, whichever is later, unless the 
alien can establish that due to emergent reasons or circumstances beyond 
his or her control, the return to the United States could not be 
accomplished within the time period(s) allowed. A single absence from 
the United States of more than 30 days, and aggregate absences of more 
than 90 days during the period for which continuous residence is 
required for adjustment to permanent residence, shall break the 
continuity of such residence, unless the temporary resident can 
establish to the satisfaction of the district director or the Director 
of the Regional Processing Facility that he or she did not, in fact, 
abandon his or her residence in the United States during such period;
    (3) Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as 
otherwise provided in paragraph (g) of this section; and has not been 
convicted of any felony, or three or more misdemeanors; and
    (4)(i)(A) Can demonstrate that the alien meets the requirements of 
section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (relating 
to minimal understanding of ordinary English and a knowledge and 
understanding of the history and government of the United States); or
    (B) Is satisfactorily pursuing a course of study recognized by the 
Attorney General to achieve such an understanding of English and such a 
knowledge and understanding of the history and government of the United 
States.
    (ii) The requirements of paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section must be 
met by each applicant. However, these requirements shall be waived 
without formal application for persons who, as of the date of 
application or the date of eligibility for permanent residence under 
this part, whichever date is later, are:
    (A) Under 16 years of age; or
    (B) 65 years of age or older; or
    (C) Over 50 years of age who have resided in the United States for 
at least 20 years and submit evidence establishing the 20-year 
qualification requirement. Such evidence must be submitted pursuant to 
the requirements contained in Section 245a.2(d)(3) of this chapter; or
    (D) Developmentally disabled as defined at Sec.  245a.1(v) of this 
chapter. Such persons must submit medical evidence concerning their 
developmental disability; or
    (E) Physically unable to comply. The physical disability must be of 
a nature

[[Page 701]]

which renders the applicant unable to acquire the four language skills 
of speaking, understanding, reading, and writing English in accordance 
with the criteria and precedence established in OI 312.1(a)(2)(iii) 
(Interpretations). Such persons must submit medical evidence concerning 
their physical disability.
    (iii)(A) Literacy and basic citizenship skills may be demonstrated 
for purposes of complying with paragraph (b)(4)(i)(A) of this section 
by:
    (1) Speaking and understanding English during the course of the 
interview for permanent resident status. An applicant's ability to read 
and write English shall be tested by excerpts from one or more parts of 
the Federal Textbooks on Citizenship at the elementary literacy level. 
The test of an applicant's knowledge and understanding of the history 
and form of government of the United States shall be given in the 
English language. The scope of the testing shall be limited to subject 
matter covered in the revised (1987) Federal Textbooks on Citizenship or 
other approved training material. The test questions shall be selected 
from a list of 100 standardized questions developed by the Service. In 
choosing the subject matter and in phrasing questions, due consideration 
shall be given to the extent of the applicant's education, background, 
age, length of residence in the United States, opportunities available 
and efforts made to acquire the requisite knowledge, and any other 
elements or factors relevant to an appraisal of the adequacy of his or 
her knowledge and understanding; or
    (2) By passing a standardized section 312 test (effective 
retroactively as of November 7, 1988) such test being given in the 
English language by the Legalization Assistance Board with the 
Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the California State Department of 
Education with the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System 
(CASAS). The scope of the test is based on the 1987 edition of the 
Federal Textbooks on Citizenship series written at the elementary 
literacy level. An applicant may evidence passing of the standardized 
section 312 test by submitting the approved testing organization's 
standard notice of passing test results at the time of filing Form I-
698, subsequent to filing the application but prior to the interview, or 
at the time of the interview. The test results may be independently 
verified by INS, if necessary.
    (B) An applicant who fails to pass the English literacy and/or the 
U.S. history and government tests at the time of the interview, shall be 
afforded a second opportunity after six (6) months (or earlier, at the 
request of the applicant) to pass the tests, submit evidence of passing 
an INS approved section 312 standardized examination or submit evidence 
of fulfillment of any one of the ``satisfactorily pursuing'' 
alternatives listed at Sec.  245a.1(s) of this chapter. The second 
interview shall be conducted prior to the denial of the application for 
permanent residence and may be based solely on the failure to pass the 
basic citizenship skills requirements. An applicant whose period of 
eligibility expires prior to the end of the six-month re-test period, 
shall still be accorded the entire six months within which to be re-
tested.
    (iv) To satisfy the English language and basic citizenship skills 
requirements under the ``satisfactorily pursuing'' standard as defined 
at Sec.  245a.1(s) of this chapter the applicant must submit evidence of 
such satisfactory pursuit in the form of a ``Certificate of Satisfactory 
Pursuit'' (Form I-699) issued by the designated school or program 
official attesting to the applicant's satisfactory pursuit of the course 
of study as defined at Sec.  245a.1(s)(1) and (4) of this chapter; or a 
high school diploma or general educational development diploma (GED) 
under Sec.  245a.1(s)(2) of this chapter; or certification on letterhead 
stationery from a state recognized, accredited learning institution 
under Sec.  245a.1(s)(3) of this chapter; or evidence of having passed 
the IRCA Test for Permanent Residency under Sec.  245a.1(s)(5) of this 
chapter. Such applicants shall not then be required to demonstrate that 
they meet the requirements of Sec.  245a.3(b)(4)(i)(A) of this chapter 
in order to be granted lawful permanent residence provided they are 
otherwise eligible. Evidence of ``Satisfactory Pursuit'' may be 
submitted at the time of filing Form I-698, subsequent to filing

[[Page 702]]

the application but prior to the interview, or at the time of the 
interview (the applicant's name and A90M number must appear on any such 
evidence submitted). An applicant need not necessarily be enrolled in a 
recognized course of study at the time of application for permanent 
residency.
    (v) Enrollment in a recognized course of study as defined in Sec.  
245a.3(b)(5) and issuance of a ``Certificate of Satisfactory Pursuit'' 
must occur subsequent to May 1, 1987.
    (5) A course of study in the English language and in the history and 
government of the United States shall satisfy the requirement of 
paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section if the course materials for such 
instruction include textbooks published under the authority of section 
346 of the Act, and it is
    (i) Sponsored or conducted by: (A) An established public or private 
institution of learning recognized as such by a qualified state 
certifying agency; (B) An institution of learning approved to issue 
Forms I-20 in accordance with Sec.  214.3 of this chapter; (C) A 
qualified designated entity within the meaning of section 245A(c)(2) of 
the Act, in good-standing with the Service; or (D) Is certified by the 
district director in whose jurisdiction the program is conducted, or is 
certified by the Director of the Outreach Program nationally.
    (ii) A program seeking certification as a course of study recognized 
by the Attorney General under paragraph (b)(5)(i)(D) of this section 
shall file Form I-803, Petition for Attorney General Recognition to 
Provide Course of Study for Legalization: Phase II, with the Director of 
Outreach for national level programs or with the district director 
having jurisdiction over the area in which the school or program is 
located. In the case of local programs, a separate petition must be 
filed with each district director when a parent organization has schools 
or programs in more than one INS district. A petition must identify by 
name and address those schools or programs included in the petition. No 
fee shall be required to file Form I-803;
    (A) The Director of Outreach and the district directors may approve 
a petition where they have determined that (1) a need exists for a 
course of study in addition to those already certified under Sec.  
245a.3(b)(5)(i) (A), (B), or (C); and/or (2) of this chapter the 
petitioner has historically provided educational services in English and 
U.S. history and government but is not already certified under Sec.  
245a.3(b)(5)(i)(A), (B), or (C); and (3) of this chapter the petitioner 
is otherwise qualified to provide such course of study;
    (B) Upon approval of the petition the Director of Outreach and 
district directors shall issue a Certificate of Attorney General 
Recognition on Form I-804 to the petitioner. If the petition is denied, 
the petitioner shall be notified in writing of the decision therefor. No 
appeal shall lie from a denial of Form I-803, except that in such case 
where the petitions of a local, cross-district program are approved in 
one district and denied in another within the same State, the petitioner 
may request review of the denied petition by the appropriate Regional 
Commissioner. The Regional Commissioner shall then make a determination 
in this case;
    (C) Each district director shall compile and maintain lists of 
programs approved under paragraph (b)(5)(i)(D) of this section within 
his or her jurisdiction. The Director of Outreach shall compile and 
maintain lists of approved national level programs.
    (6) Notice of participation. All courses of study recognized under 
Sec.  245a.3(b)(5)(i)(A) through (C) of this chapter which are already 
conducting or will conduct English and U.S. history and government 
courses for temporary residents must submit a Notice of Participation to 
the district director in whose jurisdiction the program is conducted. 
Acceptance of ``Certificates of Satisfactory Pursuit'' (Form I-699) 
shall be delayed until such time as the course provider submits the 
Notice of Participation, which notice shall be in the form of a letter 
typed on the letterhead of the course provider (if available) and 
include the following:
    (i) The name(s) of the school(s)/program(s).
    (ii) The complete addresses and telephone numbers of sites where 
courses will be offered, and class schedules.
    (iii) The complete names of persons who are in charge of conducting

[[Page 703]]

English and U.S. history and government courses of study.
    (iv) A statement that the course of study will issue ``Certificates 
of Satisfactory Pursuit'' to temporary resident enrollees according to 
INS regulations.
    (v) A list of designated officials of the recognized course of study 
authorized to sign ``Certificates of Satisfactory Pursuit'', and samples 
of their original signatures.
    (vi) A statement that if a course provider charges a fee to 
temporary resident enrollees, the fee will not be excessive.
    (vii) Evidence of recognition under 8 CFR 245a.3(b)(5)(i)(A), (B), 
or (C) (e.g., certification from a qualified state certifying agency; 
evidence of INS approval for attendance by nonimmigrant students, such 
as the school code number, or the INS identification number from the QDE 
cooperative agreement).

The course provider shall notify the district director, in writing, of 
any changes to the information contained in the Notice of Participation 
subsequent to its submission within ten (10) days of such change.

A Certificate of Attorney General Recognition to Provide Course of Study 
for Legalization (Phase II), Form I-804, shall be issued to course 
providers who have submitted a Notice of Participation in accordance 
with the provisions of this section by the district director. A Notice 
of Participation deficient in any way shall be returned to the course 
provider to correct the deficiency. Upon the satisfaction of the 
district director that the deficiency has been corrected, the course 
provider shall be issued Form I-804. Each district director shall 
compile and maintain lists of recognized courses within his or her 
district.
    (7) Fee structure. No maximum fee standard will be imposed by the 
Attorney General. However, if it is believed that a fee charged is 
excessive, this factor alone will justify non-certification of the 
course provider by INS as provided in Sec.  245a.3(b)(10) and/or (12) of 
this section. Once fees are established, any change in fee without prior 
approval of the district director or the Director of Outreach may 
justify de-certification. In determining whether or not a fee is 
excessive, district directors and the Director of Outreach shall 
consider such factors as the means of instruction, class size, 
prevailing wages of instructors in the area of the program, and 
additional costs such as rent, materials, utilities, insurance, and 
taxes. District directors and the Director of Outreach may also seek the 
assistance of various Federal, State and local entities as the need 
arises (e.g., State Departments of Education) to determine the 
appropriateness of course fees.
    (8) The Citizenship textbooks to be used by applicants for lawful 
permanent residence under section 245A of the Act shall be distributed 
by the Service to appropriate representatives of public schools. These 
textbooks may otherwise be purchased from the Superintendent of 
Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, and are 
also available at certain public institutions.
    (9) Maintenance of Student Records. Course providers conducting 
courses of study recognized under Sec.  245a.3(b)(5) of this chapter 
shall maintain for each student, for a period of three years from the 
student's enrollment, the following information and documents:
    (i) Name (as copied exactly from the I-688A or I-688);
    (ii) A-number (90 million series);
    (iii) Date of enrollment;
    (iv) Attendance records;
    (v) Assessment records;
    (vi) Photocopy of signed ``Certificate of Satisfactory Pursuit'' 
issued to the student.
    (10) Issuance of ``Certificate of Satisfactory Pursuit'' (I-699). 
(i) Each recognized course of study shall prepare a standardized 
certificate that is signed by the designated official. The Certificate 
shall be issued to an applicant who has attended a recognized course of 
study for at least 40 hours of a minimum of 60-hour course as 
appropriate for his or her ability level, and is demonstrating progress 
according to the performance standards of the English and U.S. history 
and government course prescribed. Such standards shall conform with the 
provisions of Sec.  245a.1(s) of this chapter.
    (ii) The district director shall reject a certificate if it is 
determined that the certificate is fraudulent or was fraudulently 
issued.

[[Page 704]]

    (iii) The district director shall reject a Certificate if it is 
determined that the course provider is not complying with INS 
regulations. In the case of non-compliance, the district director will 
advise the course provider in writing of the specific deficiencies and 
give the provider thirty (30) days within which to correct such 
deficiencies.
    (iv) District directors will accept Certificates from course 
providers once it is determined that the deficiencies have been 
satisfactorily corrected.
    (v) Course providers which engage in fraudulent activities or fail 
to conform with INS regulations will be removed from the list of INS 
approved programs. INS will not accept Certificates from these 
providers.
    (vi) Certificates may be accepted if a program is cited for 
deficiencies or decertified at a later date and no fraud was involved.
    (vii) Certificates shall not be accepted from a course provider that 
has been decertified unless the alien enrolled in and had been issued a 
certificate prior to the decertification, provided that no fraud was 
involved.
    (viii) The appropriate State agency responsible for SLIAG funding 
shall be notified of all decertifications by the district director.
    (11) Designated official. (i) The designated official is the 
authorized person from each recognized course of study whose signature 
appears on all ``Certificates of Satisfactory Pursuit'' issued by that 
course;
    (ii) The designated official must be a regularly employed member of 
the school administration whose office is located at the school and 
whose compensation does not come from commissions for recruitment of 
foreign students;
    (iii)(A) The head of the school system or school, the director of 
the Qualified Designated Entity, the head of a program approved by the 
Attorney General, or the president or owner of other institutions 
recognized by the Attorney General must specify a designated official. 
Such designated official may not delegate this designation to any other 
person. Each school or institution may have up to three (3) designated 
officials at any one time. In a multi-campus institution, each campus 
may have up to three (3) designated officials at any one time;
    (B) Each designated official shall have read and otherwise be 
familiar with the ``Requirements and Guidelines for Courses of Study 
Recognized by the Attorney General''. The signature of a designated 
official shall affirm the official's compliance with INS regulations;
    (C) The name, title, and sample signature of each designated 
official for each recognized course of study shall be on file with the 
district director in whose jurisdiction the program is conducted.
    (12) Monitoring by INS. (i) INS Outreach personnel in conjunction 
with the district director shall monitor the course providers in each 
district in order to:
    (A) Assure that the program is a course of study recognized by the 
Attorney General under the provisions of Sec.  245a.3(b)(5).
    (B) Verify the existence of curriculum as defined in Sec.  245a.1(u) 
on file for each level of instruction provided in English language and 
U.S. history and government classes.
    (C) Assure that ``Certificates of Satisfactory Pursuit'' are being 
issued in accordance with Sec.  245a.3(b)(10).
    (D) Assure that records are maintained on each temporary resident 
enrollee in accordance with Sec.  245a.3(b)(9).
    (E) Assure that fees (if any) assessed by the course provider are in 
compliance in accordance with Sec.  245a.3(b)(7).
    (ii) If INS has reason to believe that the service is not being 
provided to the applicant, INS will issue a 24-hour minimum notice to 
the service provider before any site visit is conducted.
    (iii) If it is determined that a course provider is not performing 
according to the standards established in either Sec.  245a.3(b)(10) or 
(12) of this chapter, the district director shall institute 
decertification proceedings. Notice of Intent to Decertify shall be 
provided to the course provider. The course provider has 30 days within 
which to correct performance according to standards established. If 
after the 30 days, the district director is not satisfied that the basis 
for decertification has been overcome, the course provider will be 
decertified. The appropriate State agency shall be notified in 
accordance with

[[Page 705]]

Sec.  245a.3(b)(10)(viii) of this chapter. A copy of the notice of 
decertification shall be sent to the State agency.
    (13) Courses of study recognized by the Attorney General as defined 
at Sec.  245a.3(b)(5) of this chapter shall provide certain standards 
for the selection of teachers. Since some programs may be in locations 
where selection of qualified staff is limited, or where budget 
constraints restrict options, the following list of qualities for 
teacher selection is provided as guidance. Teacher selections should 
include as many of the following qualities as possible:
    (i) Specific training in Teaching English to Speakers of Other 
Languages (TESOL);
    (ii) Experience as a classroom teacher with adults;
    (iii) Cultural sensitivity and openness;
    (iv) Familiarity with competency-based education;
    (v) Knowledge of curriculum and materials adaptation;
    (vi) Knowledge of a second language.
    (c) Ineligible aliens. (1) An alien who has been convicted of a 
felony, or three or more misdemeanors in the United States.
    (2) An alien who is inadmissible to the United States as an 
immigrant, except as provided in Sec.  245a.3(g)(1).
    (3) An alien who was previously granted temporary resident status 
pursuant to section 245A(a) of the Act who has not filed an application 
for permanent resident status under section 245A(b)(1) of the Act by the 
end of 43 months from the date of actual approval of the temporary 
resident application.
    (4) An alien who was not previously granted temporary resident 
status under section 245A(a) of the Act.
    (5) An alien whose temporary resident status has been terminated 
under Sec.  245a.2(u) of this chapter
    (d) Filing the application. The provisions of part 211 of this 
chapter relating to the documentary requirements for immigrants shall 
not apply to an applicant under this part.
    (1) The application must be filed on Form I-698. Form I-698 must be 
accompanied by the correct fee and documents specified in the 
instructions. The application will be mailed to the director having 
jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence.
    (2) Certification of documents. The submission of original documents 
is not required at the time of filing Form I-698. A copy of a document 
submitted in support of Form I-698 filed pursuant to section 245A(b) of 
the Act and this part may be accepted, though unaccompanied by the 
original, if the copy is certified as true and complete by
    (i) An attorney in the format prescribed in Sec.  204.2(j)(1) of 
this chapter; or
    (ii) An alien's representative in the format prescribed in Sec.  
204.2(j)(2) of this chapter; or
    (iii) A qualified designated entity (QDE) in good standing as 
defined in Sec.  245a.1(r) of this chapter, if the copy bears a 
certification by the QDE in good-standing, typed or rubber-stamped in 
the following language:

    I certify that I have compared this copy with its original and it is 
a true and complete copy.

Signed:_________________________________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________________________________
Name:___________________________________________________________________
QDE in good-standing representative
Name of QDE in good-standing:___________________________________________
Address of QDE in good-standing:________________________________________
INS-QDE Cooperative Agreement Number:___________________________________

    (iv) Authentication. Certification of documents must be 
authenticated by an original signature. A facsimile signature on a 
rubber stamp will not be acceptable.
    (v) Original documents. Original documents must be presented when 
requested by the Service. Official government records, employment or 
employment-related records maintained by employers, unions, or 
collective bargaining organizations, medical records, school records 
maintained by a school or school board or other records maintained by a 
party other than the applicant which are submitted in evidence must be 
certified as true and complete by such parties and must bear their seal 
or signature or the signature and title of persons authorized to act in 
their behalf. At the discretion of the district director and/or the 
Regional Processing Facility director, original documents may be kept 
for forensic examination.

[[Page 706]]

    (3) A separate application must be filed by each applicant with the 
fees required by 8 CFR 106.2.
    (4) Applicants who filed for temporary resident status prior to 
December 1, 1987, are required to submit the results of a serologic test 
for HIV virus on Form I-693, ``Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking 
Adjustment of Status'', completed by a designated civil surgeon, unless 
the serologic test for HIV was performed and the results were submitted 
on Form I-693 when the applicant filed for temporary resident status. 
Applicants who did submit an I-693 reflecting a serologic test for HIV 
was performed prior to December 1, 1987, must submit evidence of this 
fact when filing the I-698 application in order to be relieved from the 
requirement of submitting another I-693. If such evidence is not 
available, applicants may note on their I-698 application their prior 
submission of the results of the serologic test for HIV. This 
information shall then be verified at the Regional Processing Facility. 
Applicants having to submit an I-693 pursuant to this section are not 
required to have a complete medical examination. All HIV-positive 
applicants shall be advised that a waiver of the ground of excludability 
under section 212(a)(6) of the Act is available and shall be provided 
the opportunity to apply for the waiver. To be eligible for the waiver, 
the applicant must establish that:
    (i) The danger to the public health of the United States created by 
the alien's admission to the United States is minimal,
    (ii) The possibility of the spread of the infection created by the 
alien's admission to the United States is minimal, and
    (iii) There will be no cost incurred by any government agency 
without prior consent of that agency. Provided these criteria are met, 
the waiver may be granted only for humanitarian purposes, to assure 
family unity, or when the granting of such a waiver is in the public 
interest in accordance with Sec.  245a.3(g)(2) of this chapter.
    (5) If necessary, the validity of an alien's temporary resident card 
(I-688) will be extended in increments of one (1) year until such time 
as the decision on an alien's properly filed application for permanent 
residence becomes final.
    (6) An application lacking the proper fee or incomplete in any way 
shall be returned to the applicant with request for the proper fee, 
correction, additional information, and/or documentation. Once an 
application has been accepted by the Service and additional information 
and/or documentation is required, the applicant shall be sent a notice 
to submit such information and/or documentation. In such case the 
application Form I-698 shall be retained at the RPF. If a response to 
this request is not received within 60 days, a second request for 
correction, additional information, and/or documentation shall be made. 
If the second request is not complied with by the end of 43 months from 
the date the application for temporary residence, Form I-687, was 
approved the application for permanent residence will be adjudicated on 
the basis of the existing record.
    (e) Interview. Each applicant regardless of age, must appear at the 
appropriate Service office and must be fingerprinted for the purpose of 
issuance of Form I-551. Each applicant shall be interviewed by an 
immigration officer, except that the adjudicative interview may be 
waived for a child under 14, or when it is impractical because of the 
health or advanced age of the applicant. An applicant failing to appear 
for the scheduled interview may, for good cause, be afforded another 
interview. Where an applicant fails to appear for two scheduled 
interviews, his or her application shall be held in abeyance until the 
end of 43 months from the date the application for temporary residence 
was approved and adjudicated on the basis of the existing record.
    (f) Numerical limitations. The numerical limitations of sections 201 
and 202 of the Act do not apply to the adjustment of aliens to lawful 
permanent resident status under section 245A(b) of the Act.
    (g) Applicability of exclusion grounds--(1) Grounds of exclusion not 
to be applied. The following paragraphs of section 212(a) of the Act 
shall not apply to applicants for adjustment of status from

[[Page 707]]

temporary resident to permanent resident status: (14) workers entering 
without labor certification; (20) immigrants not in possession of valid 
entry documents; (21) visas issued without compliance of section 203; 
(25) illiterates; and (32) graduates of non-accredited medical schools.
    (2) Waiver of grounds of excludability. Except as provided in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this section, the Service may waive any provision of 
section 212(a) of the Act only in the case of individual aliens for 
humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when the granting of 
such a waiver is otherwise in the public interest. In any case where a 
provision of section 212(a) of the Act has been waived in connection 
with an alien's application for lawful temporary resident status under 
section 245A(a) of the Act, no additional waiver of the same ground of 
excludability will be required when the alien applies for permanent 
resident status under section 245A(b)(1) of the Act. In the event that 
the alien was excludable under any provision of section 212(a) of the 
Act at the time of temporary residency and failed to apply for a waiver 
in connection with the application for temporary resident status, or 
becomes excludable subsequent to the date temporary residence was 
granted, a waiver of the ground of excludability, if available, will be 
required before permanent resident status may be granted.
    (3) Grounds of exclusion that may not be waived. Notwithstanding any 
other provisions of the Act the following provisions of section 212(a) 
of the Act may not be waived by the Attorney General under paragraph 
(g)(2) of this section:
    (i) Paragraphs (9) and (10) (criminals);
    (ii) Paragraph (15) (public charge) except for an alien who is or 
was an aged, blind, or disabled individual (as defined in section 
1614(a)(1) of the Social Security Act);
    (iii) Paragraph (23) (narcotics), except for a single offense of 
simple possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana;
    (iv) Paragraphs (27) (prejudicial to the public interest), (28) 
(communists), and (29) (subversives);
    (v) Paragraph (33) (participated in Nazi persecution).
    (4) Determination of Likely to become a public charge and Special 
Rule. Prior to use of the special rule for determination of public 
charge, paragraph (g)(4)(iii) of this section, an alien must first be 
determined to be excludable under section 212(a)(15) of the Act. If the 
applicant is determined to be likely to become a public charge, he or 
she may still be admissible under the terms of the Special Rule.
    (i) In determining whether an alien is likely to become a public 
charge financial responsibility of the alien is to be established by 
examining the totality of the alien's circumstances at the time of his 
or her application for legalization. The existence or absence of a 
particular factor should never be the sole criteria for determining if 
an alien is likely to become a public charge. The determination of 
financial responsibility should be a prospective evaluation based on the 
alien's age, health, income, and vocation.
    (ii) The Special Rule for determination of public charge, paragraph 
(g)(4)(iii) of this section, is to be applied only after an initial 
determination that the alien is inadmissible under the provisions of 
section 212(a)(15) of the act.
    (iii) Special Rule. An alien who has a consistent employment history 
which shows the ability to support himself or herself even though his or 
her income may be below the poverty level is not excludable under 
paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section. The alien's employment history 
need not be continuous in that it is uninterrupted. It should be 
continuous in the sense that the alien shall be regularly attached to 
the workforce, has an income over a substantial period of the applicable 
time, and has demonstrated the capacity to exist on his or her income 
without recourse to public cash assistance. The Special Rule is 
prospective in that the Service shall determine, based on the alien's 
history, whether he or she is likely to become a public charge. Past 
acceptance of public cash assistance within a history of consistent 
employment will enter into this decision. The weight given in 
considering applicability of the public charge provisions will depend on 
many factors, but the length of time an applicant has received public

[[Page 708]]

cash assistance will constitute a significant factor. It is not 
necessary to file a waiver in order to apply the Special Rule for 
Determination of Public Charge.
    (5) Public cash assistance and criminal history verification. 
Declarations by an applicant that he or she has not been the recipient 
of public cash assistance and/or has not had a criminal record are 
subject to a verification of facts by the Service. The applicant must 
agree to fully cooperate in the verification process. Failure to assist 
the Service in verifying information necessary for proper adjudication 
may result in denial of the application.
    (h) Departure. An applicant for adjustment to lawful permanent 
resident status under section 245A(b)(1) of the Act who was granted 
lawful temporary resident status under section 245A(a) of the Act, shall 
be permitted to return to the United States after such brief and casual 
trips abroad, as long as the alien reflects a continuing intention to 
adjust to lawful permanent resident status. However, such absences from 
the United States must not exceed the periods of time specified in Sec.  
245a.3(b)(2) of this chapter in order for the alien to maintain 
continuous residence as specified in the Act.
    (i) Decision. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the 
decision, and, if the application is denied, of the reason therefor. 
Applications for permanent residence under this chapter will not be 
denied at local INS offices (districts, suboffices, and legalization 
offices) until the entire record of proceeding has been reviewed. An 
application will not be denied if the denial is based on adverse 
information not previously furnished to the Service by the alien without 
providing the alien an opportunity to rebut the adverse information and 
to present evidence in his or her behalf. If inconsistencies are found 
between information submitted with the adjustment application and 
information previously furnished to the Service, the applicant shall be 
afforded the opportunity to explain discrepancies or rebut any adverse 
information. A party affected under this part by an adverse decision is 
entitled to file an appeal on Form I-694. If an application is denied, 
work authorization will be granted until a final decision has been 
rendered on an appeal or until the end of the appeal period if no appeal 
is filed. An applicant whose appeal period has ended is no longer 
considered to be an Eligible Legalized Alien for the purposes of the 
administration of State Legalization Impact Assistance Grants (SLIAG) 
funding. An alien whose application is denied will not be required to 
surrender his or her temporary resident card (I-688) until such time as 
the appeal period has tolled, or until expiration date of the I-688, 
whichever date is later. After exhaustion of an appeal, an applicant who 
believes that the grounds for denial have been overcome may submit 
another application with fee, provided that the application is submitted 
within his or her eligibility period.
    (j) Appeal process. An adverse decision under this part may be 
appealed to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative 
Appeals Unit) the appellate authority designated in Sec.  103.1(f)(2). 
Any appeal shall be submitted to the Regional Processing Facility with 
the required fee within thirty (30) days after service of the Notice of 
Denial in accordance with the procedures of Sec.  103.3(a) of this 
chapter. An appeal received after the thirty (30) day period has tolled 
will not be accepted. The thirty (30) day period for submitting an 
appeal begins three days after the notice of denial is mailed. If a 
review of the Record of Proceeding (ROP) is requested by the alien or 
his or her legal representative and an appeal has been properly filed, 
an additional thirty (30) days will be allowed for this review from the 
time the Record of Proceeding is photocopied and mailed. A brief may be 
submitted with the appeal form or submitted up to thirty (30) calendar 
days from the date of receipt of the appeal form at the Regional 
Processing Facility. Briefs filed after submission of the appeal should 
be mailed directly to the Regional Processing Facility. For good cause 
shown, the time within which a brief supporting an appeal may be 
submitted may be extended by the Director of the Regional Processing 
Facility.
    (k) Motions. The Regional Processing Facility director may reopen 
and reconsider any adverse decision sua

[[Page 709]]

sponte. When an appeal to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations 
(Administrative Appeals Unit) has been filed, the INS director of the 
Regional Processing Facility may issue a new decision that will grant 
the benefit which has been requested. The director's new decision must 
be served on the appealing party within forty-five (45) days of receipt 
of any briefs and/or new evidence, or upon expiration of the time 
allowed for the submission of any briefs.
    (l) Certifications. The Regional Processing Facility director or 
district director may, in accordance with Sec.  103.4 of this chapter, 
certify a decision to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations 
(Administrative Appeals Unit) when the case involves an unusually 
complex or novel question of law or fact. The decision on an appealed 
case subsequently remanded back to either the Regional Processing 
Facility director or the district director will be certified to the 
Administrative Appeals Unit.
    (m) Date of adjustment to permanent residence. The status of an 
alien whose application for permanent resident status is approved shall 
be adjusted to that of a lawful permanent resident as of the date of 
filing of the application for permanent residence or the eligibility 
date, whichever is later. For purposes of making application to petition 
for naturalization, the continuous residence requirements for 
naturalization shall begin as of the date the alien's status is adjusted 
to that of a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence under this 
part.
    (n) Limitation on access to information and confidentiality. (1) No 
person other than a sworn officer or employee of the Department of 
Justice or bureau of agency thereof, will be permitted to examine 
individual applications. For purposes of this part, any individual 
employed under contract by the Service to work in connection with the 
Legalization Program shall be considered an employee of the Department 
of Justice or bureau or agency thereof.
    (2) No information furnished pursuant to an application for 
permanent resident status under this section shall be used for any 
purpose except: (i) To make a determination on the application; or (ii) 
for the enforcement of the provisions encompassed in section 245A(c)(6) 
of the Act, except as provided in paragraph (n)(3) of this section.
    (3) If a determination is made by the Service that the alien has, in 
connection with his or her application, engaged in fraud or willful 
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, knowingly provided 
a false writing or document in making his or her application, knowingly 
made a false statement or representation, or engaged in any other 
activity prohibited by section 245A(c)(6) of the Act, the Service shall 
refer the matter to the United States Attorney for prosecution of the 
alien and/or of any person who created or supplied a false writing or 
document for use in an application for adjustment of status under this 
part.
    (4) Information contained in granted legalization files may be used 
by the Service at a later date to make a decision (i) On an immigrant 
visa petition or other status filed by the applicant under section 
204(a) of the Act; (ii) On a naturalization application submitted by the 
applicant; (iii) For the preparation of reports to Congress under 
section 404 of IRCA, or; (iv) For the furnishing of information, at the 
discretion of the Attorney General, in the same manner and circumstances 
as census information may be disclosed by the Secretary of Commerce 
under section 8 of title 13, Unites States Code.
    (o) Rescission. Rescission of adjustment of status under 245a shall 
occur under the guidelines established in section 246 of the Act.

[54 FR 29449, July 12, 1989; 54 FR 43384, Oct. 24, 1989, as amended at 
56 FR 31061, July 9, 1991; 57 FR 3926, Feb. 3, 1992; 59 FR 33905, July 
1, 1994; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.4  Adjustment to lawful resident status of certain nationals 
of countries for which extended voluntary departure has been made available.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section:
    (1) Act means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the 
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
    (2) Service means the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

[[Page 710]]

    (3) Resided continuously means that the alien shall be regarded as 
having resided continuously in the United States if, at the time of 
filing of the application for temporary resident status:
    (i) No single absence from the United States has exceeded 45 days, 
and the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded 180 days between July 
21, 1984, through the date the application for temporary resident status 
is filed, unless the alien can establish that due to emergent reasons, 
his or her return to the United States could not be accomplished within 
the time period allowed;
    (ii) The alien was maintaining residence in the United States; and
    (iii) The alien's departure from the United States was not based on 
an order of deportation.

An alien who has been absent from the United States in accordance with 
the Service's advance parole procedures shall not be considered as 
having interrupted his or her continuous residence as required at the 
time of filing an application. An alien who, after appearing for a 
scheduled interview to obtain an immigrant visa at a Consulate or 
Embassy in Canada or Mexico but who subsequently is not issued an 
immigrant visa and who is paroled back into the United States pursuant 
to the stateside criteria program, shall be considered as having resided 
continuously.
    (4) Continuous residence means that the alien shall be regarded as 
having resided continuously in the United States if, at the time of 
applying for adjustment from temporary residence to permanent resident 
status: No single absence from the United States has exceeded 30 days, 
and the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded 90 days between the 
date on which lawful temporary resident status was granted and the date 
permanent resident status was applied for, unless the alien can 
establish that due to emergent reasons or extenuating circumstances 
beyond his or her control, the return to the United States could not be 
accomplished within the time period(s) allowed. A single absence from 
the United States of more than 30 days, and aggregate absences of more 
than 90 days during the period for which continuous residence is 
required for adjustment to permanent resident status, shall break the 
continuity of such residence unless the temporary resident can establish 
to the satisfaction of the district director that he or she did not, in 
fact, abandon his or her residence in the United States during such 
period.
    (5) To make a determination means obtaining and reviewing all 
information required to adjudicate an application for the benefit sought 
and making a decision thereon. If fraud, willful misrepresentation or 
concealment of a material fact, knowingly providing a false writing or 
document, knowingly making a false statement or representation, or any 
other activity prohibited by the Act is established during the process 
of making the determination on the application, the Service shall refer 
the matter to the United States Attorney for prosecution of the alien or 
of any person who created or supplied a false writing or document for 
use in an application for adjustment of status under this part.
    (6) Continuous physical presence means actual continuous presence in 
the United States since December 22, 1987, until filing of any 
application for adjustment of status. Aliens who were outside of the 
United States after enactment may apply for temporary residence if they 
reentered prior to March 21, 1988, provided they meet the continuous 
residence requirements, and are otherwise eligible for legalization.
    (7) Brief, casual, and innocent means a departure authorized by the 
Service (advance parole) subsequent to March 21, 1988, for not more than 
30 days for legitimate emergency or humanitarian purposes unless a 
further period of authorized departure has been granted in the 
discretion of the district director or a departure was beyond the 
alien's control.
    (8) Brief and casual means temporary trips abroad as long as the 
alien establishes a continuing intention to adjust to lawful permanent 
resident status. However, such absences must not exceed the specific 
periods of time required in order to maintain continuous residence.
    (9) Certain nationals of countries for which extended voluntary 
departure has

[[Page 711]]

been made available on the basis of a nationality group determination at 
any time during the 5-year period ending on November 1, 1987 is limited 
to nationals of Poland, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
    (10) Public cash assistance means income or need-based monetary 
assistance to include, but not limited to, supplemental security income 
received by the alien through federal, state, or local programs designed 
to meet subsistence levels. It does not include assistance in kind, such 
as food stamps, public housing, or other non-cash benefits, nor does it 
include work related compensation or certain types of medical assistance 
(Medicare, Medicaid, emergency treatment, services to pregnant women or 
children under 18 years of age, or treatment in the interest of public 
health).
    (11) Designated entity means any state, local, church, community, 
farm labor organization, voluntary organization, association of 
agricultural employers or individual determined by the Service to be 
qualified to assist aliens in the preparation of applications for 
legalization status.
    (12) Through the passage of time means through the expiration date 
of the nonimmigrant permission to remain in the United States, including 
any extensions and/or change of status.
    (13) Prima facie eligibility means eligibility is established if the 
applicant presents a completed I-687 and specific factual information 
which in the absence of rebuttal will establish a claim of eligibility 
under this part.
    (b) Application for temporary residence--(1) Application for 
temporary residence. (i) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, 
Ethiopia, or Afghanistan who has resided continuously in the United 
States since prior to July 2l, 1984, and who believes that he or she 
meets the eligibility requirements of section 245A of the Act must make 
application within the 21-month period beginning on March 21, 1988, and 
ending on December 22, 1989.
    (ii) An alien who fails to file an application for adjustment of 
status to that of a temporary resident under Sec.  245A.4 of this part 
during the time period, will be statutorily ineligible for such 
adjustment of status.
    (2) Eligibility (i) The following categories of aliens who are not 
otherwise excludable under section 212(a) of the Act are eligible to 
apply for status to that of a person admitted for temporary residence:
    (A) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, Ethiopia, or 
Afghanistan, (other than an alien who entered as a nonimmigrant) who 
establishes that he or she entered the United States prior to July 21, 
1984, and who has thereafter resided continuously in the United States, 
and who has been physically present in the United States from December 
22, 1987, until the date of filing the application.
    (B) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, Ethiopia, or 
Afghanistan, and establishes that he or she entered the United States as 
a nonimmigrant prior to July 21, 1984, and whose period of authorized 
admission expired through the passage of time prior to January 21, 1985, 
and who has thereafter resided continuously in the United States, and 
who has been physically present in the United States from December 22, 
1987, until the date of filing the application.
    (C) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, Ethiopia, or 
Afghanistan, and establishes that he or she entered the United States as 
a nonimmigrant prior to July 21, 1984, and who applied for asylum prior 
to July 21, 1984, and who has thereafter resided continuously in the 
United States, and who has been physically present in the United States 
from December 22, 1987, until the date of filing the application.
    (D) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, Ethiopia, or 
Afghanistan, who would otherwise be eligible for temporary resident 
status and who establishes that he or she resided continuously in the 
United States prior to July 21, 1984, and who subsequently reentered the 
United States as a nonimmigrant in order to return to an unrelinquished 
residence. An alien described in this paragraph must have received a 
waiver of 212(a)(19) as an alien who entered the United States by fraud.

[[Page 712]]

    (E) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, Ethiopia, or 
Afghanistan, and was a nonimmigrant who entered the United States in the 
classification A, A-1, A-2, G, G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4, for Duration of 
Status (D/S), and whose qualifying employment terminated or who ceased 
to be recognized by the Department of State as being entitled to such 
classification prior to January 21, 1985, and who thereafter continued 
to reside in the United States.
    (F) An alien who is a national of Poland, Uganda, Ethiopia, or 
Afghanistan, and who was a nonimmigrant who entered the United States as 
an F, F-1, or F-2 for Duration of Status (D/S), and who completed a full 
course of studies, including practical training (if any), and whose time 
period to depart the United States after completion of studies expired 
prior to January 21, 1985, and who has thereafter continued to reside in 
the United States. Those students placed in a nunc pro tunc retroactive 
student status which would otherwise preclude their eligibility for 
legalization under this section, must present evidence that they had 
otherwise terminated their status during the requisite time period. A 
dependent F-2 alien otherwise eligible who was admitted into the United 
States with a specific time period, as opposed to duration of status, 
documented on Service Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-Departure 
Record that extended beyond July 21, 1984 is considered eligible if the 
principal F-1 alien is found eligible.
    (3) Ineligible aliens. (i) An alien who has been convicted of a 
felony, or three or more misdemeanors.
    (ii) An alien who has assisted in the persecution of any person or 
persons on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion.
    (iii) An alien excludable under the provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act whose grounds of excludability may not be waived.
    (4) Documentation. Evidence to support an alien's eligibility for 
temporary residence status shall include documents establishing proof of 
identity, proof of nationality, proof of residence, and proof of 
financial responsibility, as well as photographs, a completed 
fingerprint card (Form FD-258), and a completed medical report of 
examination (Form I-693). All documentation submitted will be subject to 
Service verification. Applications submitted with unverifiable 
documentation may be denied. Failure by an applicant to authorize 
release to INS of information protected by the Privacy Act and/or 
related laws in order for INS to adjudicate a claim may result in denial 
of the benefit sought. Acceptable supporting documents for the four 
categories of documentation are discussed as follows:
    (i) Proof of identity. Evidence to establish identity is listed 
below in descending order of preference:
    (A) Passport;
    (B) Birth certificate;
    (C) Any national identity document from the alien's country of 
origin bearing photo and fingerprint;
    (D) Driver's license or similar document issued by a state if it 
contains a photo;
    (E) Baptismal Record/Marriage Certificate; or
    (F) Affidavits.
    (ii) Proof of nationality. Evidence to establish nationality is 
listed as follows:
    (A) Passport;
    (B) Birth certificate;
    (C) Any national identity document from the alien's country of 
origin bearing photo and fingerprint;
    (D) Other credible documents, including those created by, or in the 
possession of the INS, or any other documents (excluding affidavits) 
that, when taken singly, or together as a whole, establish the alien's 
nationality.
    (iii) Assumed names--(A) General. In cases where an applicant claims 
to have met any of the eligibility criteria under an assumed name, the 
applicant has the burden of proving that the applicant was in fact the 
person who used that name. The applicant's true identity is established 
pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (b)(4)(i) and (ii) of this 
section. The assumed name must appear in the documentation provided by 
the applicant to establish eligibility. To meet the requirement of this 
paragraph, documentation must be

[[Page 713]]

submitted to prove the common identity, i.e., that the assumed name was 
in fact used by the applicant.
    (B) Proof of common identity. The most persuasive evidence is a 
document issued in the assumed name which identifies the applicant by 
photograph, fingerprint, or detailed physical description. Other 
evidence which will be considered are affidavit(s) by a person or 
persons other than the applicant, made under oath, which identify the 
affiant by name and address, state the affiant's relationship to the 
applicant and the basis of the affiant's knowledge of the applicant's 
use of the assumed name. Affidavits accompanied by a photograph which 
has been identified by the affiant as the individual known to the 
affiant under the assumed name in question will carry greater weight.
    (iv) Proof of residence. Evidence to establish proof of continuous 
residence in the United States during the requisite period of time may 
consist of any combination of the following:
    (A) Past employment records, which may consist of pay stubs, W-2 
Forms, certification of the filing of Federal income tax returns on IRS 
Form 6166, a state verification of the filing of state income tax 
returns, letters from employer(s) or, if the applicant has been in 
business for himself or herself, letters from banks and other firms with 
whom he or she has done business. In all of the above, the name of the 
alien and the name of the employer or other interested organizations 
must appear on the form or letter, as well as relevant dates. Letters 
from employers should be on employer letterhead stationery, if the 
employer has such stationery, and must include:
    (1) Alien's address at the time of employment;
    (2) Exact period of employment;
    (3) Periods of layoff;
    (4) Duties with the company;
    (5) Whether or not the information was taken from official company 
records; and
    (6) Where records are located, whether the Service may have access 
to the records.

If the records are unavailable, an affidavit form letter stating that 
the alien's employment records are unavailable and why such records are 
unavailable may be accepted in lieu of paragraphs (b)(4)(iv)(A)(5) and 
(6) of this section. This affidavit form letter shall be signed, 
attested to by the employer under penalty of perjury, and shall state 
the employer's willingness to come forward and give testimony if 
requested.
    (B) Utility bills (gas, electric, phone, etc.) receipts, or letters 
from companies showing the dates during which the applicant received 
service are acceptable documentation.
    (C) School records (letters, report cards, etc.) from the schools 
that the applicant or his or her children have attended in the United 
States must show the name of school and periods of school attendance.
    (D) Hospital or medical records showing treatment or hospitalization 
of the applicant or his or her children must show the name of the 
medical facility or physician and the date(s) of the treatment or 
hospitalization.
    (E) Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations as to 
the applicant's residence by letter which:
    (1) Identify applicant by name;
    (2) Are signed by an official (whose title is shown);
    (3) Show inclusive dates of membership;
    (4) State the address where applicant resided during membership 
period;
    (5) Include the seal of the organization impressed on the letter or 
the letterhead of the organization, if the organization has letterhead 
stationery;
    (6) Establish how the author knows the applicant; and
    (7) Establish the origin of the information being attested to.
    (F) Additional documents to support the applicant's claim may 
include:
    (1) Money order receipts for money sent into or out of the country;
    (2) Passport entries;
    (3) Birth certificates of children born in the United States;
    (4) Bank books with dated transactions;
    (5) Letters or correspondence between applicant and other person or 
organization;
    (6) Social Security card;
    (7) Selective Service card;
    (8) Automobile license receipts, title, vehicle registration, etc.;

[[Page 714]]

    (9) Deeds, mortgages, contracts to which applicant has been a party;
    (10) Tax receipts;
    (11) Insurance policies, receipts, or letters; and
    (12) Any other relevant document.
    (v) Proof of financial responsibility. An applicant for adjustment 
of status under this part is subject to the provisions of section 
212(a)(15) of the Act relating to excludability of aliens likely to 
become public charges. Generally, the evidence of employment submitted 
under paragraph (b)(4)(iv)(A) of this section will serve to demonstrate 
the alien's financial responsibility during the documented period(s) of 
employment. If the alien's period(s) of residence in the United States 
include significant gaps in employment or if there is reason to believe 
that the alien may have received public assistance while employed, the 
alien may be required to provide proof that he or she has not received 
public cash assistance. An applicant for residence who is determined 
likely to become a public charge and is unable to overcome this 
determination after application of the Special Rule under paragraph 
(b)(11)(iv)(C) of this section will be denied adjustment. The burden of 
proof to demonstrate the inapplicability of this provision of law lies 
with the applicant who may provide:
    (A) Evidence of a history of employment (i.e., employment letter, W-
2 forms, income tax returns, etc.);
    (B) Evidence that he/she is self-supporting (i.e., bank statements, 
stocks, other assets, etc.); or
    (C) Form I-134. Affidavit of Support, completed by a spouse on 
behalf of the applicant and/or children of the applicant or a parent in 
behalf of children which guarantees complete or partial financial 
support. Acceptance of the Affidavit of Support shall be extended to 
other family members in unusual family circumstances.

Generally, the evidence of employment submitted under paragraph 
(b)(4)(iv)(A) of this section will serve to demonstrate the alien's 
financial responsibility during the documented period(s) of employment. 
If the alien's period(s) of residence in the United States include 
significant gaps in employment or if there is reason to believe that the 
alien may have received public assistance while employed, the alien may 
be required to provide proof that he or she has not received public cash 
assistance. An applicant for residence who is likely to become a public 
charge will be denied adjustment.
    (vi) Burden of proof. An alien applying for adjustment of status 
under this part has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the 
evidence that he or she has resided in the United States for the 
requisite periods, is admissible to the United States under the 
provisions of section 245A of the Act, and is otherwise eligible for 
adjustment of status under this section. The inference to be drawn from 
the documentation provided shall depend on the extent of the 
documentation, its credibility and amenability to verification.
    (vii) Evidence. The sufficiency of all evidence produced by the 
applicant will be judged according to its probative value and 
credibility. To meet his or her burden of proof, an applicant must 
provide evidence of eligibility apart from his or her own testimony. In 
judging the probative value and credibility of the evidence submitted, 
greater weight will be given to the submission of original 
documentation.
    (5) Filing of application. (i) The application must be filed on Form 
I-687 at an office of a designated entity or at a Service office within 
the jurisdiction of the district where the applicant resides. If the 
application is filed with a designated entity, the alien must have 
consented to having the designated entity forward the application to the 
Service office. In the case of applications filed at a Service office, 
the district director may, at his or her discretion:
    (A) Require the applicant to file the application in person; or
    (B) Require the applicant to file the application by mail; or
    (C) Permit the filing of applications whether by mail or in person.

The applicant must appear for a personal interview at the Service office 
as scheduled. If the applicant is 14 years of age or older, the 
application must be accompanied by a completed Form FD-258 (Applicant 
Card).
    (ii) At the time of the interview, whenever possible, original 
documents

[[Page 715]]

must be submitted except the following: Official government records; 
employment or employment-related records maintained by employers, union, 
or collective bargaining organizations; medical records; school records 
maintained by a school or school board; or other records maintained by a 
party other than the applicant. Copies of records maintained by parties 
other than the applicant which are submitted in evidence must be 
certified as true and correct by such parties and must bear their seal 
or signature or the signature and title of persons authorized to act in 
their behalf. If at the time of the interview the return of the original 
document is desired by the applicant, the document must be accompanied 
by notarized copies or copies certified true and correct by a qualified 
designated entity or by the alien's representative in the format 
prescribed in Sec.  204.2(j)(1) or (2) of this chapter. At the 
discretion of the district director, original documents, even if 
accompanied by certified copies, may be temporarily retained for 
forensic examination by the Document Analysis Unit at the Regional 
Processing Facility having jurisdiction over the Service office to which 
the documents were submitted.
    (iii) A separate application must be filed by each applicant with 
the fees required by 8 CFR 106.2.
    (6) Filing date of application. The date the alien submits a 
completed application to a Service office or designated entity shall be 
considered the filing date of the application, provided that in the case 
of an application filed at a designated entity the alien has consented 
to having the designated entity forward the application to the Service 
office having jurisdiction over the location of the alien's residence. 
Designated entities are required to forward completed applications to 
the appropriate Service office within 60 days of receipt.
    (7) Selective Service registration. At the time of filing an 
application under this section, male applicants over the age of 17 and 
under the age of 26, are required to be registered under the Military 
Selective Service Act. An applicant shall present evidence that he has 
previously registered under that Act in the form of a letter of 
acknowledgement from the Selective Service System, or such alien shall 
present a completed and signed Form SSS-1 at the time of filing Form I-
687 with the Immigration and Naturalization Service or a designated 
entity. Form SSS-1 will be forwarded to the Selective Service System by 
the Service.
    (8) Continuous residence. (i) For the purpose of this Act, an 
applicant for temporary residence status shall be regarded as having 
resided continuously in the United States if, at the time of filing of 
the application:
    (A) No single absence from the United States has exceeded 45 days, 
and the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded 180 days between July 
2l, 1984, through the date the application for temporary resident status 
is filed, unless the alien can establish that due to emergent reasons, 
his or her return to the United States could not be accomplished within 
the time period allowed;
    (B) The alien was maintaining a residence in the United States; and
    (C) The alien's departure from the United States was not based on an 
order of deportation.
    (ii) An alien who has been absent from the United States in 
accordance with the Service's advance parole procedures shall not be 
considered as having interrupted his or her continuous residence as 
required at the time of filing an application under this section.
    (9) Medical examination. (i) An applicant under this part shall be 
required to submit to an examination by a designated civil surgeon at no 
expense to the government. The designated civil surgeon shall report on 
the findings of the mental and physical condition of the applicant and 
the determination of the alien's immunization status on Form I-693, 
``Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status, (Pub. L. 
99-603)''. Results of the medical examination must be presented to the 
Service at the time of interview and shall be incorporated into the 
record. Any applicant certified under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4) or 
(5) of section 212(a) of the Act may appeal to a Board of Medical 
Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service as provided in

[[Page 716]]

section 234 of the Act and part 235 of this chapter.
    (ii) All applicants who file for temporary resident status are 
required to include the results of a serological test for the HIV virus 
on the I-693. All HIV-positive applicants shall be advised that a waiver 
is available and shall be provided with the opportunity to apply for a 
waiver.
    (10) Interview. Each applicant, regardless of age, must appear at 
the appropriate Service office and must be fingerprinted for the purpose 
of issuance of an employment authorization document and Form I-688. Each 
applicant shall be interviewed by an immigration officer, except that 
the interview may be waived for a child under 14 years of age, or when 
it is impractical because of the health or advanced age of the 
applicant.
    (11) Applicability of exclusion grounds--(i) Grounds of exclusion 
not to be applied. Paragraphs (14), (workers entering without labor 
certification); (20), (immigrants not in possession of a valid entry 
document); (21), (visas issued without compliance with section 203); 
(25), (illiterates); and (32) (graduates of non-accredited medical 
schools) of section 212(a) of the Act shall not apply to applicants for 
temporary resident status.
    (ii) Waiver of grounds of exclusion. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(11)(iii) of this section, the Attorney General may waive any other 
provision of section 212(a) of the Act only in the case of individual 
aliens for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when the 
granting of such a waiver is in the public interest. If an alien is 
excludable on grounds which may be waived as set forth in this 
paragraph, he or she shall be advised of the procedures for applying for 
a waiver of grounds of excludability on Form I-690. When an application 
for waiver of grounds of excludability is filed jointly with an 
application for temporary residence under this section, it shall be 
accepted for processing at the Service office. If an application for 
waiver of grounds of excludability is submitted after the alien's 
preliminary interview at the Service office, it shall be forwarded to 
the appropriate Regional Processing Facility. All applications for 
waivers of grounds of excludability must be accompanied by the correct 
fee in the exact amount. All fees for applications filed in the United 
States must be in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or bank 
check. No personal checks or currency will be accepted. Fees will not be 
waived or refunded under any circumstances. An application for waiver of 
grounds of excludability under this part shall be approved or denied by 
the director of the Regional Processing Facility in whose jurisdiction 
the alien's application for adjustment of status was filed except that 
in cases involving clear statutory ineligibility or fraud, such 
application may be denied by the district director in whose jurisdiction 
the application is filed, and in cases returned to a Service office for 
re-interview, such application may be approved at the discretion of the 
district director. The applicant shall be notified of the decision and, 
if the application is denied, of the reason therefore. Appeal from an 
adverse decision under this part may be taken by the applicant on Form 
I-694 within 30 days after the service of the notice only to the 
Service's Administrative Appeals Unit pursuant to the provisions of 
section 103.3(a) of this chapter.
    (iii) Grounds of exclusion that may not be waived. Notwithstanding 
any other provision of the Act, the following provisions of section 
212(a) may not be waived by the Attorney General under paragraph 
(b)(11)(ii) of this section:
    (A) Paragraphs (9) and (10) (criminals);
    (B) Paragraph (23) (narcotics) except for a single offense of simple 
possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana;
    (C) Paragraphs (27) (prejudicial to the public interest), (28) 
(communist), and (29) (subversive);
    (D) Paragraph (33) (participated in Nazi persecution).
    (iv) Determination of Likely to become a public charge and the 
special rule. (A) Prior to use of the special rule for determination of 
public charge, an alien must first be determined to be excludable under 
section 212(a)(15) of the Act. If the applicant is determined to be 
likely to become a public charge, he or she may still be admissible 
under the terms of the Special Rule.

[[Page 717]]

    (B) In determining whether an alien is likely to become a public 
charge, financial responsibility of the alien is to be established by 
examining the totality of the alien's circumstances at the time of his 
or her application for legalization. The existence or absence of a 
particular factor should never be the sole criterion for determining if 
an alien is likely to become a public charge. The determination of 
financial responsibility should be a prospective evaluation based on the 
alien's age, health, income and vocation.
    (C) An alien who has a consistent employment history which shows the 
ability to support himself or herself even though his or her income may 
be below the poverty level may be admissible under this section. The 
alien's employment history need not be continuous in that it is 
uninterrupted. It should be continuous in the sense that the alien shall 
be regularly attached to the workforce, has an income over a substantial 
period of the applicable time, and has demonstrated the capacity to 
exist on his or her income without recourse to public cash assistance. 
The Special Rule is prospective in that the Service shall determine, 
based on the alien's history, whether he or she is likely to become a 
public charge. Past acceptance of public cash assistance within a 
history of consistent employment will enter into this decision. The 
weight given in considering applicability of the public charge 
provisions will depend on many factors, but the length of time an 
applicant has received public cash assistance will constitute a 
significant factor. It is not necessary to file a waiver in order to 
apply the Special Rule for Determination of Public Charge.
    (v) Public assistance and criminal history verification. 
Declarations by an applicant that he or she has not been the recipient 
of public cash assistance and/or has not had a criminal record are 
subject to a verification of facts by the Service. The applicant must 
agree to fully cooperate in the verification process. Failure to assist 
the Service in verifying information necessary for the adjudication of 
the application may result in a denial of the application.
    (12) Continuous physical presence since December 22, 1987. (i) An 
alien applying for adjustment to temporary resident status must 
establish that he or she has been continuously physically present in the 
United States since December 22, 1987. Aliens who were outside of the 
United States on the date of enactment or departed the United States 
after enactment may apply for legalization if they reentered prior to 
March 21, 1988, and meet the continuous residence requirements and are 
otherwise eligible for legalization.
    (ii) A brief, casual and innocent absence means a departure 
authorized by the Service (advance parole) subsequent to March 21, 1988, 
of not more than thirty (30) days for legitimate emergency or 
humanitarian purposes unless a further period of authorized departure 
has been granted in the discretion of the district director or a 
departure was beyond the alien's control.
    (13) Departure. (i) During the time period from the date that an 
alien's application establishing prima facie eligibility for temporary 
resident status is reviewed at a Service office and the date status as a 
temporary resident is granted, the alien applicant can be readmitted to 
the United States provided his or her departure was authorized under the 
Service's advance parole provisions contained in Sec.  212.5(f) of this 
chapter.
    (ii) An alien whose application for temporary resident status has 
been approved may be admitted to the United States upon return as a 
returning temporary resident provided he or she:
    (A) Is not under deportation proceedings, such proceedings having 
been instituted subsequent to the approval of temporary resident status. 
A temporary resident alien will not be considered deported if that alien 
departs the United States while under an outstanding order of 
deportation issued prior to the approval of temporary resident status;
    (B) Has not been absent from the United States for more than 30 days 
on the date application for admission is made;
    (C) Has not been absent from the United States for an aggregate 
period of more than 90 days since the date the alien was granted lawful 
temporary resident status;
    (D) Presents Form I-688;

[[Page 718]]

    (E) Presents himself or herself for inspection; and
    (F) Is otherwise admissible.
    (iii) The periods of time in paragraphs (b)(13)(ii)(B) and (C) of 
this section may be waived at the discretion of the Attorney General in 
cases where the absence from the United States was due merely to a brief 
and casual trip abroad due to emergent or extenuating circumstances 
beyond the alien's control.
    (14) Employment and travel authorization--(i) General. Authorization 
for employment and travel abroad for temporary resident status 
applicants under this section may be granted only by a Service office. 
INS district directors will determine the Service location for the 
completion of processing travel documentation. In the case of an 
application which has been filed with a designated entity, employment 
authorization may be granted by the Service only after the application 
has been properly received at the Service office.
    (ii) Employment and travel authorization prior to the granting of 
temporary resident status. (A) Permission to travel abroad and accept 
employment may be granted to the applicant after an interview has been 
conducted in connection with an application establishing prima facie 
eligibility for temporary resident status. Permission to travel abroad 
may be granted in emergent circumstances in accordance with the 
Service's advance parole provisions contained in Sec.  212.5(f) of this 
chapter after an interview has been conducted in connection with an 
application establishing prima facie eligibility for temporary resident 
status.
    (B) If an appointment cannot be scheduled within 30 days, 
authorization to accept employment will be granted, valid until the 
scheduled appointment date. The appointment letter will be endorsed with 
the temporary employment authorization. An employment authorization 
document will be given to the applicant after an interview has been 
completed by an immigration officer unless a formal denial is issued by 
a Service office. This temporary employment authorization will be 
restricted to six-months duration, pending final determination on the 
application for temporary resident status.
    (iii) Employment and travel authorization upon grant of temporary 
resident status. Upon grant of an application for adjustment to 
temporary resident status by a Regional Processing Facility, the 
processing facility will forward a notice of approval to the alien at 
his or her last known address, or to his or her legal representative. 
The alien will be required to return to the appropriate INS office, 
surrender the I-688A or employment authorization document previously 
issued, and obtain Form I-688, Temporary Resident Card, authorizing 
employment and travel abroad.
    (iv) Revocation of employment authorization upon denial of temporary 
resident status. Upon denial of an application for adjustment to 
temporary resident status, the alien will be notified that if a timely 
appeal is not submitted, employment authorization shall be automatically 
revoked on the final day of the appeal period. An applicant whose appeal 
period has ended is no longer considered to be an Eligible Legalized 
Alien for the purposes of the administration of State Legalization 
Impact Assistance Grants (SLIAG) funding.
    (15) Decision. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the 
decision. If the application is denied, the reason(s) for the decision 
shall be provided to the applicant. An appeal from an adverse decision 
under this part may be taken by the applicant on Form I-694.
    (16) Appeal process. An adverse decision under this part may be 
appealed to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative 
Appeals Unit), the appellate authority designated in Sec.  103.1(f)(2). 
Any appeal shall be submitted to the Regional Processing Facility (RPF) 
with the required fee within 30 days after service of the Notice of 
Denial in accordance with the procedures of Sec.  103.3(a) of this 
chapter. An appeal received after the 30-day period will not be 
accepted. The 30-day period for submission of an appeal begins three 
days after the Notice of Denial is mailed as provided in 8 CFR 103.8(b). 
If a review of the Record of Proceeding (ROP) is requested by the alien 
or his or her legal representative and an appeal has been properly 
filed, an additional 30 days will be allowed for this review beginning 
at the time the ROP is mailed. A brief may be submitted

[[Page 719]]

with the appeal form or submitted up to 30 calendar days from the date 
of receipt of the appeal form at the RPF. Briefs filed after submission 
of the appeal should be mailed directly to the RPF. For good cause 
shown, the time within which a brief supporting an appeal may be 
submitted may be extended by the Director of the Regional Processing 
Facility.
    (17) Motions. The Regional Processing Facility director may sua 
sponte reopen and reconsider any adverse decision. When an appeal to the 
Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative Appeals Unit) has 
been filed, the INS director of the Regional Processing Facility may 
issue a new decision granting the benefit which has been requested. The 
director's new decision must be served on the appealing party within 45 
days of receipt of any briefs and/or new evidence, or upon expiration of 
the time allowed for the submission of any briefs. Motions to reopen a 
proceeding or reconsider a decision shall not be considered under this 
part.
    (18) Certifications. The Regional Processing Facility director may, 
in accordance with Sec.  103.4 of this chapter, certify a decision to 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative Appeals Unit) 
when the case involves an unusually complex or novel question of law or 
fact. The decision on an appealed case subsequently remanded to the 
Regional Processing Facility director will be certified to the 
Administrative Appeals Unit.
    (19) Date of adjustment to temporary residence. The status of an 
alien whose application for temporary resident status is approved shall 
be adjusted to that of a lawful temporary resident as of the date 
indicated on the application fee receipt issued at the Service office.
    (20) Termination of temporary resident status--(i) Termination of 
temporary resident status (General). The status of an alien lawfully 
admitted for temporary residence under Sec.  245a.4 of this part may be 
terminated at any time. It is not necessary that a final order of 
deportation be entered in order to terminate temporary resident status. 
The temporary resident status may be terminated upon the occurrence of 
any of the following:
    (A) It is determined that the alien was ineligible for temporary 
residence under Sec.  245a.4 of this part;
    (B) The alien commits an act which renders him or her inadmissible 
as an immigrant unless a waiver is obtained, as provided in this part;
    (C) The alien is convicted of any felony, or three or more 
misdemeanors;
    (D) The alien fails to file for adjustment of status from temporary 
resident to permanent resident within 31 months of the date he or she 
was granted status as a temporary resident.
    (ii) Procedure. Termination of an alien's status will be made only 
on notice to the alien sent by certified mail directed to his or her 
last known address, and, if applicable, to his or her representative. 
The alien must be given an opportunity to offer evidence in opposition 
to the grounds alleged for termination of his or her status. Evidence in 
opposition must be submitted within 30 days after the service of the 
Notice of Intent to Terminate. If the alien's status is terminated, the 
director of the Regional Processing Facility shall notify the alien of 
the decision and the reason for the termination, and further notify the 
alien that any Service Form issued to the alien authorizing employment 
and/or travel abroad, or any Form I-688, Temporary Resident Card 
previously issued to the alien will be declared void by the director of 
the Regional Processing Facility within 30 days if no appeal of the 
termination decision is filed within that period. The alien may appeal 
the decision to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations (Administrative 
Appeals Unit). Any appeal along with the required fee, shall be filed 
with the Regional Processing Facility within 30 days after the service 
of the notice of termination. If no appeal is filed within that period, 
the official Service document shall be deemed void, and must be 
surrendered without delay to an immigration officer or to the issuing 
office of the Service.

[[Page 720]]

    (iii) Termination not construed as rescission under section 246. For 
the purposes of this part the phrase termination of status of an alien 
granted lawful temporary residence under this section shall not be 
construed to necessitate a rescission of status as described in section 
246 of the Act, and the proceedings required by the regulations issued 
thereunder shall not apply.
    (iv) Return to unlawful status after termination. Termination of the 
status of any alien previously adjusted to lawful temporary residence 
shall act to return such alien to the status held prior to the 
adjustment, and render him or her amenable to exclusion or deportation 
proceedings under sections 236 or 242 of the Act, as appropriate.
    (21) Ineligibility for immigration benefits. An alien whose status 
is adjusted to that of a lawful temporary resident under Sec.  245a.4 of 
this part is not entitled to submit a petition pursuant to section 
203(a)(2), nor is such alien entitled to any other benefit or 
consideration accorded under the Act to aliens lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence.
    (22) Declaration of intending citizen. An alien who has been granted 
the status of temporary resident under Sec.  245a.4 of this part may 
assert a claim of discrimination on the basis of citizenship status 
under section 274B of the Act only if he or she has previously filed 
Form I-772 (Declaration of Intending Citizen) after being granted such 
status. The Declaration of Intending Citizen is not required as a basis 
for filing a petition for naturalization; nor shall it be regarded as a 
right to United States citizenship; nor shall it be regarded as evidence 
of a person's status as a resident.
    (23) Limitation on access to information and confidentiality. (i) No 
person other than a sworn officer or employee of the Department of 
Justice or bureau or agency thereof, will be permitted to examine 
individual applications. For purposes of this part, any individual 
employed under contract by the Service to work in connection with the 
Legalization Program shall be considered an employee of the Department 
of Justice or bureau or agency thereof.
    (ii) No information furnished pursuant to an application for 
temporary or permanent resident status under this section shall be used 
for any purpose except:
    (A) To make a determination on the application; or,
    (B) for the enforcement of the provisions encompassed in section 
245A(c)(6) of the Act, except as provided in paragraph (b)(23)(iii) of 
this section.
    (iii) If a determination is made by the Service that the alien has, 
in connection with his or her application, engaged in fraud or willful 
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, knowingly provided 
a false writing or document in making his or her application, knowingly 
made a false statement or representation, or engaged in any other 
activity prohibited by section 245A(c)(6) of the Act, the Service shall 
refer the matter to the United States Attorney for prosecution of the 
alien or of any person who created or supplied a false writing or 
document for use in an application for adjustment of status under this 
part.
    (iv) Information contained in granted legalization files may be used 
by the Service at a later date to make a decision on an immigrant visa 
petition (or other status petition) filed by the applicant under section 
204(a), or for naturalization applications submitted by the applicant.
    (c) Adjustment from temporary to permanent resident status. The 
provisions of Sec.  245a.3 of this part shall be applied to aliens 
adjusting to permanent residence under this part.

[54 FR 6505, Feb. 13, 1989, as amended at 54 FR 29455, July 12, 1989; 54 
FR 47676, Nov. 16, 1989; 60 FR 21976, May 4, 1995; 65 FR 82256, Dec. 28, 
2000; 76 FR 53794, Aug. 29, 2011; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013; 85 FR 
46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.5  Temporary disqualification of certain newly legalized aliens 
from receiving benefits from programs of financial assistance furnished under 
federal law.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  245a.5(b), any alien who has 
obtained the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary 
residence pursuant to section 245A of the Act (Adjustment of Status of 
Certain Entrants Before January 1, 1982, to that of Person Admitted for 
Lawful Residence) or 210A of the Act (Determinations of Agricultural 
Labor Shortages and Admission of Additional

[[Page 721]]

Special Agricultural Workers) is ineligible, for a period of five years 
from the date such status was obtained, for benefits financed directly 
or indirectly, in whole or in part, through the programs identified in 
Sec.  245a.5(c) of this chapter.
    (b)(1) Section 245a.5(a) shall not apply to a Cuban or Haitian 
entrant (as defined in paragraph (1) or (2)(A) of section 501(e) of 
Public Law 96-422, as in effect on April 1, 1983), or in the case of 
assistance (other than aid to families with dependent children) which is 
furnished to an alien who is an aged, blind, or disabled individual (as 
defined in section 1614(a)(1) of the Social Security Act).
    (2) With respect to any alien who has obtained the status of an 
alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence pursuant to section 210A 
of the Act only, assistance furnished under the Legal Services 
Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 2996, et seq.) or title V of the Housing Act 
of 1949 (42 U.S.C. l471 et seq.) shall not be construed to be financial 
assistance referred to in Sec.  245a.5(a).
    (3) Section 245a.5(a) shall not apply to benefits financed through 
the programs identified in Sec.  245a.5(c), which are marked with an 
asterisk (*), except to the extent that such benefits:
    (i) Consist of, or are financed by, financial assistance in the form 
of grants, wages, loan, loan guarantees, or otherwise, which is 
furnished by the Federal Government directly, or indirectly through a 
State or local government or a private entity, to eligible individuals 
or to private suppliers of goods or services to such individuals, or is 
furnished to a State or local government that provides to such 
individuals goods or services of a kind that is offered by private 
suppliers, and
    (ii) Are targeted to individuals in financial need; either (A) in 
order to be eligible, individuals must establish that their income or 
wealth is below some maximum level, or, with respect to certain loan or 
loan guarantee programs, that they are unable to obtain financing from 
alternative sources, or at prevailing interest rates, or at rates that 
would permit the achievement of program goals, or (B) distribution of 
assistance is directed, geographically or otherwise, in a way that is 
intended to primarily benefit persons in financial need, as evidenced by 
references to such intent in the authorizing legislation.
    (c) The programs of Federal financial assistance referred to in 
Sec.  245a.5(a) are those identified in the list set forth below. The 
General Services Administration (GSA) Program Numbers set forth in the 
right column of the program list refer to the program identification 
numbers used in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, published by 
the United States General Services Administration, as updated through 
December, 1986.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   GSA
                                                                 Program
                                                                 Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Agriculture:
    Farm Operating Loans......................................    10.406
    Farm Ownership Loans......................................    10.407
Department of Health and Human Services:
    Assistance Payments--Maintenance Assistance (Maintenance      13.780
     Assistance; Emergency Assistance; State Aid; Aid to
     Families with Dependent Children)........................
    Low-Income Home Energy Assistance.........................    13.789
    *Community Services Block Grant...........................    13.792
    *Community Services Block Grant--Discretionary Awards.....    13.793
Department of Housing and Urban Development:
    Mortgage Insurance--Housing in Older, Declining Areas         14.123
     (223(e)).................................................
    Mortgage Insurance--Special Credit Risks (237)............    14.140
    *Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants....    14.218
    *Community Development Block Grants/Small Cities Program      14.219
     (Small Cities)...........................................
    Section 312 Rehabilitation Loans (312)....................    14.220
    *Urban development action grants..........................    14.221
    *Community Development Block Grants/State's Program.......    14.228
    Section 221(d)(3) Mortgage Insurance for Multifamily          14.136
     Rental Housing for Low and Moderate Income Families
     (Below Market Interest Rate).............................
Department of Labor:
    Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).......    17.235
Office of Personnel Management:
    Federal Employment for Disadvantaged Youth--Part-Time         27.003
     (Stay-in-School Program).................................
    Federal Employment for Disadvantaged Youth--Summer (Summer    27.004
     Aides)...................................................
Small Business Administration:
    Small Business Loans (7(a) Loans).........................    59.012
Department of Energy:
    Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons..........    81.042
Department of Education:
    Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowships (Graduate and             84.094
     Professional Study; Graduate and Professional Study
     Opportunity Fellowships; Public Service Education
     Fellowships).............................................

[[Page 722]]

 
    Legal Training for the Disadvantaged (The American Bar        84.136
     Association Fund for Public Education)...................
    Allen J. Ellender Fellowship Program (Ellender Fellowship)    84.148
Legal Services Corporation:
    Payments to Legal Services Corporation....................  ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[54 FR 29437, July 12, 1989, as amended at 54 FR 49964, Dec. 4, 1989]



Sec.  245a.6  Treatment of denied application under part 245a, Subpart B.

    If the district director finds that an eligible alien as defined at 
Sec.  245a.10 has not established eligibility under section 1104 of the 
LIFE Act (part 245a, Subpart B), the district director shall consider 
whether the eligible alien has established eligibility for adjustment to 
temporary resident status under section 245A of the Act, as in effect 
before enactment of section 1104 of the LIFE Act (part 245a, Subpart A). 
In such an adjudication using this Subpart A, the district director will 
deem the ``date of filing the application'' to be the date the eligible 
alien establishes that he or she was ``front-desked'' or that, though he 
or she took concrete steps to apply, the front-desking policy was a 
substantial cause of his or her failure to apply. If the eligible alien 
has established eligibility for adjustment to temporary resident status, 
the LIFE Legalization application shall be deemed converted to an 
application for temporary residence under this Subpart A.

[67 FR 38350, June 4, 2002]



   Subpart B_Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act Legalization 
                               Provisions

    Source: 66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  245a.10  Definitions.

    In this Subpart B, the terms:
    Eligible alien means an alien (including a spouse or child as 
defined at section 101(b)(1) of the Act of the alien who was such as of 
the date the alien alleges that he or she attempted to file or was 
discouraged from filing an application for legalization during the 
original application period) who, before October 1, 2000, filed with the 
Attorney General a written claim for class membership, with or without 
filing fee, pursuant to a court order issued in the case of:
    (1) Catholic Social Services, Inc. v. Meese, vacated sub nom. Reno 
v. Catholic Social Services, Inc., 509 U.S. 43 (1993) (CSS);
    (2) League of United Latin American Citizens v. INS, vacated sub 
nom. Reno v. Catholic Social Services, Inc., 509 U.S. 43 (1993) (LULAC); 
or
    (3) Zambrano v. INS, vacated, 509 U.S. 918 (1993) (Zambrano).
    Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) means the status of having been 
lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United 
States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such 
status not having changed.
    LIFE Act means the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act and the LIFE 
Act Amendments of 2000.
    LIFE Legalization means the provisions of section 1104 of the LIFE 
Act and section 1503 of the LIFE Act Amendments.
    Prima facie means eligibility is established if an ``eligible 
alien'' presents a properly filed and completed Form I-485 and specific 
factual information which in the absence of rebuttal will establish a 
claim of eligibility under this Subpart B.
    Written claim for class membership means a filing, in writing, in 
one of the forms listed in Sec.  245a.14 that provides the Attorney 
General with notice that the applicant meets the class definition in the 
cases of CSS, LULAC or Zambrano.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38350, June 4, 2002; 67 
FR 66532, Nov. 1, 2002]



Sec.  245a.11  Eligibility to adjust to LPR status.

    An eligible alien, as defined in Sec.  245a.10, may adjust status to 
LPR status under LIFE Legalization if:
    (a) He or she properly files, with fee, Form I-485, Application to 
Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the Service during 
the application period beginning June 1, 2001, and ending June 4, 2003.

[[Page 723]]

    (b) He or she entered the United States before January 1, 1982, and 
resided continuously in the United States in an unlawful status since 
that date through May 4, 1988;
    (c) He or she was continuously physically present in the United 
States during the period beginning on November 6, 1986, and ending on 
May 4, 1988;
    (d) He or she is not inadmissible to the United States for permanent 
residence under any provisions of section 212(a) of the Act, except as 
provided in Sec.  245a.18, and that he or she:
    (1) Has not been convicted of any felony or of three or more 
misdemeanors committed in the United States;
    (2) Has not assisted in the persecution of any person or persons on 
account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social group, or political opinion; and
    (3) Is registered or registering under the Military Selective 
Service Act, if the alien is required to be so registered; and
    (e) He or she can demonstrate basic citizenship skills.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38350, June 4, 2002]



Sec.  245a.12  Filing and applications.

    (a) When to file. The application period began on June 1, 2001, and 
ends on June 4, 2003. To benefit from the provisions of LIFE 
Legalization, an alien must properly file an application for adjustment 
of status, Form I-485, with appropriate fee, to the Service during the 
application period as described in this section. All applications, 
whether filed in the United States or filed from abroad, must be 
postmarked on or before June 4, 2003, to be considered timely filed.
    (1) If the postmark is illegible or missing, and the application was 
mailed from within the United States, the Service will consider the 
application to be timely filed if it is received on or before June 9, 
2003.
    (2) If the postmark is illegible or missing, and the application was 
mailed from outside the United States, the Service will consider the 
application to be timely filed if it is received on or before June 18, 
2003.
    (3) If the postmark is made by other than the United States Post 
Office, and is filed from within the United States, the application must 
bear a date on or before June 4, 2003, and must be received on or before 
June 9, 2003.
    (4) If an application filed from within the United States bears a 
postmark that was made by other than the United States Post Office, 
bears a date on or before June 4, 2003, and is received after June 9, 
2003, the alien must establish:
    (i) That the application was actually deposited in the mail before 
the last collection of the mail from the place of deposit that was 
postmarked by the United States Post Office June 4, 2003; and
    (ii) That the delay in receiving the application was due to a delay 
in the transmission of the mail; and
    (iii) The cause of such delay.
    (5) If an application filed from within the United States bears both 
a postmark that was made by other than the United States Post Office and 
a postmark that was made by the United States Post Office, the Service 
shall disregard the postmark that was made by other than the United 
States Post Office.
    (6) If an application filed from abroad bears both a foreign 
postmark and a postmark that was subsequently made by the United States 
Post Office, the Service shall disregard the postmark that was made by 
the United States Post Office.
    (7) In all instances, the burden of proof is on the applicant to 
establish timely filing of an application for LIFE Legalization.
    (b) Filing of applications in the United States. The Service has 
jurisdiction over all applications for the benefits of LIFE Legalization 
under this Subpart B. All applications filed with the Service for the 
benefits of LIFE Legalization must be submitted by mail to the Service. 
After proper filing of the application, the Service will instruct the 
applicant to appear for fingerprinting as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.16. 
The Director of the National Benefit Center shall have jurisdiction over 
all applications filed with the Service for LIFE Legalization adjustment 
of status, unless the Director refers the applicant for a personal 
interview at a local Service office as provided in Sec.  245a.19.

[[Page 724]]

    (1) Aliens in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, or who 
have a pending motion to reopen or motion to reconsider. An alien who is 
prima facie eligible for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization 
who is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings before the 
Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board), or who is 
awaiting adjudication of a motion to reopen or motion to reconsider 
filed with the Immigration Court of the Board, may request that the 
proceedings be administratively closed or that the motion filed be 
indefinitely continued, in order to allow the alien to pursue a LIFE 
Legalization application with the Service. In the request to 
administratively close the matter or indefinitely continue the motion, 
the alien must include documents demonstrating prima facie eligibility 
for the relief, and proof that the application for relief had been 
properly filed with the Service as prescribed in this section. With the 
concurrence of Service counsel, if the alien appears eligible to file 
for relief under LIFE Legalization, the Immigration Court or the Board, 
whichever has jurisdiction, shall administratively close the proceeding 
or continue the motion indefinitely.
    (2) If an alien has a matter before the Immigration Court or the 
Board that has been administratively closed for reasons unrelated to 
this Subpart B, the alien may apply before the Service for LIFE 
Legalization adjustment of status.
    (3) Aliens with final orders of exclusion, deportation, or removal. 
An alien, who is prima facie eligible for adjustment of status under 
LIFE Legalization, and who is subject to a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal, may apply to the Service for LIFE Legalization 
adjustment.
    (c) Filing of applications from outside the United States. An 
applicant for LIFE Legalization may file an application for LIFE 
Legalization from abroad. An application for LIFE Legalization filed 
from outside the United States shall be submitted by mail to the Service 
according to the instructions on the application. The National Benefit 
Center Director shall have jurisdiction over all applications filed with 
the Service for LIFE Legalization adjustment of status. After reviewing 
the application and all evidence with the application, the Service shall 
notify the applicant of any further requests for evidence regarding the 
application and, if eligible, how an interview will be conducted.
    (d) Application and supporting documentation. Each applicant for 
LIFE Legalization adjustment of status must submit the form prescribed 
by USCIS completed in accordance with the form instructions accompanied 
by the required evidence.
    (1) The Form I-485 application fee as contained in 8 CFR 106.2.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Evidence to establish identity, such as a passport, birth 
certificate, any national identity document from the alien's country of 
origin bearing photo and fingerprint, driver's license or similar 
document issued by a state if it contains a photo, or baptismal record/
marriage certificate.
    (4) [Reserved]
    (5) A report of medical examination, as specified in Sec.  245.5 of 
this chapter.
    (6) [Reserved]
    (7) Proof of application for class membership in CSS, LULAC, or 
Zambrano class action lawsuits as described in Sec.  245a.14.
    (8) Proof of continuous residence in an unlawful status since prior 
to January 1, 1982, through May 4, 1988, as described in Sec.  245a.15.
    (9) Proof of continuous physical presence from November 6, 1986, 
through May 4, 1988, as described in Sec.  245a.16.
    (10) Proof of citizenship skills as described in Sec.  245a.17. This 
proof may be submitted either at the time of filing the application, 
subsequent to filing the application but prior to the interview, or at 
the time of the interview.
    (e) Burden of proof. An alien applying for adjustment of status 
under this part has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the 
evidence that he or she has resided in the United States for the 
requisite periods, is admissible to the United States under the 
provisions of section 212(a) of the Act, and is otherwise eligible for 
adjustment of

[[Page 725]]

status under this Subpart B. The inference to be drawn from the 
documentation provided shall depend on the extent of the documentation, 
its credibility and amenability to verification as set forth in 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (f) Evidence. The sufficiency of all evidence produced by the 
applicant will be judged according to its probative value and 
credibility. To meet his or her burden of proof, an applicant must 
provide evidence of eligibility apart from his or her own testimony. In 
judging the probative value and credibility of the evidence submitted, 
greater weight will be given to the submission of original 
documentation. Subject to verification by the Service, if the evidence 
required to be submitted by the applicant is already contained in the 
Service's file or databases relating to the applicant, the applicant may 
submit a statement to that effect in lieu of the actual documentation.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38350, June 4, 2002; 76 
FR 53794, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.13  During pendency of application.

    (a) In general. When an eligible alien in the United States submits 
a prima facie application for adjustment of status under LIFE 
Legalization during the application period, until a final determination 
on his or her application has been made, the applicant:
    (1) May not be deported or removed from the United States;
    (2) Is authorized to engage in employment in the United States and 
is provided with an ``employment authorized'' endorsement or other 
appropriate work permit; and
    (3) Is allowed to travel and return to the United States as 
described at paragraph (e) of this section. Any domestic LIFE 
Legalization applicant who departs the United States while his or her 
application is pending without advance parole may be denied re-admission 
to the United States as described at paragraph (e) of this section.
    (b) Determination of filing of claim for class membership. With 
respect to each LIFE Legalization application for adjustment of status 
that is properly filed under this Subpart B during the application 
period, the Service will first determine whether or not the applicant is 
an ``eligible alien'' as defined under Sec.  245a.10 of this Subpart B 
by virtue of having filed with the Service a claim of class membership 
in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit before October 1, 2000. If the 
Service's records indicate, or if the evidence submitted by the 
applicant with the application establishes, that the alien had filed the 
requisite claim of class membership before October 1, 2000, then the 
Service will proceed to adjudicate the application under the remaining 
standards of eligibility.
    (c) Prima facie eligibility. Unless the Service has evidence 
indicating ineligibility due to criminal grounds of inadmissibility, an 
application for adjustment of status shall be treated as a prima facie 
application during the pendency of application, until the Service has 
made a final determination on the application, if:
    (1) The application was properly filed under this Subpart B during 
the application period; and
    (2) The applicant establishes that he or she filed the requisite 
claim for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit.
    (d) Authorization to be employed in the United States while the 
application is pending--(1) Application for employment authorization. An 
applicant for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization who wishes to 
obtain initial or continued employment authorization during the pendency 
of the adjustment application must file a Form I-765, Application for 
Employment Authorization, with the Service, including the fee as set 
forth in 8 CFR 106.2. The applicant may submit Form I-765 either 
concurrently with or subsequent to the filing of the application for 
adjustment of status benefits on Form I-485.
    (2) Adjudication and issuance. Until a final determination on the 
application has been made, an eligible alien who submits a prima facie 
application for adjustment of status under this Subpart B shall be 
authorized to engage in employment in the United States and be provided 
with an ``employment authorized'' endorsement or other appropriate work 
permit in accordance with Sec.  274a.12(c)(24) of this chapter. An alien

[[Page 726]]

shall not be granted employment authorization pursuant to LIFE 
Legalization until he or she has submitted a prima facie application for 
adjustment of status under this Subpart B. If the Service finds that 
additional evidence is required from the alien in order to establish 
prima facie eligibility for LIFE Legalization, the Service shall request 
such evidence from the alien in writing. Nothing in this section shall 
preclude an applicant for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization 
from being granted an initial employment authorization or an extension 
of employment authorization under any other provision of law or 
regulation for which the alien may be eligible.
    (e) Travel while the application is pending. This paragraph is 
authorized by section 1104(c)(3) of the LIFE Act relating to the ability 
of an alien to travel abroad and return to the United States while his 
or her LIFE Legalization adjustment application is pending. Parole 
authority is granted to the National Benefit Center Director for the 
purposes described in this section. Nothing in this section shall 
preclude an applicant for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization 
from being granted advance parole or admission into the United States 
under any other provision of law or regulation for which the alien may 
be eligible.
    (1) An applicant for LIFE Legalization benefits who wishes to travel 
during the pendency of the application and who is applying from within 
the United States should file, with his or her application for 
adjustment, at the National Benefit Center, a Form I-131, Application 
for Travel Document, with fee as set forth in 8 CFR 106.2. The Service 
shall approve the Form I-131 and issue an advance parole document, 
unless the Service finds that the alien's application does not establish 
a prima facie claim to adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization.
    (2) An eligible alien who has properly filed a Form I-485 pursuant 
to this Subpart B, and who needs to travel abroad pursuant to the 
standards prescribed in section 212(d)(5) of the Act, may file a Form I-
131 with the district director having jurisdiction over his or her place 
of residence.
    (3) If an alien travels abroad and returns to the United States with 
a grant of advance parole, the Service shall presume that the alien is 
entitled to return under section 1104(c)(3)(B) of the LIFE Act, unless, 
in a removal or expedited removal proceeding, the Service shows by a 
preponderance of the evidence, that one or more of the provisions of 
Sec.  245a.11(d) makes the alien ineligible for adjustment of status 
under LIFE Legalization.
    (4) If an alien travels abroad and returns without a grant of 
advance parole, he or she shall be denied admission and shall be subject 
to removal or expedited removal unless the alien establishes, clearly 
and beyond doubt, that:
    (i) He or she filed an application for adjustment pursuant to LIFE 
Legalization during the application period that presented a prima facie 
claim to adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization; and,
    (ii) His or her absence was either a brief and casual trip 
consistent with an intention on the alien's part to pursue his or her 
LIFE Legalization adjustment application, or was a brief temporary trip 
that occurred because of the alien's need to tend to family obligations 
relating to a close relative's death or illness or similar family need.
    (5) An applicant for LIFE Legalization benefits who applies for 
admission into the United States shall not be subject to the provisions 
of section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act.
    (6) Denial of admission under this section is not a denial of the 
alien's application for adjustment. The alien may continue to pursue his 
or her application for adjustment from abroad, and may also appeal any 
denial of such application from abroad. Such application shall be 
adjudicated in the same manner as other applications filed from abroad.
    (f) Stay of final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. The 
filing of a LIFE Legalization adjustment application on or after June 1, 
2001, and on or before June 4, 2003, stays the execution of any final 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. This stay shall remain in 
effect until there is a final decision on the LIFE Legalization 
application, unless the district director who

[[Page 727]]

intends to execute the order makes a formal determination that the 
applicant does not present a prima facie claim to LIFE Legalization 
eligibility pursuant to Sec. Sec.  245a.18(a)(1) or (a)(2), or 
Sec. Sec.  245a.18(c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), (c)(2)(iii), (c)(2)(iv), 
(c)(2)(v), or (c)(2)(vi), and serves the applicant with a written 
decision explaining the reason for this determination. Any such stay 
determination by the district director is not appealable. Neither an 
Immigration Judge nor the Board has jurisdiction to adjudicate an 
application for stay of execution of an exclusion, deportation, or 
removal order, on the basis of the alien's having filed a LIFE 
Legalization adjustment application.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38351, June 4, 2002; 85 
FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.14  Application for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, 
or Zambrano lawsuit.

    The Service will first determine whether an alien filed a written 
claim for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit as 
reflected in the Service's indices, a review of the alien's 
administrative file with the Service, and by all evidence provided by 
the alien. An alien must provide with the application for LIFE 
Legalization evidence establishing that, before October 1, 2000, he or 
she was a class member applicant in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit. 
An alien should include as many forms of evidence as the alien has 
available to him or her. Such forms of evidence include, but are not 
limited to:
    (a) An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other employment 
document issued by the Service pursuant to the alien's class membership 
in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit (if a photocopy of the EAD is 
submitted, the alien's name, A-number, issuance date, and expiration 
date should be clearly visible);
    (b) Service document(s) addressed to the alien, or his or her 
representative, granting or denying the class membership, which includes 
date, alien's name and A-number;
    (c) The questionnaire for class member applicant under CSS, LULAC, 
or Zambrano submitted with the class membership application, which 
includes date, alien's full name and date of birth;
    (d) Service document(s) addressed to the alien, or his or her 
representative, discussing matters pursuant to the class membership 
application, which includes date, alien's name and A-number. These 
include, but are not limited to the following:
    (1) Form I-512, Parole authorization, or denial of such;
    (2) Form I-221, Order to Show Cause;
    (3) Form I-862, Notice to Appear;
    (4) Final order of removal or deportation;
    (5) Request for evidence letter (RFE); or
    (6) Form I-687 submitted with the class membership application.
    (e) Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, submitted 
pursuant to a court order granting interim relief.
    (f) An application for a stay of deportation, exclusion, or removal 
pursuant to a court's order granting interim relief.
    (g) Any other relevant document(s).

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38351, June 4, 2002]



Sec.  245a.15  Continuous residence in an unlawful status since prior to 
January 1, 1982, through May 4, 1988.

    (a) General. The Service will determine whether an alien entered the 
United States before January 1, 1982, and resided in continuous unlawful 
status since such date through May 4, 1988, based on the evidence 
provided by the alien. An alien must provide with the application for 
LIFE Legalization evidence establishing that he or she entered the 
United States before January 1, 1982, and resided in continuous unlawful 
status since that date through May 4, 1988.
    (b) Evidence. (1) A list of evidence that may establish an alien's 
continuous residence in the United States can be found at Sec.  
245a.2(d)(3).
    (2) The following evidence may establish an alien's unlawful status 
in the United States:
    (i) Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), Arrival-Departure Record;

[[Page 728]]

    (ii) Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) 
Student Status--For Academic and Language Students;
    (iii) Form IAP-66, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor 
Status;
    (iv) A passport; or
    (v) Nonimmigrant visa(s) issued to the alien.
    (c) Continuous residence. An alien shall be regarded as having 
resided continuously in the United States if:
    (1) No single absence from the United States has exceeded forty-five 
(45) days, and the aggregate of all absences has not exceeded one 
hundred and eighty (180) days between January 1, 1982, and May 4, 1988, 
unless the alien can establish that due to emergent reasons, his or her 
return to the United States could not be accomplished within the time 
period allowed;
    (2) The alien was maintaining residence in the United States; and
    (3) The alien's departure from the United States was not based on an 
order of deportation.
    (d) Unlawful status. The following categories of aliens, who are 
otherwise eligible to adjust to LPR status pursuant to LIFE 
Legalization, may file for adjustment of status provided they resided 
continuously in the United States in an unlawful status since prior to 
January 1, 1982, through May 4, 1988:
    (1) An eligible alien who entered the United States without 
inspection prior to January 1, 1982.
    (2) Nonimmigrants. An eligible alien who entered the United States 
as a nonimmigrant before January 1, 1982, whose authorized period of 
admission as a nonimmigrant expired before January 1, 1982, through the 
passage of time, or whose unlawful status was known to the Government 
before January 1, 1982. Known to the Government means documentation 
existing in one or more Federal Government agencies' files such that 
when such document is taken as a whole, it warrants a finding that the 
alien's status in the United States was unlawful. Any absence of 
mandatory annual and/or quarterly registration reports from Federal 
Government files does not warrant a finding that the alien's unlawful 
status was known to the Government.
    (i) A or G nonimmigrants. An eligible alien who entered the United 
States for duration of status (D/S) in one of the following nonimmigrant 
classes, A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-4, whose qualifying employment 
terminated or who ceased to be recognized by the Department of State as 
being entitled to such classification prior to January 1, 1982. A 
dependent family member may be considered a member of this class if the 
dependent family member was also in A or G status when the principal A 
or G alien's status terminated or ceased to be recognized by the 
Department of State.
    (ii) F nonimmigrants. An eligible alien who entered the United 
States for D/S in one of the following nonimmigrant classes, F-1 or F-2, 
who completed a full course of study, including practical training, and 
whose time period, if any, to depart the United States after completion 
of study expired prior to January 1, 1982. A dependent F-2 alien 
otherwise eligible who was admitted into the United States with a 
specific time period, as opposed to duration of status, documented on 
Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, that extended beyond January 1, 
1982, is considered eligible if the principal F-1 alien is found 
eligible.
    (iii) Nonimmigrant exchange visitors. An eligible alien who was at 
any time a nonimmigrant exchange alien (as defined in section 
101(a)(15)(J) of the Act), who entered the United States before January 
1, 1982, and who:
    (A) Was not subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act; or
    (B) Has fulfilled the 2-year foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act; or
    (C) Has received a waiver for the 2-year foreign residence 
requirement of section 212(e) of the Act.
    (3) Asylum applicants. An eligible alien who filed an asylum 
application prior to January 1, 1982, and whose application was 
subsequently denied or whose application was not decided by May 4, 1988.
    (4) Aliens considered to be in unlawful status. Aliens who were 
present in the United States in one of the following categories were 
considered to be in unlawful status:

[[Page 729]]

    (i) An eligible alien who was granted voluntary departure, voluntary 
return, extended voluntary departure, or placed in deferred action 
category by the Service prior to January 1, 1982.
    (ii) An eligible alien who is a Cuban or Haitian entrant (as 
described in paragraph (1) or (2)(A) of section 501(e) of Public Law 96-
422 and at Sec.  212.5(g) of this chapter), who entered the United 
States before January 1, 1982. Pursuant to section 1104(c)(2)(B)(iv) of 
the LIFE Act, such alien is considered to be in an unlawful status in 
the United States.
    (iii) An eligible alien who was paroled into the United States prior 
to January 1, 1982, and whose parole status terminated prior to January 
1, 1982.
    (iv) An eligible alien who entered the United States before January 
1, 1982, and whose entries to the United States subsequent to January 1, 
1982, were not documented on Form I-94.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  245a.16  Continuous physical presence from November 6, 1986, 
through May 4, 1988.

    (a) The Service will determine whether an alien was continuously 
physically present in the United States from November 6, 1986, through 
May 4, 1988, based on the evidence provided by the alien. An alien must 
provide with the application evidence establishing his or her continuous 
physical presence in the United States from November 6, 1986, through 
May 4, 1988. Evidence establishing the alien's continuous physical 
presence in the United States from November 6, 1986, to May 4, 1988, may 
consist of any documentation issued by any governmental or 
nongovernmental authority, provided such evidence bears the name of the 
applicant, was dated at the time it was issued, and bears the signature, 
seal, or other authenticating instrument of the authorized 
representative of the issuing authority, if the document would normally 
contain such authenticating instrument.
    (b) For purposes of this section, an alien shall not be considered 
to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence in the United 
States by virtue of brief, casual, and innocent absences from the United 
States. Also, brief, casual, and innocent absences from the United 
States are not limited to absences with advance parole. Brief, casual, 
and innocent absence(s) as used in this paragraph means temporary, 
occasional trips abroad as long as the purpose of the absence from the 
United States was consistent with the policies reflected in the 
immigration laws of the United States.
    (c) An alien who has been absent from the United States in 
accordance with the Service's advance parole procedures shall not be 
considered as having interrupted his or her continuous physical presence 
as required at the time of filing an application under this section.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38351, June 4, 2002]



Sec.  245a.17  Citizenship skills.

    (a) Requirements. Applicants for adjustment under LIFE Legalization 
must meet the requirements of section 312(a) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 
1423(a)) (relating to minimal understanding of ordinary English and a 
knowledge and understanding of the history and government of the United 
States). Unless an exception under paragraph (c) of this section applies 
to the applicant, LIFE Legalization applicants must establish that:
    (1) He or she has complied with the same requirements as those 
listed for naturalization applicants under Sec. Sec.  312.1 and 312.2 of 
this chapter; or
    (2) He or she has a high school diploma or general educational 
development diploma (GED) from a school in the United States. A GED 
gained in a language other than English is acceptable only if a GED 
English proficiency test has been passed. (The curriculum for both the 
high school diploma and the GED must have included at least 40 hours of 
instruction in English and United States history and government). The 
applicant may submit a high school diploma or GED either at the time of 
filing Form I-485, subsequent to filing the application but prior to the 
interview, or at the time of the interview (the applicant's name and A-
number must appear on any such evidence submitted); or

[[Page 730]]

    (3) He or she has attended, or is attending, a state recognized, 
accredited learning institution in the United States, and that 
institution certifies such attendance. The course of study at such 
learning institution must be for a period of one academic year (or the 
equivalent thereof according to the standards of the learning 
institution) and the curriculum must include at least 40 hours of 
instruction in English and United States history and government. The 
applicant may submit certification on letterhead stationery from a state 
recognized, accredited learning institution either at the time of filing 
Form I-485, subsequent to filing the application but prior to the 
interview, or at the time of the interview (the applicant's name and A-
number must appear on any such evidence submitted).
    (b) Second interview. An applicant who fails to pass the English 
literacy and/or the United States history and government tests at the 
time of the interview, shall be afforded a second opportunity after 6 
months (or earlier, at the request of the applicant) to pass the tests 
or submit evidence as described in paragraphs (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this 
section. The second interview shall be conducted prior to the denial of 
the application for permanent residence and may be based solely on the 
failure to pass the basic citizenship skills requirements.
    (c) Exceptions. LIFE Legalization applicants are exempt from the 
requirements listed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section if he or she 
has qualified for the same exceptions as those listed for naturalization 
applicants under Sec. Sec.  312.1(b)(3) and 312.2(b) of this chapter. 
Further, at the discretion of the Attorney General, the requirements 
listed under paragraph (a) of this section may be waived if the LIFE 
Legalization applicant:
    (1) Is 65 years of age or older on the date of filing; or
    (2) Is developmentally disabled as defined under Sec.  245a.1(v).

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38351, June 4, 2002]



Sec.  245a.18  Ineligibility and applicability of grounds of inadmissibility.

    (a) Ineligible aliens. (1) An alien who has been convicted of a 
felony or of three or misdemeanors committed in the United States is 
ineligible for adjustment to LPR status under this Subpart B; or
    (2) An alien who has assisted in the persecution of any person or 
persons on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion is ineligible for 
adjustment of status under this Subpart B.
    (b) Grounds of inadmissibility not to be applied. Section 212(a)(5) 
of the Act (labor certification requirements) and section 212(a)(7)(A) 
of the Act (immigrants not in possession of valid visa and/or travel 
documents) shall not apply to applicants for adjustment to LPR status 
under this Subpart B.
    (c) Waiver of grounds of inadmissibility. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the Service may waive any provision of 
section 212(a) of the Act only in the case of individual aliens for 
humanitarian purposes, to ensure family unity, or when the granting of 
such a waiver is otherwise in the public interest. If available, an 
applicant may apply for an individual waiver as provided in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section without regard to section 241(a)(5) of the Act.
    (1) Special rule for waiver of inadmissibility grounds for LIFE 
Legalization applicants under sections 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(a)(9)(C) of 
the Act. An applicant for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization 
who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(A) or 212(a)(9)(C) of the 
Act, may apply for a waiver of these grounds of inadmissibility while 
present in the United States, without regard to the normal requirement 
that a Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission 
into the United States After Deportation or Removal, be filed prior to 
embarking or re-embarking for travel to the United States, and without 
regard to the length of time since the alien's removal or deportation 
from the United States. Such an alien shall file Form I-690, Application 
for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability Under Sections 245A

[[Page 731]]

or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with the district 
director having jurisdiction over the applicant's case if the 
application for adjustment of status is pending at a local office, or 
with the Director of the National Benefit Center. Approval of a waiver 
of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(A) or section 212(a)(9)(C) of 
the Act does not cure a break in continuous residence resulting from a 
departure from the United States at any time during the period from 
January 1, 1982, and May 4, 1988, if the alien was subject to a final 
exclusion or deportation order at the time of the departure.
    (2) Grounds of inadmissibility that may not be waived. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Act, the following 
provisions of section 212(a) of the Act may not be waived by the 
Attorney General under paragraph (c) of this section:
    (i) Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) (crimes involving moral turpitude);
    (ii) Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) (controlled substance, except for 
so much of such paragraph as relates to a single offense of simple 
possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana);
    (iii) Section 212(a)(2)(B) (multiple criminal convictions);
    (iv) Section 212(a)(2)(C) (controlled substance traffickers);
    (v) Section 212(a)(3) (security and related grounds); and
    (vi) Section 212(a)(4) (public charge) except for an alien who is or 
was an aged, blind, or disabled individual (as defined in section 
1614(a)(1) of the Social Security Act). If a LIFE Legalization applicant 
is determined to be inadmissible under section 212(a)(4) of the Act, he 
or she may still be admissible under the Special Rule described under 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (d)(1) In determining whether an alien is ``likely to become a 
public charge'', financial responsibility of the alien is to be 
established by examining the totality of the alien's circumstance at the 
time of his or her application for adjustment. The existence or absence 
of a particular factor should never be the sole criteria for determining 
if an alien is likely to become a public charge. The determination of 
financial responsibility should be a prospective evaluation based on the 
alien's age, health, family status, assets, resources, education and 
skills.
    (2) An alien who has a consistent employment history that shows the 
ability to support himself or herself even though his or her income may 
be below the poverty level is not excludable under paragraph (c)(2)(vi) 
of this section. The alien's employment history need not be continuous 
in that it is uninterrupted. In applying the Special Rule, the Service 
will take into account an alien's employment history in the United 
States to include, but not be limited to, employment prior to and 
immediately following the enactment of IRCA on November 6, 1986. 
However, the Service will take into account that an alien may not have 
consistent employment history due to the fact that an eligible alien was 
in an unlawful status and was not authorized to work. Past acceptance of 
public cash assistance within a history of consistent employment will 
enter into this decision. The weight given in considering applicability 
of the public charge provisions will depend on many factors, but the 
length of time an applicant has received public cash assistance will 
constitute a significant factor. It is not necessary to file a waiver in 
order to apply the Special Rule for determination of public charge.
    (3) In order to establish that an alien is not inadmissible under 
paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section, an alien may file as much evidence 
available to him or her establishing that the alien is not likely to 
become a public charge. An alien may have filed on his or her behalf a 
Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. The failure to submit Form I-134 shall 
not constitute an adverse factor.
    (e) Public cash assistance and criminal history verification. 
Declarations by an alien that he or she has not been the recipient of 
public cash assistance and/or has not had a criminal record are subject 
to a verification by the Service. The alien must agree to fully 
cooperate in the verification process. Failure to assist the Service in 
verifying information necessary for proper adjudication may result in 
denial of the application.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38351, June 4, 2002; 85 
FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]

[[Page 732]]



Sec.  245a.19  Interviews.

    (a) All aliens filing applications for adjustment of status with the 
Service under this section must be personally interviewed, except that 
the adjudicative interview may be waived for a child under the age of 
14, or when it is impractical because of the health or advanced age of 
the applicant. Applicants will be interviewed by an immigration officer 
as determined by the Director of the National Benefit Center. An 
applicant failing to appear for the scheduled interview may, for good 
cause, be afforded another interview. Where an applicant fails to appear 
for two scheduled interviews, his or her application shall be denied for 
lack of prosecution. Applications for LIFE Legalization adjustment may 
be denied without interview if the applicant is determined to be 
statutorily ineligible.
    (b) At the time of the interview, wherever possible, original 
documents must be submitted except the following: official government 
records; employment or employment-related records maintained by 
employers, unions, or collective bargaining organizations; medical 
records; school records maintained by a school or school board; or other 
records maintained by a party other than the applicant. Copies of 
records maintained by parties other than the applicant which are 
submitted in evidence must be certified as true and correct by such 
parties and must bear their seal or signature or the signature and title 
of persons authorized to act in their behalf.
    (c) If at the time of the interview the return of original documents 
is desired by the applicant, they must be accompanied by notarized 
copies or copies certified true and correct by the alien's 
representative. At the discretion of the district director, original 
documents, even if accompanied by certified copies, may be temporarily 
retained for forensic examination by the Service.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.20  Decisions, appeals, motions, and certifications.

    (a) Decisions--(1) Approval of applications. If the Service approves 
the application for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization, the 
district director shall record the alien's lawful admission for 
permanent residence as of the date of such approval and notify the alien 
accordingly. The district director shall also advise the alien regarding 
the delivery of his or her Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, and of 
the process for obtaining temporary evidence of alien registration. If 
the alien has previously been issued a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal, such order shall be deemed canceled as of the 
date of the district director's approval of the application for 
adjustment of status. If the alien had been in exclusion, deportation, 
or removal proceedings that were administratively closed, such 
proceedings shall be deemed terminated as of the date of approval of the 
application for adjustment of status by the district director.
    (2) Denials. The alien shall be notified in writing of the decision 
of denial and of the reason(s) therefore. An applicant affected under 
this part by an adverse decision is entitled to file an appeal on Form 
I-290B Notice of Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), with 
the required fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2. Renewal of employment 
authorization issued pursuant to 8 CFR 245a.13 will be granted until a 
final decision has been rendered on appeal or until the end of the 
appeal period if no appeal is filed. After exhaustion of an appeal, an 
alien who believes that the grounds for denial have been overcome may 
submit another application with fee, provided that the application is 
submitted on or before June 4, 2003.
    (b) Appeals process. An adverse decision under this part may be 
appealed to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations, Administrative 
Appeals Office (AAO), who is the appellate authority designated in Sec.  
103.1(f)(3) of this chapter. Any appeal shall be submitted to the 
Service office that rendered the decision with the required fee.
    (1) If an appeal is filed from within the United States, it must be 
received by the Service within 30 calendar days after service of the 
Notice of Denial (NOD) in accordance with the procedures of Sec.  
103.3(a) of this chapter. An appeal received after the 30 day period has 
tolled will not be accepted. The 30

[[Page 733]]

day period for submitting an appeal begins 3 days after the NOD is 
mailed. If a review of the Record of Proceeding (ROP) is requested by 
the alien or his or her legal representative, and an appeal has been 
properly filed, an additional 30 days will be allowed for this review 
from the time the ROP is photocopied and mailed.
    (2) If an applicant's last known address of record was outside the 
United States, and the NOD was mailed to that foreign address, the 
appeal must be received by the Service within 60 calendar days after 
service of the NOD in accordance with the procedures of Sec.  103.3(a) 
of this chapter. An appeal received after the 60 day period has tolled 
will not be accepted. The 60-day period for submitting an appeal begins 
3 days after the NOD is mailed.
    (c) Motions. The Service director who denied the application may 
reopen and reconsider any adverse decision sua sponte. When an appeal to 
the AAO has been filed, the director may issue a new decision that will 
grant the benefit that has been requested. Motions to reopen a 
proceeding or reconsider a decision shall not be considered under this 
Subpart B.
    (d) Certifications. The Service director who adjudicates the 
application may, in accordance with Sec.  103.4 of this chapter, certify 
a decision to the AAO when the case involves an unusually complex or 
novel question of law or fact.
    (e) Effect of final adjudication of application on aliens previously 
in proceedings--(1) Upon the granting of an application. If the 
application for LIFE Legalization is granted, proceedings shall be 
deemed terminated or a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal 
shall be deemed canceled as of the date of the approval of the LIFE 
Legalization application for adjustment of status.
    (2) Upon the denial of an application--(i) Where proceedings were 
administratively closed. In the case of an alien whose previously 
initiated exclusion, deportation or removal proceeding had been 
administratively closed or continued indefinitely under Sec.  
245a.12(b)(1), the director shall make a request for recalendaring to 
the Immigration Court that had administratively closed the proceeding, 
or the Board, as appropriate, when there is a final decision denying the 
LIFE Legalization application. The Immigration Court or the Board will 
then recalendar the prior proceeding.
    (ii) Where final order was stayed. If the application for LIFE 
Legalization is denied, the stay of a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal afforded in Sec.  245a.13(f) shall be deemed 
lifted as of the date of such denial.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38352, June 4, 2002; 72 
FR 19107, Apr. 17, 2007; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.21  Confidentiality.

    (a) No person other than a sworn officer or employee of the 
Department of Justice or bureau or agency thereof, will be permitted to 
examine individual applications. For purposes of this part, any 
individual employed under contract by the Service to work in connection 
with the LIFE Legalization provisions shall be considered an employee of 
the Department of Justice or bureau or agency thereof.
    (b) No information furnished pursuant to an application for 
permanent resident status under this Subpart B shall be used for any 
purpose except:
    (1) To make a determination on the application;
    (2) For the enforcement of the provisions encompassed in section 
245A(c)(6) of the Act, except as provided in paragraphs (c) of this 
section; or
    (3) For the purposes of rescinding, pursuant to section 246(a) of 
the Act (8 U.S.C. 1256(a)), any adjustment of status obtained by the 
alien.
    (c) If a determination is made by the Service that the alien has, in 
connection with his or her application, engaged in fraud or willful 
misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, knowingly provided 
a false statement or document in making his or her application, 
knowingly made a false statement or representation, or engaged in any 
other activity prohibited by section 245A(c)(6) of the Act, the Service 
shall refer the matter to the United States Attorney for prosecution of 
the alien and/or of any person who created or supplied a false statement 
or document for use in an application for adjustment of status under 
this Subpart B.

[[Page 734]]

    (d) Information contained in granted files may be used by the 
Service at a later date to make a decision:
    (1) On an immigrant visa petition or other status filed by the 
applicant under section 204(a) of the Act;
    (2) On a naturalization application submitted by the applicant;
    (3) For the preparation of reports to Congress under section 404 of 
the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; or
    (4) For the furnishing of information, at the discretion of the 
Attorney General, in the same manner and circumstances as census 
information may be disclosed by the Secretary of Commerce under 13 
U.S.C. 8.
    (e) Information concerning whether the applicant has at any time 
been convicted of a crime may be used or released for immigration 
enforcement or law enforcement purposes.



Sec.  245a.22  Rescission.

    (a) Rescission of adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization shall 
occur only under the procedures of 8 CFR part 246.
    (b) Information furnished by an eligible alien pursuant to any 
application filed under LIFE Legalization may be used by the Attorney 
General, and other officials and employees of the Department of Justice 
and any bureau or agency thereof, for purposes of rescinding, pursuant 
to 8 CFR part 246, any adjustment of status obtained by the alien.



Sec. Sec.  245a.23-245a.29  [Reserved]



          Subpart C_LIFE Act Amendments Family Unity Provisions

    Source: 66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  245a.30  Description of program.

    This Subpart C implements the Family Unity provisions of section 
1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments, Public Law 106-554.



Sec.  245a.31  Eligibility.

    An alien who is currently in the United States may obtain Family 
Unity benefits under section 1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments if he or 
she establishes that:
    (a) He or she is the spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 
of an eligible alien (as defined under Sec.  245a.10) at the time the 
alien's application for Family Unity benefits is adjudicated and 
thereafter;
    (b) He or she entered the United States before December 1, 1988, and 
resided in the United States on such date; and
    (c) If applying for Family Unity benefits on or after June 5, 2003, 
he or she is the spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 of an 
alien who has filed a Form I-485 pursuant to this Subpart B.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38352, June 4, 2002]



Sec.  245a.32  Ineligible aliens.

    The following categories of aliens are ineligible for Family Unity 
benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments:
    (a) An alien who has been convicted of a felony or of three or more 
misdemeanors in the United States; or
    (b) An alien who has ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise 
participated in the persecution of an individual because of the 
individual's race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social group, or political opinion; or
    (c) An alien who has been convicted by a final judgment of a 
particularly serious crime and who is a danger to the community of the 
United States; or
    (d) An alien who the Attorney General has serious reasons to believe 
has committed a serious nonpolitical crime outside the United States 
before the alien arrived in the United States; or
    (e) An alien who the Attorney General has reasonable grounds to 
believe is a danger to the security of the United States.



Sec.  245a.33  Filing.

    (a) General. An application for Family Unity benefits under section 
1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments must be filed on a Form I-817, 
Application for Family Unity Benefits, with the National Benefit Center. 
A Form I-817 must be filed with the correct fee required in 8 CFR 106.2 
and the required supporting documentation. A separate

[[Page 735]]

application with appropriate fee and documentation must be filed for 
each person claiming eligibility.
    (b) Decision. The National Benefit Center Director has sole 
jurisdiction to adjudicate an application for Family Unity benefits 
under the LIFE Act Amendments. The Director will provide the applicant 
with specific reasons for any decision to deny an application. Denial of 
an application may not be appealed. An applicant who believes that the 
grounds for denial have been overcome may submit another application 
with the appropriate fee and documentation.
    (c) Referral of denied cases for consideration of issuance of notice 
to appear. If an application is denied, the case will be referred to the 
district director with jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence 
for consideration of whether to issue a notice to appear. After an 
initial denial, an applicant's case will not be referred for issuance of 
a notice to appear until 90 days from the date of the initial denial, to 
allow the alien the opportunity to file a new Form I-817 application in 
order to attempt to overcome the basis of the denial. However, if the 
applicant is found not to be eligible for benefits under Sec.  
245a.32(a), the Service reserves the right to issue a notice to appear 
at any time after the initial denial.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 72 FR 19107, Apr. 17, 2007; 85 
FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  245a.34  Protection from removal, eligibility for employment, 
and period of authorized stay.

    (a) Scope of protection. Nothing in this Subpart C shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the Service to commence removal 
proceedings against an applicant for or beneficiary of Family Unity 
benefit under this Subpart C on any ground of removal. Also, nothing in 
this Subpart C shall be construed to limit the authority of the Service 
to take any other enforcement action against such an applicant or 
beneficiary with respect to any ground of removal not specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section. Protection from 
removal under this Subpart C is limited to the grounds of removal 
specified in:
    (1) Section 237(a)(1)(A) of the Act (aliens who were inadmissible at 
the time of entry or adjustment of status), except that the alien may be 
removed if he or she is inadmissible because of a ground listed in 
section 212(a)(2) (criminal and related grounds) or in section 212(a)(3) 
(security and related grounds) of the Act; or
    (2) Section 237(a)(1)(B) of the Act (aliens present in the United 
States in violation of the Act or any other law of the United States);
    (3) Section 237(a)(1)(C) of the Act (aliens who violated their 
nonimmigrant status or violated the conditions of entry); or
    (4) Section 237(a)(3)(A) of the Act (aliens who failed to comply 
with the change of address notification requirements).
    (b) Duration of protection from removal. When an alien whose 
application for Family Unity benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments is 
approved, he or she will receive protection from removal, commencing 
with the date of approval of the application. A grant of protection from 
removal under this section shall be considered effective from the date 
on which the application was properly filed.
    (1) In the case of an alien who has been granted Family Unity 
benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments based on the principal alien's 
application for LIFE Legalization, any evidence of protection from 
removal shall be dated to expire 1 year after the date of approval, or 
the day before the alien's 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
    (2) In the case of an alien who has been granted Family Unity 
benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments based on the principal alien's 
adjustment to LPR status pursuant to his or her LIFE Legalization 
application, any evidence of protection from removal shall be dated to 
expire 2 years after the date of approval, or the day before the alien's 
21st birthday, whichever comes first.
    (c) Employment authorization. An alien granted Family Unity benefits 
under the LIFE Act Amendments is authorized to be employed in the United 
States.
    (1) In the case of an alien who has been granted Family Unity 
benefits

[[Page 736]]

based on the principal alien's application for LIFE Legalization, the 
validity period of the employment authorization document shall be dated 
to expire 1 year after the date of approval of the Form I-817, or the 
day before the alien's 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
    (2) In the case of an alien who has been granted Family Unity 
benefits based on the principal alien's adjustment to LPR status 
pursuant to his or her LIFE Legalization application, the validity 
period of the employment authorization document shall be dated to expire 
2 years after the date of approval of the Form I-817, or the day before 
the alien's 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
    (d) Period of authorized stay. An alien granted Family Unity 
benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments is deemed to have received an 
authorized period of stay approved by the Attorney General within the 
scope of section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38352, June 4, 2002]



Sec.  245a.35  Travel outside the United States.

    (a) An alien who departs the United States while his or her 
application for Family Unity benefits is pending will be deemed to have 
abandoned the application and the application will be denied.
    (b) An alien granted Family Unity benefits under the LIFE Act 
Amendments who intends to travel outside the United States temporarily 
must apply for advance authorization using Form I-131. The authority to 
grant an application for advance authorization for an alien granted 
Family Unity benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments rests solely with 
the Service. An alien who is granted advance authorization and returns 
to the United States in accordance with such authorization, and who is 
found not to be inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) or (3) of the Act, 
shall be paroled into the United States. He or she shall be provided the 
remainder of the protection from removal period previously granted under 
the Family Unity provisions of the LIFE Act Amendments.



Sec.  245a.36  [Reserved]



Sec.  245a.37  Termination of Family Unity Program benefits.

    (a) Grounds for termination. The Service may terminate Family Unity 
benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments whenever the necessity for the 
termination comes to the attention of the Service. Such grounds will 
exist in situations including, but not limited to, those in which:
    (1) A determination is made that Family Unity benefits were acquired 
as the result of fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact;
    (2) The beneficiary commits an act or acts which render him or her 
ineligible for Family Unity benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments;
    (3) The alien, upon whose status Family Unity benefits under the 
LIFE Act were based, fails to apply for LIFE Legalization by June 4, 
2003, has his or her LIFE Legalization application denied, or loses his 
or her LPR status; or
    (4) A qualifying relationship to the alien, upon whose status Family 
Unity benefits under the LIFE Act Amendments were based, no longer 
exists.
    (b) Notice procedure. Notice of intent to terminate and of the 
grounds thereof shall be served pursuant to the provisions of 8 CFR 
103.8. The alien shall be given 30 days to respond to the notice and may 
submit to the Service additional evidence in rebuttal. Any final 
decision of termination shall also be served pursuant to the provisions 
of 8 CFR 103.8. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Service from 
commencing removal proceedings prior to termination of Family Unity 
benefits.
    (c) Effect of termination. Termination of Family Unity benefits 
under the LIFE Act Amendments shall render the alien amenable to removal 
under any ground specified in section 237 of the Act (including those 
grounds described in Sec.  245a.34(a)). In addition, the alien will no 
longer be considered to be in a period of stay authorized by the 
Attorney General as of the date of such termination.

[66 FR 29673, June 1, 2001, as amended at 67 FR 38352, June 4, 2002; 76 
FR 53794, Aug. 29, 2011]

[[Page 737]]



PART 246_RESCISSION OF ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS--Table of Contents



Sec.
246.1 Notice.
246.2 Allegations admitted; no answer filed; no hearing requested.
246.3 Allegations contested or denied; hearing requested.
246.4 Immigration judge's authority; withdrawal and substitution.
246.5 Hearing.
246.6 Decision and order.
246.7 Appeals.
246.8 [Reserved]
246.9 Surrender of Form I-551.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1259; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  246.1  Notice.

    If it appears to a district director that a person residing in his 
or her district was not in fact eligible for the adjustment of status 
made in his or her case, or it appears to an asylum office director that 
a person granted adjustment of status by an asylum officer pursuant to 8 
CFR 240.70 was not in fact eligible for adjustment of status, a 
proceeding shall be commenced by the personal service upon such person 
of a notice of intent to rescind, which shall inform him or her of the 
allegations upon which it is intended to rescind the adjustment of his 
or her status. In such a proceeding the person shall be known as the 
respondent. The notice shall also inform the respondent that he or she 
may submit, within thirty days from the date of service of the notice, 
an answer in writing under oath setting forth reasons why such 
rescission shall not be made, and that he or she may, within such 
period, request a hearing before an immigration judge in support of, or 
in lieu of, his or her written answer. The respondent shall further be 
informed that he or she may have the assistance of or be represented by 
counsel or representative of his or her choice qualified under part 292 
of this chapter, at no expense to the Government, in the preparation of 
his or her answer or in connection with his or her hearing, and that he 
or she may present such evidence in his or her behalf as may be relevant 
to the rescission.

[62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 27881, May 21, 1999]



Sec.  246.2  Allegations admitted; no answer filed; no hearing requested.

    If the answer admits the allegations in the notice, or if no answer 
is filed within the thirty-day period, or if no hearing is requested 
within such period, the district director or asylum office director 
shall rescind the adjustment of status previously granted, and no appeal 
shall lie from his decision.

[62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 27881, May 21, 1999]



Sec.  246.3  Allegations contested or denied; hearing requested.

    If, within the prescribed time following service of the notice 
pursuant to Sec.  246.1, the respondent has filed an answer which 
contests or denies any allegation in the notice, or a hearing is 
requested, a hearing pursuant to Sec.  246.5 shall be conducted by an 
immigration judge, and the requirements contained in Sec. Sec.  240.3, 
240.4, 240.5, 240.6, 240.7, and 240.9 of this chapter shall be followed.



Sec.  246.4  Immigration judge's authority; withdrawal and substitution.

    In any proceeding conducted under this part, the immigration judge 
shall have authority to interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the 
respondent and other witnesses, to present and receive evidence, to 
determine whether adjustment of status shall be rescinded, to make 
decisions thereon, including an appropriate order, and to take any other 
action consistent with applicable provisions of law and regulations as 
may be appropriate to the disposition of the case. Nothing contained in 
this part shall be construed to diminish the authority conferred on 
immigration judges by the Act. The immigration judge assigned to conduct 
a hearing shall, at any time, withdraw if he or she deems himself or 
herself disqualified. If a hearing has begun but no evidence has been 
adduced other than the notice and answer, if any, pursuant

[[Page 738]]

to Sec. Sec.  246.1 and 246.2, or if an immigration judge becomes 
unavailable to complete his or her duties within a reasonable time, or 
if at any time the respondent consents to a substitution, another 
immigration judge may be assigned to complete the case. The new 
immigration judge shall familiarize himself or herself with the record 
in the case and shall state for the record that he or she is familiar 
with the record in the case.



Sec.  246.5  Hearing.

    (a) Service counsel. The Government shall be represented at the 
hearing by a Service counsel who shall have authority to present 
evidence, and to interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the respondent 
and other witnesses. The Service counsel is authorized to appeal from a 
decision of the immigration judge pursuant to Sec.  246.7 and to move 
for reopening or reconsideration pursuant to Sec.  3.23 of this chapter.
    (b) Opening. The immigration judge shall advise the respondent of 
the nature of the proceeding and the legal authority under which it is 
conducted; advise the respondent of his or her right to representation, 
at no expense to the Government, by counsel or representative of his or 
her own choice qualified under part 292 of this chapter and require him 
or her to state then and there whether he or she desires representation; 
advise the respondent that he or she will have a reasonable opportunity 
to examine and object to the evidence against him or her, to present 
evidence in his or her own behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses 
presented by the Government; place the respondent under oath; read the 
allegations in the notice to the respondent and explain them in 
nontechnical language, and enter the notice and respondent's answer, if 
any, as exhibits in the record.
    (c) Pleading by respondent. The immigration judge shall require the 
respondent to state for the record whether he or she admits or denies 
the allegations contained in the notice, or any of them, and whether he 
or she concedes that his or her adjustment of status should be 
rescinded. If the respondent admits all of the allegations and concedes 
that the adjustment of status in his or her case should be rescinded 
under the allegations set forth in the notice, and the immigration judge 
is satisfied that no issues of law or fact remain, he or she may 
determine that rescission as alleged has been established by the 
respondent's admissions. The allegations contained in the notice shall 
be taken as admitted when the respondent, without reasonable cause, 
fails or refuses to attend or remain in attendance at the hearing.



Sec.  246.6  Decision and order.

    The decision of the immigration judge may be oral or written. The 
formal enumeration of findings is not required. The order shall direct 
either that the proceeding be terminated or that the adjustment of 
status be rescinded. Service of the decision and finality of the order 
of the immigration judge shall be in accordance with, and as stated in 
Sec. Sec.  240.13 (a) and (b) and 240.14 of this chapter.



Sec.  246.7  Appeals.

    Pursuant to 8 CFR part 3, an appeal shall lie from a decision of an 
immigration judge under this part to the Board of Immigration Appeals. 
An appeal shall be taken within 30 days after the mailing of a written 
decision or the stating of an oral decision. The reasons for the appeal 
shall be specifically identified in the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR 26); 
failure to do so may constitute a ground for dismissal of the appeal by 
the Board.



Sec.  246.8  [Reserved]



Sec.  246.9  Surrender of Form I-551.

    A respondent whose status as a permanent resident has been rescinded 
in accordance with section 246 of the Act and this part, shall, upon 
demand, promptly surrender to the district director having 
administrative jurisdiction over the office in which the action under 
this part was taken, the Form I-551 issued to him or her at the time of 
the grant of permanent resident status.



PART 247_ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF CERTAIN RESIDENT ALIENS--Table of Contents



Sec.
247.1 Scope of part.

[[Page 739]]

247.11 Notice.
247.12 Disposition of case.
247.13 Disposition of Form I-508.
247.14 Surrender of documents.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, and 1257.



Sec.  247.1  Scope of part.

    The provisions of this part apply to an alien who is lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence and has an occupational status which, 
if he were seeking admission to the United States, would entitle him to 
a nonimmigrant status under paragraph (15)(A) or (15)(G) of section 
101(a) of the Act, and to his immediate family; also, an alien who was 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence and has an occupational status 
which, if he were seeking admission to the United States, would entitle 
him to a nonimmigrant status under paragraph (15)(E) of section 101(a) 
of the Act, and to his spouse and children.

[22 FR 9801, Dec. 6, 1957]



Sec.  247.11  Notice.

    If it appears to a district director that an alien residing in his 
district, who was lawfully admitted for permanent residence, has an 
occupational status described in section 247 of the Act, he shall cause 
a notice on Form I-509 to be served on such alien by personal service 
informing him that it is proposed to adjust his status, unless the alien 
requests that he be permitted to retain his status as a resident alien 
and executes and files with such district director a Form I-508 (Waiver 
of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities) and, if a French 
national receiving salary from the French Republic, Form I-508F 
(election as to tax exemption under the Convention between the United 
States and the French Republic), within 10 days after service of the 
notice, or the alien, within such 10-day period, files with the district 
director a written answer under oath setting forth reasons why his 
status should not be adjusted. The notice shall also advise the person 
that he may, within such period and upon his request have an opportunity 
to appear in person, in support or in lieu of his written answer, before 
an immigration officer designated for that purpose. The person shall 
further be advised that he may have the assistance of counsel without 
expense to the Government of the United States in the preparation of his 
answer or in connection with such personal appearance, and may examine 
the evidence upon which it is proposed to base such adjustment.

[22 FR 9801, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 37 FR 11471, June 8, 1972]



Sec.  247.12  Disposition of case.

    (a) Allegations admitted or no answer filed. If the waiver Form I-
508 and, if applicable, Form I-508F is not filed by the alien within the 
time prescribed, and the answer admits the allegations in the notice, or 
no answer is filed, the district director shall place a notation on the 
notice describing the alien's adjusted nonimmigrant status and shall 
cause a set of Forms I-94 (see Sec.  1.4) to be prepared evidencing the 
nonimmigrant classification to which the alien has been adjusted and no 
appeal shall lie from such decision. Form I-94A shall be delivered to 
the alien and shall constitute notice to him of such adjustment. The 
alien's nonimmigrant status shall be for such time, under such 
conditions, and subject to such regulations as are applicable to the 
particular nonimmigrant status granted and shall be subject to such 
other terms and conditions, including the exaction of bond as the 
district director may deem appropriate.
    (b) Answer filed; personal appearance. Upon receipt of an answer 
asserting a defense to the allegations made in the notice without 
requesting a personal appearance, or if a personal appearance is 
requested or directed, the case shall be assigned to an immigration 
officer. Pertinent evidence, including testimony of witnesses, shall be 
incorporated in the record. The immigration officer shall prepare a 
report summarizing the evidence and containing his findings and 
recommendation. The record, including the report and recommendation of 
the immigration officer, shall be forwarded to the district director who 
caused the notice to be served. The district director shall note on the 
report of the immigration officer whether he approves or disapproves

[[Page 740]]

the recommendation of the immigration officer. If the decision of the 
district director is that the matter be terminated, the alien shall be 
informed of such decision. If the decision of the district director is 
that the status of the alien should be adjusted to that of a 
nonimmigrant, his decision shall provide that unless the alien, within 
10 days of receipt of notification of such decision, requests permission 
to retain his status as an immigrant and files with the district 
director Form I-508 and, if applicable, Form I-508F, the alien's 
immigrant status be adjusted to that of a nonimmigrant. The alien shall 
be informed of such decision and of the reasons therefor, and of his 
right to appeal in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this 
chapter. If the alien does not request that he be permitted to retain 
status and file the Form I-508 and, if applicable, Form I-508F within 
the period provided therefor, the district director, without further 
notice to the alien, shall cause a set of Forms I-94 to be prepared 
evidencing the nonimmigrant classification to which the alien has been 
adjusted. Form I-94A shall be delivered to the alien. The alien's 
nonimmigrant status shall be for such time, under such conditions, and 
subject to such regulations as are applicable to the particular 
nonimmigrant status created and shall be subject to such other terms and 
conditions, including the exaction of bond, as the district director may 
deem appropriate.

[22 FR 9801, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 23 FR 9124, Nov. 26, 1958; 35 
FR 13829, Sept. 1, 1970; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  247.13  Disposition of Form I-508.

    If Form I-508 is executed and filed, the duplicate copy thereof 
(noted to show the election made on Form I-508F, if applicable) shall be 
filed in the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Administrative 
Division, and may be made available for inspection by any interested 
officer or agency of the United States.

[35 FR 13829, Sept. 1, 1970]



Sec.  247.14  Surrender of documents.

    An alien whose status as a permanent resident has been adjusted to 
that of a nonimmigrant in accordance with section 247 of the Act and 
this part, shall, upon demand, promptly surrender to the district 
director having administrative jurisdiction over the office in which the 
action under this part was taken any documents (such as Form I-151 or I-
551 or any other form of Permanent Resident Card, immigrant 
identification card, resident alien's border-crossing identification 
card (Form I-187), certificate of registry, or certificate of lawful 
entry) in his possession evidencing his former permanent resident 
status.

[22 FR 9802, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 45 FR 32657, May 19, 1980; 63 
FR 70316, Dec. 21, 1998]



PART 248_CHANGE OF NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
248.1 Eligibility.
248.2 Ineligible classes.
248.3 Petition and application.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1184, 1258; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  248.1  Eligibility.

    (a) General. Except for those classes enumerated in Sec.  248.2, any 
alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant, 
including an alien who acquired such status pursuant to section 247 of 
the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1257, who is continuing to maintain his or her 
nonimmigrant status, may apply to have his or her nonimmigrant 
classification changed to any nonimmigrant classification other than 
that of a spouse or fianc(e), or the child of such alien, under section 
101(a)(15)(K) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(K), or as an alien in 
transit under section 101(a)(15)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(C). 
An alien defined by section 101(a)(15)(V), or 101(a)(15)(U) of the Act, 
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(V) or 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U), may be accorded 
nonimmigrant status in the United States by following the procedures set 
forth respectively in Sec.  214.15(f) or Sec.  214.14 of this chapter.
    (b) Except in the case of an alien applying to obtain V nonimmigrant 
status in the United States under Sec.  214.15(f) of this chapter, a 
change of status may not be approved for an

[[Page 741]]

alien who failed to maintain the previously accorded status or whose 
status expired before the application or petition was filed, except that 
failure to file before the period of previously authorized status 
expired may be excused in the discretion of USCIS, and without separate 
application, where it is demonstrated at the time of filing that:
    (1) The failure to file a timely application was due to 
extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or 
petitioner, and USCIS finds the delay commensurate with the 
circumstances;
    (2) The alien has not otherwise violated his or her nonimmigrant 
status;
    (3) The alien remains a bona fide nonimmigrant; and
    (4) The alien is not the subject of removal proceedings under 8 CFR 
part 240.
    (c) Change of nonimmigrant classification to that of a nonimmigrant 
student. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a 
nonimmigrant applying for a change of classification as an F-1 or M-1 
student is not considered ineligible for such a change solely because 
the applicant may have started attendance at school before the 
application was submitted. USCIS will deny an application for a change 
to classification as an M-1 student if the applicant intends to pursue 
the course of study solely in order to qualify for a subsequent change 
of nonimmigrant classification to that of an alien temporary worker 
under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Act. Furthermore, an alien may not 
change from classification as an M-1 student to that of an F-1 student.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) A nonimmigrant who is admitted as, or changes status to, a B-1 
or B-2 nonimmigrant on or after April 12, 2002, or who files a request 
to extend the period of authorized stay as a B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant on 
or after such date, may not pursue a course of study at an approved 
school unless the Service has approved his or her application for change 
of status to a classification as an F-1 or M-1 student. USCIS will deny 
the change of status if the B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant enrolled in a course 
of study before filing the application for change of status or while the 
application is pending.
    (d) Application for change of nonimmigrant classification from that 
of a student under section 101(a)(15)(M)(i) to that described in section 
101(a)(15)(H). A district director shall deny an application for change 
of nonimmigrant classification from that of an M-1 student to that of an 
alien temporary worker under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Act if the 
education or training which the student received while an M-1 student 
enables the student to meet the qualifications for temporary worker 
classification under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Act.
    (e) Change of nonimmigrant classification to that as described in 
section 101(a)(15)(N). An application for change to N status shall not 
be denied on the grounds the applicant is an intending immigrant. Change 
of status shall be granted for three years not to exceed termination of 
eligibility under section 101(a)(15)(N) of the Act. Employment 
authorization pursuant to section 274(A) of the Act may be granted to an 
alien accorded nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(N) of the 
Act. Employment authorization is automatically terminated when the alien 
changes status or is no longer eligible for classification under section 
101(a)(15)(N) of the Act.

[86 FR 14228, Mar. 15, 2021]



Sec.  248.2  Ineligible classes.

    (a) Except as described in paragraph (b) of this section, the 
following categories of aliens are not eligible to change their 
nonimmigrant status under section 248 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1258:
    (1) Any alien in immediate and continuous transit through the United 
States without a visa;
    (2) Any alien classified as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) 
(C), (D), (K), or (S) of the Act;
    (3) Any alien admitted as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(J) 
of the Act, or who acquired such status after admission in order to 
receive graduate medical education or training, whether or not the alien 
was subject to, received a waiver of, or fulfilled the two-year foreign 
residence requirement of section 212(e) of the Act. This

[[Page 742]]

restriction shall not apply when the alien is a foreign medical graduate 
who was granted a waiver under section 212(e)(iii) of the Act pursuant 
to a request made by a State Department of Public Health (or its 
equivalent) under Pub. L. 103-416, and the alien complies with the terms 
and conditions imposed on the waiver under section 214(k) of the Act and 
the implementing regulations at Sec.  212.7(c)(9) of this chapter. A 
foreign medical graduate who was granted a waiver under Pub. L. 103-416 
and who does not fulfill the requisite 3-year employment contract or 
otherwise comply with the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver is 
ineligible to apply for change of status to any other nonimmigrant 
classification; and
    (4) Any alien classified as a nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(J) of the Act (other than an alien described in paragraph (c) 
of this section) who is subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act and who has not received a waiver of the 
residence requirement, except when the alien applies to change to a 
classification under section 101(a)(15)(A) or (G) of the Act.
    (5) Any alien admitted as a visitor under the visa waiver provisions 
of Sec.  212.1(e) of this chapter.
    (6) Any alien admitted as a Visa Waiver Pilot Program visitor under 
the provisions of section 217 of the Act and part 217 of this chapter.
    (b) The prohibition against a change of nonimmigrant status for the 
categories of aliens described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this 
section is inapplicable to aliens applying for a change of nonimmigrant 
status to that of a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Act, 
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(U).

[47 FR 44238, Oct. 7, 1982, as amended at 48 FR 41017, Sept. 13, 1983; 
52 FR 48084, Dec. 18, 1987; 53 FR 24903, June 30, 1988; 60 FR 26683, May 
18, 1995; 60 FR 44271, Aug. 25, 1995; 72 FR 53041, Sept. 17, 2007]



Sec.  248.3  Petition and application.

    Requests for a change of status must be filed on the form designated 
by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with 
the form instructions.
    (a) Requests by petitioners. A petitioner must submit a request for 
a change of status to E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1C, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, 
L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-2, P-3, Q-1, R-1, or TN nonimmigrant.
    (b) Application by nonimmigrant--(1) Individual applicant. Any 
nonimmigrant who seeks to change status to:
    (i) A dependent nonimmigrant classification as the spouse or child 
of a principal whose nonimmigrant classification is listed in paragraph 
(a) of this section, or
    (ii) Any other nonimmigrant classification not listed in paragraph 
(a) of this section must apply for a change of status on his or her own 
behalf.
    (2) Multiple applicants. More than one person may be included in an 
application where the co-applicants are all members of a single family 
group and either all hold the same nonimmigrant status or one holds a 
nonimmigrant status and the co-applicants are his or her spouse and/or 
children who hold derivative nonimmigrant status based on the 
principal's nonimmigrant status.
    (c) Special provisions for change of nonimmigrant classification to, 
or from, a position classified under section 101(a)(15) (A) or (G) of 
the Act. Each application for change of nonimmigrant classification to, 
or from, a position classified under section 101(a)(15)(A) or (G) must 
be filed on the prescribed application accompanied by the appropriate 
endorsement from the Department of State recommending the change of 
status. If the Department of State recommends against the change, the 
application shall be denied. An application for a change of 
classification by a principal alien in a position classified A-1, A-2, 
G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 shall be processed without fee. Members of the 
principal alien's immediate family who are included on the principal 
alien's application shall also be processed without fee.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Change of classification not required. The following do not need 
to request a change of classification:
    (1) An alien classified as a visitor for business under section 
101(a)(15)(B) of the Act who intends to remain in the United States 
temporarily as a visitor

[[Page 743]]

for pleasure during the period of authorized admission; or
    (2) An alien classified under sections 101(a)(15)(A) or 
101(a)(15)(G) of the Act as a member of the immediate family of a 
principal alien classified under the same section, or an alien 
classified under sections 101(a)(15)(E), (H), (I), (J), or (L) of the 
Act as the spouse or child who accompanied or followed-to-join a 
principal alien who is classified under the same section, may attend 
school in the United States, provided that the principal alien or spouse 
or child maintain their nonimmigrant status.
    (f) Approval of application. If the application is granted, the 
applicant shall be notified of the decision and granted a new period of 
time to remain in the United States without the requirement of filing a 
separate application and paying a separate fee for an extension of stay. 
The applicant's nonimmigrant status under his new classification shall 
be subject to the terms and conditions applicable generally to such 
classification and to such other additional terms and conditions, 
including exaction of bond, which USCIS deems appropriate to the case.
    (g) Denial of application. When the application is denied, the 
applicant shall be notified of the decision and the reasons for the 
denial. There is no appeal from the denial of the application under this 
chapter.
    (h) Change to S nonimmigrant classification. An eligible state or 
federal law enforcement agency (``LEA''), which shall include a state or 
federal court or a United States Attorney's Office, may seek to change 
the nonimmigrant classification of a nonimmigrant lawfully admitted to 
the United States, except those enumerated in Sec.  248.2 of this 
chapter, to that of an alien witness or informant pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act by filing with the Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, the forms designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed 
in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the form instructions establishing 
eligibility for the change of nonimmigrant classification.
    (1) If the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, certifies 
the request for S nonimmigrant classification in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in 8 CFR 214.2(t), the Assistant Attorney General 
shall forward the LEA's request on Form I-854 with Form I-539 to the 
Commissioner. No request for change of nonimmigrant classification to S 
classification may proceed to the Commissioner unless it has first been 
certified by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division.
    (2) In the event the Commissioner decides to deny an application to 
change nonimmigrant classification to S nonimmigrant classification, the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA 
shall be notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. 
Unless the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 
7 days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In 
the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy 
Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the 
alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to 
deny.
    (i) Change of nonimmigrant status to perform labor in a health care 
occupation. A request for a change of nonimmigrant status filed by, or 
on behalf of, an alien seeking to perform labor in a health care 
occupation as provided in 8 CFR 212.15(c), must be accompanied by a 
certificate as described in 8 CFR 212.15(f), or if the alien is 
eligible, a certified statement as described in 8 CFR 212.15(h). See 8 
CFR 214.1(j) for a special rule concerning applications for change of 
status for aliens admitted temporarily under section 212(d)(3) of the 
Act and 8 CFR 212.15(n).

[36 FR 9001, May 18, 1971]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
248.3, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



PART 249_CREATION OF RECORDS OF LAWFUL ADMISSION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE--
Table of Contents



Sec.
249.1 Waiver of inadmissibility.
249.2 Application.

[[Page 744]]

249.3 Reopening and reconsideration.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1259; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  249.1  Waiver of inadmissibility.

    In conjunction with an application under section 249 of the Act, an 
otherwise eligible alien who is inadmissible under paragraph (9), (10), 
or (12) of section 212(a) of the Act or so much of paragraph (23) of 
section 212(a) of the Act as relates to a single offense of simple 
possession of 30 grams or less of marihuana may request a waiver of such 
ground of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Act. Any alien 
within the classes described in subparagraphs (B) through (H) of section 
212(a)(28) of the Act may apply for the benefits of section 
212(a)(28)(I)(ii) in conjunction with an application under section 249 
of the Act.

[47 FR 44238, Oct. 7, 1982]



Sec.  249.2  Application.

    (a) Jurisdiction. An application by an alien, other than an arriving 
alien, who has been served with a notice to appear or warrant of arrest 
shall be considered only in proceedings under 8 CFR part 240. In any 
other case, an alien who believes he or she meets the eligibility 
requirements of section 249 of the Act shall apply to the district 
director having jurisdiction over his or her place of residence. The 
application shall be made on Form I-485 and shall be accompanied by Form 
G-325A, which shall be considered part of the application. The 
application shall also be accompanied by documentary evidence 
establishing continuous residence in the United States since prior to 
January 1, 1972, or since entry and prior to July 1, 1924. All documents 
must be submitted in accordance with Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter. 
Documentary evidence may include any records of official or personal 
transactions or recordings of events occurring during the period of 
claimed residence. Affidavits of credible witnesses may also be 
accepted. Persons unemployed and unable to furnish evidence in their own 
names may furnish evidence in the names of parents or other persons with 
whom they have been living, if affidavits of the parents or other 
persons are submitted attesting to the residence. The numerical 
limitations of sections 201 and 202 of the Act shall not apply.
    (b) Decision. The applicant shall be notified of the decision and, 
if the application is denied, of the reasons therefor. If the 
application is granted, a Form I-551, showing that the applicant has 
acquired the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence, shall not be issued until the applicant surrenders any other 
document in his or her possession evidencing compliance with the alien 
registration requirements of former or existing law. No appeal shall lie 
from the denial of an application by the district director. However, an 
alien, other than an arriving alien, may renew the denied application in 
proceedings under 8 CFR part 240.

[52 FR 6322, Mar. 3, 1987, as amended at 62 FR 10386, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  249.3  Reopening and reconsideration.

    An applicant who alleged entry and residence since prior to July 1, 
1924, but in whose case a record was created as of the date of approval 
of the application because evidence of continuous residence prior to 
July 1, 1924, was not submitted, may have his case reopened and 
reconsidered pursuant to Sec.  103.5 of this chapter. Upon the 
submission of satisfactory evidence, a record of admission as of the 
date of alleged entry may be created.

[29 FR 11494, Aug. 11, 1964]



PART 250_REMOVAL OF ALIENS WHO HAVE FALLEN INTO DISTRESS--Table of Contents



Sec.
250.1 Application.
250.2 Removal authorization.

    Authority: Secs. 103, 250, 66 Stat. 173, 219; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1260.



Sec.  250.1  Application.

    Application for removal shall be made on Form I-243. No appeal shall 
lie from the decision of the district director.

[22 FR 9802, Dec. 6, 1957]

[[Page 745]]



Sec.  250.2  Removal authorization.

    If the district director grants the application he shall issue an 
authorization for the alien's removal on Form I-202. Upon issuance of 
the authorization, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the alien may 
be removed from the United States at government expense.

[22 FR 9802, Dec. 6, 1957]



PART 251_ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE MANIFESTS AND LISTS: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS--
Table of Contents



Sec.
251.1 Arrival manifests and lists.
251.2 Notification of illegal landings.
251.3 Departure manifests and lists for vessels.
251.4 Departure manifests and lists for aircraft.
251.5 Arrival and departure manifests for crew.
251.6 Exemptions for private vessels and aircraft.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1221, 1281, 1282, 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  251.1  Arrival manifests and lists.

    (a) Vessels--(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(6) of 
this section, the master or agent of every vessel arriving in the United 
States from a foreign place or an outlying possession of the United 
States must submit a manifest of all crewmen on board by electronically 
submitting the data elements required on CBP Form I-418, Passenger 
List--Crew List, via an electronic data interchange system approved by 
CBP.
    (2) Longshore work information. Except as provided in paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section, the master or agent of the vessel must 
electronically submit via an electronic data interchange system approved 
by CBP an affirmation as to whether crewmen aboard the vessel will be 
used to perform longshore work at any United States port before the 
vessel departs the United States.
    (i) If no longshore work will be performed, no further information 
regarding longshore work is required.
    (ii) If longshore work will be performed, the master or agent must 
indicate which exception listed in section 258 of the Act permits the 
work. The exceptions are:
    (A) The hazardous cargo exception;
    (B) The prevailing practice exception in accordance with a port's 
collective bargaining agreements;
    (C) The prevailing practice exception at a port where there is no 
collective bargaining agreement, but for which the vessel files an 
attestation;
    (D) The prevailing practice exception for automated vessels; and
    (E) The reciprocity exception.
    (iii) If longshore work will be performed under the hazardous cargo 
exception, the vessel must either be a tanker or be transporting dry 
bulk cargo that qualifies as hazardous. All tankers qualify for the 
hazardous cargo exception, except for a tanker that has been gas-freed 
to load non-hazardous dry bulk commodities.
    (A) To invoke the exception for tankers, the master or agent must 
indicate in the manifest that the vessel is a qualifying tanker.
    (B) If the vessel is transporting dry bulk hazardous cargo, the 
master or agent must indicate in the manifest that the vessel's dry bulk 
cargo is hazardous and must show the immigration officer the dangerous 
cargo manifest that is signed by the master or an authorized 
representative of the owner, and that under 46 CFR 148.02 must be kept 
in a conspicuous place near the bridge house.
    (iv) If longshore work will be performed under the prevailing 
practice exception, the master or agent must indicate in the manifest 
each port at which longshore work will be performed under this 
exception. Additionally, for each port the master or agent must indicate 
either that:
    (A) The practice of nonimmigrant crewmen doing longshore work is in 
accordance with all collective bargaining agreements covering 30 percent 
or more of the longshore workers in the port;
    (B) The port has no collective bargaining agreement covering 30 
percent or more of the longshore workers in the port and an attestation 
has been filed with the Secretary of Labor;

[[Page 746]]

    (C) An attestation that was previously filed is still valid and the 
vessel continues to comply with the conditions stated in that 
attestation; or
    (D) The longshore work consists of operating an automated, self-
unloading conveyor belt or a vacuum-actuated system.
    (v) If longshore work will be performed under the reciprocity 
exception, the master or agent must indicate in the manifest that the 
work will be done under the reciprocity exception, and will indicate the 
nationality of the vessel's registry and the nationality or 
nationalities of the holders of a majority of the ownership interest in 
the vessel.
    (3) Exception for certain Great Lakes vessels. (i) A manifest is not 
required for a vessel of United States, Canadian, or British registry 
engaged solely in traffic on the Great Lakes or the St. Lawrence River 
and connecting waterways, herein designated as a Great Lakes vessel, 
unless:
    (A) The vessel employs nonimmigrant crewmen who will do longshore 
work at a port in the United States; or
    (B) The vessel employs crewmen of other than United States, 
Canadian, or British citizenship.
    (ii) In either situation, the master must follow the instructions 
prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (iii) After submission of a manifest on the first voyage of a 
calendar year, a manifest is not required on subsequent arrivals unless 
a nonimmigrant crewman of other than Canadian or British citizenship is 
employed on the vessel who was not aboard and listed on the last prior 
manifest, or a change has occurred regarding the performance of 
longshore work in the United States by nonimmigrant crewmen, or a change 
has occurred in the exception that the master or agent of the vessel 
wishes to invoke which was not indicated in the last prior manifest.
    (4) The master or agent of a vessel that only bunkers at a United 
States port en route to another United States port must electronically 
submit via an electronic data interchange system approved by CBP the 
time, date, and place of bunkering.
    (5) If documentation is required to support an exception, as 
described in Sec.  258.2 of this chapter, it must be sent to CBP 
electronically or be presented to CBP upon arrival at the port of 
immigration inspection.
    (6) Exception to the requirement to submit Form I-418 data elements 
and longshore work information electronically. The master or agent of 
any vessel that is arriving in the United States from a foreign place or 
an outlying possession of the United States, and is required to submit a 
manifest, may submit a paper Form I-418 to CBP upon arrival at the port 
where immigration inspection is performed when:
    (i) The master or agent of the vessel is unable to electronically 
submit the data elements required on Form I-418 via an electronic data 
interchange system approved by CBP because there is no internet access 
in that location or onboard computers are experiencing technical 
difficulties, and there is no shore-side support available; or
    (ii) CBP is experiencing technical difficulties affecting its 
receipt or processing of electronically submitted information, or, in 
its discretion, CBP determines that a paper Form I-418 is acceptable 
under the circumstances presented by the master or agent of a vessel.
    (b) Aircraft. The captain or agent of every aircraft arriving in the 
United States from a foreign place or from an outlying possession of the 
United States, except an aircraft arriving in the United States directly 
from Canada on a flight originating in that country, must present to the 
immigration officer at the port where the inspection is performed a 
manifest on CBP Form 7507 or on the International Civil Aviation 
Organization's General Declaration of all the alien crewmembers on 
board, including alien crewmembers who are returning to the United 
States after taking an aircraft of the same line from the United States 
to a foreign place or alien crewmembers who are entering the United 
States as passengers solely for the purpose of taking an aircraft of the 
same line from the United States to a foreign port. The captain or agent 
of an aircraft that only refuels at the United States en route to 
another United States port

[[Page 747]]

must electronically update the data in the manifest presented at the 
onward port to indicate the time, date, and place of refueling. The 
surname, given name, and middle initial of each alien crewman listed 
also must be shown on the manifest. In addition, the captain or agent of 
the aircraft must indicate the total number of United States citizen 
crewmembers and total number of alien crewmembers.
    (c) Additional documents. The master, captain, or agent must prepare 
as a part of the manifest, when one is required for presentation to an 
immigration officer, a completely executed set of Forms I-95, 
Conditional Landing Permit, for each nonimmigrant alien crewman on 
board, except:
    (1) A Canadian or British citizen crewman serving on a vessel plying 
solely between Canada and the United States; or
    (2) A nonimmigrant crewman who is in possession of an unmutilated 
Form I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card, or an 
unmutilated Form I-95 with space for additional endorsements previously 
issued to him or her as a member of the crew of the same vessel or an 
aircraft of the same line on his or her last prior arrival in the United 
States, following which he or she departed from the United States as a 
member of the crew of the same vessel or an aircraft of the same line.

[62 FR 10386, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 86 FR 73629, Dec. 28, 2021]



Sec.  251.2  Notification of illegal landings.

    As soon as discovered, the master or agent of any vessel from which 
an alien crewman has illegally landed or deserted in the United States 
shall inform the immigration officer in charge of the port where the 
illegal landing or desertion occurred, in writing, of the name, 
nationality, passport number and, if known, the personal description, 
circumstances and time of such illegal landing or desertion of such 
alien crewman, and furnish any other information and documents that 
might aid in his or her apprehension, including any passport surrendered 
pursuant to Sec.  252.1(d) of this chapter. Failure to file notice of 
illegal landing or desertion and to furnish any surrendered passport 
within 24 hours of the time of such landing or desertion becomes known 
shall be regarded as lack of compliance with section 251(d) of the Act.

[62 FR 10387, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  251.3  Departure manifests and lists for vessels.

    (a) Form I-418, Passenger List-Crew List. Except as provided in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the master or agent of every 
vessel departing from the United States directly to some foreign place 
or outlying possession of the United States must electronically submit 
the data elements required on Form I-418 via an electronic data 
interchange system approved by CBP, except when a manifest is not 
required pursuant to section 251.1(a). Submission of inaccurate or 
incomplete data will be regarded as lack of compliance with section 
251(c) of the Act.
    (b) Exception for certain Great Lakes vessels. The required list 
need not be submitted for Canadian or British crewmembers of Great Lakes 
vessels described in Sec.  251.1(a)(3).
    (c) Exception to the requirement to submit Form I-418 data elements 
electronically. The master or agent of any vessel that is departing from 
the United States directly to some foreign place or outlying possession 
of the United States, and is required to submit a manifest, may submit a 
paper Form I-418 to CBP at the port from which such vessel is to depart 
when:
    (1) The master or agent of the vessel is unable to submit the data 
elements required on Form I-418 electronically via an electronic data 
interchange system approved by CBP because there is no internet access 
in that location or onboard computers are experiencing technical 
difficulties, and there is no shore-side support available; or
    (2) CBP is experiencing technical difficulties affecting its receipt 
or processing of electronically submitted information, or, in its 
discretion, CBP determines that a paper Form I-418 is acceptable under 
the circumstances presented by the master or agent of a vessel.

[62 FR 10387, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 86 FR 73630, Dec. 28, 2021]

[[Page 748]]



Sec.  251.4  Departure manifests and lists for aircraft.

    (a) United States Customs Service Form 7507 or International Civil 
Aviation Organization's General Declaration. The captain or agent of 
every aircraft departing from the United States for a foreign place or 
an outlying possession of the United States, except on a flight 
departing for and terminating in Canada, shall submit to the immigration 
officer at the port from which such aircraft is to depart a completed 
United States Customs Service Form 7507 or the International Civil 
Aviation Organization's General Declaration. The form shall contain a 
list of all alien crewmen on board, including alien crewmen who arrived 
in the United States as crewmen on an aircraft of the same line and who 
are departing as passengers. The surname, given name, and middle initial 
of each such alien crewman listed shall be shown. In addition, the 
captain or agent of the aircraft shall indicate the total number of 
alien crewmembers and the total number of United States citizen 
crewmembers.
    (b) Notification of changes in employment for aircraft. The agent of 
the air transportation line shall immediately notify in writing the 
nearest immigration office of the termination of employment in the 
United States of each alien employee of the line furnishing the name, 
birth date, birthplace, nationality, passport number, and other 
available information concerning such alien. The procedure to follow in 
obtaining permission to pay off or discharge an alien crewman in the 
United States after initial immigration inspection, other than an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence, is set forth in Sec.  
252.1(f) of this chapter.

[62 FR 10387, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  251.5  Arrival and departure manifests for crew.

    In addition to the electronic manifest transmission requirement 
applicable to crew members specified in Sec. Sec.  231.1 and 231.2 of 
this chapter, the master or commanding officer, or authorized agent, 
owner, or consignee, of a commercial vessel or commercial aircraft 
arriving in or departing from the United States must submit arrival and 
departure manifests in accordance with Sec. Sec.  251.1, 251.3, and 
251.4.

[70 FR 17849, Apr. 7, 2005, as amended at 86 FR 73630, Dec. 28, 2021]



Sec.  251.6  Exemptions for private vessels and aircraft.

    The provisions of this part relating to the presentation of arrival 
and departure manifests do not apply to a private vessel or private 
aircraft not engaged directly or indirectly in the carrying of persons 
or cargo for hire.

[70 FR 17849, Apr. 7, 2005]



PART 252_LANDING OF ALIEN CREWMEN--Table of Contents



Sec.
252.1 Examination of crewmen.
252.2 Revocation of conditional landing permits; removal.
252.3 Great Lakes vessels and tugboats arriving in the United States 
          from Canada; special procedures.
252.4 Permanent landing permit and identification card.
252.5 Special procedures for deserters from Spanish or Greek ships of 
          war.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1184, 1185 (pursuant to E.O. 13323 
published on January 2, 2004), 1258, 1281, 1282; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  252.1  Examination of crewmen.

    (a) Detention prior to examination. All persons employed in any 
capacity on board any vessel or aircraft arriving in the United States 
shall be detained on board the vessel or at the airport of arrival by 
the master or agent of such vessel or aircraft until admitted or 
otherwise permitted to land by an officer of the Service.
    (b) Classes of aliens subject to examination under this part. The 
examination of every nonimmigrant alien crewman arriving in the United 
States shall be in accordance with this part except that the following 
classes of persons employed on vessels or aircraft shall be examined in 
accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR parts 235 and 240:
    (1) Canadian or British citizen crewmen serving on vessels plying 
solely between Canada and the United States; or
    (2) Canadian or British citizen crewmen of aircraft arriving in a 
State of

[[Page 749]]

the United States directly from Canada on flights originating in that 
country. The crew of a vessel arriving at a United States port that may 
not require inspection by or clearance from the United States Customs 
Service is, nevertheless, subject to examination under this part; 
however, the master of such a vessel is not required to present Form I-
95 for any crewman who is not an applicant for a conditional landing 
permit.
    (c) Requirements for landing permits. Every alien crewman applying 
for landing privileges in the United States is subject to the provisions 
of 8 CFR 235.1(d)(1)(ii) and (iii), and must make his or her application 
in person before a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, present 
whatever documents are required, establish to the satisfaction of the 
inspecting officer that he or she is not inadmissible under any 
provision of the law, and is entitled clearly and beyond doubt to 
landing privileges in the United States.
    (d) Authorization to land. The immigration officer in his discretion 
may grant an alien crewman authorization to land temporarily in the 
United States for: (1) Shore leave purposes during the period of time 
the vessel or aircraft is in the port of arrival or other ports in the 
United States to which it proceeds directly without touching at a 
foreign port or place, not exceeding 29 days in the aggregate, if the 
immigration officer is satisfied that the crewman intends to depart on 
the vessel on which he arrived or on another aircraft of the same 
transportation line, and the crewman's passport is surrendered for safe 
keeping to the master of the arriving vessel, or (2) the purpose of 
departing from the United States as a crewman on a vessel other than the 
one on which he arrived, or departing as a passenger by means of other 
transportation, within a period of 29 days, if the immigration officer 
is satisfied that the crewman intends to depart in that manner, that 
definite arrangements for such departure have been made, and the 
immigration officer has consented to the pay off or discharge of the 
crewman from the vessel on which he arrived. A crewman granted a 
conditional permit to land under section 252(a)(1) of the Act and 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section is required to depart with his vessel 
from its port of arrival and from each other port in the United States 
to which it thereafter proceeds coastwise without touching at a foreign 
port or place; however, he may rejoin his vessel at another port in the 
United States before it touches at a foreign port or place if he has 
advance written permission from the master or agent to do so.
    (e) Conditional permits to land. Unless the crewman is in possession 
of Form I-184 and is landed under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the 
immigration officer shall give to each alien nonimmigrant crewman 
permitted to land a copy of the Form I-95 presented by the crewman, 
endorsed to show the date and place of admission and the type of 
conditional landing permit.
    (f) Change of status. An alien nonimmigrant crewman landed pursuant 
to the provisions of this part shall be ineligible for any extension of 
stay or for a change of nonimmigrant classification under part 248 of 
this chapter. A crewman admitted under paragraph (d)(1) of this section 
may, if still maintaining status, apply for a conditional landing permit 
under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. The application shall not be 
approved unless an application on Form I-408, filed pursuant to 
paragraph (h) of this section, has been approved authorizing the master 
or agent of the vessel on which the crewman arrived to pay off or 
discharge the crewman and unless evidence is presented by the master or 
agent of the vessel to which the crewman will be transferred that a 
specified position on that vessel has been authorized for him or that 
satisfactory arrangements have been completed for the repatriation of 
the alien crewman. If the application is approved, the crewman shall be 
given a new Form I-95 endorsed to show landing authorized under 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section for the period necessary to accomplish 
his scheduled reshipment, which shall not exceed 29 days from the date 
of his landing, upon surrendering any conditional landing permit 
previously issued to him on Form I-95.
    (g) Refusal of conditional landing permit. When an alien crewman is 
refused a conditional landing permit for any

[[Page 750]]

reason, the Form I-95 presented by him at time of examination shall be 
endorsed ``Permission to land temporarily at all U.S. ports is refused'' 
and the Form I-95 shall be given to the master or agent of the vessel or 
aircraft and, in the case of vessels, the alien crewman's name shall be 
listed on the Form I-410 delivered to the master of the vessel upon 
completion of the examination of the crew. If an alien crewman who has 
been refused a conditional landing permit is in possession of Form I-
184, the Form I-184 shall be lifted by the examining immigration officer 
and, except in the case of an alien crewman who is refused a conditional 
landing permit solely because he is not in possession of a valid 
passport or visa, the Form I-184 shall be voided. In the case of an 
alien crewman refused a conditional landing permit because he is not in 
possession of a valid passport or visa, the Form I-184 shall be 
delivered to the master or agent of the vessel with instructions to 
return it to the alien crewman after the vessel has departed from the 
United States.
    (h) Authorization to pay off or discharge an alien crewman. 
Application to pay off or discharge an alien crewman, except an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence, shall be made by the owner, 
agent, consignee, charterer, master, or commanding officer of the vessel 
or aircraft on which the alien crewman arrived on Form I-408 filed with 
the immigration officer having jurisdiction over the area in which the 
vessel or aircraft is located at the time of application. The applicant 
shall be notified of the decision, and, if the application is denied, of 
the reasons therefor. There shall be no appeal from the denial of an 
application on Form I-408.

[23 FR 2788, Apr. 26, 1958, as amended at 27 FR 11875, Dec. 1, 1962; 29 
FR 13243, Sept. 24, 1964; 29 FR 14432, Oct. 21, 1964; 32 FR 9633, July 
4, 1967; 33 FR 9332, June 26, 1968; 33 FR 17137, Nov. 19, 1968; 58 FR 
48779, Sept. 20, 1993; 62 FR 10388, Mar. 6, 1997; 69 FR 53333, Aug. 31, 
2004]



Sec.  252.2  Revocation of conditional landing permits; removal.

    (a) Revocation and removal while vessel is in the United States. A 
crewman whose landing permit is subject to revocation pursuant to 
section 252(b) of the Act may be taken into custody by any immigration 
officer without a warrant of arrest and be transferred to the vessel of 
arrival, if the vessel is in any port in the United States and has not 
departed foreign since the crewman was issued his or her conditional 
landing permit. Detention and removal of the crewman shall be at the 
expense of the transportation line on which the crewman arrived. Removal 
may be effected on the vessel of arrival or, if the master of the vessel 
has requested in writing, by alternate means if removal on the vessel of 
arrival is impractical.
    (b) Revocation and removal after vessel has departed the United 
States. A crewman who was granted landing privileges prior to April 1, 
1997, and who has not departed foreign on the vessel of arrival, or on 
another vessel or aircraft if such permission was granted pursuant to 
Sec.  252.1(f), is subject to removal proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act as an alien deportable pursuant to section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of 
the Act. A crewman who was granted landing privileges on or after April 
1, 1997, and who has not departed foreign on the vessel of arrival, or 
on another vessel or aircraft if such permission was granted pursuant to 
Sec.  252.1(f), shall be removed from the United States without a 
hearing, except as provided in Sec.  208.2(b)(1) of this chapter. In 
either case, if the alien is removed within 5 years of the date of 
landing, removal of the crewman shall be at the expense of the owner of 
the vessel. In the case of a crewman ordered removed more than 5 years 
after the date of landing, removal shall be at the expense of the 
appropriation for the enforcement of the Act.

[62 FR 10388, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  252.3  Great Lakes vessels and tugboats arriving in the United States 
from Canada; special procedures.

    (a) United States vessels and tugboats. An immigration examination 
shall not be required of any crewman aboard a Great Lakes vessel of 
United States registry or a tugboat of United States registry arriving 
from Canada at a port of the United States who has been examined and 
admitted by an immigration officer as a member of the crew of

[[Page 751]]

the same vessel or tugboat or of any other vessel or tugboat of the same 
company during the current calendar year.
    (b) Canadian or British vessels or tugboats. An alien crewman need 
not be presented for inspection if the alien crewman:
    (1) Serves aboard a Great Lakes vessel of Canadian or British 
registry or aboard a tugboat of Canadian or British registry arriving at 
a United States port-of-entry from Canada;
    (2) Seeks admission for a period of less than 29 days;
    (3) Has, during the current calendar year, been inspected and 
admitted by an immigration officer as a member of the crew of the same 
vessel or tugboat, or of any other vessel or tugboat of the same 
company;
    (4) Is either a British or Canadian citizen or is in possession of a 
valid Form I-95 previously issued to him or her as a member of the crew 
of the same vessel or tugboat, or of any other vessel or tugboat of the 
same company;
    (5) Does not request or require landing privileges in the United 
States beyond the time the vessel or tugboat will be in port; and,
    (6) Will depart to Canada with the vessel or tugboat.

[62 FR 10388, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  252.4  Permanent landing permit and identification card.

    A Form I-184 is valid until revoked. It shall be revoked when an 
immigration officer finds that the crewman is in the United States in 
willful violation of the terms and conditions of his or her permission 
to land, or that he or she is inadmissible to the United States. On 
revocation, the Form I-184 shall be surrendered to an immigration 
officer. No appeal shall lie from the revocation of Form I-184.

[62 FR 10388, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  252.5  Special procedures for deserters from Spanish 
or Greek ships of war.

    (a) General. Under E.O. 11267 of January 19, 1966 (31 FR 807) and 28 
CFR 0.109, and E.O. 11300 of August 17, 1966, (31 FR 11009), and 28 CFR 
0.110, the Commissioner and immigration officers (as defined in Sec.  
103.1(j) of this chapter) are designated as ``competent national 
authorities'' on the part of the United States within the meaning of 
Article XXIV of the 1903 Treaty of Friendship and General Relations 
between the United States and Spain (33 Stat. 2105, 2117), and ``local 
authorities'' and ``competent officers'' on the part of the United 
States within the meaning of Article XIII of the Convention between the 
United States and Greece (33 Stat. 2122, 2131).
    (b) Application for restoration. On application of a Consul General, 
Consul, Vice-Consul, or Consular-Agent of the Spanish or Greek 
Government, made in writing pursuant to Article XXIV of the treaty, or 
Article XIII of the Convention, respectively, stipulating for the 
restoration of crewmen deserting, stating that the person named therein 
has deserted from a ship of war of that government, while in any port of 
the United States, and on proof by the exhibition of the register, crew 
list, or official documents of the vessel, or a copy or extract 
therefrom, duly certified, that the person named belonged, at the time 
of desertion, to the crew of such vessel, such person shall be taken 
into custody by any immigration officer without a warrant of arrest. 
Written notification of charges shall be served on the alien when he or 
she is taken into custody or as soon as practical thereafter.
    (c) Examination. Within a reasonable period of time after the 
arrest, the alien shall be accorded an examination by the district 
director, acting district director, or the deputy district director 
having jurisdiction over the place of arrest. The alien shall be 
informed that he or she may have the assistance of or be represented by 
a counsel or representative of his or her choice qualified under 8 CFR 
part 292 without expense to the Government, and that he or she may 
present such evidence in his or her behalf as may be relevant to this 
proceeding. If, upon the completion of such examination, it is 
determined that:
    (1) The individual sought by the Spanish or Greek authorities had 
deserted from a Spanish or Greek ship of war in a United States port;

[[Page 752]]

    (2) The individual actually arrested and detained is the person 
sought;
    (3) The individual is not a citizen of the United States; and
    (4) The individual had not previously been arrested for the same 
cause and set at liberty because he or she had been detained for more 
than 3 months, or more than 2 months in the case of a deserter from a 
Greek ship of war, from the day of his or her arrest without the Spanish 
or Greek authorities having found an opportunity to send him or her 
home, the individual shall be served with a copy of the findings, from 
which no appeal shall lie, and be surrendered forthwith to the Spanish 
or Greek authorities if they are prepared to remove him or her from the 
United States. On written request of the Spanish or Greek authorities, 
the individual shall be detained, at their expense, for a period not 
exceeding 3 months or 2 months, respectively, from the day of arrest to 
afford opportunity to arrange for his or her departure from the United 
States.
    (d) Timely departure not effected. If the Spanish authorities delay 
in sending the individual home for more than 3 months, or if the Greek 
authorities delay in sending the individual home for more than 2 months, 
from the day of his or her arrest, the individual shall be dealt with as 
any other alien unlawfully in the United States under the removal 
provisions of the Act, as amended.
    (e) Commission of crime. If the individual has committed any crime 
or offense in the United States, he or she shall not be placed at the 
disposal of the consul until after the proper tribunal having 
jurisdiction in his or her case shall have pronounced sentence, and such 
sentence shall have been executed.

[62 FR 10388, Mar. 6, 1997]



PART 253_PAROLE OF ALIEN CREWMEN--Table of Contents



Sec.
253.1 Parole.
253.2 Termination of parole.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1282, 1283, 1285; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  253.1  Parole.

    (a) General. When a crewman is paroled into the United States 
pursuant to the provisions of this part under the provisions of section 
212(d)(5) of the Act, he shall be given Form I-94 (see Sec.  1.4), 
reflecting the terms of parole. A notice on Form I-259 shall be served 
upon the agent, and, if available, upon the owner and master or 
commanding officer of the vessel or aircraft, which shall specify the 
purpose of the parole and the conditions under which the alien crewman 
is paroled into the United States. The Form I-259 shall also specify the 
Service office to which the alien crewman is to be presented for 
inspection upon termination of the parole. The guarantee of payment for 
medical and other related expenses required by section 253 of the Act 
shall be executed by the owner, agent, consignee, commanding officer or 
master on Form I-510.
    (b) Afflicted crewman. Any alien crewman afflicted with 
feeblemindedness, insanity, epilepsy, tuberculosis in any form, leprosy, 
or any dangerous contagious disease, or an alien crewman suspected of 
being so afflicted shall upon arrival at the first port of call in the 
United States, be paroled to the medical institution designated by the 
district director in whose district the port is located, in the custody 
(other than during the period of time he is in such medical institution) 
of the agent of the vessel or aircraft on which such alien arrived in 
the United States and at the expense of the transportation line for a 
period initially not to exceed thirty days, for treatment and 
observation, under the provisions of section 212(d)(5) of the Act. 
Unless the Public Health Surgeon at the first port certifies that such 
parole be effected immediately for emergent reasons, the district 
director may defer execution of parole to a subsequent port of the 
United States to which the vessel or aircraft will proceed, if 
facilities not readily available at the first port are readily available 
at such subsequent port of call. Notice to remove an afflicted alien 
crewman shall be served by the examining immigration officer upon the 
master or agent of the vessel or aircraft on Form I-259 and shall 
specify the date when and the place to

[[Page 753]]

which such alien crewman shall be removed and the reasons therefor.
    (c) Disabled crewman. Any alien crewman who becomes disabled in any 
port of the United States, whom the master or agent of the vessel or 
aircraft is obliged under foreign law to return to another country, may 
be paroled into the United States under the provisions of section 
212(d)(5) of the Act for the period of time and under the conditions set 
by the district director in whose district the port is located, in the 
custody of the agent of the vessel or aircraft for the purpose of 
passing through the United States and transferring to another vessel or 
aircraft for departure to such foreign country, by the most direct and 
expeditious route.
    (d) Shipwrecked or castaway seamen or airmen. A shipwrecked or 
castaway alien seaman or airman who is rescued by or transferred at sea 
to a vessel or aircraft destined directly for the United States and who 
is brought to the United States on such vessel or aircraft other than as 
a member of its crew shall be paroled into the United States under the 
provisions of section 212(d)(5) of the Act for the period of time and 
under the conditions set by the district director in whose district the 
port is located, in the custody of the appropriate foreign consul or the 
agent of the aircraft or vessel which was wrecked or from which such 
seaman or airman was removed, for the purpose of treatment or 
observation in a hospital, if such is required, and for departure to the 
appropriate foreign country by the most direct and expeditious route.
    (e) Medical treatment or observation. Any alien crewman denied a 
conditional landing permit or whose conditional landing permit issued 
under Sec.  252.1(d)(1) of this chapter is revoked may, upon the request 
of the master or agent, be paroled into the United States under the 
provisions of section 212(d)(5) of the Act in the custody of the agent 
of the vessel or aircraft and at the expense of the transportation line 
for medical treatment or observation.
    (f) Crewman, stowaway, or alien removable under section 235(c) 
alleging persecution or torture. Any alien crewman, stowaway, or alien 
removable under section 235(c) of the Act who alleges that he or she 
cannot return to his or her country of nationality or last habitual 
residence (if not a national of any country) because of fear of 
persecution in that country on account of race, religion, nationality, 
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, or 
because of fear of torture is eligible to apply for asylum or 
withholding of removal under 8 CFR part 208. Service officers shall take 
particular care to ensure that the provisions of Sec.  208.5(b) of this 
chapter regarding special duties toward aliens aboard certain vessels 
are closely followed.
    (g) Other crewmen. In the discretion of the district director, any 
alien crewman not within the purview of paragraphs (b) through (f) of 
this section may for other emergent reasons or for reasons deemed 
strictly in the public interest be paroled into the United States under 
the provisions of section 212(d)(5) of the Act for the period of time 
and under the conditions set by the district director having 
jurisdiction over the area where the alien crewman is located.

[22 FR 9804, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 26 FR 11797, Dec. 8, 1961; 32 
FR 4341, Mar. 22, 1967; 32 FR 9633, July 4, 1967; 55 FR 30687, July 27, 
1990; 62 FR 10389, Mar. 6, 1997; 64 FR 8495, Feb. 19, 1999; 78 FR 18472, 
Mar. 27, 2013]



Sec.  253.2  Termination of parole.

    (a) General. At the expiration of the period of parole authorized by 
the district director, or when the purpose of the parole has been 
served, whichever is earlier, the agent upon whom the relating Form I-
259 was served as provided in Sec.  253.1, shall present the alien 
crewman for inspection to an immigration officer at the Service office 
specified in the Form I-259. If the agent cannot present the alien 
crewman, the agent shall immediately submit a report of the reasons 
therefor to the district director. The district director shall take such 
further action as the circumstances may require. If the vessel or 
aircraft on which the alien crewman arrived in the United States is 
still in the United States when he is presented for inspection, he shall 
be treated as an applicant for a conditional landing permit and his case 
shall be dealt with in the same manner as

[[Page 754]]

any other applicant for a conditional landing permit. If the vessel or 
aircraft on which the alien crewman arrived in the United States 
departed before he was presented for inspection, the agent shall be 
directed by means of written notice on Form I-259 to arrange for the 
removal of the alien crewman from the United States, and if such alien 
crewman thereafter departs voluntarily from the United States within the 
time specified by the district director, such departure shall not be 
considered a deportation within the meaning of this section.
    (b) Revocation of parole. When an immigration officer has reason to 
believe that an alien crewman paroled into the United States pursuant to 
the provisions of Sec.  253.1 has violated the conditions of parole, the 
immigration officer may take such alien crewman into custody without a 
warrant of arrest. Following such action, the alien crewman shall be 
accorded, without undue delay, an examination by another immigration 
officer. If it is determined on the basis of such examination that the 
individual detained is an alien crewman who was paroled into the United 
States pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  253.1 and that he has 
violated the conditions of the parole or has remained in the United 
States beyond the period authorized by the district director, the 
district director shall cause to be served upon the alien crewman a 
written notice that his parole has been revoked, setting forth the 
reasons for such action. If the vessel or aircraft upon which the alien 
crewman arrived in the United States is still in the United States, the 
alien crewman shall be delivered to that vessel or aircraft and Form I-
259 shall be served upon the master or commanding officer of the vessel 
or aircraft directing that the alien crewman be detained on board the 
vessel or aircraft and deported from the United States. A copy of Form 
I-259 shall also be served on the agent for the vessel or aircraft. If 
the vessel or aircraft upon which the alien crewman arrived in the 
United States has departed from the United States, the agent or owner of 
the vessel or aircraft shall be directed by means of a notice on Form I-
259 to effect the deportation of the alien crewman from the United 
States. Pending deportation, the alien crewman shall be continued in 
custody, unless the district director authorizes his release on parole 
under such conditions, including the posting of a suitable bond, as the 
district director may prescribe.

[32 FR 4342, Mar. 22, 1967]



PART 258_LIMITATIONS ON PERFORMANCE OF LONGSHORE WORK BY ALIEN CREWMEN--
Table of Contents



Sec.
258.1 Limitations--General.
258.2 Exceptions.
258.3 Action upon arrival.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1281; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 57 FR 40834, Sept. 8, 1992, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  258.1  Limitations--General.

    (a) Longshore work defined. Longshore work means any activity 
relating to the loading and unloading of cargo, the operation of cargo-
related equipment [whether or not integral to the vessel], and the 
handling of mooring lines on the dock when the vessel is made fast or 
let go, in the United States or the coastal waters thereof.
    (1) Longshore work is not included in the term ``normal operation 
and service on board a vessel'' for the purposes of section 
101(a)(15)(D)(i) of the Act except as provided in sections 258 (c) or 
(d) of the Act.
    (2) A vessel that uses nonimmigrant crewmen to perform longshore 
work, other than the activities allowed in particular circumstances 
under Sec.  258.2 (a)(2), (b), or (c) of this part, shall be subject to 
a fine under section 251(d) of the Act.
    (b) Port defined. For purposes of this section, the term port means 
a geographic area, either on a seacoast, lake, river, or other navigable 
body of water, which contains one or more publicly or privately owned 
terminals, piers, docks, or maritime facilities, which is commonly 
regarded as a port by other government maritime related agencies, such 
as the Maritime Administration.

[[Page 755]]



Sec.  258.2  Exceptions.

    Any master or agent who uses nonimmigrant crewmen to perform 
longshore work at any United States port under the exceptions provided 
for in paragraphs (a)(2), (b), or (c) of this section must so indicate 
on the crew manifest and must indicate under which exception the work 
will be performed.
    (a) Hazardous cargo. (1) The term longshore work does not include 
the loading and unloading of any cargo for which the Secretary of 
Transportation has prescribed regulations under authority contained in 
chapter 37 of title 46, United States Code, section 311 of the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act, section 4106 of the Oil Pollution Act of 
1990, or section 105 or 106 of the Hazardous Materials Transportation 
Act.
    (2) In order to invoke the hazardous cargo exception for safety and 
environmental protection, the master or agent must indicate in the 
manifest that the vessel is a qualifying tanker or carries hazardous dry 
bulk cargo.
    (i) All tankers qualify for the hazardous cargo exception, including 
parcel tankers, except for a tanker that has been gas-freed to transport 
non-hazardous dry bulk commodities.
    (ii) In order for a vessel to qualify for the hazardous cargo 
exception as a dry bulk hazardous cargo carrier, the master or agent 
must show the immigration officer the dangerous cargo manifest that is 
required by Coast Guard regulation 46 CFR 148.02-3(a) to be kept near 
the bridge house.
    (b) Prevailing practice exception. (1) Nonimmigrant crewmen may 
perform longshore work under this exception if:
    (i) There is in effect in the local port one or more collective 
bargaining agreements, each covering at least 30 percent of the persons 
performing longshore work at the port, and each of which permits the 
longshore activity to be performed by the nonimmigrant crewman, or
    (ii) There is no collective bargaining agreement in effect in the 
local port covering at least 30 percent of the persons performing 
longshore work at the port, and the employer of the crewmen has filed an 
attestation with the Secretary of Labor that the Secretary of Labor has 
accepted.
    (2) Documentation to be presented under the prevailing practice 
exception. (i) If the master or agent indicates in the manifest, or on 
Form I-418 if submitting the paper version, that nonimmigrant crewmen 
will perform longshore work at a port under the prevailing practice 
exception as permitted by all collective bargaining agreements covering 
30 percent or more of the persons performing longshore work at the port, 
then the master or agent must present to the examining immigration 
officer an affidavit from the local stevedore. The stevedore or a union 
representative of the employees' association must state on the affidavit 
that all bargaining agreements covering 30 percent or more of the 
longshore workers at the port allow nonimmigrant crewmen either to 
perform all longshore work or to perform those specified longshore 
activities that crewmen on the vessel intend to perform.
    (ii) Where there is no collective bargaining agreement in effect at 
a port covering at least 30 percent of the persons who do longshore 
work, and the master or agent indicates in the manifest that 
nonimmigrant crewmen will perform such work under the prevailing 
practice exception, then the master or agent must present a copy of the 
notification received from the Secretary of Labor that the attestation 
required for this exception has been accepted.
    (iii) When an unanticipated emergency occurs, the master or agent of 
a vessel may file an attestation with the Secretary of Labor up to the 
date on which crewmen perform longshore work.
    (A) If, because of an unanticipated emergency, crewmen on a vessel 
perform longshore work under the prevailing practice exception at a 
port, a revised manifest must be submitted together with complete 
documentation, as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, 
within 14 days of the longshore work having been done. Failure to 
present the required documentation may result in a fine under section 
251 of the Act.

[[Page 756]]

    (B) All documents submitted after inspection must be sent to the CBP 
seaport office that inspected the vessel.
    (iv) Attestations are valid for one year from the date of filing and 
cover nonimmigrant crewmen landing during that period if the master or 
agent indicates in the manifest that the vessel's crew continue to 
comply with the conditions in the attestation. When the vessel's master 
or agent intends to use a previously accepted attestation that is still 
valid, the master or agent must submit a copy of the notification from 
the Secretary of Labor that the attestation was accepted and must 
indicate in the manifest that the vessel continues to comply with the 
conditions of the attestation.
    (3) Use of automated self-unloading conveyor belt or vacuum-actuated 
system on a vessel. An automated self-unloading conveyor belt or a 
vacuum-actuated system may be operated by a nonimmigrant crewman under 
the prevailing practice exception when no collective bargaining 
agreement at the local port prevents it. The master or agent is not 
required to file an attestation for nonimmigrant crewmen to perform such 
activity in such a circumstance unless the Secretary of Labor has 
determined that such activity is not the prevailing practice at that 
port, and has publicized this finding. When invoking this exception, the 
master or agent of the vessel must indicate in the manifest that the 
longshore work consists of operating a self-unloading conveyor belt or a 
vacuum-actuated system on the vessel under the prevailing practice 
exception.
    (4) Sanctions upon notification by the Secretary of Labor. If CBP is 
notified by the Secretary of Labor that an entity has either 
misrepresented facts in its attestation or has failed to meet a 
condition attested to, then CBP will take the necessary steps to prevent 
the landing of vessels owned or chartered by the offending entity in 
accordance with section 258(c)(4)(E)(i) of the Act. CBP may also impose 
a sanction as provided in that section, including the prohibition of any 
vessel owned or chartered by the violating entity from landing at any 
United States port for up to one year.
    (5) The three variations of the prevailing practice exception--
collective bargaining agreement, attestation process, and automated 
equipment--are port specific. If a vessel is to use nonimmigrant crewmen 
to perform longshore work under the prevailing practice exception, the 
appropriate documentation required under paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section must be presented for each port at which the longshore work will 
be performed.
    (c) Reciprocity exception. Nonimmigrant crewmen may perform 
longshore work in a United States port under this exception if:
    (1) The vessel on which the crewmen serve is registered in a country 
that does not prohibit crewmen aboard United States vessels from 
performing longshore work, or a specified longshore activity, when 
United States vessels land in that country, as determined by the 
Secretary of State; and
    (2) The master or agent presents an affidavit from the crewmen's 
employer or the vessel's owner that a majority of the ownership interest 
in the vessel is held by nationals of a country or countries that do not 
prohibit such longshore activity by crewmen aboard United States vessels 
when they land in those countries.
    (d) Vessels that qualify for multiple exceptions. A vessel that 
qualifies for more than one exception under this section may invoke the 
exception that the master or agent chooses.
    (e) Lack of documentation required by an exception. If a vessel 
invokes an exception to the prohibition against nonimmigrant crewmen 
performing longshore work, but lacks any documentation required to 
accompany the manifest when invoking the exception, then the vessel's 
crewmen must not perform longshore work. If the longshore work is 
performed despite the lack of documentation that the immigration officer 
has indicated on the electronically populated, or in the circumstances 
specified in section 251.1 of this chapter, paper, Form I-418, then the 
vessel is subject to fine under section 251(d) of the Act.

[57 FR 40834, Sept. 8, 1992, as amended at 86 FR 73630, Dec. 28, 2021]

[[Page 757]]



Sec.  258.3  Action upon arrival.

    (a) The master or agent of the vessel shall state on the manifest at 
the first port of entry:
    (1) Whether or not nonimmigrant crewmen aboard the vessel will 
perform longshore work at any port before departing the United States; 
and
    (2) If nonimmigrant crewmen will perform longshore work, which 
exception in section 258 of the Act permits them to do so.
    (b) If nonimmigrant crewmen will perform longshore work, the master 
or agent of the vessel shall present with the manifest any documentation 
required by 8 CFR 258.2 for the exception invoked.
    (c) If, at the time of inspection, the master or agent fails to 
present the documentation required for the exception invoked, then the 
vessel is prohibited from using nonimmigrant crewmen to perform 
longshore work. If crewmen aboard the vessel perform longshore work 
despite the prohibition, the vessel is subject to fine under section 
251(d) of the Act.
    (d) The examining immigration officer shall give the master or agent 
a Receipt for Crew List, Form I-410, on which the officer shall note 
whether or not nonimmigrant crewmen will do longshore work at any port 
of call and, if so, under which exception. The officer shall also note 
which documentation supporting the exception accompanied the manifest, 
and any failure to present documentation which failure would prohibit 
crewmen from performing longshore work under the exception that the 
vessel invoked.
    (e) If a vessel's crewmen perform longshore activity not sanctioned 
by an exception but performed to prevent the imminent destruction of 
goods or property; severe damage to vessels, docks, or real estate; 
possible environmental contamination; or possible injury or death to a 
person, a concise report of the incident shall be made within 14 days of 
the incident to the Immigration and Naturalization Service seaport 
office that performed the inspection. If the Service agrees that the 
situation was one of imminent danger requiring immediate action, no fine 
will be imposed for the performance of a longshore activity in this 
isolated instance.
    (f) Failure to deliver true and complete information on the manifest 
or any documentation required to support an exception may result in a 
fine against the owner, agent, consignee, master, or commanding officer 
under section 251(d) of the Act.



PART 264_REGISTRATION AND FINGERPRINTING OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES--
Table of Contents



Sec.
264.1 Registration and fingerprinting.
264.2 Application for creation of record of permanent residence.
264.4 [Reserved]
264.5 Application for a replacement Permanent Resident Card.
264.6 Application for a nonimmigrant arrival-departure record.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1201, 1303-1305; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  264.1  Registration and fingerprinting.

    (a) Prescribed registration forms. The following forms are 
prescribed as registration forms:

                           Form No. and Class

I-67, Inspection Record--Hungarian refugees (Act of July 25, 1958).
I-94, Arrival-Departure Record--Aliens admitted as nonimmigrants; aliens 
paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act; aliens whose claimed entry prior to 
July 1, 1924, cannot be verified, they having satisfactorily established 
residence in the United States since prior to July 1, 1924; aliens 
lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have 
not been registered previously; aliens who are granted permission to 
depart without the institution of deportation proceedings or against 
whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.
I-95, Crewmen's Landing Permit--Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft.
I-181, Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence--
Aliens presumed to be lawfully admitted to the United States under 8 CFR 
101.1.
I-485, Application for Status as Permanent Resident--Applicants under 
sections 245 and 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, 
and section 13 of the Act of September 11, 1957.

[[Page 758]]

I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee--Escapee--Refugee-
escapees paroled pursuant to section 1 of the Act of July 14, 1960.
I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident--Applicants under 
section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
I-691, Notice of Approval for Status as a Temporary Resident--Aliens 
adjusted to lawful temporary residence under 8 CFR 210.2 and 245A.2.
I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent 
Resident--Applicants under section 245A of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, as amended.
I-700, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident--Applicants under 
section 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
I-817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family Unity 
Program.

    (b) Evidence of registration. The following forms constitute 
evidence of registration:

                           Form No. and Class

I-94, Arrival-Departure Record--Aliens admitted as nonimmigrants; aliens 
paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act; aliens whose claimed entry prior to 
July 1, 1924, cannot be verified, they having satisfactorily established 
residence in the United States since prior to July 1, 1924; and aliens 
granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation 
proceedings.
I-95, Crewmen's Landing Permit--Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft.
I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card--Crewmen 
arriving by vessel.
I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card--Citizens of 
Canada or British subjects residing in Canada.
I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card--Citizens of 
Mexico residing in Mexico.
I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing--Aliens against whom 
deportation proceedings are being instituted.
I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest 
of Alien--Aliens against whom deportation proceedings are being 
instituted.
I-551, Permanent Resident Card--Lawful permanent resident of the United 
States.
I-766, Employment Authorization Document.
Form I-862, Notice to Appear--Aliens against whom removal proceedings 
are being instituted.
Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge--Aliens against whom 
removal proceedings are being instituted.

    Note to paragraph (b): In addition to the forms noted in this 
paragraph (b), a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant DHS admission or parole 
stamp in a foreign passport constitutes evidence of registration.

    (c) Replacement of alien registration. Any alien whose registration 
document is not available for any reason must immediately apply for a 
replacement document in the manner prescribed by USCIS.
    (d) Surrender of registration. If an alien is naturalized, dies, 
permanently departs, or is deported from the United States, or evidence 
of registration is found by a person other than the one to whom such 
evidence was issued, the person in possession of the document shall 
forward it to a USCIS office.
    (e) Fingerprinting waiver. (1) Fingerprinting is waived for 
nonimmigrant aliens admitted as foreign government officials and 
employees; international organization representatives, officers and 
employees; NATO representatives, officers and employees, and holders of 
diplomatic visas while they maintain such nonimmigrant status. 
Fingerprinting is also waived for other nonimmigrant aliens, while they 
maintain nonimmigrant status, who are nationals of countries which do 
not require fingerprinting of United States citizens temporarily 
residing therein.
    (2) Fingerprinting is waived for every nonimmigrant alien not 
included in paragraph (e)(1) of this section who departs from the United 
States within one year of his admission, provided he maintains his 
nonimmigrant status during that time; each such alien not previously 
fingerprinted shall apply therefor at once if he remains in the United 
States in excess of one year.
    (3) Every nonimmigrant alien not previously fingerprinted shall 
apply therefor at once upon his failure to maintain his nonimmigrant 
status.
    (f) [Reserved]
    (g) Registration and fingerprinting of children who reach age 14. 
Within 30 days after reaching the age of 14, any alien in the United 
States not exempt from alien registration under the Act and this chapter 
must apply for registration and fingerprinting, unless

[[Page 759]]

fingerprinting is waived under paragraph (e) of this section, in 
accordance with applicable form instructions.
    (1) Permanent residents. If such alien is a lawful permanent 
resident of the United States and is temporarily absent from the United 
States when he reaches the age of 14, he must apply for registration and 
provide a photograph within 30 days of his or her return to the United 
States in accordance with applicable form instructions. The alien, if a 
lawful permanent resident of the United States, must surrender any prior 
evidence of alien registration. USCIS will issue the alien new evidence 
of alien registration.
    (2) Others. In the case of an alien who is not a lawful permanent 
resident, the alien's previously issued registration document will be 
noted to show that he or she has been registered and the date of 
registration.

[25 FR 10495, Nov. 2, 1960]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
264.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  264.2  Application for creation of record of permanent residence.

    (a) Jurisdiction. An applicant who believes that he/she is eligible 
for presumption of lawful admission for permanent residence under Sec.  
101.1 or Sec.  101.2 of this chapter or for lawful permanent residence 
as a person born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer 
under Sec.  101.3 of this chapter shall submit his/her application for 
creation of a record of lawful permanent residence on Form I-485 in 
accordance with the instructions on the form and paragraph (c) of this 
section. The applicant must be physically present in the United States 
at the time of submission of his/her application.
    (b) Applicant under eighteen years old. If the applicant is under 
eighteen years old, the applicant's parent or legal guardian shall 
prepare and sign the application in the applicant's behalf.
    (c) Filing application--(1) Presumption of lawful admission for 
permanent residence. An applicant who believes that he/she is eligible 
for presumption of lawful admission for permanent residence under Sec.  
101.1 or Sec.  101.2 of this chapter shall submit the following:
    (i) A completed Form I-485, with the fee required in 8 CFR 106.2 and 
any initial evidence required on the application form and in this 
section.
    (ii) Form G-325A, Biographic Information.
    (iii) [Reserved]
    (iv) A list of all the applicant's arrivals in and departures from 
the United States.
    (v) A statement signed by the applicant indicating the basis of the 
applicant's claim to presumption of lawful admission for permanent 
residence.
    (vi) Documentary evidence substantiating the applicant's claim to 
presumption of lawful admission for permanent residence, including proof 
of continuous residence in the United States.
    (vii) Two photographs prepared in accordance with the specifications 
outlined in the instructions on the application form. The immigration 
officer to whom the application is submitted, however, may waive the 
photographs for just cause.
    (2) Lawful permanent residence as a person born in the United States 
under diplomatic status. An applicant who believes that he/she is 
eligible for lawful permanent residence as a person born in the United 
States to a foreign diplomatic officer under Sec.  101.3 of this chapter 
shall submit the following:
    (i) A completed Form I-485, with the fee required in 8 CFR 106.2 and 
any initial evidence required in this application form and in this 
section.
    (ii) Form G-325A, Biographic Information.
    (iii) [Reserved]
    (iv) The applicant's birth certificate.
    (v) An executed Form I-508, Waiver of Rights, Privileges, 
Exemptions, and Immunities.
    (vi) Official confirmation of the diplomatic classification and 
occupational title of the applicant's parent(s) at the time of the 
applicant's birth.
    (vii) A list of all the applicant's arrivals in and departures from 
the United States.
    (viii) Proof of continuous residence in the United States.

[[Page 760]]

    (ix) Two photographs prepared in accordance with the specifications 
outlined in the instructions on the application form. The immigration 
officer to whom the application is submitted, however, may waive the 
photographs for just cause.
    (3) Applicant under fourteen years old. An applicant under fourteen 
years old shall not submit Form G-325A, Biographic Information.
    (d) Fingerprinting. After filing an application, each applicant 14 
years of age or older shall be fingerprinted as prescribed in 8 CFR 
103.16.
    (e) Personal appearance. Each applicant, including an applicant 
under eighteen years of age, must submit his/her application in person. 
This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the immigration 
officer to whom the application is submitted because of confinement of 
age, physical infirmity, illiteracy, or other compelling reason.
    (f) Interview. The applicant may be required to appear in person 
before an immigration officer prior to adjudication of the application 
to be interviewed under oath concerning his/her eligibility for creation 
of a record of lawful permanent residence.
    (g) Decision. The decision regarding creation of a record of lawful 
permanent residence for an alien eligible for presumption of lawful 
admission for permanent residence or for a person born in the United 
States to a foreign diplomatic officer will be made by the district 
director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence.
    (h) Date of record of lawful permanent residence--(1) Presumption of 
lawful admission for permanent residence. If the application is granted, 
the applicant's permanent residence will be recorded as of the date of 
the applicant's arrival in the United States under the conditions which 
caused him/her to be eligible for presumption of lawful admission for 
permanent residence.
    (2) Lawful permanent residence as a person born in the United States 
under diplomatic status. If the application is granted, the applicant's 
permanent residence will be recorded as of his/her date of birth.
    (i) Denied application. If the application is denied, the decision 
may not be appealed.

(Secs. 101(a)(20), 103, 262, 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
as amended; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), 1103, 1302, 1304)

[47 FR 941, Jan. 8, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 48779, Sept. 20, 1993; 63 
FR 12987, Mar. 17, 1998; 74 FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53795, Aug. 
29, 2011; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  264.4  [Reserved]



Sec.  264.5  Application for a replacement Permanent Resident Card.

    (a) Filing instructions. A request to replace a Permanent Resident 
Card must be filed in accordance with the appropriate form instructions 
and with the fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2; except that no fee is 
required for an application filed pursuant to paragraphs (b)(7) through 
(9) of this section, or paragraphs (d)(2) or (4) of this section.
    (b) Permanent residents required to file. A permanent resident shall 
apply for a replacement Permanent Resident Card:
    (1) When the previous card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed;
    (2) When the existing card will be expiring within six months;
    (3) When the existing card has been mutilated;
    (4) When the bearer's name or other biographic information has been 
legally changed since issuance of the existing card;
    (5) When the applicant is taking up actual residence in the United 
States after having been a commuter, or is a permanent resident taking 
up commuter status;
    (6) When the applicant has been automatically converted to permanent 
resident status;
    (7) When the previous card was issued but never received;
    (8) When the bearer of the card reaches the age of 14 years, unless 
the existing card will expire prior to the bearer's 16th birthday; or
    (9) If the existing card bears incorrect data on account of Service 
error.
    (c) Other filings by a permanent resident. (1) A permanent resident 
shall apply on the designated form to replace a prior edition of the 
alien registration card issued on Form AR-3, AR-103, or I-151.

[[Page 761]]

    (2) A permanent resident may apply on the designated form to replace 
any edition of the Permanent Resident Card for any other reason not 
specified in paragraphs (b) and (c)(1) of this section.
    (d) Conditional permanent residents required to file. A conditional 
permanent resident whose card is expiring may apply to have the 
conditions on residence removed in accordance with 8 CFR 216.4 or 8 CFR 
216.6. A conditional resident who seeks to replace a permanent resident 
card that is not expiring within 90 days may apply for a replacement 
card on the form prescribed by USCIS:
    (1) To replace a card that was lost, stolen, or destroyed;
    (2) To replace a card that was issued but never received;
    (3) Where the prior card has been mutilated;
    (4) Where the prior card is incorrect on account of Service error; 
or
    (5) Where his or her name or other biographic data has changed since 
the card was issued.
    (e) Supporting documentation. (1) The prior Permanent Resident Card 
must be surrendered to USCIS if a new card is being requested in 
accordance with paragraphs (b)(2) through (5) and (b)(8) and (9) of this 
section.
    (2) A request to replace a Permanent Resident Card filed pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(4) of this section must include evidence of the name 
change such as a court order or marriage certificate.
    (3) A request to replace a Permanent Resident Card in order to 
change any other biographic data on the card must include documentary 
evidence verifying the new data.
    (f) Decision. If an application is denied, the applicant shall be 
notified of the reasons for denial. No appeal shall lie from this 
decision.
    (g) Eligibility for evidence of permanent residence while in 
deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings. A person in deportation, 
exclusion, or removal proceedings is entitled to evidence of permanent 
resident status until ordered excluded, deported, or removed. USCIS will 
issue such evidence in the form of a temporary permanent resident 
document that will remain valid until the proceedings are concluded. 
Issuance of evidence of permanent residence to an alien who had 
permanent resident status when the proceedings commenced shall not 
affect those proceedings.
    (h) Temporary evidence of registration. USCIS may issue temporary 
evidence of registration and lawful permanent resident status to a 
lawful permanent resident alien who is departing temporarily from the 
United States and has applied for issuance of a replacement permanent 
resident card if USCIS is unable to issue and deliver such card prior to 
the alien's contemplated return to the United States. The alien must 
surrender such temporary evidence upon receipt of his or her permanent 
resident card.
    (i) Waiver of requirements. USCIS may waive the photograph, in 
person filing, and fingerprinting requirements of this section in cases 
of confinement due to advanced age or physical infirmity.

[58 FR 48779, Sept. 20, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 1466, Jan. 11, 1994; 
59 FR 33905, July 1, 1994; 63 FR 12987, Mar. 17, 1998; 63 FR 70316, Dec. 
21, 1998; 65 FR 57724, Sept. 26, 2000; 74 FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 
53795, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  264.6  Application for a nonimmigrant arrival-departure record.

    (a) Eligibility. USCIS may issue a new or replacement arrival-
departure record to a nonimmigrant who seeks:
    (1) To replace a lost or stolen record;
    (2) To replace a mutilated record; or
    (3) Was not issued an arrival-departure record pursuant to 8 CFR 
235.1(h)(1)(i), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi) when last admitted as a 
nonimmigrant, and has not since been issued such record but now requires 
one.
    (b) Application. A nonimmigrant may request issuance or replacement 
of a nonimmigrant arrival-departure record by applying on the form 
designated by USCIS with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 and in 
accordance with the form instructions.
    (c) Processing. A pending application filed under paragraph (a) of 
this section is temporary evidence of registration. If the application 
is approved, USCIS

[[Page 762]]

will issue an arrival-departure document. There is no appeal from the 
denial of this application.

[76 FR 53795, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46927, Aug. 3, 2020]



PART 265_NOTICES OF ADDRESS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103 and 1305.



Sec.  265.1  Reporting change of address.

    Except for those exempted by section 263(b) of the Act, all aliens 
in the United States required to register under section 262 of the Act 
must report each change of address and new address within 10 days of 
such change in accordance with instructions provided by USCIS.

[76 FR 53796, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 270_PENALTIES FOR DOCUMENT FRAUD--Table of Contents



Sec.
270.1 Definitions.
270.2 Enforcement procedures.
270.3 Penalties.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, and 1324c; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 
Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321 and Pub. L. 
114-74, 129 Stat. 599.

    Source: 57 FR 33866, July 31, 1992, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  270.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of this part--
    Document means an instrument on which is recorded, by means of 
letters, figures, or marks, matters which may be used to fulfill any 
requirement of the Act. The term ``document'' includes, but is not 
limited to, an application required to be filed under the Act and any 
other accompanying document or material;
    Entity means any legal entity, including, but not limited to, a 
corporation, partnership, joint venture, governmental body, agency, 
proprietorship, or association, including an agent or anyone acting 
directly or indirectly in the interest thereof.



Sec.  270.2  Enforcement procedures.

    (a) Procedures for the filing of complaints. Any person or entity 
having knowledge of a violation or potential violation of section 274C 
of the Act may submit a signed, written complaint to the Service office 
having jurisdiction over the business or residence of the potential 
violator or the location where the violation occurred. The signed, 
written complaint must contain sufficient information to identify both 
the complainant and the alleged violator, including their names and 
addresses. The complaint should also contain detailed factual 
allegations relating to the potential violation including the date, time 
and place of the alleged violation and the specific act or conduct 
alleged to constitute a violation of the Act. Written complaints may be 
delivered either by mail to the appropriate Service office or by 
personally appearing before any immigration officer at a Service office.
    (b) Investigation. When the Service receives complaints from a third 
party in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, it shall 
investigate only those complaints which, on their face, have a 
substantial probability of validity. The Service may also conduct 
investigations for violations on its own initiative, and without having 
received a written complaint. If it is determined after investigation 
that the person or entity has violated section 274C of the Act, the 
Service may issue and serve upon the alleged violator a Notice of Intent 
to Fine.
    (c) Issuance of a subpoena. Service officers shall have reasonable 
access to examine any relevant evidence of any person or entity being 
investigated. The Service may issue subpoenas pursuant to its authority 
under sections 235(a) and 287 of the Act, in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in Sec.  287.4 of this chapter.
    (d) Notice of Intent to Fine. The proceeding to assess 
administrative penalties under section 274C of the Act is commenced when 
the Service issues a Notice of Intent to Fine. Service of this notice 
shall be accomplished by personal service pursuant to 8 CFR 103.8(a)(2). 
Service is effective upon receipt, as evidenced by the certificate of 
service or the certified mail return receipt. The person or entity 
identified in the Notice of Intent to Fine shall be known as the 
respondent. The Notice of

[[Page 763]]

Intent to Fine may be issued by an officer defined in Sec.  242.1 of 
this chapter or by an INS port director designated by his or her 
district director.
    (e) Contents of the Notice of Intent to Fine. (1) The Notice of 
Intent to Fine shall contain the basis for the charge(s) against the 
respondent, the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated, and 
the monetary amount of the penalty the Service intends to impose.
    (2) The Notice of Intent to Fine shall provide the following 
advisals to the respondent:
    (i) That the person or entity has the right to representation by 
counsel of his or her own choice at no expense to the government;
    (ii) That any statement given may be used against the person or 
entity;
    (iii) That the person or entity has the right to request a hearing 
before an administrative law judge pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 554-557, and 
that such request must be filed with INS within 60 days from the service 
of the Notice of Intent to Fine; and
    (iv) That if a written request for a hearing is not timely filed, 
the Service will issue a final order from which there is no appeal.
    (f) Request for hearing before an administrative law judge. If a 
respondent contests the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Fine, the 
respondent must file with the INS, within 60 days of the Notice of 
Intent to Fine, a written request for a hearing before an administrative 
law judge. Any written request for a hearing submitted in a foreign 
language must be accompanied by an English language translation. A 
request for hearing is deemed filed when it is either received by the 
Service office designated in the Notice of Intent to Fine, or addressed 
to such office, stamped with the proper postage, and postmarked within 
the 60-day period. In computing the 60-day period prescribed by this 
section, the day of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine shall not be 
included. In the request for a hearing, the respondent may, but is not 
required to, respond to each allegation listed in the Notice of Intent 
to Fine. A respondent may waive the 60-day period in which to request a 
hearing before an administrative law judge and ask that the INS issue a 
final order from which there is no appeal. Prior to execution of the 
waiver, a respondent who is not a United States citizen will be advised 
that a waiver of a section 274C hearing will result in the issuance of a 
final order and that the respondent will be excludable and/or deportable 
from the United States pursuant to the Act.
    (g) Failure to file a request for hearing. If the respondent does 
not file a written request for a hearing within 60 days of service of 
the Notice of Intent to Fine, the INS shall issue a final order from 
which there shall be no appeal.
    (h) Issuance of the final order. A final order may be issued by an 
officer defined in Sec.  242.1 of this chapter, by an INS port director 
designated by his or her district director, or by the Director of the 
INS National Fines Office.
    (i) Service of the final order--(1) Generally. Service of the final 
order shall be accomplished by personal service pursuant to 8 CFR 
103.8(a)(2). Service is effective upon receipt, as evidenced by the 
certificate of service or the certified mail return receipt.
    (2) Alternative provisions for service in a foreign country. When 
service is to be effected upon a party in a foreign country, it is 
sufficient if service of the final order is made: (i) In the manner 
prescribed by the law of the foreign country for service in that country 
in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction; or
    (ii) As directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter 
rogatory, when service in either case is reasonably calculated to give 
actual notice; or
    (iii) When applicable, pursuant to Sec.  103.5a(a)(2) of this 
chapter.

Service is effective upon receipt of the final order. Proof of service 
may be made as prescribed by the law of the foreign country, or, when 
service is pursuant to Sec.  103.5a(a)(2) of this chapter, as evidenced 
by the certificate of service or the certified mail return receipt.
    (j) Declination to file charges for document fraud committed by 
refugees at the time of entry. The Service shall not issue a Notice of 
Intent to Fine for acts of document fraud committed by an alien pursuant 
to direct departure from a country in which the alien has a well-

[[Page 764]]

founded fear of persecution or from which there is a significant danger 
that the alien would be returned to a country in which the alien would 
have a well-founded fear of persecution, provided that the alien has 
presented himself or herself without delay to an INS officer and shown 
good cause for his or her illegal entry or presence. Other acts of 
document fraud committed by such an alien may result in the issuance of 
a Notice of Intent to Fine and the imposition of civil money penalties.

[57 FR 33866, July 31, 1992, as amended at 76 FR 53796, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  270.3  Penalties.

    (a) Criminal penalties. Nothing in section 274C of the Act shall be 
construed to diminish or qualify any of the penalties available for 
activities prohibited by this section but proscribed as well in title 
18, United States Code.
    (b) Civil penalties. A person or entity may face civil penalties for 
a violation of section 274C of the Act. Civil penalties may be imposed 
by the Service or by an administrative law judge for violations under 
section 274C of the Act. The Service may charge multiple violations of 
section 274C of the Act in a single Notice of Intent to Fine, and may 
impose separate penalties for each such unlawful act in a single 
proceeding or determination. However, in determining whether an offense 
is a first offense or a subsequent offense, a finding of more than one 
violation in the course of a single proceeding or determination will be 
counted as a single offense.
    (1) A respondent found by the Service or an administrative law judge 
to have violated section 274C of the Act shall be subject to an order:
    (i) To cease and desist from such behavior; and
    (ii) To pay a civil penalty as follows:
    (A) First offense under section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4). Not less 
than $275 and not exceeding $2,200 for each fraudulent document or each 
proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of 
the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $375 and not exceeding 
$3,200 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity 
described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act on or after 
March 27, 2008, and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than 
$557 and not exceeding $4,465 for each fraudulent document or each 
proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of 
the Act after November 2, 2015.
    (B) First offense under section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6). Not less than 
$250 and not exceeding $2,000 for each fraudulent document or each 
proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act 
before March 27, 2008; not less than $275 and not exceeding $2,200 for 
each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in 
section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act on or after March 27, 2008, and 
on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $472 and not exceeding 
$3,765 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity 
described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act after November 2, 
2015.
    (C) Subsequent offenses under section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4). Not 
less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each fraudulent document 
or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through 
(a)(4) of the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $3,200 and not 
exceeding $6,500 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed 
activity described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act 
occurring on or after March 27, 2008 and on or before November 2, 2015; 
and not less than $4,465 and not more than $11,162 for each fraudulent 
document or each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(1) 
through (a)(4) of the Act after November 2, 2015.
    (D) Subsequent offenses under section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6). Not less 
than $2,000 and not more than $5,000 for each fraudulent document or 
each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of 
the Act before March 27, 2008; not less than $2,200 and not exceeding 
$5,500 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity 
described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of the Act occurring on or 
after March 27, 2008, and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less 
than $3,765 and not more than $9,413 for each fraudulent document or 
each proscribed activity described in section 274C(a)(5) or (a)(6) of 
the Act after November 2, 2015.

[[Page 765]]

    (2) Where an order is issued to a respondent composed of distinct, 
physically separate subdivisions each of which provides separately for 
the hiring, recruiting, or referring for a fee for employment (without 
reference to the practices of, and not under the common control of or 
common control with, another subdivision), each subdivision shall be 
considered a separate person or entity.

[57 FR 33866, July 31, 1992, as amended at 64 FR 47101, Aug. 30, 1999; 
73 FR 10135, Feb. 26, 2008; 81 FR 43001, July 1, 2016; 82 FR 8579, Jan. 
27, 2017; 83 FR 13834, Apr. 2, 2018; 84 FR 13508, Apr. 5, 2019; 85 FR 
36478, June 17, 2020; 86 FR 57539, Oct. 18, 2021; 87 FR 1326, Jan. 11, 
2022; 88 FR 2182, Jan. 13, 2023]



PART 271_DILIGENT AND REASONABLE EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY 
OF ALIENS BY THE OWNERS OF RAILROAD LINES, INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES 
OR TOLL ROADS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103 and 1321.



Sec.  271.1  Procedures for inspections.

    (a) Applicability. The following terms and conditions apply to those 
owners or operators of railroad lines, international bridges, or toll 
roads, which provide a means for an alien to come to the United States.
    (b) Inspection of facility. Based upon a written request by the 
owners or operators, the INS district director or his designee shall 
inspect the facility or method utilized in order to ensure that owners 
and operators have acted diligently in taking adequate steps to prevent 
the unlawful entry of aliens into the United States. Such measures may 
include but are not necessarily limited to fencing, barricades, 
lighting, or security guards. If the district director determines that 
preventive measures are inadequate, he or she shall advise the owners or 
operators in writing, citing the reasons for such determination. If the 
owners or operators believe the requirements of the district director to 
be excessive or unnecessary, they may request that the Regional 
Commissioner having jurisdiction over the location where the facility is 
located, review the district director's requirements. The Regional 
Commissioner shall advise the owners or operators in writing of the 
results of his or her review.
    (c) Preventive measures and certification. Upon a determination by 
the district director that reasonable and adequate preventive measures 
have been taken by the owners and operators, he or she shall certify 
that the owners and operators shall not be liable for the penalty 
described in section 271(a), so long as the facility or method utilized 
is maintained in the condition in which approved and certified.
    (d) Revocation of certification. The District Director having 
jurisdiction over the location where the facility is located, in his or 
her discretion, may at any time, conduct an inspection of said facility 
to determine if any violation is occurring. If the facility is found to 
be not in compliance, said certification will be revoked.

[53 FR 26036, July 11, 1988]



PART 273_CARRIER RESPONSIBILITIES AT FOREIGN PORTS OF EMBARKATION; REDUCING, 
REFUNDING, OR WAIVING FINES UNDER SECTION 273 OF THE ACT--Table of Contents



Sec.
273.1 General.
273.2 Definition.
273.3 Screening procedures.
273.4 Demonstration by carrier that screening requirements were met.
273.5 General criteria used for reduction, refund, or waiver of fines.
273.6 Memorandum of Understanding.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1323; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 63 FR 23655, Apr. 30, 1998, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  273.1  General.

    In any fines case in which a fine is imposed under section 273 of 
the Act involving an alien brought to the United States after December 
24, 1994, the carrier may seek a reduction, refund, or waiver of fine, 
as provided for by section 273(e) of the Act, in accordance with this 
part. The provisions of section 273(e) of the Act and of this part do 
not apply to any fine imposed

[[Page 766]]

under any provision other than section 273 (a)(1) and (b) of the Act.



Sec.  273.2  Definition.

    As used in this part, the term Carrier means an individual or 
organization engaged in transporting passengers or goods for hire to the 
United States.



Sec.  273.3  Screening procedures.

    (a) Applicability. The terms and conditions contained in paragraph 
(b) of this section apply to those owners, operators, or agents of 
carriers which transport passengers to the United States.
    (b) Procedures at ports of embarkation. At each port of embarkation 
carriers shall take reasonable steps to prevent the boarding of 
improperly documented aliens destined to the United States by taking the 
following steps:
    (1) Screening of passengers by carrier personnel prior to boarding 
and examination of their travel documents to ensure that:
    (i) The passport or travel document presented is not expired and is 
valid for entry into the United States;
    (ii) The passenger is the rightful holder;
    (iii) If the passenger requires a visa, the visa is valid for the 
holder and any other accompanying passengers named in the passport; and
    (iv) Passengers described in part 215, subpart B, of this chapter 
have complied with EVUS requirements as appropriate.
    (2) Refusing to board any passenger determined to be improperly 
documented. Failure to refuse boarding when advised to do so by a 
Service or Consular Officer may be considered by the Service as a factor 
in its evaluation of applications under Sec.  273.5.
    (3) Implementing additional safeguards such as, but not necessarily 
limited to, the following:
    (i) For instances in which the carrier suspects fraud, assessing the 
adequacy of the documents presented by asking additional, pertinent 
questions or by taking other appropriate steps to corroborate the 
identity of passengers, such as requesting secondary information.
    (ii) Conducting a second check of passenger documents, when 
necessary at high-risk ports of embarkation, at the time of boarding to 
verify that all passengers are properly documented consistent with 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section. This includes a recheck of documents 
at the final foreign port of embarkation for all passengers, including 
those originally boarded at a prior stop or who are being transported to 
the United States under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or 
International-to-International (ITI) Programs.
    (iii) Providing a reasonable level of security during the boarding 
process so that passengers are unable to circumvent any carrier document 
checks.
    (4) Transmitting visa numbers. Carriers must transmit to U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection the visa number for any passenger who 
requires a visa. The visa number must be transmitted using the Advance 
Passenger Information System, consistent with the procedural 
requirements for transmission of electronic passenger manifests in 19 
CFR parts 4 (vessel) and 122 (aircraft).

[63 FR 23655, Apr. 30, 1998, as amended at 81 FR 72493, Oct. 20, 2016]



Sec.  273.4  Demonstration by carrier that screening requirements were met.

    (a) To be eligible to apply for reduction, refund, or waiver of a 
fine, the carrier shall provide evidence that it screened all passengers 
on the conveyance for the instant flight or voyage in accordance with 
the procedures listed in Sec.  273.3.
    (b) The Service may, at any time, conduct an inspection of a 
carrier's document screening procedures at ports of embarkation to 
determine compliance with the procedures listed in Sec.  273.3, to the 
extent permitted by the local competent authority responsible for port 
access or security. If necessary, the carrier shall use its good offices 
to obtain this permission from the local authority. If the carrier's 
port of embarkation operation is found not to be in compliance, the 
carrier will be notified by the Service that it will not be eligible for 
refund, reduction, or waiver of fines under section 273(e) of the Act 
unless the carrier can establish that lack of compliance was beyond the 
carrier's control.

[[Page 767]]



Sec.  273.5  General criteria used for reduction, refund, or waiver of fines.

    (a) Upon application by the carrier, the Service shall determine 
whether circumstances exist which would justify a reduction, refund, or 
waiver of fines pursuant to section 273(e) of the Act.
    (b) Applications for reduction, refund, or waiver of fine under 
section 273(e) of the Act shall be made in accordance with the 
procedures outlined in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 280.51.
    (c) In determining the amount of the fine reduction, refund, or 
waiver, the Service shall consider:
    (1) The effectiveness of the carrier's screening procedures;
    (2) The carrier's history of fines violations, including fines, 
liquidated damages, and user fee payment records; and,
    (3) The existence of any extenuating circumstances.



Sec.  273.6  Memorandum of Understanding.

    (a) Carriers may apply to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding 
(MOU) with the Service for an automatic reduction, refund, or waiver of 
fines imposed under section 273 of the Act.
    (b) Carriers signatory to an MOU will not be required to apply for 
reduction, refund, or waiver of fines in accordance with the procedures 
outlined in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 280.51, but will follow procedures as 
set forth in the MOU.
    (c) Carriers signatory to an MOU will have fines reduced, refunded, 
or waived according to performance standards enumerated in the MOU or as 
determined by the Service.
    (d) Carriers signatory to an MOU are not precluded from seeking 
additional reduction, refund, or waiver of fines in accordance with the 
procedures outlined in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 280.51.



PART 274_SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF CONVEYANCES--Table of Contents



Sec.
274.1 Seizure and forfeiture authority.
274.2 Delegation of authority.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1324(b); 18 U.S.C. 983, 19 U.S.C. 66, 
1600, 1618, 1619, 1624; 22 U.S.C. 401; 31 U.S.C. 5321; 49 U.S.C. 80304.

    Source: 53 FR 43187, Oct. 26, 1988, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  274.1  Seizure and forfeiture authority.

    Any officer of Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement may seize and forfeit any property that has been or 
is being used in the commission of a violation of any statutory 
authority involving the unlawful introduction of aliens, contraband or 
proceeds of such introduction, pursuant to, but not limited to, section 
274(a) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(a)). All seizures and forfeitures in 
such cases will be administered in accordance with 19 CFR parts 162 and 
171.

[73 FR 9011, Feb. 19, 2008]



Sec.  274.2  Delegation of authority.

    All powers provided to Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Officers in 
19 CFR parts 162 and 171 are provided to the Chief, Office of Border 
Patrol or his designees, for purposes of administering seizures and 
forfeitures made by Border Patrol Officers.

[73 FR 9011, Feb. 19, 2008]



PART 274a_CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS--Table of Contents



                     Subpart A_Employer Requirements

Sec.
274a.1 Definitions.
274a.2 Verification of identity and employment authorization.
274a.3 Continuing employment of unauthorized aliens.
274a.4 Good faith defense.
274a.5 Use of labor through contract.
274a.6 State employment agencies.
274a.7 Pre-enactment provisions for employees hired prior to November 7, 
          1986 or in the CNMI prior to the transition program effective 
          date.
274a.8 Prohibition of indemnity bonds.
274a.9 Enforcement procedures.
274a.10 Penalties.
274a.11 [Reserved]

                   Subpart B_Employment Authorization

274a.12 Classes of aliens authorized to accept employment.
274a.13 Application for employment authorization.
274a.14 Termination of employment authorization.


[[Page 768]]


    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1105a, 1324a; 48 U.S.C. 1806; Pub. 
L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 599; 
Title VII of Pub. L. 110-229, 122 Stat. 754; Pub. L. 115-218, 132 Stat. 
1547; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, unless otherwise noted.



                     Subpart A_Employer Requirements



Sec.  274a.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of this part--
    (a) The term unauthorized alien means, with respect to employment of 
an alien at a particular time, that the alien is not at that time 
either: (1) Lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or (2) authorized 
to be so employed by this Act or by the Attorney General;
    (b) The term entity means any legal entity, including but not 
limited to, a corporation, partnership, joint venture, governmental 
body, agency, proprietorship, or association;
    (c) The term hire means the actual commencement of employment of an 
employee for wages or other remuneration. For purposes of section 
274A(a)(4) of the Act and 8 CFR 274a.5, a hire occurs when a person or 
entity uses a contract, subcontract, or exchange entered into, 
renegotiated, or extended after November 6, 1986 (or, with respect to 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, after the transition 
program effective date as defined in 8 CFR 1.1), to obtain the labor of 
an alien in the United States, knowing that the alien is an unauthorized 
alien;
    (d) The term refer for a fee means the act of sending or directing a 
person or transmitting documentation or information to another, directly 
or indirectly, with the intent of obtaining employment in the United 
States for such person, for remuneration whether on a retainer or 
contingency basis; however, this term does not include union hiring 
halls that refer union members or non-union individuals who pay union 
membership dues;
    (e) The term recruit for a fee means the act of soliciting a person, 
directly or indirectly, and referring that person to another with the 
intent of obtaining employment for that person, for remuneration whether 
on a retainer or contingency basis; however, this term does not include 
union hiring halls that refer union members or non-union individuals who 
pay union membership dues;
    (f) The term employee means an individual who provides services or 
labor for an employer for wages or other remuneration but does not mean 
independent contractors as defined in paragraph (j) of this section or 
those engaged in casual domestic employment as stated in paragraph (h) 
of this section;
    (g) The term employer means a person or entity, including an agent 
or anyone acting directly or indirectly in the interest thereof, who 
engages the services or labor of an employee to be performed in the 
United States for wages or other remuneration. In the case of an 
independent contractor or contract labor or services, the term employer 
shall mean the independent contractor or contractor and not the person 
or entity using the contract labor;
    (h) The term employment means any service or labor performed by an 
employee for an employer within the United States, including service or 
labor performed on a vessel or aircraft that has arrived in the United 
States and has been inspected, or otherwise included within the 
provisions of the Anti-Reflagging Act codified at 46 U.S.C. 8704, but 
not including duties performed by nonimmigrant crewmen defined in 
sections 101 (a)(10) and (a)(15)(D) of the Act. However, employment does 
not include casual employment by individuals who provide domestic 
service in a private home that is sporadic, irregular or intermittent;
    (i) The term State employment agency means any State government unit 
designated to cooperate with the United States Employment Service in the 
operation of the public employment service system;
    (j) The term independent contractor includes individuals or entities 
who carry on independent business, contract to do a piece of work 
according to their own means and methods, and are subject to control 
only as to results. Whether an individual or entity is an independent 
contractor, regardless of what the individual or entity calls itself, 
will be determined on a case-by-

[[Page 769]]

case basis. Factors to be considered in that determination include, but 
are not limited to, whether the individual or entity: supplies the tools 
or materials; makes services available to the general public; works for 
a number of clients at the same time; has an opportunity for profit or 
loss as a result of labor or services provided; invests in the 
facilities for work; directs the order or sequence in which the work is 
to be done and determines the hours during which the work is to be done. 
The use of labor or services of an independent contractor are subject to 
the restrictions in section 274A(a)(4) of the Act and Sec.  274a.5 of 
this part;
    (k) The term pattern or practice means regular, repeated, and 
intentional activities, but does not include isolated, sporadic, or 
accidental acts;
    (l)(1) The term knowing includes not only actual knowledge but also 
knowledge which may fairly be inferred through notice of certain facts 
and circumstances which would lead a person, through the exercise of 
reasonable care, to know about a certain condition. Constructive 
knowledge may include, but is not limited to, situations where an 
employer:
    (i) Fails to complete or improperly completes the Employment 
Eligibility Verification Form, I-9;
    (ii) Has information available to it that would indicate that the 
alien is not authorized to work, such as Labor Certification and/or an 
Application for Prospective Employer; or
    (iii) Acts with reckless and wanton disregard for the legal 
consequences of permitting another individual to introduce an 
unauthorized alien into its work force or to act on its behalf.
    (2) Knowledge that an employee is unauthorized may not be inferred 
from an employee's foreign appearance or accent. Nothing in this 
definition should be interpreted as permitting an employer to request 
more or different documents than are required under section 274(b) of 
the Act or to refuse to honor documents tendered that on their face 
reasonably appear to be genuine and to relate to the individual.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8612, Mar. 16, 1988; 55 
FR 25931, June 25, 1990; 56 FR 41783, Aug. 23, 1991; 72 FR 45623, Aug. 
15, 2007; 73 FR 63867, Oct. 28, 2008; 74 FR 51452, Oct. 7, 2009; 74 FR 
55739, Oct. 28, 2009]



Sec.  274a.2  Verification of identity and employment authorization.

    (a) General. This section establishes requirements and procedures 
for compliance by persons or entities when hiring, or when recruiting or 
referring for a fee, or when continuing to employ individuals in the 
United States.
    (1) Recruiters and referrers for a fee. For purposes of complying 
with section 274A(b) of the Act and this section, all references to 
recruiters and referrers for a fee are limited to a person or entity who 
is either an agricultural association, agricultural employer, or farm 
labor contractor (as defined in section 3 of the Migrant and Seasonal 
Agricultural Worker Protection Act, Pub. L. 97-470 (29 U.S.C. 1802)).
    (2) Verification form. Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification 
Form, is used in complying with the requirements of this 8 CFR 274a.1-
274a.11. Form I-9 can be in paper or electronic format. A fillable 
electronic Form I-9 as well as a paper format Form I-9 may be obtained 
and downloaded from http://www.uscis.gov. Paper forms may also be 
ordered at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-by-mail or by contacting 
the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TTY). 
Alternatively, Form I-9 can be electronically generated or retained, 
provided that the resulting form is legible; there is no change to the 
name, content, or sequence of the data elements and instructions; no 
additional data elements or language are inserted; and the standards 
specified under 8 CFR 274a.2(e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), as applicable, 
are met. When copying or printing the paper Form I-9, the text of the 
two-sided form may be reproduced by making either double-sided or 
single-sided copies.
    (3) Attestation Under Penalty and Perjury. In conjunction with 
completing the Form I-9, an employer or recruiter or referrer for a fee 
must examine documents that evidence the identity and

[[Page 770]]

employment authorization of the individual. The employer or recruiter or 
referrer for a fee and the individual must each complete an attestation 
on the Form I-9 under penalty of perjury.
    (b) Employment verification requirements--(1) Examination of 
documents and completion of Form I-9. (i) A person or entity that hires 
or recruits or refers for a fee an individual for employment must ensure 
that the individual properly:
    (A) Completes section 1--``Employee Information and Verification''--
on the Form I-9 at the time of hire and signs the attestation with a 
handwritten or electronic signature in accordance with paragraph (h) of 
this section; or if an individual is unable to complete the Form I-9 or 
needs it translated, someone may assist him or her. The preparer or 
translator must read the Form I-9 to the individual, assist him or her 
in completing Section 1--``Employee Information and Verification,'' and 
have the individual sign or mark the Form I-9 by a handwritten 
signature, or an electronic signature in accordance with paragraph (h) 
of this section, in the appropriate place; and
    (B) Present to the employer or the recruiter or referrer for a fee 
documentation as set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section 
establishing his or her identity and employment authorization within the 
time limits set forth in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) through (b)(1)(v) of this 
section.
    (ii) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(viii) of this section, 
an employer, his or her agent, or anyone acting directly or indirectly 
in the interest thereof, must within three business days of the hire:
    (A) Physically examine (or otherwise examine pursuant to an 
alternative procedure authorized by the Secretary under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ix) of this section) the documentation presented by the 
individual establishing identity and employment authorization as set 
forth in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section and ensure that the 
documents presented appear to be genuine and to relate to the 
individual; and
    (B) Complete section 2--``Employer Review and Verification''--on the 
Form I-9 within three business days of the hire and sign the attestation 
with a handwritten signature or electronic signature in accordance with 
paragraph (i) of this section.
    (iii) An employer who hires an individual for employment for a 
duration of less than three business days must comply with paragraphs 
(b)(1)(ii)(A) and (b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section at the time of the hire. 
An employer may not accept a receipt, as described in paragraph 
(b)(1)(vi) of this section, in lieu of the required document if the 
employment is for less than three business days.
    (iv) A recruiter or referrer for a fee for employment must comply 
with paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section within 
three business days of the date the referred individual is hired by the 
employer. Recruiters and referrers may designate agents to complete the 
employment verification procedures on their behalf including but not 
limited to notaries, national associations, or employers. If a recruiter 
or referrer designates an employer to complete the employment 
verification procedures, the employer need only provide the recruiter or 
referrer with a photocopy or printed electronic image of the Form I-9, 
electronic Form I-9, or a Form I-9 on microfilm or microfiche.
    (v) The individual may present either an original document which 
establishes both employment authorization and identity, or an original 
document which establishes employment authorization and a separate 
original document which establishes identity. Only unexpired documents 
are acceptable. The identification number and expiration date (if any) 
of all documents must be noted in the appropriate space provided on the 
Form I-9.
    (A) The following documents, so long as they appear to relate to the 
individual presenting the document, are acceptable to evidence both 
identity and employment authorization:
    (1) A United States passport;
    (2) An Alien Registration Receipt Card or Permanent Resident Card 
(Form I-551);
    (3) A foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp, or 
temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa;

[[Page 771]]

    (4) An Employment Authorization Document which contains a photograph 
(Form I-766);
    (5) In the case of an individual who is employment-authorized 
incident to status or parole with a specific employer, a foreign 
passport with an Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-94 (as defined in 8 
CFR 1.4) or Form I-94A, bearing the same name as the passport and 
containing an endorsement by DHS indicating such employment-authorized 
status or parole, as long as the period of endorsement has not yet 
expired and the employment is not in conflict with the individual's 
employment-authorized status or parole;
    (6) A passport from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form I-94 or Form I-94A 
indicating nonimmigrant admission under the Compact of Free Association 
Between the United States and the FSM or RMI;
    (7) In the case of an individual lawfully enlisted for military 
service in the Armed Forces under 10 U.S.C. 504, a military 
identification card issued to such individual may be accepted only by 
the Armed Forces.
    (B) The following documents are acceptable to establish identity 
only:
    (1) For individuals 16 years of age or older:
    (i) A driver's license or identification card containing a 
photograph, issued by a state (as defined in section 101(a)(36) of the 
Act) or an outlying possession of the United States (as defined by 
section 101(a)(29) of the Act). If the driver's license or 
identification card does not contain a photograph, identifying 
information shall be included such as: name, date of birth, sex, height, 
color of eyes, and address;
    (ii) School identification card with a photograph;
    (iii) Voter's registration card;
    (vi) U.S. military card or draft record;
    (v) Identification card issued by federal, state, or local 
government agencies or entities. If the identification card does not 
contain a photograph, identifying information shall be included such as: 
name, date of birth, sex, height, color of eyes, and address;
    (vi) Military dependent's identification card;
    (vii) Native American tribal documents;
    (viii) United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card;
    (ix) Driver's license issued by a Canadian government authority;
    (2) For individuals under age 18 who are unable to produce a 
document listed in paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B)(1) of this section, the 
following documents are acceptable to establish identity only:
    (i) School record or report card;
    (ii) Clinic doctor or hospital record;
    (iii) Daycare or nursery school record.
    (3) Minors under the age of 18 who are unable to produce one of the 
identity documents listed in paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B) (1) or (2) of this 
section are exempt from producing one of the enumerated identity 
documents if:
    (i) The minor's parent or legal guardian completes on the Form I-9 
Section 1--``Employee Information and Verification'' and in the space 
for the minor's signature, the parent or legal guardian writes the 
words, ``minor under age 18.''
    (ii) The minor's parent or legal guardian completes on the Form I-9 
the ``Preparer/Translator certification.''
    (iii) The employer or the recruiter or referrer for a fee writes in 
Section 2--``Employer Review and Verification'' under List B in the 
space after the words ``Document Identification '' the words, ``minor 
under age 18.''
    (4) Individuals with handicaps, who are unable to produce one of the 
identity documents listed in paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B) (1) or (2) of this 
section, who are being placed into employment by a nonprofit 
organization, association or as part of a rehabilitation program, may 
follow the procedures for establishing identity provided in this section 
for minors under the age of 18, substituting where appropriate, the term 
``special placement'' for ``minor under age 18'', and permitting, in 
addition to a parent or legal guardian, a representative from the 
nonprofit organization, association or rehabilitation program placing 
the individual into a position of employment, to fill out and sign in 
the appropriate section, the

[[Page 772]]

Form I-9. For purposes of this section the term individual with 
handicaps means any person who
    (i) Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits 
one or more of such person's major life activities,
    (ii) Has a record of such impairment, or
    (iii) Is regarded as having such impairment.
    (C) The following are acceptable documents to establish employment 
authorization only:
    (1) A Social Security account number card other than one that 
specifies on the face that the issuance of the card does not authorize 
employment in the United States;
    (2) Certification or report of birth issued by the Department of 
State, including Forms FS-545, DS-1350, FS-240;
    (3) An original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a 
State, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United 
States bearing an official seal;
    (4) Native American tribal document;
    (5) United States Citizen Identification Card, Form I-197;
    (6) Identification card for use of resident citizen in the United 
States, Form I-179;
    (7) An employment authorization document issued by the Department of 
Homeland Security.
    (D) The following are acceptable documents to establish both 
identity and employment authorization in the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands only, for a two-year period starting from the 
transition program effective date (as defined in 8 CFR 1.1), in addition 
to those documents listed in paragraph (b)(1)(v)(A) of this section:
    (1) In the case of an alien with employment authorization in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands incident to status for a 
period of up to two years following the transition program effective 
date that is unrestricted or otherwise authorizes a change of employer:
    (i) The unexpired foreign passport and an Alien Entry Permit with 
red band issued to the alien by the Office of the Attorney General, 
Division of Immigration of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands before the transition program effective date, as long as the 
period of employment authorization has not yet expired, or
    (ii) An unexpired foreign passport and temporary work authorization 
letter issued by the Department of Labor of the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands before the transition program effective date, 
and containing the name and photograph of the individual, as long as the 
period of employment authorization has not yet expired and the proposed 
employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations 
identified on the Temporary Work Authorization letter;
    (iii) An unexpired foreign passport and a permanent resident card 
issued by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (vi) Special rules for receipts. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii) of this section, unless the individual indicates or the 
employer or recruiter or referrer for a fee has actual or constructive 
knowledge that the individual is not authorized to work, an employer or 
recruiter or referrer for a fee must accept a receipt for the 
application for a replacement document or a document described in 
paragraphs (b)(1)(vi)(B)(1) and (b)(1)(vi)(C)(1) of this section in lieu 
of the required document in order to comply with any requirement to 
examine documentation imposed by this section, in the following 
circumstances:
    (A) Application for a replacement document. The individual:
    (1) Is unable to provide the required document within the time 
specified in this section because the document was lost, stolen, or 
damaged;
    (2) Presents a receipt for the application for the replacement 
document within the time specified in this section; and
    (3) Presents the replacement document within 90 days of the hire or, 
in the case of reverification, the date employment authorization 
expires; or
    (B) Form I-94 or I-94A indicating temporary evidence of permanent 
resident status. The individual indicates in section 1 of the Form I-9 
that he or she is a lawful permanent resident and the individual:

[[Page 773]]

    (1) Presents the arrival portion of Form I-94 or Form I-94A 
containing an unexpired ``Temporary I-551'' stamp and a photograph of 
the individual, which is designated for purposes of this section as a 
receipt for Form I-551; and
    (2) Presents the Form I-551 by the expiration date of the 
``Temporary I-551'' stamp or, if the stamp has no expiration date, 
within one year from the issuance date of the arrival portion of the 
Form I-94 or Form I-94A; or
    (C) Form I-94 or I-94A indicating refugee status. The individual 
indicates in section 1 of the Form I-9 that he or she is an alien 
authorized to work and the individual:
    (1) Presents the departure portion of Form I-94 or I-94A containing 
an unexpired refugee admission stamp, which is designated for purposes 
of this section as a receipt for the Form I-766, or a social security 
account number card that contains no employment restrictions; and
    (2) Presents, within 90 days of the hire or, in the case of 
reverification, the date employment authorization expires, either an 
unexpired Form I-766, or a social security account number card that 
contains no employment restrictions and a document described under 
paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B) of this section.
    (vii) If an individual's employment authorization expires, the 
employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee must reverify on the Form I-9 
to reflect that the individual is still authorized to work in the United 
States; otherwise, the individual may no longer be employed, recruited, 
or referred. Reverification on the Form I-9 must occur not later than 
the date work authorization expires and must comply with the applicable 
document presentation and examination procedures in paragraphs 
(b)(1)(ii)(A) and (b)(1)(ix) of this section, and form instructions. If 
an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) as described in Sec.  
274a.13(d) was presented for completion of the Form I-9 in combination 
with a Notice of Action (Form I-797C), stating that the original 
Employment Authorization Document has been automatically extended for up 
to 180 days, reverification applies upon the expiration of the 
automatically extended validity period under Sec.  274a.13(d) and not 
upon the expiration date indicated on the face of the individual's 
Employment Authorization Document. In order to reverify on the Form I-9, 
the employee or referred individual must present a document that either 
shows continuing employment eligibility or is a new grant of work 
authorization. The employer or the recruiter or referrer for a fee must 
review this document, and if it appears to be genuine and relate to the 
individual, reverify by noting the document's identification number and 
expiration date, if any, on the Form I-9 and signing the attestation by 
a handwritten signature or electronic signature in accordance with 
paragraph (i) of this section.
    (viii) An employer will not be deemed to have hired an individual 
for employment if the individual is continuing in his or her employment 
and has a reasonable expectation of employment at all times.
    (A) An individual is continuing in his or her employment in one of 
the following situations:
    (1) An individual takes approved paid or unpaid leave on account of 
study, illness or disability of a family member, illness or pregnancy, 
maternity or paternity leave, vacation, union business, or other 
temporary leave approved by the employer;
    (2) An individual is promoted, demoted, or gets a pay raise;
    (3) An individual is temporarily laid off for lack of work;
    (4) An individual is on strike or in a labor dispute;
    (5) An individual is reinstated after disciplinary suspension for 
wrongful termination, found unjustified by any court, arbitrator, or 
administrative body, or otherwise resolved through reinstatement or 
settlement;
    (6) An individual transfers from one distinct unit of an employer to 
another distinct unit of the same employer; the employer may transfer 
the individual's Form I-9 to the receiving unit;
    (7) An individual continues his or her employment with a related, 
successor, or reorganized employer, provided that the employer obtains 
and maintains from the previous employer records and Forms I-9 where 
applicable. For

[[Page 774]]

this purpose, a related, successor, or reorganized employer includes:
    (i) The same employer at another location;
    (ii) An employer who continues to employ some or all of a previous 
employer's workforce in cases involving a corporate reorganization, 
merger, or sale of stock or assets;
    (iii) An employer who continues to employ any employee of another 
employer's workforce where both employers belong to the same multi-
employer association and the employee continues to work in the same 
bargaining unit under the same collective bargaining agreement. For 
purposes of this subsection, any agent designated to complete and 
maintain the Form I-9 must record the employee's date of hire and/or 
termination each time the employee is hired and/or terminated by an 
employer of the multi-employer association; or
    (8) An individual is engaged in seasonal employment.
    (B) The employer who is claiming that an individual is continuing in 
his or her employment must also establish that the individual expected 
to resume employment at all times and that the individual's expectation 
is reasonable. Whether an individual's expectation is reasonable will be 
determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration several 
factors. Factors which would indicate that an individual has a 
reasonable expectation of employment include, but are not limited to, 
the following:
    (1) The individual in question was employed by the employer on a 
regular and substantial basis. A determination of a regular and 
substantial basis is established by a comparison of other workers who 
are similarly employed by the employer;
    (2) The individual in question complied with the employer's 
established and published policy regarding his or her absence;
    (3) The employer's past history of recalling absent employees for 
employment indicates a likelihood that the individual in question will 
resume employment with the employer within a reasonable time in the 
future;
    (4) The former position held by the individual in question has not 
been taken permanently by another worker;
    (5) The individual in question has not sought or obtained benefits 
during his or her absence from employment with the employer that are 
inconsistent with an expectation of resuming employment with the 
employer within a reasonable time in the future. Such benefits include, 
but are not limited to, severance and retirement benefits;
    (6) The financial condition of the employer indicates the ability of 
the employer to permit the individual in question to resume employment 
within a reasonable time in the future; or
    (7) The oral and/or written communication between employer, the 
employer's supervisory employees and the individual in question 
indicates that it is reasonably likely that the individual in question 
will resume employment with the employer within a reasonable time in the 
future.
    (ix) As an optional alternative to the physical examination 
procedure described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, the 
Secretary may, consistent with applicable law and via notice published 
in the Federal Register, authorize alternative documentation examination 
procedures with respect to some or all employers. The Secretary may 
adopt such procedures:
    (A) As part of a pilot program;
    (B) Upon the Secretary's determination that such procedures offer an 
equivalent level of security to that of physical examination as 
indicated by, for instance, observed measures of system integrity (such 
as error or fraud rates) or the procedure's capacity for confirming 
certain documents or information; or
    (C) As a temporary measure to address a public health emergency 
declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to 
Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, or a national emergency 
declared by the President pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 of the 
National Emergencies Act.
    (2) Retention and Inspection of Form I-9. (i) A paper (with original 
handwritten signatures), electronic (with acceptable electronic 
signatures that meet the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) of this 
section or original

[[Page 775]]

paper scanned into an electronic format, or a combination of paper and 
electronic formats that meet the requirements of paragraphs (e), (f), 
and (g) of this section), or microfilm or microfiche copy of the 
original signed version of Form I-9 must be retained by an employer or a 
recruiter or referrer for a fee for the following time periods:
    (A) In the case of an employer, three years after the date of the 
hire or one year after the date the individual's employment is 
terminated, whichever is later; or
    (B) In the case of a recruiter or referrer for a fee, three years 
after the date of the hire.
    (ii) Any person or entity required to retain Forms I-9 in accordance 
with this section shall be provided with at least three business days 
notice prior to an inspection of Forms I-9 by officers of an authorized 
agency of the United States. At the time of inspection, Forms I-9 must 
be made available in their original paper, electronic form, a paper copy 
of the electronic form, or on microfilm or microfiche at the location 
where the request for production was made. If Forms I-9 are kept at 
another location, the person or entity must inform the officer of the 
authorized agency of the United States of the location where the forms 
are kept and make arrangements for the inspection. Inspections may be 
performed at an office of an authorized agency of the United States. A 
recruiter or referrer for a fee who has designated an employer to 
complete the employment verification procedures may present a photocopy 
or printed electronic image of the Form I-9 in lieu of presenting the 
Form I-9 in its original paper or electronic form or on microfilm or 
microfiche, as set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section. Any 
refusal or delay in presentation of the Forms I-9 for inspection is a 
violation of the retention requirements as set forth in section 
274A(b)(3) of the Act. No Subpoena or warrant shall be required for such 
inspection, but the use of such enforcement tools is not precluded. In 
addition, if the person or entity has not complied with a request to 
present the Forms I-9, any officer listed in 8 CFR 287.4 may compel 
production of the Forms I-9 and any other relevant documents by issuing 
a subpoena. Nothing in this section is intended to limit the subpoena 
power under section 235(d)(4) of the Act.
    (iii) The following standards shall apply to Forms I-9 presented on 
microfilm or microfiche submitted to an officer of the Service, the 
Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, or 
the Department of Labor: Microfilm, when displayed on a microfilm reader 
(viewer) or reproduced on paper must exhibit a high degree of legibility 
and readability. For this purpose, legibility is defined as the quality 
of a letter or numeral which enables the observer to positively and 
quickly identify it to the exclusion of all other letters or numerals. 
Readability is defined as the quality of a group of letters or numerals 
being recognizable as words or whole numbers. A detailed index of all 
microfilmed data shall be maintained and arranged in such a manner as to 
permit the immediate location of any particular record. It is the 
responsibility of the employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee:
    (A) To provide for the processing, storage and maintenance of all 
microfilm, and
    (B) To be able to make the contents thereof available as required by 
law. The person or entity presenting the microfilm will make available a 
reader-printer at the examination site for the ready reading, location 
and reproduction of any record or records being maintained on microfilm. 
Reader-printers made available to an officer of the Service, the Special 
Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, or the 
Department of Labor shall provide safety features and be in clean 
condition, properly maintained and in good working order. The reader-
printers must have the capacity to display and print a complete page of 
information. A person or entity who is determined to have failed to 
comply with the criteria established by this regulation for the 
presentation of microfilm or microfiche to the Service, the Special 
Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, or the 
Department of Labor, and at the time of the inspection does not present

[[Page 776]]

a properly completed Form I-9 for the employee, is in violation of 
section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and Sec.  274a.2(b)(2).
    (iv) Paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section specify 
the standards for electronic Forms I-9.
    (3) Copying of documentation. An employer, or a recruiter or 
referrer for a fee may, but is not required to, copy or make an 
electronic image of a document presented by an individual solely for the 
purpose of complying with the verification requirements of this section. 
If such a copy or electronic image is made, it must either be retained 
with the Form I-9 or stored with the employee's records and be 
retrievable consistent with paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of 
this section. The copying or electronic imaging of any such document and 
retention of the copy or electronic image does not relieve the employer 
from the requirement to fully complete section 2 of the Form I-9. An 
employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee should not, however, copy or 
electronically image only the documents of individuals of certain 
national origins or citizenship statuses. To do so may violate section 
274B of the Act.
    (4) Limitation on use of Form I-9. Any information contained in or 
appended to the Form I-9, including copies or electronic images of 
documents listed in paragraph (c) of this section used to verify an 
individual's identity or employment eligibility, may be used only for 
enforcement of the Act and sections 1001, 1028, 1546, or 1621 of title 
18, United States Code.
    (c) Employment verification requirements in the case of hiring an 
individual who was previously employed. (1) When an employer hires an 
individual whom that person or entity has previously employed, if the 
employer has previously completed the Form I-9 and complied with the 
verification requirements set forth in paragraph (b) of this section 
with regard to the individual, the employer may (in lieu of completing a 
new Form I-9) inspect the previously completed Form I-9 and:
    (i) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the employer determines that 
the Form I-9 relates to the individual and that the individual is still 
eligible to work, that previously executed Form I-9 is sufficient for 
purposes of section 274A(b) of the Act if the individual is hired within 
three years of the date of the initial execution of the Form I-9 and the 
employer updates the Form I-9 to reflect the date of rehire; or
    (ii) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the employer determines 
that the individual's employment authorization has expired, the employer 
must reverify such employment authorization on the Form I-9 in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section, including 
complying with the applicable document presentation and examination 
procedures in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (b)(1)(ix) of this section, 
and form instructions; otherwise the individual may no longer be 
employed.
    (2) For purposes of retention of the Form I-9 by an employer for a 
previously employed individual hired pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section, the employer shall retain the Form I-9 for a period of 
three years commencing from the date of the initial execution of the 
Form I-9 or one year after the individual's employment is terminated, 
whichever is later.
    (d) Employment verification requirements in the case of recruiting 
or referring for a fee an individual who was previously recruited or 
referred. (1) When a recruiter or referrer for a fee refers an 
individual for whom that recruiter or referrer for a fee has previously 
completed a Form I-9 and complied with the verification requirements set 
forth in paragraph (b) of this section with regard to the individual, 
the recruiter or referrer may (in lieu of completing a new Form I-9) 
inspect the previously completed Form I-9 and:
    (i) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the recruiter or referrer 
for a fee determines that the Form I-9 relates to the individual and 
that the individual is still eligible to work, that previously executed 
Form I-9 is sufficient for purposes of section 274A(b) of the Act if the 
individual is referred within three years of the date of the initial 
execution of the Form I-9 and the recruiter or referrer for a fee 
updates the Form I-9 to reflect the date of rehire; or
    (ii) If upon inspection of the Form I-9, the recruiter or referrer 
determines

[[Page 777]]

that the individual's employment authorization has expired, the 
recruiter or referrer for a fee must reverify on the Form I-9 in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section; otherwise the 
individual may no longer be recruited or referred.
    (2) For purposes of retention of the Form I-9 by a recruiter or 
referrer for a previously recruited or referred individual pursuant to 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the recruiter or referrer shall retain 
the Form I-9 for a period of three years from the date of the rehire.
    (e) Standards for electronic retention of Form I-9. (1) Any person 
or entity who is required by this section to complete and retain Forms 
I-9 may complete or retain electronically only those pages of the Form 
I-9 on which employers and employees enter data in an electronic 
generation or storage system that includes:
    (i) Reasonable controls to ensure the integrity, accuracy and 
reliability of the electronic generation or storage system;
    (ii) Reasonable controls designed to prevent and detect the 
unauthorized or accidental creation of, addition to, alteration of, 
deletion of, or deterioration of an electronically completed or stored 
Form I-9, including the electronic signature if used;
    (iii) An inspection and quality assurance program evidenced by 
regular evaluations of the electronic generation or storage system, 
including periodic checks of the electronically stored Form I-9, 
including the electronic signature if used;
    (iv) In the case of electronically retained Forms I-9, a retrieval 
system that includes an indexing system that permits searches consistent 
with the requirements of paragraph (e)(6) of this section; and
    (v) The ability to reproduce legible and readable hardcopies.
    (2) All documents reproduced by the electronic retention system must 
exhibit a high degree of legibility and readability when displayed on a 
video display terminal or when printed on paper, microfilm, or 
microfiche. The term ``legibility'' means the observer must be able to 
identify all letters and numerals positively and quickly, to the 
exclusion of all other letters or numerals. The term ``readability'' 
means that the observer must be able to recognize any group of letters 
or numerals that form words or numbers as those words or complete 
numbers. The employer, or recruiter or referrer for a fee, must ensure 
that the reproduction process maintains the legibility and readability 
of the electronically stored document.
    (3) An electronic generation or storage system must not be subject, 
in whole or in part, to any agreement (such as a contract or license) 
that would limit or restrict access to and use of the electronic 
generation or storage system by an agency of the United States, on the 
premises of the employer, recruiter or referrer for a fee (or at any 
other place where the electronic generation or storage system is 
maintained), including personnel, hardware, software, files, indexes, 
and software documentation.
    (4) A person or entity who chooses to complete or retain Forms I-9 
electronically may use one or more electronic generation or storage 
systems. Each electronic generation or storage system must meet the 
requirements of this paragraph, and remain available as long as required 
by the Act and these regulations. Employers may implement new electronic 
storage systems provided:
    (i) All systems meet the requirements of paragraphs (e), (f), (g), 
(h) and (i) of this section; and
    (ii) Existing Forms I-9 are retained in a system that remains fully 
accessible.
    (5) For each electronic generation or storage system used, the 
person or entity retaining the Form I-9 must maintain, and make 
available upon request, complete descriptions of:
    (i) The electronic generation and storage system, including all 
procedures relating to its use; and
    (ii) The indexing system.
    (6) An ``indexing system'' for the purposes of paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) 
and (e)(5) of this section is a system that permits the identification 
and retrieval for viewing or reproducing of relevant documents and 
records maintained in an electronic storage system. For example, an 
indexing system might consist of assigning each electronically stored

[[Page 778]]

document a unique identification number and maintaining a separate 
database that contains descriptions of all electronically stored books 
and records along with their identification numbers. In addition, any 
system used to maintain, organize, or coordinate multiple electronic 
storage systems is treated as an indexing system. The requirement to 
maintain an indexing system will be satisfied if the indexing system is 
functionally comparable to a reasonable hardcopy filing system. The 
requirement to maintain an indexing system does not require that a 
separate electronically stored documents and records description 
database be maintained if comparable results can be achieved without a 
separate description database.
    (7) Any person or entity choosing to retain completed Forms I-9 
electronically may use reasonable data compression or formatting 
technologies as part of the electronic storage system as long as the 
requirements of 8 CFR 274a.2 are satisfied.
    (8) At the time of an inspection, the person or entity required to 
retain completed Forms I-9 must:
    (i) Retrieve and reproduce (including printing copies on paper, if 
requested) only the Forms I-9 electronically retained in the electronic 
storage system and supporting documentation specifically requested by an 
agency of the United States, along with associated audit trails. 
Generally, an audit trail is a record showing who has accessed a 
computer system and the actions performed within or on the computer 
system during a given period of time;
    (ii) Provide a requesting agency of the United States with the 
resources (e.g., appropriate hardware and software, personnel and 
documentation) necessary to locate, retrieve, read, and reproduce 
(including paper copies) any electronically stored Forms I-9, any 
supporting documents, and their associated audit trails, reports, and 
other data used to maintain the authenticity, integrity, and reliability 
of the records; and
    (iii) Provide, if requested, any reasonably available or obtainable 
electronic summary file(s), such as a spreadsheet, containing all of the 
information fields on all of the electronically stored Forms I-9 
requested by a requesting agency of the United States.
    (f) Documentation. (1) A person or entity who chooses to complete 
and/or retain Forms I-9 electronically must maintain and make available 
to an agency of the United States upon request documentation of the 
business processes that:
    (i) Create the retained Forms I-9;
    (ii) Modify and maintain the retained Forms I-9; and
    (iii) Establish the authenticity and integrity of the Forms I-9, 
such as audit trails.
    (2) Insufficient or incomplete documentation is a violation of 
section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act.
    (3) Any officer listed in 8 CFR 287.4 may issue a subpoena to compel 
production of any documentation required by 8 CFR 274a.2. Nothing in 
this section is intended to limit the subpoena power of an agency of the 
United States under section 235(d)(4) of the Act.
    (g) Security. (1) Any person or entity who elects to complete or 
retain Forms I-9 electronically must implement an effective records 
security program that:
    (i) Ensures that only authorized personnel have access to electronic 
records;
    (ii) Provides for backup and recovery of records to protect against 
information loss, such as power interruptions;
    (iii) Ensures that employees are trained to minimize the risk of 
unauthorized or accidental alteration or erasure of electronic records; 
and
    (iv) Ensure that whenever the electronic record is created, 
completed, updated, modified, altered, or corrected, a secure and 
permanent record is created that establishes the date of access, the 
identity of the individual who accessed the electronic record, and the 
particular action taken.
    (2) An action or inaction resulting in the unauthorized alteration, 
loss, or erasure of electronic records, if it is known, or reasonably 
should be known, to be likely to have that effect, is a violation of 
section 274A(b)(3) of the Act.
    (h) Electronic signatures for employee. (1) If a Form I-9 is 
completed electronically, the attestations in Form I-9 must be completed 
using a system for

[[Page 779]]

capturing an electronic signature that meets the standards set forth in 
this paragraph. The system used to capture the electronic signature must 
include a method to acknowledge that the attestation to be signed has 
been read by the signatory. The electronic signature must be attached 
to, or logically associated with, an electronically completed Form I-9. 
In addition, the system must:
    (i) Affix the electronic signature at the time of the transaction;
    (ii) Create and preserve a record verifying the identity of the 
person producing the signature; and
    (iii) Upon request of the employee, provide a printed confirmation 
of the transaction to the person providing the signature.
    (2) Any person or entity who is required to ensure proper completion 
of a Form I-9 and who chooses electronic signature for a required 
attestation, but who has failed to comply with the standards set forth 
in this paragraph, is deemed to have not properly completed the Form I-
9, in violation of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and 8 CFR 
274a.2(b)(2).
    (i) Electronic signatures for employer, recruiter or referrer, or 
representative. If a Form I-9 is completed electronically, the employer, 
the recruiter or referrer for a fee, or the representative of the 
employer or the recruiter or referrer, must attest to the required 
information in Form I-9. The system used to capture the electronic 
signature should include a method to acknowledge that the attestation to 
be signed has been read by the signatory. Any person or entity who has 
failed to comply with the criteria established by this regulation for 
electronic signatures, if used, and at the time of inspection does not 
present a properly completed Form I-9 for the employee, is in violation 
of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(2).

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
274a.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  274a.3  Continuing employment of unauthorized aliens.

    An employer who continues the employment of an employee hired after 
November 6, 1986, knowing that the employee is or has become an 
unauthorized alien with respect to that employment, is in violation of 
section 274A(a)(2) of the Act.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8613, Mar. 16, 1988]



Sec.  274a.4  Good faith defense.

    An employer or a recruiter or referrer for a fee for employment who 
shows good faith compliance with the employment verification 
requirements of Sec.  274a.2(b) of this part shall have established a 
rebuttable affirmative defense that the person or entity has not 
violated section 274A(a)(1)(A) of the Act with respect to such hiring, 
recruiting, or referral.



Sec.  274a.5  Use of labor through contract.

    Any person or entity who uses a contract, subcontract, or exchange 
entered into, renegotiated, or extended after November 6, 1986 (or, with 
respect to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, after the 
transition program effective date as defined in 8 CFR 1.1), to obtain 
the labor or services of an alien in the United States knowing that the 
alien is an unauthorized alien with respect to performing such labor or 
services, shall be considered to have hired the alien for employment in 
the United States in violation of section 274A(a)(1)(A) of the Act.

[74 FR 55739, Oct. 28, 2009]



Sec.  274a.6  State employment agencies.

    (a) General. Pursuant to sections 274A(a)(5) and 274A(b) of the Act, 
a state employment agency as defined in Sec.  274a.1 of this part may, 
but is not required to, verify identity and employment eligibility of 
individuals referred for employment by the agency. However, should a 
state employment agency choose to do so, it must:
    (1) Complete the verification process in accordance with the 
requirements of Sec.  274a.2(b) of this part provided that the 
individual may not present receipts in lieu of documents in order to 
complete the verification process as otherwise

[[Page 780]]

permitted by Sec.  274a.2(b)(1)(vi) of this part; and
    (2) Complete the verification process prior to referral for all 
individuals for whom a certification is required to be issued pursuant 
to paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) Compliance with the provisions of section 274A of the Act. A 
state employment agency which chooses to verify employment eligibility 
of individuals pursuant to Sec.  274a.2(b) of this part shall comply 
with all provisions of section 274A of the Act and the regulations 
issued thereunder.
    (c) State employment agency certification. (1) A state employment 
agency which chooses to verify employment eligibility pursuant to 
paragraph (a) of this section shall issue to an employer who hires an 
individual referred for employment by the agency, a certification as set 
forth in paragraph (d) of this section. The certification shall be 
transmitted by the state employment agency directly to the employer, 
personally by an agency official, or by mail, so that it will be 
received by the employer within 21 business days of the date that the 
referred individual is hired. In no case shall the certification be 
transmitted to the employer from the state employment agency by the 
individual referred. During this period:
    (i) The job order or other appropriate referral form issued by the 
state employment agency to the employer, on behalf of the individual who 
is referred and hired, shall serve as evidence, with respect to that 
individual, of the employer's compliance with the provisions of section 
274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act and the regulations issued thereunder.
    (ii) In the case of a telephonically authorized job referral by the 
state employment agency to the employer, an appropriate annotation by 
the employer shall be made and shall serve as evidence of the job order. 
The employer should retain the document containing the annotation where 
the employer retains Forms I-9.
    (2) Job orders or other referrals, including telephonic 
authorizations, which are used as evidence of compliance pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section shall contain:
    (i) The name of the referred individual;
    (ii) The date of the referral;
    (iii) The job order number or other applicable identifying number 
relating to the referral;
    (iv) The name and title of the referring state employment agency 
official; and
    (v) The telephone number and address of the state employment agency.
    (3) A state employment agency shall not be required to verify 
employment eligibility or to issue a certification to an employer to 
whom the agency referred an individual if the individual is hired for a 
period of employment not to exceed 3 days in duration. Should a state 
agency choose to verify employment eligibility and to issue a 
certification to an employer relating to an individual who is hired for 
a period of employment not to exceed 3 days in duration, it must verify 
employment eligibility and issue certifications relating to all such 
individuals. Should a state employment agency choose not to verify 
employment eligibility or issue certifications to employers who hire, 
for a period not to exceed 3 days in duration, agency-referred 
individuals, the agency shall notify employers that, as a matter of 
policy, it does not perform verifications for individuals hired for that 
length of time, and that the employers must complete the identity and 
employment eligibility requirements pursuant to Sec.  274a.2(b) of this 
part. Such notification may be incorporated into the job order or other 
referral form utilized by the state employment agency as appropriate.
    (4) An employer to whom a state employment agency issues a 
certification relating to an individual referred by the agency and hired 
by the employer, shall be deemed to have complied with the verification 
requirements of Sec.  274a.2(b) of this part provided that the employer:
    (i) Reviews the identifying information contained in the 
certification to ensure that it pertains to the individual hired;
    (ii) Observes the signing of the certification by the individual at 
the time of its receipt by the employer as provided for in paragraph 
(d)(13) of this section;
    (iii) Complies with the provisions of Sec.  274a.2(b)(1)(vii) of 
this part by either:

[[Page 781]]

    (A) Updating the state employment agency certification in lieu of 
Form I-9, upon expiration of the employment authorization date, if any, 
which was noted on the certification issued by the state employment 
agency pursuant to paragraph (d)(11) of this section; or
    (B) By no longer employing an individual upon expiration of his or 
her employment authorization date noted on the certification;
    (iv) Retains the certification in the same manner prescribed for 
Form I-9 in Sec.  274a.2(b)(2) of this part, to wit, three years after 
the date of the hire or one year after the date the individual's 
employment is terminated, whichever is later; and
    (v) Makes it available for inspection to officers of the Service or 
the Department of Labor, pursuant to the provisions of section 
274A(b)(3) of the Act, and Sec.  274a.2(b)(2) of this part.
    (5) Failure by an employer to comply with the provisions of 
paragraph (c)(4)(iii) of this section shall constitute a violation of 
section 274A(a)(2) of the Act and shall subject the employer to the 
penalties contained in section 274A(e)(4) of the Act, and Sec.  274a.10 
of this part.
    (d) Standards for state employment agency certifications. All 
certifications issued by a state employment agency pursuant to paragraph 
(c) of this section shall conform to the following standards. They must:
    (1) Be issued on official agency letterhead;
    (2) Be signed by an appropriately designated official of the agency;
    (3) Bear a date of issuance;
    (4) Contain the employer's name and address;
    (5) State the name and date of birth of the individual referred;
    (6) Identify the position or type of employment for which the 
individual is referred;
    (7) Bear a job order number relating to the position or type of 
employment for which the individual is referred;
    (8) Identify the document or documents presented by the individual 
to the state employment agency for the purposes of identity and 
employment eligibility verification;
    (9) State the identifying number or numbers of the document or 
documents described in paragraph (d)(8) of this section;
    (10) Certify that the agency has complied with the requirements of 
section 274A(b) of the Act concerning verification of the identity and 
employment eligibility of the individual referred, and has determined 
that, to the best of the agency's knowledge, the individual is 
authorized to work in the United States;
    (11) Clearly state any restrictions, conditions, expiration dates or 
other limitations which relate to the individual's employment 
eligibility in the United States, or contain an affirmative statement 
that the employment authorization of the referred individual is not 
restricted;
    (12) State that the employer is not required to verify the 
individual's identity or employment eligibility, but must retain the 
certification in lieu of Form I-9;
    (13) Contain a space or a line for the signature of the referred 
individual, requiring the individual under penalty of perjury to sign 
his or her name before the employer at the time of receipt of the 
certification by the employer; and
    (14) State that counterfeiting, falsification, unauthorized issuance 
or alteration of the certification constitutes a violation of federal 
law pursuant to title 18, U.S.C. 1546.
    (e) Retention of Form I-9 by state employment agencies. A Form I-9 
utilized by a state employment agency in verifying the identity and 
employment eligibility of an individual pursuant to Sec.  274a.2(b) of 
this part must be retained by a state employment agency for a period of 
three years from the date that the individual was last referred by the 
agency and hired by an employer. A state employment agency may retain a 
Form I-9 either in its original form, or on microfilm or microfiche.
    (f) Retention of state employment agency certifications. A 
certification issued by a state employment agency pursuant to this 
section shall be retained:
    (1) By a state employment agency, for a period of three years from 
the date that the individual was last referred by the agency and hired 
by an employer, and in a manner to be determined by the agency which 
will enable the prompt retrieval of the information

[[Page 782]]

contained on the original certification for comparison with the relating 
Form I-9;
    (2) By the employer, in the original form, and in the same manner 
and location as the employer has designated for retention of Forms I-9, 
and for the period of time provided in paragraph (c)(4)(iv) of this 
section.
    (g) State employment agency verification requirements in the case of 
an individual who was previously referred and certified. When a state 
employment agency refers an individual for whom the verification 
requirements have been previously complied with and a Form I-9 
completed, the agency shall inspect the previously completed Form I-9:
    (1) If, upon inspection of the Form, the agency determines that the 
Form I-9 pertains to the individual and that the individual remains 
authorized to be employed in the United States, no additional 
verification need be conducted and no new Form I-9 need be completed 
prior to issuance of a new certification provided that the individual is 
referred by the agency within 3 years of the execution of the initial 
Form I-9.
    (2) If, upon inspection of the Form, the agency determines that the 
Form I-9 pertains to the individual but that the individual does not 
appear to be authorized to be employed in the United States based on 
restrictions, expiration dates or other conditions annotated on the Form 
I-9, the agency shall not issue a certification unless the agency 
follows the updating procedures pursuant to Sec.  274a.2(b)(1)(vii) of 
this part; otherwise the individual may no longer be referred for 
employment by the state employment agency.
    (3) For the purposes of retention of the Form I-9 by a state 
employment agency pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, for an 
individual previously referred and certified, the state employment 
agency shall retain the Form for a period of 3 years from the date that 
the individual is last referred and hired.
    (h) Employer verification requirements in the case of an individual 
who was previously referred and certified. When an employer rehires an 
individual for whom the verification and certification requirements have 
been previously complied with by a state employment agency, the employer 
shall inspect the previously issued certification.
    (1) If, upon inspection of the certification, the employer 
determines that the certification pertains to the individual and that 
the individual remains authorized to be employed in the United States, 
no additional verification need be conducted and no new Form I-9 or 
certification need be completed provided that the individual is rehired 
by the employer within 3 years of the issuance of the initial 
certification, and that the employer follows the same procedures for the 
certification which pertain to Form I-9, as specified in Sec.  
274a.2(c)(1)(i) of this part.
    (2) If, upon inspection of the certification, the employer 
determines that the certification pertains to the individual but that 
the certification reflects restrictions, expiration dates or other 
conditions which indicate that the individual no longer appears 
authorized to be employed in the United States, the employer shall 
verify that the individual remains authorized to be employed and shall 
follow the updating procedures for the certification which pertain to 
Form I-9, as specified in Sec.  274a.2(c)(1)(ii) of this part; otherwise 
the individual may no longer be employed.
    (3) For the purposes of retention of the certification by an 
employer pursuant to this paragraph for an individual previously 
referred and certified by a state employment agency and rehired by the 
employer, the employer shall retain the certification for a period of 3 
years after the date that the individual is last hired, or one year 
after the date the individual's employment is terminated, whichever is 
later.

[52 FR 43053, Nov. 9, 1987]



Sec.  274a.7  Pre-enactment provisions for employees hired prior to 
November 7, 1986 or in the CNMI prior to the transition program effective date.

    (a) For employees who are continuing in their employment and have a 
reasonable expectation of employment at all times (as set forth in 8 CFR 
274a.2(b)(1)(viii)), except those individuals described in 8 CFR 
274a.2(b)(1)(viii)(A)(7)(iii) and (b)(1)(viii)(A)(8):

[[Page 783]]

    (1) The penalty provisions set forth in section 274A(e) and (f) of 
the Act for violations of sections 274A(a)(1)(B) and 274A(a)(2) of the 
Act shall not apply to employees who were hired prior to November 7, 
1986.
    (2) The penalty provisions set forth in section 274A(e) and (f) of 
the Act for violations of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the Act shall not 
apply to employees who were hired in the CNMI prior to the transition 
program effective date as defined in 8 CFR 1.1.
    (b) For purposes of this section, an employee who was hired prior to 
November 7, 1986 (or if hired in the CNMI, prior to the transition 
program effective date) shall lose his or her pre-enactment status if 
the employee:
    (1) Quits; or
    (2) Is terminated by the employer; the term termination shall 
include, but is not limited to, situations in which an employee is 
subject to seasonal employment; or
    (3) Is excluded or deported from the United States or departs the 
United States under a grant of voluntary departure; or
    (4) Is no longer continuing his or her employment (or does not have 
a reasonable expectation of employment at all times) as set forth in 
Sec.  274a.2(b)(1)(viii).

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8613, Mar. 16, 1988; 55 
FR 25935, June 25, 1990; 56 FR 41786, Aug. 23, 1991; 74 FR 55740, Oct. 
28, 2009]



Sec.  274a.8  Prohibition of indemnity bonds.

    (a) General. It is unlawful for a person or other entity, in hiring 
or recruiting or referring for a fee for employment of an individual, to 
require the individual to post a bond or security, to pay or agree to 
pay an amount, or otherwise to provide a financial guarantee or 
indemnity, against any potential liability arising under this part 
relating to such hiring, recruiting, or referring of the individual. 
However, this prohibition does not apply to performance clauses which 
are stipulated by agreement between contracting parties.
    (b) Penalty. Any person or other entity who requires any individual 
to post a bond or security as stated in this section shall, after notice 
and opportunity for an administrative hearing in accordance with section 
274A(e)(3)(B) of the Act, be subject to a civil monetary penalty of 
$1,000 for each violation before September 29, 1999, of $1,100 for each 
violation occurring on or after September 29, 1999, but on or before 
November 2, 2015, and of $2,701 for each violation occurring after 
November 2, 2015, and to an administrative order requiring the return to 
the individual of any amounts received in violation of this section or, 
if the individual cannot be located, to the general fund of the 
Treasury.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 64 FR 47101, Aug. 30, 1999; 81 
FR 43002, July 1, 2016; 82 FR 8580, Jan. 27, 2017; 83 FR 13835, Apr. 2, 
2018; 84 FR 13508, Apr. 5, 2019; 85 FR 36478, June 17, 2020; 86 FR 
57540, Oct. 18, 2021; 87 FR 1326, Jan. 11, 2022; 88 FR 2183, Jan. 13, 
2023]



Sec.  274a.9  Enforcement procedures.

    (a) Procedures for the filing of complaints. Any person or entity 
having knowledge of a violation or potential violation of section 274A 
of the Act may submit a signed, written complaint in person or by mail 
to the Service office having jurisdiction over the business or residence 
of the potential violator. The signed, written complaint must contain 
sufficient information to identify both the complainant and the 
potential violator, including their names and addresses. The complaint 
should also contain detailed factual allegations relating to the 
potential violation including the date, time and place of the alleged 
violation and the specific act or conduct alleged to constitute a 
violation of the Act. Written complaints may be delivered either by mail 
to the appropriate Service office or by personally appearing before any 
immigration officer at a Service office.
    (b) Investigation. The Service may conduct investigations for 
violations on its own initiative and without having received a written 
complaint. When the Service receives a complaint from a third party, it 
shall investigate only those complaints that have a reasonable 
probability of validity. If it is determined after investigation that 
the person or entity has violated section 274A of the Act, the Service 
may issue and serve a Notice of Intent to Fine or

[[Page 784]]

a Warning Notice upon the alleged violator. Service officers shall have 
reasonable access to examine any relevant evidence of any person or 
entity being investigated.
    (c) Warning notice. The Service and/or the Department of Labor may 
in their discretion issue a Warning Notice to a person or entity alleged 
to have violated section 274A of the Act. This Warning Notice will 
contain a statement of the basis for the violations and the statutory 
provisions alleged to have been violated.
    (d) Notice of Intent to Fine. The proceeding to assess 
administrative penalties under section 274A of the Act is commenced when 
the Service issues a Notice of Intent to Fine on Form I-763. Service of 
this Notice shall be accomplished pursuant to part 103 of this chapter. 
The person or entity identified in the Notice of Intent to Fine shall be 
known as the respondent. The Notice of Intent to Fine may be issued by 
an officer defined in Sec.  242.1 of this chapter with concurrence of a 
Service attorney.
    (1) Contents of the Notice of Intent to Fine. (i) The Notice of 
Intent to Fine will contain the basis for the charge(s) against the 
respondent, the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated, and 
the penalty that will be imposed.
    (ii) The Notice of Intent to Fine will provide the following 
advisals to the respondent:
    (A) That the person or entity has the right to representation by 
counsel of his or her own choice at no expense to the government;
    (B) That any statement given may be used against the person or 
entity;
    (C) That the person or entity has the right to request a hearing 
before an Administrative Law Judge pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 554-557, and 
that such request must be made within 30 days from the service of the 
Notice of Intent to Fine;
    (D) That the Service will issue a final order in 45 days if a 
written request for a hearing is not timely received and that there will 
be no appeal of the final order.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (e) Request for Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge. If a 
respondent contests the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Fine, the 
respondent must file with the INS, within thirty days of the service of 
the Notice of Intent to Fine, a written request for a hearing before an 
Administrative Law Judge. Any written request for a hearing submitted in 
a foreign language must be accompanied by an English language 
translation. A request for a hearing is not deemed to be filed until 
received by the Service office designated in the Notice of Intent to 
Fine. In computing the thirty day period prescribed by this section, the 
day of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine shall not be included. If 
the Notice of Intent to Fine was served by ordinary mail, five days 
shall be added to the prescribed thirty day period. In the request for a 
hearing, the respondent may, but is not required to, respond to each 
allegation listed in the Notice of Intent to Fine.
    (f) Failure to file a request for hearing. If the respondent does 
not file a request for a hearing in writing within thirty days of the 
day of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine (thirty-five days if 
served by ordinary mail), the INS shall issue a final order from which 
there is no appeal.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8613, Mar. 16, 1988; 55 
FR 25935, June 25, 1990; 56 FR 41786, Aug. 23, 1991; 61 FR 52236, Oct. 
7, 1996]



Sec.  274a.10  Penalties.

    (a) Criminal penalties. Any person or entity which engages in a 
pattern or practice of violations of subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) of 
the Act shall be fined not more than $3,000 for each unauthorized alien, 
imprisoned for not more than six months for the entire pattern or 
practice, or both, notwithstanding the provisions of any other Federal 
law relating to fine levels.
    (b) Civil penalties. A person or entity may face civil penalties for 
a violation of section 274A of the Act. Civil penalties may be imposed 
by the Service or an administrative law judge for violations under 
section 274A of the Act. In determining the level of the penalties that 
will be imposed, a finding of more than one violation in the course of a 
single proceeding or determination will be counted as a single offense. 
However, a single offense will include penalties for each unauthorized 
alien

[[Page 785]]

who is determined to have been knowingly hired or recruited or referred 
for a fee.
    (1) A respondent found by the Service or an administrative law judge 
to have knowingly hired, or to have knowingly recruited or referred for 
a fee, an unauthorized alien for employment in the United States or to 
have knowingly continued to employ an unauthorized alien in the United 
States, shall be subject to the following order:
    (i) To cease and desist from such behavior;
    (ii) To pay a civil fine according to the following schedule:
    (A) First offense--not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for 
each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the offense occurred before 
March 27, 2008; not less than $375 and not exceeding $3,200, for each 
unauthorized alien with respect to whom the offense occurred occurring 
on or after March 27, 2008, and on or before November 2, 2015; and not 
less than $676 and not more than $5,404 for each unauthorized alien with 
respect to whom the offense occurred occurring after November 2, 2015;
    (B) Second offense--not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 
for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second offense 
occurred before March 27, 2008; not less than $3,200 and not more than 
$6,500, for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second 
offense occurred on or after March 27, 2008, and on or before November 
2, 2015; and not less than $5,404 and not more than $13,508 for each 
unauthorized alien with respect to whom the second offense occurred 
after November 2, 2015; or
    (C) More than two offenses--not less than $3,300 and not more than 
$11,000 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom the third or 
subsequent offense occurred before March 27, 2008; not less than $4,300 
and not exceeding $16,000, for each unauthorized alien with respect to 
whom the third or subsequent offense occurred on or after March 27, 
2008, and on or before November 2, 2015; and not less than $8,106 and 
not more than $27,018 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom 
the third or subsequent offense occurred after November 2, 2015; and
    (iii) To comply with the requirements of section 274a.2(b) of this 
part, and to take such other remedial action as is appropriate.
    (2) A respondent determined by the Service (if a respondent fails to 
request a hearing) or by an administrative law judge, to have failed to 
comply with the employment verification requirements as set forth in 
Sec.  274a.2(b), shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of not 
less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each individual with respect 
to whom such violation occurred before September 29, 1999; not less than 
$110 and not more than $1,100 for each individual with respect to whom 
such violation occurred on or after September 29, 1999, and on or before 
November 2, 2015; and not less than $272 and not more than $2,701 for 
each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred after 
November 2, 2015. In determining the amount of the penalty, 
consideration shall be given to:
    (i) The size of the business of the employer being charged;
    (ii) The good faith of the employer;
    (iii) The seriousness of the violation;
    (iv) Whether or not the individual was an unauthorized alien; and
    (v) The history of previous violations of the employer.
    (3) Where an order is issued with respect to a respondent composed 
of distinct, physically separate subdivisions which do their own hiring, 
or their own recruiting or referring for a fee for employment (without 
reference to the practices of, and under the control of, or common 
control with another subdivision) the subdivision shall be considered a 
separate person or entity.
    (c) Enjoining pattern or practice violations. If the Attorney 
General has reasonable cause to believe that a person or entity is 
engaged in a pattern or practice of employment, recruitment or referral 
in violation of section 274A(a)(1)(A) or (2) of the Act, the Attorney 
General may bring civil action in the appropriate United States District 
Court requesting relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, 
restraining order, or other order

[[Page 786]]

against the person or entity, as the Attorney General deems necessary.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 55 FR 25935, June 25, 1990; 56 
FR 41786, Aug. 23, 1991; 64 FR 47101, Aug. 30, 1999; 73 FR 10136, Feb. 
26, 2008; 81 FR 43002, July 1, 2016; 82 FR 8580, Jan. 27, 2017; 83 FR 
13835, Apr. 2, 2018; 84 FR 13509, Apr. 5, 2019; 85 FR 36479, June 17, 
2020; 86 FR 57540, Oct. 18, 2021; 87 FR 1326, Jan. 11, 2022; 88 FR 2183, 
Jan. 13, 2023]



Sec.  274a.11  [Reserved]



                   Subpart B_Employment Authorization



Sec.  274a.12  Classes of aliens authorized to accept employment.

    (a) Aliens authorized employment incident to status. Pursuant to the 
statutory or regulatory reference cited, the following classes of aliens 
are authorized to be employed in the United States without restrictions 
as to location or type of employment as a condition of their admission 
or subsequent change to one of the indicated classes. Any alien who is 
within a class of aliens described in paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(6)-
(a)(8), (a)(10)-(a)(15), or (a)(20) of this section, and who seeks to be 
employed in the United States, must apply to U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS) for a document evidencing such employment 
authorization. USCIS may, in its discretion, determine the validity 
period assigned to any document issued evidencing an alien's 
authorization to work in the United States.
    (1) An alien who is a lawful permanent resident (with or without 
conditions pursuant to section 216 of the Act), as evidenced by Form I-
551 issued by the Service. An expiration date on the Form I-551 reflects 
only that the card must be renewed, not that the bearer's work 
authorization has expired;
    (2) An alien admitted to the United States as a lawful temporary 
resident pursuant to sections 245A or 210 of the Act, as evidenced by an 
employment authorization document issued by the Service;
    (3) An alien admitted to the United States as a refugee pursuant to 
section 207 of the Act for the period of time in that status, as 
evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the Service;
    (4) An alien paroled into the United States as a refugee for the 
period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment 
authorization document issued by the Service;
    (5) An alien granted asylum under section 208 of the Act for the 
period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment 
authorization document, issued by USCIS to the alien. An expiration date 
on the employment authorization document issued by USCIS reflects only 
that the document must be renewed, and not that the bearer's work 
authorization has expired. Evidence of employment authorization shall be 
granted in increments not exceeding 5 years for the period of time the 
alien remains in that status.
    (6) An alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant 
fianc[eacute] or fianc[eacute]e pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(K)(i) of 
the Act, or an alien admitted as a child of such alien, for the period 
of admission in that status, as evidenced by an employment authorization 
document issued by the Service;
    (7) An alien admitted as a parent (N-8) or dependent child (N-9) of 
an alien granted permanent residence under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the 
Act, as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the 
Service;
    (8) An alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant 
pursuant to the Compact of Free Association between the United States 
and of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, or the Republic of Palau;
    (9) Any alien admitted as a nonimmigrant spouse pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of the Act, or an alien admitted as a child of such 
alien, for the period of admission in that status, as evidenced by an 
employment authorization document, with an expiration date issued by the 
Service;
    (10) An alien granted withholding of deportation or removal for the 
period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment 
authorization document issued by the Service;
    (11) An alien whose enforced departure from the United States has 
been deferred in accordance with a directive

[[Page 787]]

from the President of the United States to the Secretary. Employment is 
authorized for the period of time and under the conditions established 
by the Secretary pursuant to the Presidential directive;
    (12) An alien granted Temporary Protected Status under section 244 
of the Act for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an 
employment authorization document issued by the Service;
    (13) An alien granted voluntary departure by the Attorney General 
under the Family Unity Program established by section 301 of the 
Immigration Act of 1990, as evidenced by an employment authorization 
document issued by the Service;
    (14) An alien granted Family Unity benefits under section 1504 of 
the Legal Immigrant Family Equity (LIFE) Act Amendments, Public Law 106-
554, and the provisions of 8 CFR part 245a, Subpart C of this chapter, 
as evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by the 
Service;
    (15) Any alien in V nonimmigrant status as defined in section 
101(a)(15)(V) of the Act and 8 CFR 214.15.
    (16) Any alien in T-1 nonimmigrant status, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.11, 
for the period in that status, as evidenced by an employment 
authorization document issued by USCIS to the alien.
    (17)-(18) [Reserved]
    (19) Any alien in U-1 nonimmigrant status, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14, 
for the period of time in that status, as evidenced by an employment 
authorization document issued by USCIS to the alien.
    (20) Any alien in U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 nonimmigrant status, 
pursuant to 8 CFR 214.14, for the period of time in that status, as 
evidenced by an employment authorization document issued by USCIS to the 
alien.
    (b) Aliens authorized for employment with a specific employer 
incident to status or parole. The following classes of aliens are 
authorized to be employed in the United States by the specific employer 
and subject to any restrictions described in the section(s) of this 
chapter indicated as a condition of their parole or of their admission 
in, or subsequent change to, the designated nonimmigrant classification. 
An alien in one of these classes is not issued an employment 
authorization document by DHS:
    (1) A foreign government official (A-1 or A-2), pursuant to Sec.  
214.2(a) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only 
by the foreign government entity;
    (2) An employee of a foreign government official (A-3), pursuant to 
Sec.  214.2(a) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed 
only by the foreign government official;
    (3) A foreign government official in transit (C-2 or C-3), pursuant 
to Sec.  214.2(c) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be 
employed only by the foreign government entity;
    (4) [Reserved]
    (5) A nonimmigrant treaty trader (E-1) or treaty investor (E-2), 
pursuant to Sec.  214.2(e) of this chapter. An alien in this status may 
be employed only by the treaty-qualifying company through which the 
alien attained the status. Employment authorization does not extend to 
the dependents of the principal treaty trader or treaty investor (also 
designated ``E-1'' or ``E-2''), other than those specified in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section;
    (6) A nonimmigrant (F-1) student who is in valid nonimmigrant 
student status and pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f) is seeking:
    (i) On-campus employment for not more than twenty hours per week 
when school is in session or full-time employment when school is not in 
session if the student intends and is eligible to register for the next 
term or session. Part-time on-campus employment is authorized by the 
school and no specific endorsement by a school official or Service 
officer is necessary;
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (iii) Curricular practical training (internships, cooperative 
training programs, or work-study programs which are part of an 
established curriculum) after having been enrolled full-time in a 
Service approved institution for one full academic year. Curricular 
practical training (part-time or full-time) is authorized by the 
Designated School Official on the student's Form I-20. No Service 
endorsement is necessary.

[[Page 788]]

    (iv) An Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766 or successor 
form, under paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this section based on a STEM 
Optional Practical Training extension, and whose timely filed Form I-765 
or successor form is pending and employment authorization and 
accompanying Form I-766 or successor form issued under paragraph 
(c)(3)(i)(B) of this section have expired. Employment is authorized 
beginning on the expiration date of the Form I-766 or successor form 
issued under paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B) of this section and ending on the 
date of USCIS' written decision on the current Form I-765 or successor 
form, but not to exceed 180 days. For this same period, such Form I-766 
or successor form is automatically extended and is considered unexpired 
when combined with a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1/M-
1) Students, Form I-20 or successor form, endorsed by the Designated 
School Official recommending such an extension; or
    (v) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h) is seeking H-1B nonimmigrant status 
and whose duration of status and employment authorization have been 
extended pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi).
    (7) A representative of an international organization (G-1, G-2, G-
3, or G-4), pursuant to Sec.  214.2(g) of this chapter. An alien in this 
status may be employed only by the foreign government entity or the 
international organization;
    (8) A personal employee of an official or representative of an 
international organization (G-5), pursuant to Sec.  214.2(g) of this 
chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by the official or 
representative of the international organization;
    (9) A temporary worker or trainee (H-1, H-2A, H-2B, or H-3), 
pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h), or a nonimmigrant specialty occupation 
worker pursuant to sections 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)(1), 
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) and INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iii) of 
the Act. An alien in this status may be employed only by the petitioner 
through whom the status was obtained. In the case of a professional H-2B 
athlete who is traded from one organization to another organization, 
employment authorization for the player will automatically continue for 
a period of 30 days after acquisition by the new organization, within 
which time the new organization must file a new petition for H-2B 
classification. If a new petition is not filed within 30 days, 
employment authorization will cease. If a new petition is filed within 
30 days, the professional athlete's employment authorization will 
continue until the petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is 
denied, employment authorization will cease. In the case of a 
nonimmigrant with H-1B status, employment authorization will 
automatically continue upon the filing of a qualifying petition under 8 
CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(H) until such petition is adjudicated, in accordance 
with section 214(n) of the Act and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(H);
    (10) An information media representative (I), pursuant to Sec.  
214.2(i) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only 
for the sponsoring foreign news agency or bureau. Employment 
authorization does not extend to the dependents of an information media 
representative (also designated ``I'');
    (11) An exchange visitor (J-1), pursuant to Sec.  214.2(j) of this 
chapter and 22 CFR part 62. An alien in this status may be employed only 
by the exchange visitor program sponsor or appropriate designee and 
within the guidelines of the program approved by the Department of State 
as set forth in the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility, issued by 
the program sponsor;
    (12) An intra-company transferee (L-1), pursuant to Sec.  214.2(1) 
of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only by the 
petitioner through whom the status was obtained;
    (13) An alien having extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, 
education, business, or athletics (O-1), and an accompanying alien (O-
2), pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(o). An alien in this status may be employed 
only by the petitioner through whom the status was obtained. In the case 
of a professional O-1 athlete who is traded from one organization to 
another organization, employment authorization for the player will 
automatically continue for a period of 30 days after the acquisition by 
the new organization, within which time the new organization is expected

[[Page 789]]

to file a new petition for O nonimmigrant classification. If a new 
petition is not filed within 30 days, employment authorization will 
cease. If a new petition is filed within 30 days, the professional 
athlete's employment authorization will continue until the petition is 
adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, employment authorization 
will cease.
    (14) An athlete, artist, or entertainer (P-1, P-2, or P-3), pursuant 
to 8 CFR 214.2(p). An alien in this status may be employed only by the 
petitioner through whom the status was obtained. In the case of a 
professional P-1 athlete who is traded from one organization to another 
organization, employment authorization for the player will automatically 
continue for a period of 30 days after the acquisition by the new 
organization, within which time the new organization is expected to file 
a new petition for P-1 nonimmigrant classification. If a new petition is 
not filed within 30 days, employment authorization will cease. If a new 
petition is filed within 30 days, the professional athlete's employment 
authorization will continue until the petition is adjudicated. If the 
new petition is denied, employment authorization will cease;
    (15) An international cultural exchange visitor (Q-1), according to 
Sec.  214.2(q)(1) of this chapter. An alien may only be employed by the 
petitioner through whom the status was obtained;
    (16) An alien having a religious occupation, pursuant to Sec.  
214.2(r) of this chapter. An alien in this status may be employed only 
by the religious organization through whom the status was obtained;
    (17) Officers and personnel of the armed services of nations of the 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and representatives, officials, and 
staff employees of NATO (NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5 and 
NATO-6), pursuant to Sec.  214.2(o) of this chapter. An alien in this 
status may be employed only by NATO;
    (18) An attendant, servant or personal employee (NATO-7) of an alien 
admitted as a NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6, 
pursuant to Sec.  214.2(o) of this chapter. An alien admitted under this 
classification may be employed only by the NATO alien through whom the 
status was obtained;
    (19) A nonimmigrant pursuant to section 214(e) of the Act. An alien 
in this status must be engaged in business activities at a professional 
level in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16 of the Agreement 
Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and 
Canada (USMCA);
    (20) A nonimmigrant alien within the class of aliens described in 
paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(5), (b)(8), (b)(9), (b)(10), (b)(11), (b)(12), 
(b)(13), (b)(14), (b)(16), (b)(19), (b)(23) and (b)(25) of this section 
whose status has expired but on whose behalf an application for an 
extension of stay was timely filed pursuant to Sec.  214.2 or Sec.  
214.6 of this chapter. These aliens are authorized to continue 
employment with the same employer for a period not to exceed 240 days 
beginning on the date of the expiration of the authorized period of 
stay. Such authorization shall be subject to any conditions and 
limitations noted on the initial authorization. However, if the district 
director or service center director adjudicates the application prior to 
the expiration of this 240 day period and denies the application for 
extension of stay, the employment authorization under this paragraph 
shall automatically terminate upon notification of the denial decision;
    (21) A nonimmigrant alien within the class of aliens described in 8 
CFR 214.2(h)(1)(ii)(C) who filed an application for an extension of stay 
pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2 during his or her period of admission. Such 
alien is authorized to be employed by a new employer that has filed an 
H-2A petition naming the alien as a beneficiary and requesting an 
extension of stay for the alien for a period not to exceed 120 days 
beginning from the ``Received Date'' on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) 
acknowledging receipt of the petition requesting an extension of stay, 
provided that the employer has enrolled in and is a participant in good 
standing in the E-Verify program, as determined by

[[Page 790]]

USCIS in its discretion. Such authorization will be subject to any 
conditions and limitations noted on the initial authorization, except as 
to the employer and place of employment. However, if the District 
Director or Service Center director adjudicates the application prior to 
the expiration of this 120-day period and denies the application for 
extension of stay, the employment authorization under this paragraph 
(b)(21) shall automatically terminate upon 15 days after the date of the 
denial decision. The employment authorization shall also terminate 
automatically if the employer fails to remain a participant in good 
standing in the E-Verify program, as determined by USCIS in its 
discretion;
    (22) An alien in E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status pursuant to 8 
CFR 214.2(e)(23). An alien in this status may be employed only by the 
qualifying company through which the alien attained the status. An alien 
in E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status may be employed only in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for a qualifying entity. An 
alien who attained E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status based upon a 
Foreign Retiree Investment Certificate or Certification is not 
employment-authorized. Employment authorization does not extend to the 
dependents of the principal investor (also designated E-2 CNMI Investor 
nonimmigrants) other than those specified in paragraph (c)(12) of this 
section;
    (23) A Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands transitional 
worker (CW-1) pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(w). An alien in this status may be 
employed only in the CNMI during the transition period, and only by the 
petitioner through whom the status was obtained, or as otherwise 
authorized by 8 CFR 214.2(w).
    (24) [Reserved]
    (25) A nonimmigrant treaty alien in a specialty occupation (E-3) 
pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) of the Act; or
    (26)-(29) [Reserved]
    (30)(i) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(26) and notwithstanding 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), an alien is authorized to be employed no earlier than 
the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B petition and no 
earlier than May 25, 2021, by a new employer that has filed an H-2B 
petition naming the alien as a beneficiary and requesting an extension 
of stay for the alien, for a period not to exceed 60 days beginning on:
    (A) The later of the ``Received Date'' on Form I-797 (Notice of 
Action) acknowledging receipt of the petition, or the start date of 
employment indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions filed on or 
after May 25, 2021; or
    (B) The later of May 25, 2021 or the start date of employment 
indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions that are pending as of 
May 25, 2021.
    (ii) If USCIS adjudicates the new petition prior to the expiration 
of the 60-day period in paragraph (b)(30)(i) of this section and denies 
the new petition for extension of stay, or if the petitioner withdraws 
the new petition before the expiration of the 60-day period, the 
employment authorization under this paragraph (b)(30) will automatically 
terminate upon 15 days after the date of the denial decision or the date 
on which the new petition is withdrawn. Nothing in this section is 
intended to alter the availability of employment authorization related 
to professional H-2B athletes who are traded between organizations 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(9) of this section and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(vii).
    (iii) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(26) and paragraph (b)(30)(i) of this section begins at 12 a.m. 
on May 25, 2021, and ends at the end of November 22, 2021.
    (31)(i) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(27) and notwithstanding 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), an alien is authorized to be employed no earlier than 
the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B petition and no 
earlier than January 28, 2022, by a new employer that has filed an H-2B 
petition naming the alien as a beneficiary and requesting an extension 
of stay for the alien, for a period not to exceed 60 days beginning on:
    (A) The later of the ``Received Date'' on Form I-797 (Notice of 
Action) acknowledging receipt of the petition, or the start date of 
employment indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions filed on or 
after January 28, 2022; or

[[Page 791]]

    (B) The later of January 28, 2022 or the start date of employment 
indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions that are pending as of 
January 28, 2022
    (ii) If USCIS adjudicates the new petition prior to the expiration 
of the 60-day period in paragraph (b)(31)(i) of this section and denies 
the new petition for extension of stay, or if the petitioner withdraws 
the new petition before the expiration of the 60-day period, the 
employment authorization under this paragraph (b)(31) will automatically 
terminate upon 15 days after the date of the denial decision or the date 
on which the new petition is withdrawn. Nothing in this section is 
intended to alter the availability of employment authorization related 
to professional H-2B athletes who are traded between organizations 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(9) of this section and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(vii).
    (iii) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(27) and paragraph (b)(31)(i) of this section begins at 12 a.m. 
on January 28, 2022, and ends at the end of July 27, 2022.
    (32)(i) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(28) and notwithstanding 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), an alien is authorized to be employed no earlier than 
the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B petition and no 
earlier than July 28, 2022, by a new employer that has filed an H-2B 
petition naming the alien as a beneficiary and requesting an extension 
of stay for the alien, for a period not to exceed 60 days beginning on:
    (A) The later of the ``Received Date'' on Form I-797 (Notice of 
Action) acknowledging receipt of the petition, or the start date of 
employment indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions filed on or 
after July 28, 2022; or
    (B) The later of July 28, 2022 or the start date of employment 
indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions that are pending as of 
July 28, 2022.
    (ii) If USCIS adjudicates the new petition prior to the expiration 
of the 60-day period in paragraph (b)(32)(i) of this section and denies 
the new petition for extension of stay, or if the petitioner withdraws 
the new petition before the expiration of the 60-day period, the 
employment authorization under this paragraph (b)(32) will automatically 
terminate upon 15 days after the date of the denial decision or the date 
on which the new petition is withdrawn. Nothing in this section is 
intended to alter the availability of employment authorization related 
to professional H-2B athletes who are traded between organizations 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(9) of this section and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(vii).
    (iii) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(28) and paragraph (b)(32)(i) of this section begins at 12 a.m. 
on July 28, 2022, and ends at the end of January 24, 2023.
    (33) (i) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(29) and notwithstanding 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), an alien is authorized to be employed no earlier than 
the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B petition and no 
earlier than January 25, 2023, by a new employer that has filed an H-2B 
petition naming the alien as a beneficiary and requesting an extension 
of stay for the alien, for a period not to exceed 60 days beginning on:
    (A) The later of the ``Received Date'' on Form I-797 (Notice of 
Action) acknowledging receipt of the petition, or the start date of 
employment indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions filed on or 
after January 25, 2023; or
    (B) The later of January 25, 2023 or the start date of employment 
indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions that are pending as of 
January 25, 2023.
    (ii) If USCIS adjudicates the new petition prior to the expiration 
of the 60-day period in paragraph (b)(33)(i) of this section and denies 
the new petition for extension of stay, or if the petitioner withdraws 
the new petition before the expiration of the 60-day period, the 
employment authorization under this paragraph (b)(33) will automatically 
terminate upon 15 days after the date of the denial decision or the date 
on which the new petition is withdrawn. Nothing in this section is 
intended to alter the availability of employment authorization related 
to professional H-2B athletes who are traded between organizations 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(9) of this section and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(vii).

[[Page 792]]

    (iii) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(29) and paragraph (b)(33)(i) of this section begins at 12 a.m. 
on January 25, 2023, and ends at the end of January 24, 2024.
    (34)(i) Pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(31) and notwithstanding 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), an alien is authorized to be employed no earlier than 
the start date of employment indicated in the H-2B petition and no 
earlier than January 25, 2024, by a new employer that has filed an H-2B 
petition naming the alien as a beneficiary and requesting an extension 
of stay for the alien, for a period not to exceed 60 days beginning on:
    (A) The later of the ``Received Date'' on Form I-797 (Notice of 
Action) acknowledging receipt of the petition, or the start date of 
employment indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions filed on or 
after January 25, 2024; or
    (B) The later of January 25, 2024, or the start date of employment 
indicated on the new H-2B petition, for petitions that are pending as of 
January 25, 2024.
    (ii) If USCIS adjudicates the new petition prior to the expiration 
of the 60-day period in paragraph (b)(34)(i) of this section and denies 
the new petition for extension of stay, or if the petitioner withdraws 
the new petition before the expiration of the 60-day period, the 
employment authorization under this paragraph (b)(34) will automatically 
terminate upon 15 days after the date of the denial decision or the date 
on which the new petition is withdrawn. Nothing in this section is 
intended to alter the availability of employment authorization related 
to professional H-2B athletes who are traded between organizations 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(9) of this section and 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(vii).
    (iii) Authorization to initiate employment changes pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(31) and paragraph (b)(34)(i) of this section begins at 12 a.m. 
on January 25, 2024, and ends at the end of January 24, 2025.
    (35)-(36) [Reserved]
    (37) An alien paroled into the United States as an entrepreneur 
pursuant to 8 CFR 212.19 for the period of authorized parole. An 
entrepreneur who has timely filed a non-frivolous application requesting 
re-parole with respect to the same start-up entity in accordance with 8 
CFR 212.19 prior to the expiration of his or her parole, but whose 
authorized parole period expires during the pendency of such 
application, is authorized to continue employment with the same start-up 
entity for a period not to exceed 240 days beginning on the date of 
expiration of parole. Such authorization shall be subject to any 
conditions and limitations on such expired parole. If DHS adjudicates 
the application prior to the expiration of this 240-day period and 
denies the application for re-parole, the employment authorization under 
this paragraph shall automatically terminate upon notification to the 
alien of the denial decision.
    (c) Aliens who must apply for employment authorization. An alien 
within a class of aliens described in this section must apply for work 
authorization. If authorized, such an alien may accept employment 
subject to any restrictions stated in the regulations or cited on the 
employment authorization document. USCIS, in its discretion, may 
establish a specific validity period for an employment authorization 
document, which may include any period when an administrative appeal or 
judicial review of an application or petition is pending.
    (1) An alien spouse or unmarried dependent child; son or daughter of 
a foreign government official (A-1 or A-2) pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(a)(2) 
and who presents an endorsement from an authorized representative of the 
Department of State;
    (2) An alien spouse or unmarried dependent son or daughter of an 
alien employee of the Coordination Council for North American Affairs 
(E-1) pursuant to Sec.  214.2(e) of this chapter;
    (3) A nonimmigrant (F-1) student who:
    (i)(A) Is seeking pre-completion practical training pursuant to 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(1) and (2);
    (B) Is seeking authorization to engage in up to 12 months of post-
completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(3); or
    (C) Is seeking a 24-month OPT extension pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C);

[[Page 793]]

    (ii) Has been offered employment under the sponsorship of an 
international organization within the meaning of the International 
Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) and who presents a written 
certification from the international organization that the proposed 
employment is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship. The F-
1 student must also present a Form I-20 ID or SEVIS Form I-20 with 
employment page completed by DSO certifying eligibility for employment; 
or
    (iii) Is seeking employment because of severe economic hardship 
pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C) and has filed the Form I-20 ID and 
Form I-538 (for non-SEVIS schools), or SEVIS Form I-20 with employment 
page completed by the DSO certifying eligibility, and any other 
supporting materials such as affidavits which further detail the 
unforeseen economic circumstances that require the student to seek 
employment authorization.
    (4) An alien spouse or unmarried dependent child; son or daughter of 
a foreign government official (G-1, G-3 or G-4) pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(g) and who presents an endorsement from an authorized 
representative of the Department of State;
    (5) An alien spouse or minor child of an exchange visitor (J-2) 
pursuant to Sec.  214.2(j) of this chapter;
    (6) A nonimmigrant (M-1) student seeking employment for practical 
training pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(m) following completion of studies. The 
alien may be employed only in an occupation or vocation directly related 
to his or her course of study as recommended by the endorsement of the 
designated school official on the I-20 ID;
    (7) A dependent of an alien classified as NATO-1 through NATO-7 
pursuant to Sec.  214.2(n) of this chapter;
    (8) An alien who has filed a complete application for asylum or 
withholding of deportation or removal pursuant to 8 CFR part 208, whose 
application:
    (i) Has not been decided, and who is eligible to apply for 
employment authorization under Sec.  208.7 of this chapter because the 
150-day period set forth in that section has expired. Employment 
authorization may be granted according to the provisions of Sec.  208.7 
of this chapter in increments to be determined by the Commissioner and 
shall expire on a specified date; or
    (ii) Has been recommended for approval, but who has not yet received 
a grant of asylum or withholding or deportation or removal;
    (9) An alien who has filed an application for adjustment of status 
to lawful permanent resident pursuant to part 245 of this chapter. For 
purposes of section 245(c)(8) of the Act, an alien will not be deemed to 
be an ``unauthorized alien'' as defined in section 274A(h)(3) of the Act 
while his or her properly filed Form I-485 application is pending final 
adjudication, if the alien has otherwise obtained permission from the 
Service pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.12 to engage in employment, or if the 
alien had been granted employment authorization prior to the filing of 
the adjustment application and such authorization does not expire during 
the pendency of the adjustment application. Upon meeting these 
conditions, the adjustment applicant need not file an application for 
employment authorization to continue employment during the period 
described in the preceding sentence;
    (10) An alien who has filed an application for suspension of 
deportation under section 244 of the Act (as it existed prior to April 
1, 1997), cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A of the Act, 
or special rule cancellation of removal under section 309(f)(1) of the 
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, 
enacted as Pub. L. 104-208 (110 Stat. 3009-625) (as amended by the 
Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)), title 
II of Pub. L. 105-100 (111 Stat. 2160, 2193) and whose properly filed 
application has been accepted by the Service or EOIR.
    (11) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(37) and (c)(34) of this 
section and Sec.  212.19(h)(4) of this chapter, an alien paroled into 
the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or 
significant public benefit pursuant to section 212(d)(5) of the Act.
    (12) An alien spouse of a long-term investor in the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands (E-2 CNMI

[[Page 794]]

Investor) other than an E-2 CNMI investor who obtained such status based 
upon a Foreign Retiree Investment Certificate, pursuant to 8 CFR 
214.2(e)(23). An alien spouse of an E-2 CNMI Investor is eligible for 
employment in the CNMI only;
    (13) [Reserved]
    (14) Except as provided for in paragraph (c)(33) of this section, an 
alien who has been granted deferred action, an act of administrative 
convenience to the government that gives some cases lower priority, if 
the alien establishes an economic necessity for employment.
    (15) [Reserved]
    (16) Any alien who has filed an application for creation of record 
of lawful admission for permanent residence pursuant to part 249 of this 
chapter.
    (17) A nonimmigrant visitor for business (B-1) who:
    (i) Is a personal or domestic servant who is accompanying or 
following to join an employer who seeks admission into, or is already 
in, the United States as a nonimmigrant defined under sections 
101(a)(15) (B), (E), (F), (H), (I), (J), (L) or section 214(e) of the 
Act. The personal or domestic servant shall have a residence abroad 
which he or she has no intention of abandoning and shall demonstrate at 
least one year's experience as a personal or domestic servant. The 
nonimmigrant's employer shall demonstrate that the employer/employee 
relationship has existed for at least one year prior to the employer's 
admission to the United States; or, if the employer/employee 
relationship existed for less than one year, that the employer has 
regularly employed (either year-round or seasonally) personal or 
domestic servants over a period of several years preceding the 
employer's admission to the United States;
    (ii) Is a domestic servant of a United States citizen accompanying 
or following to join his or her United States citizen employer who has a 
permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, and who is visiting 
temporarily in the United States. The employer/employee relationship 
shall have existed prior to the commencement of the employer's visit to 
the United States; or
    (iii) Is an employee of a foreign airline engaged in international 
transportation of passengers freight, whose position with the foreign 
airline would otherwise entitle the employee to classification under 
section 101(a)(15)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and who 
is precluded from such classification solely because the employee is not 
a national of the country of the airline's nationality or because there 
is no treaty of commerce and navigation in effect between the United 
States and the country of the airline's nationality.
    (18) An alien against whom a final order of deportation or removal 
exists and who is released on an order of supervision under the 
authority contained in section 241(a)(3) of the Act may be granted 
employment authorization in the discretion of the district director only 
if the alien cannot be removed due to the refusal of all countries 
designated by the alien or under section 241 of the Act to receive the 
alien, or because the removal of the alien is otherwise impracticable or 
contrary to the public interest. Additional factors which may be 
considered by the district director in adjudicating the application for 
employment authorization include, but are not limited to, the following:
    (i) The existence of economic necessity to be employed;
    (ii) The existence of a dependent spouse and/or children in the 
United States who rely on the alien for support; and
    (iii) The anticipated length of time before the alien can be removed 
from the United States.
    (19) An alien applying for Temporary Protected Status pursuant to 
section 244 of the Act shall apply for employment authorization only in 
accordance with the procedures set forth in part 244 of this chapter.
    (20) Any alien who has filed a completed legalization application 
pursuant to section 210 of the Act (and part 210 of this chapter).
    (21) A principal nonimmigrant witness or informant in S 
classification, and qualified dependent family members.
    (22) Any alien who has filed a completed legalization application 
pursuant to section 245A of the Act (and part

[[Page 795]]

245a of this chapter). Employment authorization shall be granted in 
increments not exceeding 1 year during the period the application is 
pending (including any period when an administrative appeal is pending) 
and shall expire on a specified date.
    (23) [Reserved]
    (24) An alien who has filed an application for adjustment pursuant 
to section 1104 of the LIFE Act, Public Law 106-553, and the provisions 
of 8 CFR part 245a, Subpart B of this chapter.
    (25) Any alien in T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5, or T-6 nonimmigrant status, 
pursuant to 8 CFR 214.11, for the period in that status, as evidenced by 
an employment authorization document issued by USCIS to the alien.
    (26) An H-4 nonimmigrant spouse of an H-1B nonimmigrant described as 
eligible for employment authorization in 8 CFR 214.2(h)(9)(iv).
    (27)-(32) [Reserved]
    (33) An alien who has been granted deferred action pursuant to 8 CFR 
236.21 through 236.23, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, if the 
alien establishes an economic necessity for employment.
    (34) A spouse of an entrepreneur parolee described as eligible for 
employment authorization in Sec.  212.19(h)(3) of this chapter.
    (35) An alien who is the principal beneficiary of a valid immigrant 
petition under section 203(b)(1), 203(b)(2) or 203(b)(3) of the Act 
described as eligible for employment authorization in 8 CFR 204.5(p).
    (36) A spouse or child of a principal beneficiary of a valid 
immigrant petition under section 203(b)(1), 203(b)(2) or 203(b)(3) of 
the Act described as eligible for employment authorization in 8 CFR 
204.5(p).
    (d) An alien lawfully enlisted in one of the Armed Forces, or whose 
enlistment the Secretary with jurisdiction over such Armed Force has 
determined would be vital to the national interest under 10 U.S.C. 
504(b)(2), is authorized to be employed by that Armed Force in military 
service, if such employment is not otherwise authorized under this 
section and the immigration laws. An alien described in this section is 
not issued an employment authorization document.
    (e) Basic criteria to establish economic necessity. Title 45--Public 
Welfare, Poverty Guidelines, 45 CFR 1060.2 should be used as the basic 
criteria to establish eligibility for employment authorization when the 
alien's economic necessity is identified as a factor. The alien shall 
submit an application for employment authorization listing his or her 
assets, income, and expenses as evidence of his or her economic need to 
work. Permission to work granted on the basis of the alien's application 
for employment authorization may be revoked under Sec.  274a.14 of this 
chapter upon a showing that the information contained in the statement 
was not true and correct.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
274a.12, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    Effective Date Notes: 1. At 86 FR 28232, May 25, 2021, Sec.  274a.12 
was amended by adding paragraph (b)(30), effective May 25, 2021, through 
May 28, 2024.
    2. At 87 FR 4760, Jan. 28, 2022, Sec.  274a.12 was amended by adding 
paragraph (b)(31), effective Jan. 28, 2022, through Jan. 28, 2025.
    3. At 87 FR 30377, May 18, 2022, Sec.  274a.12 was amended by adding 
paragraph (b)(32), effective May 18, 2022, through May 18, 2025.
    4. At 87 FR 76876, Dec. 15, 2022, Sec.  274a.12 was amended by 
adding paragraph (b)(33), effective Dec. 15, 2022, through Dec. 15, 
2025.
    5. At 88 FR 80458, Nov. 17, 2023, Sec.  274a.12 was amended by 
adding paragraph (b)(34), effective Nov. 17, 2023, through Nov. 17, 
2026.



Sec.  274a.13  Application for employment authorization.

    (a) Application. An alien requesting employment authorization or an 
Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), or both, may be required 
to apply on a form designated by USCIS with any prescribed fee(s) in 
accordance with the form instructions. An alien may file such request 
concurrently with a related benefit request that, if granted, would form 
the basis for eligibility for employment authorization, only to the 
extent permitted by the form instructions or as announced by USCIS on 
its Web site.
    (1) The approval of applications filed under 8 CFR 274a.12(c), 
except for 8

[[Page 796]]

CFR 274a.12(c)(8), are within the discretion of USCIS. Where economic 
necessity has been identified as a factor, the alien must provide 
information regarding his or her assets, income, and expenses.
    (2) An initial employment authorization request for asylum 
applicants under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(8) must be filed on the form 
designated by USCIS in accordance with the form instructions. The 
applicant also must submit a copy of the underlying application for 
asylum or withholding of deportation, together with evidence that the 
application has been filed in accordance with 8 CFR 208.3 and 208.4. An 
application for an initial employment authorization or for a renewal of 
employment authorization filed in relation to a pending claim for asylum 
shall be adjudicated in accordance with 8 CFR 208.7. An application for 
renewal or replacement of employment authorization submitted in relation 
to a pending claim for asylum, as provided in 8 CFR 208.7, must be 
filed, with fee or application for waiver of such fee.
    (b) Approval of application. If the application is granted, the 
alien shall be notified of the decision and issued an employment 
authorization document valid for a specific period and subject to any 
terms and conditions as noted.
    (c) Denial of application. If the application is denied, the 
applicant shall be notified in writing of the decision and the reasons 
for the denial. There shall be no appeal from the denial of the 
application.
    (d) Renewal application--(1) Automatic extension of Employment 
Authorization Documents. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or 
by law, notwithstanding 8 CFR 274a.14(a)(1)(i), the validity period of 
an expiring Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) and, for 
aliens who are not employment authorized incident to status, also the 
attendant employment authorization, will be automatically extended for 
an additional period not to exceed 180 days from the date of such 
document's and such employment authorization's expiration if a request 
for renewal on a form designated by USCIS is:
    (i) Properly filed as provided by form instructions before the 
expiration date shown on the face of the Employment Authorization 
Document, or during the filing period described in the applicable 
Federal Register notice regarding procedures for obtaining Temporary 
Protected Status-related EADs;
    (ii) Based on the same employment authorization category as shown on 
the face of the expiring Employment Authorization Document or is for an 
individual approved for Temporary Protected Status whose EAD was issued 
pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(19); and
    (iii) Based on a class of aliens whose eligibility to apply for 
employment authorization continues notwithstanding expiration of the 
Employment Authorization Document and is based on an employment 
authorization category that does not require adjudication of an 
underlying application or petition before adjudication of the renewal 
application, including aliens described in 8 CFR 274a.12(a)(12) granted 
Temporary Protected Status and pending applicants for Temporary 
Protected Status who are issued an EAD under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(19), as 
may be announced on the USCIS Web site.
    (2) Terms and conditions. Any extension authorized under this 
paragraph (d) shall be subject to any conditions and limitations noted 
in the immediately preceding employment authorization.
    (3) Termination. The period authorized by paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section will automatically terminate the earlier of up to 180 days after 
the expiration date of the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-
766), or upon issuance of notification of a decision denying the renewal 
request. Nothing in paragraph (d) of this section will affect DHS's 
ability to otherwise terminate any employment authorization or 
Employment Authorization Document, or extension period for such 
employment or document, by written notice to the applicant, by notice to 
a class of aliens published in the Federal Register, or as provided by 
statute or regulation including 8 CFR 274a.14.
    (4) Unexpired Employment Authorization Documents. An Employment 
Authorization Document (Form I-766) that has expired on its face is 
considered unexpired when combined with a Notice of Action (Form I-
797C), which

[[Page 797]]

demonstrates that the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of this section 
have been met.
    (5) Temporary increase in the automatic extension period. The 
authorized extension period stated in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, 
8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(vii), and referred to in paragraphs (d)(3) and (4) of 
this section is increased to up to 540 days for all eligible classes of 
aliens as described in paragraph (d)(1) who properly filed their renewal 
application on or before October 26, 2023. Such automatic extension 
period will automatically terminate the earlier of up to 540 days after 
the expiration date of the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-
766, or successor form) or upon issuance of notification of a denial on 
the renewal request, even if such date is after October 26, 2023. Aliens 
whose automatic extension under paragraph (d)(1) expired before May 4, 
2022, will receive an automatic resumption of employment authorization 
and the validity of their Employment Authorization Document, as 
applicable, for an additional period beginning from May 4, 2022, and up 
to 540 days from the expiration of their employment authorization and/or 
Employment Authorization Document as shown on the face of such document. 
An Employment Authorization Document that has expired on its face is 
considered unexpired when combined with a Notice of Action (Form I-
797C), which demonstrates that the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section and this paragraph (d)(5) have been met, notwithstanding 
any notations on such notice indicating an automatic extension of up to 
180 days. Nothing in this paragraph (d)(5) will affect DHS's ability to 
otherwise terminate any employment authorization or Employment 
Authorization Document, or extension period for such employment 
authorization or document, by written notice to the applicant, by notice 
to a class of aliens published in the Federal Register, or as provided 
by statute or regulation, including 8 CFR 274a.14.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
274a.13, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

    Effective Date Note: At 87 FR 26651, May 4, 2022, Sec.  274a.13 was 
amended by adding paragraph (d)(5), effective May 4, 2022, through Oct. 
15, 2025.



Sec.  274a.14  Termination of employment authorization.

    (a) Automatic termination of employment authorization. (1) 
Employment authorization granted under Sec.  274a.12(c) of this chapter 
shall automatically terminate upon the occurrence of one of the 
following events:
    (i) The expiration date specified by the Service on the employment 
authorization document is reached;
    (ii) Exclusion or deportation proceedings are instituted (however, 
this shall not preclude the authorization of employment pursuant to 
Sec.  274a.12(c) of this part where appropriate); or
    (iii) The alien is granted voluntary departure.
    (2) Termination of employment authorization pursuant to this 
paragraph does not require the service of a notice of intent to revoke; 
employment authorization terminates upon the occurrence of any event 
enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    However, automatic revocation under this section does not preclude 
reapplication for employment authorization under Sec.  274.12(c) of this 
part.
    (b) Revocation of employment authorization--(1) Basis for revocation 
of employment authorization. Employment authorization granted under 
Sec.  274a.12(c) of this chapter may be revoked by the district 
director:
    (i) Prior to the expiration date, when it appears that any condition 
upon which it was granted has not been met or no longer exists, or for 
good cause shown; or
    (ii) Upon a showing that the information contained in the 
application is not true and correct.
    (2) Notice of intent to revoke employment authorization. When a 
district director determines that employment authorization should be 
revoked prior to the expiration date specified by the Service, he or she 
shall serve written notice of intent to revoke the employment 
authorization. The notice will cite the reasons indicating that 
revocation is warranted. The alien will be granted a period of fifteen 
days from the date of service of the notice within

[[Page 798]]

which to submit countervailing evidence. The decision by the district 
director shall be final and no appeal shall lie from the decision to 
revoke the authorization.
    (c) Automatic termination of temporary employment authorization 
granted prior to June 1, 1987. (1) Temporary employment authorization 
granted prior to June 1, 1987, pursuant to 8 CFR 274a.12(c) (Sec.  
109.1(b) contained in the 8 CFR edition revised as of January 1, 1987), 
shall automatically terminate on the date specified by the Service on 
the document issued to the alien, or on December 31, 1996, whichever is 
earlier. Automatic termination of temporary employment authorization 
does not preclude a subsequent application for temporary employment 
authorization.
    (2) A document issued by the Service prior to June 1, 1987, that 
authorized temporary employment authorization for any period beyond 
December 31, 1996, is null and void pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section. The alien shall be issued a new employment authorization 
document upon application to the Service if the alien is eligible for 
temporary employment authorization pursuant to 274A.12(c).
    (3) No notice of intent to revoke is necessary for the automatic 
termination of temporary employment authorization pursuant to this part.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8614, Mar. 16, 1988; 53 
FR 20087, June 1, 1988; 61 FR 46537, Sept. 4, 1996; 85 FR 38628, June 
26, 2020; 87 FR 57799, Sept. 22, 2022]



PART 280_IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF FINES--Table of Contents



Sec.
280.1 Notice of intention to fine; administrative proceedings not 
          exclusive.
280.2 Special provisions relating to aircraft.
280.3 Departure of vessel or aircraft prior to denial of clearance.
280.4 Data concerning cost of transportation.
280.5 Mitigation or remission of fines.
280.6 Bond to obtain clearance; form.
280.7 Approval of bonds or acceptance of cash deposit to obtain 
          clearance.
280.11 Notice of intention to fine; procedure.
280.12 Answer and request or order for interview.
280.13 Disposition of case.
280.14 Record.
280.15 Notice of final decision to district director of customs.
280.21 Seizure of aircraft.
280.51 Application for mitigation or remission.
280.52 Payment of fines.
280.53 Civil monetary penalties inflation adjustment.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1221, 1223, 1227, 1229, 1253, 1281, 1283, 
1284, 1285, 1286, 1322, 1323, 1330; 66 Stat. 173, 195, 197, 201, 203, 
212, 219, 221-223, 226, 227, 230; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as 
amended by Pub. L. 114-74, 129 Stat. 599.

    Source: 22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  280.1  Notice of intention to fine; administrative proceedings 
not exclusive.

    Whenever a district director or the Associate Commissioner for 
Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines Office has reason 
to believe that any person has violated any of the provisions of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act and has thereby become liable to the 
imposition of an administrative fine under the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, he shall cause a Notice of Intention to Fine, Form I-
79, to be served as provided in this part. Nothing in this subchapter 
shall affect, restrict, or prevent the institution of a civil suit, in 
the discretion of the Attorney General, under the authority contained in 
section 280 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989]



Sec.  280.2  Special provisions relating to aircraft.

    In any case in which the imposition of a fine is predicated upon an 
alleged violation of a regulation promulgated under authority of section 
239 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the procedure prescribed in 
this part shall be followed and the aircraft involved shall not be 
granted clearance pending determination of the question of liability to 
the payment of any fine, or while the fine remains unpaid; but clearance 
may be granted prior to the determination of such question upon the 
deposit of a sum sufficient to cover such fine or of a bond with 
sufficient surety to secure the payment thereof, approved by

[[Page 799]]

the Commissioner. If the alleged violation was by the owner or person in 
command of the aircraft, the penalty provided for shall be a lien 
against the aircraft, which, except as provided in Sec.  280.21, shall 
be seized by the district director or by an immigration officer 
designated by the district director, and placed in the custody of the 
customs officer who is in charge of the port of entry or customs station 
nearest the place of seizure. If the owner or owners of the airport at 
which such aircraft is located are the owners of the seized aircraft, 
the aircraft shall be removed to another suitable place for storage if 
practicable.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 32 FR 17651, Dec. 12, 1967; 56 
FR 26020, June 6, 1991]



Sec.  280.3  Departure of vessel or aircraft prior to denial of clearance.

    If any vessel or aircraft which is subject to the imposition of a 
fine shall have departed from the United States prior to the denial of 
clearance by the district director of customs and such vessel or 
aircraft is subsequently found in the United States, a Notice of 
Intention to Fine, Form I-79, shall be served as provided in this part, 
if such form has not been previously served for the same violation. 
Clearance of such vessel or aircraft shall be withheld by the district 
director of customs, and the procedure prescribed in this part shall be 
followed to the same extent and in the same manner as though the vessel 
or aircraft had not departed from the United States. Aircraft subject to 
the provisions of Sec.  280.2, which shall have departed from the United 
States prior to the time of seizure could be effected, shall be subject 
to all of the provisions of this part, if subsequently found in the 
United States, to the same extent as though it had not departed from the 
United States.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 32 FR 17651, Dec. 12, 1967]



Sec.  280.4  Data concerning cost of transportation.

    Within five days after request therefor, transportation companies 
shall furnish to the district director or the Associate Commissioner for 
Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines Office pertinent 
information contained in the original transportation contract of all 
rejected aliens whose cases are within the purview of any of the 
provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act relating to refund of 
passage monies, and shall specify the exact amounts paid for 
transportation from the initial point of departure (which point shall be 
indicated) to the foreign port of embarkation, from the latter to the 
port of arrival in the United States and from the port of arrival to the 
inland point of destination, respectively, and also the amount paid for 
headtax, if any.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989]



Sec.  280.5  Mitigation or remission of fines.

    In any case in which mitigation or remission of a fine is authorized 
by the Immigration and Nationality Act, the party served with Notice of 
Intention to Fine may apply in writing to the district director or the 
Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director for the 
National Fines Office for such mitigation or remission.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989]



Sec.  280.6  Bond to obtain clearance; form.

    A bond to obtain clearance of a vessel or aircraft under section 
231, 237, 239, 243, 251, 253, 254, 255, 256, 272, or 273 of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act shall be filed on Form I-310.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 54 FR 102, Jan. 4, 1989]



Sec.  280.7  Approval of bonds or acceptance of cash deposit 
to obtain clearance.

    The district director of customs is authorized to approve the bond, 
or accept the sum of money which is being offered for deposit under any 
provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act or by this chapter for 
the purpose of obtaining clearance of a vessel or aircraft with the 
exception of sections 239, 251(d), 255, 256, 272, and 273(d) in which 
the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service is

[[Page 800]]

authorized to approve the bond or accept the sum of money which is being 
offered for deposit.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 32 FR 17651, Dec. 12, 1967; 56 
FR 26020, June 6, 1991]



Sec.  280.11  Notice of intention to fine; procedure.

    Notice of Intention to Fine, Form I-79, shall be prepared in 
triplicate, with one additional copy for each additional person on whom 
the service of such notice is contemplated. The notice shall be 
addressed to any or all of the available persons subject to fine. A copy 
of the notice shall be served by personal service on each such person. 
If the notice is delivered personally, the person upon whom it is served 
shall be requested to acknowledge such service by signing his name to 
the duplicate and triplicate copies. The officer effecting such service 
shall attest to the service by signing his name thereon and shall 
indicate thereon the date and place of service. If the person so served 
refuses to acknowledge service, or if service is made by leaving it at 
an office or mailing it, the person making such service shall indicate 
the method and date on the duplicate and triplicate copies of Form I-79, 
and shall sign his name upon such copies. The duplicate copy shall be 
retained by the district director of immigration and naturalization or 
the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director for the 
National Fines Office and the triplicate copy shall be delivered 
directly to the district director of customs for the district in which 
the vessel or aircraft is located, and the district director of customs 
shall withhold clearance until deposit is made or bond furnished as 
provided in the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the vessel or 
aircraft is located in a customs district which is outside the 
jurisdiction of the office of the Service having jurisdiction over the 
matter, the triplicate copy shall be forwarded to the office of the 
Service nearest such customs district for delivery to the district 
director of customs.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 32 FR 17651, Dec. 12, 1967; 37 
FR 11471, June 8, 1972; 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989]



Sec.  280.12  Answer and request or order for interview.

    Within 30 days following the service of the Notice of Intention to 
Fine (which period the district director or the Associate Commissioner 
for Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines Office may 
extend for an additional period of 30 days upon good cause being shown), 
any person upon whom a notice under this part has been served may file 
with the district director or the Associate Commissioner for 
Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines Office a written 
defense, in duplicate, under oath setting forth the reasons why a fine 
should not be imposed, or if imposed, why it should be mitigated or 
remitted if permitted by the Immigration and Nationality Act, and 
stating whether a personal appearance is desired. Documentary evidence 
shall be submitted in support of such defense and a brief may be 
submitted in support of any argument made. If a personal interview is 
requested, the evidence in opposition to the imposition of the fine and 
in support of the request for mitigation or remission may be presented 
at such interview. An interview shall be conducted if requested by the 
party as provided hereinabove or, if directed at any time by the Board, 
the Commissioner, or the district director or the Associate Commissioner 
for Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines Office.

[22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989]



Sec.  280.13  Disposition of case.

    (a) Allegations admitted or no answer filed. If a request for 
personal appearance is not filed and (1) the answer admits the 
allegations in the notice, or (2) no answer is filed, the district 
director or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director 
for the National Fines Office shall enter such order in the case as he 
deems appropriate and no appeal from his decision may be taken.
    (b) Answer filed; personal appearance. Upon receipt of an answer 
asserting a defense to the allegations in the notice without requesting 
a personal appearance, or if a personal appearance is requested or 
directed, the case shall be

[[Page 801]]

assigned to an immigration officer. The immigration officer shall 
prepare a report summarizing the evidence and containing his findings 
and recommendation. The record, including the report and recommendation 
of the immigration officer, shall be forwarded to the district director 
or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director for the 
National Fines Office. The district director or the Associate 
Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines 
Office shall note on the report of the immigration officer whether he 
approves or disapproves the recommendation of the immigration officer. 
The person shall be informed in writing of the decision of the district 
director or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director 
for the National Fines Office and, if his decision is that a fine shall 
be imposed or that the requested mitigation or remission shall not be 
granted, of the reasons for such decision. From the decision of the 
district director or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the 
Director for the National Fines Office an appeal may be taken to the 
Board as provided in 8 CFR part 1003.

[22 FR 9808, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 23 FR 9124, Nov. 26, 1958; 54 
FR 18649, May 2, 1989; 76 FR 74629, Dec. 1, 2011]



Sec.  280.14  Record.

    The record made under Sec.  280.13 shall include the request for the 
interview or a reference to the order directing the interview; the 
medical certificate, if any; a copy of any record of hearing before a 
Board of Special Inquiry, Hearing Examiner, Hearing Officer, or Special 
Inquiry Officer which is relevant to the fine proceedings; the duplicate 
copy of the Notice of Intention to Fine; the evidence upon which such 
Notice was based; the duplicate of any notices to detain, deport, 
deliver, or remove aliens; notice to pay expenses; evidence as to 
whether any deposit was made or bond furnished in accordance with the 
Immigration and Nationality Act; reports of investigations conducted; 
documentary evidence and testimony adduced at the interview; the 
original of any affidavit or brief filed in opposition to the imposition 
of fine; the application for mitigation or remission; and any other 
relevant matter.



Sec.  280.15  Notice of final decision to district director of customs.

    At such time as the decision under this part is final, the regional 
administrative officer shall be furnished a copy of the decision by the 
district director of immigration and naturalization or the Associate 
Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director for the National Fines 
Office. The regional administrative officer shall notify the district 
director of customs who was furnished a copy of the Notice of Intention 
to Fine of the final decision made in the case. Such notification need 
not be made if the regional administrative officer has been previously 
furnished with a notice of collection of the amount of the penalty by 
the district director of customs.

[32 FR 17651, Dec. 12, 1967, as amended at 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989]



Sec.  280.21  Seizure of aircraft.

    Seizure of an aircraft under the authority of section 239 of the Act 
and Sec.  280.2 will not be made if such aircraft is damaged to an 
extent that its value is less than the amount of the fine which may be 
imposed. If seizure of an aircraft for violation of section 239 of the 
Act is to be made, Form G-297 (Order to Seize Aircraft) and Form G-298 
(Public Notice of Seizure) shall be prepared in septuple and the 
originals furnished to the immigration officer who will effect the 
seizure. The original of Form G-297, properly endorsed as to date and 
place of seizure, shall be returned for retention in the relating file 
after seizure is effected. The original of Form G-298 shall be placed on 
the seized aircraft and a copy retained in the file. Copies of both 
forms shall be served upon the owner of the aircraft and the pilot if 
other than the owner. Copies shall also be furnished the district 
director of customs and the United States Attorney for the district in 
which the seizure was made. In addition, immediately upon the seizure of 
an aircraft, or prior thereto, if circumstances permit, a full report of 
the facts in the case shall be submitted by the district director to the 
United States Attorney for the district in

[[Page 802]]

which the seizure was made, together with copies of Form G-296 (Report 
of Violation) and Form I-79 (Notice of Intention to Fine). The report 
shall include the cost incurred in seizing and guarding the aircraft and 
an estimate of the further additional cost likely to be incurred.

[29 FR 14433, Oct. 21, 1964, as amended at 32 FR 17651, Dec. 12, 1967]



Sec.  280.51  Application for mitigation or remission.

    (a) When application may be filed. An application for mitigation or 
remission of a fine may be filed as provided under Sec.  280.12 of this 
part; or, within 30 days after the date of receipt of the district 
director's or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the 
Director for the National Fines Office's decision to impose a fine 
whether or not the applicant responded to the Notice of Intention to 
Fine.
    (b) Form and contents of application. An application for mitigation 
or remission shall be filed in duplicate under oath and shall include 
information, supported by documentary evidence, as to the basis of the 
claim to mitigation or remission, and as to the action, if any, which 
may have been taken by the applicant, or as to the circumstances present 
in the case which, in the opinion of the applicant, justified the 
granting of his application.
    (c) Disposition of application. The application, if filed with the 
answer, shall be disposed of as provided in Sec.  280.13. In any other 
case the application shall be considered and decided by the district 
director or the Associate Commissioner for Examinations, or the Director 
for the National Fines Office from whose decision an appeal may be taken 
to the Board as provided in 8 CFR part 1003.

[22 FR 9808, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 23 FR 9124, Nov. 26, 1958; 46 
FR 28624, May 28, 1981; 54 FR 18649, May 2, 1989; 76 FR 74629, Dec. 1, 
2011]



Sec.  280.52  Payment of fines.

    (a) All fines assessed pursuant to sections 231(d); 237(b); 239; 
251(d); 254(a); 255; 256; 271(a); 272, 273 and 274(c) of the Act shall 
be made payable to and collected by the Service.
    (b) All fines collected pursuant to sections 271(a) and 273 of the 
Act shall be deposited in the Immigration User Fee Account established 
in accordance with the provisions of section 286 of the Act.
    (c) From the amounts collected under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section, the increase in penalties collected resulting from the 
amendments made by sections 203(b), 543(a), and 544 of the Immigration 
Act of 1990, shall be credited to the appropriation for activities 
authorized under section 280(b) of the Act.

[56 FR 26020, June 6, 1991]



Sec.  280.53  Civil monetary penalties inflation adjustment.

    (a) Statutory authority. In accordance with the requirements of the 
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, Public Law 
101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties 
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, Public Law 114-74, 
Sec. 701, 129 Stat. 599, the civil monetary penalties listed in 
paragraph (b) of this section are adjusted as provided in paragraph (b).
    (b) Adjustment of penalties. For violations occurring on or before 
November 2, 2015, the penalty amount prior to adjustment applies. For 
violations occurring after November 2, 2015, the listed penalties are 
adjusted as follows:
    (1) Section 231(g) of the Act, penalties for non-compliance with 
arrival and departure manifest requirements for passengers, crewmembers, 
or occupants transported on commercial vessels or aircraft arriving to 
or departing from the United States: From $1,525 to $1,643.
    (2) Section 234 of the Act, penalties for non-compliance with 
landing requirements at designated ports of entry for aircraft 
transporting aliens: From $4,144 to $4,465.
    (3) Section 240B(d) of the Act, penalties for failure to depart 
voluntarily: From $1,746 minimum/$8,736 maximum to $1,881 minimum/$9,413 
maximum.
    (4) Section 243(c)(1)(A) of the Act, penalties for violations of 
removal orders relating to aliens transported on vessels or aircraft, 
under section 241(d) of the Act, or for costs associated with removal 
under section 241(e) of the Act: From $3,494 to $3,765.

[[Page 803]]

    (5) Penalties for failure to remove alien stowaways under section 
241(d)(2) of the Act: From $8,736 to $9,413.
    (6) Section 251(d) of the Act, penalties for failure to report an 
illegal landing or desertion of alien crewmen, and for each alien not 
reported on arrival or departure manifest or lists required in 
accordance with section 251 of the Act: From $414 to $446; and penalties 
for use of alien crewmen for longshore work in violation of section 
251(d) of the Act: From $10,360 to $11,162.
    (7) Section 254(a) of the Act, penalties for failure to control, 
detain, or remove alien crewmen: From $1,036 minimum/$6,215 maximum to 
$1,116 minimum/$6,696 maximum.
    (8) Section 255 of the Act, penalties for employment on passenger 
vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities: From $2,072 to 
$2,232.
    (9) Section 256 of the Act, penalties for discharge of alien 
crewmen: From $3,107 minimum/$6,215 maximum to $3,348 minimum/$6,696 
maximum.
    (10) Section 257 of the Act, penalties for bringing into the United 
States alien crewmen with intent to evade immigration laws: From $20,719 
maximum to $22,324 maximum.
    (11) Section 271(a) of the Act, penalties for failure to prevent the 
unauthorized landing of aliens: From $6,215 to $6,696.
    (12) Section 272(a) of the Act, penalties for bringing to the United 
States aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground: 
From $6,215 to $6,696.
    (13) Section 273(b) of the Act, penalties for bringing to the United 
States aliens without required documentation: From $6,215 to $6,696.
    (14) Section 274D of the Act, penalties for failure to depart: From 
$874 maximum to $942 maximum, for each day the alien is in violation.
    (15) Section 275(b) of the Act, penalties for improper entry: From 
$87 minimum/$438 maximum to $94 minimum/$472 maximum, for each entry or 
attempted entry.

[82 FR 8580, Jan. 27, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 13835, Apr. 2, 2018; 84 
FR 13509, Apr. 5, 2019; 85 FR 36479, June 17, 2020; 86 FR 57540, Oct. 
18, 2021; 87 FR 1327, Jan. 11, 2022; 88 FR 2183, Jan. 13, 2023]



PART 286_IMMIGRATION USER FEE--Table of Contents



Sec.
286.1 Definitions.
286.2 Fee for arrival of passengers aboard commercial aircraft or 
          commercial vessels.
286.3 Exceptions.
286.4 Fee collection responsibility.
286.5 Remittance and statement procedures.
286.6 Maintenance of records.
286.7 Penalties.
286.8 Establishment of pilot programs for the charging of a land border 
          fee for inspection services.
286.9 Fee for processing applications and issuing documentation at land 
          border Ports-of-Entry.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1356; Title VII of Public Law 110-
229; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 53 FR 5757, Feb. 26, 1988, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  286.1  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to the following terms in this part:
    (a) The term adjacent islands means Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, 
Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, 
Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, 
Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Marie-Galante, Martinique, 
Miquelon, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Barth[eacute]lemy, Saint Christopher, 
Saint Eustatius, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Maarten, Saint 
Martin, Saint Pierre, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, 
Turks and Caicos Islands, and other British, French and Netherlands 
territory or possessions bordering on the Caribbean Sea.
    (b) The term collector means an air or sea carrier, travel agent, 
tour wholesaler, or other entity which collects, but may or may not be 
required to remit, fees pursuant to this part.
    (c) The term commercial aircraft means any civilian aircraft being 
used to transport persons or property for compensation or hire.
    (d) The term commercial vessel means any civilian vessel being used 
to transport persons or property for compensation or hire.
    (e) The term Assistant Commissioner, Office of Financial Management 
means

[[Page 804]]

the Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Financial Management, 
Immigration and Naturalization Service, Room 6307, 425 I Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20536.
    (f) The term fee means the immigration user fee.
    (g) The term port of entry means a port or place designated by the 
Commissioner at which a person may apply for admission into the United 
States.
    (h) The term remitter means an air or sea carrier, travel agent, 
tour wholesaler, or other entity which collects, including receipt of 
fees collected by collectors which are not required to remit fees, and 
remits fees pursuant to this part.
    (i) Territories or possessions of the United States means American 
Samoa, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, 
Kingman Reef, Midway, Swains Island, Palmyra Island, and Wake Island.
    (j) The term document for transportation means any document accepted 
by a carrier in return for transportation.
    (k) United States, when used in a geographical sense, means the 
continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin 
Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands.

[53 FR 5757, Feb. 26, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 49349, Sept. 28, 1994; 
63 FR 51272, Sept. 25, 1998; 74 FR 55740, Oct. 28, 2009]



Sec.  286.2  Fee for arrival of passengers aboard commercial aircraft 
or commercial vessels.

    (a) A fee, in the amount prescribed in section 286(d) of the Act, 
per individual is charged and collected by the Commissioner for the 
immigration inspection of each passenger aboard a commercial aircraft or 
commercial vessel, arriving at a port-of-entry in the United States, or 
for the preinspection of a passenger in a place outside the United 
States prior to such arrival, except as provided in Sec.  286.3.
    (b) A fee, in the amount prescribed in section 286(e)(3) of the Act, 
per individual, is charged and collected by the Commissioner for the 
immigration inspection at a port-of-entry in the United States, or for 
the preinspection in a place outside the United States of each 
commercial vessel passenger whose journey originated in the United 
States, Canada, Mexico, territories or possessions of the United States, 
or adjacent islands, except as provided in Sec.  286.3. All tickets or 
documents for transportation on voyages that are booked on or after 
February 27, 2003, will be subject to this immigration user fee.
    (c) Each commercial aircraft and vessel carrier or ticket-selling 
agent whose monthly collections in any month exceed $50,000 shall submit 
a summary statement showing the amount of user fees collected that 
month. The summary statement is due on the last business day of the 
following month. This information shall be forwarded to the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service, Chief, Analysis and Formulation Branch, 425 
I Street, NW., Room 6307, Washington, DC 20536. For the months of 
December, March, June, and August, the quarterly remittance and 
statement required by Sec.  286.5 will serve as the monthly report for 
those months. Therefore, a monthly report is required for all other 
months in which monthly collections exceed $50,000.

[59 FR 49348, Sept. 28, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 51272, Sept. 25, 1998; 
67 FR 15334, Apr. 1, 2002; 68 FR 4092, Jan. 28, 2003]



Sec.  286.3  Exceptions.

    The fees set forth in Sec. Sec.  286.2(a) and 286.2(b) shall not be 
charged or collected from passengers who fall within any one of the 
following categories:
    (a) Persons arriving at designated ports-of-entry by the following 
vessels, when operating on a regular schedule: Great Lakes international 
ferries or Great Lakes vessels on the Great Lakes and connecting 
waterways;
    (b) Persons directly connected with the operation, navigation, or 
business of the commercial aircraft or commercial vessel including 
working crew, deadheading crew, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration 
inspectors, sky marshals, and commercial airline or commercial vessel 
employees on official business;
    (c) Persons who are listed as foreign diplomats on the accreditation 
list maintained by the U.S. Department of

[[Page 805]]

State or who are in possession of a diplomatic visa (A-1 and 2, G-1 thru 
4) valid for entry into the United States;
    (d) Persons who are passengers on any commercial aircraft or 
commercial vessel owned or operated exclusively by the Government of the 
United States or a foreign government, including any agency or political 
subdivision thereof, so long as that aircraft or vessel is not 
transporting any persons or property for commercial purposes.
    (e) Persons who are passengers on commercial aircraft or commercial 
vessels under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense, if they have 
been preinspected outside of the United States under a joint Service and 
U.S. Department of Defense military inspection program;
    (f) Persons arriving on an aircraft or vessel due to an emergency or 
forced landing when the original destination of the aircraft or vessel 
was not the United States; and
    (g) Persons transiting the United States who are not inspected by 
the Service. Transit without visa passengers who are inspected by the 
Service are not excepted from payment of the fee under this section.

[53 FR 5757, Feb. 26, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 49348, Sept. 28, 1994; 
68 FR 4092, Jan. 28, 2003]



Sec.  286.4  Fee collection responsibility.

    (a) It is the responsibility of the air or sea carriers, travel 
agents, tour wholesalers, or other parties, which issue tickets or 
documents for transportation on or after December 1, 1986, to collect 
the fee set forth in Sec.  286.2 of this part from all passengers 
transported to the United States who are not excepted under Sec.  286.3 
of this part.
    (b) Tickets and documents for transportation shall be marked by the 
collector of the fee to indicate that the required fee has been 
collected. Such markings shall be in accordance with the procedures set 
forth in the ARC Industry Agents Handbook, the SATO Ticketing Handbook, 
or compatible procedures set forth in the operations manual of 
individual collectors.
    (c) It is the responsibility of the carrier transporting a passenger 
from the United States to collect the fee upon departure, if the 
passenger was not excepted under Sec.  286.3 of this part and tickets or 
documents for transportation of the passenger do not reflect collection 
of the fee at the time of issuance. If at the time of departure such a 
passenger refuses to pay the fee, the carrier shall record the full 
name, complete address, nationality, passport number, and alien file 
number, if any, of the passenger and immediately notify the Associate 
Commissioner, Finance.

[53 FR 5757, Feb. 26, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 49349, Sept. 28, 1994]



Sec.  286.5  Remittance and statement procedures.

    (a) The air or sea carrier whose ticket stock or document for 
transportation reflects collection of the fee is responsible for 
remittance of the fee to the Service. The travel agent, tour wholesaler, 
or other entity, which issues their own non-carrier related ticket or 
document for transportation to an air or sea passenger who is not 
excepted from the fee pursuant to Sec.  286.3 of this part, is 
responsible for remittance of the fee to the Service, unless by contract 
the carrier will remit the fee.
    (b)(1) Fee remittances shall be sent to the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service, at a designated Treasury depository, for receipt 
no later than 31 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which 
the fees are collected, except the fourth quarter payment for fees 
collected shall be made on the date that is 10 days before the end of 
the U.S. Government's fiscal year, and the first quarter payment shall 
include any collections made in the preceding quarter that were not 
remitted with the previous payment. The fourth quarter payment shall 
include collections for the months of July and August. The fiscal year 
referenced is the U.S. Government's fiscal year which begins on October 
1 and ends on September 30.
    (2) Late payments will be subject to interest, penalty, and handling 
charges as provided in the Debt Collection Act of 1982 (31 U.S.C. 3717). 
Refunds by a remitter of fees collected in conjunction with unused 
tickets or documents for transportation shall be netted against the next 
subsequent remittance.

[[Page 806]]

    (c) Along with the remittance, as set forth in paragraph (b) of this 
section, each remitter making such remittance shall attach a statement 
which sets forth the following:
    (1) Name and address;
    (2) Taxpayer identification number;
    (3) Calendar quarter covered by the payment;
    (4) Interest and penalty charges; and
    (5) Total amount collected and remitted.
    (d) Remittances shall be made in U.S. dollars by check or money 
order through a U.S. bank, to Assistant Commissioner, Office of 
Financial Management, INS.
    (e) Annually, each U.S. based remitter, which retains an independent 
accountant and which remits $10,000 or more in fees in any one calendar 
quarter, shall submit to the Assistant Commissioner, Financial 
Management a report from the independent accountant in accordance with 
the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements on the 
application of Passenger User Fee Collection and Remittance Procedures 
established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 
and the Service, to the Assistant Commissioner, Financial Management. 
Each foreign-based remitter, which retains an independent accountant and 
which remits $10,000 or more in fees in any one calendar quarter, shall 
submit a similar report to the Assistant Commissioner, Financial 
Management from the independent accountant in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles of their respective countries. These 
reports from the independent accountants are to be submitted for receipt 
by the Assistant Commissioner, Financial Management no later than ninety 
(90) days after the close of the fiscal year of each remitter. Each 
remitter, which does not retain an independent accountant or which does 
not remit $10,000 or more in any one calendar quarter, shall certify 
under oath on each statement submitted pursuant to paragraph (c) of this 
section that they have complied with the applicable statutes and 
regulations.
    (f) The Commissioner reserves the right to conduct an independent 
audit of any collector or remitter not providing the report or 
certification required pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section or 
based upon other information indicating non-compliance in order to 
assure the accuracy of the remittances of fees collected and remitted 
and compliance with the applicable statutes and regulations.
    (g) In order to enforce compliance with the provisions of this part, 
the Commissioner may issue a subpoena requiring the production of 
records, evidence, and witnesses pursuant to the procedures set forth in 
Sec.  287.4 of this chapter. The authority to issue a subpoena pursuant 
to this section is limited to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, 
Associate Commissioner for Management, Director for Program Inspection, 
all Regional Commissioners; and all District Directors.

[53 FR 5757, Feb. 26, 1988, as amended at 55 FR 729, Jan. 9, 1990; 59 FR 
49348, 49349, Sept. 28, 1994; 63 FR 51272, Sept. 25, 1998]



Sec.  286.6  Maintenance of records.

    Each collector and remitter shall maintain records necessary for the 
Service to verify the accuracy of fees collected and remitted and to 
otherwise determine compliance with the applicable statutes and 
regulations. Such records shall be maintained for a period of two years 
from the date of fee collection. Each remitter shall advise the 
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Financial Management of the name, 
address, and telephone number of a responsible officer who shall have 
the authority to verify and produce any records required to be 
maintained under this part. The Assistant Commissioner, Office of 
Financial Management shall be promptly notified of any changes of the 
responsible officer.

[53 FR 5757, Feb. 26, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 49349, Sept. 28, 1994; 
63 FR 51272, Sept. 25, 1998]



Sec.  286.7  Penalties.

    Failure of any air or sea carrier to comply with the provisions of 
section 286 of the Act and this part shall subject it to one or more of 
the following:
    (a) Termination of existing agreements under the provisions of 
section 238 of the Act; and
    (b) Suspension of enroute inspections or preinspections.

[[Page 807]]



Sec.  286.8  Establishment of pilot programs for the charging of a land 
border fee for inspection services.

    Under the provisions of section 286(q) of the Act, the Service may 
establish pilot programs at one or more land border ports-of-entry to 
charge fees for immigration inspection services to be collected by the 
Commissioner. Individual ports-of-entry selected by the Commissioner to 
participate in such pilot programs may charge a fee to enhance 
inspection services and to recover the cost of:
    (a) Hiring additional immigration inspectors, including all 
associated personnel costs such as salary, benefits, and overtime;
    (b) Expansion, operation, and maintenance of information systems for 
nonimmigrant control;
    (c) Construction costs, including those associated with adding new 
primary traffic lanes (with the concurrence of the General Services 
Administration);
    (d) Procuring detection devices and conducting training to identify 
fraudulent documents used by applicants for entry to the United States;
    (e) Other administrative costs associated with the PORTPASS Program; 
and
    (f) Costs associated with the administration of the Land Border 
Inspection Fee account.

[60 FR 50390, Sept. 29, 1995, as amended at 61 FR 53833, Oct. 16, 1996]



Sec.  286.9  Fee for processing applications and issuing documentation 
at land border Ports-of-Entry.

    (a) General. A fee may be charged and collected by the Commissioner 
for the processing and issuance of specified Service documents at land 
border Ports-of-Entry. These fees, as specified in 8 CFR 103.7(d), shall 
be dedicated to funding the cost of providing application-processing 
services at land border ports.
    (b) Forms for which a fee may be charged. (1) A nonimmigrant alien 
who is required to be issued, or requests to be issued, Form I-94 (see 
Sec.  1.4), Arrival/Departure Record, for admission at a land border 
Port-of-Entry must remit the required fee for issuance of Form I-94 upon 
determination of admissibility.
    (2) A nonimmigrant alien applying for admission at a land border 
Port-of-Entry as a Visa Waiver Program applicant pursuant to Sec.  
217.2(c) or Sec.  217.3(c) of this chapter must remit the required fee 
for issuance of Form I-94W, as prescribed in Sec.  103.7(d)(5) of this 
chapter, upon determination of admissibility.
    (3) A Mexican national in possession of a valid Form DSP-150, B-1/B-
2 Visa and Border Crossing Card, issued by the DOS, or a passport and 
combined B-1/B-2 visa and non-biometric BCC (or similar stamp in a 
passport) issued by the DOS, who is required to be issued Form I-94, 
Arrival/Departure Record, pursuant to Sec.  235.1(f) of this chapter, 
must remit the required fee for issuance of Form I-94 upon determination 
of admissibility.
    (4) A citizen or lawful permanent resident alien of the United 
States or a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who is a 
national of a designated Visa Waiver Program country listed in Sec.  
217.2(a) of this chapter who requests Form I-68, Canadian Border Boat 
Landing Permit, pursuant to Sec.  235.1(e) of this chapter, for entry to 
the United States from Canada as an eligible pleasure boater on a 
designated body of water, must remit the required fee at the time of 
application for Form I-68.

[60 FR 40069, Aug. 7, 1995, as amended at 62 FR 10390, Mar. 6, 1997; 67 
FR 71450, Dec. 2, 2002; 68 FR 5194, Jan. 31, 2003; 78 FR 18472, Mar. 27, 
2013; 85 FR 46928, Aug. 3, 2020; 85 FR 53645, Aug. 31, 2020; 87 FR 
18981, Apr. 1, 2022]



PART 287_FIELD OFFICERS; POWERS AND DUTIES--Table of Contents



Sec.
287.1 Definitions.
287.2 Disposition of criminal cases.
287.3 Disposition of cases of aliens arrested without warrant.
287.4 Subpoena.
287.5 Exercise of power by immigration officers.
287.6 Proof of official records.
287.7 Detainer provisions under section 287(d)(3) of the Act.
287.8 Standards for enforcement activities.
287.9 Criminal search warrant and firearms policies.
287.10 Expedited internal review process.
287.11 Pre-enrolled Access Lane.
287.12 Scope.


[[Page 808]]


    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1225, 1226, 1251, 1252, 1357; 
Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-296 (6 U.S.C. 1, et seq.); 8 
CFR part 2.



Sec.  287.1  Definitions.

    (a)(1) External boundary. The term external boundary, as used in 
section 287(a)(3) of the Act, means the land boundaries and the 
territorial sea of the United States extending 12 nautical miles from 
the baselines of the United States determined in accordance with 
international law.
    (2) Reasonable distance. The term reasonable distance, as used in 
section 287(a) (3) of the Act, means within 100 air miles from any 
external boundary of the United States or any shorter distance which may 
be fixed by the chief patrol agent for CBP, or the special agent in 
charge for ICE, or, so far as the power to board and search aircraft is 
concerned any distance fixed pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Reasonable distance; fixing by chief patrol agents and special 
agents in charge. In fixing distances not exceeding 100 air miles 
pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, chief patrol agents and 
special agents in charge shall take into consideration topography, 
confluence of arteries of transportation leading from external 
boundaries, density of population, possible inconvenience to the 
traveling public, types of conveyances used, and reliable information as 
to movements of persons effecting illegal entry into the United States: 
Provided, That whenever in the opinion of a chief patrol agent or 
special agent in charge a distance in his or her sector or district of 
more than 100 air miles from any external boundary of the United States 
would because of unusual circumstances be reasonable, such chief patrol 
agent or special agent in charge shall forward a complete report with 
respect to the matter to the Commissioner of CBP, or the Assistant 
Secretary for ICE, as appropriate, who may, if he determines that such 
action is justified, declare such distance to be reasonable.
    (c) Patrolling the border. The phrase patrolling the border to 
prevent the illegal entry of aliens into the United States as used in 
section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act means conducting such 
activities as are customary, or reasonable and necessary, to prevent the 
illegal entry of aliens into the United States.
    (d) Arrested by federal, state, or local law enforcement official. 
The term arrested, as used in section 287(d) of the Act (as amended by 
section 1701 (Subtitle M) of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, Pub. L. 
99-509), means that an alien has been--
    (1) Physically taken into custody for a criminal violation of the 
controlled substance laws; and
    (2) Subsequently booked, charged or otherwise officially processed; 
or
    (3) Provided an initial appearance before a judicial officer where 
the alien has been informed of the charges and the right to counsel.
    (e) Law enforcement or other official. The phrase law enforcement 
official (or other official), as used in section 287(d) of the Act, 
means an officer or employee of an agency engaged in the administration 
of criminal justice pursuant to statute or executive order, including 
(1) courts; (2) a government agency or component which performs the 
administration of criminal justice as defined in 28 CFR part 20 
including performance of any of the following activities: detection, 
apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, 
prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation 
of accused persons or criminal offenders.
    (f) Controlled substance. The term controlled substance, as used in 
section 287(d)(3) of the Act, shall mean the same as that referenced in 
the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq., and shall include 
any substance contained in Schedules I through V of 21 CFR 1308.1 et 
seq. For the purposes of this chapter, the term controlled substance 
includes controlled substance analogues as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802(23) 
and 813.
    (g) Basic immigration law enforcement training. The phrase basic 
immigration law enforcement training, as used in Sec. Sec.  287.5 and 
287.8, means the successful completion of one of the following courses 
of training provided at the Immigration Officer Academy or Border Patrol 
Academy: Immigration Officer Basic Training Course after 1971; Border 
Patrol Basic Training Course after

[[Page 809]]

1950; Immigration Detention Enforcement Officer Basic Training Course 
after 1977; and Immigration Customs Enforcement Special Agent Training, 
after 2002; or training substantially equivalent thereto as determined 
by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary for ICE with 
respect to personnel in their respective bureaus. The phrase basic 
immigration law enforcement training also means the successful 
completion of the Other than Permanent Full-Time (OTP) Immigration 
Inspector Basic Training Course after 1991 in the case of individuals 
who are OTP immigration inspectors. Conversion by OTP immigration to any 
other status requires training applicable to that position.
    (h) References to specific titles of officers mean all individuals 
holding such positions and any individual acting in such position.
    (i) Nothing in this part limits the authority of any DHS officers to 
act pursuant to any authorities that they may otherwise possess.

[22 FR 9808, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 29 FR 13244, Sept. 24, 1964; 53 
FR 9283, Mar. 22, 1988; 57 FR 47258, Oct. 15, 1992; 59 FR 42415, Aug. 
17, 1994; 68 FR 35276, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  287.2  Disposition of criminal cases.

    Whenever a special agent in charge, port director, or chief patrol 
agent has reason to believe that there has been a violation punishable 
under any criminal provision of the immigration and nationality laws 
administered or enforced by the Department, he or she shall immediately 
initiate an investigation to determine all the pertinent facts and 
circumstances and shall take such further action as he or she deems 
necessary. In no case shall this investigation prejudice the right of an 
arrested person to be taken without unnecessary delay before a United 
States magistrate judge, a United States district judge, or, if 
necessary, a judicial officer empowered in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 
3041 to commit persons charged with offenses against the laws of the 
United States.

[59 FR 42415, Aug. 17, 1994, as amended at 68 FR 35276, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  287.3  Disposition of cases of aliens arrested without warrant.

    (a) Examination. An alien arrested without a warrant of arrest under 
the authority contained in section 287(a)(2) of the Act will be examined 
by an officer other than the arresting officer. If no other qualified 
officer is readily available and the taking of the alien before another 
officer would entail unnecessary delay, the arresting officer, if the 
conduct of such examination is a part of the duties assigned to him or 
her, may examine the alien.
    (b) Determination of proceedings. If the examining officer is 
satisfied that there is prima facie evidence that the arrested alien was 
entering, attempting to enter, or is present in the United States in 
violation of the immigration laws, the examining officer will refer the 
case to an immigration judge for further inquiry in accordance with 8 
CFR parts 235, 239, or 240, order the alien removed as provided for in 
section 235(b)(1) of the Act and Sec.  235.3(b) of this chapter, or take 
whatever other action may be appropriate or required under the laws or 
regulations applicable to the particular case.
    (c) Notifications and information. Except in the case of an alien 
subject to the expedited removal provisions of section 235(b)(1)(A) of 
the Act, an alien arrested without warrant and placed in formal 
proceedings under section 238 or 240 of the Act will be advised of the 
reasons for his or her arrest and the right to be represented at no 
expense to the Government. The examining officer will provide the alien 
with a list of the available free legal services provided by 
organizations and attorneys qualified under 8 CFR part 1003 and 
organizations recognized under Sec.  292.2 of this chapter or 8 CFR 
1292.2 that are located in the district where the hearing will be held. 
The examining officer shall note on Form I-862 that such a list was 
provided to the alien. The officer will also advise the alien that any 
statement made may be used against him or her in a subsequent 
proceeding.
    (d) Custody procedures. Unless voluntary departure has been granted 
pursuant to subpart C of 8 CFR part 240, a determination will be made 
within 48 hours of the arrest, except in the event of an emergency or 
other extraordinary

[[Page 810]]

circumstance in which case a determination will be made within an 
additional reasonable period of time, whether the alien will be 
continued in custody or released on bond or recognizance and whether a 
notice to appear and warrant of arrest as prescribed in 8 CFR parts 236 
and 239 will be issued.

[62 FR 10390, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 66 FR 48335, Sept. 20, 2001; 
68 FR 35276, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  287.4  Subpoena.

    (a) Who may issue--(1) Criminal or civil investigations. All 
District Directors; Deputy District Directors; Chief Patrol Agents; 
Deputy Chief Patrol Agents; Assistant Chief Patrol Agents; Officers in 
Charge; Patrol Agents in Charge; Assistant Patrol Agents in Charge; 
Field Operations Supervisors; Special Operations Supervisors; 
Supervisory Border Patrol Agents; Assistant District Directors, 
Investigations; Supervisory Criminal Investigators, Anti-Smuggling; 
Regional Directors; Service Center Directors; Assistant District 
Directors, Examinations; Director, Detention and Removal; Special Agents 
in Charge; all Special Agents in supervisory positions; Field Office 
Directors; Deputy Field Office Directors; and any other immigration 
officer who has been expressly delegated such authority as provided by 8 
CFR 2.1 may issue a subpoena requiring the production of records and 
evidence for use in criminal or civil investigations.
    (2) Proceedings other than naturalization proceedings--(i) Prior to 
commencement of proceedings. All District Directors; Deputy District 
Directors; Chief Patrol Agents; Deputy Chief Patrol Agents; Officers in 
Charge; Director, Detention and Removal; Special Agents in Charge; 
Deputy Special Agents in Charge; Resident Agents in Charge; District 
Field Officers; Field Office Directors; Deputy Field Office Directors; 
and Port Directors may issue a subpoena requiring the attendance of 
witnesses or the production of documentary evidence, or both, for use in 
any proceeding under this chapter I, other than under 8 CFR part 335, or 
any application made ancillary to the proceeding.
    (ii) Subsequent to commencement of any immigration court proceeding. 
Procedures for the issuance of a subpoena after the commencement of 
proceedings, in cases other than those arising under part 335 of this 
chapter, are set forth at 8 CFR 1003.35(b) and 1287.4.
    (b) Form of subpoena. All subpoenas shall be issued on Form I-138.
    (1) Criminal or civil investigations. The subpoena shall command the 
person or entity to which it is addressed to attend and to give 
testimony at a time or place specified. A subpoena shall also command 
the person or entity to which it is addressed to produce the books, 
papers, or documents specified in the subpoena. A subpoena may direct 
the taking of a deposition before an immigration officer of the 
Department.
    (2) Proceedings other than naturalization proceedings. Every 
subpoena issued under the provisions of this section shall state the 
title of the proceeding and shall command the person to whom it is 
directed to attend and to give testimony at a time and place specified. 
A subpoena shall also command the person to whom it is directed to 
produce the books, papers, or documents specified in the subpoena. A 
subpoena may direct the taking of a deposition before an immigration 
officer of the Department.
    (c) Service. A subpoena issued under this section may be served by 
any person, over 18 years of age not a party to the case, designated to 
make such service by the District Director; Deputy District Director; 
Chief Patrol Agent; Deputy Chief Patrol Agent; Assistant Chief Patrol 
Agent; Patrol Agent in Charge; Officer in Charge; Assistant District 
Director, Investigations; Supervisory Criminal Investigator, Anti-
Smuggling; Regional Director; Special Agent in Charge; Deputy Special 
Agent in Charge; Resident Agent in Charge; District Field Officer; Field 
Office Director; Deputy Field Office Director; Supervisory Deportation 
Officer; Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer; and Port 
Director having administrative jurisdiction over the office in which the 
subpoena is issued. The Director, Detention and Removal, shall also have 
the authority to make such designation. Service of the subpoena shall be 
made by delivering a copy thereof to the person named therein and by 
tendering to him/her

[[Page 811]]

the fee for one day's attendance and the mileage allowed by law by the 
United States District Court for the district in which the testimony is 
to be taken. When the subpoena is issued on behalf of the Department, 
fee and mileage need not be tendered at the time of service. A record of 
such service shall be made and attached to the original copy of the 
subpoena.
    (d) Invoking aid of court. If a witness neglects or refuses to 
appear and testify as directed by the subpoena served upon him or her in 
accordance with the provisions of this section, the officer or 
immigration judge issuing the subpoena shall request the United States 
Attorney for the district in which the subpoena was issued to report 
such neglect or refusal to the United States District Court and to 
request such court to issue an order requiring the witness to appear and 
testify and to produce the books, papers, or documents designated in the 
subpoena.

[50 FR 30134, July 24, 1985; 50 FR 47205, Nov. 15, 1985, as amended at 
60 FR 56937, Nov. 13, 1995; 62 FR 10390, Mar. 6, 1997; 67 FR 39260, June 
7, 2002; 68 FR 35276, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  287.5  Exercise of power by immigration officers.

    (a) Power and authority to interrogate and administer oaths. Any 
immigration officer is hereby authorized and designated to exercise 
anywhere in or outside the United States the power conferred by:
    (1) Section 287(a)(1) of the Act to interrogate, without warrant, 
any alien or person believed to be an alien concerning his or her right 
to be, or to remain, in the United States, and
    (2) Section 287(b) of the Act to administer oaths and to take and 
consider evidence concerning the privilege of any person to enter, 
reenter, pass through, or reside in the United States; or concerning any 
matter which is material or relevant to the enforcement of the Act and 
the administration of the immigration and naturalization functions of 
the Department.
    (b) Power and authority to patrol the border. The following 
immigration officers who have successfully completed basic immigration 
law enforcement training are hereby authorized and designated to 
exercise the power to patrol the border conferred by section 287(a)(3) 
of the Act:
    (1) Border patrol agents;
    (2) Air and marine agents;
    (3) Special agents;
    (4) CBP officers;
    (5) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (6) Immigration officers who need the authority to patrol the border 
under section 287(a)(3) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP, or the Assistant Secretary/Director 
of ICE.
    (c) Power and authority to arrest. (1) Arrests of aliens under 
section 287(a)(2) of the Act for immigration violations. The following 
immigration officers who have successfully completed basic immigration 
law enforcement training are hereby authorized and designated to 
exercise the arrest power conferred by section 287(a)(2) of the Act and 
in accordance with 8 CFR 287.8(c):
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;
    (iii) Special agents;
    (iv) Deportation officers;
    (v) CBP officers;
    (vi) Immigration enforcement agents;
    (vii) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (viii) Immigration officers who need the authority to arrest aliens 
under section 287(a)(2) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP, the Assistant Secretary/Director of 
ICE, or the Director of the USCIS.
    (2) Arrests of persons under section 287(a)(4) of the Act for 
felonies regulating the admission or removal of aliens. The following 
immigration officers who have successfully completed basic immigration 
law enforcement training are hereby authorized and designated to 
exercise the arrest power conferred by section 287(a)(4) of the Act and 
in accordance with 8 CFR 287.8(c):
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;

[[Page 812]]

    (iii) Special agents;
    (iv) Deportation officers;
    (v) CBP officers;
    (vi) Immigration enforcement agents;
    (vii) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (viii) Immigration officers who need the authority to arrest persons 
under section 287(a)(4) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP, the Assistant Secretary/Director of 
ICE, or the Director of the USCIS.
    (3) Arrests of persons under section 287(a)(5)(A) of the Act for any 
offense against the United States. The following immigration officers 
who have successfully completed basic immigration law enforcement 
training are hereby authorized and designated to exercise the arrest 
power conferred by section 287(a)(5)(A) of the Act and in accordance 
with 8 CFR 287.8(c):
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;
    (iii) Special agents;
    (iv) Deportation officers;
    (v) CBP officers;
    (vi) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (vii) Immigration officers who need the authority to arrest persons 
under section 287(a)(5)(A) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP, or the Assistant Secretary/Director 
of ICE.
    (4) Arrests of persons under section 287(a)(5)(B) of the Act for any 
felony. (i) Section 287(a)(5)(B) of the Act authorizes designated 
immigration officers, as listed in paragraph (c)(4)(iii) of this 
section, to arrest persons, without warrant, for any felony cognizable 
under the laws of the United States if:
    (A) The immigration officer has reasonable grounds to believe that 
the person to be arrested has committed or is committing such a felony;
    (B) The immigration officer is performing duties relating to the 
enforcement of the immigration laws at the time of the arrest;
    (C) There is a likelihood of the person escaping before a warrant 
can be obtained for his or her arrest; and
    (D) The immigration officer has been certified as successfully 
completing a training program that covers such arrests and the standards 
with respect to the immigration enforcement activities of the Department 
as defined in 8 CFR 287.8.
    (ii) The following immigration officers who have successfully 
completed basic immigration law enforcement training are hereby 
authorized and designated to exercise the arrest power conferred by 
section 287(a)(5)(B) of the Act and in accordance with 8 CFR 287.8(c):
    (A) Border patrol agents;
    (B) Air and marine agents;
    (C) Special agents;
    (D) Deportation officers;
    (E) CBP officers;
    (F) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (G) Immigration officers who need the authority to arrest persons 
under section 287(a)(5)(B) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of 
ICE.
    (iii) Notwithstanding the authorization and designation set forth in 
paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section, no immigration officer is 
authorized to make an arrest for any felony under the authority of 
section 287(a)(5)(B) of the Act until such time as he or she has been 
certified as successfully completing a training course encompassing such 
arrests and the standards for enforcement activities are defined in 8 
CFR 287.8. Such certification will be valid for the duration of the 
immigration officer's continuous employment, unless it is suspended or 
revoked by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director 
of ICE, or their respective designees, for just cause.
    (5) Arrests of persons under section 274(a) of the Act who bring in, 
transport, or harbor certain aliens, or induce them to enter.

[[Page 813]]

    (i) Section 274(a) of the Act authorizes designated immigration 
officers, as listed in paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section, to arrest 
persons who bring in, transport, or harbor aliens, or induce them to 
enter the United States in violation of law. When making an arrest, the 
designated immigration officer shall adhere to the provisions of the 
enforcement standard governing the conduct of arrests in 8 CFR 287.8(c).
    (ii) The following immigration officers who have successfully 
completed basic immigration law enforcement training are authorized and 
designated to exercise the arrest power conferred by section 274(a) of 
the Act:
    (A) Border patrol agents;
    (B) Air and marine agents;
    (C) Special agents;
    (D) Deportation officers;
    (E) CBP officers;
    (F) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (G) Immigration officers who need the authority to arrest persons 
under section 274(a) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish their 
individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a class, 
by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE.
    (6) Custody and transportation of previously arrested persons. In 
addition to the authority to arrest pursuant to a warrant of arrest in 
paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this section, detention enforcement officers and 
immigration enforcement agents who have successfully completed basic 
immigration law enforcement training are hereby authorized and 
designated to take and maintain custody of and transport any person who 
has been arrested by an immigration officer pursuant to paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(5) of this section.
    (d) Power and authority to conduct searches. The following 
immigration officers who have successfully completed basic immigration 
law enforcement training are hereby authorized and designated to 
exercise the power to conduct searches conferred by section 287(c) of 
the Act:
    (1) Border patrol agents;
    (2) Air and marine agents;
    (3) Special agents;
    (4) Deportation officers;
    (5) CBP officers;
    (6) Immigration enforcement agents;
    (7) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (8) Immigration officers who need the authority to conduct searches 
under section 287(c) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish their 
individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a class, 
by the Commissioner of CBP, the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE, or 
the Director of USCIS.
    (e) Power and authority to execute warrants--(1) Search warrants. 
The following immigration officers who have successfully completed basic 
immigration law enforcement training are hereby authorized and 
designated to exercise the power conferred by section 287(a) of the Act 
to execute a search warrant:
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;
    (iii) CBP officers;
    (iv) Special agents;
    (v) Deportation officers;
    (vi) Immigration enforcement agents;
    (vii) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (viii) Immigration officers who need the authority to execute search 
warrants under section 287(a) of the Act in order to effectively 
accomplish their individual missions and who are designated, 
individually or as a class, by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant 
Secretary/Director of ICE.
    (2) Issuance of arrest warrants for immigration violations. A 
warrant of arrest may be issued by any of the following immigration 
officials who have been authorized or delegated such authority:
    (i) District directors (except foreign);
    (ii) Deputy district directors (except foreign);
    (iii) Assistant district directors for investigations;
    (iv) Deputy assistant district directors for investigations;
    (v) Assistant district directors for deportation;

[[Page 814]]

    (vi) Deputy assistant district directors for deportation;
    (vii) Assistant district directors for examinations;
    (viii) Deputy assistant district directors for examinations;
    (ix) Officers in charge (except foreign);
    (x) Assistant officers in charge (except foreign);
    (xi) Chief patrol agents;
    (xii) Deputy chief patrol agents;
    (xiii) Division chiefs;
    (xiv) Assistant chief patrol agents;
    (xv) Patrol agents in charge;
    (xvi) Deputy patrol agents in charge;
    (xvii) Border Patrol watch commanders;
    (xviii) Special operations supervisors;
    (xix) Supervisory border patrol agents;
    (xx) Directors of air operations;
    (xxi) Directors of marine operations;
    (xxii) Supervisory air and marine interdiction agents;
    (xxiii) Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security 
Investigations;
    (xxiv) Institutional Hearing Program directors;
    (xxv) Director, Field Operations;
    (xxvi) Assistant Director, Field Operations;
    (xxvii) Port directors;
    (xxviii) Assistant port directors;
    (xxix) Field operations watch commanders;
    (xxx) Field operations chiefs;
    (xxxi) Supervisory deportation officers;
    (xxxii) Supervisory detention and deportation officers;
    (xxxiii) Group Supervisors;
    (xxxiv) Director, Office of Detention and Removal Operations;
    (xxxv) Special Agents in Charge;
    (xxxvi) Deputy Special Agents in Charge;
    (xxxvii) Associate Special Agents in Charge;
    (xxxviii) Assistant Special Agents in Charge;
    (xxxix) Field Office Directors;
    (xl) Deputy Field Office Directors;
    (xli) District Field Officers;
    (xlii) Supervisory immigration services officers;
    (xliii) Supervisory immigration officers;
    (xliv) Supervisory asylum officers;
    (xlv) Supervisory special agents;
    (xlvi) Director of investigations;
    (xlvii) Directors or officers in charge of detention facilities;
    (xlviii) Directors of field operations;
    (xlix) Deputy or assistant directors of field operations;
    (l) Unit Chief, Law Enforcement Support Center;
    (li) Section Chief, Law Enforcement Support Center;
    (lii) Immigration Enforcement Agents; or
    (liii) Other duly authorized officers or employees of the Department 
of Homeland Security or the United States who are delegated the 
authority as provided in 8 CFR 2.1 to issue warrants of arrest, and who 
have successfully completed any required immigration law enforcement 
training.
    (3) Service of warrant of arrests for immigration violations. The 
following immigration officers who have successfully completed basic 
immigration law enforcement training are hereby authorized and 
designated to exercise the power pursuant to section 287(a) of the Act 
to execute warrants of arrest for administrative immigration violations 
issued under section 236 of the Act or to execute warrants of criminal 
arrest issued under the authority of the United States:
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;
    (iii) Special agents;
    (iv) Deportation officers;
    (v) Detention enforcement officers or immigration enforcement agents 
(warrants of arrest for administrative immigration violations only);
    (vi) CBP officers;
    (vii) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (viii) Immigration officers who need the authority to execute arrest 
warrants for immigration violations under section 287(a) of the Act in 
order to effectively accomplish their individual missions and who are 
designated, individually or as a class, by the Commissioner of CBP or 
the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE.
    (4) Service of warrant of arrests for non-immigration violations. 
The following

[[Page 815]]

immigration officers who have successfully completed basic immigration 
law enforcement training are hereby authorized and designated to 
exercise the power to execute warrants of criminal arrest for non-
immigration violations issued under the authority of the United States:
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;
    (iii) CBP officers
    (iv) Special agents;
    (v) Deportation officers;
    (vi) Immigration enforcement agents;
    (vii) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (viii) Immigration officers who need the authority to execute 
warrants of arrest for non-immigration violations under section 287(a) 
of the Act in order to effectively accomplish their individual missions 
and who are designated, individually or as a class, by the Commissioner 
of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE.
    (f) Power and authority to carry firearms. The following immigration 
officers who have successfully completed basic immigration enforcement 
training are hereby authorized and designated to exercise the power 
conferred by section 287(a) of the Act to carry firearms provided that 
they are individually qualified by training and experience to handle and 
safely operate the firearms they are permitted to carry, maintain 
proficiency in the use of such firearms, and adhere to the provisions of 
the enforcement standard governing the use of force in 8 CFR 287.8(a):
    (1) Border patrol agents;
    (2) Air and marine agents;
    (3) Special agents;
    (4) Deportation officers;
    (5) Detention enforcement officers or immigration enforcement 
agents;
    (6) CBP officers;
    (7) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (8) Immigration officers who need the authority to carry firearms 
under section 287(a) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish their 
individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a class, 
by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE.

[68 FR 35277, June 13, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 67089, Nov. 4, 2005; 76 
FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011; 81 FR 62356, Sept. 9, 2016]



Sec.  287.6  Proof of official records.

    (a) Domestic. In any proceeding under this chapter, an official 
record or entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, shall be 
evidenced by an official publication thereof, or by a copy attested by 
the official having legal custody of the record or by an authorized 
deputy.
    (b) Foreign: Countries not Signatories to Convention. (1) In any 
proceeding under this chapter, an official record or entry therein, when 
admissible for any purpose, shall be evidenced by an official 
publication thereof, or by a copy attested by an officer so authorized. 
This attested copy in turn may but need not be certified by any 
authorized foreign officer both as to the genuineness of the signature 
of the attesting officer and as to his/her official position. The 
signature and official position of this certifying foreign officer may 
then likewise be certified by any other foreign officer so authorized, 
thereby creating a chain of certificates.
    (2) The attested copy, with the additional foreign certificates if 
any, must be certified by an officer in the Foreign Service of the 
United States, stationed in the foreign country where the record is 
kept. This officer must certify the genuineness of the signature and the 
official position either of (i) the attesting officer; or (ii) any 
foreign officer whose certification of genuineness of signature and 
official position relates directly to the attestation or is in a chain 
of certificates of genuineness of signature and official position 
relating to the attestation.
    (c) Foreign: Countries Signatory to Convention Abolishing the 
Requirement of Legislation for Foreign Public Document. (1) In any 
proceeding under this chapter, a public document or entry therein, when 
admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication, 
or by a copy properly certified under the Convention. To be properly

[[Page 816]]

certified, the copy must be accompanied by a certificate in the form 
dictated by the Convention. This certificate must be signed by a foreign 
officer so authorized by the signatory country, and it must certify (i) 
the authenticity of the signature of the person signing the document; 
(ii) the capacity in which that person acted, and (iii) where 
appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears.
    (2) No certification is needed from an officer in the Foreign 
Service of public documents.
    (3) In accordance with the Convention, the following are deemed to 
be public documents:
    (i) Documents emanating from an authority or an official connected 
with the courts of tribunals of the state, including those emanating 
from a public prosecutor, a clerk of a court or a process server;
    (ii) Administrative documents;
    (iii) Notarial acts; and
    (iv) Official certificates which are placed on documents signed by 
persons in their private capacity, such as official certificates 
recording the registration of a document or the fact that it was in 
existence on a certain date, and official and notarial authentication of 
signatures.
    (4) In accordance with the Convention, the following are deemed not 
to be public documents, and thus are subject to the more stringent 
requirements of Sec.  287.6(b) above:
    (i) Documents executed by diplomatic or consular agents; and
    (ii) Administrative documents dealing directly with commercial or 
customs operations.
    (d) Canada. In any proceedings under this chapter, an official 
record or entry therein, issued by a Canadian governmental entity within 
the geographical boundaries of Canada, when admissible for any purpose, 
shall be evidenced by a certified copy of the original record attested 
by the official having legal custody of the record or by an authorized 
deputy.

[50 FR 37834, Sept. 18, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 39337, Sept. 26, 1989; 
54 FR 48851, Nov. 28, 1989]



Sec.  287.7  Detainer provisions under section 287(d)(3) of the Act.

    (a) Detainers in general. Detainers are issued pursuant to sections 
236 and 287 of the Act and this chapter 1. Any authorized immigration 
officer may at any time issue a Form I-247, Immigration Detainer-Notice 
of Action, to any other Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency. 
A detainer serves to advise another law enforcement agency that the 
Department seeks custody of an alien presently in the custody of that 
agency, for the purpose of arresting and removing the alien. The 
detainer is a request that such agency advise the Department, prior to 
release of the alien, in order for the Department to arrange to assume 
custody, in situations when gaining immediate physical custody is either 
impracticable or impossible.
    (b) Authority to issue detainers. The following officers are 
authorized to issue detainers:
    (1) Border patrol agents, including aircraft pilots;
    (2) Special agents;
    (3) Deportation officers;
    (4) Immigration inspectors;
    (5) Adjudications officers;
    (6) Immigration enforcement agents;
    (7) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (8) Immigration officers who need the authority to issue detainers 
under section 287(d)(3) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP, the Assistant Secretary for ICE, or 
the Director of the USCIS.
    (c) Availability of records. In order for the Department to 
accurately determine the propriety of issuing a detainer, serving a 
notice to appear, or taking custody of an alien in accordance with this 
section, the criminal justice agency requesting such action or informing 
the Department of a conviction or act that renders an alien inadmissible 
or removable under any provision of law shall provide the Department 
with all documentary records and information available from the agency 
that reasonably relates to the alien's status in the United States, or 
that

[[Page 817]]

may have an impact on conditions of release.
    (d) Temporary detention at Department request. Upon a determination 
by the Department to issue a detainer for an alien not otherwise 
detained by a criminal justice agency, such agency shall maintain 
custody of the alien for a period not to exceed 48 hours, excluding 
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in order to permit assumption of 
custody by the Department.
    (e) Financial responsibility for detention. No detainer issued as a 
result of a determination made under this chapter I shall incur any 
fiscal obligation on the part of the Department, until actual assumption 
of custody by the Department, except as provided in paragraph (d) of 
this section.

[68 FR 35279, June 13, 2003, as amended at 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  287.8  Standards for enforcement activities.

    The following standards for enforcement activities contained in this 
section must be adhered to by every immigration officer involved in 
enforcement activities. Any violation of this section shall be reported 
to the Office of the Inspector General or such other entity as may be 
provided for in 8 CFR 287.10.
    (a) Use of force--(1) Non-deadly force. (i) Non-deadly force is any 
use of force other than that which is considered deadly force as defined 
in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Non-deadly force may be used only when a designated immigration 
officer, as listed in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section, has 
reasonable grounds to believe that such force is necessary.
    (iii) A designated immigration officer shall always use the minimum 
non-deadly force necessary to accomplish the officer's mission and shall 
escalate to a higher level of non-deadly force only when such higher 
level of force is warranted by the actions, apparent intentions, and 
apparent capabilities of the suspect, prisoner, or assailant.
    (iv) The following immigration officers who have successfully 
completed basic immigration law enforcement training are hereby 
authorized and designated to exercise the power conferred by section 
287(a) of the Act to use non-deadly force should circumstances warrant 
it:
    (A) Border patrol agents;
    (B) Air and marine agents;
    (C) Special agents;
    (D) Deportation officers;
    (E) Detention enforcement officers or immigration enforcement 
agents;
    (F) CBP officers;
    (G) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; 
and
    (H) Immigration officers who need the authority to use non-deadly 
force under section 287(a) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish 
their individual missions and who are designated, individually or as a 
class, by the Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of 
ICE.
    (2) Deadly force. (i) Deadly force is any use of force that is 
likely to cause death or serious physical injury.
    (ii) Deadly force may be used only when a designated immigration 
officer, as listed in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section, has 
reasonable grounds to believe that such force is necessary to protect 
the designated immigration officer or other persons from the imminent 
danger of death or serious physical injury.
    (iii) The following immigration officers who have successfully 
completed basic immigration law enforcement training are hereby 
authorized and designated to exercise the power conferred by section 
287(a) of the Act to use deadly force should circumstances warrant it:
    (A) Border patrol agents;
    (B) Air and marine agents;
    (C) Special agents
    (D) Deportation officers;
    (E) Detention enforcement officers or immigration enforcement 
agents;
    (F) CBP officers;
    (G) Supervisory and managerial personnel who are responsible for 
supervising the activities of those officers listed above; and
    (H) Immigration officers who need the authority to use deadly force 
under section 287(a) of the Act in order to effectively accomplish their 
individual

[[Page 818]]

missions and who are designated, individually or as a class, by the 
Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE.
    (b) Interrogation and detention not amounting to arrest. (1) 
Interrogation is questioning designed to elicit specific information. An 
immigration officer, like any other person, has the right to ask 
questions of anyone as long as the immigration officer does not restrain 
the freedom of an individual, not under arrest, to walk away.
    (2) If the immigration officer has a reasonable suspicion, based on 
specific articulable facts, that the person being questioned is, or is 
attempting to be, engaged in an offense against the United States or is 
an alien illegally in the United States, the immigration officer may 
briefly detain the person for questioning.
    (3) Information obtained from this questioning may provide the basis 
for a subsequent arrest, which must be effected only by a designated 
immigration officer, as listed in 8 CFR 287.5(c). The conduct of arrests 
is specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Conduct of arrests--(1) Authority. Only designated immigration 
officers are authorized to make an arrest. The list of designated 
immigration officers may vary depending on the type of arrest as listed 
in Sec.  287.5(c)(1) through (c)(5).
    (2) General procedures. (i) An arrest shall be made only when the 
designated immigration officer has reason to believe that the person to 
be arrested has committed an offense against the United States or is an 
alien illegally in the United States.
    (ii) A warrant of arrest shall be obtained except when the 
designated immigration officer has reason to believe that the person is 
likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained.
    (iii) At the time of the arrest, the designated immigration officer 
shall, as soon as it is practical and safe to do so:
    (A) Identify himself or herself as an immigration officer who is 
authorized to execute an arrest; and
    (B) State that the person is under arrest and the reason for the 
arrest.
    (iv) With respect to an alien arrested and administratively charged 
with being in the United States in violation of law, the arresting 
officer shall adhere to the procedures set forth in 8 CFR 287.3 if the 
arrest is made without a warrant.
    (v) With respect to a person arrested and charged with a criminal 
violation of the laws of the United States, the arresting officer shall 
advise the person of the appropriate rights as required by law at the 
time of the arrest, or as soon thereafter as practicable. It is the duty 
of the immigration officer to assure that the warnings are given in a 
language the subject understands, and that the subject acknowledges that 
the warnings are understood. The fact that a person has been advised of 
his or her rights shall be documented on appropriate Department forms 
and made a part of the arrest record.
    (vi) Every person arrested and charged with a criminal violation of 
the laws of the United States shall be brought without unnecessary delay 
before a United States magistrate judge, a United States district judge 
or, if necessary, a judicial officer empowered in accordance with 18 
U.S.C. 3041 to commit persons charged with such crimes. Accordingly, the 
immigration officer shall contact an Assistant United States Attorney to 
arrange for an initial appearance.
    (vii) The use of threats, coercion, or physical abuse by the 
designated immigration officer to induce a suspect to waive his or her 
rights or to make a statement is prohibited.
    (d) Transportation--(1) Vehicle transportation. All persons will be 
transported in a manner that ensures the safety of the persons being 
transported. When persons arrested or detained are being transported by 
vehicle, each person will be searched as thoroughly as circumstances 
permit before being placed in the vehicle. The person being transported 
shall not be handcuffed to the frame or any part of the moving vehicle 
or an object in the moving vehicle. The person being transported shall 
not be left unattended during transport unless the immigration officer 
needs to perform a law enforcement function.
    (2) Airline transportation. Escorting officers must abide by all 
Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, 
and airline

[[Page 819]]

carrier rules and regulations pertaining to weapons and the 
transportation of prisoners.
    (e) Vehicular pursuit. (1) A vehicular pursuit is an active attempt 
by a designated immigration officer, as listed in paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section, in a designated pursuit vehicle to apprehend fleeing 
suspects who are attempting to avoid apprehension. A designated pursuit 
vehicle is defined as a vehicle equipped with emergency lights and 
siren, placed in or on the vehicle, that emit audible and visual signals 
in order to warn others that emergency law enforcement activities are in 
progress.
    (2) The following immigration officers who have successfully 
completed basic immigration law enforcement training are hereby 
authorized and designated to initiate a vehicular pursuit:
    (i) Border patrol agents;
    (ii) Air and marine agents;
    (iii) CBP officers;
    (iv) Supervisory personnel who are responsible for supervising the 
activities of those officers listed in this paragraph; and
    (v) Immigration officers who need the authority to initiate a 
vehicular pursuit in order to effectively accomplish their individual 
mission and who are designated, individually or as a class, by the 
Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary/Director of ICE.
    (f) Site inspections. (1) Site inspections are Border and 
Transportation Security Directorate enforcement activities undertaken to 
locate and identify aliens illegally in the United States, or aliens 
engaged in unauthorized employment, at locations where there is a 
reasonable suspicion, based on articulable facts, that such aliens are 
present.
    (2) An immigration officer may not enter into the non-public areas 
of a business, a residence including the curtilage of such residence, or 
a farm or other outdoor agricultural operation, except as provided in 
section 287(a)(3) of the Act, for the purpose of questioning the 
occupants or employees concerning their right to be or remain in the 
United States unless the officer has either a warrant or the consent of 
the owner or other person in control of the site to be inspected. When 
consent to enter is given, the immigration officer must note on the 
officer's report that consent was given and, if possible, by whom 
consent was given. If the immigration officer is denied access to 
conduct a site inspection, a warrant may be obtained.
    (3) Adequate records must be maintained noting the results of every 
site inspection, including those where no illegal aliens are located.
    (4) Nothing in this section prohibits an immigration officer from 
entering into any area of a business or other activity to which the 
general public has access or onto open fields that are not farms or 
other outdoor agricultural operations without a warrant, consent, or any 
particularized suspicion in order to question any person whom the 
officer believes to be an alien concerning his or her right to be or 
remain in the United States.
    (g) Guidelines. The criminal law enforcement authorities authorized 
under this part will be exercised in a manner consistent with all 
applicable guidelines and policies of the Department of Justice and the 
Department of Homeland Security.

[68 FR 35280, June 13, 2003, as amended at 81 FR 62357, Sept. 9, 2016]



Sec.  287.9  Criminal search warrant and firearms policies.

    (a) A search warrant should be obtained prior to conducting a search 
in a criminal investigation unless a specific exception to the warrant 
requirement is authorized by statute or recognized by the courts. Such 
exceptions may include, for example, the consent of the person to be 
searched, exigent circumstances, searches incident to a lawful arrest, 
and border searches. The Commissioner of CBP and the Assistant Secretary 
of ICE shall promulgate guidelines governing officers' conduct relating 
to search and seizure.
    (b) In using a firearm, an immigration officer shall adhere to the 
standard of conduct set forth in 8 CFR 287.8(a)(2). An immigration 
officer may carry only firearms (whether Department issued or personally 
owned) that

[[Page 820]]

have been approved pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the 
Commissioner of CBP or the Assistant Secretary for ICE. These officials 
shall promulgate guidelines with respect to:
    (1) Investigative procedures to be followed after a shooting 
incident involving an officer;
    (2) Loss or theft of an approved firearm;
    (3) Maintenance of records with respect to the issuance of firearms 
and ammunition; and
    (4) Procedures for the proper care, storage, and maintenance of 
firearms, ammunition, and related equipment.

[59 FR 42420, Aug. 17, 1994, as amended at 68 FR 35280, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  287.10  Expedited internal review process.

    (a) Violations of standards for enforcement activities. Alleged 
violations of the standards for enforcement activities established in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  287.8 shall be investigated 
expeditiously consistent with the policies and procedures of the 
Department of Homeland Security and pursuant to any guidelines issued by 
the Secretary.
    (b) Complaints. Any persons wishing to lodge a complaint pertaining 
to violations of enforcement standards contained in Sec.  287.8 may 
contact the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector 
General, 245 Murray Drive--Building 410, Washington, DC, 20548, or 
telephone 1-800-323-8603. With respect to employees of the former INS, 
persons may contact the Office of Internal Audit, Bureau of Immigration 
and Customs Enforcement, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC, 20536.
    (c) Expedited processing of complaints. When an allegation or 
complaint of violation of Sec.  287.8 is lodged against an employee or 
officer of the Department, the allegation or complaint shall be referred 
promptly for investigation in accordance with the policies and 
procedures of the Department. At the conclusion of an investigation of 
an allegation or complaint of violation of Sec.  287.8, the 
investigative report shall be referred promptly for appropriate action 
in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Department.
    (d) Unsubstantiated complaints. When an investigative report does 
not support the allegation, the employee or officer against whom the 
allegation was made shall be informed in writing that the matter has 
been closed as soon as practicable. No reference to the allegation shall 
be filed in the official's or employee's official personnel file.
    (e) Jurisdiction of Department of Justice organizations. Nothing in 
this section alters or limits, is intended to alter or limit, or shall 
be construed to alter or limit, the jurisdiction or authority conferred 
upon the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorneys, 
the Criminal Division or the Civil Rights Division, or any other 
component of the Department of Justice that may have jurisdiction 
regarding criminal violations of law.

[68 FR 35281, June 13, 2003]



Sec.  287.11  Pre-enrolled Access Lane.

    (a) Pre-enrolled Access Lane (PAL). A PAL is a designated traffic 
lane located at a Service checkpoint, which, when in operation, may be 
used exclusively by enrolled participants and their passengers in 
vehicles authorized by the Service to pass through the checkpoint.
    (b) General requirements for Pre-enrolled Access Lane Program. (1) 
Participation in the Pre-enrolled Access Lane program is wholly 
voluntary and failure to apply or denial of an application does not 
prevent any person from passing through the checkpoint in the regular 
traffic lanes.
    (2) Only United States citizens and members of the classes of aliens 
which the Commissioner of the Service or her delegates determine to be 
eligible may enroll in the PAL program. To participate in the PAL 
program, an applicant must have a permanent or temporary residence in 
the United States, and must agree to furnish all information requested 
on the application.
    (3) The applicant must agree to all terms and conditions required 
for use of a Pre-enrolled Access Lane. Immigration, criminal justice 
information, and law enforcement records and databases will be checked 
to assist in determining the applicant's eligibility. The Service may 
require applicants to submit fingerprints, and the Service may provide 
those fingerprints to Federal, State, and local government agencies

[[Page 821]]

for the purpose of determining eligibility to participate in the PAL 
program.
    (4) Any vehicle used in a Pre-enrolled Access Lane must have current 
approval from the Service for use in the PAL program.
    (5) Enrolled participants may be issued an identification document 
showing authorization to participate in the PAL program, and, if such a 
document is issued, participants must have it in their possession 
whenever using the PAL. In addition, alien participants must be in 
possession of a valid form constituting evidence of alien registration 
pursuant to Sec.  264.1(b) of this chapter at all times while using the 
PAL.
    (6) The Service will install any and all equipment, decals, devices, 
technology, or methodology it deems necessary on registered vehicles to 
ensure that only authorized persons and vehicles use the PAL.
    (7) All devices, decals, or other equipment, methodology, or 
technology used to identify persons or vehicles using a Pre-enrolled 
Access Lane remain the property of the United States Government at all 
times and must be surrendered upon request of the Service. Enrolled 
participants must abide by the terms set forth by the Service for use of 
any device, decal, or other equipment, methodology, or technology. If a 
vehicle is sold or otherwise disposed of, it is the responsibility of 
the enrolled participant to remove or obliterate any identifying decal 
or other authorization for participation in the PAL program before or at 
the time of sale or disposal unless otherwise notified by the Service. 
If the Service installs an electronic transmitter or similar device on 
the vehicle, the enrolled participant must have that device removed by 
the Service at the PAL enrollment center prior to sale or disposal of an 
authorized vehicle.
    (8) Enrolled participants in the PAL program may carry passengers 
who are not enrolled in the program in their authorized vehicles in the 
PAL as long as all passengers are United States citizens, lawful 
permanent residents of the United States, or rightful holders of valid 
nonimmigrant United States visas.
    (c) Application. (1) Application for Pre-enrolled Access Lane 
participation shall be made on Form I-866, Application--Checkpoint Pre-
enrolled Access Lane.
    (2) Each person wishing to enroll in the Pre-enrolled Access Lane 
program must submit a separate application.
    (3) Applications must be supported by documents establishing 
identity, United States citizenship or lawful immigration status in the 
United States, a valid driver's license, and vehicle registration for 
all vehicles being registered. The Service may require additional 
documentation where appropriate to substantiate information provided on 
the application, as well as written permission from the vehicle owner to 
use any vehicle not owned by the applicant in the PAL.
    (4) Each person filing an application may be required to present 
himself or herself for an interview at a time and place designated by 
the Service prior to approval of the application.
    (5) The Service may inspect any vehicle that a PAL applicant desires 
to register for use in the PAL to ensure that it does not present 
evidence of having been used or prepared to be used to smuggle aliens or 
controlled substances, and the Service must approve all vehicles prior 
to use in the PAL. The Service may prohibit the use of certain types of 
vehicles in the PAL for reasons of safety and law enforcement.
    (6) An application may be denied by the Chief Patrol Agent having 
jurisdiction over the PAL enrollment center where the application is 
filed. Written notice of the decision on the application shall be given 
to the applicant or mailed by ordinary mail to the applicant's last 
known address. There is no appeal from a denial, but denial is without 
prejudice to reapplying for this program. Re-applications following 
denial or revocation of the privilege to participate in the PAL program 
will not be considered by the Service until 90 days after the date of 
denial or revocation.
    (7) Registration in the PAL program is limited to individuals who 
the Service has determined present a low risk of using the PAL for 
unlawful purposes. Criteria that will be considered in the decision to 
approve or deny the

[[Page 822]]

application include the following: lawful presence in the United States, 
criminal history and/or evidence of criminality, employment, residency, 
prior immigration history, possession of a valid driver's license, 
vehicle type, registration, and inspection.
    (8) Applications approved by the Service will entitle the authorized 
person and the authorized vehicle to use the PAL for 2 years from the 
date of approval of the application or until authorization is revoked, 
whichever occurs first.
    (d) Acknowledgments and agreements. By signing and submitting the 
Form I-866 each applicant acknowledges and agrees to all of the 
conditions for participation in the PAL program and the statements on 
the Form I-866.
    (e) Violation of conditions of a Pre-enrolled Access Lane and 
Revocation. An enrolled participant who violates any condition of the 
PAL program, or any applicable law or regulation, or who is otherwise 
determined by an immigration officer to be ineligible to participate in 
the PAL program, may have his or her authorization and the authorization 
of his or her vehicle(s) revoked by the Chief Patrol Agent with 
jurisdiction over the PAL enrollment center where the application is 
filed and may be subject to other applicable sanctions, such as criminal 
and/or civil penalties, removal, and/or possible seizure of goods and/or 
vehicles. If an authorized vehicle is sold, stolen, or otherwise 
disposed of, authorization to use that vehicle in the PAL is 
automatically revoked. Within 24 hours of when an authorized vehicle is 
stolen, or within 7 days of when such vehicle is sold, or otherwise 
disposed of or the license plates are changed, enrolled participants 
must give, in person or by facsimile transmission, written notice of 
such occurrence to the PAL enrollment center at which their application 
was filed. Failure to do so will result in the automatic revocation of 
the authorization to use the PAL of the person who registered such 
vehicle in the PAL program. Unless revocation is automatic, the Service 
will give notice of revocation to the enrolled PAL participant or mail 
it by ordinary mail to his or her last known address. However, written 
notification is not necessary prior to revocation of the privilege to 
participate in the PAL program. There is no appeal from the revocation 
of an authorization to participate in the PAL program.
    (f) No benefits or rights conferred. This section does not, is not 
intended to, shall not be construed to, and may not be relied upon to 
confer any immigration benefit or status to any alien or create any 
rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable in law or equity by any 
party in any matter.

[62 FR 19025, Apr. 18, 1997]



Sec.  287.12  Scope.

    With regard to this part, these regulations provide internal 
guidance on specific areas of law enforcement authority. These 
regulations do not, are not intended to, and shall not be construed to 
exclude, supplant, or limit otherwise lawful activities of the 
Department or the Secretary. These regulations do not, are not intended 
to, shall not be construed to, and may not be relied upon to create any 
rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in 
any matter, civil or criminal. The Secretary shall have exclusive 
authority to enforce these regulations through such administrative and 
other means as he may deem appropriate.

[68 FR 35282, June 13, 2003]



PART 289_AMERICAN INDIANS BORN IN CANADA--Table of Contents



Sec.
289.1 Definition.
289.2 Lawful admission for permanent residence.
289.3 Recording the entry of certain American Indians born in Canada.

    Authority: Secs. 103, 262, 289, 66 Stat. 173, 224, 234; 8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1302, 1359; 45 Stat. 401, 54 Stat. 670; 8 U.S.C. 226a, 451.



Sec.  289.1  Definition.

    The term American Indian born in Canada as used in section 289 of 
the Act includes only persons possessing 50 per centum or more of the 
blood of the American Indian race. It does not include a person who is 
the spouse or child of such an Indian or a person whose membership in an 
Indian tribe

[[Page 823]]

or family is created by adoption, unless such person possesses at least 
50 per centum or more of such blood.

[29 FR 11494, Aug. 11, 1964]



Sec.  289.2  Lawful admission for permanent residence.

    Any American Indian born in Canada who at the time of entry was 
entitled to the exemption provided for such person by the Act of April 
2, 1928 (45 Stat. 401), or section 289 of the Act, and has maintained 
residence in the United States since his entry, shall be regarded as 
having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. A person who does 
not possess 50 per centum of the blood of the American Indian race, but 
who entered the United States prior to December 24, 1952, under the 
exemption provided by the Act of April 2, 1928, and has maintained his 
residence in the United States since such entry shall also be regarded 
as having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. In the absence 
of a Service record of arrival in the United States, the record of 
registration under the Alien Registration Act, of 1940 (54 Stat. 670; 8 
U.S.C. 451), or section 262 of the Act, or other satisfactory evidence 
may be accepted to establish the date of entry.

[29 FR 11494, Aug. 11, 1964]



Sec.  289.3  Recording the entry of certain American Indians born in Canada.

    The lawful admission for permanent residence of an American Indian 
born in Canada shall be recorded on Form I-181.

[33 FR 7485, May 21, 1968]



PART 292_REPRESENTATION AND APPEARANCES--Table of Contents



Sec.
292.1 Representation of others.
292.2 Organizations qualified for recognition; requests for recognition; 
          withdrawal of recognition; accreditation of representatives; 
          roster.
292.3 Professional conduct for practitioners--Rules and procedures.
292.4 Appearances.
292.5 Service upon and action by attorney or representative of record.
292.6 Interpretation.

    Authority: 6 U.S.C. 112; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1252b, 1362.



Sec.  292.1  Representation of others.

    (a) A person entitled to representation may be represented by any of 
the following, subject to the limitations in 8 CFR 103.2(a)(3):
    (1) Attorneys in the United States. Any attorney as defined in8 CFR 
1.2.
    (2) Law students and law graduates not yet admitted to the bar. A 
law student who is enrolled in an accredited U.S. law school, or a 
graduate of an accredited U.S. law school who is not yet admitted to the 
bar, provided that:
    (i) He or she is appearing at the request of the person entitled to 
representation;
    (ii) In the case of a law student, he or she has filed a statement 
that he or she is participating, under the direct supervision of a 
faculty member, licensed attorney, or accredited representative, in a 
legal aid program or clinic conducted by a law school or non-profit 
organization, and that he or she is appearing without direct or indirect 
remuneration from the alien he or she represents;
    (iii) In the case of a law graduate, he or she has filed a statement 
that he or she is appearing under the supervision of a licensed attorney 
or accredited representative and that he or she is appearing without 
direct or indirect remuneration from the alien he or she represents; and
    (iv) The law student's or law graduate's appearance is permitted by 
the DHS official before whom he or she wishes to appear. The DHS 
official may require that a law student be accompanied by the 
supervising faculty member, attorney, or accredited representative.
    (3) Reputable individuals. Any reputable individual of good moral 
character, provided that:
    (i) He is appearing on an individual case basis, at the request of 
the person entitled to representation;
    (ii) He is appearing without direct or indirect renumeration and 
files a written declaration to that effect;
    (iii) He has a pre-existing relationship or connection with the 
person entitled to representation (e.g., as a relative, neighbor, 
clergyman, business

[[Page 824]]

associate or personal friend), provided that such requirement may be 
waived, as a matter of administrative discretion, in cases where 
adequate representation would not otherwise be available; and
    (iv) His or her appearance is permitted by the DHS official before 
whom he or she seeks to appear, provided that such permission will not 
be granted with respect to any individual who regularly engages in 
immigration and naturalization practice or preparation, or holds himself 
or herself out to the public as qualified to do so.
    (4) Accredited representatives. A person representing an 
organization described in Sec.  292.2 of this chapter who has been 
accredited by the Board.
    (5) Accredited officials. An accredited official, in the United 
States, of the government to which an alien owes allegiance, if the 
official appears solely in his official capacity and with the alien's 
consent.
    (6) Attorneys outside the United States. An attorney, other than one 
described in 8 CFR 1.2, who is licensed to practice law and is in good 
standing in a court of general jurisdiction of the country in which he 
or she resides and who is engaged in such practice, may represent 
parties in matters before DHS, provided that he or she represents 
persons only in matters outside the geographical confines of the United 
States as defined in section 101(a)(38) of the Act, and that the DHS 
official before whom he or she wishes to appear allows such 
representation as a matter of discretion.
    (b) Persons formerly authorized to practice. A person, other than a 
representative of an organization described in Sec.  292.2 of this 
chapter, who on December 23, 1952, was authorized to practice before the 
Board and the Service may continue to act as a representative, subject 
to the provisions of Sec.  292.3 of this chapter.
    (c) Former employees. No person previously employed by the 
Department of Justice shall be permitted to act as a representative in 
any case in violation of the provisions of 28 CFR 45.735-7.
    (d) Amicus curiae. The Board may grant permission to appear, on a 
case-by-case basis, as amicus curiae, to an attorney or to an 
organization represented by an attorney, if the public interest will be 
served thereby.
    (e) Except as set forth in this section, no other person or persons 
shall represent others in any case.

[40 FR 23271, May 29, 1975, as amended at 53 FR 7728, Mar. 10, 1988; 55 
FR 49251, Nov. 27, 1990; 61 FR 53610, Oct. 15, 1996; 62 FR 23635, May 1, 
1997; 75 FR 5227, Feb. 2, 2010; 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  292.2  Organizations qualified for recognition; 
requests for recognition; withdrawal of recognition; 
accreditation of representatives; roster.

    (a) Qualifications of organizations. A non-profit religious, 
charitable, social service, or similar organization established in the 
United States and recognized as such by the Board may designate a 
representative or representatives to practice before the Service alone 
or the Service and the Board (including practice before the Immigration 
Court). Such organization must establish to the satisfaction of the 
Board that:
    (1) It makes only nominal charges and assesses no excessive 
membership dues for persons given assistance; and
    (2) It has at its disposal adequate knowledge, information and 
experience.
    (b) Requests for recognition. An organization having the 
qualifications prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section may file an 
application for recognition on a Form G-27 directly with the Board, 
along with proof of service of a copy of the application on the district 
director having jurisdiction over the area in which the organization is 
located. The district director, within 30 days from the date of service, 
shall forward to the Board a recommendation for approval or disapproval 
of the application and the reasons therefor, or request a specified 
period of time in which to conduct an investigation or otherwise obtain 
relevant information regarding the applicant. The district director 
shall include proof of service of a copy of such recommendation or 
request on the organization. The organization shall have 30 days in 
which to file a response with the Board to a recommendation by a 
district director that is other than favorable, along with proof of 
service of a copy of such

[[Page 825]]

response on the district director. If the Board approves a request for 
time to conduct an investigation, or in its discretion remands the 
application to the district director for further information, the 
organization shall be advised of the time granted for such purpose. The 
Service shall promptly forward the results of any investigation or 
inquiry to the Board, along with its recommendations for approval or 
disapproval and the reasons therefor, and proof of service of a copy of 
the submission on the organization. The organization shall have 30 days 
from the date of such service to file a response with the Board to any 
matters raised therein, with proof of service of a copy of the response 
on the district director. Requests for extensions of filing times must 
be submitted in writing with the reasons therefor and may be granted by 
the Board in its discretion. Oral argument may be heard before the Board 
in its discretion at such date and time as the Board may direct. The 
organization and Service shall be informed by the Board of the action 
taken regarding an application. Any recognized organization shall 
promptly notify the Board of any changes in its name, address, or public 
telephone number.
    (c) Withdrawal of recognition. The Board may withdraw the 
recognition of any organization which has failed to maintain the 
qualifications required by Sec.  292.2(a). Withdrawal of recognition may 
be accomplished in accordance with the following procedure:
    (1) The Service, by the district director within whose jurisdiction 
the organization is located, may conduct an investigation into any 
organization it believes no longer meets the standards for recognition.
    (2) If the investigation establishes to the satisfaction of the 
district director that withdrawal proceedings should be instituted, he 
shall cause a written statement of the grounds upon which withdrawal is 
sought to be served upon the organization, with notice to show cause why 
its recognition should not be withdrawn. The notice will call upon the 
organization to appear before a special inquiry officer for a hearing at 
a time and place stated, not less than 30 days after service of the 
notice.
    (3) The special inquiry officer shall hold a hearing, receive 
evidence, make findings of fact, state his recommendations, and forward 
the complete record to the Board.
    (4) The organization and the Service shall have the opportunity of 
appearing at oral argument before the Board at a time specified by the 
Board.
    (5) The Board shall consider the entire record and render its 
decision. The order of the Board shall constitute the final disposition 
of the proceedings.
    (d) Accreditation of representatives. An organization recognized by 
the Board under paragraph (b) of this section may apply for 
accreditation of persons of good moral character as its representatives. 
An organization may apply to have a representative accredited to 
practice before the Service alone or the Service and the Board 
(including practice before immigration judges). An application for 
accreditation shall fully set forth the nature and extent of the 
proposed representative's experience and knowledge of immigration and 
naturalization law and procedure and the category of accreditation 
sought. No individual may submit an application on his or her own 
behalf. An application shall be filed directly with the Board, along 
with proof of service of a copy of the application on the district 
director having jurisdiction over the area in which the requesting 
organization is located. The district director, within 30 days from the 
date of service, shall forward to the Board a recommendation for 
approval or disapproval of the application and the reasons therefor, or 
request a specified period of time in which to conduct an investigation 
or otherwise obtain relevant information regarding the applicant. The 
district director shall include proof of service of a copy of such 
recommendation or request on the organization. The organization shall 
have 30 days in which to file a response with the Board to a 
recommendation by a district director that is other than favorable, with 
proof of service of a copy of such response on the district director. If 
the Board approves a request for time to conduct an investigation, or in 
its discretion remands the application to the district director for 
further information, the organization shall be

[[Page 826]]

advised of the time granted for such purpose. The district director 
shall promptly forward the results of any investigation or inquiry to 
the Board, along with a recommendation for approval or disapproval and 
the reasons therefor, and proof of service of a copy of the submission 
on the organization. The organization shall have 30 days from the date 
of service to file a response with the Board to any matters raised 
therein, with proof or service of a copy of the response on the district 
director. Requests for extensions of filing times must be submitted in 
writing with the reasons therefor and may be granted by the Board in its 
discretion. Oral argument may be heard before the Board in its 
discretion at such date and time as the Board may direct. The Board may 
approve or disapprove an application in whole or in part and shall 
inform the organization and the district director of the action taken 
with regard to an application. The accreditation of a representative 
shall be valid for a period of three years only; however, the 
accreditation shall remain valid pending Board consideration of an 
application for renewal of accreditation if the application is filed at 
least 60 days before the third anniversary of the date of the Board's 
prior accreditation of the representative. Accreditation terminates when 
the Board's recognition of the organization ceases for any reason or 
when the representative's employment or other connection with the 
organization ceases. The organization shall promptly notify the Board of 
such changes.
    (e) Roster. The Board shall maintain an alphabetical roster of 
recognized organizations and their accredited representatives. A copy of 
the roster shall be furnished to the Commissioner and he shall be 
advised from time to time of changes therein.

[40 FR 23272, May 29, 1975, as amended at 49 FR 44086, Nov. 2, 1984; 62 
FR 9075, Feb. 28, 1997]



Sec.  292.3  Professional conduct for practitioners--Rules and procedures.

    (a) General provisions--(1) Authority to sanction. An adjudicating 
official or the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) may impose 
disciplinary sanctions against any practitioner if it finds it to be in 
the public interest to do so. It will be in the public interest to 
impose disciplinary sanctions against a practitioner who is authorized 
to practice before DHS when such person has engaged in criminal, 
unethical, or unprofessional conduct, or in frivolous behavior, as set 
forth in 8 CFR 1003.102. In accordance with the disciplinary proceedings 
set forth in 8 CFR part 1003, an adjudicating official or the Board may 
impose any of the following disciplinary sanctions:
    (i) Expulsion which is permanent, from practice before the Board and 
the Immigration Courts, or DHS, or before all three authorities;
    (ii) Suspension, including immediate suspension, from practice 
before the Board and the Immigration Courts, or DHS, or before all three 
authorities;
    (iii) Public or private censure; or
    (iv) Such other disciplinary sanctions as the adjudicating official 
or the Board deems appropriate.
    (2) Persons subject to sanctions. Persons subject to sanctions 
include any practitioner. A practitioner is any attorney as defined in 8 
CFR 1.2 who does not represent the federal government, or any 
representative as defined in 8 CFR 1.2. Attorneys employed by DHS will 
be subject to discipline pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section.
    (b) Grounds of discipline. It is deemed to be in the public interest 
for the adjudicating official or the Board to impose disciplinary 
sanctions as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section against any 
practitioner who falls within one or more of the categories enumerated 
in 8 CFR 1003.102. These categories do not constitute the exclusive 
grounds for which disciplinary sanctions may be imposed in the public 
interest. Nothing in this regulation should be read to denigrate the 
practitioner's duty to represent zealously his or her client within the 
bounds of the law.
    (c) Immediate suspension and summary disciplinary proceedings; duty 
of practitioner to notify DHS of conviction or discipline--(1) Immediate 
suspension proceedings. Immediate suspension proceedings will be 
conducted in accordance with the provisions set forth in 8 CFR 1003.103. 
DHS shall file a petition with the Board to suspend immediately

[[Page 827]]

from practice before DHS any practitioner who has been found guilty of, 
or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, a serious crime, as defined in 
8 CFR 1003.102(h), any practitioner who has been suspended or disbarred 
by, or while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending has 
resigned from, the highest court of any State, possession, territory, or 
Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or any 
Federal court; or who has been placed on an interim suspension pending a 
final resolution of the underlying disciplinary matter.
    (2) Copies and proof of service. A copy of the petition will be 
forwarded to EOIR, which may submit a written request to the Board that 
entry of any order immediately suspending a practitioner before DHS also 
apply to the practitioner's authority to practice before the Board and 
the Immigration Courts. Proof of service on the practitioner of EOIR's 
request to broaden the scope of any immediate suspension must be filed 
with the Board.
    (3) Summary disciplinary proceedings. Summary disciplinary 
proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions set 
forth in 8 CFR 1003.103. DHS shall promptly initiate summary 
disciplinary proceedings against any practitioner described in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section by the issuance of a Notice of Intent to 
Discipline, upon receipt of a certified copy of the order, judgment, 
and/or record evidencing the underlying criminal conviction, discipline, 
or resignation, and accompanied by a certified copy of such document. 
Delays in initiation of summary disciplinary proceedings under this 
section will not impact an immediate suspension imposed pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Any such proceeding will not be 
concluded until all direct appeals from an underlying criminal 
conviction have been completed.
    (4) Duty of practitioner to notify DHS of conviction or discipline. 
Within 30 days of the issuance of the initial order, even if an appeal 
of the conviction or discipline is pending, of any conviction or 
discipline for professional misconduct entered on or after July 27, 
2000, a practitioner must notify DHS disciplinary counsel if the 
practitioner has been: Found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo 
contendere to, a serious crime, as defined in 8 CFR 1003.102(h); 
suspended or disbarred by, or while a disciplinary investigation or 
proceeding is pending has resigned from, the highest court of any State, 
possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the 
District of Columbia, or any Federal court; or placed on an interim 
suspension pending a final resolution of the underlying disciplinary 
matter. Failure to notify DHS disciplinary counsel as required may 
result in immediate suspension as set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section.
    (d) Filing of complaints of misconduct occurring before DHS; 
preliminary inquiry; resolutions; referral of complaints--(1) Filing of 
complaints of misconduct occurring before DHS. Complaints of criminal, 
unethical, or unprofessional conduct, or of frivolous behavior by a 
practitioner before DHS must be filed with the DHS disciplinary counsel. 
Disciplinary complaints must be submitted in writing and must state in 
detail the information that supports the basis for the complaint, 
including, but not limited to, the names and addresses of the 
complainant and the practitioner, the date(s) of the conduct or 
behavior, the nature of the conduct or behavior, the individuals 
involved, the harm or damages sustained by the complainant, and any 
other relevant information. The DHS disciplinary counsel will notify 
EOIR disciplinary counsel of any disciplinary complaint that pertains, 
in whole or in part, to a matter before the Board or the Immigration 
Courts.
    (2) Preliminary inquiry. Upon receipt of a disciplinary complaint or 
on its own initiative, the DHS disciplinary counsel will initiate a 
preliminary inquiry. If a complaint is filed by a client or former 
client, the complainant thereby waives the attorney-client privilege and 
any other applicable privilege, to the extent necessary to conduct a 
preliminary inquiry and any subsequent proceeding based thereon. If the 
DHS disciplinary counsel determines that a complaint is without merit, 
no further action will be taken. The DHS disciplinary counsel may, in

[[Page 828]]

his or her discretion, close a preliminary inquiry if the complainant 
fails to comply with reasonable requests for assistance, information, or 
documentation. The complainant and the practitioner will be notified of 
any such determination in writing.
    (3) Resolutions reached prior to the issuance of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline. The DHS disciplinary counsel may, in his or her 
discretion, issue warning letters and admonitions, and may enter into 
agreements in lieu of discipline, prior to the issuance of a Notice of 
Intent to Discipline.
    (e) Notice of Intent to Discipline--(1) Issuance of Notice to 
Practitioner. If, upon completion of the preliminary inquiry, the DHS 
disciplinary counsel determines that sufficient prima facie evidence 
exists to warrant charging a practitioner with professional misconduct 
as set forth in 8 CFR 1003.102, it will file with the Board and issue to 
the practitioner who was the subject of the preliminary inquiry a Notice 
of Intent to Discipline. Service of this notice will be made upon the 
practitioner by either certified mail to his or her last known address, 
as defined in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, or by personal delivery. 
Such notice shall contain a statement of the charge(s), a copy of the 
preliminary inquiry report, the proposed disciplinary sanctions to be 
imposed, the procedure for filing an answer or requesting a hearing, and 
the mailing address and telephone number of the Board. In summary 
disciplinary proceedings brought pursuant to Sec.  292.3(c), a 
preliminary inquiry report is not required to be filed with the Notice 
of Intent to Discipline. Notice of Intent to Discipline proceedings will 
be conducted in accordance with the provisions set forth in 8 CFR 
1003.105 and 1003.106.
    (2) Practitioner's address. For the purposes of this section, the 
last known address of a practitioner is the practitioner's address as it 
appears in DHS records if the practitioner is actively representing an 
applicant or petitioner before DHS on the date the DHS disciplinary 
counsel issues the Notice of Intent to Discipline. If the practitioner 
does not have a matter pending before DHS on the date of the issuance of 
a Notice of Intent to Discipline, then the last known address for a 
practitioner will be as follows:
    (i) Attorneys in the United States: The attorney's address that is 
on record with a state jurisdiction that licensed the attorney to 
practice law.
    (ii) Accredited representatives: The address of a recognized 
organization with which the accredited representative is affiliated.
    (iii) Accredited officials: The address of the embassy of the 
foreign government that employs the accredited official.
    (iv) All other practitioners: The address for the practitioner that 
appears in DHS records for the application or petition proceeding in 
which the DHS official permitted the practitioner to appear.
    (3) Copy of Notice to EOIR; reciprocity of disciplinary sanctions. A 
copy of the Notice of Intent to Discipline shall be forwarded to the 
EOIR disciplinary counsel. Under Department of Justice regulations in 8 
CFR chapter V, the EOIR disciplinary counsel may submit a written 
request to the Board or the adjudicating official requesting that any 
discipline imposed upon a practitioner which restricts his or her 
authority to practice before DHS also apply to the practitioner's 
authority to practice before the Board and the Immigration Courts. Proof 
of service on the practitioner of any request to broaden the scope of 
the proposed discipline must be filed with the Board or the adjudicating 
official.
    (4) Answer. The practitioner shall file a written answer or a 
written request for a hearing to the Notice of Intent to Discipline in 
accordance with 8 CFR 1003.105. If a practitioner fails to file a timely 
answer, proceedings will be conducted according to 8 CFR 1003.105.
    (f) Right to be heard and disposition; decision; appeal; and 
reinstatement after expulsion or suspension. Upon the filing of an 
answer, the matter shall be heard, decided, and appeals filed according 
to the procedures set forth in 8 CFR 1003.106. Reinstatement proceedings 
after expulsion or suspension shall be conducted according to the 
procedures set forth in 8 CFR 1003.107.
    (g) Referral. In addition to, or in lieu of, initiating disciplinary 
proceedings

[[Page 829]]

against a practitioner, the DHS disciplinary counsel may notify any 
appropriate Federal and/or state disciplinary or regulatory authority of 
any complaint filed against a practitioner. Any final administrative 
decision imposing sanctions against a practitioner (other than a private 
censure) will be reported to any such disciplinary or regulatory 
authority in every jurisdiction where the disciplined practitioner is 
admitted or otherwise authorized to practice.
    (h) Confidentiality--(1) Complaints and preliminary inquiries. 
Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation or as authorized by 
this regulation, information concerning complaints or preliminary 
inquiries is confidential. A practitioner whose conduct is the subject 
of a complaint or preliminary inquiry, however, may waive 
confidentiality, except that the DHS disciplinary counsel may decline to 
permit a waiver of confidentiality if it is determined that an ongoing 
preliminary inquiry may be substantially prejudiced by a public 
disclosure before the filing of a Notice of Intent to Discipline.
    (i) Disclosure of information for the purpose of protecting the 
public. The DHS disciplinary counsel may disclose information concerning 
a complaint or preliminary inquiry for the protection of the public when 
the necessity for disclosing information outweighs the necessity for 
preserving confidentiality in circumstances including, but not limited 
to, the following:
    (A) A practitioner has caused, or is likely to cause, harm to 
client(s), the public, or the administration of justice, such that the 
public or specific individuals should be advised of the nature of the 
allegations. If disclosure of information is made pursuant to this 
paragraph, the DHS disciplinary counsel may define the scope of 
information disseminated and may limit the disclosure of information to 
specified individuals or entities;
    (B) A practitioner has committed criminal acts or is under 
investigation by law enforcement authorities;
    (C) A practitioner is under investigation by a disciplinary or 
regulatory authority, or has committed acts or made omissions that may 
reasonably result in investigation by such an authority;
    (D) A practitioner is the subject of multiple disciplinary 
complaints and the DHS disciplinary counsel has determined not to pursue 
all of the complaints. The DHS disciplinary counsel may inform 
complainants whose allegations have not been pursued of the status of 
any other preliminary inquiries or the manner in which any other 
complaint(s) against the practitioner have been resolved.
    (ii) Disclosure of information for the purpose of conducting a 
preliminary inquiry. The DHS disciplinary counsel may, in his or her 
discretion, disclose documents and information concerning complaints and 
preliminary inquiries to the following individuals or entities:
    (A) To witnesses or potential witnesses in conjunction with a 
complaint or preliminary inquiry;
    (B) To other governmental agencies responsible for the enforcement 
of civil or criminal laws;
    (C) To agencies and other jurisdictions responsible for conducting 
disciplinary investigations or proceedings;
    (D) To the complainant or a lawful designee; and
    (E) To the practitioner who is the subject of the complaint or 
preliminary inquiry or the practitioner's counsel of record.
    (2) Resolutions reached prior to the issuance of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline. Resolutions, such as warning letters, admonitions, and 
agreements in lieu of discipline, reached prior to the issuance of a 
Notice of Intent to Discipline, will remain confidential. However, such 
resolutions may become part of the public record if the practitioner 
becomes subject to a subsequent Notice of Intent to Discipline.
    (3) Notices of Intent to Discipline and action subsequent thereto. 
Notices of Intent to Discipline and any action that takes place 
subsequent to their issuance, except for the imposition of private 
censures, may be disclosed to the public, except that private censures 
may become part of the public record if introduced as evidence of a 
prior record of discipline in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding. 
Settlement agreements reached after the issuance of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline may be

[[Page 830]]

disclosed to the public upon final approval by the adjudicating official 
or the Board. Disciplinary hearings are open to the public, except as 
noted in 8 CFR 1003.106(a)(v).
    (i) Discipline of government attorneys. Complaints regarding the 
conduct or behavior of DHS attorneys shall be directed to the Office of 
the Inspector General, DHS. If disciplinary action is warranted, it will 
be administered pursuant to the Department's attorney discipline 
procedures.

[75 FR 5228, Feb. 2, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  292.4  Appearances.

    (a) Authority to appear and act. An appearance must be filed on the 
appropriate form as prescribed by DHS by the attorney or accredited 
representative appearing in each case. The form must be properly 
completed and signed by the petitioner, applicant, or respondent to 
authorize representation in order for the appearance to be recognized by 
DHS. The appearance will be recognized by the specific immigration 
component of DHS in which it was filed until the conclusion of the 
matter for which it was entered. This does not change the requirement 
that a new form must be filed with an appeal filed with the 
Administrative Appeals Office of USCIS. Substitution may be permitted 
upon the written withdrawal of the attorney or accredited representative 
of record or upon the filing of a new form by a new attorney or 
accredited representative. When an appearance is made by a person acting 
in a representative capacity, his or her personal appearance or 
signature will constitute a representation that under the provisions of 
this chapter he or she is authorized and qualified to appear as a 
representative as provided in 8 CFR 103.2(a)(3) and 292.1. Further proof 
of authority to act in a representative capacity may be required.
    (b) A party to a proceeding and his or her attorney or 
representative will be permitted to examine the record of proceeding in 
accordance with 6 CFR part 5.

[23 FR 2673, Apr. 23, 1958, as amended at 32 FR 9633, July 4, 1967; 52 
FR 2941, Jan. 29, 1987; 59 FR 1466, Jan. 11, 1994; 75 FR 5230, Feb. 2, 
2010; 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  292.5  Service upon and action by attorney or representative of record.

    (a) Representative capacity. Whenever a person is required by any of 
the provisions of this chapter to give or be given notice; to serve or 
be served with any paper other than a warrant of arrest or a subpoena; 
to make a motion; to file or submit an application or other document; or 
to perform or waive the performance of any act, such notice, service, 
motion, filing, submission, performance, or waiver shall be given by or 
to, served by or upon, made by, or requested of the attorney or 
representative of record, or the person himself if unrepresented.
    (b) Right to representation. Whenever an examination is provided for 
in this chapter, the person involved shall have the right to be 
represented by an attorney or representative who shall be permitted to 
examine or cross-examine such person and witnesses, to introduce 
evidence, to make objections which shall be stated succinctly and 
entered on the record, and to submit briefs. Provided, that nothing in 
this paragraph shall be construed to provide any applicant for admission 
in either primary or secondary inspection the right to representation, 
unless the applicant for admission has become the focus of a criminal 
investigation and has been taken into custody.

[37 FR 11471, June 8, 1972 and 45 FR 81733, Dec. 12, 1980; 46 FR 2025, 
Jan. 8, 1981; 58 FR 49911, Sept. 24, 1993]



Sec.  292.6  Interpretation.

    Interpretations of this part will be made by the Board of 
Immigration Appeals, subject to the provisions of 8 CFR part 1003.

[32 FR 9633, July 4, 1967, as amended at 75 FR 5230, Feb. 2, 2010]



PART 293_DEPOSIT OF AND INTEREST ON CASH RECEIVED TO SECURE IMMIGRATION BONDS--
Table of Contents



Sec.
293.1 Computation of interest.
293.2 Interest rate.
293.3 Simple interest table.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1363.

    Source: 36 FR 13677, July 23, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 831]]



Sec.  293.1  Computation of interest.

    The Secretary of the Treasury determines the rate at which an 
immigration bond secured by cash shall bear interest, consistent with 8 
CFR 293.2. Interest shall be computed from the deposit date to and 
including the refund date or breach date of the immigration bond. For 
purposes of this part, the deposit date shall be the date shown on the 
receipt for the cash received as security on an immigration bond. The 
refund date shall be the date upon which the interest is certified to 
the Treasury Department for payment. The breach date shall be the date 
the immigration bond was breached as shown on Form I-323--``Notice--
Immigration Bond Breached.'' In counting the number of days for which 
interest shall be computed, the day on which the cash was deposited 
shall not be counted; however, the refund date or the breach date shall 
be counted.

[80 FR 34242, June 16, 2015]



Sec.  293.2  Interest rate.

    Interest on cash deposited to secure immigration bonds will be at 
the rate as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, but in no case 
will exceed 3 per centum per annum or be less than zero. The rate will 
be published by Treasury on the Treasury Web site or through another 
mechanism.

[80 FR 34242, June 16, 2015]



Sec.  293.3  Time of payment.

    Interest shall be paid only at time of disposition of principal cash 
when the immigration bond has been cancelled or declared breached.

[80 FR 34242, June 16, 2015]



PART 299_IMMIGRATION FORMS--Table of Contents



Sec.
299.1 Prescribed forms.
299.2 Distribution of Service forms.
299.3 [Reserved]
299.4 Reproduction of Public Use Forms by public and private entities.
299.5 [Reserved]

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101 and note, 1103; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  299.1  Prescribed forms.

    A listing of USCIS, ICE, and CBP approved forms referenced in 
chapter I can be viewed on the Office of Management and Budget Web site 
at http://www.reginfo.gov. A listing of approved USCIS forms can also be 
viewed on its Internet Web site.

[76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  299.2  Distribution of Service forms.

    The distribution of official Immigration and Naturalization 
applications, petitions, and related forms is as follows:
    (a) Any officer or employee of the Service may issue official 
application or petition and related forms to the person for whose use 
the form is intended or to a person identified as a representative of 
the intended user in the quantity required for filing the application or 
petition and related forms.
    (b) A small quantity, twenty-five (25) copies, may be issued to 
organizations and practitioners who make written request to the Regional 
Commissioner for the geographic location of the requester if such forms 
have not been made available for purchase from the Superintendent of 
Documents, Washington, DC 20402.
    (c) Voluntary agencies (VOLAGS) participating in the Outreach 
Program of the Service who make written request to the Regional 
Commissioner for the geographic location of the requester may be 
furnished Service forms gratis in the volumes requested.

[43 FR 14304, Apr. 5, 1978, as amended at 45 FR 6777, Jan. 30, 1980; 45 
FR 21611, Apr. 2, 1980]



Sec.  299.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  299.4  Reproduction of Public Use Forms by public and private entities.

    (a) Duplication requirements. All forms required for applying for a 
specific benefit in compliance with the immigration and naturalization 
regulations, including those which have been made available for purchase 
by the Superintendent of Documents as listed in Sec.  299.3, may be 
printed or otherwise reproduced. Such reproduction must be by an 
appropriate duplicating process

[[Page 832]]

and at the expense of the public or private entity. Forms printed or 
reproduced by public or private entities shall be:
    (1) In black ink or dye that will not fade or ``feather'' within 20 
years, and
    (2) Conform to the officially printed forms currently in use with 
respect to:
    (i) Size,
    (ii) Wording and language,
    (iii) Arrangement, style and size of type, and
    (iv) Paper specifications (White, standard copier or typing paper).
    (b) Requirements for electronic generation. Public or private 
entities may electronically generate forms required for applying for a 
specific benefit, in compliance with the immigration and naturalization 
regulations, at their own expense. This includes forms that have been 
made available for purchase by the Superintendent of Documents, as 
listed in Sec.  299.3 provided that each form satisfies the following 
requirements:
    (1) An electronic reproduction must be complete, containing all 
questions which appear on the official form. The wording and punctuation 
of all data elements and identifying information must match exactly. No 
data elements may be added or deleted. The sequence and format for each 
item on the form must be replicated to mirror the authorized agency 
form. Each item must be printed on the same page in the same location. 
Likewise, multiple-part sets may be printed as single sheets provided 
that the destination of the carbon copy is clearly identified on the 
bottom of the form. An electronic reproduction of a multi page form does 
not need to match the head-to-head or head-to-foot printing 
configuration of the official form. In the case of the Form I-20 A-B/I-
20ID, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status--
For Academic and Language Students, private entities may generate this 
form in single-page format rather than double-sided format, provided 
that the student's name, school, and date of birth is printed in a 
shaded box on the top of page 4 of the form, using the same type size 
and font style as the body of the form.
    (2) The final form must match the design, format, and dimensions of 
the official form. All blocks must remain the same size and lines must 
remain the same length. No variations will be permissible.
    (c) The accuracy of electronically generated forms is the 
responsibility of the private entities. Changes to existing forms, as 
announced by the Service, must be promptly incorporated into the private 
entity software program application. Deviations from the aforementioned 
standards may result in the return or denial of the applicant's 
application/petition for a particular benefit.
    (d) Electronic printers that provide for near-letter-quality 
documents should be used to generate electronic forms. Dot matrix 
printers that are only capable of producing draft quality documents 
should not be used for form generation, but may be used for the entry of 
data in a preprinted form where appropriate.
    (e) Any form with poor print quality or other defect which renders 
it illegible, difficult to read, or displays added or missing data 
elements, will be rejected by the Service. Any problems regarding the 
acceptability of a specific electronic version of a particular Service 
form may be brought to the attention of the Director, Policy Directives 
and Instructions Branch, 425 ``I'' Street, NW., Room 4034, Washington, 
DC 20536, telephone number (202) 514-3048.

[59 FR 25558, May 17, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 47801, Sept. 11, 1996; 
65 FR 61260, Oct. 17, 2000]



Sec.  299.5  [Reserved]

[[Page 833]]



                  SUBCHAPTER C_NATIONALITY REGULATIONS





PART 301_NATIONALS AND CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES AT BIRTH--
Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1401; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 39927, July 25, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  301.1  Procedures.

    (a) Application. (1) As provided in 8 CFR part 341, a person 
residing in the United States who desires to be documented as a United 
States citizen pursuant to section 301(h) of the Act may apply for a 
passport at a United States passport agency or may submit an application 
on the form specified by USCIS in accordance with the form instructions 
and with the fee prescribed by 8 CFR 106.2. The applicant will be 
notified when and where to appear before a USCIS officer for examination 
on his or her application.
    (2) A person residing outside of the United States who desires to be 
documented as a United States citizen under section 301(h) of the Act 
shall make his or her claim at a United States embassy or consulate, in 
accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed in the Secretary 
of State.
    (b) Oath of allegiance; issuance of certificate. Upon determination 
by the district director that a person is a United States citizen 
pursuant to section 301(h) of the Act, the person shall take the oath of 
allegiance, prescribed in 8 CFR part 337, before an officer of the 
Service designated to administer the oath of allegiance within the 
United States, and a certificate of citizenship shall be issued. The 
person shall be considered a United States citizen as of the date of his 
or her birth.

[62 FR 39927, July 25, 1997, as amended at 74 FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46928, Aug. 3, 2020]



PART 306_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
VIRGIN ISLANDERS--Table of Contents



Sec.
306.1 Persons eligible.
306.2 United States citizenship; when acquired.
306.11 Preliminary application form; filing; examination.
306.12 Renunciation forms; disposition.

    Authority: Secs. 103, 306, 332, 66 Stat. 173, 237, 252; 8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1406, 1443.

    Source: 22 FR 9812, Dec. 6, 1957, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  306.1  Persons eligible.

    Any Danish citizen who resided in the Virgin Islands of the United 
States on January 17, 1917, and in those Islands, Puerto Rico, or the 
United States on February 25, 1927, and who had preserved his Danish 
citizenship by making the declaration prescribed by Article VI of the 
treaty entered into between the United States and Denmark on August 4, 
1916, and proclaimed January 25, 1917, may renounce his Danish 
citizenship before any court of record in the United States irrespective 
of his place of residence, in accordance with the provisions of this 
part.



Sec.  306.2  United States citizenship; when acquired.

    Immediately upon making the declaration of renunciation as described 
in Sec.  306.12 the declarant shall be deemed to be a citizen of the 
United States. No certificate of naturalization or of citizenship shall 
be issued by the clerk of court to any person obtaining, or who has 
obtained citizenship solely under section 306(a)(1) of the Immigration 
and Nationality Act or under section 1 of the act of February 25, 1927.



Sec.  306.11  Preliminary application form; filing; examination.

    A person of the class described in Sec.  306.1 shall submit to the 
Service on Form N-350 preliminary application to renounce Danish 
citizenship, in accordance with the instructions contained therein. The 
applicant shall be notified in writing when and where to appear

[[Page 834]]

before a representative of the Service for examination as to his 
eligibility to renounce Danish citizenship and for assistance in filing 
the renunciation.



Sec.  306.12  Renunciation forms; disposition.

    The renunciation shall be made and executed by the applicant under 
oath, in duplicate, on Form N-351 and filed in the office of the clerk 
of court. The usual procedural requirements of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act shall not apply to proceedings under this part. The fee 
shall be fixed by the court or the clerk thereof in accordance with the 
law and rules of the court, and no accounting therefor shall be required 
to be made to the Service. The clerk shall retain the original of Form 
N-351 as the court record and forward the duplicate to the district 
director exercising administrative naturalization jurisdiction over the 
area in which the court is located.



PART 310_NATURALIZATION AUTHORITY--Table of Contents



Sec.
310.1 Administrative naturalization authority.
310.2 Jurisdiction to accept applications for naturalization.
310.3 Administration of the oath of allegiance.
310.4 Judicial naturalization authority and withdrawal of petitions.
310.5 Judicial review.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1421, 1443, 1447, 1448; 8 CFR 2.

    Source: 56 FR 50480, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  310.1  Administrative naturalization authority.

    (a) Attorney General. Commencing October 1, 1991, section 310 of the 
Act confers the sole authority to naturalize persons as citizens of the 
United States upon the Attorney General.
    (b) Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. 
Pursuant to Sec.  2.1 of this chapter, the Commissioner of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service is authorized to perform such 
acts as are necessary and proper to implement the Attorney General's 
authority under the provisions of section 310 of the Act.



Sec.  310.2  Jurisdiction to accept applications for naturalization.

    USCIS shall accept an application for naturalization from an 
applicant who is subject to a continuous residence requirement under 
section 316(a) or 319(a) of the Act as much as three months before the 
date upon which the applicant would otherwise satisfy such continuous 
residence requirement in the State or Service district, as defined in 8 
CFR 316.1, where residence is to be established for naturalization 
purposes. At the time of examination on the application, the applicant 
will be required to prove that he or she satisfies the residence 
requirements for the residence reflected in the application.

[56 FR 50480, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  310.3  Administration of the oath of allegiance.

    (a) An applicant for naturalization may elect, at the time of filing 
of, or at the examination on, the application, to have the oath of 
allegiance and renunciation under section 337(a) of the Act administered 
in a public ceremony conducted by the Service or by any court described 
in section 310(b) of the Act, subject to section 310(b)(1)(B) of the 
Act.
    (b) The jurisdiction of all such courts specified to administer the 
oath of allegiance shall extend only to those persons who are resident 
within the respective jurisdictional limits of such courts, except as 
otherwise provided in section 316(f)(2) of the Act. Persons who 
temporarily reside within the jurisdictional limits of a court in order 
to pursue an application properly filed pursuant to section 319(b), 
328(a), or 329 of the Act or section 405 of the Immigration Act of 1990 
are not subject to the exclusive jurisdiction provisions of section 
310(b)(1)(B) of the Act.
    (c)(1) A court that wishes to exercise exclusive jurisdiction to 
administer the oath of allegiance for the 45-day period specified in 
section 310(b)(1)(B) of the Act shall notify, in writing, the district 
director of the Service office having jurisdiction over the place in 
which the court is located, of the

[[Page 835]]

court's intent to exercise such exclusive jurisdiction.
    (2) At least 60 days prior to the holding of any oath administration 
ceremony referred to in Sec.  337.8 of this chapter, the clerk of court 
shall give written notice to the appropriate district director of the 
time, date, and place of such ceremony and of the number of persons who 
may be accommodated.
    (d) A court that has notified the Service pursuant to paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section shall have exclusive authority to administer the 
oath of allegiance to persons residing within its jurisdiction for a 
period of 45 days beginning on the date that the Service notifies the 
clerk of court of the applicant's eligibility for naturalization. Such 
exclusive authority shall be effective only if on the date the Service 
notifies the clerk of court of the applicant's eligibility, the court 
has notified the Service of the day or days during such 45-day period on 
which the court has scheduled oath administration ceremonies available 
to the applicant. The Service must submit the notification of the 
applicant's eligibility to the clerk of court within 10 days of the 
approval of the application pursuant to Sec.  337.8 of this chapter.
    (e) Waiver of exclusive authority. A court exercising exclusive 
authority to administer the oath of allegiance pursuant to paragraph (c) 
of this section may waive such exclusive authority when it is determined 
by the court that the Service failed to notify the court within a 
reasonable time prior to a scheduled oath ceremony of the applicant's 
eligibility such that it is impractical for the applicant to appear at 
that ceremony. The court shall notify the district director in writing 
of the waiver of exclusive authority as it relates to a specific 
applicant, and the Service shall promptly notify the applicant. The 
Service shall then arrange for the administration of the oath of 
allegiance pursuant to Sec.  337.2 of this chapter.

[58 FR 49911, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001]



Sec.  310.4  Judicial naturalization authority and withdrawal of petitions.

    (a) Jurisdiction. No court shall have jurisdiction under section 
310(a) of the Act, to naturalize a person unless a petition for 
naturalization with respect to that person was filed with the 
naturalization court before October 1, 1991.
    (b) Withdrawal of petitions. (1) In the case of any petition for 
naturalization which was pending in any court as of November 29, 1990, 
the petitioner may elect to withdraw such petition, and have the 
application for naturalization considered under the administrative 
naturalization process. Such petition must be withdrawn after October 1, 
1991, but not later than December 31, 1991.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the 
petitioner shall not be permitted to withdraw his or her petition for 
naturalization, unless the Attorney General consents to the withdrawal.
    (c) Judicial proceedings. (1) All pending petitions not withdrawn in 
the manner and terms described in paragraph (b) of this section, shall 
be decided, on the merits, by the naturalization court, in conformity 
with the applicable provisions of the judicial naturalization authority 
of the prior statute. The reviewing court shall enter a final order.
    (2) In cases where the petitioner fails to prosecute his or her 
petition, the court shall decide the petition upon its merits unless the 
Attorney General moves that the petition be dismissed for lack of 
prosecution.



Sec.  310.5  Judicial review.

    (a) After 120 days following examination. An applicant for 
naturalization may seek judicial review of a pending application for 
naturalization in those instances where the Service fails to make a 
determination under section 335 of the Act within 120 days after an 
examination is conducted under part 335 of this chapter. An applicant 
shall make a proper application for relief to the United States District 
Court having jurisdiction over the district in which the applicant 
resides. The court may either determine the issues brought before it on 
their merits, or remand the matter to the Service with appropriate 
instructions.

[[Page 836]]

    (b) After denial of an application. After an application for 
naturalization is denied following a hearing before a Service officer 
pursuant to section 336(a) of the Act, the applicant may seek judicial 
review of the decision pursuant to section 310 of the Act.



PART 312_EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURALIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
312.1 Literacy requirements.
312.2 Knowledge of history and government of the United States.
312.3 Testing of applicants who obtained permanent residence pursuant to 
          section 245A of the Act.
312.4 Selection of interpreter.
312.5 Failure to meet educational and literacy requirements.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1423, 1443, 1447, 1448.

    Source: 56 FR 50481, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  312.1  Literacy requirements.

    (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, no person shall be naturalized as a citizen of the United 
States upon his or her own application unless that person can 
demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an 
ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage in the English 
language.
    (b) Exceptions. The following persons need not demonstrate an 
ability to read, write and speak words in ordinary usage in the English 
language:
    (1) A person who, on the date of filing of his or her application 
for naturalization, is over 50 years of age and has been living in the 
United States for periods totalling at least 20 years subsequent to a 
lawful admission for permanent residence;
    (2) A person who, on the date of filing his or her application for 
naturalization, is over 55 years of age and has been living in the 
United States for periods totalling at least 15 years subsequent to a 
lawful admission for permanent residence; or
    (3) The requirements of paragraph(a) of this section shall not apply 
to any person who is unable, because of a medically determinable 
physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments which has 
lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, to demonstrate an 
understanding of the English language as noted in paragraph (a) of this 
section. The loss of any cognitive abilities based on the direct effects 
of the illegal use of drugs will not be considered in determining 
whether a person is unable to demonstrate an understanding of the 
English language. For purposes of this paragraph, the term medically 
determinable means an impairment that results from anatomical, 
physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by 
medically acceptable clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques to 
have resulted in functioning so impaired as to render an individual 
unable to demonstrate an understanding of the English language as 
required by this section, or that renders the individual unable to 
fulfill the requirements for English proficiency, even with reasonable 
modifications to the methods of determining English proficiency, as 
outlined in paragraph(c) of this section.
    (c) Literacy examination--(1) Verbal skills. The ability of an 
applicant to speak English will be determined by a designated 
immigration officer from the applicant's answers to questions normally 
asked in the course of the examination.
    (2) Reading and writing skills. Except as noted in 8 CFR 312.3, an 
applicant's ability to read and write English must be tested in a manner 
prescribed by USCIS. USCIS will provide a description of test study 
materials and testing procedures on the USCIS Internet Web site.

[56 FR 50481, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 62 FR 12923, Mar. 19, 1997; 62 
FR 15751, Apr. 2, 1997; 64 FR 7993, Feb. 18, 1999; 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 
2011]



Sec.  312.2  Knowledge of history and government of the United States.

    (a) General. No person shall be naturalized as a citizen of the 
United States upon his or her own application unless that person can 
demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the 
history, and of the principles and form of government, of

[[Page 837]]

the United States. A person who is exempt from the literacy requirement 
under Sec.  312.1(b) (1) and (2) must still satisfy this requirement.
    (b) Exceptions. (1) The requirements of paragraph (a) of this 
section shall not apply to any person who is unable to demonstrate a 
knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of 
the principles and form of government of the United States because of a 
medically determinable physical or mental impairment, that already has 
or is expected to last at least 12 months. The loss of any cognitive 
skills based on the direct effects of the illegal use of drugs will not 
be considered in determining whether an individual may be exempted. For 
the purposes of this paragraph the term medically determinable means an 
impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological 
abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical or 
laboratory diagnosis techniques to have resulted in functioning so 
impaired as to render an individual to be unable to demonstrate the 
knowledge required by this section or that renders the individuals 
unable to participate in the testing procedures for naturalization, even 
with reasonable modifications.
    (2) Medical certification. All persons applying for naturalization 
and seeking an exception from the requirements of Sec.  312.1(a) and 
paragraph (a) of this section based on the disability exceptions must 
submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, to 
be completed by a medical or osteopathic doctor licensed to practice 
medicine in the United States or a clinical psychologist licensed to 
practice psychology in the United States (including the United States 
territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands). Form N-648 
must be submitted as an attachment to the applicant's Form N-400, 
Application for Naturalization. These medical professionals shall be 
experienced in diagnosing those with physical or mental medically 
determinable impairments and shall be able to attest to the origin, 
nature, and extent of the medical condition as it relates to the 
disability exceptions noted under Sec.  312.1(b)(3) and paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section. In addition, the medical professionals making the 
disability determination must sign a statement on the Form N-648 that 
they have answered all the questions in a complete and truthful manner, 
that they (and the applicant) agree to the release of all medical 
records relating to the applicant that may be requested by the Service 
and that they attest that any knowingly false or misleading statements 
may subject the medical professional to the penalties for perjury 
pursuant to title 18, United Stated Code, Section 1546 and to civil 
penalties under section 274C of the Act. The Service also reserves the 
right to refer the applicant to another authorized medical source for a 
supplemental disability determination. This option shall be invoked when 
the Service has credible doubts about the veracity of a medical 
certification that has been presented by the applicant. An affidavit or 
attestation by the applicant, his or her relatives, or guardian on his 
or her medical condition is not a sufficient medical attestation for 
purposes of satisfying this requirement.
    (c) History and government examination--(1) Procedure. The 
examination of an applicant's knowledge of the history and form of 
government of the United States must be given orally in English by a 
designated immigration officer, except:
    (i) If the applicant is exempt from the English literacy requirement 
under 8 CFR 312.1(b), the examination may be conducted in the 
applicant's native language with the assistance of an interpreter 
selected in accordance with 8 CFR 312.4 but only if the applicant's 
command of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination 
in English;
    (ii) The examination may be conducted in the applicant's native 
language, with the assistance of an interpreter selected in accordance 
with 8 CFR 312.4, if the applicant is required to satisfy and has 
satisfied the English literacy requirement under 8 CFR 312.1(a), but the 
officer conducting the examination determines that an inaccurate or 
incomplete record of the examination would result if the examination on 
technical or complex issues were conducted in English, or

[[Page 838]]

    (iii) The applicant has met the requirements of 8 CFR 312.3.
    (2) Scope and substance. The scope of the examination will be 
limited to subject matters prescribed by USCIS. In choosing the subject 
matters, in phrasing questions and in evaluating responses, due 
consideration must be given to the applicant's:
    (i) Education,
    (ii) Background,
    (iii) Age,
    (iv) Length of residence in the United States,
    (v) Opportunities available and efforts made to acquire the 
requisite knowledge, and
    (vi) Any other elements or factors relevant to an appraisal of the 
adequacy of the applicant's knowledge and understanding.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1115-0208)

[56 FR 50481, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49912, Sept. 24, 1993; 
62 FR 12923, Mar. 19, 1997; 62 FR 15751, Apr. 2, 1997; 64 FR 7993, Feb. 
18, 1999; 76 FR 53797, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  312.3  Testing of applicants who obtained permanent residence 
pursuant to section 245A of the Act.

    An applicant who has obtained lawful permanent resident alien status 
pursuant to section 245A of the Act, and who, at that time, demonstrated 
English language proficiency in reading and writing, and knowledge of 
the government and history of the United States through either an 
examination administered by USCIS or the INS or a standardized section 
312 test authorized by the USCIS or the INS for use with Legalization 
applicants as provided in section 245A(b)(1)(D)(iii) of the Act, will 
not be reexamined on those skills at the time of the naturalization 
interview. However, such applicant, unless otherwise exempt, must still 
demonstrate his or her ability to speak and understand English in 
accordance with 8 CFR 312.1(c)(1) and establish eligibility for 
naturalization through testimony in the English language.

[76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  312.4  Selection of interpreter.

    An interpreter to be used under Sec.  312.2 may be selected either 
by the applicant or by the Service. However, the Service reserves the 
right to disqualify an interpreter provided by the applicant in order to 
ensure the integrity of the examination. Where the Service disqualifies 
an interpreter, the Service must provide another interpreter for the 
applicant in a timely manner. If rescheduling of the interview is 
required, then a new date shall be set as soon as practicable so as not 
to delay unduly the adjudication of the application. The officer who 
disqualifies an interpreter shall make a written record of the reason(s) 
for disqualification as part of the record of the application.

[60 FR 6651, Feb. 3, 1995]



Sec.  312.5  Failure to meet educational and literacy requirements.

    (a) An applicant for naturalization who fails the English literacy 
or history and government test at the first examination will be afforded 
a second opportunity to pass the test(s) within 90 days after the first 
examination during the pendency of the application.
    (b) If an applicant who receives notice of the second scheduled 
examination date fails to appear without good cause for that second 
examination without prior notification to the Service, the applicant 
will be deemed to have failed this second examination. Before an 
applicant may request a postponement of the second examination to a date 
that is more than 90 days after the initial examination, the applicant 
must agree in writing to waive the requirement under section 336 of the 
Act that the Service must render a determination on the application 
within 120 days from the initial interview, and instead to permit the 
Service to render a decision within 120 days from the second interview.

[56 FR 50481, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49912, Sept. 24, 1993]



PART 313_MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMUNIST PARTY OR ANY OTHER 
TOTALITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
313.1 Definitions.
313.2 Prohibitions.
313.3 Statutory exemptions.
313.4 Procedure.


[[Page 839]]


    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1424, 1443.

    Source: 56 FR 50482, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  313.1  Definitions.

    For purposes of this part:
    Advocate includes, but is not limited to, advising, recommending, 
furthering by overt act, or admitting a belief in a doctrine, and may 
include the giving, lending, or promising of support or of money or any 
thing of value to be used for advocating such doctrine.
    Advocating Communism means advocating the establishment of a 
totalitarian communist dictatorship, including the economic, 
international, and governmental doctrines of world communism, in all 
countries of the world through the medium of an internationally 
coordinated communist revolutionary movement.
    Affiliation with an organization includes, but is not limited to, 
the giving, lending, or promising of support or of money or any thing of 
value, to that organization to be used for any purpose.
    Circulate includes circulating, distributing, or displaying a work.
    Communist Party includes:
    (1) The Communist Party of the United States;
    (2) The Communist Political Association;
    (3) The Communist Party of any state of the United States, of any 
foreign state, or of any political or geographical subdivision of any 
foreign state;
    (4) Any section, subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or subdivision of 
any such association or party;
    (5) The direct predecessors or successors of any such association or 
party, regardless of what name such group or organization may have used, 
may now bear, or may hereafter adopt; and
    (6) Any communist-action or communist-front organization that is 
registered or required to be registered under section 786 of title 50 of 
the United States Code, provided that the applicant knew or had reason 
to believe, while he or she was a member, that such organization was a 
communist-front organization.
    Organization includes, but is not limited to, an organization, 
corporation, company, partnership, association, trust, foundation, or 
fund, and any group of persons, whether incorporated or not, permanently 
or temporarily associated together for joint action on any subject or 
subjects.
    Publication or publishing of a work includes writing or printing a 
work; permitting, authorizing, or consenting to the writing or printing 
of a work; and paying for the writing or printing of a work.
    Subversive is any individual who advocates or teaches:
    (1) Opposition to all organized government;
    (2) The overthrow, by force or violence or other unconstitutional 
means, of the Government of the United States or of all forms of law;
    (3) The duty, necessity, or propriety of the unlawful assaulting or 
killing, either individually or by position, of any officer or officers 
of the United States or of any other organized government, because of 
his, her, or their official character;
    (4) The unlawful damage, injury, or destruction of property; or
    (5) Sabotage.
    Totalitarian dictatorship and totalitarianism refer to systems of 
government not representative in fact and characterized by:
    (1) The existence of a single political party, organized on a 
dictatorial basis, with so close an identity between the policies of 
such party and the government policies of the country in which the party 
exists that the government and the party constitute an indistinguishable 
unit; and
    (2) The forcible suppression of all opposition to such a party.
    Totalitarian party includes:
    (1) Any party in the United States which advocates totalitarianism;
    (2) Any party in any State of the United States, in any foreign 
state, or in any political or geographical subdivision of any foreign 
state which advocates or practices totalitarianism;
    (3) Any section, subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or subdivision of 
any such association or party; and
    (4) The direct predecessors or successors of any such association or 
party, regardless of what name such group or

[[Page 840]]

organization may have used, may now bear, or may hereafter adopt.

[56 FR 50482, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49912, Sept. 24, 1993]



Sec.  313.2  Prohibitions.

    Except as provided in Sec.  313.3, no applicant for naturalization 
shall be naturalized as a citizen of the United States if, within ten 
years immediately preceding the filing of an application for 
naturalization or after such filing but before taking the oath of 
citizenship, such applicant:
    (a) Is or has been a member of or affiliated with the Communist 
Party or any other totalitarian party; or
    (b) Is or has advocated communism or the establishment in the United 
States of a totalitarian dictatorship; or
    (c) Is or has been a member of or affiliated with an organization 
that advocates communism or the establishment in the United States of a 
totalitarian dictatorship, either through its own utterance or through 
any written or printed matter published by such organization; or
    (d) Is or has been a subversive, or a member of, or affiliated with, 
a subversive organization; or
    (e) Knowingly is publishing or has published any subversive written 
or printed matter, or written or printed matter advocating communism; or
    (f) Knowingly circulates or has circulated, or knowingly possesses 
or has possessed for the purpose of circulating, subversive written or 
printed matter, or written or printed matter advocating communism; or
    (g) Is or has been a member of, or affiliated with, any organization 
that publishes or circulates, or that possesses for the purpose of 
publishing or circulating, any subversive written or printed matter, or 
any written or printed matter advocating communism.



Sec.  313.3  Statutory exemptions.

    (a) General. An applicant shall bear the burden of establishing that 
classification in one of the categories listed under Sec.  313.2 is not 
a bar to naturalization.
    (b) Exemptions. Despite membership in or affiliation with an 
organization covered by Sec.  313.2, an applicant may be naturalized if 
the applicant establishes that such membership or affiliation is or was:
    (1) Involuntary:
    (2) Without awareness of the nature or the aims of the organization, 
and was discontinued if the applicant became aware of the nature or aims 
of the organization;
    (3) Terminated prior to the attainment of age sixteen by the 
applicant, or more than ten years prior to the filing of the application 
for naturalization;
    (4) By operation of law; or
    (5) Necessary for purposes of obtaining employment, food rations, or 
other essentials of living.
    (c) Awareness and participation--(1) Exemption applicable. The 
exemption under paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be found to apply 
only to an applicant whose participation in the activities of an 
organization covered under Sec.  313.2 was minimal in nature, and who 
establishes that he or she was unaware of the nature of the organization 
while a member of the organization.
    (2) Exemptions inapplicable. The exemptions under paragraphs (b)(4) 
and (b)(5) of this section will not apply to any applicant who served as 
a functionary of an organization covered under Sec.  313.2, or who was 
aware of and believed in the organization's doctrines.
    (d) Essentials of living--(1) Exemption applicable. The exemption 
under paragraph (b)(5) of this section may be found to apply only to an 
applicant who can demonstrate:
    (i) That membership in the covered organization was necessary to 
obtain the essentials of living like food, shelter, clothing, 
employment, and an education, which were routinely available to the rest 
of the population--for purposes of this exemption, higher education will 
qualify as an essential of living only if the applicant can establish 
the existence of special circumstances which convert the need for higher 
education into a need as basic as the need for food or employment: and,
    (ii) That he or she participated only to the minimal extent 
necessary to receive the essential of living.

[[Page 841]]

    (2) Exemption inapplicable. The exemption under paragraph (b)(5) of 
this section will not be applicable to an applicant who became a member 
of an organization covered under 313.2 to receive certain benefits:
    (i) Without compulsion from the governing body of the relevant 
country; or
    (ii) Which did not qualify as essentials of living.



Sec.  313.4  Procedure.

    In all cases in which the applicant claims membership or affiliation 
in any of the organizations covered by Sec.  313.2, the applicant shall 
attach to the application a detailed written statement describing such 
membership or affiliation, including the periods of membership or 
affiliation, whether the applicant held any office in the organization, 
and whether membership or affiliation was voluntary or involuntary. If 
the applicant alleges that membership or affiliation was involuntary, or 
that one of the other exemptions in Sec.  313.3 applies, the applicant's 
statement shall set forth the basis of that allegation.



PART 315_PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO CITIZENSHIP: EXEMPTION FROM MILITARY SERVICE--
Table of Contents



Sec.
315.1 Definitions.
315.2 Ineligibility and exceptions.
315.3 Evidence.
315.4 Exemption treaties.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443.

    Source: 56 FR 50483, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  315.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Exemption from military service means either:
    (1) A permanent exemption from induction into the Armed Forces or 
the National Security Training Corps of the United States for military 
training or military service; or
    (2) The release or discharge from military training or military 
service in the Armed Forces or in the National Security Training Corps 
of the United States.
    Induction means compulsory entrance into military service of the 
United States whether by conscription or, after being notified of a 
pending conscription, by enlistment.
    Treaty national means an alien who is a national of a country with 
which the United States has a treaty relating to the reciprocal 
exemption of aliens from military training or military service.



Sec.  315.2  Ineligibility and exceptions.

    (a) Ineligibility. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, any alien who has requested, applied for, and obtained an 
exemption from military service on the ground that he or she is an alien 
shall be ineligible for approval of his or her application for 
naturalization as a citizen of the United States.
    (b) Exceptions. The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section 
does not apply to an alien who establishes by clear and convincing 
evidence that:
    (1) At the time that he or she requested an exemption from military 
service, the applicant had no liability for such service even in the 
absence of an exemption;
    (2) The applicant did not request or apply for the exemption from 
military service, but such exemption was automatically granted by the 
United States government;
    (3) The exemption from military service was based upon a ground 
other than the applicant's alienage;
    (4) In claiming an exemption from military service, the applicant 
did not knowingly and intentionally waive his or her eligibility for 
naturalization because he or she was misled by advice from a competent 
United States government authority, or from a competent authority of the 
government of his or her country of nationality, of the consequences of 
applying for an exemption from military service and was, therefore, 
unable to make an intelligent choice between exemption and citizenship;
    (5) The applicant applied for and received an exemption from 
military service on the basis of alienage, but was subsequently inducted 
into the Armed Forces, or the National Security Training Corps, of the 
United States; however, an applicant who voluntarily enlists in and 
serves in the Armed Forces of the United States,

[[Page 842]]

after applying for and receiving an exemption from military service on 
the basis of alienage, does not satisfy this exception to paragraph (a) 
of this section;
    (6) Prior to requesting the exemption from military service:
    (i) The applicant was a treaty national who had served in the armed 
forces of the country of which he or she was a national; however, a 
treaty national who did not serve in the armed forces of the country of 
nationality prior to requesting the exemption from military service does 
not satisfy this exception to paragraph (a) of this section;
    (ii) The applicant served a minimum of eighteen months in the armed 
forces of a nation that was a member of the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization at the time of the applicant's service; or
    (iii) The applicant served a minimum of twelve months in the armed 
forces of a nation that was a member of the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization at the time of the applicant's service, provided that the 
applicant applied for registration with the Selective Service 
Administration after September 28, 1971; or
    (7) The applicant is applying for naturalization pursuant to section 
329 of the Act.



Sec.  315.3  Evidence.

    (a) The records of the Selective Service System and the military 
department under which the alien served shall be conclusive evidence of 
whether the alien was relieved or discharged from liability for military 
service because he or she was an alien.
    (b) The regulations of the Selective Service Administration and its 
predecessors will be controlling with respect to the requirement to 
register for, and liability for, service in the Armed Forces of the 
United States.



Sec.  315.4  Exemption treaties.

    (a) The following countries currently have effective treaties 
providing reciprocal exemption of aliens from military service:

Argentina (Art. X, 10 Stat. 1005, 1009, effective 1853)
Austria (Art. VI, 47 Stat. 1876, 1880, effective 1928)
China (Art. XIV, 63 Stat. 1299, 1311, effective 1946)
Costa Rica (Art. IX, 10 Stat. 916, 921, effective 1851)
Estonia (Art. VI, 44 Stat. 2379, 2381, effective 1925)
Honduras (Art. VI, 45 Stat. 2618, 2622, effective 1927)
Ireland (Art. III, 1 US 785, 789, effective 1950)
Italy (Art. XIII, 63 Stat. 2255, 2272, effective 1948)
Latvia (Art. VI, 45 Stat. 2641, 2643, effective 1928)
Liberia (Art. VI, 54 Stat. 1739, 1742, effective 1938)
Norway (Art. VI, 47 Stat. 2135, 2139, effective 1928)
Paraguay (Art. XI, 12 Stat. 1091, 1096, effective 1859)
Spain (Art. V, 33 Stat. 2105, 2108, effective 1902)
Switzerland (Art. II, 11 Stat. 587, 589, effective 1850)
Yugoslavia (Serbia) (Art. IV, 22 Stat. 963, 964, effective 1881)

    (b) The following countries previously had treaties providing for 
reciprocal exemption of aliens from military service:

El Salvador (Art. VI, 46 Stat. 2817, 2821, effective 1926 to February 8, 
1958)
Germany (Art. VI, 44 Stat. 2132, 2136, effective 1923 to June 2, 1954)
Hungary (Art. VI, 44 Stat, 2441, 2445, effective 1925 to July 5, 1952)
Thailand (Siam) (Art. 1, 53 Stat. 1731, 1732, effective 1937 to June 8, 
1968)



PART 316_GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURALIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
316.1 Definitions.
316.2 Eligibility.
316.3 [Reserved]
316.4 Application; documents.
316.5 Residence in the United States.
316.6 Physical presence for certain spouses of military personnel.
316.7-316.9 [Reserved]
316.10 Good moral character.
316.11 Attachment to the Constitution; favorable disposition towards the 
          good order and happiness.
316.12 Applicant's legal incompetency during statutory period.
316.13 [Reserved]
316.14 Adjudication--examination, grant, denial.
316.15-316.19 [Reserved]
316.20 American institutions of research, public international 
          organizations, and designations under the International 
          Immunities Act.


[[Page 843]]


    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1181, 1182, 1443, 1447; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 56 FR 50484, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  316.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part, the term:
    Application means any form, as defined in 8 CFR part 1, on which an 
applicant requests a benefit relating to naturalization.
    Residence in the Service district where the application is filed 
means residence in the geographical area over which a particular local 
field office of USCIS ordinarily has jurisdiction for purposes of 
naturalization, regardless of where or how USCIS may require such 
benefit request to be submitted, or whether jurisdiction for the purpose 
of adjudication is relocated or internally reassigned to another USCIS 
office.
    Service district means the geographical area over which a particular 
local field office of USCIS ordinarily has jurisdiction for purposes of 
naturalization.

[76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  316.2  Eligibility.

    (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, to be 
eligible for naturalization, an alien must establish that he or she:
    (1) Is at least 18 years of age;
    (2) Has been lawfully admitted as a permanent resident of the United 
States;
    (3) Has resided continuously within the United States, as defined 
under Sec.  316.5, for a period of at least five years after having been 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
    (4) Has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 
months of the five years preceding the date of filing the application;
    (5) Immediately preceding the filing of an application, or 
immediately preceding the examination on the application if the 
application was filed early pursuant to section 334(a) of the Act and 
the three month period falls within the required period of residence 
under section 316(a) or 319(a) of the Act, has resided, as defined under 
Sec.  316.5, for at least three months in a State or Service district 
having jurisdiction over the applicant's actual place of residence;
    (6) Has resided continuously within the United States from the date 
of application for naturalization up to the time of admission to 
citizenship;
    (7) For all relevant time periods under this paragraph, has been and 
continues to be a person of good moral character, attached to the 
principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably 
disposed toward the good order and happiness of the United States; and
    (8) Is not a person described in Section 314 of the Act relating to 
deserters of the United States Armed Forces or those persons who 
departed from the United States to evade military service in the United 
States Armed Forces.
    (b) Burden of proof. The applicant shall bear the burden of 
establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she meets all 
of the requirements for naturalization, including that the applicant was 
lawfully admitted as a permanent resident to the United States, in 
accordance with the immigration laws in effect at the time of the 
applicant's initial entry or any subsequent reentry.

[56 FR 50484, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49912, Sept. 24, 1993; 
60 FR 6651, Feb. 3, 1995; 76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  316.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  316.4  Application; documents.

    (a) The applicant will apply for naturalization in accordance with 
instructions provided on the form prescribed by USCIS for that purpose.
    (b) At the time of the examination on the application for 
naturalization, the applicant may be required to establish the status of 
lawful permanent resident by submitting the original evidence, issued by 
the Service, of lawful permanent residence in the United States. The 
applicant may be also required to submit any passports, or any other 
documents that have been used to enter the United States at any time 
after the original admission for permanent residence.

[56 FR 50484, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 48780, Sept. 20, 1993; 
63 FR 12987, Mar. 17, 1998; 63 FR 70316, Dec. 21, 1998; 76 FR 53798, 
Aug. 29, 2011]

[[Page 844]]



Sec.  316.5  Residence in the United States.

    (a) General. Unless otherwise specified, for purposes of this 
chapter, including Sec.  316.2 (a)(3), (a)(5), and (a)(6), an alien's 
residence is the same as that alien's domicile, or principal actual 
dwelling place, without regard to the alien's intent, and the duration 
of an alien's residence in a particular location is measured from the 
moment the alien first establishes residence in that location.
    (b) Residences in specific cases--(1) Military personnel. For 
applicants who are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States but 
who do not qualify for naturalization under part 328 of this chapter, 
the applicant's residence shall be:
    (i) The State or Service District where the applicant is physically 
present for at least three months, immediately preceding the filing of 
an application for naturalization, or immediately preceding the 
examination on the application if the application was filed early 
pursuant to section 334(a) of the Act and the three month period falls 
within the required period of residence under section 316(a) or 319(a) 
of the Act;
    (ii) The location of the residence of the applicant's spouse and/or 
minor child(ren); or
    (iii) The applicant's home of record as declared to the Armed Forces 
at the time of enlistment and as currently reflected in the applicant's 
military personnel file.
    (2) Students. An applicant who is attending an educational 
institution in a State or Service District other than the applicant's 
home residence may apply for naturalization:
    (i) Where that institution is located; or
    (ii) In the State of the applicant's home residence if the applicant 
can establish that he or she is financially dependent upon his or her 
parents at the time that the application is filed and during the 
naturalization process.
    (3) Commuter aliens. An applicant who is a commuter alien, as 
described in Sec.  211.5 of this chapter, must establish a principal 
dwelling place in the United States with the intention of permanently 
residing there, and must thereafter acquire the requisite period of 
residence before eligibility for naturalization may be established. 
Accordingly, a commuter resident alien may not apply for naturalization 
until he or she has actually taken up permanent residence in the United 
States and until such residence has continued for the required statutory 
period. Such an applicant bears the burden of providing evidence to that 
effect.
    (4) Residence in multiple states. If an applicant claims residence 
in more than one State, the residence for purposes of this part shall be 
determined by reference to the location from which the annual federal 
income tax returns have been and are being filed.
    (5) Residence during absences of less than one year. (i) An 
applicant's residence during any absence of less than one year shall 
continue to be the State or Service district where the applicant last 
resided at the time of the applicant's departure abroad.
    (ii) Return to the United States. If, upon returning to the United 
States, an applicant returns to the State or Service district where the 
applicant last resided, the applicant will have complied with the 
continuous residence requirement specified in Sec.  316.2(a)(5) when at 
least three months have elapsed, including any part of the applicant's 
absence, from the date on which the applicant first established that 
residence. If the applicant establishes residence in a State or Service 
district other than the one in which he or she last resided, the 
applicant must complete three months at that new residence to be 
eligible for naturalization.
    (6) Spouse of military personnel. Pursuant to section 319(e) of the 
Act, any period of time the spouse of a United States citizen resides 
abroad will be treated as residence in any State or district of the 
United States for purposes of naturalization under section 316(a) or 
319(a) of the Act if, during the period of time abroad, the applicant 
establishes that he or she was:
    (i) The spouse of a member of the Armed Forces;
    (ii) Authorized to accompany and reside abroad with that member of 
the Armed Forces pursuant to the member's official orders; and
    (iii) Accompanying and residing abroad with that member of the Armed

[[Page 845]]

Forces in marital union in accordance with 8 CFR 319.1(b).
    (c) Disruption of continuity of residence--(1) Absence from the 
United States--(i) For continuous periods of between six (6) months and 
one (1) year. Absences from the United States for continuous periods of 
between six (6) months and one (1) year during the periods for which 
continuous residence is required under Sec.  316.2 (a)(3) and (a)(6) 
shall disrupt the continuity of such residence for purposes of this part 
unless the applicant can establish otherwise to the satisfaction of the 
Service. This finding remains valid even if the applicant did not apply 
for or otherwise request a nonresident classification for tax purposes, 
did not document an abandonment of lawful permanent resident status, and 
is still considered a lawful permanent resident under immigration laws. 
The types of documentation which may establish that the applicant did 
not disrupt the continuity of his or her residence in the United States 
during an extended absence include, but are not limited to, evidence 
that during the absence:
    (A) The applicant did not terminate his or her employment in the 
United States;
    (B) The applicant's immediate family remained in the United States;
    (C) The applicant retained full access to his or her United States 
abode; or
    (D) The applicant did not obtain employment while abroad.
    (ii) For period in excess of one (1) year. Unless an applicant 
applies for benefits in accordance with Sec.  316.5(d), absences from 
the United States for a continuous period of one (1) year or more during 
the period for which continuous residence is required under Sec.  316.2 
(a)(3) and (a)(5) shall disrupt the continuity of the applicant's 
residence. An applicant described in this paragraph who must satisfy a 
five-year statutory residence period may file an application for 
naturalization four years and one day following the date of the 
applicant's return to the United States to resume permanent residence. 
An applicant described in this paragraph who must satisfy a three-year 
statutory residence period may file an application for naturalization 
two years and one day following the date of the applicant's return to 
the United States to resume permanent residence.
    (2) Claim of nonresident alien status for income tax purposes after 
lawful admission as a permanent resident. An applicant who is a lawfully 
admitted permanent resident of the United States, but who voluntarily 
claims nonresident alien status to qualify for special exemptions from 
income tax liability, or fails to file either federal or state income 
tax returns because he or she considers himself or herself to be a 
nonresident alien, raises a rebuttable presumption that the applicant 
has relinquished the privileges of permanent resident status in the 
United States.
    (3) Removal and return. Any departure from the United States while 
under an order of removal (including previously issued orders of 
exclusion or deportation) terminates the applicant's status as a lawful 
permanent resident and, therefore, disrupts the continuity of residence 
for purposes of this part.
    (4) Readmission after a deferred inspection or exclusion proceeding. 
An applicant who has been readmitted as a lawful permanent resident 
after a deferred inspection or by the immigration judge during exclusion 
proceedings shall satisfy the residence and physical presence 
requirements under Sec.  316.2 (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (a)(6) in the 
same manner as any other applicant for naturalization.
    (d) Application for benefits with respect to absences; appeal--(1) 
Preservation of residence under section 316(b) of the Act. (i) An 
application for the residence benefits under section 316(b) of the Act 
to cover an absence from the United States for a continuous period of 
one year or more shall be submitted to the Service on Form N-470 with 
the required fee, in accordance with the form's instructions. The 
application may be filed either before or after the applicant's 
employment commences, but must be filed before the applicant has been 
absent from the United States for a continuous period of one year.
    (ii) An approval of Form N-470 under section 316(b) of the Act shall 
cover the spouse and dependent unmarried sons and daughters of the 
applicant who are residing abroad as members of the applicant's 
household during the period covered by the application. The notice

[[Page 846]]

of approval, Form N-472, shall identify the family members so covered.
    (iii) An applicant whose Form N-470 application under section 316(b) 
of the Act has been approved, but who voluntarily claims nonresident 
alien status to qualify for special exemptions from income tax 
liability, raises a rebuttable presumption that the applicant has 
relinquished a claim of having retained lawful permanent resident status 
while abroad. The applicant's family members who were covered under 
section 316(b) of the Act and who were listed on the applicant's Form N-
472 will also be subject to the rebuttable presumption that they have 
relinquished their claims to lawful permanent resident status.
    (2) Preservation of residence under section 317 of the Act. An 
application for the residence and physical presence benefits of section 
317 of the Act to cover any absences from the United States, whether 
before or after December 24, 1952, shall be submitted to the Service on 
Form N-470 with the required fee, in accordance with the form's 
instructions. The application may be filed either before or after the 
applicant's absence from the United States or the performance of the 
functions or services described in section 317 of the Act.
    (3) Approval, denial, and appeal. The applicant under paragraphs 
(d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section shall be notified of the Service's 
disposition of the application on Form N-472. If the application is 
denied, the Service shall specify the reasons for the denial, and shall 
inform the applicant of the right to appeal in accordance with the 
provisions of part 103 of this chapter.

[56 FR 50484, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 50487, Oct. 7, 1991; 58 
FR 49913, Sept. 24, 1993; 60 FR 6651, Feb. 3, 1995; 62 FR 10394, Mar. 6, 
1997; 76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  316.6  Physical presence for certain spouses of military personnel.

    Pursuant to section 319(e) of the Act, any period of time the spouse 
of a United States citizen resides abroad will be treated as physical 
presence in any State or district of the United States for purposes of 
naturalization under section 316(a) or 319(a) of the Act if, during the 
period of time abroad, the applicant establishes that he or she was:
    (a) The spouse of a member of the Armed Forces;
    (b) Authorized to accompany and reside abroad with that member of 
the Armed Forces pursuant to the member's official orders; and
    (c) Accompanying and residing abroad with that member of the Armed 
Forces in marital union in accordance with 8 CFR 319.1(b).

[76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec. Sec.  316.7-316.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  316.10  Good moral character.

    (a) Requirement of good moral character during the statutory period. 
(1) An applicant for naturalization bears the burden of demonstrating 
that, during the statutorily prescribed period, he or she has been and 
continues to be a person of good moral character. This includes the 
period between the examination and the administration of the oath of 
allegiance.
    (2) In accordance with section 101(f) of the Act, the Service shall 
evaluate claims of good moral character on a case-by-case basis taking 
into account the elements enumerated in this section and the standards 
of the average citizen in the community of residence. The Service is not 
limited to reviewing the applicant's conduct during the five years 
immediately preceding the filing of the application, but may take into 
consideration, as a basis for its determination, the applicant's conduct 
and acts at any time prior to that period, if the conduct of the 
applicant during the statutory period does not reflect that there has 
been reform of character from an earlier period or if the earlier 
conduct and acts appear relevant to a determination of the applicant's 
present moral character.
    (b) Finding of a lack of good moral character. (1) An applicant 
shall be found to lack good moral character, if the applicant has been:
    (i) Convicted of murder at any time; or
    (ii) Convicted of an aggravated felony as defined in section 
101(a)(43) of the Act on or after November 29, 1990.

[[Page 847]]

    (2) An applicant shall be found to lack good moral character if 
during the statutory period the applicant:
    (i) Committed one or more crimes involving moral turpitude, other 
than a purely political offense, for which the applicant was convicted, 
except as specified in section 212(a)(2)(ii)(II) of the Act;
    (ii) Committed two or more offenses for which the applicant was 
convicted and the aggregate sentence actually imposed was five years or 
more, provided that, if the offense was committed outside the United 
States, it was not a purely political offense;
    (iii) Violated any law of the United States, any State, or any 
foreign country relating to a controlled substance, provided that the 
violation was not a single offense for simple possession of 30 grams or 
less of marijuana;
    (iv) Admits committing any criminal act covered by paragraphs (b)(2) 
(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section for which there was never a formal 
charge, indictment, arrest, or conviction, whether committed in the 
United States or any other country;
    (v) Is or was confined to a penal institution for an aggregate of 
180 days pursuant to a conviction or convictions (provided that such 
confinement was not outside the United States due to a conviction 
outside the United States for a purely political offense);
    (vi) Has given false testimony to obtain any benefit from the Act, 
if the testimony was made under oath or affirmation and with an intent 
to obtain an immigration benefit; this prohibition applies regardless of 
whether the information provided in the false testimony was material, in 
the sense that if given truthfully it would have rendered ineligible for 
benefits either the applicant or the person on whose behalf the 
applicant sought the benefit;
    (vii) Is or was involved in prostitution or commercialized vice as 
described in section 212(a)(2)(D) of the Act;
    (viii) Is or was involved in the smuggling of a person or persons 
into the United States as described in section 212(a)(6)(E) of the Act;
    (ix) Has practiced or is practicing polygamy;
    (x) Committed two or more gambling offenses for which the applicant 
was convicted;
    (xi) Earns his or her income principally from illegal gambling 
activities; or
    (xii) Is or was a habitual drunkard.
    (3) Unless the applicant establishes extenuating circumstances, the 
applicant shall be found to lack good moral character if, during the 
statutory period, the applicant:
    (i) Willfully failed or refused to support dependents;
    (ii) Had an extramarital affair which tended to destroy an existing 
marriage; or
    (iii) Committed unlawful acts that adversely reflect upon the 
applicant's moral character, or was convicted or imprisoned for such 
acts, although the acts do not fall within the purview of Sec.  
316.10(b) (1) or (2).
    (c) Proof of good moral character in certain cases--(1) Effect of 
probation or parole. An applicant who has been on probation, parole, or 
suspended sentence during all or part of the statutory period is not 
thereby precluded from establishing good moral character, but such 
probation, parole, or suspended sentence may be considered by the 
Service in determining good moral character. An application will not be 
approved until after the probation, parole, or suspended sentence has 
been completed.
    (2) Full and unconditional executive pardon--(i) Before the 
statutory period. An applicant who has received a full and unconditional 
executive pardon prior to the beginning of the statutory period is not 
precluded by Sec.  316.10(b)(1) from establishing good moral character 
provided the applicant demonstrates that reformation and rehabilitation 
occurred prior to the beginning of the statutory period.
    (ii) During the statutory period. An applicant who receives a full 
and unconditional executive pardon during the statutory period is not 
precluded by Sec.  316.10(b)(2) (i) and (ii) from establishing good 
moral character, provided the applicant can demonstrate that extenuating 
and/or exonerating circumstances exist that would establish his or her 
good moral character.

[[Page 848]]

    (3) Record expungement--(i) Drug offenses. Where an applicant has 
had his or her record expunged relating to one of the narcotics offenses 
under section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) and section 241(a)(2)(B) of the Act, 
that applicant shall be considered as having been ``convicted'' within 
the meaning of Sec.  316.10(b)(2)(ii), or, if confined, as having been 
confined as a result of ``conviction'' for purposes of Sec.  
316.10(b)(2)(iv).
    (ii) Moral turpitude. An applicant who has committed or admits the 
commission of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude during the 
statutory period is precluded from establishing good moral character, 
even though the conviction record of one such offense has been expunged.

[56 FR 50484, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49913, Sept. 24, 1993]



Sec.  316.11  Attachment to the Constitution; favorable disposition 
towards the good order and happiness.

    (a) General. An applicant for naturalization must establish that 
during the statutorily prescribed period, he or she has been and 
continues to be attached to the principles of the Constitution of the 
United States and favorably disposed toward the good order and happiness 
of the United States. Attachment implies a depth of conviction which 
would lead to active support of the Constitution. Attachment and 
favorable disposition relate to mental attitude, and contemplate the 
exclusion from citizenship of applicants who are hostile to the basic 
form of government of the United States, or who disbelieve in the 
principles of the Constitution.
    (b) Advocacy of peaceful change. At a minimum, the applicant shall 
satisfy the general standard of paragraph (a) of this section by 
demonstrating an acceptance of the democratic, representational process 
established by the Constitution, a willingness to obey the laws which 
may result from that process, and an understanding of the means for 
change which are prescribed by the Constitution. The right to work for 
political change shall be consistent with the standards in paragraph (a) 
of this section only if the changes advocated would not abrogate the 
current Government and establish an entirely different form of 
government.
    (c) Membership in the Communist Party or any other totalitarian 
organization. An applicant who is or has been a member of or affiliated 
with the Communist Party or any other totalitarian organization shall be 
ineligible for naturalization, unless the applicant's membership meets 
the exceptions in sections 313 and 335 of the Act and Sec.  313.4 of 
this chapter.



Sec.  316.12  Applicant's legal incompetency during statutory period.

    (a) General. An applicant who is legally competent at the time of 
the examination on the naturalization application and of the 
administration of the oath of allegiance may be admitted to citizenship, 
provided that the applicant fully understands the purpose and 
responsibilities of the naturalization procedures.
    (b) Legal incompetence. Naturalization is not precluded if, during 
part of the statutory period, the applicant was legally incompetent or 
confined to a mental institution.
    (1) There is a presumption that the applicant's good moral 
character, attachment, and favorable disposition which existed prior to 
the period of legal incompetency continued through that period. The 
Service may, however, consider an applicant's actions during a period of 
legal incompetence, as evidence tending to rebut this presumption.
    (2) If the applicant has been declared legally incompetent, the 
applicant has the burden of establishing that legal competency has been 
restored. The applicant shall submit legal and medical evidence to 
determine and establish the claim of legal competency.
    (3) The applicant shall bear the burden of establishing that any 
crimes committed, regardless of whether the applicant was convicted, 
occurred while the applicant was declared legally incompetent.



Sec.  316.13  [Reserved]



Sec.  316.14  Adjudication--examination, grant, denial.

    (a) Examination. The examination on an application for 
naturalization shall

[[Page 849]]

be conducted in accordance with Section 335 of the Act.
    (b) Determination--(1) Grant or denial. Subject to supervisory 
review, the employee of the Service who conducts the examination under 
paragraph (a) of this section shall determine whether to grant or deny 
the application, and shall provide reasons for the determination, as 
required under section 335(d) of the Act.
    (2) Appeal. An applicant whose application for naturalization has 
been denied may request a hearing, which shall be carried out in 
accordance with section 336 of the Act.



Sec. Sec.  316.15-316.19  [Reserved]



Sec.  316.20  American institutions of research, public international 
organizations, and designations under the International Immunities Act.

    (a) American institutions of research. The following-listed 
organizations have been determined to be American Institutions of 
research recognized by the Attorney General:

African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF-USA).
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University (only in 
relationship to its research programs).
American Friends of the Middle East, Inc.
American Institutes of Research in the Behavioral Sciences (only in 
relationship to research projects abroad).
American Universities Field Staff, Inc.
American University, The, Cairo, Egypt.
American University of Beirut (Near East College Associations).
Arctic Institute of North America, Inc.
Armour Research Foundation of Illinois Institute of Technology.
Asia Foundation, The (formerly Committee for a Free Asia, Inc.).
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA, Inc.), 
Tucson, AZ.
Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission.
Beirut University College.
Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc.
Bernice P. Biship Museum of Polynesian Antiquities, Ethnology and 
Natural History at Honolulu, HI.
Brookhaven National Laboratory, Associated Universities, Inc.
Brown University (Department of Engineering), Providence, RI.
Buffalo Eye Bank and Research Society, Inc.
Burma Office of Robert N. Nathan Associates, Inc.
California State University at Long Beach, Department of Geological 
Sciences.
Carleton College (Department of Sociology and Anthropology), Northfield, 
MN.
Center of Alcohol Studies, Laboratory of Applied Biodynamics of Yale 
University.
Central Registry of Jewish Losses in Egypt.
College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin.
College of Medicine, State University of New York.
Colorado State University (Research Foundation), Fort Collins, CO.
Colorado University (International Economic Studies Center), Boulder, 
CO.
Columbia University (Parker School of Foreign and Comparative Law) and 
(Faculty of Pure Science), New York, NY.
Cornell University (International Agricultural Development, University 
of the Philippines-Cornell University Graduate Education Program).
Dartmouth Medical School.
Department of French, Department of Scandinavian Languages, and 
Department of Near Eastern Languages of the University of California, 
Berkeley, CA.
Duke University.
Environmental Research Laboratory of the University of Arizona.
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Medford, MA.
Ford Foundation, 477 Madison Avenue, New York, NY.
Free Europe, Inc. (formerly Free Europe Committee, Inc.; National 
Committee for a Free Europe (including Radio Free Europe)).
Georgetown University.
George Williams Hooper Foundation, San Francisco Medical Center, 
University of California, San Francisco, CA.
Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine, Inc., and 
its operating unit, the Gorgas Memorial Laboratory.
Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science Division of the New 
School for Social Research, New York, NY.
Harvard University (research and educational programs only)
Harvard-Yenching Institute.
Humboldt State University, School of Natural Resources, Wildlife 
Management Department.
Indiana University at Bloomington, Indianapolis, South Bend, Northwest, 
Kokomo, Southeast, East, and Fort Wayne
Institute for Development Anthropology, Inc.
Institute of International Education, Inc.
Institute of International Studies, University of California, Berkeley, 
CA.
International Center for Social Research, New York, NY.
International Development Foundation, Inc.
International Development Services, Inc.

[[Page 850]]

International Research Associates, Inc.
Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies (formerly Stanford 
Center for Chinese Studies) in Taipei, Taiwan.
Iowa State University.
Iran Foundation, Inc., The.
Kossuth Foundation, Inc., The, New York, NY.
Louisiana State University.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Missouri Botanical Garden (research and educational programs only)
Natural Science Foundation, Philadelphia, PA.
New York Zoological Society.
Paderewski Foundation, Inc.
Peabody Museum of Natural History of Yale University.
People to People Health Foundation, Inc., The (only in relationship to 
the scientific research activities that will be carried on abroad by the 
medical staff of the SS ``Hope'').
Pierce College (in relationship to research by an instructor, Department 
of Psychology), Athens, Greece.
Population Council, The, New York, NY.
Radio Liberty Committee, Inc. (formerly American Committee for 
Liberation, Inc.; American Committee for Liberation of the Peoples of 
Russia, Inc.; American Committee for Liberation from Bolshevism, Inc.).
Rockefeller Foundation.
Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey
School of International Relations of the University of Southern 
California.
SIRIMAR (Societa Internazionale Recerche Marine) Division, Office of the 
Vice President for Research, Pennsylvania State University.
Social Science Research Council.
Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI).
Stanford Electronic Laboratories, Department of Electrical Engineering, 
School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park, CA.
Stanford University (the George Vanderbilt Foundation), Stanford, CA.
Syracuse University.
Tulane University Graduate School.
Tulane University Medical School.
University of Alabama.
University of Alabama Medical Center.
University of Chicago (as a participant in the International Cooperation 
Administration Program No. W-74 only).
University of Colorado (Department of History), Boulder, CO.
University of Connecticut, College of Liberal Arts and Science 
(Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages).
University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI.
University of Ilinois at Urbana-Champaign, Austria-Illinois Exchange 
Program.
University of Kansas, Office of International Programs.
University of La Verne (La Verne College of Athens)
University of Michigan (School of Natural Resources), Ann Arbor, MI.
University of Minnesota, Department of Plant Pathology (in relationship 
to research project abroad).
University of Nebraska Mission in Columbia, South America.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.
University of Puerto Rico.
University of Washington (Department of Marketing, Transportation, and 
International Business) and (The School of Public Health and Community 
Medicine), Seattle, WA.
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, Inc.
Williams College, Economic Department, Williamstown, MA.

    (b) Public international organizations of which the United States is 
a member by treaty or statute. The following-listed organizations have 
been determined to be public international organizations of which the 
United States is a member by treaty or statute:

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
United Nations and all agencies and organizations which are a part 
thereof.

    (c) International Organizations Immunities Act designations. The 
following public international organizations are entitled to enjoy the 
privileges, exemptions, and immunities provided for in the International 
Organizations Immunities Act, and are considered as public international 
organizations of which the United States is a member by treaty or 
statute within the meaning of section 316(b) of the Act and as public 
international organizations in which the United States participates by 
treaty or statute within the meaning of section 319(b) of the Act:

African Development Bank (E.O. 12403, Feb. 8, 1983).
African Development Fund (E.O. 11977, Mar. 14, 1977).
Asian Development Bank (E.O. 11334, Mar. 7, 1967).
Caribbean Organization (E.O. 10983, Dec. 30, 1961).
Criminal Police Organization (E.O. 12425, June 16, 1983).

[[Page 851]]

Customs Cooperation Council (E.O. 11596, June 5, 1971).
European Space Research Organization (ESRO) (E.O. 11760, Jan. 17, 1974).
Food and Agriculture Organization, The (E.O. 9698, Feb 19, 1946).
Great Lakes Fishery Commission (E.O. 11059, Oct. 23, 1962).
Inter-American Defense Board (E.O. 10228, Mar. 26, 1951).
Inter-American Development Bank (E.O. 10873, Apr. 8, 1960).
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (E.O. 9751, July 
11, 1946).
Inter-American Statistical Institute (E.O. 9751, July 11, 1946).
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (E.O. 11059, Oct. 23, 1962).
Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (formerly the 
Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants 
from Europe) (E.O. 10335, Mar. 28, 1952).
Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (E.O. 10795, Dec. 
13, 1958).
International Atomic Energy Agency (E.O. 10727, Aug. 31, 1957).
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (E.O. 9751, July 
11, 1946).
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (E.O. 11966, 
Jan. 19, 1977).
International Civil Aviation Organization (E.O. 9863, May 31, 1947).
International Coffee Organization (E.O. 11225, May 22, 1965).
International Cotton Advisory Committee (E.O. 9911, Dec. 19, 1947).
International Development Association (E.O. 11966, Jan. 19, 1977).
International Fertilizer Development Center (E.O. 11977, Mar. 14, 1977).
International Finance Corporation (E.O. 10680, Oct. 2, 1956).
International Food Policy Research Institute (E.O. 12359, Apr. 22, 
1982).
International Hydrographic Bureau (E.O. 10769, May 29, 1958).
International Institute for Cotton (E.O. 11283, May 27, 1966).
International Joint Commission--United States and Canada (E.O. 9972, 
June 25, 1948).
International Labor Organization, The (functions through staff known as 
The International Labor Office) (E.O. 9698, Feb. 19, 1946).
International Maritime Satellite Organization (E.O. 12238, Sept. 12, 
1980).
International Monetary Fund (E.O. 9751, July 11, 1946).
International Pacific Halibut Commission (E.O. 11059, Oct. 23, 1962).
International Secretariat for Volunteer Service (E.O. 11363, July 20, 
1967).
International Telecommunication Union (E.O. 9863, May 31, 1947).
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) (E.O. 
11718, May 14, 1973).
International Wheat Advisory Committee (E.O. 9823, Jan. 24, 1947).
Multinational Force and Observers (E.O. 12359, Apr. 22, 1982).
Organization for European Economic Cooperation (E.O. 10133, June 27, 
1950) (Now known as Organization for Economic Cooperation and 
Development; 28 FR 2959, Mar. 26, 1963).
Organization of African Unity (OAU) (E.O. 11767, Feb. 19, 1974).
Organization of American States (includes Pan American Union) (E.O. 
10533, June 3, 1954).
Pan American Health Organization (includes Pan American Sanitary Bureau) 
(E.O. 10864, Feb. 18, 1960).
Preparatory Commission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (E.O. 
10727, Aug. 31, 1957).
Preparatory Commission for the International Refugee Organization and 
its successor, the International Refugee Organization (E.O. 9887, Aug. 
22, 1947).
South Pacific Commission (E.O. 10086, Nov. 25, 1949).
United International Bureau for the Protection of Intellectual Property 
(BIRPI) (E.O. 11484, Sept. 29, 1969).
United Nations, The (E.O. 9698, Feb. 19, 1946).
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (E.O. 
9863, May 31, 1947).
Universal Postal Union (E.O. 10727, Aug. 31, 1957).
World Health Organization (E.O. 10025, Dec. 30, 1948).
World Intellectual Property Organization (E.O. 11866, June 18, 1975).
World Meteorological Organization (E.O. 10676, Sept. 1, 1956).

[32 FR 9634, July 4, 1967]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
316.20, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



PART 318_PENDING REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1252, 1429, 1443; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10394, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  318.1  Warrant of arrest.

    For the purposes of section 318 of the Act, a notice to appear 
issued under 8

[[Page 852]]

CFR part 239 (including a charging document issued to commence 
proceedings under sections 236 or 242 of the Act prior to April 1, 1997) 
shall be regarded as a warrant of arrest.



PART 319_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
SPOUSES OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS--Table of Contents



Sec.
319.1 Person living in marital union with United States citizen spouse.
319.2 Person whose United States citizen spouse is employed abroad.
319.3 Surviving spouses of United States citizens who died during a 
          period of honorable service in an active duty status in the 
          Armed Forces of the United States.
319.4 Persons continuously employed for 5 years by United States 
          organizations engaged in disseminating information.
319.5 Public international organizations in which the U.S. participates 
          by treaty or statute.
319.6 United States nonprofit organizations engaged abroad in 
          disseminating information which significantly promotes U.S. 
          interests.
319.7-319.10 [Reserved]
319.11 Filing of application.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1430, 1443.



Sec.  319.1  Persons living in marital union with United States citizen spouse.

    (a) Eligibility. To be eligible for naturalization under section 
319(a) of the Act, the spouse of a United States citizen must establish 
that he or she:
    (1) Has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United 
States;
    (2) Has resided continuously within the United States, as defined 
under Sec.  316.5 of this chapter, for a period of at least three years 
after having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
    (3) Has been living in marital union with the citizen spouse for the 
three years preceding the date of examination on the application, and 
the spouse has been a United States citizen for the duration of that 
three year period;
    (4) Has been physically present in the United States for periods 
totaling at least 18 months;
    (5) Has resided, as defined in Sec.  316.5 of this chapter, for at 
least 3 months immediately preceding the filing of the application, or 
immediately preceding the examination on the application if the 
application was filed early pursuant to section 334(a) of the Act and 
the three month period falls within the required period of residence 
under section 316(a) or 319(a) of the Act, in the State or Service 
district having jurisdiction over the alien's actual place of residence;
    (6) Has resided continuously within the United States from the date 
of application for naturalization until the time of admission to 
citizenship;
    (7) For all relevant periods under this paragraph, has been and 
continues to be a person of good moral character, attached to the 
principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably 
disposed toward the good order and happiness of the United States; and
    (8) Has complied with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except for those contained in 
Sec.  316.2 (a)(3) through (a)(5) of this chapter.
    (b) Marital union--(1) General. An applicant lives in marital union 
with a citizen spouse if the applicant actually resides with his or her 
current spouse. The burden is on the applicant to establish, in each 
individual case, that a particular marital union satisfies the 
requirements of this part.
    (2) Loss of Marital Union--(i) Divorce, death or expatriation. A 
person is ineligible for naturalization as the spouse of a United States 
citizen under section 319(a) of the Act if, before or after the filing 
of the application, the marital union ceases to exist due to death or 
divorce, or the citizen spouse has expatriated. Eligibility is not 
restored to an applicant whose relationship to the citizen spouse 
terminates before the applicant's admission to citizenship, even though 
the applicant subsequently marries another United States citizen.
    (ii) Separation--(A) Legal separation. Any legal separation will 
break the continuity of the marital union required for purposes of this 
part.
    (B) Informal separation. Any informal separation that suggests the 
possibility of marital disunity will be evaluated on a case-by-case 
basis to determine whether it is sufficient enough to signify the 
dissolution of the marital union.

[[Page 853]]

    (C) Involuntary separation. In the event that the applicant and 
spouse live apart because of circumstances beyond their control, such as 
military service in the Armed Forces of the United States or essential 
business or occupational demands, rather than because of voluntary legal 
or informal separation, the resulting separation, even if prolonged, 
will not preclude naturalization under this part.
    (c) Physical presence in the United States. In the event that the 
alien spouse has never been in the United States, eligibility under this 
section is not established even though the alien spouse resided abroad 
in marital union with the citizen spouse during the three year period.

[56 FR 50488, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  319.2  Person whose United States citizen spouse is employed abroad.

    (a) Eligibility. To be eligible for naturalization under section 
319(b) of the Act, the alien spouse of a United States citizen must:
    (1) Establish that his or her citizen spouse satisfies the 
requirements under section 319(b)(1) of the Act, including that he or 
she is regularly stationed abroad. For purposes of this section, a 
citizen spouse is regularly stationed abroad if he or she proceeds 
abroad, for a period of not less than one year, pursuant to an 
employment contract or orders, and assumes the duties of employment;
    (2) At the time of examination on the application for 
naturalization, be present in the United States pursuant to a lawful 
admission for permanent residence;
    (3) At the time of naturalization, be present in the United States;
    (4) Declare in good faith, upon naturalization before the Service, 
an intention:
    (i) To reside abroad with the citizen spouse; and
    (ii) To take up residence within the United States immediately upon 
the termination of the citizen spouse's employment abroad;
    (5) Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles 
of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably disposed toward 
the good order and happiness of the United States; and
    (6) Comply with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except for those contained in 
Sec.  316.2(a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter.
    (b) Alien spouse's requirement to depart abroad immediately after 
naturalization. An alien spouse seeking naturalization under section 
319(b) of the Act must:
    (1) Establish that he or she will depart to join the citizen spouse 
within 30 to 45 days after the date of naturalization;
    (2) Notify the Service immediately of any delay or cancellation of 
the citizen spouse's assignment abroad; and
    (3) Notify the Service immediately if he or she is unable to reside 
with the citizen spouse because the citizen spouse is employed abroad in 
an area of hostilities where dependents may not reside.
    (c) Loss of marital union due to death, divorce, or expatriation of 
the citizen spouse. A person is ineligible for naturalization as the 
spouse of a United States citizen under section 319(b) of the Act if, 
before or after the filing of the application, the marital union ceases 
to exist due to death or divorce, or the citizen spouse has expatriated. 
Eligibility is not restored to an applicant whose relationship to the 
citizen spouse terminates before the applicant's admission into 
citizenship, even though the applicant subsequently marries another 
United States citizen.

[56 FR 50488, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  319.3  Surviving spouses of United States citizens who died 
during a period of honorable service in an active duty status 
in the Armed Forces of the United States.

    (a) Eligibility. To be eligible for naturalization under section 
319(d) of the Act, the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a United 
States citizen must:
    (1) Establish that his or her citizen spouse, child, or parent died 
during a period of honorable service in an active duty status in the 
Armed Forces of the United States and, in the case of a surviving 
spouse, establish that he or she was living in marital union with the 
citizen spouse, in accordance with 8

[[Page 854]]

CFR 319.1(b), at the time of the citizen spouse's death;
    (2) At the time of examination on the application for 
naturalization, reside in the United States pursuant to a lawful 
admission for permanent residence;
    (3) Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles 
of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably disposed toward 
the good order and happiness of the United States; and
    (4) Comply with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in 8 CFR 316, except for those contained in 8 CFR 316.2(a)(3) 
through (6).
    (b) Remarriage of the surviving spouse. The surviving spouse of a 
United States citizen described under paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
remains eligible for naturalization under section 319(d) of the Act, 
even if the surviving spouse remarries.

[56 FR 50488, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  319.4  Persons continuously employed for 5 years by United States 
organizations engaged in disseminating information.

    To be eligible for naturalization under section 319(c) of the Act, 
an applicant must:
    (a) Establish that he or she is employed as required under section 
319(c)(1) of the Act;
    (b) Reside in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for 
permanent residence;
    (c) Establish that he or she has been employed as required under 
paragraph (a) of this section continuously for a period of not less than 
five years after a lawful admission for permanent residence;
    (d) File his or her application for naturalization while employed as 
required under paragraph (a) of this section, or within six months 
following the termination of such employment;
    (e) Be present in the United States at the time of naturalization;
    (f) Declare in good faith, upon naturalization before the Service, 
an intention to take up residence within the United States immediately 
upon his or her termination of employment;
    (g) Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles 
of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably disposed toward 
the good order and happiness of the United States; and
    (h) Comply with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except for those contained in 
Sec.  316.2(a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter.

[56 FR 50489, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  319.5  Public international organizations in which the U.S. participates 
by treaty or statute.

    Organizations designated by the President as international 
organizations pursuant to the International Organizations Immunities Act 
are considered as public international organizations in which the United 
States participates by treaty or statute within the meaning of section 
319(b) or the Act. For a list of such organizations see Sec.  316.20(b) 
of this chapter. In addition, the following have been determined to be 
public international organizations within the purview of section 319(b) 
of the Act:

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The United Nations and all agencies and organizations which are a part 
thereof.


The regional commissioner shall forward a copy of each decision 
regarding a public international organization to the Assistant 
Commissioner, Naturalization.

[32 FR 9635, July 4, 1967. Redesignated at 33 FR 255, Jan. 9, 1968. 
Further redesignated and amended at 56 FR 50489, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  319.6  United States nonprofit organizations engaged abroad 
in disseminating information which significantly promotes U.S. interests.

    The following have been determined to be U.S. incorporated nonprofit 
organizations principally engaged in conducting abroad through 
communications media the dissemination of information which 
significantly promotes U.S. interests abroad within the purview of 
section 319(c) of the Act:

Free Europe, Inc.; formerly Free Europe Committee, Inc.; National 
Committee for a Free Europe (including Radio Free Europe)).
Radio Liberty Committee, Inc. (formerly American Committee for 
Liberation, Inc.;

[[Page 855]]

American Committee for Liberation of the Peoples of Russia, Inc.; 
American Committee for Liberation from Bolshevism, Inc.).

[33 FR 255, Jan. 9, 1968. Redesignated and amended at 56 FR 50489, Oct. 
7, 1991]



Sec. Sec.  319.7-319.10  [Reserved]



Sec.  319.11  Filing of application.

    (a) General. An applicant under this part must submit an application 
for naturalization in accordance with the form instructions with the fee 
required by 8 CFR 106.2. An alien spouse applying for naturalization 
under section 319(b) of the Act who is described in 8 CFR 319.2 must 
also submit a statement of intent containing the following information 
about the citizen spouse's employment and future intent:
    (1) The name of the employer and:
    (i) The nature of the employer's business; or
    (ii) The ministerial, religious, or missionary activity in which the 
employer is engaged;
    (2) Whether the employing entity is owned in whole or in part by 
United States interests;
    (3) Whether the employing entity is engaged in whole or in part in 
the development of the foreign trade and commerce of the United States;
    (4) The nature of the activity in which the citizen spouse is 
engaged;
    (5) The anticipated period of employment abroad;
    (6) Whether the alien spouse intends to reside abroad with the 
citizen spouse; and,
    (7) Whether the alien spouse intends to take up residence within the 
United States immediately upon the termination of such employment abroad 
of the citizen spouse.
    (b) Applications by military spouses--(1) General. The alien spouses 
of United States military personnel being assigned abroad must satisfy 
the basic requirements of section 319(b) of the Act and of paragraph (a) 
of this section.
    (2) Government expense. In the event that transportation expenses 
abroad for the alien spouse are to be paid by military authorities, a 
properly executed Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support 
Application to File Petition for Naturalization, DD Form 1278 will be 
submitted in lieu of the statement of intent required by paragraph (a) 
of this section. Any DD Form 1278 issued more than 90 days in advance of 
departure is unacceptable for purposes of this section.
    (3) Private expense. In the event that the alien spouse is not 
authorized to travel abroad at military expense, the alien spouse must 
submit in lieu of the statement of intent required by paragraph (a) of 
this section:
    (i) A copy of the citizen spouse's military travel orders,
    (ii) A letter from the citizen spouse's commanding officer 
indicating that the military has no objection to the applicant traveling 
to and residing in the vicinity of the citizen spouse's new duty 
station; and
    (iii) Evidence of transportation arrangements to the new duty 
station.

[56 FR 50489, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53798, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 
FR 46928, Aug. 3, 2020]



PART 320_CHILD BORN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND RESIDING PERMANENTLY 
IN THE UNITED STATES; REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTOMATIC ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP--
Table of Contents



Sec.
320.1 What definitions are used in this part?
320.2 Who is eligible for citizenship?
320.3 How, where, and what forms and other documents should be filed?
320.4 Who must appear for an interview on the application for 
          citizenship?
320.5 Decision.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  320.1  What definitions are used in this part?

    As used in this part, the term:
    Adopted means adopted pursuant to a full, final and complete 
adoption. If a foreign adoption of an orphan was not full and final, was 
defective, or the unmarried U.S. citizen parent or U.S. citizen parent 
and spouse jointly did not see and observe the child in person prior to 
or during the foreign adoption proceedings, the child is not considered

[[Page 856]]

to have been fully, finally and completely adopted and must be readopted 
in the United States. Readoption requirements may be waived if the state 
of residence of the United States citizen parent(s) recognizes the 
foreign adoption as full and final under that state's adoption laws.
    Adopted child means a person who has been adopted as defined above 
and who meets the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E) or (F) of the 
Act.
    Child means a person who meets the requirements of section 101(c)(1) 
of the Act.
    Joint custody, in the case of a child of divorced or legally 
separated parents, means the award of equal responsibility for and 
authority over the care, education, religion, medical treatment, and 
general welfare of a child to both parents by a court of law or other 
appropriate government entity pursuant to the laws of the state or 
country of residence.
    Legal custody refers to the responsibility for and authority over a 
child.
    (1) For the purpose of the CCA, the Service will presume that a U.S. 
citizen parent has legal custody of a child, and will recognize that 
U.S. citizen parent as having lawful authority over the child, absent 
evidence to the contrary, in the case of:
    (i) A biological child who currently resides with both natural 
parents (who are married to each other, living in marital union, and not 
separated),
    (ii) A biological child who currently resides with a surviving 
natural parent (if the other parent is deceased), or
    (iii) In the case of a biological child born out of wedlock who has 
been legitimated and currently resides with the natural parent.
    (2) In the case of an adopted child, a determination that a U.S. 
citizen parent has legal custody will be based on the existence of a 
final adoption decree. In the case of a child of divorced or legally 
separated parents, the Service will find a U.S. citizen parent to have 
legal custody of a child, for the purpose of the CCA, where there has 
been an award of primary care, control, and maintenance of a minor child 
to a parent by a court of law or other appropriate government entity 
pursuant to the laws of the state or country of residence. The Service 
will consider a U.S. citizen parent who has been awarded ``joint 
custody,'' to have legal custody of a child. There may be other factual 
circumstances under which the Service will find the U.S. citizen parent 
to have legal custody for purposes of the CCA.



Sec.  320.2  Who is eligible for citizenship?

    (a) General. To be eligible for citizenship under section 320 of the 
Act, a person must establish that the following conditions have been met 
after February 26, 2001:
    (1) The child has at least one United States citizen parent (by 
birth or naturalization);
    (2) The child is under 18 years of age; and
    (3) The child is residing in the United States in the legal and 
physical custody of the United States citizen parent, pursuant to a 
lawful admission for permanent residence.
    (b) Additional requirements if child is adopted. If adopted, the 
child must meet all of the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section 
as well as satisfy the requirements applicable to adopted children under 
section 101(b)(1) of the Act.



Sec.  320.3  How, where, and what forms and other documents should be filed?

    (a) Application. Individuals who are applying for a certificate of 
citizenship on their own behalf should submit the request in accordance 
with the form instructions on the form prescribed by USCIS for that 
purpose. An application for a certificate of citizenship under this 
section on behalf of a child who has not reached the age of 18 years 
must be submitted by that child's U.S. citizen biological or adoptive 
parent(s), or legal guardian.
    (b) Evidence. (1) An applicant under this section must establish 
eligibility as described in 8 CFR 320.2. An applicant must submit the 
following supporting evidence unless such evidence is already contained 
in USCIS administrative file(s):
    (i) The child's birth certificate or record;
    (ii) Marriage certificate of child's parents (if applicable);

[[Page 857]]

    (iii) If the child's parents were married before their marriage to 
each other, proof of termination of any previous marriage of each parent 
(e.g., death certificate or divorce decree);
    (iv) Evidence of U.S. citizenship of parent, (i.e., birth 
certificate; naturalization certificate; FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad; 
a valid unexpired U.S. passport; or certificate of citizenship);
    (v) If the child was born out of wedlock, documents verifying 
legitimation according to the laws of the child's residence or domicile 
or father's residence or domicile (if applicable);
    (vi) In case of divorce, legal separation, or adoption, 
documentation of legal custody;
    (vii) Copy of Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Receipt 
Card or other evidence of lawful permanent resident status (e.g. I-551 
stamp in a valid foreign passport or Service-issued travel document);
    (viii) If adopted, a copy of the full, final adoption decree and, if 
the adoption was outside of the United States and the child immigrated 
as an IR-4 (orphans coming to the United States to be adopted by U.S. 
citizen parent(s)), evidence that the foreign adoption is recognized by 
the state where the child is permanently residing; and
    (ix) Evidence of all legal name changes, if applicable, for the 
child and U.S. citizen parent.
    (2) If the Service requires any additional documentation to make a 
decision on the application for certificate of citizenship, applicants 
may be asked to provide that documentation under separate cover or at 
the time of interview. Applicants do not need to submit documents that 
were submitted in connection with: An application for immigrant visa and 
retained by the American Consulate for inclusion in the immigrant visa 
package, or an immigrant petition or application and included in a 
Service administrative file. Applicants should indicate that they wish 
to rely on such documents and identify the administrative file(s) by 
name and alien number. The Service will only request the required 
documentation again if necessary.

[66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001, as amended at 74 FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53799, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  320.4  Who must appear for an interview on the application 
for citizenship?

    All applicants (and U.S. citizen parent(s) if application filed on 
behalf of a minor biological or adopted child) must appear for 
examination unless such examination is waived under the guidelines 
expressed in Sec.  341.2 of this chapter.



Sec.  320.5  Decision.

    (a) Approval of application. If the application for the certificate 
of citizenship is approved, after the applicant takes the oath of 
allegiance prescribed in 8 CFR 337.1 (unless the oath is waived), USCIS 
will issue a certificate of citizenship.
    (b) Denial of application. If the decision of USCIS is to deny the 
application for a certificate of citizenship under this section, the 
applicant will be advised in writing of the reasons for denial and of 
the right to appeal in accordance with 8 CFR 103.3(a). An applicant may 
file an appeal within 30 days of service of the decision in accordance 
with the instructions on the form prescribed by USCIS for that purpose, 
and with the fee required by 8 CFR 106.2.
    (c) Subsequent application. After an application for a certificate 
of citizenship has been denied and the time for appeal has expired, 
USCIS will reject a subsequent application submitted by the same 
individual and the applicant will be instructed to submit a motion for 
reopening or reconsideration in accordance with 8 CFR 103.5. The motion 
must be accompanied by the rejected application and the fee specified in 
8 CFR 106.2.

[76 FR 53799, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46928, Aug. 3, 2020]



PART 322_CHILD BORN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION 
FOR CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP--Table of Contents



Sec.
322.1 What are the definitions used in this part?
322.2 Eligibility.
322.3 Application and supporting documents.
322.4 Interview.
322.5 Decision.


[[Page 858]]


    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  322.1  What are the definitions used in this part?

    As used in this part the term:
    Adopted means adopted pursuant to a full, final and complete 
adoption. In the case of an orphan adoption, if a foreign adoption was 
not full and final, was defective, or the unmarried U.S. citizen parent 
or U.S. citizen parent and spouse jointly did not see and observe the 
child in person prior to or during the foreign adoption proceedings, an 
orphan is not considered to have been adopted and must be readopted in 
the United States or satisfy the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E) of 
the Act.
    Adopted child means a person who has been adopted as defined above 
and who meets the requirements of section 101(b)(1)(E), (F) or (G) of 
the Act.
    Child means a person who meets the requirements of section 101(c)(1) 
of the Act.
    Lawful admission shall have the same meaning as provided in section 
101(a)(13) of the Act.
    Joint custody, in the case of a child of divorced or legally 
separated parents, means the award of equal responsibility for and 
authority over the care, education, religion, medical treatment and 
general welfare of a child to both parents by a court of law or other 
appropriate government entity pursuant to the laws of the state or 
country of residence.
    Legal custody refers to the responsibility for and authority over a 
child.
    (1) For the purpose of the CCA, the Service will presume that a U.S. 
citizen parent has legal custody of a child, and will recognize that 
U.S. citizen parent as having lawful authority over the child, absent 
evidence to the contrary, in the case of:
    (i) A biological child who currently resides with both natural 
parents (who are married to each other, living in marital union, and not 
separated),
    (ii) A biological child who currently resides with a surviving 
natural parent (if the other parent is deceased), or
    (iii) In the case of a biological child born out of wedlock who has 
been legitimated and currently resides with the natural parent.
    (2) In the case of an adopted child, a determination that a U.S. 
citizen parent has legal custody will be based on the existence of a 
final adoption decree. In the case of a child of divorced or legally 
separated parents, the Service will find a U.S. citizen parent to have 
legal custody of a child, for the purpose of the CCA, where there has 
been an award of primary care, control, and maintenance of a minor child 
to a parent by a court of law or other appropriate government entity 
pursuant to the laws of the state or country of residence. The Service 
will consider a U.S. citizen parent who has been awarded ``joint 
custody,'' to have legal custody of a child. There may be other factual 
circumstances under which the Service will find the U.S. citizen parent 
to have legal custody for purposes of the CCA.

[66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001, as amended at 76 FR 53799, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  322.2  Eligibility.

    (a) General. A child will be eligible for citizenship under section 
322 of the Act, if the following conditions have been fulfilled:
    (1) The child has at least one United States citizen parent (by 
birth or naturalization);
    (2) The United States citizen parent has been physically present in 
the United States or its outlying possessions for at least 5 years, at 
least 2 of which were after the age of 14, or the United States citizen 
parent has a United States citizen parent who has been physically 
present in the United States or its outlying possessions for at least 5 
years, at least 2 of which were after the age of 14;
    (3) The child currently is under 18 years of age;
    (4) The child currently is residing outside the United States in the 
legal and physical custody of the United States citizen parent; and
    (5) The child is temporarily present in the United States pursuant 
to a lawful admission and is maintaining such lawful status in the 
United States.

[[Page 859]]

    (b) Additional requirements if child is adopted. If an adopted 
child, all of the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section must be 
fulfilled and the child must satisfy the requirements applicable to 
adopted children under section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    (c) Exceptions for children of military personnel. Pursuant to 
section 322(d) of the Act, a child of a member of the Armed Forces of 
the United States residing abroad is exempt from the temporary physical 
presence, lawful admission, and maintenance of lawful status 
requirements under 8 CFR 322.2(a)(5), if the child:
    (1) Is authorized to accompany and reside abroad with the member of 
the Armed Forces pursuant to the member's official orders; and
    (2) Is accompanying and residing abroad with the member of the Armed 
Forces.

[66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001, as amended at 76 FR 53799, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  322.3  Application and supporting documents.

    (a) Application. A U.S. citizen parent of an alien child (including 
an adopted child) may file an application for the child to become a 
citizen and obtain a certificate of citizenship under section 322 of the 
Act by submitting an application on the form prescribed by USCIS in 
accordance with the form instructions and with the fee prescribed by 8 
CFR 106.2. If the U.S. citizen parent has died, the child's U.S. citizen 
grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian may submit the application, 
provided the application is filed not more than 5 years after the death 
of the U.S. citizen parent.
    (b) Evidence. (1) An applicant under this section shall establish 
eligibility under Sec.  322.2. In addition to the forms and the 
appropriate fee as required in 8 CFR 106.2, an applicant must submit the 
following required documents unless such documents are already contained 
in the Service administrative file(s):
    (i) The child's birth certificate or record;
    (ii) Marriage certificate of child's parents (if applicable);
    (iii) If the child's parents were married before their marriage to 
each other, proof of termination of any previous marriage of each parent 
(e.g., death certificate or divorce decree);
    (iv) Evidence of U.S. citizenship of parent (i.e., birth 
certificate; naturalization certificate; FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad; 
a valid unexpired U.S. passport; or certificate of citizenship);
    (v) If the child was born out of wedlock, documents verifying 
legitimation according to the laws of the child's residence or domicile 
or father's residence or domicile (if applicable);
    (vi) In case of divorce, legal separation, or adoption, 
documentation of legal custody (if applicable);
    (vii) Documentation establishing that the U.S. citizen parent or 
U.S. citizen grandparent meets the required physical presence 
requirements (e.g., school records, military records, utility bills, 
medical records, deeds, mortgages, contracts, insurance policies, 
receipts, or attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations);
    (viii) Evidence that the child is present in the United States 
pursuant to a lawful admission and is maintaining such lawful status, or 
evidence establishing that the child qualifies for an exception to these 
requirements as provided in 8 CFR 322.2(c) pursuant to section 322(d) of 
the Act. Such evidence may be presented at the time of interview when 
appropriate;
    (ix) If adopted, a copy of a full, final adoption decree;
    (x) For adopted children (not orphans) applying under section 322 of 
the Act, evidence that they satisfy the requirements of section 
101(b)(1)(E);
    (xi) For adopted orphans applying under section 322 of the Act, a 
copy of notice of approval of the orphan petition and supporting 
documentation for such petition (except the home study) or evidence that 
the child has been admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United 
States with the immigrant classification of IR-3 (Orphan adopted abroad 
by a U.S. citizen) or IR-4 (Orphan to be adopted by a U.S. citizen);
    (xii) For a Hague Convention adoptee applying under section 322 of 
the Act, a copy of the notice of approval of the Convention adoptee 
petition and its supporting documentation, or evidence that the child 
has been admitted for

[[Page 860]]

lawful permanent residence in the United States with the immigrant 
classification of IH-3 (Hague Convention Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. 
citizen) or IH-4 (Hague Convention Orphan to be adopted by a U.S. 
citizen); and
    (xiii) Evidence of all legal name changes, if applicable, for the 
child, U.S. citizen parent, U.S. citizen grandparent, or U.S. citizen 
legal guardian.
    (2) If USCIS requires any additional documentation to make a 
decision on the application, the parents may be asked to provide that 
documentation under separate cover or at the time of interview. Parents 
do not need to submit documents that were submitted in connection with: 
An application for immigrant visa and retained by the American Consulate 
for inclusion in the immigrant visa package, or another immigrant 
petition or application and included in a Service administrative file. 
Parents should indicate that they wish to rely on such documents and 
identify the administrative file(s) by name and alien number. The 
Service will only request the required documentation again if necessary.

[66 FR 32144, June 13, 2001, as amended at 72 FR 56867, Oct. 4, 2007; 74 
FR 26940, June 5, 2009; 76 FR 53799, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46928, Aug. 3, 
2020]



Sec.  322.4  Interview.

    The U.S. citizen parent and the child must appear in person before a 
USCIS officer for examination on the application under this section. If 
the U.S. citizen parent is deceased, the child's U.S. citizen 
grandparent or U.S. citizen legal guardian who filed the application on 
the child's behalf must appear.

[76 FR 53799, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  322.5  Decision.

    (a) Approval of application. If the application for certificate of 
citizenship is approved, after the applicant takes the oath of 
allegiance prescribed in 8 CFR 337.1 (unless the oath is waived), USCIS 
will issue a certificate of citizenship. The child is a citizen as of 
the date of approval and administration of the oath of allegiance.
    (b) Denial of application. If the USCIS decision is to deny the 
application for a certificate of citizenship under this section, the 
applicant will be furnished with the reasons for denial and advised of 
the right to appeal in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 103.3(a). 
An applicant may file an appeal within 30 days of service of the 
decision in accordance with the instructions on the form prescribed by 
USCIS for that purpose, and with the fee required by 8 CFR 106.2.
    (c) Subsequent application. After an application for a certificate 
of citizenship has been denied and the time for appeal has expired, 
USCIS will reject a subsequent application submitted by the same 
individual and the applicant will be instructed to submit a motion for 
reopening or reconsideration in accordance with 8 CFR 103.5. The motion 
must be accompanied by the rejected application and the fee specified in 
8 CFR 106.2.

[76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46928, Aug. 3, 2020]



 PART 324_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
 WOMEN WHO HAVE LOST UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE 
 AND FORMER CITIZENS WHOSE NATURALIZATION IS AUTHORIZED BY PRIVATE LAW--
 Table of Contents



Sec.
324.1 Definitions.
324.2 Former citizen at birth or by naturalization.
324.3 Women, citizens of the United States at birth, who lost or are 
          believed to have lost citizenship by marriage and whose 
          marriage has terminated.
324.4 Women restored to United States citizenship by the act of June 25, 
          1936, as amended by the act of July 2, 1940.
324.5 Former citizen of the United States whose naturalization by taking 
          the oath is authorized by a private law.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1435, 1443, 1448, 1101 note.



Sec.  324.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Oath means the Oath of Allegiance as prescribed in section 337 of 
the Act.

[56 FR 50490, Oct. 7, 1991]

[[Page 861]]



Sec.  324.2  Former citizen at birth or by naturalization.

    (a) Eligibility. To be eligible for naturalization under section 
324(a) of the Act, an applicant must establish that she:
    (1) Was formerly a United States citizen;
    (2) Lost or may have lost United States citizenship:
    (i) Prior to September 22, 1922, by marriage to an alien, or by the 
loss of United States citizenship of the applicant's spouse; or
    (ii) On or after September 22, 1922, by marriage before March 3, 
1931 to an alien ineligible to citizenship;
    (3) Did not acquire any other nationality by affirmative act other 
than by marriage;
    (4) Either:
    (i) Has resided in the United States continuously since the date of 
the marriage referred to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; or
    (ii) Has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence prior to 
filing an application for naturalization;
    (5) Has been and is a person of good moral character, attached to 
the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably 
disposed toward the good order and happiness of the United States, for 
the period of not less than five years immediately preceding the 
examination on the application for naturalization up to the time of 
admission to citizenship; and
    (6) Complies with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except that:
    (i) The applicant is not required to satisfy the residence 
requirements under Sec.  316.2(a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter; 
and,
    (ii) The applicant need not set forth an intention to reside 
permanently within the United States.
    (b) Application. An applicant for naturalization under this section 
must submit an application on the form designated by USCIS in accordance 
with the form instructions and with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 106.2 as 
required by 8 CFR 316.4. The application must be accompanied by a 
statement describing the applicant's eligibility as provided in 
paragraph (a) of this section as well as any available documentation to 
establish those facts.

[56 FR 50490, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 74 FR 26941, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 73477, Nov. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46928, Aug. 
3, 2020]



Sec.  324.3  Women, citizens of the United States at birth, who lost 
or are believed to have lost citizenship by marriage and whose marriage 
has terminated.

    (a) Eligibility. To be eligible for naturalization under section 
324(c) of the Act, an applicant must establish:
    (1) That she was formerly a United States citizen by birth;
    (2) That she lost or may have lost her United States citizenship:
    (i) Prior to September 22, 1922, by marriage to an alien; or
    (ii) On or after September 22, 1922, by marriage to an alien 
ineligible to citizenship before March 3, 1931;
    (3) That the marriage specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section 
terminated subsequent to January 12, 1941;
    (4) That she did not acquire any other nationality by affirmative 
act other than by marriage; and
    (5) That she is not proscribed from naturalization under section 313 
of the Act.
    (b) Procedures--(1) Application. An applicant eligible for 
naturalization pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, who desires to 
regain citizenship pursuant to section 324(c) of the Act, shall submit, 
without fee, an application for naturalization on the form prescribed by 
USCIS in accordance with the instructions on the form.
    (2) Oath of Allegiance. The USCIS shall review the applicant's 
submission, and shall inform the applicant of her eligibility under 
section 324(c) of the Act to take the oath in conformity with part 337 
of this chapter. After the applicant has taken the oath, the applicant 
will be furnished with a copy of the oath by the clerk of the Court or 
USCIS, as appropriate, properly certified, for which a fee not exceeding 
$5 may be charged. The oath may also be taken abroad before any 
diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, in accordance with 
such regulations as

[[Page 862]]

may be prescribed by the Secretary of State.

[56 FR 50490, 50491, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 74 FR 26941, June 5, 
2009; 76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  324.4  Women restored to United States citizenship by the act 
of June 25, 1936, as amended by the act of July 2, 1940.

    A woman who was restored to citizenship by the act of June 25, 1936, 
as amended by the act of July 2, 1940, but who failed to take the oath 
of allegiance prescribed by the naturalization laws prior to December 
24, 1952, may take the oath before any naturalization court or USCIS 
office within the United States. Such woman shall comply with the 
procedural requirements of Sec.  324.4(b) and (c) except that a fee not 
exceeding $1.00 may be charged if the woman requests a copy of the oath.

[22 FR 9814, Dec. 6, 1957. Redesignated and amended at 56 FR 50490, 
50491, Oct. 7, 1991; 74 FR 26941, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  324.5  Former citizen of the United States whose naturalization 
by taking the oath is authorized by a private law.

    A former citizen of the United States whose naturalization by taking 
the oath before any naturalization court or office of USCIS within the 
United States is authorized by a private law must submit an application 
on the form specified by USCIS, without fee, in accordance with the form 
instructions.

[76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 325_NATIONALS BUT NOT CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES; 
RESIDENCE WITHIN OUTLYING POSSESSIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
325.1 [Reserved]
325.2 Eligibility.
325.3 Residence.
325.4 Application; documents.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1436, 1443.

    Source: 56 FR 50491, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  325.1  [Reserved]



Sec.  325.2  Eligibility.

    An applicant for naturalization under section 325 of the Act who 
owes permanent allegiance to the United States, and who is otherwise 
qualified may be naturalized if:
    (a) The applicant becomes a resident of any State; and
    (b) The applicant complies with all of the applicable requirements 
in parts 316 or 319 of this chapter, as appropriate, except as modified 
in this part.



Sec.  325.3  Residence.

    (a) For purposes of applying the residence and physical presence 
requirements in parts 316 and 319 of this chapter, except as they relate 
to the required three months' residence in a State or Service district, 
residence and physical presence in an outlying possession of the United 
States will count as residence and physical presence in the United 
States.
    (b) An applicant who intends to resume residence in an outlying 
possession after naturalization will be regarded as having established 
that he or she intends to reside permanently in the United States.



Sec.  325.4  Application; documents.

    (a) An application for naturalization under this part shall be 
submitted in compliance with Sec.  316.4(a) of this chapter.
    (b) The applicant shall submit with the application:
    (1) A birth certificate or other evidence of national status;
    (2) Proof of identity; and
    (3) Evidence of actual residence in the State or Service district, 
as defined in 8 CFR 316.1, for three months immediately preceding the 
filing of the application, or immediately preceding the examination on 
the application if the application was filed early pursuant to section 
334(a) of the Act and the three month period falls within the required 
period of residence under section 316(a) or 319(a) of the Act.

[56 FR 50491, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]

[[Page 863]]



PART 327_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
PERSONS WHO LOST UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP THROUGH SERVICE IN ARMED FORCES 
OF FOREIGN COUNTRY DURING WORLD WAR II--Table of Contents



Sec.
327.1 Eligibility.
327.2 Procedure for naturalization.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1438, 1443.



Sec.  327.1  Eligibility.

    To be eligible for naturalization under section 327 of the Act, an 
applicant must establish that:
    (a) The applicant, on or after September 1, 1939 and on or before 
September 2, 1945:
    (1) Served in the military, air or naval forces of any country at 
war with a country with which the United States was at war after 
December 7, 1941 and before September 2, 1945; or
    (2) Took an oath of allegiance or obligation for purposes of 
entering or serving in the military, air, or, naval forces of any 
country at war with a country with which the United States was at war 
after December 7, 1941 and before September 2, 1945;
    (b) The applicant was a United States citizen at the time of the 
service or oath specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    (c) The applicant lost United States citizenship as a result of the 
service or oath specified in paragraph (a) of this section;
    (d) The applicant has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
and intends to reside permanently in the United States;
    (e) The applicant is, and has been for a period of at least five 
years immediately preceding taking the oath required in Sec.  327.2(c), 
a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the 
Constitution of the United States, and favorably disposed toward the 
good order and happiness of the United States; and
    (f) The applicant has complied with all other requirements for 
naturalization as provided in part 316 of this chapter, except for those 
contained in Sec.  316.2 (a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter.

[56 FR 50492, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  327.2  Procedure for naturalization.

    (a) Application. An applicant who is eligible for naturalization 
pursuant to section 327 of the Act and Sec.  327.1 shall submit an 
Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, in accordance with Sec.  
316.4 of this chapter. Such application must be accompanied by a 
statement describing the applicant's eligibility under Sec.  327.1 (a), 
(b), and (c) and any available documentation to establish those facts.
    (b) Oath of Allegiance. Upon naturalization of the applicant, the 
district director shall transmit a copy of the oath of allegiance taken 
by the applicant to the Department of State.

[56 FR 50492, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 74 FR 26941, June 5, 2009]



PART 328_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
PERSONS WITH 1 YEAR OF SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES--
Table of Contents



Sec.
328.1 Definitions.
328.2 Eligibility.
328.3 [Reserved]
328.4 Application and evidence.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1439, 1443.

    Source: 56 FR 50492, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  328.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Honorable service means only that military service which is 
designated as honorable service by the executive department under which 
the applicant performed that military service. Any service that is 
designated to be other than honorable will not qualify under this 
section.
    Service in the Armed Forces of the United States means:
    (1) Active or reserve service in the United States Army, United 
States Navy, United States Marines, United States Air Force, or United 
States Coast Guard; or

[[Page 864]]

    (2) Service in a National Guard unit during such time as the unit is 
Federally recognized as a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the 
United States.



Sec.  328.2  Eligibility.

    To be eligible for naturalization under section 328(a) of the Act, 
an applicant must establish that the applicant:
    (a) Has served honorably in and, if separated, has been separated 
honorably from, the Armed Forces of the United States;
    (b) Has served under paragraph (a) of this section for a period of 1 
or more years, whether that service is continuous or discontinuous;
    (c) Is a lawful permanent resident of the United States at the time 
of the examination on the application;
    (d) Has been, during any period within five years preceding the 
filing of the application for naturalization, or the examination on the 
application if eligible for early filing under section 334(a) of the 
Act, and continues to be, of good moral character, attached to the 
principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorably 
disposed toward the good order and happiness of the United States.
    (1) An applicant is presumed to satisfy the requirements of this 
paragraph during periods of honorable service under paragraph (a) of 
this section.
    (2) An applicant must establish that he or she satisfies the 
requirements of this paragraph from the date of discharge from military 
until the date of admission to citizenship.
    (3) An applicant whose honorable service is discontinuous must also 
demonstrate that he or she satisfies the requirements of this paragraph 
for those periods of time when that applicant is not in honorable 
service.
    (e) Has complied with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except that:
    (1) An applicant who files an application for naturalization while 
still in honorable service, or within six months after termination of 
such service, is generally not required to satisfy the residence 
requirements under Sec.  316.2(a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter; 
however, if the applicant's military service is discontinuous, that 
applicant must establish, for periods between honorable service during 
the five years immediately preceding the date of filing the application, 
or the examination on the application if eligible for early filing under 
section 334(a) of the Act, that he or she resided in the United States 
and in the State or Service district in the United States in which the 
application is filed.
    (2) An applicant who files an application for naturalization more 
than six months after terminating honorable service must satisfy the 
residence requirements under Sec.  316.2(a)(3) through (a)(6) of this 
chapter. However, any honorable service by the applicant within the five 
years immediately preceding the date of filing of the application shall 
be considered as residence within the United States for purposes of 
Sec.  316.2(a)(3) of this chapter.

[56 FR 50492, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 75 FR 2787, Jan. 19, 2010]



Sec.  328.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  328.4  Application and evidence.

    (a) Application. An applicant for naturalization under section 328 
of the Act must submit an application on the form prescribed by USCIS in 
accordance with the form instructions and as provided in 8 CFR 316.4.
    (b) Evidence. The applicant's eligibility for naturalization under 8 
CFR 328.2(a) or (b) will be established only by the certification of 
honorable service by the executive department under which the applicant 
served or is serving.

[76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]



 PART 329_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
 PERSONS WITH ACTIVE DUTY OR CERTAIN READY RESERVE SERVICE 
 IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS 
 OF HOSTILITIES--Table of Contents



Sec.
329.1 Definitions.
329.2 Eligibility.
329.3 [Reserved]

[[Page 865]]

329.4 Application and evidence.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1440, 1443; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  329.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Honorable service and separation means service and separation from 
service which the executive department under which the applicant served 
determines to be honorable, including:
    (1) That such applicant had not been separated from service on 
account of alienage;
    (2) That such applicant was not a conscientious objector who 
performed no military, air or naval duty; and
    (3) That such applicant did not refuse to wear a military uniform.
    Service in an active duty status in the Armed Forces of the United 
States means active service in the following organizations:
    (1) United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marines, 
United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard; or
    (2) A National Guard unit during such time as the unit is Federally 
recognized as a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United 
States and that unit is called for active duty.
    World War I means the period beginning on April 6, 1917, and ending 
on November 11, 1918.

[56 FR 50493, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  329.2  Eligibility.

    To be eligible for naturalization under section 329(a) of the Act, 
an applicant must establish that he or she:
    (a) Has served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States as 
a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or in an active 
duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States during:
    (1) World War I;
    (2) The period beginning on September 1, 1939 and ending on December 
31, 1946;
    (3) The period beginning on June 25, 1950 and ending on July 1, 
1955;
    (4) The period beginning on February 28, 1961 and ending on October 
15, 1978; or
    (5) Any other period as may be designated by the President in an 
Executive Order pursuant to section 329(a) of the Act;
    (b) If separated, has been separated honorably from service in the 
Armed Forces of the United States under paragraph (a) of this section;
    (c) Satisfies the permanent residence requirement in one of the 
following ways:
    (1) Any time after enlistment or induction into the Armed Forces of 
the United States, the applicant was lawfully admitted to the United 
States as a permanent resident; or
    (2) At the time of enlistment or induction, the applicant was 
physically present in the geographical territory of the United States, 
the Canal Zone, American Samoa, Midway Island (prior to August 21, 
1959), or Swain's Island, or in the ports, harbors, bays, enclosed sea 
areas, or the three-mile territorial sea along the coasts of these land 
areas, whether or not the applicant has been lawfully admitted to the 
United States as a permanent resident;
    (d) Has been, for at least one year prior to filing the application 
for naturalization, and continues to be, of good moral character, 
attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and 
favorably disposed toward the good order and happiness of the United 
States; and
    (e) Has complied with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except that:
    (1) The applicant may be of any age;
    (2) The applicant is not required to satisfy the residence 
requirements under Sec.  316.2 (a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter; 
and
    (3) The applicant may be naturalized even if an outstanding notice 
to appear pursuant to 8 CFR part 239 (including a charging document 
issued to commence proceedings under sections 236 or 242 of the Act 
prior to April 1, 1997) exists.

[56 FR 50493, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49913, Sept. 24, 1993; 
62 FR 10395, Mar. 6, 1997; 75 FR 2787, Jan. 19, 2010]



Sec.  329.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  329.4  Application and evidence.

    (a) Application. An applicant for naturalization under section 329 
of the Act

[[Page 866]]

must submit an application on the form prescribed by USCIS in accordance 
with the form instructions and as provided in 8 CFR 316.4.
    (b) Evidence. The applicant's eligibility for naturalization under 8 
CFR 329.2(a), (b), or (c)(2) will be established only by a certification 
of honorable service by the executive department under which the 
applicant served or is serving.

[76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 330_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: 
SEAMEN--Table of Contents



Sec.
330.1 Eligibility.
330.2 Application.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443.



Sec.  330.1  Eligibility.

    To be eligible for naturalization under section 330 of the Act, an 
applicant must establish that he or she:
    (a) Has been lawfully admitted as a permanent resident of the United 
States;
    (b) Has served honorably or with good conduct, during such periods 
of lawful residence, in a capacity other than as a member of the Armed 
Forces of the United States, on board:
    (1) A vessel operated by the United States, or an agency thereof, 
the full legal and equitable title to which is in the United States; or
    (2) A vessel, whose home port is the United States, and
    (i) Which is registered under the laws of the United States; or
    (ii) The full legal and equitable title to which is in a citizen of 
the United States, or a corporation organized under the laws of any of 
the several States of the United States;
    (c) Served in the capacity specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section within five years immediately preceding the date on which the 
applicant filed the application for naturalization, or on which the 
alien is examined, if the application was filed early pursuant to 
section 334(a) of the Act.
    (d) Has been, during the five years preceding the filing of the 
application for naturalization, or the examination on the application if 
the application was filed early under section 334(a) of the Act, and 
continues to be, of good moral character, attached to the principles of 
the Constitution of the United States, and favorably disposed toward the 
good order and happiness of the United States.
    (1) An applicant is presumed to satisfy the requirements of this 
paragraph during periods of service in accordance with paragraphs (b) 
and (c) of this section, as reflected by the records and certificates 
submitted by the applicant under Sec.  330.2(b).
    (2) An applicant must demonstrate that he or she satisfies the 
requirements of this paragraph for those required periods when that 
applicant did not perform service in accordance with paragraphs (b) and 
(c) of this section; and
    (e) Has complied with all other requirements for naturalization as 
provided in part 316 of this chapter, except that, for purposes of the 
residence requirements under paragraphs Sec.  316.2 (a)(3) and (a)(4) of 
this chapter, service satisfying the conditions of this section shall be 
considered as residence and physical presence within the United States.

[56 FR 50493, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  330.2  Application.

    (a) An applicant for naturalization under section 330 of the Act 
must submit an application on the form designated by USCIS.
    (b) An applicant under this part must submit authenticated copies of 
the records and certificates of either:
    (1) The Executive Department or Agencies having custody of records 
reflecting the applicant's service on a vessel in United States 
Government Service, if the applicant provided service under Sec.  
330.1(b)(1); or
    (2) The masters of those vessels maintaining a home port in the 
United States, and either registered under the laws of the United States 
or owned by United States citizens or corporations, if the applicant 
provided service under Sec.  330.1(b)(2).

[56 FR 50493, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 74 FR 26941, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]

[[Page 867]]



PART 331_ALIEN ENEMIES; NATURALIZATION UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS 
AND PROCEDURES--Table of Contents



Sec.
331.1 Definitions.
331.2 Eligibility.
331.3 Investigation.
331.4 Procedures.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443.

    Source: 56 FR 50494, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  331.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Alien enemy means any person who is a native, citizen, subject or 
denizen of any country, state or sovereignty with which the United 
States is at war, for as long as the United States remains at war, as 
determined by proclamation of the President or resolution of Congress.
    Denizen includes, but is not limited to, any person who has been 
admitted to residence and is entitled to certain rights in a country 
other than the one of the person's nationality. A person holding a 
status in another country equivalent to that of a lawful permanent 
resident in the United States would be considered to be a denizen.



Sec.  331.2  Eligibility.

    An alien enemy may be naturalized as a citizen of the United States 
under section 331 of the Act if:
    (a) The alien's application for naturalization is pending at the 
beginning of the state of war, or the Service has granted the alien an 
exception from the classification as an alien enemy after conducting an 
investigation in accordance with Sec.  331.3;
    (b) The alien's loyalty to the United States is fully established 
upon investigation by the Service in accordance with Sec.  331.3; and
    (c) The alien is otherwise entitled to admission to citizenship.



Sec.  331.3  Investigation.

    The Service shall conduct a full investigation of any alien enemy 
whose application for naturalization is pending upon declaration of war 
or at any time thereafter. This investigation may take place either 
prior to or after the examination on the application. This investigation 
shall encompass, but not be limited to, the applicant's loyalty to the 
United States and attachment to the country, state, or sovereignty with 
which the United States is at war.



Sec.  331.4  Procedures.

    (a) Upon determining that an applicant for naturalization is an 
alien enemy, the Service shall notify the applicant in writing of its 
determination. Upon service of this notice to the applicant, the 
provisions of section 336(b) of the Act will no longer apply to such 
applicant, until that applicant is no longer classifiable as an alien 
enemy.
    (b) Upon completion of the investigation described in Sec.  331.3, 
if the Service concludes that the applicant's loyalty and attachment to 
the United States have been fully established, the application may be 
granted.



PART 332_NATURALIZATION ADMINISTRATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
332.1 Designation of USCIS employees to administer oaths and conduct 
          examinations and hearings.
332.2-332.4 [Reserved]
332.5 Official forms for use by clerks of court.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1447.



Sec.  332.1  Designation of USCIS employees to administer oaths 
and conduct examinations and hearings.

    (a) Examinations. All USCIS officers are hereby designated to 
conduct the examination for naturalization required under section 335 of 
the Act, provided that each officer so designated has received 
appropriate training.
    (b) Hearings. Section 336 of the Act authorizes USCIS officers who 
are designated under paragraph (a) of this section to conduct hearings 
under that section.
    (c) Depositions. All USCIS officers who are designated under 
paragraph (a) of this section are hereby designated to take depositions 
in matters relating to the administration of naturalization and 
citizenship laws.

[[Page 868]]

    (d) Oaths and affirmations. All USCIS officers who are designated 
under paragraph (a) of this section are hereby designated to administer 
oaths or affirmations except for the oath of allegiance as provided in 8 
CFR 337.2.

[76 FR 53800, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec. Sec.  332.2-332.4  [Reserved]



Sec.  332.5  Official forms for use by clerks of court.

    (a) Official forms essential to exercise of jurisdiction. Before 
exercising jurisdiction in naturalization proceedings, the 
naturalization court shall direct the clerk of such court upon written 
application to obtain from the Service, in accordance with section 
310(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, proper forms, records, 
booked, and supplies required in naturalization proceedings. Such 
jurisdiction may not be exercised until such official forms, records, 
and books have been supplied to such court. Only such forms as are 
supplied shall be used in naturalization proceedings. Where sessions of 
the court are held at different places, the judge of such court may 
require the clerk to obtain a separate supply of official forms, records 
and books for each such place.
    (b) Official forms prescribed for use of clerks of naturalization 
courts. Clerks of courts shall use only the forms listed in Sec.  499.1 
of this chapter in the exercise of naturalization jurisdiction.
    (c) Initial application for official forms. Whenever the initial 
application for forms, records, books and supplies is made by a State 
court of record, it shall be accompanied by a certificate of the 
Attorney General of the State, certifying that the said court is a court 
of record, having a seal, a clerk, and jurisdiction in actions at law or 
in equity, or at law and in equity, in which the amount in controversy 
is unlimited.
    (d) Subsequent application for use of official forms. Included with 
the initial supply of official forms, records, and books furnished to 
the various courts by the Service shall be Form N-3 entitled 
``Requisition for Forms and Binders,'' and thereafter such forms shall 
be used by clerks of courts in making requisition for forms, records, 
books, and supplies for use in naturalization proceedings in their 
respective courts.

[22 FR 9817, Dec. 6, 1957. Redesignated and amended at 56 FR 50495, Oct. 
7, 1991]



PART 333_PHOTOGRAPHS--Table of Contents



Sec.
333.1 Description of required photographs.
333.2 Attachment of photographs to documents.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443.



Sec.  333.1  Description of required photographs.

    (a) Every applicant who is required to provide photographs under 
section 333 of the Act must do so as prescribed by USCIS in its form 
instructions.
    (b) The applicant, except in the case of a child or other person 
physically incapable of signing his or her name, shall sign each copy of 
the photograph on the front of the photograph with his or her full true 
name, in such manner as not to obscure the features. An applicant unable 
to write may make the signature by a mark. An applicant for 
naturalization must sign the photographs in the English language, unless 
the applicant is exempt from the English language requirement of part 
312 of this chapter and is unable to sign in English, in which case the 
photographs may be signed in any language.
    (c)(1) If a child is unable to sign his or her name, the photographs 
must be signed by a parent or guardian, the signature reading ``(name of 
child) by (name of parent or guardian).''
    (2) If an adult is physically unable to sign or make a mark, a 
guardian or the Service employee conducting the interview will sign the 
photographs as provided in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
    (d) The photographs must be signed when submitted with an 
application if the instructions accompanying the application so require. 
If signature is not required by the instructions, the photographs are to 
be submitted without being signed and shall be signed at such later time 
during the processing of the application as may be appropriate.

[56 FR 50495, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]

[[Page 869]]



Sec.  333.2  Attachment of photographs to documents.

    A photograph of the applicant must be securely and permanently 
attached to each certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or to any 
other document that requires a photograph, in a manner prescribed by 
USCIS.

[76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 334_APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
334.1 Filing of application for naturalization.
334.2 Application for naturalization.
334.3 [Reserved]
334.4 Investigation and report if applicant is sick or disabled.
334.5 Amendment of application for naturalization; reopening 
          proceedings.
334.6-334.10 [Reserved]
334.11 Declaration of intention.
334.12-334.15 [Reserved]

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  334.1  Filing of application for naturalization.

    Any person who is an applicant under sections 316, 319, 324, 325, 
327, 328, 329, or 330 of the Act and the corresponding parts of this 
chapter, may apply for naturalization in accordance with the procedures 
prescribed in this chapter in accordance with the instructions on the 
form.

[56 FR 50496, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 32147, June 13, 2001; 74 
FR 26941, June 5, 2009]



Sec.  334.2  Application for naturalization.

    (a) An applicant may file an application for naturalization with 
required initial evidence in accordance with the general form 
instructions for naturalization. The applicant must include the fee as 
required in 8 CFR 106.2.
    (b) An application for naturalization may be filed up to 90 days 
prior to the completion of the required period of residence, which may 
include the three-month period of residence required to establish 
jurisdiction under section 316(a) or 319(a) of the Act.

[56 FR 50496, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 48780, Sept. 20, 1993; 
66 FR 32147, June 13, 2001; 76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46929, 
Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  334.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  334.4  Investigation and report if applicant is sick or disabled.

    Whenever it appears that an applicant for naturalization may be 
unable, because of sickness or other disability, to appear for the 
initial examination on the application or for any subsequent interview, 
the district director shall cause an investigation to be conducted to 
determine the circumstances surrounding the sickness or disability. The 
district director shall determine, based on available medical evidence, 
whether the sickness or disability is of a nature which so incapacitates 
the applicant as to prevent the applicant's appearance at a Service 
office having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. If 
so, the district director shall designate another place where the 
applicant may appear for the requisite naturalization proceedings.

[58 FR 49913, Sept. 24, 1993]



Sec.  334.5  Amendment of application for naturalization; 
reopening proceedings.

    (a) Clerical amendments--(1) By applicant. An applicant may request 
that the application for naturalization be amended either prior to or 
subsequent to the administration of the oath of allegiance.
    (2) By Service. The Service may amend, at any time, an application 
for naturalization when in receipt of information that clearly indicates 
that a clerical error has occurred.
    (3) Amendment procedure. Any amendment will be limited to the 
correction of clerical errors arising from oversight or omission. If the 
amendment is approved, the amended application shall be filed with the 
original application for naturalization.
    (b) Substantive amendments. Any substantive amendments which affect 
the jurisdiction or the decision on the merits of the application will 
not be authorized. When the Service is in receipt of any information 
that would indicate that an application for naturalization should not 
have been granted on the merits, the Service may institute proceedings 
to reopen the application before admission to citizenship, or to revoke 
the naturalization of a person

[[Page 870]]

who has been admitted to citizenship, in accordance with section 340 of 
the Act and Sec.  335.5 of this chapter.

[56 FR 50496, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec. Sec.  334.6-334.10  [Reserved]



Sec.  334.11  Declaration of intention.

    (a) Application. Any person who is a lawful permanent resident over 
18 years of age may file an application for a declaration of intention 
to become a citizen of the United States while present in the United 
States. Such application, with the requisite fee, shall be filed on the 
form specified by USCIS, in accordance with the form instructions.
    (b) Approval. If approved, USCIS will retain the application in the 
file and advise the applicant of the action taken.
    (c) Denial. If an application is denied, the applicant shall be 
notified in writing of the reasons for denial. No appeal shall lie from 
this decision.

[58 FR 49913, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 74 FR 26941, June 5, 2009; 
76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec. Sec.  334.12-334.15  [Reserved]



PART 335_EXAMINATION ON APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
335.1 Investigation of applicant.
335.2 Examination of applicant.
335.3 Determination on application; continuance of examination.
335.4 Use of record of examination.
335.5 Receipt of derogatory information after grant.
335.6 Failure to appear for examination.
335.7 Failure to prosecute application after initial examination.
335.8 [Reserved]
335.9 Transfer of application.
335.10 Withdrawal of application.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1447.



Sec.  335.1  Investigation of applicant.

    Subsequent to the filing of an application for naturalization, the 
Service shall conduct an investigation of the applicant. The 
investigation shall consist, at a minimum, of a review of all pertinent 
records, police department checks, and a neighborhood investigation in 
the vicinities where the applicant has resided and has been employed, or 
engaged in business, for at least the five years immediately preceding 
the filing of the application. The district director may waive the 
neighborhood investigation of the applicant provided for in this 
paragraph.

[56 FR 50497, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  335.2  Examination of applicant.

    (a) General. Subsequent to the filing of an application for 
naturalization, each applicant shall appear in person before a USCIS 
officer designated to conduct examinations pursuant to 8 CFR 332.1. The 
examination shall be uniform throughout the United States and shall 
encompass all factors relating to the applicant's eligibility for 
naturalization. The applicant may request the presence of an attorney or 
representative who has filed an appearance in accordance with part 292 
of this chapter.
    (b) Completion of criminal background checks before examination. 
USCIS will notify applicants for naturalization to appear before a USCIS 
officer for initial examination on the naturalization application only 
after the USCIS has received a definitive response from the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation that a full criminal background check of an 
applicant has been completed. A definitive response that a full criminal 
background check on an applicant has been completed includes:
    (1) Confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that an 
applicant does not have an administrative or a criminal record;
    (2) Confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that an 
applicant has an administrative or a criminal record; or
    (3) Confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that the 
fingerprint data submitted for the criminal background check has been 
rejected.
    (c) Procedure. Prior to the beginning of the examination, USCIS 
shall make known to the applicant the official capacity in which the 
officer is conducting the examination. The applicant shall be 
questioned, under oath or affirmation, in a setting apart from the

[[Page 871]]

public. Whenever necessary, the examining officer shall correct written 
answers in the application for naturalization to conform to the oral 
statements made under oath or affirmation. USCIS shall maintain, for the 
record, brief notations of the examination for naturalization. At a 
minimum, the notations shall include a record of the test administered 
to the applicant on English literacy and basic knowledge of the history 
and government of the United States. USCIS may have a stenographic, 
mechanical, electronic, or videotaped transcript made, or may prepare an 
affidavit covering the testimony of the applicant. The questions to the 
applicant shall be repeated in different form and elaborated, if 
necessary, until the officer conducting the examination is satisfied 
that the applicant either fully understands the questions or is unable 
to understand English. The applicant and USCIS shall have the right to 
present such oral or documentary evidence and to conduct such cross-
examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the 
facts.
    (d) Witnesses. Witnesses, if called, shall be questioned under oath 
or affirmation to discover their own credibility and competency, as well 
as the extent of their personal knowledge of the applicant and his or 
her qualifications to become a naturalized citizen.
    (1) Issuance of subpoenas. Subpoenas requiring the attendance of 
witnesses or the production of documentary evidence, or both, may be 
issued by the examining officer upon his or her own volition, or upon 
written request of the applicant or his or her attorney or 
representative. Such written request shall specify, as nearly as 
possible, the relevance, materiality, and scope of the testimony or 
documentary evidence sought and must show affirmatively that the 
testimony or documentary evidence cannot otherwise be produced. The 
examining officer shall document in the record his or her refusal to 
issue a subpoena at the request of the applicant.
    (2) Service of subpoenas. Subpoenas will be issued on the form 
designated by USCIS and a record will be made of service. The subpoena 
may be served by any person over 18 years of age, not a party to the 
case, designated to make such service by USCIS.
    (3) Witness fees. Mileage and fees for witnesses subpoenaed under 
this section shall be paid by the party at whose instance the subpoena 
is issued, at rates allowed and under conditions prescribed by the 
Service. Before issuing a subpoena, the officer may require the deposit 
of an amount adequate to cover the fees and mileage involved.
    (4) Failure to appear. If the witness subpoenaed neglects or refuses 
to testify or to produce documentary evidence as directed by the 
subpoena, the district director shall request that the United States 
Attorney for the proper district report such neglect or refusal to any 
District Court of the United States, and file a motion in such court for 
an order directing the witness to appear and to testify and produce the 
documentary evidence described in the subpoena.
    (5) Extraterritorial testimony. The testimony of a witness may be 
taken outside the United States. The witness's name and address shall be 
sent to the Service office abroad which has jurisdiction over the 
witness's residence. The officer taking the statement shall be given 
express instructions regarding any aspect of the case which may require 
special development or emphasis during the interrogation of the witness.
    (e) Record of examination. At the conclusion of the examination, all 
corrections made on the application form and all supplemental material 
shall be consecutively numbered and listed in the space provided on the 
applicant's affidavit contained in the application form. The affidavit 
must then be subscribed and sworn to, or affirmed, by the applicant and 
signed by the USCIS officer. The affidavit shall be executed under the 
following oath (or affirmation): ``I swear (affirm) and certify under 
penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that I 
know that the contents of this application for naturalization subscribed 
by me, and the evidence submitted with it, are true and correct to the 
best of my knowledge and belief.'' Evidence received by the officer 
shall

[[Page 872]]

be placed into the record for determination of the case. All documentary 
or written evidence shall be properly identified and introduced into the 
record as exhibits by number, unless read into the record. A deposition 
or statement taken by a USCIS officer during the initial examination or 
any subsequent examination shall be included as part of the record on 
the application.
    (f) Use of interpreter. If the use of an interpreter is authorized 
pursuant to 8 CFR 312.4, the examining officer shall note on the 
application the use and identity of any interpreter. If the USCIS 
officer is proficient in the applicant's native language, the USCIS 
officer may conduct the examination in that language with the consent of 
the applicant.

[56 FR 50497, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49913, Sept. 24, 1993; 
63 FR 12987, 12988, Mar. 17, 1998; 76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.3  Determination on application; continuance of examination.

    (a) USCIS shall grant the application if the applicant has complied 
with all requirements for naturalization under this chapter. A decision 
to grant or deny the application shall be made at the time of the 
initial examination or within 120-days after the date of the initial 
examination of the applicant for naturalization under Sec.  335.2. The 
applicant shall be notified that the application has been granted or 
denied and, if the application has been granted, of the procedures to be 
followed for the administration of the oath of allegiance pursuant to 
part 337 of this chapter.
    (b) Rather than make a determination on the application, USCIS may 
continue the initial examination on an application for one 
reexamination, to afford the applicant an opportunity to overcome 
deficiencies on the application that may arise during the examination. 
The officer must inform the applicant in writing of the grounds to be 
overcome or the evidence to be submitted. The applicant shall not be 
required to appear for a reexamination earlier than 60 days after the 
first examination. However, the reexamination on the continued case 
shall be scheduled within the 120-day period after the initial 
examination, except as otherwise provided under Sec.  312.5(b) of this 
chapter. If the applicant is unable to overcome the deficiencies in the 
application, the application shall be denied pursuant to Sec.  336.1 of 
this chapter.

[56 FR 50497, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49914, Sept. 24, 1993; 
76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.4  Use of record of examination.

    In the event that an application is denied, the record of the 
examination on the application for naturalization, including the 
executed and corrected application form and supplements, affidavits, 
transcripts of testimony, documents, and other evidence, shall be 
submitted to the USCIS officer described in 8 CFR 332.1 of this chapter 
to conduct hearings on denials of applications for naturalization in 
accordance with part 336 of this chapter. The record of the examination 
shall be used for examining the petitioner and witnesses, if required to 
properly dispose of issues raised in the matter.

[56 FR 50498, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.5  Receipt of derogatory information after grant.

    In the event that USCIS receives derogatory information concerning 
an applicant whose application has already been granted as provided in 
Sec.  335.3(a) of this chapter, but who has not yet taken the oath of 
allegiance as provided in part 337 of this chapter, USCIS shall remove 
the applicant's name from any list of granted applications or of 
applicants scheduled for administration of the oath of allegiance, until 
such time as the matter can be resolved. USCIS shall notify the 
applicant in writing of the receipt of the specific derogatory 
information, with a motion to reopen the previously adjudicated 
application, giving the applicant 15 days to respond. If the applicant 
overcomes the derogatory information, the application will be granted 
and the applicant will be scheduled for administration of the oath of 
allegiance. Otherwise the motion to reopen will be granted and the 
application will

[[Page 873]]

be denied pursuant to Sec.  336.1 of this chapter.

[56 FR 50498, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49914, Sept. 24, 1993; 
76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.6  Failure to appear for examination.

    (a) An applicant for naturalization shall be deemed to have 
abandoned his or her application if he or she fails to appear for the 
examination pursuant to Sec.  335.3 and fails to notify USCIS of the 
reason for non-appearance within 30 days of the scheduled examination. 
Such notification shall be in writing and contain a request for 
rescheduling of the examination. In the absence of a timely 
notification, USCIS may administratively close the application without 
making a decision on the merits.
    (b) An applicant may reopen an administratively closed application 
by submitting a written request to USCIS within one (1) year from the 
date the application was closed. Such reopening shall be without 
additional fee. The date of the request for reopening shall be the date 
of filing of the application for purposes of determining eligibility for 
naturalization.
    (c) If the applicant does not request reopening of an 
administratively closed application within one year from the date the 
application was closed, USCIS will consider that application to have 
been abandoned, and shall dismiss the application without further notice 
to the applicant.

[58 FR 49914, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 6651, Feb. 3, 1995; 76 
FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.7  Failure to prosecute application after initial examination.

    An applicant for naturalization who has appeared for the examination 
on his or her application as provided in 8 CFR 335.2 will be considered 
as failing to prosecute such application if he or she, without good 
cause being shown, either failed to excuse an absence from a 
subsequently required appearance, or fails to provide within a 
reasonable period of time such documents, information, or testimony 
deemed by USCIS to be necessary to establish his or her eligibility for 
naturalization. USCIS will deliver notice of requests for appearance or 
evidence as provided in 8 CFR 103.8. In the event that the applicant 
fails to respond within 30 days of the date of notification, USCIS will 
adjudicate the application on the merits pursuant to 8 CFR 336.1.

[76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.8  [Reserved]



Sec.  335.9  Transfer of application.

    (a) Request for transfer of application. An applicant who, after 
filing an application for naturalization, changes residence, or plans to 
change residence within three months, may request, in writing, that a 
pending application be transferred from the current USCIS office to the 
USCIS office having jurisdiction over the applicant's new place of 
residence. The request shall be submitted to the office where the 
application was originally filed. The request shall include the 
applicant's name, alien registration number, date of birth, complete 
current address including name of the county, complete address at the 
time of filing the application, reason for the request to transfer the 
application, and the date the applicant moved or intends to move to the 
new jurisdiction.
    (b) Discretion to authorize transfer. The USCIS may authorize the 
transfer of an application for naturalization after such application has 
been filed. In the event that the USCIS does not consent to the transfer 
of the application, the application shall be adjudicated on its merits 
by USCIS office retaining jurisdiction. If upon such adjudication the 
application is denied, the written decision pursuant to Sec.  336.1 of 
this chapter shall also address the reason(s) for USCIS's decision not 
to consent to the transfer request.

[56 FR 50498, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 49914, Sept. 24, 1993; 
76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011; 76 FR 73477, Nov. 29, 2011]



Sec.  335.10  Withdrawal of application.

    An applicant may request, in writing, that his or her application, 
filed with USCIS, be withdrawn. If USCIS consents to the withdrawal, the 
application will be denied without further notice to the applicant and 
without prejudice to any future application. The withdrawal by the 
applicant will constitute a waiver of any review pursuant

[[Page 874]]

to part 336 of this chapter. If USCIS does not consent to the 
withdrawal, the application for naturalization shall be adjudicated on 
its merits.

[56 FR 50498, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53801, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 336_HEARINGS ON DENIALS OF APPLICATIONS FOR NATURALIZATION--
Table of Contents



Sec.
336.1 Denial after section 335 examination.
336.2 USCIS hearing.
336.3-336.8 [Reserved]
336.9 Judicial review of denial determinations on applications for 
          naturalization.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1447, 1448.

    Source: 56 FR 50499, Oct. 7, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  336.1  Denial after section 335 examination.

    (a) After completing all examination procedures contained in part 
335 of this chapter and determining to deny an application for 
naturalization, USCIS will serve a written notice of denial upon an 
applicant for naturalization no later than 120 days after the date of 
the applicant's first examination on the application.
    (b) A notice of denial shall be prepared in a written, narrative 
format, and shall recite, in clear concise language, the pertinent facts 
upon which the determination was based, the specific legal section or 
sections applicable to the finding of ineligibility, and the conclusions 
of law reached by the examining officer in rendering the decision. Such 
notice of denial shall also contain a specific statement of the 
applicant's right either to accept the determination of the examining 
officer, or request a hearing before an immigration officer.
    (c) Service of the notice of denial must be by personal service as 
described in 8 CFR 103.8, or upon the attorney or representative of 
record as provided in part 292 of this chapter.

[56 FR 50499, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53802, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  336.2  USCIS hearing.

    (a) The applicant, or his or her authorized representative, may 
request a hearing on the denial of the applicant's application for 
naturalization by filing a request with USCIS within thirty days after 
the applicant receives the notice of denial.
    (b) Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing, USCIS will 
schedule a review hearing, within a reasonable period of time not to 
exceed 180 days from the date upon which the appeal is filed. The review 
will be with an officer other than the officer who conducted the 
original examination or who rendered determination upon which the 
hearing is based, and who is classified at a grade level equal to or 
higher than the grade of the examining officer. The reviewing officer 
will have the authority and discretion to review the application for 
naturalization, to examine the applicant, and either to affirm the 
findings and determination of the original examining officer or to re-
determine the original decision in whole or in part. The reviewing 
officer will also have the discretion to review any administrative 
record which was created as part of the examination procedures as well 
USCIS files and reports. He or she may receive new evidence or take such 
additional testimony as may be deemed relevant to the applicant's 
eligibility for naturalization or which the applicant seeks to provide. 
Based upon the complexity of the issues to be reviewed or determined, 
and upon the necessity of conducting further examinations with respect 
to essential naturalization requirements, such as literacy or civics 
knowledge, the reviewing immigration officer may, in his or her 
discretion, conduct a full de novo hearing or may utilize a less formal 
review procedure, as he or she deems reasonable and in the interest of 
justice.
    (c) Improperly filed request for hearing--(1) Request for hearing 
filed by a person or entity not entitled to file--(i) Rejection without 
refund of filing fee. A request for hearing filed by a person or entity 
who is not entitled to file such a request must be rejected as 
improperly filed. In such a case, any filing fee will not be refunded.
    (ii) Request for hearing by attorney or representative without 
proper Form G-28. If a request for hearing is filed by an attorney or 
representative who has not

[[Page 875]]

properly filed a notice of entry of appearance as attorney or 
representative entitling that person to file the request for hearing, 
the appeal will be considered as improperly filed. In such a case, any 
filing fee will not be refunded regardless of the action taken. The 
reviewing official will ask the attorney or representative to submit a 
proper notice of entry within 15 days of the request. If such notice is 
not submitted within the time allowed, the official may, on his or her 
own motion, under 8 CFR 103.5(a)(5)(i), make a new decision favorable to 
the affected party without notifying the attorney or representative. The 
request for hearing may be considered properly filed as of its original 
filing date if the attorney or representative submits a properly 
executed notice entitling that person to file the request for hearing.
    (2) Untimely request for hearing--(i) Rejection without refund of 
filing fee. A request for hearing which is not filed within the time 
period allowed must be rejected as improperly filed. In such a case, any 
filing fee will not be refunded.
    (ii) Untimely request for hearing treated as motion. If an untimely 
request for hearing meets the requirements of a motion to reopen as 
described in 8 CFR 103.5(a)(2) or a motion to reconsider as described in 
8 CFR 103.5(a)(3), the request for hearing must be treated as a motion 
and a decision must be made on the merits of the case.

[76 FR 53802, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec. Sec.  336.3-336.8  [Reserved]



Sec.  336.9  Judicial review of denial determinations on applications 
for naturalization.

    (a) General. The provisions in part 310 of this chapter shall 
provide the sole and exclusive procedures for requesting judicial review 
of final determinations on applications for naturalization made pursuant 
to section 336(a) of the Act and the provisions of this chapter by USCIS 
on or after October 1, 1991.
    (b) Filing a petition. Under these procedures, an applicant must 
file a petition for review in the United States District Court having 
jurisdiction over his or her place of residence, in accordance with 
Chapter 7 of Title 5, United States Code, within a period of not more 
than 120 days after the USCIS final determination. The petition for 
review must be brought against USCIS, and service of the petition for 
review must be made upon DHS and upon the USCIS office where the hearing 
was held pursuant to 8 CFR 336.2.
    (c) Standard of review. The review will be de novo, and the court 
will make its own findings of fact and conclusions of law. The court may 
also conduct, at the request of the petitioner, a hearing de novo on the 
application for naturalization.
    (d) Exhaustion of remedies. A USCIS determination denying an 
application for naturalization under section 335(a) of the Act shall not 
be subject to judicial review until the applicant has exhausted those 
administrative remedies available to the applicant under section 336 of 
the Act. Every petition for judicial review shall state whether the 
validity of the final determination to deny an application for 
naturalization has been upheld in any prior administrative proceeding 
and, if so, the nature and date of such proceeding and the forum in 
which such proceeding took place.

[56 FR 50499, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53802, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 337_OATH OF ALLEGIANCE--Table of Contents



Sec.
337.1 Oath of allegiance.
337.2 Oath administered by USCIS or EOIR.
337.3 Expedited administration of oath of allegiance.
337.4 When requests for change of name granted.
337.5-337.6 [Reserved]
337.7 Information and assignment of individuals under exclusive 
          jurisdiction.
337.8 Oath administered by the courts.
337.9 Effective date of naturalization.
337.10 Failure to appear for oath administration ceremony.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1448; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  337.1  Oath of allegiance.

    (a) Form of oath. Except as otherwise provided in the Act and after 
receiving notice from the district director that such applicant is 
eligible for naturalization pursuant to Sec.  335.3 of this

[[Page 876]]

chapter, an applicant for naturalization shall, before being admitted to 
citizenship, take in a public ceremony held within the United States the 
following oath of allegiance, to a copy of which the applicant shall 
affix his or her signature:

    I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce 
and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, 
state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject 
or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of 
the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; 
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear 
arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I 
will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United 
States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national 
importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I 
take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose 
of evasion; so help me God.

    (b) Alteration of form of oath; affirmation in lieu of oath. In 
those cases in which a petitioner or applicant for naturalization is 
exempt from taking the oath prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section 
in its entirety, the inapplicable clauses shall be deleted and the oath 
shall be taken in such altered form. When a petitioner or applicant for 
naturalization, by reason of religious training and belief (or 
individual interpretation thereof), or for other reasons of good 
conscience, cannot take the oath prescribed in paragraph (a) of this 
section with the words ``on oath'' and ``so help me God'' included, the 
words ``and solemnly affirm'' shall be substituted for the words ``on 
oath,'' the words ``so help me God'' shall be deleted, and the oath 
shall be taken in such modified form. Any reference to `oath of 
allegiance' in this chapter is understood to mean equally `affirmation 
of allegiance' as described in this paragraph.
    (c) Obligations of oath. A petitioner or applicant for 
naturalization shall, before being naturalized, establish that it is his 
or her intention, in good faith, to assume and discharge the obligations 
of the oath of allegiance, and that his or her attitude toward the 
Constitution and laws of the United States renders him or her capable of 
fulfilling the obligations of such oath.
    (d) Renunciation of title or order of nobility. A petitioner or 
applicant for naturalization who has borne any hereditary title or has 
been of any of the orders of nobility in any foreign state shall, in 
addition to taking the oath of allegiance prescribed in paragraph (a) of 
this section, make under oath or affirmation in public an express 
renunciation of such title or order of nobility, in the following form:
    (1) I further renounce the title of (give title or titles) which I 
have heretofore held; or
    (2) I further renounce the order of nobility (give the order of 
nobility) to which I have heretofore belonged.

[22 FR 9824, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 24 FR 2584, Apr. 3, 1959; 32 FR 
13756, Oct. 3, 1967; 56 FR 50499, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  337.2  Oath administered by USCIS or EOIR.

    (a) Public ceremony. An applicant for naturalization who has elected 
to have his or her oath of allegiance administered by USCIS or an 
immigration judge and is not subject to the exclusive oath 
administration authority of an eligible court pursuant to section 310(b) 
of the Act must appear in person in a public ceremony, unless such 
appearance is specifically excused under the terms and conditions set 
forth in this part. Such ceremony will be held at a time and place 
designated by USCIS or EOIR within the United States (or abroad as 
permitted for certain applicants in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1443a) and 
within the jurisdiction where the application for naturalization was 
filed, or into which the application for naturalization was transferred 
pursuant to 8 CFR 335.9. Naturalization ceremonies will be conducted at 
regular intervals as frequently as necessary to ensure timely 
naturalization, but in all events at least once monthly where it is 
required to minimize unreasonable delays. Naturalization ceremonies will 
be presented in such a manner as to preserve the dignity and 
significance of the occasion.

[[Page 877]]

    (b) Authority to administer oath of allegiance. The Secretary may 
delegate authority to administer the oath of allegiance prescribed in 
section 337 of the Act to such officials of DHS and to immigration 
judges or officials designated by the Attorney General as may be 
necessary for the efficient administration of the naturalization 
program.
    (c) Execution of questionnaire. Immediately prior to being 
administered the oath of allegiance, each applicant must complete the 
questionnaire on the form designated by USCIS. USCIS will review each 
completed questionnaire and may further question the applicant regarding 
the responses provided. If derogatory information is revealed, USCIS 
will remove the applicant's name from the list of eligible persons as 
provided in 8 CFR 335.5 and he or she will not be administered the oath.

[76 FR 53802, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  337.3  Expedited administration of oath of allegiance.

    (a) An applicant may be granted an expedited oath administration 
ceremony by either the court or USCIS upon demonstrating sufficient 
cause. In determining whether to grant an expedited oath administration 
ceremony, the court or USCIS shall consider special circumstances of a 
compelling or humanitarian nature. Special circumstances may include but 
are not limited to:
    (1) The serious illness of the applicant or a member of the 
applicant's family;
    (2) Permanent disability of the applicant sufficiently 
incapacitating as to prevent the applicant's personal appearance at a 
scheduled ceremony;
    (3) The developmental disability or advanced age of the applicant 
which would make appearance at a scheduled ceremony inappropriate; or
    (4) Urgent or compelling circumstances relating to travel or 
employment determined by the court or USCIS to be sufficiently 
meritorious to warrant special consideration.
    (b) Courts exercising exclusive authority may either hold an 
expedited oath administration ceremony or refer the applicant to USCIS 
in order for either the Immigration Judge or USCIS to conduct an oath 
administration ceremony, if an expedited judicial oath administration 
ceremony is impractical. The court shall inform USCIS in writing of its 
decision to grant the applicant an expedited oath administration 
ceremony and that the court has relinquished exclusive jurisdiction as 
to that applicant.
    (c) All requests for expedited administration of the oath of 
allegiance shall be made in writing to either the court or USCIS. Such 
requests shall contain sufficient information to substantiate the claim 
of special circumstances to permit either the court or USCIS to properly 
exercise the discretionary authority to grant the relief sought. The 
court or USCIS may seek verification of the validity of the information 
provided in the request. If the applicant submits a written request to 
USCIS, but is awaiting an oath administration ceremony by a court 
pursuant to Sec.  337.8, USCIS promptly shall provide the court with a 
copy of the request without reaching a decision on whether to grant or 
deny the request.

[60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995, as amended at 76 FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  337.4  When requests for change of name granted.

    When the court has granted the petitioner's change of name request, 
the petitioner shall subscribe his or her new name to the written oath 
of allegiance.

[56 FR 50500, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec. Sec.  337.5-337.6  [Reserved]



Sec.  337.7  Information and assignment of individuals under 
exclusive jurisdiction.

    (a) No later than at the time of the examination on the application 
pursuant to Sec.  335.2 of this chapter, an employee of USCIS shall 
advise the applicant of his or her right to elect the site for the 
administration of the oath of allegiance, subject to the exclusive 
jurisdiction provision of Sec.  310.3(d) of this chapter. In order to 
assist the applicant in making an informed decision, USCIS shall advise 
the applicant of the upcoming Immigration Judge or USCIS conducted and 
judicial ceremonies at

[[Page 878]]

which the applicant may appear, if found eligible for naturalization.
    (b) An applicant whose application has been approved by USCIS who is 
subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of a court pursuant to Sec.  
310.2(d) of this chapter, shall be advised of the next available court 
ceremony and provided with a written notice to appear at that ceremony. 
If the applicant is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of more than 
one court exercising exclusive jurisdiction, the applicant will be 
informed of the upcoming ceremonies in each affected court. The 
applicant shall decide which court he or she wishes to administer the 
oath of allegiance.

[58 FR 49915, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995; 
76 FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  337.8  Oath administered by the courts.

    (a) Notification of election. An applicant for naturalization not 
subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of 8 CFR 310.2(d) must notify 
USCIS at the time of the filing of, or no later than at the examination 
on, the application of his or her election to have the oath of 
allegiance administered in an appropriate court having jurisdiction over 
the applicant's place of residence.
    (b) Certificate of eligibility--(1) Exclusive jurisdiction. In those 
instances falling within the exclusive jurisdiction provision of section 
310(b)(1)(B) of the Act, USCIS will notify the court of the applicant's 
eligibility for admission to United States citizenship by notifying the 
clerk of the court within 10 days of the approval of the application.
    (2) Non-exclusive jurisdiction. In those instances in which the 
applicant has elected to have the oath administered in a court ceremony, 
USCIS will notify the clerk of the court in writing that the applicant 
has been determined by the USCIS to be eligible for admission to United 
States citizenship upon taking the requisite oath of allegiance and 
renunciation in a public ceremony. If a scheduled hearing date is not 
available at the time of notification, USCIS will notify the applicant 
in writing that the applicant has been approved but no ceremony date is 
yet available.
    (c) Preparation of lists. (1) At or prior to the oath administration 
ceremony, the representative attending the ceremony will submit to the 
court, in duplicate, lists of persons to be administered the oath of 
allegiance and renunciation. After the ceremony, and after any required 
amendments and notations have been made to the lists, the clerk of the 
court will sign the lists.
    (2) The originals of all court lists specified in this section will 
be filed permanently in the court, and the duplicates returned by the 
clerk of the court to USCIS. The same disposition will be made of any 
list presented to, but not approved by, the court.
    (d) Personal representation of the government at oath administration 
ceremonies. An oath administration ceremony must be attended by a 
representative of USCIS who will review each completed questionnaire and 
may further question the applicant regarding the responses provided. If 
derogatory information is revealed, the USCIS representative will remove 
the applicant's name from the list of eligible persons as provided in 8 
CFR 335.5 and the court will not administer the oath to such applicant.
    (e) Written report in lieu of personal representation. If it is 
impractical for a USCIS representative to be present at a judicial oath 
administration ceremony, written notice of that fact will be given by 
the USCIS to the court. The list of persons to be administered the oath 
of allegiance and renunciation, forms, memoranda, and certificates will 
be transmitted to the clerk of the court, who will submit the 
appropriate lists to the court.
    (f) Withdrawal from court. An applicant for naturalization not 
subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of 8 CFR 310.3(d) who has elected 
to have the oath administered in a court oath ceremony may, for good 
cause shown, request that his or her name be removed from the list of 
persons eligible to be administered the oath at a court oath ceremony 
and request that the oath be administered by an immigration judge or 
USCIS. Such request must be in writing to the USCIS office which granted 
the application and must cite the reasons for the request. USCIS will 
consider the good cause shown and the best interests of the applicant in 
making a decision. If it is determined that

[[Page 879]]

the applicant will be permitted to withdraw his or her name from the 
court ceremony, USCIS will give written notice to the court of the 
applicant's withdrawal, and the applicant will be scheduled for the next 
available oath ceremony, conducted by an Immigration Judge or USCIS, as 
if he or she had never elected the court ceremony.

[76 FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  337.9  Effective date of naturalization.

    (a) An applicant for naturalization shall be deemed a citizen of the 
United States as of the date on which the applicant takes the prescribed 
oath of allegiance in an administrative ceremony or in a ceremony 
conducted by an appropriate court under Sec.  337.8 of this chapter.
    (b) [Reserved]

[56 FR 50500, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995; 66 
FR 32147, June 13, 2001; 76 FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  337.10  Failure to appear for oath administration ceremony.

    An applicant who fails to appear without good cause for more than 
one oath administration ceremony for which he or she was duly notified 
shall be presumed to have abandoned his or her intent to be naturalized. 
Such presumption shall be regarded as the receipt of derogatory 
information, and the procedures contained in Sec.  335.5 of this chapter 
shall be followed.

[58 FR 49916, Sept. 24, 1993]



PART 338_CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
338.1 Execution and issuance of certificate.
338.2 Execution in case name is changed.
338.3 Delivery of certificates.
338.4 [Reserved]
338.5 Correction of certificates.
338.6-338.10 [Reserved]

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  338.1  Execution and issuance of certificate.

    (a) Issuance. When an applicant for naturalization has taken and 
subscribed to the oath of allegiance in accordance with 8 CFR part 337, 
USCIS will issue a Certificate of Naturalization at the conclusion of 
the oath administration ceremony.
    (b) Contents of certificate. The certificate must be issued to the 
applicant in accordance with section 338 of the Act in his or her true, 
full, and correct name as it exists at the time of the administration of 
the oath of allegiance. The certificate must show, under ``country of 
former nationality,'' the name of the applicant's last country of 
citizenship, as shown in the application and USCIS records, even though 
the applicant may be stateless at the time of admission to citizenship.

[76 FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  338.2  Execution in case name is changed.

    Whenever the name of an applicant has been changed by order of a 
court as a part of a naturalization, the clerk of court, or his or her 
authorized deputy, shall forward a copy of the order changing the 
applicant's name with the notifications required by part 339 of this 
chapter. The Certificate of Naturalization will be issued to the 
applicant in the name as changed.

[56 FR 50501, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  338.3  Delivery of certificates.

    No Certificate of Naturalization will be delivered in any case in 
which the naturalized person has not surrendered his or her Permanent 
Resident Card to USCIS. Upon a finding that the card is destroyed or 
otherwise unavailable, USCIS may waive the surrender of the card and the 
Certificate of Naturalization shall then be delivered to the naturalized 
person.

[56 FR 50501, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 63 FR 70316, Dec. 21, 1998; 76 
FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  338.4  [Reserved]



Sec.  338.5  Correction of certificates.

    (a) Application. Whenever a Certificate of Naturalization has been 
delivered which does not conform to the facts shown on the application 
for naturalization, or a clerical error was made in preparing the 
certificate, an application for issuance of a corrected certificate may 
be filed, without fee, in accordance with the form instructions.

[[Page 880]]

    (b) Court-issued certificates. If the certificate was originally 
issued by a clerk of court under a prior statute and USCIS finds that a 
correction is justified and can be made without mutilating the 
certificate, USCIS will authorize the issuing court to make the 
necessary correction and to place a dated endorsement of the court on 
the reverse of the certificate explaining the correction. The 
authorization will be filed with the naturalization record of the court, 
the corrected certificate will be returned to the naturalized person, 
and the duplicate will be endorsed to show the date and nature of the 
correction and endorsement made, and then returned to USCIS. No fee will 
be charged the naturalized person for the correction.
    (c) USCIS-issued certificates. If the certificate was originally 
issued by USCIS (or its predecessor agency), and USCIS finds that a 
correction was justified, the correction shall be made to the 
certificate and a dated endorsement made on the reverse of the 
certificate.
    (d) Administrative actions. When a correction made pursuant to 
paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section would or does result in mutilation 
of a certificate, USCIS will issue a replacement Certificate of 
Naturalization and destroy the surrendered certificate.
    (e) Data change. The correction will not be deemed to be justified 
where the naturalized person later alleges that the name or date of 
birth which the applicant stated to be his or her correct name or date 
of birth at the time of naturalization was not in fact his or her name 
or date of birth at the time of the naturalization.

[76 FR 53803, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec. Sec.  338.6-338.10  [Reserved]



PART 339_FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF CLERKS OF COURT REGARDING 
NATURALIZATION PROCEEDINGS--Table of Contents



Sec.
339.1 Administration of oath of allegiance to applicants for 
          naturalization.
339.2 Monthly reports.
339.3 Relinquishment of naturalization jurisdiction.
339.4 Binding of naturalization records.
339.5 Recordkeeping.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1448.



Sec.  339.1  Administration of oath of allegiance to applicants 
for naturalization.

    It shall be the duty of a judge of a court that administers an oath 
of allegiance to ensure that such oath is administered to each applicant 
for naturalization who has chosen to appear before the court. The clerk 
of court shall issue to each person to whom such oath is administered 
the Certificate of Naturalization provided by USCIS in accordance with 8 
CFR 338.1. The clerk of court shall provide to each person whose name 
was changed as part of the naturalization proceedings, pursuant to 
section 336(e) of the Act, certified evidence of such name change.

[58 FR 49916, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  339.2  Monthly reports.

    (a) Oath administration ceremonies. Clerks of court will on the 
first day of each month or immediately following each oath ceremony 
submit to USCIS a report listing all oath administration ceremonies held 
and the total number of persons issued the oath at each ceremony, in 
accordance with USCIS instructions. The report will include a list of 
persons attending naturalization oath ceremonies during the month, and 
certified copies of any court orders granting changes of name.
    (b) Petitions filed for de novo hearings. The clerk of court must 
submit to USCIS a monthly report of all persons who have filed de novo 
review petitions before the court. The report shall include each 
petitioner's name, alien registration number, date of filing of the 
petition for a de novo review, and, once an order has been entered, the 
disposition.
    (c) Other proceedings and orders. The clerk of court must forward to 
USCIS copies of the records of such other proceedings and other orders 
instituted on or issued by the court affecting or relating to the 
naturalization of any person as may be required from time to time.
    (d) Use of reports for accounting purposes. State and federal courts 
may use

[[Page 881]]

the reports as a monthly billing document, submitted to USCIS for 
reimbursement in accordance with section 344(f)(1) of the Act. USCIS 
will use the information submitted to calculate costs incurred by courts 
in performing their naturalization functions. State and federal courts 
will be reimbursed pursuant to terms set forth in annual agreements 
entered into between DHS and the Administrative Office of United States 
Courts.

[76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  339.3  Relinquishment of naturalization jurisdiction.

    Whenever a court relinquishes naturalization jurisdiction, the clerk 
of court shall, within ten days following the date of relinquishment, 
furnish the district director having administrative jurisdiction over 
the place in which the court is located, a certified copy of the order 
of court relinquishing jurisdiction. A representative of the Service 
shall thereafter examine the naturalization records in the office of the 
clerk of court and shall bind and lock them. The clerk of court shall 
return all unused forms and blank certificates of naturalization to the 
district director with his monthly report on Form N-4.

[22 FR 9825, Dec. 6, 1957]



Sec.  339.4  Binding of naturalization records.

    Whenever a volume of petitions for naturalization, applications to 
take the oath of allegiance, declarations of intention, orders of court, 
or other documents affecting or relating to the naturalization of 
persons is completed, it shall be bound and locked by the clerk of 
court.

[22 FR 9825, Dec. 6, 1957]



Sec.  339.5  Recordkeeping.

    The maintenance of records and submission of reports under this 
chapter may be accomplished by either electronic or paper means.

[56 FR 50502, Oct. 7, 1991]



PART 340_REVOCATION OF NATURALIZATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
340.1 [Reserved]
340.2 Revocation proceedings pursuant to section 340(a) of the Act.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443.



Sec.  340.1  [Reserved]



Sec.  340.2  Revocation proceedings pursuant to section 340(a) of the Act.

    (a) Recommendations for institution of revocation proceedings. 
Whenever it appears that any grant of naturalization may have been 
illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by 
willful misrepresentation, and a prima facie case exists for revocation 
pursuant to section 340(a) of the Act, USCIS will make a recommendation 
regarding revocation.
    (b) Recommendation for criminal prosecution. If it appears to USCIS 
that a case described in paragraph (a) of this section is amenable to 
criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1425 for unlawful procurement of 
citizenship or naturalization, the facts will be reported to the 
appropriate United States Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.

[76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 341_CERTIFICATES OF CITIZENSHIP--Table of Contents



Sec.
341.1 Application.
341.2 Examination upon application.
341.3 Depositions.
341.4 Surrender of immigration documents.
341.5 Decision.

    Authority: Pub. L. 82-414, 66 Stat. 173, 238, 254, 264, as amended; 
8 U.S.C. 1103, 1409(c), 1443, 1444, 1448, 1452, 1455; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 30 FR 5472, Apr. 16, 1965, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  341.1  Application.

    An application for a certificate of citizenship by or in behalf of a 
person who claims to have acquired United States citizenship under 
section 309(c) of the Act or to have acquired or derived United States 
citizenship as specified in section 341 of the Act must be submitted on 
the form designated by USCIS with the fee specified in 8 CFR

[[Page 882]]

106.2 and in accordance with the instructions on the form.

[76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46929, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  341.2  Examination upon application.

    (a) Personal appearance of applicant and parent or guardian--(1) 
When testimony may be omitted. An application may be processed without 
interview if the USCIS officer adjudicating the case has in the 
administrative file(s) all the required documentation necessary to 
establish the applicant's eligibility for U.S. citizenship, or if the 
application is accompanied by one of the following:
    (i) A Department of State Form FS-240 (Report of Birth Abroad of a 
Citizen of the United States);
    (ii) An unexpired United States passport issued initially for a full 
five/ten-year period to the applicant as a citizen of the United States, 
or
    (iii) The applicant's parent(s)' naturalization certificate(s).
    (2) Testimony required. Each applicant, when notified to do so, 
shall appear in person before an officer for examination under oath or 
affirmation upon the application. A person under 18 years of age must 
have a parent or guardian apply, appear, and testify for the applicant, 
unless one is unavailable and the district director is satisfied that 
the applicant is old enough to provide reliable testimony. The same rule 
will apply for incompetent applicants. At the examination the applicant 
and the acting parent or guardian, if necessary, shall present testimony 
and evidence pertinent to the claim to citizenship and shall have the 
right to review and rebut any adverse evidence on file, and to cross-
examine witnesses called by the Government.
    (b) Witness--(1) Personal appearance. A witness shall be called to 
testify under oath or affirmation at the discretion of USCIS only if 
that person's testimony is needed to prove a particular point, and only 
if alternative proof is unavailable or more difficult to produce than is 
the witness.
    (2) Substitution and waiver. When testimony is deemed necessary by 
the district director and the presentation of the person or persons 
through whom citizenship is claimed is precluded by reason of death, 
refusal to testify, unknown whereabouts, advanced age, mental or 
physical incapacity, or severe illness or infirmity, another witness or 
witnesses shall be produced. A substitute witness also may be produced 
in lieu of such person if such person is a member of the United States 
Armed Forces serving outside the United States in an area where his 
testimony could not be taken without imposing extreme hardship upon him, 
or without unduly delaying action on the application, and no issue is 
present which can be resolved only by this testimony.
    (c) Proof. The burden of proof shall be upon the claimant, or his 
parent or guardian if one is acting in his behalf, to establish the 
claimed citizenship by a preponderance of the evidence.
    (d) Assignment and authority of officer. USCIS will conduct the 
examination provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. The 
assigned officer shall have authority to administer oaths or 
affirmations; to present and receive evidence; to rule upon offers of 
proof; to take or cause to be taken depositions or interrogatories; to 
regulate the course of the examination; to examine and cross-examine all 
witnesses appearing in the proceedings; to grant or order continuances; 
to consider and rule upon objections to the introduction of evidence; to 
make a report and recommendation as to whether the application shall be 
granted or denied, and to take such other action as may be appropriate 
to the conduct of the examination and the disposition of the 
application.
    (e) Conduct of examination. The assigned officer shall, at the 
commencement of the examination of the claimant or the acting parent or 
guardian, advise them of their rights as set forth in paragraphs (a) and 
(f) of this section, and shall interrogate them under oath or 
affirmation with regard to each assertion made in the application and 
any other matter pertinent to the claim to citizenship; in addition, 
when a witness is deemed necessary, he shall interrogate each witness 
with regard to pertinent matters within the personal knowledge of the 
witness, such as the relationship between the claimant and the citizen 
source or sources; the citizenship of the latter, and any possible

[[Page 883]]

expatriatory acts performed by the claimant and the citizen source or 
sources. He may, in his discretion, have a transcript made of the 
testimony. At the conclusion of the examination of the claimant or the 
action parent or guardian, all corrections made on the applications form 
shall be consecutively numbered and recorded in the space provided 
therefor in the form. The affidavit shall then be signed and sworn to or 
affirmed by the claimant or the acting parent or guardian; and the 
remainder of the affidavit completed and signed by the assigned officer.
    (f) Representation during proceedings. The claimant shall have the 
right to representation during the proceedings, as provided in part 292 
of this chapter, and such representative shall have the right to examine 
and cross-examine witnesses appearing in the proceedings; to introduce 
evidence; to object to the introduction of evidence, which objections 
shall be stated succinctly and entered on the record, and to submit 
briefs. If the claimant is not represented by an attorney or 
representative, the assigned officer shall assist him in the 
introduction of all evidence available in his behalf.

[30 FR 5472, Apr. 16, 1965; 30 FR 5621, Apr. 21, 1965, as amended at 32 
FR 6260, Apr. 21, 1967; 45 FR 84011, Dec. 22, 1980; 51 FR 35629, Oct. 7, 
1986; 66 FR 32147, June 13, 2001; 76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  341.3  Depositions.

    If satisfied that a witness whose testimony is essential is not 
available for examination in the United States, the assigned officer may 
authorize the taking of a deposition abroad by written interrogatories 
before a DHS or Department of State official.

[30 FR 5472, Apr. 16, 1965, as amended at 76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  341.4  Surrender of immigration documents.

    Each claimant shall surrender any immigration identification and 
permanent resident cards in his or her possession.

[30 FR 5472, Apr. 16, 1965, as amended at 63 FR 70316, Dec. 21, 1998]



Sec.  341.5  Decision.

    (a) Adjudication. USCIS may adjudicate the application only after 
the appropriate approving official has reviewed the report, findings, 
recommendation, and endorsement of the USCIS officer assigned to 
adjudicate the application.
    (b) Approval. If the application is granted, USCIS will prepare a 
certificate of citizenship and, unless the claimant is unable by reason 
of mental incapacity or young age to understand the meaning of the oath, 
he or she must take and subscribe to the oath of renunciation and 
allegiance prescribed by 8 CFR 337 before USCIS within the United 
States. Except as provided in paragraph (c), delivery of the certificate 
in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(19) and 8 CFR 103.8 must be made in 
the United States to the claimant or the acting parent or guardian.
    (c) Approval pursuant to section 322(d) of the Act. Persons eligible 
for naturalization pursuant to section 322(d) of the Act may subscribe 
to the oath of renunciation and allegiance and may be issued a 
certificate of citizenship outside of the United States, in accordance 
with 8 U.S.C. 1443a.
    (d) Denial. If USCIS denies the application, the applicant will be 
furnished the reasons for denial and advised of the right to appeal in 
accordance with 8 CFR 103.3.
    (e) Subsequent application. After an application for a certificate 
of citizenship has been denied and the time for appeal has expired, 
USCIS will reject a subsequent application submitted by the same 
individual and the applicant will be instructed to submit a motion to 
reopen or reconsider in accordance with 8 CFR 103.5. The motion must be 
accompanied by the rejected application and the fee specified in 8 CFR 
106.2.

[76 FR 53804, Aug. 29, 2011, as amended at 85 FR 46929, Aug. 3, 2020]



PART 342_ADMINISTRATIVE CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATES, DOCUMENTS, 
OR RECORDS--Table of Contents



Sec.
342.1 Notice.

[[Page 884]]

342.2 Service of notice.
342.3 Allegations admitted; no answer filed; no personal appearance 
          requested.
342.4 Answer asserting defense; personal appearance requested.
342.5 Conduct of examination.
342.6 Depositions.
342.7 Report and recommendation.
342.8 Appeals.
342.9 Notice re 18 U.S.C. 1428.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1453.

    Source: 28 FR 209, Jan. 9, 1963, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  342.1  Notice.

    If it shall appear to a district director that a person has 
illegally or fraudulently obtained or caused to be created a 
certificate, document, or record described in section 342 of the Act, a 
notice shall be served upon the person of intention to cancel the 
certificate, document, or record. The notice shall contain allegations 
of the reasons for the proposed action and shall advise the person that 
he may submit, within 60 days of service of the notice, an answer in 
writing under oath or affirmation showing cause why the certificate, 
document, or record should not be canceled, that he may appear in person 
before a naturalization examiner in support of, or in lieu of his 
written answer, and that he may have present at that time, without 
expense to the Government, an attorney or representative qualified under 
part 292 of this chapter. In such proceedings the person shall be known 
as the respondent.

[29 FR 5511, Apr. 24, 1964, as amended at 37 FR 2767, Feb. 5, 1972]



Sec.  342.2  Service of notice.

    The notice required by 8 CFR 342.1 must be by personal service as 
described in 8 CFR 103.8(a)(2).

[76 FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  342.3  Allegations admitted; no answer filed; 
no personal appearance requested.

    If the answer admits all material allegations in the notice, or if 
no answer is filed within the 60-day period or any extension thereof and 
no personal appearance is requested within such period or periods, it 
shall be deemed to authorize the district director, without further 
notice to respondent, to find the facts to be as alleged in the notice 
and to cancel the certificate, document, or record. No appeal shall lie 
from such decision. Written notice of the decision shall be served upon 
the respondent with demand for surrender of the certificate, document, 
or record forthwith.



Sec.  342.4  Answer asserting defense; personal appearance requested.

    If the respondent files an answer within the prescribed period 
asserting a defense to the allegations in the notice, or requests a 
personal appearance, with or without an answer, the district director 
shall designate a naturalization examiner to consider the case. The 
respondent shall be notified that he may appear in person or through 
counsel with any witnesses and evidence in defense of the allegations, 
and shall be informed of the date, time, and place for such appearance.



Sec.  342.5  Conduct of examination.

    (a) Authority of naturalization examiner. The naturalization 
examiner assigned to consider the case shall have authority to 
administer oaths or affirmations to respondent and witnesses, issue 
subpoenas, present and receive evidence, rule upon offers of proof, take 
or cause depositions or interrogatories to be taken, regulate the course 
of the examination, take testimony of respondent and witnesses, grant 
continuances, consider and rule upon objections to the introduction of 
evidence, make recommendations to the district director as to whether 
cancellation shall be ordered or the proceedings terminated, and to take 
any other action as may be appropriate to the conduct and disposition of 
the case.
    (b) Assignment of additional officer. The district director may, in 
his discretion, assign an officer of the Service to examine and cross-
examine the respondent and witnesses and to present evidence pertinent 
to the case. The naturalization examiner designated under Sec.  342.4 
may take such part in the proceedings as he may deem necessary.
    (c) Examination. The naturalization examiner designated under Sec.  
342.4 shall, prior to commencement of the examination, make known to the 
respondent

[[Page 885]]

his official capacity and that of any officer assigned pursuant to 
paragraph (b) of this section, the nature of the proceedings, his right 
to representation by counsel, to examine or object to evidence against 
him, to present evidence in his own behalf, to cross-examine witnesses 
presented by the Government, and shall read the allegations in the 
notice to respondent and, if necessary, explain them to him. The 
respondent shall be asked whether he admits or denies the material 
allegations in the notice, or any of them, and whether he concedes 
illegality or fraud. If respondent admits all the material allegations 
and that the certificate, document, or record was procured by fraud or 
illegality, and no issue of law or fact remains, the naturalization 
examiner may determine that fraud or illegality has been established on 
the basis of the respondent's admissions. The allegations in the notice 
shall be taken as admitted if respondent, without reasonable cause, 
fails or refuses to attend or remain in attendance at the examination. 
The examination shall be recorded verbatim except for statements made 
off the record with the permission of the naturalization examiner.
    (d) Prior statements. The naturalization examiner assigned to 
consider the case may receive in evidence any oral or written statement 
which is material and relevant to any issue in the case previously made 
by the respondent or by any other person during any investigation, 
examination, hearing, trial, proceeding, or interrogation.

[28 FR 209, Jan. 9, 1963, as amended at 32 FR 3340, Feb. 28, 1967]



Sec.  342.6  Depositions.

    Upon good cause shown, the testimony of any witness may be taken by 
depositions, either orally or upon written interrogatories before a 
person having authority to administer oaths (affirmations), as may be 
designated by the naturalization examiner.

[37 FR 2767, Feb. 5, 1972]



Sec.  342.7  Report and recommendation.

    The naturalization examiner shall prepare a report summarizing the 
evidence, discussing the applicable law, and containing his findings and 
recommendations. The record, including the report and recommendation, 
shall be forwarded to the district director, who shall sign the report, 
either approving or disapproving the recommendation. If the decision of 
the district director is that the proceedings be terminated, the 
respondent shall be so informed.



Sec.  342.8  Appeals.

    Should the district director find that the certificate, document, or 
record was fraudulently or illegally obtained, he shall enter an order 
that it be cancelled and the certificate or document surrendered to the 
Service forthwith. Written notification of such action shall be given 
the respondent, with a copy of the decision, findings and decision of 
the district director, and he shall be informed of his right of appeal 
in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this chapter.



Sec.  342.9  Notice re 18 U.S.C. 1428.

    The notice to surrender a cancelled certificate of citizenship or 
copy thereof, prescribed by section 1428 of Title 18 of the United 
States Code, shall be given by the district director in whose district 
the person who has possession or control of such document resides.

[28 FR 9282, Aug. 23, 1963]



PART 343_CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION OR REPATRIATION; PERSONS WHO RESUMED 
CITIZENSHIP UNDER SECTION 323 OF THE NATIONALITY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED, 
OR SECTION 4 OF THE ACT OF JUNE 29, 1906--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1443, 1454, and 1455.



Sec.  343.1  Application.

    A person who lost citizenship of the United States incidental to 
service in one of the allied armies during World War I or II, or by 
voting in a political election in a country not at war with the United 
States during World War II, and who was naturalized under the provisions 
of section 323 of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, or a person

[[Page 886]]

who, before January 13, 1941, resumed United States citizenship under 
the twelfth subdivision of section 4 of the act of June 29, 1906, may 
obtain a certificate evidencing such citizenship by making application 
in accordance with USCIS instructions. The applicant shall be required 
to appear in person before an assigned officer for interrogation under 
oath or affirmation upon the application. When the application is 
approved, a certificate of naturalization or repatriation shall be 
issued and delivered in person, in the United States only, upon the 
applicant's signed receipt therefor. If the application is denied, the 
applicant shall be notified of the reasons therefor and his right to 
appeal in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this chapter.

[23 FR 9125, Nov. 26, 1958, as amended at 32 FR 9635, July 4, 1967; 76 
FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 343a_NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP PAPERS LOST, MUTILATED, OR DESTROYED; 
NEW CERTIFICATE IN CHANGED NAME; CERTIFIED COPY OF REPATRIATION PROCEEDINGS--
Table of Contents



Sec.
343a.1 Application for replacement of or new papers relating to 
          naturalization, citizenship, or repatriation.
343a.2 Return or replacement of surrendered certificate of 
          naturalization or citizenship.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101 note, 1103, 1435, 1443, 1454, and 1455.



Sec.  343a.1  Application for replacement of or new papers relating to 
naturalization, citizenship, or repatriation.

    (a) Lost, mutilated, or destroyed naturalization papers. A person 
whose declaration of intention, certificate of naturalization, 
citizenship, or repatriation, or whose certified copy of proceedings 
under the act of June 25, 1936, as amended, or under section 317(b) of 
the Nationality Act of 1940, or under section 324(c) of the Immigration 
and Nationality Act, or under the provisions of any private law, has 
been lost, mutilated, or destroyed, must apply on the form designated by 
USCIS with the fee specified in 8 CFR part 106 and in accordance with 
the form instructions.
    (b) New certificate in changed name. A naturalized citizen whose 
name has been changed after naturalization by order of court or by 
marriage must apply for a new certificate of naturalization, or of 
citizenship, in the changed name.
    (c) Adjudication and disposition--(1) Interview. The applicant shall 
only be required to appear in person for interview under oath or 
affirmation in specific cases. Those cases which necessitate an 
interview enabling an officer to properly adjudicate the application at 
the office having jurisdiction will be determined by USCIS.
    (2) Approval. If an application for a new certificate of 
naturalization, citizenship, or repatriation or a new declaration of 
intention is approved, the new certificate or declaration will be issued 
and delivered by personal service in accordance with 8 CFR 103.8(a)(2). 
If an application for a new certified copy of the proceedings under the 
Act of June 25, 1936, as amended, or under section 317(b) of the 
Nationality Act of 1940, or under section 324(c) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, or under the provisions of any private law is approved, 
a certified photocopy of the record of the proceedings will be issued. 
If, subsequent to naturalization or repatriation, the applicant's name 
was changed by marriage, the certification of the photocopy will show 
both the name in which the proceedings were conducted and the changed 
name. The new certified copy will be delivered to the applicant in 
accordance with 8 CFR 103.8(a)(2).
    (3) Denial. If the application is denied, the applicant shall be 
notified of the reasons for the denial and of the right to appeal in 
accordance with 8 CFR 103.3.

[23 FR 9125, Nov. 26, 1958, as amended at 32 FR 9635, July 7, 1967; 51 
FR 35629, Oct. 7, 1986; 76 FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46929, Aug. 3, 
2020]



Sec.  343a.2  Return or replacement of surrendered certificate 
of naturalization or citizenship.

    A certificate of naturalization or citizenship which is contained in 
a USCIS file, and which was surrendered

[[Page 887]]

on a finding that loss of nationality occurred directly or through a 
parent as a result of the application of any of the following sections 
of law may, upon request, be returned to the person to whom it was 
originally issued, notwithstanding the fact that he or she has since 
been naturalized or repatriated in the United States or abroad:
    (a) Section 404 (b) or (c) of the Nationality Act of 1940;
    (b) Section 352 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was 
invalidated by Schneider v. Rusk, 377 U.S. 163;
    (c) Section 401(e) of the Nationality Act of 1940;
    (d) Section 349(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which 
was invalidated by Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253;
    (e) Section 301(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
    (f) Section 301(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act relative 
to persons born after May 24, 1934, which was invalidated by amendment 
to section 301(b) on October 27, 1972, Public Law 92-584.
    If, after having been surrendered to the Department of State or to 
USCIS, the certificate was lost, mutilated, or destroyed as a result of 
action by USCIS or that Department, a replacement certificate may be 
issued in the name shown in the surrendered certificate without fee and 
without requiring the submission of an application. A surrendered 
certificate shall not be regarded as mutilated and a replacement shall 
not be issued solely because of holes made in it to accommodate a 
fastener, unless the citizen declines to accept the return of the 
surrendered certificate in that condition and insists upon issuance of a 
replacement. When it is desired that the replacement certificate be 
furnished in a name other than the one shown in the surrendered 
certificate, the regular application procedure with payment of fee must 
be followed.

[51 FR 35629, Oct. 7, 1986, as amended at 76 FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 343b_SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION FOR RECOGNITION 
BY A FOREIGN STATE--Table of Contents



Sec.
343b.1 Application.
343b.2 Number of applications required.
343b.3 Interview.
343b.4 Applicant outside of United States.
343b.5 Verification of naturalization.
343b.11 Disposition of application.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1454, 1455.



Sec.  343b.1  Application.

    A naturalized citizen who desires to obtain recognition as a citizen 
of the United States by a foreign state shall submit an application on 
the form designated by USCIS with the fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2 and 
in accordance with the form instructions. He shall not be furnished with 
verification of his naturalization for such purpose in any other way. An 
applicant who is a claimant against a foreign government for property 
damage pursuant to the provisions of a peace treaty shall not be 
requested to furnish the name, official title, and address of a foreign 
official unless such information is available when the investigation of 
the applicant is conducted. The applicant shall be required to appear in 
person before an assigned officer for interrogation under oath or 
affirmation upon the application.

[32 FR 9636, July 4, 1967, as amended at 56 FR 50502, Oct. 7, 1991; 76 
FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 FR 46929, Aug. 3, 2020]



Sec.  343b.2  Number of applications required.

    A special certificate of naturalization is delivered to one foreign 
government official only. An applicant who desires recognition as a U.S. 
citizen by more than one foreign official, whether in the same country 
or not, must file a separate application for each certificate required.

[32 FR 9636, July 4, 1967]



Sec.  343b.3  Interview.

    When the application presents a prima facie case, USCIS may issue a 
certificate without first interviewing the applicant. In all other 
cases, the applicant must be interviewed. The

[[Page 888]]

interviewing officer must provide a complete written report of the 
interview before forwarding the application for issuance of the 
certificate.

[76 FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  343b.4  Applicant outside of United States.

    If the application is received by a DHS office outside the United 
States, an officer will, when practicable, interview the applicant 
before the application is forwarded to USCIS for issuance of the 
certificate. When an interview is not practicable, or is not conducted 
because the application is submitted directly to USCIS in the United 
States, the certificate may nevertheless be issued and the 
recommendation conditioned upon satisfactory interview by the Department 
of State. When forwarding the certificate in such a case, USCIS will 
inform the Secretary of State that the applicant has not been 
interviewed, and request to have the applicant interviewed regarding 
identity and possible expatriation. If identity is not established or if 
expatriation has occurred, the Department of State will return the 
certificate to USCIS for disposition.

[76 FR 53805, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  343b.5  Verification of naturalization.

    The application shall not be granted without first obtaining 
verification of the applicant's naturalization.

[32 FR 9636, July 4, 1967]



Sec.  343b.11  Disposition of application.

    (a) Approval. If the application is granted, USCIS will prepare a 
special certificate of naturalization and forward it to the Secretary of 
State for transmission to the proper authority of the foreign state in 
accordance with procedures agreed to between DHS and the Department of 
State, retain the application and a record of the disposition in the DHS 
file, and notify the applicant of the actions taken.
    (b) Denial. If the application is denied, the applicant will be 
notified of the reasons for denial and of the right to appeal in 
accordance with 8 CFR 103.3.

[76 FR 53806, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 343c_CERTIFICATIONS FROM RECORDS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552; 8 U.S.C. 1103.



Sec.  343c.1  Application for certification of naturalization record of court 
or certificate of naturalization or citizenship.

    An application for certification of a naturalization record of any 
court, or of any part thereof, or of any certificate of naturalization, 
repatriation, or citizenship, under section 343(e) of the Act for use in 
complying with any statute, Federal or State, or in any judicial 
proceeding, shall be made on the form designated by USCIS in accordance 
with the form instructions.

[40 FR 50703, Oct. 31, 1975, as amended at 76 FR 53806, Aug. 29, 2011]



PART 349_LOSS OF NATIONALITY--Table of Contents



    Authority: Sec. 103, 66 Stat. 173; 8 U.S.C. 1103. Interprets or 
applies 401(i), 54 Stat. 1169; 8 U.S.C. 801, 1946 ed.

    Source: 32 FR 9636, July 4, 1967, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  349.1  Japanese renunciation of nationality.

    A Japanese who renounced United States nationality pursuant to the 
provisions of section 401(i), Nationality Act of 1940, who claims that 
his renunciation is void, shall complete Form N-576, Supplemental 
Affidavit to be Submitted with Applications of Japanese Renunciants. The 
affidavit shall be submitted to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil 
Division, Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20530, with a covering 
letter requesting a determination of the validity of the renunciation.



  PART 392_SPECIAL CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO MAY BE NATURALIZED: PERSONS WHO DIE 
  WHILE SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY WITH THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES 
  DURING CERTAIN PERIODS OF HOSTILITIES--Table of Contents



Sec.
392.1 Definitions.
392.2 Eligibility for posthumous citizenship.

[[Page 889]]

392.3 Application for posthumous citizenship.
392.4 Issuance of a certificate of citizenship.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1440 and note, and 1440-1; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 56 FR 22822, May 17, 1991, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  392.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Active-duty status means full-time duty in the active military 
service of the United States, and includes full-time training duty, 
which constitutes qualifying service under section 329(a) of the Act. 
Active service in the United States Coast Guard during one of the 
periods of hostilities specified herein shall constitute service in the 
military, air, or naval forces of the United States. Active-duty status 
also includes annual training duty and attendance, while in the active 
military service, at a service school designated by the military 
authorities under 10 U.S.C. 101(22). The order of a national guardsman 
into active duty for training under 10 U.S.C. 672 constitutes service in 
active-duty status in the military forces of the United States. Active 
duty in a noncombatant capacity is qualifying service.
    Decedent means the person on whose behalf an application for a 
certificate of posthumous citizenship is made.
    Induction, enlistment, and reenlistment, refer to the decedent's 
place of entry into active duty military service.
    Korean Hostilities relates to the period from June 25, 1950, to July 
1, 1955, inclusive.
    Lodge Act means the Act of June 30, 1950, which qualified for 
naturalization nonresident aliens who served honorably for 5 years in 
the United States Army during specified periods, notwithstanding that 
they never formally became lawful permanent residents of the United 
States.
    Next-of-kin means the closest surviving blood or legal relative of 
the decedent in the following order of succession:
    (1) The surviving spouse;
    (2) The decedent's surviving son or daughter, if the decedent has no 
surviving spouse;
    (3) The decedent's surviving parent, if the decedent has no 
surviving spouse or sons or daughters; or,
    (4) The decedent's surviving brother or sister, if none of the 
persons described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this definition 
survive the decedent.
    Other periods of military hostilities means any period designated by 
the President under Executive Order as a period in which Armed Forces of 
the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving 
armed conflict with a hostile foreign force.
    Representative means:
    (1) The duly appointed executor or administrator of the decedent's 
estate, including a special administrator appointed for the purpose of 
seeking the decedent's naturalization; or,
    (2) The duly appointed guardian, conservator, or committee of the 
decedent's next-of-kin; or,
    (3) A service organization listed in 38 U.S.C. 3402, or chartered by 
Congress, or State, or other service organization recognized by the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Vietnam Hostilities relates to the period from February 28, 1961, to 
October 15, 1978, inclusive.
    World War I relates to the period from April 6, 1917, to November 
11, 1918, inclusive.
    World War II relates to the period from September 1, 1939, to 
December 31, 1946, inclusive.



Sec.  392.2  Eligibility for posthumous citizenship.

    (a) General. Any alien or noncitizen national of the United States 
is eligible for posthumous United States citizenship who:
    (1) Served honorably in an active-duty status with the military, 
air, or naval forces of the United States during World War I, World War 
II, the Korean Hostilities, the Vietnam Hostilities, or in other periods 
of military hostilities designated by the President under Executive 
Order; and,
    (2) Died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated 
by service in the United States Armed Forces during a period of military 
hostilities listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Where the person 
died subsequent to separation from military service,

[[Page 890]]

the death must have resulted from an injury or disease that was 
sustained, acquired, or exacerbated during active-duty service in a 
qualifying period of military hostilities as specified in this part.
    (b) Qualifying enlistment. In conjunction with the qualifying 
service as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the decedent 
must have:
    (1) Enlisted, reenlisted, or been inducted in the United States, the 
Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island;
    (2) Been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent 
residence, at any time; or,
    (3) Enlisted or reenlisted in the United States Army pursuant to the 
provisions of the Lodge Act. In such case, the decedent shall be 
considered to have been lawfully admitted to the United States as a 
permanent resident for purposes of this section, provided he or she:
    (i) Entered the United States, its outlying possessions, or the 
Canal Zone, at some time during the period of army service, pursuant to 
military orders; and
    (ii) Was honorably discharged following completion of at least 5 
full years of active duty service, even though the active-duty service 
may not have occurred during a qualifying period of hostilities 
specified in section 329(a) of the Act.
    (c) Character of military service. Where the character of military 
service is not certified as honorable by the executive department under 
which the person served, or where the person was dishonorably discharged 
or discharged under conditions other than honorable, such service shall 
not satisfy the requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (d) Certification of eligibility. (1) The executive department under 
which the decedent served shall determine whether:
    (i) The decedent served honorably in an active-duty status;
    (ii) The separation from such service was under honorable 
conditions; and,
    (iii) The decedent died as a result of injury or disease incurred 
in, or aggravated by active duty service during a qualifying period of 
military hostilities.
    (2) The certification required by section 329A(c)(2) of the Act to 
prove military service and service-connected death must be requested by 
the applicant on the form designated by USCIS in accordance with the 
form instructions. The form will also be used to verify the decedent's 
place of induction, enlistment, or reenlistment.

[56 FR 22822, May 17, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53806, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  392.3  Application for posthumous citizenship.

    (a) Persons who may apply. (1) Only one person who is either the 
next-of-kin or another representative of the decedent shall be permitted 
to apply for posthumous citizenship on the decedent's behalf. A person 
who is a next-of-kin who wishes to apply for posthumous citizenship on 
behalf of the decedent, shall, if there is a surviving next-of-kin in 
the line of succession above him or her, be required to obtain 
authorization to make the application from all surviving next-of-kin in 
the line of succession above him or her. The authorization shall be in 
the form of an affidavit stating that the affiant authorizes the 
requester to apply for posthumous citizenship on behalf of the decedent. 
The affidavit must include the name and address of the affiant, and the 
relationship of the affiant to the decedent.
    (2) When there is a surviving next-of-kin, an application for 
posthumous citizenship shall only be accepted from a representative 
provided authorization has been obtained from all surviving next-of-kin. 
However, this requirement shall not apply to the executor or 
administrator of the decedent's estate. In the case of a service 
organization acting as a representative, authorization must also have 
been obtained from any appointed representative. A veterans service 
organization must submit evidence of recognition by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs. Once USCIS has granted posthumous citizenship to a 
person, no subsequent applications on his or her behalf shall be 
approved, nor shall any additional original certificates be issued, 
except in the case of an application for issuance of a replacement 
certificate for one lost, mutilated, or destroyed.

[[Page 891]]

    (b) Application. An application for posthumous citizenship must be 
submitted on the form designated by USCIS in accordance with the form 
instructions.
    (c) Application period. An application for posthumous citizenship 
must be filed no later than two years after the date of the decedent's 
death.
    (d) Denial of application. When the application is denied, the 
applicant shall be notified of the decision and the reason(s) for 
denial. There is no appeal from the denial of an application under this 
part.

[56 FR 22822, May 17, 1991, as amended at 74 FR 26941, June 5, 2009; 76 
FR 53806, Aug. 29, 2011]



Sec.  392.4  Issuance of a certificate of citizenship.

    (a) Approval of application. When an application for posthumous 
citizenship under this part has been approved, USCIS will issue a 
Certificate of Citizenship to the applicant in the name of the decedent.
    (b) Delivery of certificate. Delivery of the Certificate of 
Citizenship shall be made by registered mail to the address designated 
by the applicant. If the applicant resides outside the United States, 
the certificate shall be sent by registered mail to the Service office 
abroad, if one is located where delivery is to be made; otherwise, it 
shall be forwarded to the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
    (c) Effective date of citizenship. Where the Service has approved an 
Application for Posthumous Citizenship (Form N-644), the decedent shall 
be considered a United States citizen as of the date of his or her 
death.
    (d) Ineligibility for immigration benefits. The granting of 
posthumous citizenship under section 329A of the Immigration and 
Naturalization Act, as amended, and issuance of a certificate under 
paragraph (a) of this section, shall not entitle the surviving spouse, 
parent, son, daughter, or other relative of the decedent to any benefit 
under any provision of the Act. Nor shall such grant make applicable the 
provisions of section 319(d) of the Act to the surviving spouse.
    (e) Replacement certificate. An application for a replacement 
Certificate of Citizenship must be submitted on the form designated by 
USCIS with the fee specified in 8 CFR 106.2 and in accordance with the 
form instructions.

[56 FR 22822, May 17, 1991, as amended at 76 FR 53806, Aug. 29, 2011; 85 
FR 46929, Aug. 3, 2020]

                        PARTS 393	499 [RESERVED]

[[Page 893]]



   CHAPTER V--EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW, DEPARTMENT OF 
                                 JUSTICE




  --------------------------------------------------------------------

                    SUBCHAPTER A--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part                                                                Page
1000

[Reserved]

1001            Definitions.................................         895
1003            Executive Office for Immigration Review.....         897
                  SUBCHAPTER B--IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS
1101            Presumption of lawful admission.............         973
1103            Appeals, records, and fees..................         977
1204            Immigrant petitions.........................         980
1205            Revocation of approval of petitions.........         980
1207            Admission of refugees.......................         982
1208            Procedures for asylum and withholding of 
                    removal.................................         983
1209            Adjustment of status of refugees and aliens 
                    granted asylum..........................        1024
1211            Documentary requirements: Immigrants; 
                    waivers.................................        1027
1212            Documentary requirements: Nonimmigrants; 
                    waivers; admission of certain 
                    inadmissible aliens; parole.............        1027
1214            Review of nonimmigrant classes..............        1055
1215            Controls of aliens departing from the United 
                    States..................................        1057
1216            Conditional basis of lawful permanent 
                    residence status........................        1062
1235            Inspection of persons applying for admission        1071
1236            Apprehension and detention of inadmissible 
                    and deportable aliens; removal of aliens 
                    ordered removed.........................        1076
1238            Expedited removal of aggravated felons......        1083
1239            Initiation of removal proceedings...........        1086
1240            Proceedings to determine removability of 
                    aliens in the United States.............        1087

[[Page 894]]

1241            Apprehension and detention of aliens ordered 
                    removed.................................        1128
1244            Temporary protected status for nationals of 
                    designated states.......................        1135
1245            Adjustment of status to that of person 
                    admitted for permanent residence........        1145
1246            Rescission of adjustment of status..........        1200
1249            Creation of records of lawful admission for 
                    permanent residence.....................        1202
1270            Penalties for document fraud................        1203
1274a           Control of employment of aliens.............        1205
1280            Imposition and collection of fines..........        1206
1287            Field officers; powers and duties...........        1207
1292            Representation and appearances..............        1209
                  SUBCHAPTER C--NATIONALITY REGULATIONS
1299            Immigration review forms....................        1224
1337            Oath of allegiance..........................        1224
1338-1399

 [Reserved]

[[Page 895]]



                     SUBCHAPTER A_GENERAL PROVISIONS



                          PART 1000 [RESERVED]



PART 1001_DEFINITIONS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103; Pub. L. 107-296, 116 
Stat. 2135; Title VII of Pub. L. 110-229.



Sec.  1001.1  Definitions.

    As used in this chapter:
    (a) The terms defined in section 101 of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (66 Stat. 163) shall have the meanings ascribed to them 
in that section and as supplemented, explained, and further defined in 
this chapter.
    (b) The term Act means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as 
amended.
    (c) The term Service means the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service, as it existed prior to March 1, 2003. Unless otherwise 
specified, references to the Service on or after that date mean the 
offices of the Department of Homeland Security to which the functions of 
the former Service were transferred pursuant to the Homeland Security 
Act, Public Law 107-296 (Nov. 25, 2002), as provided in 8 CFR chapter I.
    (d) The term Commissioner means the Commissioner of the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service prior to March 1, 2003. Unless otherwise 
specified, references to the Commissioner on or after that date mean 
those officials of the Department of Homeland Security who have 
succeeded to the functions of the Commissioner of the former Service, as 
provided in 8 CFR chapter I.
    (e) The term Board means the Board of Immigration Appeals.
    (f) The term attorney means any person who is eligible to practice 
law in and is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court 
of any State, possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United 
States, or of the District of Columbia, and is not under any order 
suspending, enjoining, restraining, disbarring, or otherwise restricting 
him in the practice of law.
    (g) Unless the context otherwise requires, the term case means any 
proceeding arising under any immigration or naturalization law, 
Executive order, or Presidential proclamation, or preparation for or 
incident to such proceeding, including preliminary steps by any private 
person or corporation preliminary to the filing of the application or 
petition by which any proceeding under the jurisdiction of the Service 
or the Board is initiated.
    (h) The term day when computing the period of time for taking any 
action provided in this chapter including the taking of an appeal, shall 
include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, except that when the 
last day of the period so computed falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a 
legal holiday, the period shall run until the end of the next day which 
is not a Saturday, Sunday, nor a legal holiday.
    (i) The term practice means exercising professional judgment to 
provide legal advice or legal services related to any matter before 
EOIR. Practice includes, but is not limited to, determining available 
forms of relief from removal or protection; providing advice regarding 
legal strategies; drafting or filing any document on behalf of another 
person appearing before EOIR based on an analysis of applicable facts 
and law; or appearing on behalf of another person in any matter before 
EOIR.
    (j) The term representative refers to a person who is entitled to 
represent others as provided in Sec. Sec.  1292.1(a) (2), (3), (4), (5), 
(6), and 1292.1(b) of this chapter.
    (k) The term preparation means the act or acts consisting solely of 
filling in blank spaces on printed forms with information provided by 
the applicant or petitioner that are to be filed with or submitted to 
EOIR, where such acts do not include the exercise of professional 
judgment to provide legal advice or legal services. When this act is 
performed by someone other than a practitioner, the fee for filling in 
blank spaces on printed forms, if any, must be nominal, and the 
individual may not hold himself or herself out as qualified in legal 
matters or in immigration and naturalization procedure.
    (l) The term immigration judge means an attorney whom the Attorney 
General appoints as an administrative

[[Page 896]]

judge within the Executive Office for Immigration Review, qualified to 
conduct specified classes of proceedings, including a hearing under 
section 240 of the Act. An immigration judge shall be subject to such 
supervision and shall perform such duties as the Attorney General shall 
prescribe, but shall not be employed by the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service.
    (m) The term representation before the Board and the Service 
includes practice and preparation as defined in paragraphs (i) and (k) 
of this section.
    (n) The term Executive Office means Executive Office for Immigration 
Review.
    (o) The term Director, unless otherwise specified, means the 
Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review. For a 
definition of the term Director when used in the context of an official 
with the Department of Homeland Security, see 8 CFR 1.1(o).
    (p) The term lawfully admitted for permanent residence means the 
status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing 
permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the 
immigration laws, such status not having changed. Such status terminates 
upon entry of a final administrative order of exclusion, deportation, 
removal, or rescission.
    (q) The term arriving alien means an applicant for admission coming 
or attempting to come into the United States at a port-of-entry, or an 
alien seeking transit through the United States at a port-of-entry, or 
an alien interdicted in international or United States waters and 
brought into the United States by any means, whether or not to a 
designated port-of-entry, and regardless of the means of transport. An 
arriving alien remains an arriving alien even if paroled pursuant to 
section 212(d)(5) of the Act, and even after any such parole is 
terminated or revoked. However, an arriving alien who was paroled into 
the United States before April 1, 1997, or who was paroled into the 
United States on or after April 1, 1997, pursuant to a grant of advance 
parole which the alien applied for and obtained in the United States 
prior to the alien's departure from and return to the United States, 
will not be treated, solely by reason of that grant of parole, as an 
arriving alien under section 235(b)(1)(A)(i) of the Act.
    (r) The term respondent means a person named in a Notice to Appear 
issued in accordance with section 239(a) of the Act, or in an Order to 
Show Cause issued in accordance with Sec.  242.1 of 8 CFR chapter I as 
it existed prior to April 1, 1997.
    (s) The terms government counsel or DHS counsel, in the context of 
proceedings in which DHS has appeared, mean any officer assigned to 
represent DHS in any proceeding before an immigration judge or the Board 
of Immigration Appeals.
    (t) The term aggravated felony means a crime (or a conspiracy or 
attempt to commit a crime) described in section 101(a)(43) of the Act. 
This definition is applicable to any proceeding, application, custody 
determination, or adjudication pending on or after September 30, 1996, 
but shall apply under section 276(b) of the Act only to violations of 
section 276(a) of the Act occurring on or after that date.
    (u) The term Department, unless otherwise specified, means the 
Department of Justice.
    (v) The term Secretary, unless otherwise specified, means the 
Secretary of Homeland Security.
    (w) The term DHS means the Department of Homeland Security. These 
rules incorporate by reference the organizational definitions for 
components of DHS as provided in 8 CFR 1.1.
    (x)-(aa) [Reserved]
    (bb) The term transition program effective date as used with respect 
to extending the immigration laws to the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands means November 28, 2009.
    (cc) The term case eligible for electronic filing means any case 
that DHS seeks to bring before an immigration court after EOIR has 
formally established an electronic filing system for that court, or any 
case before an immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals 
that has an electronic record of proceeding. Any reference to a record 
of proceeding in this chapter shall include an electronic record of 
proceeding.
    (dd) The term filing means the actual receipt of a document by the 
appropriate immigration court or the Board

[[Page 897]]

of Immigration Appeals. An electronic filing that is accepted by the 
Board or an immigration court will be deemed filed on the date it was 
submitted. A paper filing that is accepted by the Board or an 
immigration court will be deemed filed on the date it was received by 
the Board or the immigration court. A filing that is rejected by the 
Board or the immigration court as an improper filing will not be deemed 
filed on the date it was submitted or received.
    (ee) The term service means physically presenting, mailing, or 
electronically providing a document to the appropriate party or parties; 
except that an Order to Show Cause or Notice of Deportation Hearing 
shall be served in person to the alien, or by certified mail to the 
alien or the alien's attorney, and a Notice to Appear shall be served to 
the alien in person, or if personal service is not practicable, shall be 
served by regular mail to the alien or the alien's attorney of record.
    (ff) The term practitioner means an attorney as defined in paragraph 
(f) of this section who does not represent the Federal Government, or a 
representative as defined in paragraph (j) of this section.

[23 FR 9115, Nov. 26, 1958]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
1001.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



PART 1003_EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW--Table of Contents



Sec.
1003.0 Executive Office for Immigration Review.

                 Subpart A_Board of Immigration Appeals

1003.1 Organization, jurisdiction, and powers of the Board of 
          Immigration Appeals.
1003.2 Reopening or reconsideration before the Board of Immigration 
          Appeals.
1003.3 Notice of appeal.
1003.4 Withdrawal of appeal.
1003.5 Forwarding of record on appeal.
1003.6 Stay of execution of decision.
1003.7 Notice of certification.
1003.8 Fees before the Board.

             Subpart B_Office of the Chief Immigration Judge

1003.9 Chief Immigration Judge.
1003.10 Immigration Judges.
1003.11 Administrative control Immigration Courts.

             Subpart C_Immigration Court_Rules of Procedure

1003.12 Scope of rules.
1003.13 Definitions.
1003.14 Jurisdiction and commencement of proceedings.
1003.15 Contents of the order to show cause and notice to appear and 
          notification of change of address.
1003.16 Representation.
1003.17 Appearances.
1003.18 Scheduling of cases.
1003.19 Custody/bond.
1003.20 Change of venue.
1003.21 Pre-hearing conferences and statement.
1003.22 Interpreters.
1003.23 Reopening or reconsideration before the Immigration Court.
1003.24 Fees pertaining to matters within the jurisdiction of an 
          immigration judge.
1003.25 Form of the proceeding.
1003.26 In absentia hearings.
1003.27 Public access to hearings.
1003.28 Recording equipment.
1003.29 Continuances.
1003.30 Additional charges in deportation or removal hearings.
1003.31 Filing documents and applications.
1003.32 Service and size of documents.
1003.33 Translation of documents.
1003.34 Testimony.
1003.35 Depositions and subpoenas.
1003.36 Record of proceeding.
1003.37 Decisions.
1003.38 Appeals.
1003.39 Finality of decision.
1003.40 Local operating procedures.
1003.41 Evidence of criminal conviction.
1003.42 Review of credible fear determinations.
1003.43 Motion to reopen for suspension of deportation and cancellation 
          of removal pursuant to section 203(c) of the Nicaraguan 
          Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA).
1003.44 Special motion to seek section 212(c) relief for aliens who 
          pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to certain crimes before 
          April 1, 1997.
1003.46 Protective orders, sealed submissions in Immigration Courts.
1003.47 Identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
          examinations relating to applications for immigration relief, 
          protection, or restriction on removal.

[[Page 898]]

Subpart D [Reserved]

           Subpart E_List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

1003.61 General provisions.
1003.62 Eligibility.
1003.63 Applications.
1003.64 Approval and denial of applications.
1003.65 Removal of a provider from the List.
1003.66 Changes in information or status.

Subpart F [Reserved]

  Subpart G_Professional Conduct for Practitioners_Rules and Procedures

1003.101 General provisions.
1003.102 Grounds.
1003.103 Immediate suspension and summary disciplinary proceedings; duty 
          of practitioner to notify EOIR of conviction or discipline.
1003.104 Filing of complaints; preliminary inquiries; resolutions; 
          referral of complaints.
1003.105 Notice of Intent to Discipline.
1003.106 Right to be heard and disposition.
1003.107 Reinstatement after disbarment or suspension.
1003.108 Confidentiality.
1003.109 Discipline of government attorneys.
1003.110 Sanction of recognized organizations.
1003.111 Interim suspension.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 6 U.S.C. 521; 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1154, 
1155, 1158, 1182, 1226, 1229, 1229a, 1229b, 1229c, 1231, 1254a, 1255, 
1324d, 1330, 1361, 1362; 28 U.S.C. 509, 510, 1746; sec. 2 Reorg. Plan 
No. 2 of 1950; 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 1002; section 203 of Pub. L. 
105-100, 111 Stat. 2196-200; sections 1506 and 1510 of Pub. L. 106-386, 
114 Stat. 1527-29, 1531-32; section 1505 of Pub. L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 
2763A-326 to -328.

    Source: Redesignated at 68 FR 9830, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1003 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10350, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1003.0  Executive Office for Immigration Review.

    (a) Organization. Within the Department of Justice, there shall be 
an Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), headed by a Director 
who is appointed by the Attorney General. The Director shall be assisted 
by a Deputy Director and the heads of EOIR's other components, who shall 
report to the Director and Deputy Director. EOIR shall include the Board 
of Immigration Appeals, the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, the 
Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, the Office of 
Policy, the Office of the General Counsel, and such other components and 
staff as the Attorney General or the Director may provide.
    (b) Powers of the Director--(1) In general. The Director shall 
manage EOIR and its employees and shall be responsible for the direction 
and supervision of each EOIR component in the execution of its 
respective duties pursuant to the Act and the provisions of this 
chapter. Unless otherwise provided by the Attorney General, the Director 
shall report to the Deputy Attorney General and the Attorney General. 
The Director shall have the authority to:
    (i) Issue operational instructions and policy, including procedural 
instructions regarding the implementation of new statutory or regulatory 
authorities;
    (ii) Direct the conduct of all EOIR employees to ensure the 
efficient disposition of all pending cases, including the power, in his 
discretion, to set priorities or time frames for the resolution of 
cases; to direct that the adjudication of certain cases be deferred; to 
regulate the assignment of adjudicators to cases; and otherwise to 
manage the docket of matters to be decided by the Board, the immigration 
judges, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, or the administrative 
law judges;
    (iii) Provide for appropriate administrative coordination with the 
other components of the Department of Justice, with the Department of 
Homeland Security, with the Department of Health and Human Services, and 
with the Department of State;
    (iv) Evaluate the performance of the Board of Immigration Appeals, 
the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, the Office of the Chief 
Administrative Hearing Officer, and other EOIR activities, make 
appropriate reports and inspections, and take corrective action where 
needed;
    (v) Provide for performance appraisals for immigration judges and 
Board members while fully respecting their roles as adjudicators, 
including a process for reporting adjudications that reflect temperament 
problems or poor decisional quality;

[[Page 899]]

    (vi) Administer an examination for newly-appointed immigration 
judges and Board members with respect to their familiarity with key 
principles of immigration law before they begin to adjudicate matters, 
and evaluate the temperament and skills of each new immigration judge or 
Board member within 2 years of appointment;
    (vii) Provide for comprehensive, continuing training and support for 
Board members, immigration judges, and EOIR staff in order to promote 
the quality and consistency of adjudications;
    (viii) Implement a process for receiving, evaluating, and responding 
to complaints of inappropriate conduct by EOIR adjudicators; and
    (ix) Exercise such other authorities as the Attorney General may 
provide.
    (2) Delegations. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of 
this section, the Director may delegate the authority given to him by 
this part or otherwise by the Attorney General to the Deputy Director, 
the Chairman of the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Chief Immigration 
Judge, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, the Assistant Director 
for Policy, the General Counsel, or any other EOIR employee.
    (ii) The Director may not delegate the authority assigned to the 
Director in Sec. Sec.  1003.1(e)(8)(ii) and 1292.18 and may not delegate 
any other authority to adjudicate cases arising under the Act or 
regulations unless expressly authorized to do so.
    (c) Limit on the authority of the Director. Except as provided by 
statute, regulation, or delegation of authority from the Attorney 
General, or when acting as a designee of the Attorney General, the 
Director shall have no authority to adjudicate cases arising under the 
Act or regulations or to direct the result of an adjudication assigned 
to the Board, an immigration judge, the Chief Administrative Hearing 
Officer, or an Administrative Law Judge. When acting under authority 
described in this paragraph (c), the Director shall exercise independent 
judgment and discretion in considering and determining the cases and may 
take any action consistent with the Director's authority as is 
appropriate and necessary for the disposition of the case. Nothing in 
this part, however, shall be construed to limit the authority of the 
Director under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
    (d) Deputy Director. The Deputy Director shall advise and assist the 
Director in the supervision and management of EOIR and the formulation 
of policy and guidelines. Unless otherwise limited by law or by order of 
the Director, the Deputy Director shall exercise the full authority of 
the Director in the discharge of his or her duties.
    (e) Office of Policy. Within EOIR, there shall be an Office of 
Policy consisting of an Assistant Director for Policy and other such 
staff as the Director deems necessary. Subject to the supervision of the 
Director, the Office of Policy shall provide assistance to the Director 
and heads of the other components within EOIR.
    (1) In general. In coordination with the Director and subject to the 
Director's supervision, the Assistant Director for Policy shall 
supervise all policy activities of EOIR. Subject to the supervision of 
the Director and in coordination with other components as appropriate, 
the Assistant Director for Policy shall also oversee EOIR's regulatory 
development and implementation process, shall supervise and coordinate 
EOIR's internal development, dissemination, and implementation of policy 
guidance, shall supervise and administer EOIR's pro bono and legal 
orientation program activities, shall supervise the provision of legal 
and policy training to all components within EOIR on all relevant 
matters under its supervision, and shall perform other such duties or 
exercise other such authorities as the Director may provide.
    (2) Limit on the Authority of the Assistant Director for Policy. The 
Assistant Director for Policy shall have no authority to adjudicate 
cases arising under the Act or regulations, except under paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section, and shall not direct the result of an 
adjudication assigned to the Board, an immigration judge, the Chief 
Administrative Hearing Officer, or an Administrative Law Judge; 
provided, however, that nothing in this part shall be construed to limit 
the authority of the Assistant Director for Policy under paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section.

[[Page 900]]

    (3) Recognition and accreditation. The Assistant Director for 
Policy, in consultation with the Director, shall maintain a division 
within the Office of Policy to develop and administer a program to 
recognize organizations and accredit representatives to provide 
representation before the Immigration Courts, the Board, and DHS, or DHS 
alone. The Assistant Director for Policy shall determine whether an 
organization and its representatives meet the eligibility requirements 
for recognition and accreditation in accordance with this chapter. The 
Assistant Director for Policy shall also have the authority to 
administratively terminate the recognition of an organization and the 
accreditation of a representative and to maintain the roster of 
recognized organizations and their accredited representatives. The 
Assistant Director for Policy, in consultation with the Director, may 
also delegate authority established in 8 CFR 1292.6 and 8 CFR 1292.11 
through 1292.20 within the Office of Policy.
    (f) General Counsel. Subject to the supervision of the Director, the 
General Counsel shall serve as the chief legal counsel of EOIR on 
matters of ethics, records management, release of information pursuant 
to the Freedom of Information Act, employee performance and discipline 
(except in matters related to the discipline of adjudicators for 
decisions made in the adjudication of cases under the Act), practitioner 
discipline, and other related areas not inconsistent with the law. 
Subject to the supervision of the Director, the General Counsel shall 
supervise all legal activities and provide legal advice and assistance 
to the Director, Deputy Director, and other component heads in 
accordance with this section. In consultation with other EOIR components 
as appropriate, the General Counsel may also advise the Director or 
Deputy Director on other legal matters, including matters related to 
immigration law or policy and related to adjudicator discipline, 
provided that the General Counsel shall have no authority, directly or 
indirectly, to direct or influence the adjudication of any cases under 
the Act.
    (1) Professional standards. The General Counsel shall administer 
programs to protect the integrity of legal representation in immigration 
proceedings before EOIR, including administering the disciplinary 
program for practitioners and recognized organizations under subpart G 
of this part.
    (2) Fraud issues. The General Counsel shall designate an anti-fraud 
officer who shall--
    (i) Serve as a point of contact relating to concerns about possible 
fraud upon EOIR, particularly with respect to matters relating to 
fraudulent applications or documents affecting multiple removal 
proceedings, applications for relief from removal, appeals, or other 
proceedings before EOIR;
    (ii) Coordinate with investigative authorities of the Department of 
Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and other appropriate 
agencies with respect to the identification of and response to such 
fraud; and
    (iii) Notify the EOIR disciplinary counsel and other appropriate 
authorities with respect to instances of fraud, misrepresentation, or 
abuse pertaining to an attorney or accredited representative.
    (g) Citizenship Requirement for Employment. (1) An application to 
work at EOIR, either as an employee or a volunteer, must include a 
signed affirmation from the applicant that he or she is a citizen of the 
United States of America. If requested, the applicant must document 
United States citizenship.
    (2) The Director of EOIR may, by explicit written determination and 
to the extent permitted by law, authorize the appointment of an alien to 
an EOIR position when necessary to accomplish the work of EOIR.

[72 FR 53676, Sept. 20, 2007, as amended at 81 FR 92361, Dec. 19, 2016; 
84 FR 44541, Aug. 26, 2019; 85 FR 69482, Nov. 3, 2020]



                 Subpart A_Board of Immigration Appeals



Sec.  1003.1  Organization, jurisdiction, and powers of the Board 
of Immigration Appeals.

    (a)(1) Organization. There shall be in the Department of Justice a 
Board of Immigration Appeals, subject to the general supervision of the 
Director, Executive Office for Immigration Review

[[Page 901]]

(EOIR). The Board members shall be attorneys appointed by the Attorney 
General to act as the Attorney General's delegates in the cases that 
come before them. The Board shall consist of 23 members. A vacancy, or 
the absence or unavailability of a Board member, shall not impair the 
right of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the Board. 
The Board members shall also be known as Appellate Immigration Judges.
    (2) Chairman. The Attorney General shall designate one of the Board 
members to serve as Chairman. The Attorney General may designate one or 
two Vice Chairmen to assist the Chairman in the performance of his 
duties and to exercise all of the powers and duties of the Chairman in 
the absence or unavailability of the Chairman. The Chairman of the Board 
of Immigration Appeals shall also be known as the Chief Appellate 
Immigration Judge, and a Vice Chairman of the Board of Immigration 
Appeals shall also be known as a Deputy Chief Appellate Immigration 
Judge.
    (i) The Chairman, subject to the supervision of the Director, shall 
direct, supervise, and establish internal operating procedures and 
policies of the Board. The Chairman shall have authority to:
    (A) Issue operational instructions and policy, including procedural 
instructions regarding the implementation of new statutory or regulatory 
authorities;
    (B) Provide for appropriate training of Board members and staff on 
the conduct of their powers and duties;
    (C) Direct the conduct of all employees assigned to the Board to 
ensure the efficient disposition of all pending cases, including the 
power, in his discretion, to set priorities or time frames for the 
resolution of cases; to direct that the adjudication of certain cases be 
deferred, to regulate the assignment of Board members to cases, and 
otherwise to manage the docket of matters to be decided by the Board;
    (D) Evaluate the performance of the Board by making appropriate 
reports and inspections, and take corrective action where needed;
    (E) Adjudicate cases as a Board member; and
    (F) Exercise such other authorities as the Director may provide.
    (ii) The Chairman shall have no authority to direct the result of an 
adjudication assigned to another Board member or to a panel; provided, 
however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the 
management authority of the Chairman under paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this 
section.
    (3) Panels. The Chairman shall divide the Board into three-member 
panels and designate a presiding member of each panel if the Chairman or 
Vice Chairman is not assigned to the panel. The Chairman may from time 
to time make changes in the composition of such panels and of presiding 
members. Each three-member panel shall be empowered to decide cases by 
majority vote, and a majority of the Board members assigned to the panel 
shall constitute a quorum for such panel. In addition, the Chairman 
shall assign any number of Board members, as needed, to serve on the 
screening panel to implement the case management process as provided in 
paragraph (e) of this section.
    (4) Temporary Board members. The Director may in his discretion 
designate immigration judges, retired Board members, retired immigration 
judges, and administrative law judges employed within, or retired from, 
EOIR to act as temporary Board members for terms not to exceed six 
months. In addition, with the approval of the Deputy Attorney General, 
the Director may designate one or more senior EOIR attorneys with at 
least ten years of experience in the field of immigration law to act as 
temporary Board members for terms not to exceed six months. A temporary 
Board member shall have the authority of a Board member to adjudicate 
assigned cases, except that temporary Board members shall not have the 
authority to vote on any matter decided by the Board en banc. Temporary 
Board members shall also be known as temporary Appellate Immigration 
Judges.
    (5) En banc process. A majority of the permanent Board members shall 
constitute a quorum for purposes of convening the Board en banc. The 
Board may on its own motion by a majority vote of the permanent Board 
members,

[[Page 902]]

or by direction of the Chairman, consider any case en banc, or 
reconsider as the Board en banc any case that has been considered or 
decided by a three-member panel. En banc proceedings are not favored, 
and shall ordinarily be ordered only where necessary to address an issue 
of particular importance or to secure or maintain consistency of the 
Board's decisions.
    (6) Board staff. There shall also be attached to the Board such 
number of attorneys and other employees as the Deputy Attorney General, 
upon recommendation of the Director, shall from time to time direct.
    (7) [Reserved]
    (b) Appellate jurisdiction. Appeals may be filed with the Board of 
Immigration Appeals from the following:
    (1) Decisions of Immigration Judges in exclusion cases, as provided 
in 8 CFR part 240, subpart D.
    (2) Decisions of Immigration Judges in deportation cases, as 
provided in 8 CFR part 1240, subpart E, except that no appeal shall lie 
seeking review of a length of a period of voluntary departure granted by 
an Immigration Judge under section 244E of the Act as it existed prior 
to April 1, 1997.
    (3) Decisions of Immigration Judges in removal proceedings, as 
provided in 8 CFR part 1240, except that no appeal shall lie seeking 
review of the length of a period of voluntary departure granted by an 
immigration judge under section 240B of the Act or part 240 of this 
chapter.
    (4) Decisions involving administrative fines and penalties, 
including mitigation thereof, as provided in part 280 of this chapter.
    (5) Decisions on petitions filed in accordance with section 204 of 
the act (except petitions to accord preference classifications under 
section 203(a)(3) or section 203(a)(6) of the act, or a petition on 
behalf of a child described in section 101(b)(1)(F) of the act), and 
decisions on requests for revalidation and decisions revoking the 
approval of such petitions, in accordance with section 205 of the act, 
as provided in parts 204 and 205, respectively, of 8 CFR chapter I or 
parts 1204 and 1205, respectively, of this chapter.
    (6) Decisions on applications for the exercise of the discretionary 
authority contained in section 212(d)(3) of the act as provided in part 
1212 of this chapter.
    (7) Determinations relating to bond, parole, or detention of an 
alien as provided in 8 CFR part 1236, subpart A.
    (8) Decisions of Immigration Judges in rescission of adjustment of 
status cases, as provided in part 1246 of this chapter.
    (9) Decisions of Immigration Judges in asylum proceedings pursuant 
to Sec.  1208.2(b) and (c) of this chapter.
    (10) Decisions of Immigration Judges relating to Temporary Protected 
Status as provided in 8 CFR part 1244.
    (11) [Reserved]
    (12) Decisions of Immigration Judges on applications for adjustment 
of status referred on a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) to the 
Immigration Court in accordance with Sec. Sec.  1245.13(n)(2) and 
1245.15(n)(3) of this chapter or remanded to the Immigration Court in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  1245.13(d)(2) and 1245.15(e)(2) of this 
chapter.
    (13) Decisions of adjudicating officials in disciplinary proceedings 
involving practitioners or recognized organizations as provided in 
subpart G of this part.
    (14) Decisions of immigration judges regarding custody of aliens 
subject to a final order of removal made pursuant to Sec.  1241.14 of 
this chapter.
    (c) Jurisdiction by certification. The Secretary, or any other duly 
authorized officer of DHS, or an immigration judge may in any case 
arising under paragraph (b) of this section certify such case to the 
Board for adjudication.
    (d) Powers of the Board--(1) Generally. The Board shall function as 
an appellate body charged with the review of those administrative 
adjudications under the Act that the Attorney General may by regulation 
assign to it. The Board shall resolve the questions before it in a 
manner that is timely, impartial, and consistent with the Act and 
regulations. In addition, the Board, through precedent decisions, shall 
provide clear and uniform guidance to the Service, the immigration 
judges, and the general public on the proper interpretation and 
administration of the Act and its implementing regulations.

[[Page 903]]

    (i) The Board shall be governed by the provisions and limitations 
prescribed by applicable law, regulations, and procedures, and by 
decisions of the Attorney General (through review of a decision of the 
Board, by written order, or by determination and ruling pursuant to 
section 103 of the Act).
    (ii) Subject to the governing standards set forth in paragraph 
(d)(1)(i) of this section, Board members shall exercise their 
independent judgment and discretion in considering and determining the 
cases coming before the Board, and a panel or Board member to whom a 
case is assigned may take any action consistent with their authorities 
under the Act and the regulations as is appropriate and necessary for 
the disposition of the case. Nothing in this paragraph (d)(1)(ii) shall 
be construed as authorizing the Board to administratively close or 
otherwise defer adjudication of a case unless a regulation promulgated 
by the Department of Justice or a previous judicially approved 
settlement expressly authorizes such an action. Only the Director or 
Chief Appellate Immigration Judge may direct the deferral of 
adjudication of any case or cases by the Board.
    (2) Summary dismissal of appeals--(i) Standards. A single Board 
member or panel may summarily dismiss any appeal or portion of any 
appeal in any case in which:
    (A) The party concerned fails to specify the reasons for the appeal 
on Form EOIR-26 or Form EOIR-29 (Notices of Appeal) or other document 
filed therewith;
    (B) The only reason for the appeal specified by the party concerned 
involves a finding of fact or a conclusion of law that was conceded by 
that party at a prior proceeding;
    (C) The appeal is from an order that granted the party concerned the 
relief that had been requested;
    (D) The Board is satisfied, from a review of the record, that the 
appeal is filed for an improper purpose, such as to cause unnecessary 
delay, or that the appeal lacks an arguable basis in fact or in law 
unless the Board determines that it is supported by a good faith 
argument for extension, modification, or reversal of existing law;
    (E) The party concerned indicates on Form EOIR-26 or Form EOIR-29 
that he or she will file a brief or statement in support of the appeal 
and, thereafter, does not file such brief or statement, or reasonably 
explain his or her failure to do so, within the time set for filing;
    (F) The appeal does not fall within the Board's jurisdiction, or 
lies with the Immigration Judge rather than the Board;
    (G) The appeal is untimely, or barred by an affirmative waiver of 
the right of appeal that is clear on the record; or
    (H) The appeal fails to meet essential statutory or regulatory 
requirements or is expressly excluded by statute or regulation.
    (ii) Action by the Board. The Board's case management screening plan 
shall promptly identify cases that are subject to summary dismissal 
pursuant to this paragraph. An order dismissing any appeal pursuant to 
this paragraph (d)(2) shall constitute the final decision of the Board.
    (iii) Disciplinary consequences. The filing by a practitioner, as 
defined in Sec.  1003.101(b), of an appeal that is summarily dismissed 
under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, may constitute frivolous 
behavior under Sec.  1003.102(j).Summary dismissal of an appeal under 
paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section does not limit the other grounds and 
procedures for disciplinary action against attorneys or representatives.
    (3) Scope of review. (i) The Board will not engage in de novo review 
of findings of fact determined by an immigration judge. Facts determined 
by the immigration judge, including findings as to the credibility of 
testimony, shall be reviewed only to determine whether the findings of 
the immigration judge are clearly erroneous.
    (ii) The Board may review questions of law, discretion, and judgment 
and all other issues in appeals from decisions of immigration judges de 
novo.
    (iii) The Board may review all questions arising in appeals from 
decisions issued by Service officers de novo.
    (iv)(A) The Board will not engage in factfinding in the course of 
deciding cases, except that the Board may take administrative notice of 
facts that are

[[Page 904]]

not reasonably subject to dispute, such as:
    (1) Current events;
    (2) The contents of official documents outside the record;
    (3) Facts that can be accurately and readily determined from 
official government sources and whose accuracy is not disputed; or
    (4) Undisputed facts contained in the record.
    (B) If the Board intends to rely on an administratively noticed fact 
outside of the record, such as those indicated in paragraphs 
(d)(3)(iv)(A)(1) through (3) of this section, as the basis for reversing 
an immigration judge's grant of relief or protection from removal, it 
must provide notice to the parties of its intent and afford them an 
opportunity of not less than 14 days to respond to the notice.
    (C) The Board shall not sua sponte remand a case for further 
factfinding unless the factfinding is necessary to determine whether the 
immigration judge had jurisdiction over the case.
    (D) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(6)(iii) or (d)(7)(v)(B) of 
this section, the Board shall not remand a direct appeal from an 
immigration judge's decision for additional factfinding unless:
    (1) The party seeking remand preserved the issue by presenting it 
before the immigration judge;
    (2) The party seeking remand, if it bore the burden of proof before 
the immigration judge, attempted to adduce the additional facts before 
the immigration judge;
    (3) The additional factfinding would alter the outcome or 
disposition of the case;
    (4) The additional factfinding would not be cumulative of the 
evidence already presented or contained in the record; and
    (5) One of the following circumstances is present in the case:
    (i) The immigration judge's factual findings were clearly erroneous;
    (ii) The immigration judge's factual findings were not clearly 
erroneous, but the immigration judge committed an error of law that 
requires additional factfinding on remand; or
    (iii) Remand to DHS is warranted following de novo review.
    (v) The Board may affirm the decision of the immigration judge or 
the Department of Homeland Security on any basis supported by the 
record, including a basis supported by facts that are not reasonably 
subject to dispute, such as undisputed facts in the record.
    (4) Rules of practice. The Board shall have authority, with the 
approval of the Director, EOIR, to prescribe procedures governing 
proceedings before it.
    (5) Discipline of practitioners and recognized organizations. The 
Board shall have the authority pursuant to Sec.  1003.101 et seq. to 
impose sanctions upon practitioners who appear in a representative 
capacity before the Board, the Immigration Courts, or DHS, and upon 
recognized organizations. The Board shall also have the authority 
pursuant to Sec.  1003.107 to reinstate disciplined practitioners to 
appear in a representative capacity before the Board and the Immigration 
Courts, or DHS, or all three authorities.
    (6) Identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations. (i) The Board shall not issue a decision affirming or 
granting to an alien an immigration status, relief or protection from 
removal, or other immigration benefit, as provided in 8 CFR 1003.47(b), 
that requires completion of identity, law enforcement, or security 
investigations or examinations if:
    (A) Identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations have not been completed during the proceedings;
    (B) DHS reports to the Board that the results of prior identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations are no longer 
current under the standards established by DHS and must be updated; or
    (C) Identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations have uncovered new information bearing on the merits of the 
alien's application for relief.
    (ii) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(6)(iv) of this section, if 
identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or examinations 
have not been completed or DHS reports that the results of prior 
investigations or examinations

[[Page 905]]

are no longer current under the standards established by DHS, and the 
completion of the investigations or examinations is necessary for the 
Board to complete its adjudication of the appeal, the Board will provide 
notice to both parties that, in order to complete adjudication of the 
appeal, the case is being placed on hold until such time as all 
identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or examinations 
are completed or updated and the results have been reported to the 
Board. Unless DHS advises the Board that such information is no longer 
necessary in the particular case, the Board's notice will notify the 
alien that DHS will contact the alien to take additional steps to 
complete or update the identity, law enforcement, or security 
investigations or examinations only if DHS is unable to independently 
update the necessary investigations or examinations. If DHS is unable to 
independently update the necessary investigations or examinations, DHS 
shall send the alien instructions that comply with the requirements of 
Sec.  1003.47(d) regarding the necessary procedures and 
contemporaneously serve a copy of the instructions with the Board. The 
Board's notice will also advise the alien of the consequences for 
failing to comply with the requirements of this section. DHS is 
responsible for obtaining biometrics and other biographical information 
to complete or update the identity, law enforcement, or security 
investigations or examinations with respect to any alien in detention.
    (iii) In any case placed on hold under paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this 
section, DHS shall report to the Board promptly when the identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations have been 
completed or updated. If a non-detained alien fails to comply with 
necessary procedures for collecting biometrics or other biographical 
information within 90 days of the DHS's instruction notice under 
paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section, if applicable, the Board shall 
deem the application abandoned unless the alien shows good cause before 
the 90-day period has elapsed, in which case the alien should be given 
no more than an additional 30 days to comply with the procedures. If the 
Board deems an application abandoned under this section, it shall 
adjudicate the remainder of the appeal within 30 days and shall enter an 
order of removal or a grant of voluntary departure, as appropriate. If 
DHS obtains relevant information as a result of the identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations, including civil 
or criminal investigations of immigration fraud, DHS may move the Board 
to remand the record to the immigration judge for consideration of 
whether, in view of the new information, any pending applications for 
immigration relief or protection should be denied, either on grounds of 
eligibility or, where applicable, as a matter of discretion. If DHS 
fails to report the results of timely completed or updated identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations within 180 days 
of the Board's notice under paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section, the 
Board shall remand the case to the immigration judge for further 
proceedings under Sec.  1003.47(h).
    (iv) The Board is not required to hold a case pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(6)(ii) of this section if the Board decides to dismiss the 
respondent's appeal or deny the relief or protection sought.
    (v) The immigration relief described in 8 CFR 1003.47(b) and granted 
by the Board shall take effect as provided in 8 CFR 1003.47(i).
    (7) Finality of decision--(i) In general. The decision of the Board 
shall be final except in those cases reviewed by the Attorney General in 
accordance with paragraph (h) of this section. In adjudicating an 
appeal, the Board possesses authority to issue an order of removal, an 
order granting relief from removal, an order granting protection from 
removal combined with an order of removal as appropriate, an order 
granting voluntary departure with an alternate order of removal, and an 
order terminating or dismissing proceedings, provided that the issuance 
of any order is consistent with applicable law. The Board may affirm the 
decision of the immigration judge or DHS on any basis supported by the 
record. In no case shall the Board order a remand for an immigration 
judge to issue an order that the Board itself could issue.

[[Page 906]]

    (ii) Remands. In addition to the possibility of remands regarding 
information obtained as a result of the identity, law enforcement, or 
security investigations or examinations under paragraph (d)(6)(iii) of 
this section, after applying the appropriate standard of review on 
appeal, the Board may issue an order remanding a case to an immigration 
judge or DHS for further consideration based on an error of law or fact, 
subject to any applicable statutory or regulatory limitations, including 
paragraph (d)(3)(iv)(D) of this section and the following:
    (A) The Board shall not remand a case for further action without 
identifying the standard of review it applied and the specific error or 
errors made by the adjudicator in paragraphs (d)(7)(ii)(B) through (E) 
of this section.
    (B) The Board shall not remand a case based on the application of a 
``totality of the circumstances'' standard of review.
    (C) The Board shall not remand a case based on a legal argument not 
presented in paragraphs (d)(7)(ii)(D) through (E) of this section unless 
that argument pertains to an issue of jurisdiction over an application 
or the proceedings, or to a material change in fact or law underlying a 
removability ground or grounds specified in section 212 or 237 of the 
Act that occurred after the date of the immigration judge's decision, 
and substantial evidence indicates that change has vitiated all grounds 
of removability applicable to the alien.
    (D) The Board shall not sua sponte remand a case unless the basis 
for such a remand is solely a question of jurisdiction over an 
application or the proceedings.
    (E) The Board shall not remand a case to an immigration judge solely 
to consider or reconsider a request for voluntary departure nor solely 
due to the failure of the immigration judge to provide advisals 
following a grant of voluntary departure. In such situations, the Board 
shall follow the procedures in Sec.  1240.26(k) of this chapter.
    (iii) Scope of the remand. Where the Board remands a case to an 
immigration judge, it divests itself of jurisdiction of that case, 
unless the Board remands a case due to the court's failure to forward 
the administrative record in response to the Board's request. The Board 
may qualify or limit the scope or purpose of a remand order without 
retaining jurisdiction over the case following the remand. In any case 
in which the Board has qualified or limited the scope or purpose of the 
remand, the immigration judge shall not consider any issues outside the 
scope or purpose of that order, unless such an issue calls into question 
the immigration judge's continuing jurisdiction over the case.
    (iv) Voluntary departure. The Board may issue an order of voluntary 
departure under section 240B of the Act, with an alternate order of 
removal, if the alien requested voluntary departure before an 
immigration judge, the alien's notice of appeal specified that the alien 
is appealing the immigration judge's denial of voluntary departure and 
identified the specific factual and legal findings that the alien is 
challenging, and the Board finds that the alien is otherwise eligible 
for voluntary departure, as provided in Sec.  1240.26(k) of this 
chapter. In order to grant voluntary departure, the Board must find that 
all applicable statutory and regulatory criteria have been met, based on 
the record and within the scope of its review authority on appeal, and 
that the alien merits voluntary departure as a matter of discretion. If 
the Board does not grant the request for voluntary departure, it must 
deny the request.
    (v) New evidence on appeal. (A) Subject to paragraph (d)(7)(v)(B), 
the Board shall not receive or review new evidence submitted on appeal, 
shall not remand a case for consideration of new evidence received on 
appeal, and shall not consider a motion to remand based on new evidence. 
A party seeking to submit new evidence shall file a motion to reopen in 
accordance with applicable law.
    (B) Nothing in paragraph (d)(7)(v)(A) of this section shall preclude 
the Board from remanding a case based on new evidence or information 
obtained after the date of the immigration judge's decision as a result 
of identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations, including civil or criminal investigations of immigration

[[Page 907]]

fraud, regardless of whether the investigations or examinations were 
conducted pursuant to Sec.  1003.47(h) or paragraph (d)(6) of this 
section, nor from remanding a case to address a question of jurisdiction 
over an application or the proceedings or a question regarding a ground 
or grounds of removability specified in section 212 or 237 of the Act.
    (e) Case management system. The Chairman shall establish a case 
management system to screen all cases and to manage the Board's 
caseload. Unless a case meets the standards for assignment to a three-
member panel under paragraph (e)(6) of this section, all cases shall be 
assigned to a single Board member for disposition. The Chairman, under 
the supervision of the Director, shall be responsible for the success of 
the case management system. The Chairman shall designate, from time to 
time, a screening panel comprising a sufficient number of Board members 
who are authorized, acting alone, to adjudicate appeals as provided in 
this paragraph (e). The provisions of this paragraph (e) shall apply to 
all cases before the Board, regardless of whether they were initiated by 
filing a Notice of Appeal, filing a motion, or receipt of a remand from 
Federal court, the Attorney General, or the Director.
    (1) Initial screening. All cases shall be referred to the screening 
panel for review upon the filing of a Notice of Appeal or a motion or 
upon receipt of a remand from a Federal court, the Attorney General, or 
the Director. Screening panel review shall be completed within 14 days 
of the filing or receipt. Appeals subject to summary dismissal as 
provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, except for those subject 
to summary dismissal as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i)(E) of this 
section, shall be promptly dismissed no later than 30 days after the 
Notice of Appeal was filed. Unless referred for a three-member panel 
decision pursuant to paragraph (e)(6) of this section, an interlocutory 
appeal shall be adjudicated within 30 days of the filing of the appeal.
    (2) Miscellaneous dispositions. A single Board member may grant an 
unopposed motion or a motion to withdraw an appeal pending before the 
Board. In addition, a single Board member may adjudicate a Service 
motion to remand any appeal from the decision of a Service officer where 
the Service requests that the matter be remanded to the Service for 
further consideration of the appellant's arguments or evidence raised on 
appeal; a case where remand is required because of a defective or 
missing transcript; and other procedural or ministerial issues as 
provided by the case management plan.
    (3) Merits review. In any case that has not been summarily 
dismissed, the case management system shall arrange for the prompt 
completion of the record of proceedings and transcript, and the issuance 
of a briefing schedule. A single Board member assigned under the case 
management system shall determine the appeal on the merits as provided 
in paragraph (e)(4) or (e)(5) of this section, unless the Board member 
determines that the case is appropriate for review and decision by a 
three-member panel under the standards of paragraph (e)(6) of this 
section. The Board member may summarily dismiss an appeal after 
completion of the record of proceeding.
    (4) Affirmance without opinion. (i) The Board member to whom a case 
is assigned shall affirm the decision of the Service or the immigration 
judge, without opinion, if the Board member determines that the result 
reached in the decision under review was correct; that any errors in the 
decision under review were harmless or nonmaterial; and that
    (A) The issues on appeal are squarely controlled by existing Board 
or federal court precedent and do not involve the application of 
precedent to a novel factual situation; or
    (B) The factual and legal issues raised on appeal are not so 
substantial that the case warrants the issuance of a written opinion in 
the case.
    (ii) If the Board member determines that the decision should be 
affirmed without opinion, the Board shall issue an order that reads as 
follows: ``The Board affirms, without opinion, the result of the 
decision below. The decision below is, therefore, the final agency 
determination. See 8 CFR 3.1(e)(4).'' An order affirming without 
opinion, issued

[[Page 908]]

under authority of this provision, shall not include further explanation 
or reasoning. Such an order approves the result reached in the decision 
below; it does not necessarily imply approval of all of the reasoning of 
that decision, but does signify the Board's conclusion that any errors 
in the decision of the immigration judge or the Service were harmless or 
nonmaterial.
    (5) Other decisions on the merits by single Board member. If the 
Board member to whom an appeal is assigned determines, upon 
consideration of the merits, that the decision is not appropriate for 
affirmance without opinion, the Board member shall issue a brief order 
affirming, modifying, or remanding the decision under review, unless the 
Board member designates the case for decision by a three-member panel 
under paragraph (e)(6) of this section under the standards of the case 
management plan. A single Board member may reverse the decision under 
review if such reversal is plainly consistent with and required by 
intervening Board or judicial precedent, by an intervening Act of 
Congress, or by an intervening final regulation. A motion to reconsider 
or to reopen a decision that was rendered by a single Board member may 
be adjudicated by that Board member unless the case is reassigned to a 
three-member panel as provided under the standards of the case 
management plan.
    (6) Panel decisions. Cases may only be assigned for review by a 
three-member panel if the case presents one of these circumstances:
    (i) The need to settle inconsistencies among the rulings of 
different immigration judges;
    (ii) The need to establish a precedent construing the meaning of 
laws, regulations, or procedures;
    (iii) The need to review a decision by an immigration judge or DHS 
that is not in conformity with the law or with applicable precedents;
    (iv) The need to resolve a case or controversy of major national 
import;
    (v) The need to review a clearly erroneous factual determination by 
an immigration judge;
    (vi) The need to reverse the decision of an immigration judge or 
DHS, other than a reversal under Sec.  1003.1(e)(5); or
    (vii) The need to resolve a complex, novel, unusual, or recurring 
issue of law or fact.
    (7) Oral argument. When an appeal has been taken, a request for oral 
argument if desired shall be included in the Notice of Appeal. A three-
member panel or the Board en banc may hear oral argument, as a matter of 
discretion, at such date and time as is established under the Board's 
case management plan. Oral argument shall be held at the offices of the 
Board unless the Deputy Attorney General or his designee authorizes oral 
argument to be held elsewhere. The Service may be represented before the 
Board by an officer of the Service designated by the Service. No oral 
argument will be allowed in a case that is assigned for disposition by a 
single Board member.
    (8) Timeliness. The Board shall promptly enter orders of summary 
dismissal, or other miscellaneous dispositions, in appropriate cases 
consistent with paragraph (e)(1) of this section. In all other cases, 
the Board shall promptly order a transcript, if appropriate, within 
seven days after the screening panel completes its review and shall 
issue a briefing schedule within seven days after the transcript is 
provided. If no transcript may be ordered due to a lack of available 
funding or a lack of vendor capacity, the Chairman shall so certify that 
fact in writing to the Director. The Chairman shall also maintain a 
record of all such cases in which transcription cannot be ordered and 
provide that record to the Director. If no transcript is required, the 
Board shall issue a briefing schedule within seven days after the 
screening panel completes its review. The case shall be assigned to a 
single Board member for merits review under paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section within seven days of the completion of the record on appeal, 
including any briefs or motions. The single Board member shall then 
determine whether to adjudicate the appeal or to designate the case for 
decision by a three-member panel under paragraphs (e)(5) and (6) of this 
section within 14 days of being assigned the case. The single Board 
member or three-member panel to which the case is assigned shall issue a 
decision on the merits consistent with this section and with a

[[Page 909]]

priority for cases or custody appeals involving detained aliens.
    (i) Except in exigent circumstances as determined by the Chairman, 
subject to concurrence by the Director, or as provided in paragraph 
(d)(6) of this section or as provided in Sec. Sec.  1003.6(c) and 
1003.19(i), the Board shall dispose of all cases assigned to a single 
Board member within 90 days of completion of the record, or within 180 
days of completion of the record for all cases assigned to a three-
member panel (including any additional opinion by a member of the 
panel).
    (ii) In exigent circumstances, the Chairman may grant an extension 
in particular cases of up to 60 days as a matter of discretion. Except 
as provided in paragraph (e)(8)(iii) or (iv) of this section, in those 
cases where the panel is unable to issue a decision within the 
established time limits, as extended, the Chairman shall either assign 
the case to himself or a Vice Chairman for final decision within 14 days 
or shall refer the case to the Director for decision. If a dissenting or 
concurring panel member fails to complete his or her opinion by the end 
of the extension period, the decision of the majority will be issued 
without the separate opinion. For a case referred to the Director under 
this paragraph, the Director shall exercise delegated authority from the 
Attorney General identical to that of the Board as described in this 
section, including the authority to issue a precedent decision and the 
authority to refer the case to the Attorney General for review, either 
on his own or at the direction of the Attorney General.
    (iii) In rare circumstances, when an impending decision by the 
United States Supreme Court or an impending en banc Board decision may 
substantially determine the outcome of a group of cases pending before 
the Board, the Chairman, subject to concurrence by the Director, may 
hold the cases until such decision is rendered, temporarily suspending 
the time limits described in this paragraph (e)(8). The length of such a 
hold shall not exceed 120 days.
    (iv) [Reserved]
    (v) The Chairman shall notify the Director of EOIR and the Attorney 
General if a Board member consistently fails to meet the assigned 
deadlines for the disposition of appeals, or otherwise fails to adhere 
to the standards of the case management system. The Chairman shall also 
prepare a report assessing the timeliness of the disposition of cases by 
each Board member on an annual basis. The Chairman shall notify the 
Director of all cases in which an extension under paragraph (e)(8)(ii) 
of this section, a hold under paragraph (e)(8)(iii) of this section, or 
any other delay in meeting the requirements of paragraph (e)(8) of this 
section occurs. For any case still pending adjudication by the Board 
more than 335 days after the appeal was filed, the motion was filed, or 
the remand was received and not described in paragraphs (e)(8)(v)(A) 
through (E) of this section, the Chairman shall refer that case to the 
Director for decision. For a case referred to the Director under this 
paragraph (e)(8)(v), the Director shall exercise delegated authority 
from the Attorney General identical to that of the Board as described in 
this section, including the authority to issue a precedential decision 
and the authority to refer the case to the Attorney General for review, 
either on his own or at the direction of the Attorney General. The 
Director may not further delegate this authority. For purposes of this 
paragraph (e)(8)(v), the following categories of cases pending 
adjudication by the Board more than 335 days after the appeal was filed, 
the motion was filed, or the remand was received will not be referred by 
the Chairman to the Director:
    (A) Cases subject to a hold under paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this 
section;
    (B) Cases subject to an extension under paragraph (e)(8)(ii) of this 
section;
    (C) Cases subject to a hold under paragraph (e)(8)(iii) of this 
section;
    (D) Cases whose adjudication has been deferred by the Director 
pursuant to Sec.  1003.0(b)(1)(ii);
    (E) Cases remanded by the Director under paragraph (k) of this 
section in which 335 days have elapsed following the remand; and,
    (F) Cases that have been administratively closed prior to the elapse 
of 335 days after the appeal was filed pursuant to a regulation 
promulgated by the

[[Page 910]]

Department of Justice or a previous judicially approved settlement that 
expressly authorizes such an action and the administrative closure 
causes the pendency of the appeal to exceed 335 days.
    (vi) The provisions of this paragraph (e)(8) establishing time 
limits for the adjudication of appeals reflect an internal management 
directive in favor of timely dispositions, but do not affect the 
validity of any decision issued by the Board and do not, and shall not 
be interpreted to, create any substantive or procedural rights 
enforceable before any immigration judge or the Board, or in any court 
of law or equity.
    (9) The provisions of paragraphs (e)(4)(i) and (e)(5) and (6) of 
this section are internal agency directives for the purpose of efficient 
management and disposition of cases pending before the Board and are not 
intended to create any substantive or procedural rights to a particular 
form of Board decision. A decision by the Board under paragraph (e)(4), 
(5), or (6) of this section carries the presumption that the Board 
properly and thoroughly considered all issues, arguments, and claims 
raised or presented by the parties on appeal or in a motion that were 
deemed appropriate to the disposition of the appeal or motion, whether 
or not specifically mentioned in the decision. A decision by the Board 
under paragraph (e)(4), (5), or (6) also carries the presumption that 
the Board did not need to consider any issue, argument, or claim not 
raised or presented by the parties on appeal or in a motion to the 
Board. In any decision under paragraph (e)(5) or (6) of this section, 
the Board may rule, in the exercise of its discretion as provided under 
this part, on any issue, argument, or claim not raised by the parties, 
and the Board may solicit supplemental briefing from the parties on the 
issues to be considered before rendering a decision.
    (f) Service of Board decisions. The decision of the Board shall be 
in writing. The Board shall transmit a copy to DHS and serve a copy upon 
the alien or the alien's representative, as provided in part 1292 of 
this chapter.
    (g) Decisions as precedents--(1) In general. Except as Board 
decisions may be modified or overruled by the Board or the Attorney 
General, decisions of the Board and decisions of the Attorney General 
are binding on all officers and employees of DHS or immigration judges 
in the administration of the immigration laws of the United States.
    (2) Precedent decisions. Selected decisions designated by the Board, 
decisions of the Attorney General, and decisions of the Secretary of 
Homeland Security as provided in paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section 
will be published and serve as precedents in all proceedings involving 
the same issue or issues.
    (3) Designation of precedents. By majority vote of the permanent 
Board members, or as directed by the Attorney General or his designee, 
selected decisions of the Board issued by a three-member panel or by the 
Board en banc may be designated to be published and to serve as 
precedents in all proceedings involving the same issue or issues. In 
determining whether to publish a precedent decision, the Board may take 
into account relevant considerations, in the exercise of discretion, 
including among other matters:
    (i) Whether the case involves a substantial issue of first 
impression;
    (ii) Whether the case involves a legal, factual, procedural, or 
discretionary issue that can be expected to arise frequently in 
immigration cases;
    (iii) Whether the issuance of a precedent decision is needed because 
the decision announces a new rule of law, or modifies, clarifies, or 
distinguishes a rule of law or prior precedent;
    (iv) Whether the case involves a conflict in decisions by 
immigration judges, the Board, or the federal courts;
    (v) Whether there is a need to achieve, maintain, or restore 
national uniformity of interpretation of issues under the immigration 
laws or regulations; and
    (vi) Whether the case warrants publication in light of other factors 
that give it general public interest.
    (h) Referral of cases to the Attorney General. (1) The Board shall 
refer to the Attorney General for review of its decision all cases that:
    (i) The Attorney General directs the Board to refer to him.

[[Page 911]]

    (ii) The Chairman or a majority of the Board believes should be 
referred to the Attorney General for review.
    (iii) The Secretary of Homeland Security, or specific officials of 
the Department of Homeland Security designated by the Secretary with the 
concurrence of the Attorney General, refers to the Attorney General for 
review.
    (2) In any case the Attorney General decides, the Attorney General's 
decision shall be stated in writing and shall be transmitted to the 
Board or Secretary, as appropriate, for transmittal and service as 
provided in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (i) Publication of Secretary's precedent decisions. The Secretary of 
Homeland Security, or specific officials of the Department of Homeland 
Security designated by the Secretary with the concurrence of the 
Attorney General, may file with the Attorney General decisions relating 
to the administration of the immigration laws of the United States for 
publication as precedent in future proceedings, and, upon approval of 
the Attorney General as to the lawfulness of such decision, the Director 
of the Executive Office for Immigration Review shall cause such 
decisions to be published in the same manner as decisions of the Board 
and the Attorney General.
    (j) Continuation of jurisdiction and procedure. The jurisdiction of, 
and procedures before, the Board of Immigration Appeals in exclusion, 
deportation, removal, rescission, asylum-only, and any other 
proceedings, shall remain in effect as in effect on February 28, 2003, 
until the regulations in this chapter are further modified by the 
Attorney General. Where a decision of an officer of the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service was, before March 1, 2003, appealable to the 
Board or to an immigration judge, or an application denied could be 
renewed in proceedings before an immigration judge, the same authority 
and procedures shall be followed until further modified by the Attorney 
General.
    (k) Quality assurance certification. (1) In any case in which the 
Board remands a case to an immigration judge or reopens and remands a 
case to an immigration judge, the immigration judge may forward that 
case by certification to the Director for further review only in the 
following circumstances:
    (i) The Board decision contains a typographical or clerical error 
affecting the outcome of the case;
    (ii) The Board decision is clearly contrary to a provision of the 
Act, any other immigration law or statute, any applicable regulation, or 
a published, binding precedent;
    (iii) The Board decision is vague, ambiguous, internally 
inconsistent, or otherwise did not resolve the basis for the appeal; or
    (iv) A material factor pertinent to the issue(s) before the 
immigration judge was clearly not considered in the decision.
    (2) In order to certify a decision under paragraph (k)(1) of this 
section, an immigration judge must:
    (i) Issue an order of certification within 30 days of the Board 
decision if the alien is not detained and within 15 days of the Board 
decision if the alien is detained;
    (ii) In the order of certification, specify the regulatory basis for 
the certification and summarize the underlying procedural, factual, or 
legal basis; and
    (iii) Provide notice of the certification to both parties.
    (3) For a case certified to the Director under this paragraph (k), 
the Director shall exercise delegated authority from the Attorney 
General identical to that of the Board as described in this section, 
except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (k), including the 
authority to request briefing or additional filings from the parties at 
the sole discretion of the Director, the authority to issue a precedent 
decision, and the authority to refer the case to the Attorney General 
for review, either on the Director's own or at the direction of the 
Attorney General. For a case certified to the Director under this 
paragraph (k), the Director may dismiss the certification and return the 
case to the immigration judge or the Director may remand the case back 
to the Board for further proceedings. In a case certified to the 
Director under this paragraph (k), the Director may not issue an order 
of removal, grant a

[[Page 912]]

request for voluntary departure, or grant or deny an application for 
relief or protection from removal.
    (4) The quality assurance certification process shall not be used as 
a basis solely to express disapproval of or disagreement with the 
outcome of a Board decision unless that decision is alleged to reflect 
an error described in paragraph (k)(1) of this section.

[23 FR 9117, Nov. 26, 1958]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
1003.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  1003.2  Reopening or reconsideration before the Board 
of Immigration Appeals.

    (a) General. The Board may at any time reopen or reconsider a case 
in which it has rendered a decision on its own motion solely in order to 
correct a ministerial mistake or typographical error in that decision or 
to reissue the decision to correct a defect in service. In all other 
cases, the Board may only reopen or reconsider any case in which it has 
rendered a decision solely pursuant to a motion filed by one or both 
parties. A request to reopen or reconsider any case in which a decision 
has been made by the Board, which request is made by the Service, or by 
the party affected by the decision, must be in the form of a written 
motion to the Board. The decision to grant or deny a motion to reopen or 
reconsider is within the discretion of the Board, subject to the 
restrictions of this section. The Board has discretion to deny a motion 
to reopen even if the party moving has made out a prima facie case for 
relief.
    (b) Motion to reconsider. (1) A motion to reconsider shall state the 
reasons for the motion by specifying the errors of fact or law in the 
prior Board decision and shall be supported by pertinent authority.
    (2) A motion to reconsider a decision must be filed with the Board 
within 30 days after the mailing of the Board decision or on or before 
July 31, 1996, whichever is later. A party may file only one motion to 
reconsider any given decision and may not seek reconsideration of a 
decision denying a previous motion to reconsider. In removal proceedings 
pursuant to section 240 of the Act, an alien may file only one motion to 
reconsider a decision that the alien is removable from the United 
States.
    (3) A motion to reconsider based solely on an argument that the case 
should not have been affirmed without opinion by a single Board Member, 
or by a three-Member panel, is barred.
    (c) Motion to reopen. (1) A motion to reopen proceedings shall state 
the new facts that will be proven at a hearing to be held if the motion 
is granted and shall be supported by affidavits or other evidentiary 
material. A motion to reopen proceedings for the purpose of submitting 
an application for relief must be accompanied by the appropriate 
application for relief and all supporting documentation. A motion to 
reopen proceedings shall not be granted unless it appears to the Board 
that evidence sought to be offered is material and was not available and 
could not have been discovered or presented at the former hearing; nor 
shall any motion to reopen for the purpose of affording the alien an 
opportunity to apply for any form of discretionary relief be granted if 
it appears that the alien's right to apply for such relief was fully 
explained to him or her and an opportunity to apply therefore was 
afforded at the former hearing, unless the relief is sought on the basis 
of circumstances that have arisen subsequent to the hearing. Subject to 
the other requirements and restrictions of this section, and 
notwithstanding the provisions in Sec.  1001.1(p) of this chapter, a 
motion to reopen proceedings for consideration or further consideration 
of an application for relief under section 212(c) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 
1182(c)) may be granted if the alien demonstrates that he or she was 
statutorily eligible for such relief prior to the entry of the 
administratively final order of deportation.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, a party 
may file only one motion to reopen deportation or exclusion proceedings 
(whether before the Board or the Immigration Judge) and that motion must 
be filed no later than 90 days after the date on which the final 
administrative decision was rendered in the proceeding sought

[[Page 913]]

to be reopened, or on or before September 30, 1996, whichever is later. 
Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, an alien may 
file only one motion to reopen removal proceedings (whether before the 
Board or the Immigration Judge) and that motion must be filed no later 
than 90 days after the date on which the final administrative decision 
was rendered in the proceeding sought to be reopened.
    (3) In removal proceedings pursuant to section 240 of the Act, the 
time limitation set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall not 
apply to a motion to reopen filed pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  
1003.23(b)(4)(ii). The time and numerical limitations set forth in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall not apply to a motion to reopen 
proceedings:
    (i) Filed pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  
1003.23(b)(4)(iii)(A)(1) or Sec.  1003.23(b)(4)(iii)(A)(2);
    (ii) To apply or reapply for asylum or withholding of deportation 
based on changed circumstances arising in the country of nationality or 
in the country to which deportation has been ordered, if such evidence 
is material and was not available and could not have been discovered or 
presented at the previous hearing;
    (iii) Agreed upon by all parties and jointly filed. Notwithstanding 
such agreement, the parties may contest the issues in a reopened 
proceeding;
    (iv) Filed by the Service in exclusion or deportation proceedings 
when the basis of the motion is fraud in the original proceeding or a 
crime that would support termination of asylum in accordance with Sec.  
1208.22(f) of this chapter;
    (v) For which a three-member panel of the Board agrees that 
reopening is warranted when the following circumstances are present, 
provided that a respondent may file only one motion to reopen pursuant 
to this paragraph (c)(3):
    (A) A material change in fact or law underlying a removability 
ground or grounds specified in section 212 or 237 of the Act that 
occurred after the entry of an administratively final order that 
vitiates all grounds of removability applicable to the alien; and
    (B) The movant exercised diligence in pursuing the motion to reopen;
    (vi) Filed based on specific allegations, supported by evidence, 
that the respondent is a United States citizen or national; or
    (vii) Filed by DHS in removal proceedings pursuant to section 240 of 
the Act or in proceedings initiated pursuant to Sec.  1208.2(c) of this 
chapter.
    (d) Departure, deportation, or removal. A motion to reopen or a 
motion to reconsider shall not be made by or on behalf of a person who 
is the subject of exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings 
subsequent to his or her departure from the United States. Any departure 
from the United States, including the deportation or removal of a person 
who is the subject of exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, 
occurring after the filing of a motion to reopen or a motion to 
reconsider, shall constitute a withdrawal of such motion.
    (e) Judicial proceedings. Motions to reopen or reconsider shall 
state whether the validity of the exclusion, deportation, or removal 
order has been or is the subject of any judicial proceeding and, if so, 
the nature and date thereof, the court in which such proceeding took 
place or is pending, and its result or status. In any case in which an 
exclusion, deportation, or removal order is in effect, any motion to 
reopen or reconsider such order shall include a statement by or on 
behalf of the moving party declaring whether the subject of the order is 
also the subject of any pending criminal proceeding under the Act, and, 
if so, the current status of that proceeding. If a motion to reopen or 
reconsider seeks discretionary relief, the motion shall include a 
statement by or on behalf of the moving party declaring whether the 
alien for whose relief the motion is being filed is subject to any 
pending criminal prosecution and, if so, the nature and current status 
of that prosecution.
    (f) Stay of deportation. Except where a motion is filed pursuant to 
the provisions of Sec. Sec.  1003.23(b)(4)(ii) and 
1003.23(b)(4)(iii)(A), the filing of a motion to reopen or a motion to 
reconsider shall not stay the execution of

[[Page 914]]

any decision made in the case. Execution of such decision shall proceed 
unless a stay of execution is specifically granted by the Board, the 
Immigration Judge, or an authorized officer of the Service.
    (g) Filing procedures. This paragraph applies to the filing of 
documents related to reopening and reconsideration before the Board.
    (1) English language, entry of appearance, and proof of service 
requirements. A motion and any submission made in conjunction with a 
motion must be in English or accompanied by a certified English 
translation. If a party other than DHS is represented, any motion or 
related filing by that party must be accompanied by a Form EOIR-27, 
Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the 
Board, pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.38(g)(1). If a party other than DHS is pro 
se and receives document assistance from a practitioner with a motion or 
related filing pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.38(g)(2), a Form EOIR-60 must be 
filed with the motion or related filing. In all cases, the motion must 
include proof of service on the opposing party of the motion and all 
attachments. If the moving party is not DHS, service of the motion must 
be made upon the DHS office in which the case was completed before the 
immigration judge.
    (2) Distribution of motion papers. (i) A motion to reopen or motion 
to reconsider a decision of the Board pertaining to proceedings before 
an immigration judge shall be filed directly with the Board. Such motion 
must be accompanied by a payment in a manner authorized by EOIR or fee 
waiver request in satisfaction of the fee requirements of Sec.  1003.8. 
The record of proceeding pertaining to such a motion shall be forwarded 
to the Board upon the request or order of the Board.
    (ii) A motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider a decision of the 
Board pertaining to a matter initially adjudicated by an officer of DHS 
shall be filed with the officer of DHS having administrative control 
over the record of proceeding.
    (iii) If the motion is made by DHS in proceedings in which DHS has 
administrative control over the record of proceedings, the record of 
proceedings in the case and the motion shall be filed directly with the 
Board. If such motion is filed directly with an office of DHS, the 
entire record of proceeding shall be forwarded to the Board by the DHS 
officer promptly upon receipt of the briefs of the parties, or upon 
expiration of the time allowed for the submission of such briefs.
    (3) Briefs and response. The moving party may file a brief if it is 
included with the motion. If the motion is filed directly with the Board 
pursuant to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section, the opposing party 
shall have 13 days from the date of service of the motion to file a 
brief in opposition to the motion directly with the Board. If the motion 
is filed with an office of the Service pursuant to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) 
of this section, the opposing party shall have 13 days from the date of 
filing of the motion to file a brief in opposition to the motion 
directly with the office of the Service. In all cases, briefs and any 
other filings made in conjunction with a motion shall include proof of 
service on the opposing party. The Board, in its discretion, may extend 
the time within which such brief is to be submitted and may authorize 
the filing of a brief directly with the Board. A motion shall be deemed 
unopposed unless a timely response is made. The Board may, in its 
discretion, consider a brief filed out of time.
    (4) Filing parties. DHS and all attorneys and accredited 
representatives of record for respondents, applicants, or petitioners 
are required to electronically file all documents with the Board through 
EOIR's electronic filing application in all cases eligible for 
electronic filing. Although not required, unrepresented respondents, 
applicants, or petitioners; reputable individuals and accredited 
officials who are the representatives of record; other authorized 
individuals; and practitioners filing an EOIR-60, may electronically 
file documents with the Board through EOIR's electronic filing 
application in cases eligible for electronic filing. An unrepresented 
respondent, applicant, or petitioner; reputable individual; accredited 
official; other authorized individual; or practitioner filing an EOIR-
60, who elects to use EOIR's electronic filing application shall be 
required to

[[Page 915]]

register with EOIR as a condition of using that application. If a party 
not required to file electronically opts to use EOIR's electronic filing 
application for a case, the individual must electronically file all 
documents with the Board for that case unless the Board, only upon a 
motion filed by the individual with good cause shown, grants leave to 
opt out of using the electronic filing application. Such an individual 
who has been granted leave to opt out of using EOIR's electronic filing 
application for a case may not subsequently opt in again to use that 
application for the same case.
    (5) Filing requirements. Parties must make the originals of all 
filed documents available upon request to the Board or the opposing 
party for review. If EOIR's electronic filing application is unavailable 
due to an unplanned system outage on the last day for filing in a 
specific case, then the filing deadline will be extended to the first 
day that the electronic filing application becomes accessible that is 
not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For planned system outages, 
parties must electronically file documents during system availability 
within the applicable filing deadline or paper file documents within the 
applicable filing deadline. EOIR will issue public communications for 
planned system outages ahead of the scheduled outage. Any planned system 
outage announced five or fewer business days prior to the start of the 
outage will be treated as an unplanned outage. The Board retains 
discretion to accept paper filings in all cases.
    (6) Classified information. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this chapter, classified information is never allowed to be 
electronically filed.
    (7) Sealed medical documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this chapter, parties are not permitted to file electronically any 
sealed medical documents.
    (8) Signatures. All documents filed with the Board that require a 
signature must have an original, handwritten ink signature, an encrypted 
digital signature, or an electronic signature. Electronic filings 
submitted through EOIR's electronic filing application that require the 
user's signature may have a conformed signature. This paragraph (g)(8) 
is subject to the requirements of the application or document being 
submitted.
    (9) Service. The service of filings with the Board depends on 
whether the documents are filed through EOIR's electronic filing 
application or in paper.
    (i) Service of electronic filings. If all parties are using EOIR's 
electronic filing application in a specific case, the parties do not 
need to serve a document that is filed through EOIR's electronic filing 
application on the opposing party. EOIR's electronic filing application 
will effectuate service by providing a notification of all 
electronically filed documents on all parties by email. Upon successful 
upload by one of the parties, EOIR will email a notification to the 
email addresses provided in paragraph (g)(9)(ii) of this section. If one 
or more parties are not filing through EOIR's electronic filing 
application in a specific case, the parties must follow the service 
procedures in paragraph (g)(9)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Valid email address. Use of EOIR's electronic filing 
application requires a valid email address for electronic service. The 
Board will use the email address provided through eRegistry for 
electronic service on participating parties. Users must immediately 
update their eRegistry account if their email address changes. 
Representatives must additionally file a new Form EOIR-27 with the Board 
if their email address changes. EOIR will consider service completed 
when the electronic notification is delivered to the last email address 
on file provided by the user.
    (iii) Service of paper filings. If electronic filing is not being 
used in a particular case, the party filing with the Board must serve a 
copy of the filing on the opposing party and include a certificate of 
service showing service on the opposing party with their filing. If the 
moving party is not DHS, service of the motion shall be made upon the 
ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor for the field location in 
which the case was completed before the immigration judge.
    (h) Oral argument. A request for oral argument, if desired, shall be 
incorporated in the motion to reopen or reconsider. The Board, in its 
discretion,

[[Page 916]]

may grant or deny requests for oral argument.
    (i) Ruling on motion. Rulings upon motions to reopen or motions to 
reconsider shall be by written order. Any motion for reconsideration or 
reopening of a decision issued by a single Board member will be referred 
to the screening panel for disposition by a single Board member, unless 
the screening panel member determines, in the exercise of judgment, that 
the motion for reconsideration or reopening should be assigned to a 
three-member panel under the standards of Sec.  1003.1(e)(6). If the 
order directs a reopening and further proceedings are necessary, the 
record shall be returned to the Immigration Court or the officer of the 
Service having administrative control over the place where the reopened 
proceedings are to be conducted. If the motion to reconsider is granted, 
the decision upon such reconsideration shall affirm, modify, or reverse 
the original decision made in the case.

[61 FR 18904, Apr. 29, 1996; 61 FR 32924, June 26, 1996, as amended at 
62 FR 10330, Mar. 6, 1997; 64 FR 56142, Oct. 18, 1999; 67 FR 54904, Aug. 
26, 2002; 85 FR 81654, Dec. 16, 2020; 86 FR 70719, Dec. 13, 2021; 87 FR 
56257, Sept. 14, 2022]



Sec.  1003.3  Notice of appeal.

    (a) Filing--(1) Appeal from decision of an immigration judge. A 
party affected by a decision of an immigration judge which may be 
appealed to the Board under this chapter shall be given notice of the 
opportunity for filing an appeal. An appeal from a decision of an 
immigration judge shall be taken by filing a Notice of Appeal from a 
Decision of an Immigration Judge (Form EOIR-26) directly with the Board, 
within the time specified in Sec.  1003.38. The appealing parties are 
only those parties who are covered by the decision of an immigration 
judge and who are specifically named on the Notice of Appeal. The appeal 
must reflect proof of service of a copy of the appeal and all 
attachments on the opposing party. An appeal is not properly filed 
unless it is received at the Board, along with all required documents, 
fees or fee waiver requests, and proof of service, within the time 
specified in the governing sections of this chapter. A Notice of Appeal 
may not be filed by any party who has waived appeal pursuant to Sec.  
1003.39.
    (2) Appeal from decision of a DHS officer. A party affected by a 
decision of a DHS officer that may be appealed to the Board under this 
chapter shall be given notice of the opportunity to file an appeal. An 
appeal from a decision of a DHS officer shall be taken by filing a 
Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of 
a DHS Officer (Form EOIR-29) directly with the DHS office having 
administrative control over the record of proceeding within 30 days of 
the service of the decision being appealed. An appeal is not properly 
filed until it is received at the appropriate DHS office, together with 
all required documents, and the fee provisions of Sec.  1003.8 are 
satisfied.
    (3) General requirements for all appeals. The appeal must be 
accompanied by a check, money order, or fee waiver request in 
satisfaction of the fee requirements of Sec.  1003.8. If the respondent 
or applicant is represented, pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.38(g)(1), a Form 
EOIR-27, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative 
Before the Board, must be filed with the Notice of Appeal. If the 
respondent or applicant receives document assistance from a practitioner 
with the appeal, pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.38(g)(2), a Form EOIR-60 must be 
filed with the Notice of Appeal. The appeal and all attachments must be 
in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
    (b) Statement of the basis of appeal. The party taking the appeal 
must identify the reasons for the appeal in the Notice of Appeal (Form 
EOIR-26 or Form EOIR-29) or in any attachments thereto, in order to 
avoid summary dismissal pursuant to Sec.  1003.1(d)(2)(i). The statement 
must specifically identify the findings of fact, the conclusions of law, 
or both, that are being challenged. If a question of law is presented, 
supporting authority must be cited. If the dispute is over the findings 
of fact, the specific facts contested must be identified. Where the 
appeal concerns discretionary relief, the appellant must state whether 
the alleged error relates to statutory grounds of eligibility or to the 
exercise of discretion and must identify the specific factual and legal

[[Page 917]]

finding or findings that are being challenged. The appellant must also 
indicate in the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26 or Form EOIR-29) whether 
he or she desires oral argument before the Board and whether he or she 
will be filing a separate written brief or statement in support of the 
appeal. An appellant who asserts that the appeal may warrant review by a 
three-member panel under the standards of Sec.  1003.1(e)(6) may 
identify in the Notice of Appeal the specific factual or legal basis for 
that contention.
    (c) Briefs--(1) Appeal from decision of an immigration judge. Briefs 
in support of or in opposition to an appeal from a decision of an 
immigration judge shall be filed directly with the Board. In those cases 
that are transcribed, the briefing schedule shall be set by the Board 
after the transcript is available. In all cases, the parties shall be 
provided 21 days in which to file simultaneous briefs unless a shorter 
period is specified by the Board. Reply briefs shall be permitted only 
by leave of the Board and only if filed within 14 days of the deadline 
for the initial briefs. The Board, upon written motion and a maximum of 
one time per case, may extend the period for filing a brief or, if 
permitted, a reply brief for up to 14 days for good cause shown. If an 
extension is granted, it is granted to both parties, and neither party 
may request a further extension. Nothing in this paragraph (c)(1) shall 
be construed as creating a right to a briefing extension for any party 
in any case, and the Board shall not adopt a policy of granting all 
extension requests without individualized consideration of good cause. 
In its discretion, the Board may consider a brief that has been filed 
out of time. In its discretion, the Board may request supplemental 
briefing from the parties after the expiration of the briefing deadline. 
All briefs, filings, and motions filed in conjunction with an appeal 
shall include proof of service on the opposing party.
    (2) Appeal from decision of a DHS officer. Briefs in support of or 
in opposition to an appeal from a decision of a DHS officer shall be 
filed directly with the DHS office having administrative control over 
the file. The alien and DHS shall be provided 21 days in which to file a 
brief, unless a shorter period is specified by the DHS officer from 
whose decision the appeal is taken, and reply briefs shall be permitted 
only by leave of the Board. Upon written request of the alien, the DHS 
officer from whose decision the appeal is taken or the Board may extend 
the period for filing a brief for good cause shown. The Board may 
authorize the filing of briefs directly with the Board. In its 
discretion, the Board may consider a brief that has been filed out of 
time. All briefs and other documents filed in conjunction with an 
appeal, unless filed by an alien directly with a DHS office, shall 
include proof of service on the opposing party.
    (d) Effect of certification. The certification of a case, as 
provided in this part, shall not relieve the party affected from 
compliance with the provisions of this section in the event that he or 
she is entitled and desires to appeal from an initial decision, nor 
shall it serve to extend the time specified in the applicable parts of 
this chapter for the taking of an appeal.
    (e) Effect of departure from the United States. Departure from the 
United States of a person who is the subject of deportation proceedings, 
prior to the taking of an appeal from a decision in his or her case, 
shall constitute a waiver of his or her right to appeal.
    (f) Application on effective date. All cases and motions pending on 
September 25, 2002, shall be adjudicated according to the rules in 
effect on or after that date, except that Sec.  1003.1(d)(3)(i) shall 
not apply to appeals filed before September 25, 2002. A party to an 
appeal or motion pending on August 26, 2002, may, until September 25, 
2002, or the expiration of any briefing schedule set by the Board, 
whichever is later, submit a brief or statement limited to explaining 
why the appeal or motion does or does not meet the criteria for three-
member review under Sec.  1003.1(e)(6).
    (g) Filing. This paragraph applies to the filing of documents 
related to appeals before the Board.
    (1) Filing parties. DHS and all attorneys and accredited 
representatives of record for respondents, applicants, or petitioners 
are required to electronically file all documents with the Board

[[Page 918]]

through EOIR's electronic filing application in all cases eligible for 
electronic filing. Although not required, unrepresented respondents, 
applicants, or petitioners; reputable individuals and accredited 
officials, who are the representatives of record; other authorized 
individuals; and practitioners filing an EOIR-60, may electronically 
file documents with the Board through EOIR's electronic filing 
application in cases eligible for electronic filing. An unrepresented 
respondent, applicant, or petitioner; reputable individual; accredited 
official; other authorized individual; or practitioner filing an EOIR-
60, who elects to use EOIR's electronic filing application shall be 
required to register with EOIR as a condition of using that application. 
If a party not required to file electronically opts to use EOIR's 
electronic filing application for a case, the individual must 
electronically file all documents with the Board for that case unless 
the Board, only upon a motion filed by the individual with good cause 
shown, grants leave to opt out of using the electronic filing 
application. Such an individual who has been granted leave to opt out of 
using EOIR's electronic filing application for a case may not 
subsequently opt in to use that application for the same case.
    (2) Filing requirements. Parties must make the originals of all 
filed documents available upon request to the Board or to the opposing 
party for review. If EOIR's electronic filing application is unavailable 
due to an unplanned system outage on the last day for filing in a 
specific case, then the filing deadline will be extended to the first 
day that the electronic filing application becomes accessible that is 
not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For planned system outages, 
parties must electronically file documents during system availability 
within the applicable filing deadline or paper file documents within the 
applicable filing deadline. EOIR will issue public communications for 
planned system outages ahead of the scheduled outage. Any planned system 
outage announced five or fewer business days prior to the start of the 
outage will be treated as an unplanned outage. The Board retains 
discretion to accept paper filings in all cases.
    (3) Classified information. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this chapter, classified information is never allowed to be 
electronically filed.
    (4) Sealed medical documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this chapter, parties are not permitted to file electronically any 
sealed medical documents.
    (5) Signatures. All documents filed with the Board that require a 
signature must have an original, handwritten ink signature, an encrypted 
digital signature, or an electronic signature. Electronic filings 
submitted through EOIR's electronic filing application that require the 
user's signature may have a conformed signature. This paragraph is 
subject to the requirements of the application or document being 
submitted.
    (6) Service. The service of filings with the Board depends on 
whether the documents are filed through EOIR's electronic filing 
application or in paper.
    (i) Service of electronic filings. If all parties are using EOIR's 
electronic filing application in a specific case, the parties do not 
need to serve a document that is filed through EOIR's electronic filing 
application on the opposing party. EOIR's electronic filing application 
will effectuate service by providing a notification of all 
electronically filed documents on all parties by email. Upon successful 
upload by one of the parties, EOIR will email a notification to the 
email addresses provided in paragraph (g)(6)(ii) of this section. If one 
or more parties are not filing through EOIR's electronic filing 
application in a specific case, the parties must follow the service 
procedures in paragraph (g)(6)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Valid email address. Use of EOIR's electronic filing 
application requires a valid email address for electronic service. The 
Board will use the email address provided through eRegistry for 
electronic service on participating parties. Users must immediately 
update their eRegistry account if their email address changes. 
Representatives must additionally file a new Form EOIR-27 with the Board 
if their email address changes. EOIR will consider service

[[Page 919]]

completed when the electronic notification is delivered to the last 
email address on file provided by the user.
    (iii) Service of paper filings. If electronic filing is not being 
used in a particular case, the party filing with the Board must serve a 
copy of the filing on the opposing party and include a certificate of 
service showing service on the opposing party with their filing.

[61 FR 18906, Apr. 29, 1996, as amended at 66 FR 6445, Jan. 22, 2001; 67 
FR 54904, Aug. 26, 2002; 85 FR 81654, Dec. 16, 2020; 86 FR 70720, Dec. 
13, 2021; 87 FR 56258, Sept. 14, 2022]



Sec.  1003.4  Withdrawal of appeal.

    In any case in which an appeal has been taken, the party taking the 
appeal may file a written withdrawal thereof with the office at which 
the notice of appeal was filed. If the record in the case has not been 
forwarded to the Board on appeal in accordance with Sec.  1003.5, the 
decision made in the case shall be final to the same extent as if no 
appeal had been taken. If the record has been forwarded on appeal, the 
withdrawal of the appeal shall be forwarded to the Board and, if no 
decision in the case has been made on the appeal, the record shall be 
returned and the initial decision shall be final to the same extent as 
if no appeal had been taken. If a decision on the appeal has been made 
by the Board in the case, further action shall be taken in accordance 
therewith. Departure from the United States of a person who is the 
subject of deportation proceedings subsequent to the taking of an 
appeal, but prior to a decision thereon, shall constitute a withdrawal 
of the appeal, and the initial decision in the case shall be final to 
the same extent as though no appeal had been taken. Departure from the 
United States of a person who is the subject of deportation or removal 
proceedings, except for arriving aliens as defined in Sec.  1001.1(q) of 
this chapter, subsequent to the taking of an appeal, but prior to a 
decision thereon, shall constitute a withdrawal of the appeal, and the 
initial decision in the case shall be final to the same extent as though 
no appeal had been taken.

[61 FR 18907, Apr. 29, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 10331, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.5  Forwarding of record on appeal.

    (a) Appeal from decision of an immigration judge. If an appeal is 
taken from a decision of an immigration judge, the record of proceeding 
shall be promptly forwarded to the Board upon the request or the order 
of the Board, unless the Board already has access to the record of 
proceeding in electronic format. The Director, in consultation with the 
Chairman and the Chief Immigration Judge, shall determine the most 
effective and expeditious way to transcribe proceedings before the 
immigration judges. The Chairman and the Chief Immigration Judge shall 
take such steps as necessary to reduce the time required to produce 
transcripts of those proceedings and to ensure their quality.
    (b) Appeal from decision of a DHS officer. If an appeal is taken 
from a decision of a DHS officer, the record of proceeding shall be 
forwarded to the Board by the DHS officer promptly upon receipt of the 
briefs of the parties, or upon expiration of the time allowed for the 
submission of such briefs, unless the DHS officer reopens and approves 
the petition.

[85 FR 81654, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  1003.6  Stay of execution of decision.

    (a) Except as provided under Sec.  236.1 of this chapter, Sec.  
1003.19(i), and paragraph (b) of this section, the decision in any 
proceeding under this chapter from which an appeal to the Board may be 
taken shall not be executed during the time allowed for the filing of an 
appeal unless a waiver of the right to appeal is filed, nor shall such 
decision be executed while an appeal is pending or while a case is 
before the Board by way of certification.
    (b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply 
to an order of an Immigration Judge under Sec.  1003.23 or Sec.  242.22 
of 8 CFR chapter I denying a motion to reopen or reconsider or to stay 
deportation, except where such order expressly grants a stay or where 
the motion was filed pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  
1003.23(b)(4)(iii). The Board may, in its discretion, stay deportation 
while an appeal is pending from any such order if no stay has been

[[Page 920]]

granted by the Immigration Judge or a Service officer.
    (c) The following procedures shall be applicable with respect to 
custody appeals in which DHS has invoked an automatic stay pursuant to 8 
CFR 1003.19(i)(2).
    (1) The stay shall lapse if DHS fails to file a notice of appeal 
with the Board within ten business days of the issuance of the order of 
the immigration judge. DHS should identify the appeal as an automatic 
stay case. To preserve the automatic stay, the attorney for DHS shall 
file with the notice of appeal a certification by a senior legal 
official that--
    (i) The official has approved the filing of the notice of appeal 
according to review procedures established by DHS; and
    (ii) The official is satisfied that the contentions justifying the 
continued detention of the alien have evidentiary support, and the legal 
arguments are warranted by existing law or by a non-frivolous argument 
for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing precedent or 
the establishment of new precedent.
    (2) The immigration judge shall prepare a written decision 
explaining the custody determination within five business days after the 
immigration judge is advised that DHS has filed a notice of appeal, or, 
with the approval of the Board in exigent circumstances, as soon as 
practicable thereafter (not to exceed five additional business days). 
The immigration court shall prepare and submit the record of proceedings 
without delay.
    (3) The Board will track the progress of each custody appeal which 
is subject to an automatic stay in order to avoid unnecessary delays in 
completing the record for decision. Each order issued by the Board 
should identify the appeal as an automatic stay case. The Board shall 
notify the parties in a timely manner of the date the automatic stay is 
scheduled to expire.
    (4) If the Board has not acted on the custody appeal, the automatic 
stay shall lapse 90 days after the filing of the notice of appeal. 
However, if the Board grants a motion by the alien for an enlargement of 
the 21-day briefing schedule provided in Sec.  1003.3(c), the Board's 
order shall also toll the 90-day period of the automatic stay for the 
same number of days.
    (5) DHS may seek a discretionary stay pursuant to 8 CFR 
1003.19(i)(1) to stay the immigration judge's order in the event the 
Board does not issue a decision on the custody appeal within the period 
of the automatic stay. DHS may submit a motion for discretionary stay at 
any time after the filing of its notice of appeal of the custody 
decision, and at a reasonable time before the expiration of the period 
of the automatic stay, and the motion may incorporate by reference the 
arguments presented in its brief in support of the need for continued 
detention of the alien during the pendency of the removal proceedings. 
If DHS has submitted such a motion and the Board is unable to resolve 
the custody appeal within the period of the automatic stay, the Board 
will issue an order granting or denying a motion for discretionary stay 
pending its decision on the custody appeal. The Board shall issue 
guidance to ensure prompt adjudication of motions for discretionary 
stays. If the Board fails to adjudicate a previously-filed stay motion 
by the end of the 90-day period, the stay will remain in effect (but not 
more than 30 days) during the time it takes for the Board to decide 
whether or not to grant a discretionary stay.
    (d) If the Board authorizes an alien's release (on bond or 
otherwise), denies a motion for discretionary stay, or fails to act on 
such a motion before the automatic stay period expires, the alien's 
release shall be automatically stayed for five business days. If, within 
that five-day period, the Secretary of Homeland Security or other 
designated official refers the custody case to the Attorney General 
pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.1(h)(1), the alien's release shall continue to be 
stayed pending the Attorney General's consideration of the case. The 
automatic stay will expire 15 business days after the case is referred 
to the Attorney General. DHS may submit a motion and proposed order for 
a discretionary stay in connection with referring the case to the 
Attorney General. For purposes of this paragraph and 8 CFR 1003.1(h)(1), 
decisions of the Board shall include those cases where

[[Page 921]]

the Board fails to act on a motion for discretionary stay. The Attorney 
General may order a discretionary stay pending the disposition of any 
custody case by the Attorney General or by the Board.

[61 FR 18907, Apr. 29, 1996; 61 FR 21065, May 9, 1996, as amended at 63 
FR 27448, May 19, 1998; 71 FR 57884, Oct. 2, 2006]



Sec.  1003.7  Notice of certification.

    Whenever, in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  1003.1(c), a 
case is certified to the Board, the alien or other party affected shall 
be given notice of certification. An Immigration Judge or DHS officer 
may certify a case only after an initial decision has been made and 
before an appeal has been taken. If it is known at the time the initial 
decision is rendered that the case will be certified, the notice of 
certification shall be included in such decision and no further notice 
of certification shall be required. If it is not known until after the 
initial decision is rendered that the case will be certified, the office 
of DHS or the Immigration Court having administrative control over the 
record of proceeding shall cause a Notice of Certification to be served 
upon the parties. In either case, the notice shall inform the parties 
that the case is required to be certified to the Board and that they 
have the right to make representations before the Board, including the 
making of a request for oral argument and the submission of a brief. If 
either party desires to submit a brief, it shall be submitted to the 
office of DHS or the Immigration Court having administrative control 
over the record of proceeding for transmittal to the Board within the 
time prescribed in Sec.  1003.3(c). The case shall be certified and 
forwarded to the Board by the office of DHS or Immigration Court having 
administrative jurisdiction over the case upon receipt of the brief, or 
upon the expiration of the time within which the brief may be submitted, 
or upon receipt of a written waiver of the right to submit a brief. The 
Board in its discretion may elect to accept for review or not accept for 
review any such certified case. If the Board declines to accept a 
certified case for review, the underlying decision shall become final on 
the date the Board declined to accept the case.

[61 FR 18907, Apr. 29, 1996, as amended at 85 FR 81655, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  1003.8  Fees before the Board.

    (a) Appeals and motions before the Board--(1) When a fee is 
required. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and 8 
CFR 1208.4(d)(3), a filing fee prescribed in 8 CFR 1103.7, or a fee 
waiver request pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section, is required 
in connection with the filing of an appeal, a motion to reopen, or a 
motion to reconsider before the Board.
    (2) When a fee is not required. A filing fee is not required in the 
following instances:
    (i) A custody bond appeal filed pursuant to Sec.  1003.1(b)(7);
    (ii) A motion to reopen that is based exclusively on an application 
for relief that does not require a fee;
    (iii) A motion to reconsider that is based exclusively on a prior 
application for relief that did not require a fee;
    (iv) A motion filed while an appeal, a motion to reopen, or a motion 
to reconsider is already pending before the Board;
    (v) A motion requesting only a stay of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion;
    (vi) Any appeal or motion filed by the Department of Homeland 
Security;
    (vii) A motion that is agreed upon by all parties and is jointly 
filed; or
    (viii) An appeal or motion filed under a law, regulation, or 
directive that specifically does not require a filing fee.
    (3) When a fee may be waived. The Board has the discretion to waive 
a fee for an appeal, motion to reconsider, or motion to reopen upon a 
showing that the filing party is unable to pay the fee. Fee waivers 
shall be requested through the filing of a Fee Waiver Request (Form 
EOIR-26A), including the declaration to be signed under penalty of 
perjury substantiating the filing party's inability to pay the fee. The 
fee waiver request shall be filed along with the Notice of Appeal or the 
motion. If the fee waiver request does not establish the inability to 
pay the required fee, the appeal or motion will not be deemed properly 
filed, provided the

[[Page 922]]

Board grants 15 days to re-file the rejected document with the filing 
fee or new fee waiver request and tolls any applicable filing deadline 
during the 15-day cure period.
    (4) Method of payment. When a fee is required for an appeal or 
motion, the fee shall accompany the appeal or motion.
    (i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this 
section, the fee for filing an appeal or motion with the Board shall be 
paid by check, money order, or electronic payment in a manner and form 
authorized by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. When paid by 
check or money order, the fee shall be payable to the ``United States 
Department of Justice,'' drawn on a bank or other institution that is 
located within the United States, and payable in United States currency. 
The check or money order shall bear the full name and alien registration 
number of the alien. A payment that is uncollectible does not satisfy a 
fee requirement.
    (ii) Appeals from Department of Homeland Security decisions. The fee 
for filing an appeal, within the jurisdiction of the Board, from the 
decision of a Department of Homeland Security officer shall be paid to 
the Department of Homeland Security in accordance with Sec.  1103.7(b).
    (b) Applications for relief. Fees for applications for relief are 
not collected by the Board, but instead are paid to the Department of 
Homeland Security in accordance with 8 CFR 103.7. When a motion before 
the Board is based upon an application for relief, only the fee for the 
motion to reopen shall be paid to the Board, and payment of the fee for 
the application for relief shall not accompany the motion. If the motion 
is granted and proceedings are remanded to the immigration judge, the 
application fee shall be paid in the manner specified in 8 CFR 
1003.24(c)(1).

[69 FR 44906, July 28, 2004, as amended at 85 FR 81750, Dec. 16, 2020; 
85 FR 82793, Dec. 18, 2020; 86 FR 70721, Dec. 13, 2021]



             Subpart B_Office of the Chief Immigration Judge

    Source: 62 FR 10331, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1003.9  Office of the Chief Immigration Judge.

    (a) Organization. Within the Executive Office for Immigration 
Review, there shall be an Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ), 
consisting of the Chief Immigration Judge, the immigration judges, and 
such other staff as the Director deems necessary. The Attorney General 
shall appoint the Chief Immigration Judge. The Director may designate 
immigration judges to serve as Deputy and Assistant Chief Immigration 
Judges as may be necessary to assist the Chief Immigration Judge in the 
management of the OCIJ.
    (b) Powers of the Chief Immigration Judge. Subject to the 
supervision of the Director, the Chief Immigration Judge shall be 
responsible for the supervision, direction, and scheduling of the 
immigration judges in the conduct of the hearings and duties assigned to 
them. The Chief Immigration Judge shall have the authority to:
    (1) Issue operational instructions and policy, including procedural 
instructions regarding the implementation of new statutory or regulatory 
authorities;
    (2) Provide for appropriate training of the immigration judges and 
other OCIJ staff on the conduct of their powers and duties;
    (3) Direct the conduct of all employees assigned to OCIJ to ensure 
the efficient disposition of all pending cases, including the power, in 
his discretion, to set priorities or time frames for the resolution of 
cases, to direct that the adjudication of certain cases be deferred, to 
regulate the assignment of immigration judges to cases, and otherwise to 
manage the docket of matters to be decided by the immigration judges;
    (4) Evaluate the performance of the Immigration Courts and other 
OCIJ activities by making appropriate reports and inspections, and take 
corrective action where needed;
    (5) Adjudicate cases as an immigration judge; and
    (6) Exercise such other authorities as the Director may provide.
    (c) Limit on the Authority of the Chief Immigration Judge. The Chief 
Immigration Judge shall have no authority to

[[Page 923]]

direct the result of an adjudication assigned to another immigration 
judge, provided, however, that nothing in this part shall be construed 
to limit the authority of the Chief Immigration Judge in paragraph (b) 
of this section.
    (d) Immigration Court. The term Immigration Court shall refer to the 
local sites of the OCIJ where proceedings are held before immigration 
judges and where the records of those proceedings are created and 
maintained.

[72 FR 53677, Sept. 20, 2007]



Sec.  1003.10  Immigration judges.

    (a) Appointment. The immigration judges are attorneys whom the 
Attorney General appoints as administrative judges within the Office of 
the Chief Immigration Judge to conduct specified classes of proceedings, 
including hearings under section 240 of the Act. Immigration judges 
shall act as the Attorney General's delegates in the cases that come 
before them.
    (b) Powers and duties. In conducting hearings under section 240 of 
the Act and such other proceedings the Attorney General may assign to 
them, immigration judges shall exercise the powers and duties delegated 
to them by the Act and by the Attorney General through regulation. In 
deciding the individual cases before them, and subject to the applicable 
governing standards set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, 
immigration judges shall exercise their independent judgment and 
discretion and may take any action consistent with their authorities 
under the Act and regulations that is appropriate and necessary for the 
disposition of such cases. Immigration judges shall administer oaths, 
receive evidence, and interrogate, examine, and cross-examine aliens and 
any witnesses. Subject to Sec. Sec.  1003.35 and 1287.4 of this chapter, 
they may issue administrative subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses 
and the presentation of evidence. In all cases, immigration judges shall 
seek to resolve the questions before them in a timely and impartial 
manner consistent with the Act and regulations. Nothing in this 
paragraph (b) nor in any regulation contained in part 1240 of this 
chapter shall be construed as authorizing an immigration judge to 
administratively close or otherwise defer adjudication of a case unless 
a regulation promulgated by the Department of Justice or a previous 
judicially approved settlement expressly authorizes such an action. Only 
the Director or Chief Immigration Judge may direct the deferral of 
adjudication of any case or cases by an immigration judge. In the 
absence of exceptional circumstances, an immigration judge shall 
complete administrative adjudication of an asylum application within 180 
days after the date an application is filed. For purposes of this 
paragraph (b) and of Sec. Sec.  1003.29 and 1240.6 of this chapter, the 
term exceptional circumstances refers to exceptional circumstances (such 
as battery or extreme cruelty to the alien or any child or parent of the 
alien, serious illness of the party or immigration judge, or serious 
illness or death of the spouse, child, or parent of the alien, but not 
including less compelling circumstances) beyond the control of the 
parties or the immigration court. A finding of good cause does not 
necessarily mean that an exceptional circumstance has also been 
established.
    (c) Review. Decisions of immigration judges are subject to review by 
the Board of Immigration Appeals in any case in which the Board has 
jurisdiction as provided in 8 CFR 1003.1.
    (d) Governing standards. Immigration judges shall be governed by the 
provisions and limitations prescribed by the Act and this chapter, by 
the decisions of the Board, and by the Attorney General (through review 
of a decision of the Board, by written order, or by determination and 
ruling pursuant to section 103 of the Act).
    (e) Temporary immigration judges--(1) Designation. The Director is 
authorized to designate or select temporary immigration judges as 
provided in this paragraph (e).
    (i) The Director may designate or select, with the approval of the 
Attorney General, former Board members, former immigration judges, 
administrative law judges employed within or retired from EOIR, and 
administrative law judges from other Executive Branch agencies to serve 
as temporary immigration judges for renewable

[[Page 924]]

terms not to exceed six months. Administrative law judges from other 
Executive Branch agencies must have the consent of their agencies to be 
designated as temporary immigration judges.
    (ii) In addition, the Director may designate, with the approval of 
the Attorney General, Department of Justice attorneys with at least 10 
years of legal experience in the field of immigration law to serve as 
temporary immigration judges for renewable terms not to exceed six 
months.
    (2) Authority. A temporary immigration judge shall have the 
authority of an immigration judge to adjudicate assigned cases and 
administer immigration court matters, as provided in the immigration 
laws and regulations, subject to paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
    (3) Assignment of temporary immigration judges. The Chief 
Immigration Judge is responsible for the overall oversight and 
management of the utilization of temporary immigration judges and for 
evaluating the results of the process. The Chief Immigration Judge shall 
ensure that each temporary immigration judge has received a suitable 
level of training to enable the temporary immigration judge to carry out 
the duties assigned.

[72 FR 53677, Sept. 20, 2007, as amended at 79 FR 39956, July 11, 2014; 
85 FR 81655, 81750, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  1003.11  Administrative control Immigration Courts.

    An administrative control Immigration Court is one that creates and 
maintains Records of Proceedings for Immigration Courts within an 
assigned geographical area. All documents and correspondence pertaining 
to a Record of Proceeding shall be filed with the Immigration Court 
having administrative control over that Record of Proceeding and shall 
not be filed with any other Immigration Court. A list of the 
administrative control Immigration Courts with their assigned 
geographical areas will be made available to the public at any 
Immigration Court.



             Subpart C_Immigration Court_Rules of Procedure



Sec.  1003.12  Scope of rules.

    These rules are promulgated to assist in the expeditious, fair, and 
proper resolution of matters coming before Immigration Judges. Except 
where specifically stated, the rules in this subpart apply to matters 
before Immigration Judges, including, but not limited to, deportation, 
exclusion, removal, bond, rescission, departure control, asylum 
proceedings, and disciplinary proceedings under this part 3. The sole 
procedures for review of credible fear determinations by Immigration 
Judges are provided for in Sec.  1003.42.

[57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 62 FR 10331, Mar. 6, 1997; 65 
FR 39526, June 27, 2000]



Sec.  1003.13  Definitions.

    As used in this subpart:
    Administrative control means custodial responsibility for the Record 
of Proceeding as specified in Sec.  1003.11.
    Charging document means the written instrument which initiates a 
proceeding before an Immigration Judge. For proceedings initiated prior 
to April 1, 1997, these documents include an Order to Show Cause, a 
Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing before 
Immigration Judge, and a Notice of Intention to Rescind and Request for 
Hearing by Alien. For proceedings initiated after April 1, 1997, these 
documents include a Notice to Appear, a Notice of Referral to 
Immigration Judge, and a Notice of Intention to Rescind and Request for 
Hearing by Alien.

[62 FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 86 FR 70722, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.14  Jurisdiction and commencement of proceedings.

    (a) Jurisdiction vests, and proceedings before an Immigration Judge 
commence, when a charging document is filed with the Immigration Court 
by the Service. The charging document must include a certificate showing 
service on the opposing party pursuant to Sec.  1003.32 which indicates 
the Immigration Court in which the charging

[[Page 925]]

document is filed. However, no charging document is required to be filed 
with the Immigration Court to commence bond proceedings pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  1003.19, 1236.1(d) and 1240.2(b) of this chapter.
    (b) When an Immigration Judge has jurisdiction over an underlying 
proceeding, sole jurisdiction over applications for asylum shall lie 
with the Immigration Judge.
    (c) Immigration Judges have jurisdiction to administer the oath of 
allegiance in administrative naturalization ceremonies conducted by the 
Service in accordance with Sec.  1337.2(b) of this chapter.
    (d) The jurisdiction of, and procedures before, immigration judges 
in exclusion, deportation and removal, rescission, asylum-only, and any 
other proceedings shall remain in effect as it was in effect on February 
28, 2003, until the regulations in this chapter are further modified by 
the Attorney General. Where a decision of an officer of the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service was, before March 1, 2003, appealable to the 
Board or an immigration judge, or an application denied could be renewed 
in proceedings before an immigration judge, the same authority and 
procedures shall be followed until further modified by the Attorney 
General.

[57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 34089, June 30, 1995; 62 
FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated and amended at 68 FR 9830, 9832, 
Feb. 28, 2003]



Sec.  1003.15  Contents of the order to show cause and notice to appear 
and notification of change of address.

    (a) In the Order to Show Cause, the Service shall provide the 
following administrative information to the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review. Omission of any of these items shall not provide the 
alien with any substantive or procedural rights:
    (1) The alien's names and any known aliases;
    (2) The alien's address;
    (3) The alien's registration number, with any lead alien 
registration number with which the alien is associated;
    (4) The alien's alleged nationality and citizenship;
    (5) The language that the alien understands;
    (b) The Order to Show Cause and Notice to Appear must also include 
the following information:
    (1) The nature of the proceedings against the alien;
    (2) The legal authority under which the proceedings are conducted;
    (3) The acts or conduct alleged to be in violation of law;
    (4) The charges against the alien and the statutory provisions 
alleged to have been violated;
    (5) Notice that the alien may be represented, at no cost to the 
government, by counsel or other representative authorized to appear 
pursuant to 8 CFR 1292.1;
    (6) The address of the Immigration Court where the Service will file 
the Order to Show Cause and Notice to Appear; and
    (7) A statement that the alien must advise the Immigration Court 
having administrative control over the Record of Proceeding of his or 
her current address and telephone number and a statement that failure to 
provide such information may result in an in absentia hearing in 
accordance with Sec.  1003.26.
    (c) Contents of the Notice to Appear for removal proceedings. In the 
Notice to Appear for removal proceedings, the Service shall provide the 
following administrative information to the Immigration Court. Failure 
to provide any of these items shall not be construed as affording the 
alien any substantive or procedural rights.
    (1) The alien's names and any known aliases;
    (2) The alien's address;
    (3) The alien's registration number, with any lead alien 
registration number with which the alien is associated;
    (4) The alien's alleged nationality and citizenship; and
    (5) The language that the alien understands.
    (d) Address and telephone number. (1) If the alien's address is not 
provided on the Order to Show Cause or Notice to Appear, or if the 
address on the Order to Show Cause or Notice to Appear is incorrect, the 
alien must provide to the Immigration Court where the charging document 
has been filed, within five

[[Page 926]]

days of service of that document, a written notice of an address and 
telephone number at which the alien can be contacted. The alien may 
satisfy this requirement by completing and filing Form EOIR-33.
    (2) Within five days of any change of address, the alien must 
provide written notice of the change of address on Form EOIR-33 to the 
Immigration Court where the charging document has been filed, or if 
venue has been changed, to the Immigration Court to which venue has been 
changed.

[57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 34089, June 30, 1995; 62 
FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.16  Representation.

    (a) The government may be represented in proceedings before an 
Immigration Judge.
    (b) The alien may be represented in proceedings before an 
Immigration Judge by an attorney or other representative of his or her 
choice in accordance with 8 CFR part 1292, at no expense to the 
government.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, 
as amended at 62 FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.17  Entry of appearance.

    (a) Entering an appearance using Form EOIR-28. A practitioner must 
enter an appearance in proceedings before an immigration court using 
Form EOIR-28 to perform the functions of and become the practitioner of 
record. The practitioner of record is authorized and required to appear 
in immigration court on behalf of the respondent, file all documents on 
behalf of the respondent, and accept service of process of all documents 
filed in the proceedings. The practitioner may enter an appearance to be 
the practitioner of record for all proceedings before the immigration 
court, or for custody and bond proceedings only, or for all proceedings 
other than custody and bond proceedings. A practitioner's entry of 
appearance in only a custody or bond proceeding shall be separate and 
apart from an entry of appearance in any proceeding other than custody 
or bond before the immigration court. The Form EOIR-28 must indicate 
whether the practitioner's entry of appearance is for all proceedings, 
for custody and bond proceedings only, or for all proceedings other than 
custody and bond proceedings.
    (1) Filing Form EOIR-28. The practitioner must file a copy of the 
Form EOIR-28 with the immigration court and serve a copy on DHS as 
required by 8 CFR 1003.32. The practitioner must file and serve a Form 
EOIR-28 even if the practitioner has previously filed a separate Notice 
of Entry of Appearance with DHS for appearances before DHS or previously 
entered a limited appearance using Form EOIR-61 in connection with 
document assistance under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) Effect of Filing Form EOIR-28. A practitioner who enters an 
appearance using Form EOIR-28 is the practitioner of record and must 
appear in immigration court on behalf of the respondent, file all 
documents on behalf of the respondent, and accept service of process of 
all documents filed in the proceedings, consistent with 8 CFR 1292.5. 
Filing a Form EOIR-28 provides the practitioner with access to the 
record of proceedings during the course of proceedings. A respondent 
shall be considered represented for the proceedings in which an EOIR-28 
has been filed.
    (3) Withdrawal or substitution. A practitioner who enters an 
appearance on behalf of a respondent before the immigration court by 
filing a Form EOIR-28 remains the practitioner of record unless an 
immigration judge permits withdrawal or substitution during proceedings 
upon oral or written motion submitted without fee.
    (b) Entering a limited appearance for document assistance using Form 
EOIR-61. A practitioner who provides assistance to a pro se respondent 
with the drafting, completion, or filling in of blank spaces of a 
specific motion, brief, form, or other document or set of documents 
intended to be filed with the immigration court, regardless of whether 
such assistance is considered ``practice'' or ``preparation'' as defined 
in 8 CFR 1001.1, must disclose such limited assistance to the 
immigration court using Form EOIR-61, unless pursuant to paragraph (a) 
the practitioner has filed a Form EOIR-28 to become the practitioner of 
record.

[[Page 927]]

    (1) Filing Form EOIR-61. A Form EOIR-61 must not be filed as a 
standalone document. The single Form EOIR-61 must be filed with the 
immigration court at the same time as the document or set of documents 
with which the practitioner assisted. Any subsequent filing of a 
document or set of documents with which a practitioner assisted must be 
accompanied by a new Form EOIR-61.
    (2) Effect of Filing Form EOIR-61. A practitioner who enters a 
limited appearance using Form EOIR-61 is not the practitioner of record, 
is not required to appear on behalf of respondent before the immigration 
court, and is not required to submit a motion to withdraw or substitute. 
The submission of a Form EOIR-61 does not create additional ongoing 
obligations between the practitioner, the respondent, and EOIR. An 
appearance through Form EOIR-61 does not provide the practitioner with 
access to the record of proceedings. A respondent who received 
assistance pursuant to this paragraph is not represented, remains pro 
se, and is subject to service of process of all documents filed in the 
proceedings, consistent with 8 CFR 1292.5.
    (c) Completing an appearance form, proof of qualification, 
disclosure requirements, and identification. The practitioner must 
properly complete and sign any Form EOIR-28 or Form EOIR-61, as required 
by the form instructions. A practitioner's personal appearance or 
signature on the Form EOIR-28 or Form EOIR-61 constitutes an attestation 
that the person is authorized and qualified to appear as a practitioner 
in accordance with Sec.  1292.1. Further proof that the practitioner 
meets the qualifications of a practitioner as defined in Sec.  1292.1 
may be required. The completion of a Form EOIR-28 or Form EOIR-61 in 
connection with an application or form that requires disclosure of the 
preparer does not relieve a practitioner from complying with the 
particular disclosure requirements of the application or form. 
Notwithstanding the completion of a Form EOIR-28 or Form EOIR-61, the 
practitioner must identify themselves by name, accompanied by their 
signature, on any document filed or intended to be filed with the 
immigration court pursuant to an appearance under paragraph (a) or (b).

[87 FR 56258, Sept. 14, 2022]



Sec.  1003.18  Scheduling of cases.

    (a) The Immigration Court shall be responsible for scheduling cases 
and providing notice to the government and the alien of the time, place, 
and date of hearings.
    (b) In removal proceedings pursuant to section 240 of the Act, the 
Service shall provide in the Notice to Appear, the time, place and date 
of the initial removal hearing, where practicable. If that information 
is not contained in the Notice to Appear, the Immigration Court shall be 
responsible for scheduling the initial removal hearing and providing 
notice to the government and the alien of the time, place, and date of 
hearing. In the case of any change or postponement in the time and place 
of such proceeding, the Immigration Court shall provide written notice 
to the alien specifying the new time and place of the proceeding and the 
consequences under section 240(b)(5) of the Act of failing, except under 
exceptional circumstances as defined in section 240(e)(1) of the Act, to 
attend such proceeding. No such notice shall be required for an alien 
not in detention if the alien has failed to provide the address required 
in section 239(a)(1)(F) of the Act.

[62 FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.19  Custody/bond.

    (a) Custody and bond determinations made by the service pursuant to 
8 CFR part 1236 may be reviewed by an Immigration Judge pursuant to 8 
CFR part 1236.
    (b) Application for an initial bond redetermination by a respondent, 
or his or her attorney or representative, may be made orally, in 
writing, or, at the discretion of the Immigration Judge, by telephone.
    (c) Applications for the exercise of authority to review bond 
determinations shall be made to one of the following offices, in the 
designated order:
    (1) If the respondent is detained, to the Immigration Court having 
jurisdiction over the place of detention;

[[Page 928]]

    (2) To the Immigration Court having administrative control over the 
case; or
    (3) To the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge for designation of 
an appropriate Immigration Court.
    (d) Consideration by the Immigration Judge of an application or 
request of a respondent regarding custody or bond under this section 
shall be separate and apart from, and shall form no part of, any 
deportation or removal hearing or proceeding. The determination of the 
Immigration Judge as to custody status or bond may be based upon any 
information that is available to the Immigration Judge or that is 
presented to him or her by the alien or the Service.
    (e) After an initial bond redetermination, an alien's request for a 
subsequent bond redetermination shall be made in writing and shall be 
considered only upon a showing that the alien's circumstances have 
changed materially since the prior bond redetermination.
    (f) The determination of an Immigration Judge with respect to 
custody status or bond redetermination shall be entered on the 
appropriate form at the time such decision is made and the parties shall 
be informed orally or in writing of the reasons for the decision. An 
appeal from the determination by an Immigration Judge may be taken to 
the Board of Immigration Appeals pursuant to Sec.  1003.38.
    (g) While any proceeding is pending before the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review, the Service shall immediately advise the Immigration 
Court having administrative control over the Record of Proceeding of a 
change in the respondent/applicant's custody location or of release from 
Service custody, or subsequent taking into Service custody, of a 
respondent/applicant. This notification shall be in writing and shall 
state the effective date of the change in custody location or status, 
and the respondent/applicant's current fixed street address, including 
zip code.
    (h)(1)(i) While the Transition Period Custody Rules (TPCR) set forth 
in section 303(b)(3) of Div. C of Pub. L. 104-208 remain in effect, an 
immigration judge may not redetermine conditions of custody imposed by 
the Service with respect to the following classes of aliens:
    (A) Aliens in exclusion proceedings;
    (B) Arriving aliens in removal proceedings, including persons 
paroled after arrival pursuant to section 212(d)(5) of the Act;
    (C) Aliens described in section 237(a)(4) of the Act;
    (D) Aliens subject to section 303(b)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 104-208 who 
are not ``lawfully admitted'' (as defined in Sec.  1236.1(c)(2) of this 
chapter); or
    (E) Aliens designated in Sec.  1236.1(c) of this chapter as 
ineligible to be considered for release.
    (ii) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting an 
alien from seeking a redetermination of custody conditions by the 
Service in accordance with part 1235 or 1236 of this chapter. In 
addition, with respect to paragraphs (h)(1)(i)(C), (D), and (E) of this 
section, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting an 
alien from seeking a determination by an immigration judge that the 
alien is not properly included within any of those paragraphs.
    (2)(i) Upon expiration of the Transition Period Custody Rules set 
forth in section 303(b)(3) of Div. C. of Pub. L. 104-208, an immigration 
judge may not redetermine conditions of custody imposed by the Service 
with respect to the following classes of aliens:
    (A) Aliens in exclusion proceedings;
    (B) Arriving aliens in removal proceedings, including aliens paroled 
after arrival pursuant to section 212(d)(5) of the Act;
    (C) Aliens described in section 237(a)(4) of the Act;
    (D) Aliens in removal proceedings subject to section 236(c)(1) of 
the Act (as in effect after expiration of the Transition Period Custody 
Rules); and
    (E) Aliens in deportation proceedings subject to section 242(a)(2) 
of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, and as amended by 
section 440(c) of Pub. L. 104-132).
    (ii) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting an 
alien from seeking a redetermination of custody conditions by the 
Service in accordance with part 1235 or 1236 of this chapter. In 
addition, with respect to paragraphs (h)(2)(i)(C), (D), and (E) of

[[Page 929]]

this section, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as 
prohibiting an alien from seeking a determination by an immigration 
judge that the alien is not properly included within any of those 
paragraphs.
    (3) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (h)(1) of this 
section, an alien subject to section 303(b)(3)(A) of Div. C of Pub. L. 
104-208 may apply to the Immigration Court, in a manner consistent with 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this section, for a redetermination 
of custody conditions set by the Service. Such an alien must first 
demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, that release would not 
pose a danger to other persons or to property. If an alien meets this 
burden, the alien must further demonstrate, by clear and convincing 
evidence, that the alien is likely to appear for any scheduled 
proceeding or interview.
    (4) Unremovable aliens. A determination of a district director (or 
other official designated by the Commissioner) regarding the exercise of 
authority under section 303(b)(3)(B)(ii) of Div. C. of Pub. L. 104-208 
(concerning release of aliens who cannot be removed because the 
designated country of removal will not accept their return) is final, 
and shall not be subject to redetermination by an immigration judge.
    (i) Stay of custody order pending appeal by the government--(1) 
General discretionary stay authority. The Board of Immigration Appeals 
(Board) has the authority to stay the order of an immigration judge 
redetermining the conditions of custody of an alien when the Department 
of Homeland Security appeals the custody decision or on its own motion. 
DHS is entitled to seek a discretionary stay (whether or not on an 
emergency basis) from the Board in connection with such an appeal at any 
time.
    (2) Automatic stay in certain cases. In any case in which DHS has 
determined that an alien should not be released or has set a bond of 
$10,000 or more, any order of the immigration judge authorizing release 
(on bond or otherwise) shall be stayed upon DHS's filing of a notice of 
intent to appeal the custody redetermination (Form EOIR-43) with the 
immigration court within one business day of the order, and, except as 
otherwise provided in 8 CFR 1003.6(c), shall remain in abeyance pending 
decision of the appeal by the Board. The decision whether or not to file 
Form EOIR-43 is subject to the discretion of the Secretary.

[57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 34089, June 30, 1995; 62 
FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997; 63 FR 27448, May 19, 1998; 66 FR 54911, Oct. 31, 
2001; 70 FR 4753, Jan. 31, 2005; 71 FR 57884, Oct. 2, 2006]



Sec.  1003.20  Change of venue.

    (a) Venue shall lie at the Immigration Court where jurisdiction 
vests pursuant to Sec.  1003.14.
    (b) The Immigration Judge, for good cause, may change venue only 
upon motion by one of the parties, after the charging document has been 
filed with the Immigration Court. The Immigration Judge may grant a 
change of venue only after the other party has been given notice and an 
opportunity to respond to the motion to change venue.
    (c) No change of venue shall be granted without identification of a 
fixed street address, including city, state and ZIP code, where the 
respondent/applicant may be reached for further hearing notification.

[57 FR 11572, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 34089, June 30, 1995; 62 
FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.21  Pre-hearing conferences and statement.

    (a) Pre-hearing conferences may be scheduled at the discretion of 
the Immigration Judge. The conference may be held to narrow issues, to 
obtain stipulations between the parties, to exchange information 
voluntarily, and otherwise to simplify and organize the proceeding.
    (b) The Immigration Judge may order any party to file a pre-hearing 
statement of position that may include, but is not limited to: A 
statement of facts to which both parties have stipulated, together with 
a statement that the parties have communicated in good faith to 
stipulate to

[[Page 930]]

the fullest extent possible; a list of proposed witnesses and what they 
will establish; a list of exhibits, copies of exhibits to be introduced, 
and a statement of the reason for their introduction; the estimated time 
required to present the case; and, a statement of unresolved issues 
involved in the proceedings.
    (c) If submission of a pre-hearing statement is ordered under 
paragraph (b) of this section, an Immigration Judge also may require 
both parties, in writing prior to the hearing, to make any evidentiary 
objections regarding matters contained in the pre-hearing statement. If 
objections in writing are required but not received by the date for 
receipt set by the Immigration Judge, admission of all evidence 
described in the pre-hearing statement shall be deemed unopposed.

[57 FR 11572, Apr. 6, 1992]



Sec.  1003.22  Interpreters.

    Any person acting as an interpreter in a hearing shall swear or 
affirm to interpret and translate accurately, unless the interpreter is 
an employee of the United States Government, in which event no such oath 
or affirmation shall be required.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992]



Sec.  1003.23  Reopening or reconsideration before the Immigration Court.

    (a) Pre-decision motions. Unless otherwise permitted by the 
Immigration Judge, motions submitted prior to the final order of an 
Immigration Judge shall be in writing and shall state, with 
particularity the grounds therefore, the relief sought, and the 
jurisdiction. The Immigration Judge may set and extend time limits for 
the making of motions and replies thereto. A motion shall be deemed 
unopposed unless timely response is made.
    (b) Before the Immigration Court--(1) In general. Unless 
jurisdiction is vested with the Board of Immigration Appeals, an 
immigration judge may at any time reopen a case in which he or she has 
rendered a decision on his or her own motion solely in order to correct 
a ministerial mistake or typographical error in that decision or to 
reissue the decision to correct a defect in service. Unless jurisdiction 
is vested with the Board of Immigration Appeals, in all other cases, an 
immigration judge may only reopen or reconsider any case in which he or 
she has rendered a decision solely pursuant to a motion filed by one or 
both parties. Subject to the exceptions in this paragraph (b)(1) and 
paragraph (b)(4), a party may file only one motion to reconsider and one 
motion to reopen proceedings. A motion to reconsider must be filed 
within 30 days of the date of entry of a final administrative order of 
removal, deportation, or exclusion, or on or before July 31, 1996, 
whichever is later. A motion to reopen must be filed within 90 days of 
the date of entry of a final administrative order of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion, or on or before September 30, 1996, whichever 
is later. A motion to reopen or to reconsider shall not be made by or on 
behalf of a person who is the subject of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion proceedings subsequent to his or her departure from the United 
States. Any departure from the United States, including the deportation 
or removal of a person who is the subject of exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceedings, occurring after the filing of a motion to reopen or 
a motion to reconsider shall constitute a withdrawal of such motion. The 
time and numerical limitations set forth in this paragraph (b)(1) do not 
apply to motions by the Service in removal proceedings pursuant to 
section 240 of the Act. Nor shall such limitations apply to motions by 
the Service in exclusion or deportation proceedings, when the basis of 
the motion is fraud in the original proceeding or a crime that would 
support termination of asylum in accordance with Sec.  1208.22(e) of 
this chapter.
    (i) Form and contents of the motion. The motion shall be in writing 
and signed by the affected party or the attorney or representative of 
record, if any. The motion and any submission made in conjunction with 
it must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. 
Motions to reopen or reconsider shall state whether the validity of the 
exclusion, deportation, or removal order has been or is the subject of 
any judicial proceeding and, if

[[Page 931]]

so, the nature and date thereof, the court in which such proceeding took 
place or is pending, and its result or status. In any case in which an 
exclusion, deportation, or removal order is in effect, any motion to 
reopen or reconsider such order shall include a statement by or on 
behalf of the moving party declaring whether the subject of the order is 
also the subject of any pending criminal proceeding under the Act, and, 
if so, the current status of that proceeding.
    (ii) Filing. Motions to reopen or reconsider a decision of an 
immigration judge must be filed with the immigration court having 
administrative control over the Record of Proceeding. If necessary under 
Sec.  1003.32, a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider shall 
include a certificate showing service on the opposing party of the 
motion and all attachments. If the moving party is not DHS, service of 
the motion shall be made upon the ICE Office of the Principal Legal 
Advisor for the field location in which the case was completed. If the 
moving party, other than DHS, is represented, a Form EOIR-28, Notice of 
Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before an Immigration Judge 
must be filed with the motion. For any motion requiring a fee, that 
motion must be accompanied by a fee receipt, an alternate proof of 
payment consistent with Sec.  1103.7(a)(3), or a fee waiver request 
pursuant to Sec.  1103.7(c). If filed in paper, the motion must be filed 
in duplicate with the immigration court.
    (iii) Assignment to an Immigration Judge. If the Immigration Judge 
is unavailable or unable to adjudicate the motion to reopen or 
reconsider, the Chief Immigration Judge or his or her delegate shall 
reassign such motion to another Immigration Judge.
    (iv) Replies to motions; decision. The Immigration Judge may set and 
extend time limits for replies to motions to reopen or reconsider. A 
motion shall be deemed unopposed unless timely response is made. The 
decision to grant or deny a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider 
is within the discretion of the Immigration Judge.
    (v) Stays. Except in cases involving in absentia orders, the filing 
of a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider shall not stay the 
execution of any decision made in the case. Execution of such decision 
shall proceed unless a stay of execution is specifically granted by the 
Immigration Judge, the Board, or an authorized officer of the Service.
    (2) Motion to reconsider. A motion to reconsider shall state the 
reasons for the motion by specifying the errors of fact or law in the 
Immigration Judge's prior decision and shall be supported by pertinent 
authority. Such motion may not seek reconsideration of a decision 
denying previous motion to reconsider.
    (3) Motion to reopen. A motion to reopen proceedings shall state the 
new facts that will be proven at a hearing to be held if the motion is 
granted and shall be supported by affidavits and other evidentiary 
material. Any motion to reopen for the purpose of acting on an 
application for relief must be accompanied by the appropriate 
application for relief and all supporting documents. A motion to reopen 
will not be granted unless the Immigration Judge is satisfied that 
evidence sought to be offered is material and was not available and 
could not have been discovered or presented at the former hearing. A 
motion to reopen for the purpose of providing the alien an opportunity 
to apply for any form of discretionary relief will not be granted if it 
appears that the alien's right to apply for such relief was fully 
explained to him or her by the Immigration Judge and an opportunity to 
apply therefore was afforded at the hearing, unless the relief is sought 
on the basis of circumstances that have arisen subsequent to the 
hearing. Pursuant to section 240A(d)(1) of the Act, a motion to reopen 
proceedings for consideration or further consideration of an application 
for relief under section 240A(a) (cancellation of removal for certain 
permanent residents) or 240A(b) (cancellation of removal and adjustment 
of status for certain nonpermanent residents) may be granted only if the 
alien demonstrates that he or she was statutorily eligible for such 
relief prior to the service of a notice to appear, or prior to the 
commission of an offense referred to in section 212(a)(2) of the Act 
that renders the alien inadmissible or removable under sections 
237(a)(2) of the Act or

[[Page 932]]

(a)(4), whichever is earliest. The Immigration Judge has discretion to 
deny a motion to reopen even if the moving party has established a prima 
facie case for relief.
    (4) Exceptions to filing deadlines--(i) Asylum and withholding of 
removal. The time and numerical limitations set forth in paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section shall not apply if the basis of the motion is to 
apply for asylum under section 208 of the Act or withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or withholding of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture, and is based on changed country conditions 
arising in the country of nationality or the country to which removal 
has been ordered, if such evidence is material and was not available and 
could not have been discovered or presented at the previous proceeding. 
The filing of a motion to reopen under this section shall not 
automatically stay the removal of the alien. However, the alien may 
request a stay and, if granted by the Immigration Judge, the alien shall 
not be removed pending disposition of the motion by the Immigration 
Judge. If the original asylum application was denied based upon a 
finding that it was frivolous, then the alien is ineligible to file 
either a motion to reopen or reconsider, or for a stay of removal.
    (ii) Order entered in absentia or removal proceedings. An order of 
removal entered in absentia or in removal proceedings pursuant to 
section 240(b)(5) of the Act may be rescinded only upon a motion to 
reopen filed within 180 days after the date of the order of removal, if 
the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was because of 
exceptional circumstances as defined in section 240(e)(1) of the Act. An 
order entered in absentia pursuant to section 240(b)(5) may be rescinded 
upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien demonstrates that 
he or she did not receive notice in accordance with sections 239(a)(1) 
or (2) of the Act, or the alien demonstrates that he or she was in 
Federal or state custody and the failure to appear was through no fault 
of the alien. However, in accordance with section 240(b)(5)(B) of the 
Act, no written notice of a change in time or place of proceeding shall 
be required if the alien has failed to provide the address required 
under section 239(a)(1)(F) of the Act. The filing of a motion under this 
paragraph shall stay the removal of the alien pending disposition of the 
motion by the Immigration Judge. An alien may file only one motion 
pursuant to this paragraph.
    (iii) Order entered in absentia in deportation or exclusion 
proceedings. (A) An order entered in absentia in deportation proceedings 
may be rescinded only upon a motion to reopen filed:
    (1) Within 180 days after the date of the order of deportation if 
the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was because of 
exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the alien (e.g., serious 
illness of the alien or serious illness or death of an immediate 
relative of the alien, but not including less compelling circumstances); 
or
    (2) At any time if the alien demonstrates that he or she did not 
receive notice or if the alien demonstrates that he or she was in 
federal or state custody and the failure to appear was through no fault 
of the alien.
    (B) A motion to reopen exclusion hearings on the basis that the 
Immigration Judge improperly entered an order of exclusion in absentia 
must be supported by evidence that the alien had reasonable cause for 
his failure to appear.
    (C) The filing of a motion to reopen under paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) 
of this section shall stay the deportation of the alien pending decision 
on the motion and the adjudication of any properly filed administrative 
appeal.
    (D) The time and numerical limitations set forth in paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section shall not apply to a motion to reopen filed pursuant to 
the provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of this section.
    (iv) Jointly filed motions. The time and numerical limitations set 
forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall not apply to a motion to 
reopen agreed upon by all parties and jointly filed.
    (v) Exceptions to time and numerical limitations. The time and 
numerical limitations set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
shall not apply to a motion to reopen proceedings filed when each of the 
following circumstances is present, provided that a respondent

[[Page 933]]

may file only one motion to reopen pursuant to this paragraph (b)(4):
    (A) A material change in fact or law underlying a removability 
ground or grounds specified in section 212 or 237 of the Act occurred 
after the entry of an administratively final order that vitiates all 
grounds of removability applicable to the alien; and
    (B) The movant exercised diligence in pursuing the motion to reopen.
    (vi) Asserted United States citizenship or nationality. The time 
limitations set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall not 
apply to a motion to reopen proceedings filed based on specific 
allegations, supported by evidence, that the respondent is a United 
States citizen or national.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987, as amended at 55 FR 30680, July 27, 1990. 
Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 34089, 
June 30, 1995; 61 FR 18908, Apr. 29, 1996; 61 FR 19976, May 3, 1996; 61 
FR 21228, May 9, 1996; 62 FR 10332, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 15362, Apr. 1, 
1997; 62 FR 17048, Apr. 9, 1997; 64 FR 8487, Feb. 19, 1999; 85 FR 81655, 
Dec. 16, 2020; 86 FR 70722, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.24  Fees pertaining to matters within the jurisdiction 
of an immigration judge.

    (a) Generally. All fees for the filing of motions and applications 
in connection with proceedings before the immigration judges are paid to 
the Department of Homeland Security in accordance with 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 
CFR part 106, including fees for applications published by the Executive 
Office for Immigration Review. The immigration court does not collect 
fees.
    (b) Motions to reopen or reconsider--(1) When a fee is required. 
Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a filing fee 
prescribed in 8 CFR 1103.7, or a fee waiver request pursuant to 
paragraph (d) of this section, is required in connection with the filing 
of a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider.
    (2) When a fee is not required. A filing fee is not required in the 
following instances:
    (i) A motion to reopen that is based exclusively on an application 
for relief that does not require a fee;
    (ii) A motion to reconsider that is based exclusively on a prior 
application for relief that did not require a fee;
    (iii) A motion filed while proceedings are already pending before 
the immigration court;
    (iv) A motion requesting only a stay of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion;
    (v) A motion to reopen a deportation or removal order entered in 
absentia if the motion is filed pursuant to section 242B(c)(3)(B) of the 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1252b(c)(3)(B)), as it existed prior to April 1, 1997, or 
section 240(b)(5)(C)(ii) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a(b)(5)(C)(ii)), as 
amended;
    (vi) Any motion filed by the Department of Homeland Security;
    (vii) A motion that is agreed upon by all parties and is jointly 
filed; or
    (viii) A motion filed under a law, regulation, or directive that 
specifically does not require a filing fee.
    (c) Applications for relief--(1) When filed during proceedings. When 
an application for relief is filed during the course of proceedings, the 
fee for that application must be paid in advance to the Department of 
Homeland Security in accordance with 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. The 
fee receipt must accompany the application when it is filed with the 
immigration court except as provided by 8 CFR 1208.4(d)(3).
    (2) When submitted with a motion to reopen. When a motion to reopen 
is based upon an application for relief, the fee for the motion to 
reopen shall be paid to the Department of Homeland Security and the fee 
receipt shall accompany the motion. Payment of the fee for the 
application for relief must be paid to the Department of Homeland 
Security within the time specified by the immigration judge.
    (d) Fee waivers. The immigration judge has the discretion to waive a 
fee for a motion or application for relief upon a showing that the 
filing party is unable to pay the fee. The request for a fee waiver must 
be accompanied by a properly executed affidavit or unsworn declaration 
made pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746 substantiating the filing party's 
inability to pay the fee. If the request for a fee waiver is denied, the 
application or motion will not be deemed properly filed, provided the 
immigration judge grants 15 days to re-file the rejected document with 
the filing fee

[[Page 934]]

or new fee waiver request and tolls any applicable filing deadline 
during the 15-day cure period.

[69 FR 44906, July 28, 2004, as amended at 85 FR 81750, Dec. 16, 2020; 
85 FR 82793, Dec. 18, 2020; 86 FR 70722, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.25  Form of the proceeding.

    (a) Waiver of presence of the parties. The Immigration Judge may, 
for good cause, and consistent with section 240(b) of the Act, waive the 
presence of the alien at a hearing when the alien is represented or when 
the alien is a minor child at least one of whose parents or whose legal 
guardian is present. When it is impracticable by reason of an alien's 
mental incompetency for the alien to be present, the presence of the 
alien may be waived provided that the alien is represented at the 
hearing by an attorney or legal representative, a near relative, legal 
guardian, or friend.
    (b) Stipulated request for order; waiver of hearing. An Immigration 
Judge may enter an order of deportation, exclusion or removal stipulated 
to by the alien (or the alien's representative) and the Service. The 
Immigration Judge may enter such an order without a hearing and in the 
absence of the parties based on a review of the charging document, the 
written stipulation, and supporting documents, if any. If the alien is 
unrepresented, the Immigration Judge must determine that the alien's 
waiver is voluntary, knowing, and intelligent. The stipulated request 
and required waivers shall be signed on behalf of the government and by 
the alien and his or her attorney or representative, if any. The 
attorney or representative shall file a Notice of Appearance in 
accordance with Sec.  1003.16(b). A stipulated order shall constitute a 
conclusive determination of the alien's deportability or removability 
from the United States. The stipulation shall include:
    (1) An admission that all factual allegations contained in the 
charging document are true and correct as written;
    (2) A concession of deportability or inadmissibility as charged;
    (3) A statement that the alien makes no application for relief under 
the Act;
    (4) A designation of a country for deportation or removal under 
section 241(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Act;
    (5) A concession to the introduction of the written stipulation of 
the alien as an exhibit to the Record of Proceeding;
    (6) A statement that the alien understands the consequences of the 
stipulated request and that the alien enters the request voluntarily, 
knowingly, and intelligently;
    (7) A statement that the alien will accept a written order for his 
or her deportation, exclusion or removal as a final disposition of the 
proceedings; and
    (8) A waiver of appeal of the written order of deportation or 
removal.
    (c) Telephonic or video hearings. An Immigration Judge may conduct 
hearings through video conference to the same extent as he or she may 
conduct hearings in person. An Immigration Judge may also conduct a 
hearing through a telephone conference, but an evidentiary hearing on 
the merits may only be conducted through a telephone conference with the 
consent of the alien involved after the alien has been advised of the 
right to proceed in person or, where available, through a video 
conference, except that credible fear determinations may be reviewed by 
the Immigration Judge through a telephone conference without the consent 
of the alien.

[62 FR 10334, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.26  In absentia hearings.

    (a) In any exclusion proceeding before an Immigration Judge in which 
the applicant fails to appear, the Immigration Judge shall conduct an in 
absentia hearing if the Immigration Judge is satisfied that notice of 
the time and place of the proceeding was provided to the applicant on 
the record at a prior hearing or by written notice to the applicant or 
to the applicant's counsel of record on the charging document or at the 
most recent address in the Record of Proceeding.
    (b) In any deportation proceeding before an Immigration Judge in 
which the respondent fails to appear, the Immigration Judge shall order 
the respondent deported in absentia if: (1) The Service establishes by 
clear, unequivocal and convincing evidence that the respondent is 
deportable; and (2) the Immigration Judge is satisfied that

[[Page 935]]

written notice of the time and place of the proceedings and written 
notice of the consequences of failure to appear, as set forth in section 
242B(c) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1252b(c)), were provided to the respondent 
in person or were provided to the respondent or the respondent's counsel 
of record, if any, by certified mail.
    (c) In any removal proceeding before an Immigration Judge in which 
the alien fails to appear, the Immigration Judge shall order the alien 
removed in absentia if:
    (1) The Service establishes by clear, unequivocal, and convincing 
evidence that the alien is removable; and
    (2) The Service establishes by clear, unequivocal, and convincing 
evidence that written notice of the time and place of proceedings and 
written notice of the consequences of failure to appear were provided to 
the alien or the alien's counsel of record.
    (d) Written notice to the alien shall be considered sufficient for 
purposes of this section if it was provided at the most recent address 
provided by the alien. If the respondent fails to provide his or her 
address as required under Sec.  1003.15(d), no written notice shall be 
required for an Immigration Judge to proceed with an in absentia 
hearing. This paragraph shall not apply in the event that the 
Immigration Judge waives the appearance of an alien under Sec.  1003.25.

[59 FR 1899, Jan. 13, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 10334, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 
FR 15362, Apr. 1, 1997]



Sec.  1003.27  Public access to hearings.

    All hearings, other than exclusion hearings, shall be open to the 
public except that:
    (a) Depending upon physical facilities, the Immigration Judge may 
place reasonable limitations upon the number in attendance at any one 
time with priority being given to the press over the general public;
    (b) For the purpose of protecting witnesses, parties, or the public 
interest, the Immigration Judge may limit attendance or hold a closed 
hearing.
    (c) In any proceeding before an Immigration Judge concerning an 
abused alien spouse, the hearing and the Record of Proceeding shall be 
closed to the public unless the abused spouse agrees that the hearing 
and the Record of Proceeding shall be open to the public. In any 
proceeding before an Immigration Judge concerning an abused alien child, 
the hearing and the Record of Proceeding shall be closed to the public.
    (d) Proceedings before an Immigration Judge shall be closed to the 
public if information subject to a protective order under Sec.  1003.46, 
which has been filed under seal pursuant to Sec.  1003.31(d), may be 
considered.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated and amended at 57 FR 11571, 
11572, Apr. 6, 1992; 62 FR 10334, Mar. 6, 1997; 67 FR 36802, May 28, 
2002]



Sec.  1003.28  Recording equipment.

    The only recording equipment permitted in the proceeding will be the 
equipment used by the Immigration Judge to create the official record. 
No other photographic, video, electronic, or similar recording device 
will be permitted to record any part of the proceeding.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992]



Sec.  1003.29  Continuances.

    The immigration judge may grant a motion for continuance for good 
cause shown, provided that nothing in this section shall authorize a 
continuance that causes the adjudication of an asylum application to 
exceed 180 days in the absence of exceptional circumstances, consistent 
with section 208(d)(5)(A)(iii) of the Act and Sec.  1003.10(b).

[85 FR 81750, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  1003.30  Additional charges in deportation or removal hearings.

    At any time during deportation or removal proceedings, additional or 
substituted charges of deportability and/or factual allegations may be 
lodged by the Service in writing. The alien shall be served with a copy 
of these additional charges and/or allegations and the Immigration Judge 
shall read them to the alien. The Immigration Judge shall advise the 
alien, if he or she is not represented by counsel, that the alien may be 
so represented. The alien

[[Page 936]]

may be given a reasonable continuance to respond to the additional 
factual allegations and charges. Thereafter, the provision of Sec.  
1240.10(b) of this chapter relating to pleading shall apply to the 
additional factual allegations and charges.

[62 FR 10335, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.31  Filing documents and applications.

    This section applies to the filing of all documents, including 
motions and applications, before the immigration courts.
    (a) Filing parties. DHS and all attorneys and accredited 
representatives of record for persons appearing before the immigration 
courts are required to electronically file all documents, including 
charging documents, with the immigration courts through EOIR's 
electronic filing application in all cases eligible for electronic 
filing. Although not required, unrepresented respondents or applicants; 
reputable individuals and accredited officials who are representatives 
of record; other authorized individuals; and practitioners filing an 
EOIR-61, may electronically file documents with the immigration courts 
through EOIR's electronic filing application in cases eligible for 
electronic filing. An unrepresented respondent or applicant; reputable 
individual; accredited official; other authorized individual; or 
practitioner filing an EOIR-61, who elects to use EOIR's electronic 
filing application shall be required to register with EOIR as a 
condition of using that application. If a party not required to file 
electronically opts to use EOIR's electronic filing application for a 
case, the individual must electronically file all documents with the 
immigration courts for that case unless an immigration judge, only upon 
a motion filed by the individual with good cause shown, grants leave to 
opt out of using the electronic filing application. Such an individual 
who has been granted leave to opt out of using EOIR's electronic filing 
application for a case may not subsequently opt in to use that 
application for the same case.
    (b) Filing requirements. If EOIR's electronic filing application is 
unavailable due to an unplanned system outage on the last day for filing 
in a specific case, then the filing deadline will be extended to the 
first day that the electronic filing application becomes accessible that 
is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For planned system outages, 
parties must electronically file documents during system availability 
within the applicable filing deadline or paper file documents within the 
applicable filing deadline. EOIR will issue public communications for 
planned system outages ahead of the scheduled outage. Any planned system 
outage announced five or fewer business days prior to the start of the 
outage will be treated as an unplanned outage. In all other situations 
in cases eligible for electronic filing, an immigration judge retains 
the discretion to accept paper filings in all cases.
    (c) Originals. Parties must make the originals of all filed 
documents available upon request to the immigration court or the 
opposing party for review.
    (d) Classified information. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this chapter, classified information is never allowed to be 
electronically filed.
    (e) Sealed medical documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this chapter, parties are not permitted to file electronically any 
sealed medical documents.
    (f) Where to file. All documents that are to be considered in a 
proceeding before an immigration judge must be filed with the 
immigration court having administrative control over the Record of 
Proceeding.
    (g) Fees. Except as provided in Sec.  1240.11(f) of this chapter, 
all documents or applications filed with the immigration courts 
requiring the payment of a fee must be accompanied by a fee receipt from 
DHS, alternate proof of payment consistent with Sec.  1103.7(a)(3) of 
this chapter, or a fee waiver request pursuant to Sec.  1103.7(c). 
Except as provided in Sec.  1003.8, any fee relating to immigration 
judge proceedings shall be paid to, and accepted by, any DHS office 
authorized to accept fees for other purposes pursuant to Sec.  
1103.7(a).
    (h) Filing deadlines. The immigration judge may set and extend time 
limits for the filing of applications and related documents and 
responses thereto,

[[Page 937]]

if any. If an application or document is not filed within the time set 
by the immigration judge, the opportunity to file that application or 
document shall be deemed waived.
    (i) Filing under seal. DHS may file documents under seal by 
including a cover sheet identifying the contents of the submission as 
containing information which is being filed under seal. Documents filed 
under seal shall only be examined by persons with authorized access to 
the administrative record.
    (j) Signatures. All documents filed with the immigration courts that 
require a signature must have an original, handwritten ink signature, an 
encrypted digital signature, or an electronic signature. Electronic 
filings submitted through EOIR's electronic filing application that 
require the user's signature may have a conformed signature. This 
paragraph is subject to the requirements of the application or document 
being submitted.

[86 FR 70722, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.32  Service and size of documents.

    The service of filings with the immigration courts depends on 
whether the documents are filed through EOIR's electronic filing 
application or in paper.
    (a) Service of electronic filings. If all parties are using EOIR's 
electronic filing application in a specific case, the parties do not 
need to serve a document that is filed through EOIR's electronic filing 
application on the opposing party. If all parties are using EOIR's 
electronic filing application in a specific case, EOIR's electronic 
filing application will effectuate service by providing a notification 
of all electronically filed documents on all parties. Upon successful 
upload by one of the parties, EOIR will email a notification to the 
email addresses provided in paragraph (b) of this section. If one or 
more parties are not filing through EOIR's electronic filing application 
in a specific case, the parties must follow the service procedures in 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) Valid email address. Use of EOIR's electronic filing application 
requires a valid email address for electronic service. The immigration 
courts will use the email address provided through eRegistry for 
electronic service on participating parties. Users must immediately 
update their eRegistry account if their email address changes. 
Representatives must additionally file a new Form EOIR-28 with the 
immigration court if their email address changes. EOIR will consider 
service completed when the electronic notification is delivered to the 
last email address on file provided by the user.
    (c) Service of paper filings. If electronic filing is not being used 
in a particular case, the party filing with the immigration court must 
serve a copy of the filing on the opposing party and include a 
certificate of service showing service on the opposing party with their 
filing. The immigration judge will not consider any documents or 
applications that do not contain a certificate of service unless service 
is made on the record during a hearing.
    (d) Size and format of documents. Unless otherwise permitted by the 
immigration judge, all written material presented to immigration judges 
including offers of evidence, correspondence, briefs, memoranda, or 
other documents must be submitted on 8\1/2\ x 11 
size pages, whether filed electronically or in paper. The immigration 
judge may require that exhibits and other written material presented be 
indexed, paginated, and that a table of contents be provided.

[86 FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.33  Translation of documents.

    Any foreign language document offered by a party in a proceeding 
shall be accompanied by an English language translation and a 
certification signed by the translator that must be printed legibly or 
typed. Such certification must include a statement that the translator 
is competent to translate the document, and that the translation is true 
and accurate to the best of the translator's abilities.

[59 FR 1900, Jan. 13, 1994]

[[Page 938]]



Sec.  1003.34  Testimony.

    Testimony of witnesses appearing at the hearing shall be under oath 
or affirmation.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992]



Sec.  1003.35  Depositions and subpoenas.

    (a) Depositions. If an Immigration Judge is satisfied that a witness 
is not reasonably available at the place of hearing and that said 
witness' testimony or other evidence is essential, the Immigration Judge 
may order the taking of deposition either at his or her own instance or 
upon application of a party. Such order shall designate the official by 
whom the deposition shall be taken, may prescribe and limit the content, 
scope, or manner of taking the deposition, and may direct the production 
of documentary evidence.
    (b) Subpoenas issued subsequent to commencement of proceedings--(1) 
General. In any proceeding before an Immigration Judge, other than under 
8 CFR part 335, the Immigration Judge shall have exclusive jurisdiction 
to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses or for the 
production of books, papers and other documentary evidence, or both. An 
Immigration Judge may issue a subpoena upon his or her own volition or 
upon application of the Service or the alien.
    (2) Application for subpoena. A party applying for a subpoena shall 
be required, as a condition precedent to its issuance, to state in 
writing or at the proceeding, what he or she expects to prove by such 
witnesses or documentary evidence, and to show affirmatively that he or 
she has made diligent effort, without success, to produce the same.
    (3) Issuance of subpoena. Upon being satisfied that a witness will 
not appear and testify or produce documentary evidence and that the 
witness' evidence is essential, the Immigration Judge shall issue a 
subpoena. The subpoena shall state the title of the proceeding and shall 
command the person to whom it is directed to attend and to give 
testimony at a time and place specified. The subpoena may also command 
the person to whom it is directed to produce the books, papers, or 
documents specified in the subpoena.
    (4) Appearance of witness. If the witness is at a distance of more 
than 100 miles from the place of the proceeding, the subpoena shall 
provide for the witness' appearance at the Immigration Court nearest to 
the witness to respond to oral or written interrogatories, unless there 
is no objection by any party to the witness' appearance at the 
proceeding.
    (5) Service. A subpoena issued under this section may be served by 
any person over 18 years of age not a party to the case.
    (6) Invoking aid of court. If a witness neglects or refuses to 
appear and testify as directed by the subpoena served upon him or her in 
accordance with the provisions of this section, the Immigration Judge 
issuing the subpoena shall request the United States Attorney for the 
district in which the subpoena was issued to report such neglect or 
refusal to the United States District Court and to request such court to 
issue an order requiring the witness to appear and testify and to 
produce the books, papers or documents designated in the subpoena.

[62 FR 10335, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1003.36  Record of proceeding.

    The Immigration Court shall create and control the Record of 
Proceeding.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, 
as amended at 60 FR 34089, June 30, 1995]



Sec.  1003.37  Decisions.

    (a) A decision of the immigration judge may be rendered orally or in 
writing. If the decision is oral, it shall be stated by the immigration 
judge in the presence of the parties and a memorandum summarizing the 
oral decision shall be served on the parties. If the decision is in 
writing, it shall be served on the parties by personal service, mail, or 
electronic notification.
    (b) A written copy of the decision will not be sent to an alien who 
has failed to provide a written record of an address.

[57 FR 11573, Apr. 6, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 1900, Jan. 13, 1994; 86 
FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021]

[[Page 939]]



Sec.  1003.38  Appeals.

    (a) Decisions of Immigration Judges may be appealed to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals as authorized by 8 CFR 3.1(b).
    (b) The Notice of Appeal from a Decision of an Immigration Judge 
(Form EOIR-26) shall be filed directly with the Board of Immigration 
Appeals within 30 calendar days after the stating of an immigration 
judge's oral decision or the mailing or electronic notification of an 
immigration judge's written decision. If the final date for filing falls 
on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, this appeal time shall be 
extended to the next business day. A Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) may 
not be filed by any party who has waived appeal.
    (c) The date of filing of the Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) shall 
be the date the Notice is received by the Board.
    (d) A Notice of Appeal (Form EOIR-26) must be accompanied by the 
appropriate fee or by an Appeal Fee Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A). If 
the fee is not paid or the Appeal Fee Waiver Request (Form EOIR-26A) is 
not filed within the specified time period indicated in paragraph (b) of 
this section, the appeal will not be deemed properly filed and the 
decision of the Immigration Judge shall be final to the same extent as 
though no appeal had been taken.
    (e) Within five working days of any change of address, an alien must 
provide written notice of the change of address on Form EOIR-33 to the 
Board. Where a party is represented, the representative should also 
provide to the Board written notice of any change in the 
representative's business mailing address.
    (f) Briefs may be filed by both parties pursuant to 8 CFR 3.3(c).
    (g) In proceedings before the Board on behalf of a respondent, a 
practitioner must enter an appearance using Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-
60.
    (1) Entering an appearance using Form EOIR-27. In proceedings before 
the Board, in order to become the practitioner of record, which 
authorizes and requires the practitioner to appear before the Board on 
behalf of the respondent, file all documents on behalf of the 
respondent, and accept service of process of all documents filed in the 
proceedings, a practitioner must enter an appearance using Form EOIR-27.
    (i) Filing Form EOIR-27. The practitioner must file a copy of the 
Form EOIR-27 with the Board and serve a copy on DHS as required by 8 CFR 
1003.32. The practitioner must file and serve a Form EOIR-27 even if the 
practitioner has previously filed a separate Notice of Entry of 
Appearance with DHS for appearances before DHS or a Form EOIR-28 with 
the immigration court, or has previously entered a limited appearance 
using a Form EOIR-60 in connection with document assistance under 
paragraph (g)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Effect of filing Form EOIR-27. A practitioner who enters an 
appearance using Form EOIR-27 is the practitioner of record and must 
appear before the Board on behalf of the respondent, file all documents 
on behalf of the respondent, and accept service of process of all 
documents filed in the proceedings, consistent with 8 CFR 1292.5. Filing 
a Form EOIR-27 provides the practitioner with access to the record of 
proceedings during the course of proceedings. A respondent shall be 
considered represented for the proceedings in which a Form EOIR-27 has 
been filed.
    (iii) Withdrawal or substitution. A practitioner who enters an 
appearance on behalf of a respondent before the Board by filing a Form 
EOIR-27 remains the practitioner of record unless the Board permits 
withdrawal or substitution during proceedings only upon written motion 
submitted without fee.
    (2) Entering a limited appearance for document assistance using Form 
EOIR-60. A practitioner who provides assistance to a pro se respondent 
with the drafting, completion, or filling in of blank spaces of a 
motion, brief, form, or other specific document or set of documents 
intended to be filed with the Board, regardless of whether such 
assistance is considered ``practice'' or ``preparation'' as defined in 
Sec.  1001.1, must disclose such limited assistance to the Board using 
Form EOIR-60, unless pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) the practitioner has 
filed a Form EOIR-27 to become the practitioner of record.

[[Page 940]]

    (i) Filing Form EOIR-60. A Form EOIR-60 must not be filed as a 
standalone document. The single Form EOIR-60 must be filed with the 
Board at the same time as the document or set of documents with which 
the practitioner assisted. Any subsequent filing of a document or set of 
documents with which a practitioner assisted must be accompanied by a 
new Form EOIR-60.
    (ii) Effect of Filing Form EOIR-60. A practitioner who enters a 
limited appearance using Form EOIR-60 is not the practitioner of record, 
is not required to appear before the Board, and is not required to 
submit a motion to withdraw or substitute. The submission of a Form 
EOIR-60 does not create additional ongoing obligations between the 
practitioner, the respondent, and EOIR. An appearance through Form EOIR-
60 does not provide the practitioner with access to the record of 
proceedings. A respondent who received assistance pursuant to this 
paragraph is not represented, remains pro se, and is subject to service 
of process of all documents filed in the proceedings, consistent with 8 
CFR 1292.5.
    (3) Completing an appearance form, proof of qualification, 
disclosure requirements, and identification. The practitioner must 
properly complete and sign any Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-60, as required 
by the form instructions. A practitioner's personal appearance or 
signature on the Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-60 constitutes a 
representation that the person is authorized and qualified to appear as 
a practitioner in accordance with 8 CFR 1292.1. Further proof that the 
practitioner meets the qualifications of a practitioner as defined in 8 
CFR 1292.1 may be required. The completion of a Form EOIR-27 or Form 
EOIR-60 in connection with an application or form that requires 
disclosure of the preparer does not relieve a practitioner from 
complying with the particular disclosure requirements of the application 
or form. Notwithstanding the filing of a Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-60, 
the practitioner must identify themselves by name, accompanied by their 
signature, on any document filed or intended to be filed with the Board 
pursuant to an appearance under paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this section.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, 
as amended at 60 FR 34089, June 30, 1995; 61 FR 18908, Apr. 29, 1996; 86 
FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021; 87 FR 56258, Sept. 14, 2022]



Sec.  1003.39  Finality of decision.

    Except when certified to the Board, the decision of the Immigration 
Judge becomes final upon waiver of appeal or upon expiration of the time 
to appeal if no appeal is taken whichever occurs first.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated and amended at 57 FR 11571, 
11573, Apr. 6, 1992]



Sec.  1003.40  Local operating procedures.

    An Immigration Court having administrative control over Records of 
Proceedings may establish local operating procedures, provided that:
    (a) Such operating procedure(s) shall not be inconsistent with any 
provision of this chapter;
    (b) A majority of the judges of the local Immigration Court shall 
concur in writing therein; and
    (c) The Chief Immigration Judge has approved the proposed operating 
procedure(s) in writing.

[52 FR 2936, Jan. 29, 1987. Redesignated at 57 FR 11571, Apr. 6, 1992, 
as amended at 60 FR 34090, June 30, 1995]



Sec.  1003.41  Evidence of criminal conviction.

    In any proceeding before an Immigration Judge,
    (a) Any of the following documents or records shall be admissible as 
evidence in proving a criminal conviction:
    (1) A record of judgment and conviction;
    (2) A record of plea, verdict and sentence;
    (3) A docket entry from court records that indicates the existence 
of a conviction;
    (4) Minutes of a court proceeding or a transcript of a hearing that 
indicates the existence of a conviction;
    (5) An abstract of a record of conviction prepared by the court in 
which the conviction was entered, or by a state official associated with 
the state's repository of criminal justice records, that indicates the 
following: The

[[Page 941]]

charge or section of law violated, the disposition of the case, the 
existence and date of conviction, and the sentence;
    (6) Any document or record prepared by, or under the direction of, 
the court in which the conviction was entered that indicates the 
existence of a conviction.
    (b) Any document or record of the types specified in paragraph (a) 
of this section may be submitted if it complies with the requirement of 
Sec.  287.6(a) of this chapter, or a copy of any such document or record 
may be submitted if it is attested in writing by an immigration officer 
to be a true and correct copy of the original.
    (c) Any record of conviction or abstract that has been submitted by 
electronic means to the Service from a state or court shall be 
admissible as evidence to prove a criminal conviction if it:
    (1) Is certified by a state official associated with the state's 
repository of criminal justice records as an official record from its 
repository or by a court official from the court in which conviction was 
entered as an official record from its repository. Such certification 
may be by means of a computer-generated signature and statement of 
authenticity; and,
    (2) Is certified in writing by a Service official as having been 
received electronically from the state's record repository or the 
court's record repository.
    (d) Any other evidence that reasonably indicates the existence of a 
criminal conviction may be admissible as evidence thereof.

[58 FR 38953, July 21, 1993]



Sec.  1003.42  Review of credible fear determinations.

    (a) Referral. Jurisdiction for an immigration judge to review a 
negative fear determination by an asylum officer pursuant to section 
235(b)(1)(B) of the Act shall commence with the filing by DHS of the 
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge. DHS shall also file with the 
notice of referral a copy of the written record of determination as 
defined in section 235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(II) of the Act, including a copy of 
the alien's written request for review, if any.
    (b) Record of proceeding. The Immigration Court shall create a 
Record of Proceeding for a review of a negative fear determination. This 
record shall not be merged with any later proceeding involving the same 
alien.
    (c) Procedures and evidence. The Immigration Judge may receive into 
evidence any oral or written statement which is material and relevant to 
any issue in the review. The testimony of the alien shall be under oath 
or affirmation administered by the Immigration Judge. If an interpreter 
is necessary, one will be provided by the Immigration Court. The 
Immigration Judge shall determine whether the review shall be in person, 
or through telephonic or video connection (where available). The alien 
may consult with a person or persons of the alien's choosing prior to 
the review.
    (d) Standard of review. The immigration judge shall make a de novo 
determination as to whether there is a significant possibility, taking 
into account the credibility of the statements made by the alien in 
support of the alien's claim, and such other facts as are known to the 
immigration judge, that the alien could establish eligibility for asylum 
under section 208 of the Act or withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3)(B) of the Act or deferral of removal under the Convention 
Against Torture.
    (e) Timing. The immigration judge shall conclude the review to the 
maximum extent practicable within 24 hours, but in no case later than 7 
days after the date the supervisory asylum officer has approved the 
asylum officer's negative credible fear determination issued on the 
Record of Negative Credible Fear Finding and Request for Review.
    (f) Decision. (1) The decision of the immigration judge shall be 
rendered in accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 1208.30(g)(2). In 
reviewing the negative fear determination by DHS, the immigration judge 
shall apply relevant precedent issued by the Board of Immigration 
Appeals, the Attorney General, the Federal circuit court of appeals 
having jurisdiction over the immigration court where the Request for 
Review is filed, and the Supreme Court.

[[Page 942]]

    (2) No appeal shall lie from a review of a negative fear 
determination made by an Immigration Judge, but the Attorney General, in 
the Attorney General's sole and unreviewable discretion, may direct that 
the Immigration Judge refer a case for the Attorney General's review 
following the Immigration Judge's review of a negative fear 
determination.
    (3) In any case the Attorney General decides, the Attorney General's 
decision shall be stated in writing and shall be transmitted to the 
Board for transmittal and service as provided in 8 CFR 1003.1(f). Such 
decision by the Attorney General may be designated as precedent as 
provided in 8 CFR 1003.1(g).
    (g) Custody. An immigration judge shall have no authority to review 
an alien's custody status in the course of a review of a negative fear 
determination made by DHS.
    (h) Asylum cooperative agreement--(1) Applicants for admission, 2002 
U.S.-Canada Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022. 
An immigration judge has no jurisdiction to review a determination by an 
asylum officer that an applicant for admission is not eligible to apply 
for asylum pursuant to the 2002 U.S.-Canada Agreement, which includes 
the Additional Protocol of 2022, formed under section 208(a)(2)(A) of 
the Act and should be returned to Canada to pursue their claims for 
asylum or other protection under the laws of Canada. See 8 CFR 
208.30(e)(6). However, in any case where an asylum officer has found 
that an applicant for admission qualifies for an exception to that 
Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, or that the 
Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, does not 
apply, an immigration judge does have jurisdiction to review a negative 
credible fear finding made thereafter by the asylum officer as provided 
in this section.
    (2) Aliens in transit. An immigration judge has no jurisdiction to 
review any determination by DHS that an alien being removed from Canada 
in transit through the United States should be returned to Canada to 
pursue asylum claims under Canadian law, under the terms of the 2002 
U.S.-Canada Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022.
    (3) Applicants for admission. An immigration judge has no 
jurisdiction to review a determination by an asylum officer that an 
alien is not eligible to apply for asylum pursuant to a bilateral or 
multilateral agreement with a third country under section 208(a)(2)(A) 
of the Act and should be removed to the third country to pursue his or 
her claims for asylum or other protection under the laws of that 
country. See 8 CFR 208.30(e)(7). However, if the asylum officer has 
determined that the alien may not or should not be removed to a third 
country under section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act and subsequently makes a 
negative fear determination, an immigration judge has jurisdiction to 
review the negative fear finding as provided in this section.
    (4) Aliens in transit through the United States from countries other 
than Canada. An immigration judge has no jurisdiction to review any 
determination by DHS that an alien being removed from a receiving 
country in transit through the United States should be returned to 
pursue asylum claims under the receiving country's law, under the terms 
of the applicable cooperative agreement. See 8 CFR 208.30(e)(7).
    (i) Severability. The provisions of part 1003 are separate and 
severable from one another. In the event that any provision in part 1003 
is stayed, enjoined, not implemented, or otherwise held invalid, the 
remaining provisions shall nevertheless be implemented as an independent 
rule and continue in effect.

[62 FR 10335, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8487, Feb. 19, 1999; 69 
FR 69496, Nov. 29, 2004; 83 FR 55952, Nov. 9, 2018; 84 FR 33844, July 
16, 2019; 84 FR 64009, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 80393, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 
18220, Mar. 29, 2022; 88 FR 18240, Mar. 28, 2023; 88 FR 31451, May 16, 
2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84196, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  1003.42 
was amended by revising paragraph (d)(1), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The 
amendment to Sec.  1003.42 was delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 
6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 
15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of

[[Page 943]]

the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  1003.42  Review of credible fear determination.

                                * * * * *

    (d) * * *
    (1) The immigration judge shall make a de novo determination as to 
whether there is a significant possibility, taking into account the 
credibility of the statements made by the alien in support of the 
alien's claim, whether the alien is subject to any mandatory bars to 
applying for asylum or being eligible for asylum under section 
208(a)(2)(B)-(D) and (b)(2) of the Act, including any bars established 
by regulation under section 208(b)(2)(C) of the Act, and such other 
facts as are known to the immigration judge, that the alien could 
establish his or her ability to apply for or be granted asylum under 
section 208 of the Act. The immigration judge shall make a de novo 
determination as to whether there is a reasonable possibility, taking 
into account the credibility of the statements made by the alien in 
support of the alien's claim, whether the alien is subject to any 
mandatory bars to eligibility for withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3)(B) of the Act, and such other facts as are known to the 
immigration judge, that the alien would be persecuted on account of his 
or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social 
group, or political opinion in the country of removal, consistent with 
the criteria in 8 CFR 1208.16(b). The immigration judge shall also make 
de novo determinations as to whether there is a reasonable possibility 
that the alien would be tortured in the country of removal and whether 
it is more likely than not that the alien would be tortured in the 
country of removal, in both instances taking into account the 
credibility of the statements made by the alien in support of the 
alien's claim and such other facts as are known to the immigration 
judge, consistent with the criteria in 8 CFR 1208.16(c), 8 CFR 1208.17, 
and 8 CFR 1208.18.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  1003.43  Motions to reopen for suspension of deportation 
and cancellation of removal pursuant to section 203(c) of NACARA 
and section 1505(c) of the LIFE Act Amendments.

    (a) Standard for Adjudication. Except as provided in this section, a 
motion to reopen proceedings under section 309(g) or (h) of the Illegal 
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (Pub. L. 104-208) 
(IIRIRA), as amended by section 203(c) of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and 
Central American Relief Act (Pub. L. 105-100) (NACARA) and by section 
1505(c) of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act Amendments (Pub. L. 
106-554) (LIFE Act Amendments), respectively, will be adjudicated under 
applicable statutes and regulations governing motions to reopen.
    (b) Aliens eligible to reopen proceedings under section 203 of 
NACARA. A motion to reopen proceedings to apply for suspension of 
deportation or cancellation of removal under the special rules of 
section 309(g) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203(c) of NACARA, must 
establish that the alien:
    (1) Is prima facie eligible for suspension of deportation pursuant 
to former section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 
1997) or the special rule for cancellation of removal pursuant to 
section 309(f) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203(b) of NACARA;
    (2) Was or would be ineligible:
    (i) For suspension of deportation by operation of section 309(c)(5) 
of IIRIRA (as in effect prior to November 19, 1997); or
    (ii) For cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A of the 
Act, but for operation of section 309(f) of IIRIRA, as amended by 
section 203(b) of NACARA;
    (3) Has not been convicted at any time of an aggravated felony; and
    (4) Is within one of the six classes of aliens described in 
paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of this section.
    (c) Aliens eligible to reopen proceedings under section 1505(c) of 
the LIFE Act Amendments. A motion to reopen proceedings to apply for 
suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal under the special 
rules of section 309(h) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 1505(c) of the 
LIFE Act Amendments, must establish that the alien:
    (1) Is prima facie eligible for suspension of deportation pursuant 
to former section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 
1997) or cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A(b) of the Act 
and section 309(f) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203(b) of NACARA;
    (2) Was or would be ineligible, by operation of section 241(a)(5) of 
the Act, for suspension of deportation pursuant

[[Page 944]]

to former section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 
1997) or cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A(b) of the Act 
and section 309(f) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203(b) of NACARA, 
but for enactment of section 1505(c) of the LIFE Act Amendments;
    (3) Has not been convicted at any time of an aggravated felony; and
    (4) Is within one of the eight classes of aliens described in 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    (d) Classes of Eligible Aliens--(1) Class 1. A national of El 
Salvador who:
    (i) First entered the United States on or before September 19, 1990;
    (ii) Registered for benefits pursuant to the settlement agreement in 
American Baptist Churches, et al. v. Thornburgh, 760 F. Supp. 796 (N.D. 
Cal. 1991) (ABC) on or before October 31, 1991, or applied for Temporary 
Protected Status (TPS) on or before October 31, 1991; and
    (iii) Was not apprehended after December 19, 1990, at time of entry.
    (2) Class 2. A national of Guatemala who:
    (i) First entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990;
    (ii) Registered for ABC benefits on or before December 31, 1991; and
    (iii) Was not apprehended after December 19, 1990, at time of entry.
    (3) Class 3. A national of Guatemala or El Salvador who applied for 
asylum with the Service on or before April 1, 1990.
    (4) Class 4. An alien who:
    (i) Entered the United States on or before December 31, 1990;
    (ii) Applied for asylum on or before December 31, 1991; and
    (iii) At the time of filing such application for asylum was a 
national of the Soviet Union, Russia, any republic of the former Soviet 
Union, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, 
Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, East Germany, Yugoslavia, or any state of 
the former Yugoslavia.
    (5) Class 5. The spouse or child of a person who is described in 
paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section and such person is 
prima facie eligible for and has applied for suspension of deportation 
or special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of NACARA.
    (6) Class 6. An unmarried son or daughter of a person who is 
described in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section and such 
person is prima facie eligible for and has applied for suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of 
NACARA. If the son or daughter is 21 years of age or older, the son or 
daughter must have entered the United States on or before October 1, 
1990.
    (7) Class 7. An alien who was issued an Order to Show Cause or was 
in deportation proceedings before April 1, 1997, and who applied for 
suspension of deportation as a battered alien under former section 
244(a)(3) of the Act (as in effect before September 30, 1996).
    (8) Class 8. An alien:
    (i) Who is or was the spouse or child of a person described in 
paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section:
    (A) At the time a decision is rendered to suspend deportation or 
cancel removal of that person;
    (B) At the time that person filed an application for suspension of 
deportation or cancellation of removal; or
    (C) At the time that person registered for ABC benefits, applied for 
TPS, or applied for asylum; and
    (ii) Who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty (or the 
spouse described in paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section has a child who 
has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty) by the person 
described in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) of this section.
    (e) Motion to reopen under section 203 of NACARA. (1) An alien 
filing a motion to reopen proceedings pursuant to section 309(g) of 
IIRIRA, as amended by section 203(c) of NACARA, may initially file a 
motion to reopen without an application for suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal and supporting documents, but the motion must be 
filed no later than September 11, 1998. An alien may file only one 
motion to reopen pursuant to section 309(g) of IIRIRA. In such motion to 
reopen, the alien must address each of the four requirements for 
eligibility described in paragraph (b) of this section and establish 
that the alien satisfies each requirement.

[[Page 945]]

    (2) A motion to reopen filed pursuant to paragraph (b) of this 
section shall be considered complete at the time of submission of an 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal and accompanying documents. Such application must be 
submitted no later than November 18, 1999. Aliens described in 
paragraphs (d)(5) or (d)(6) of this section must include, as part of 
their submission, proof that their parent or spouse is prima facie 
eligible and has applied for relief under section 203 of NACARA.
    (3) The Service shall have 45 days from the date the alien serves 
the Immigration Court with either the Form EOIR-40 or the Form I-881 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal to respond to that completed motion. If the alien fails to 
submit the required application on or before November 18, 1999, the 
motion will be denied as abandoned.
    (f) Motion to reopen under section 1505(c) of the LIFE Act 
Amendments. (1) An alien filing a motion to reopen proceedings pursuant 
to section 309(h) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 1505(c) of the LIFE 
Act Amendments, must file a motion to reopen with an application for 
suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal and supporting 
documents, on or before October 16, 2001. An alien may file only one 
motion to reopen proceedings pursuant to section 309(h) of IIRIRA. In 
such motion to reopen, the alien must address each of the four 
requirements for eligibility described in paragraph (c) of this section 
and establish that the alien satisfies each requirement.
    (2) A motion to reopen and the accompanying application and 
supporting documents filed pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section 
must be submitted on or before October 16, 2001. Aliens described in 
paragraphs (d)(5) and (d)(6) of this section must include, as part of 
their submission, proof that their parent or spouse is prima facie 
eligible and has applied for relief under section 203 of NACARA.
    (3) The Service shall have 45 days from the date the alien serves 
the Immigration Court to respond to that motion to reopen.
    (g) Fee for motion to reopen waived. No filing fee is required for a 
motion to reopen to apply for suspension of deportation or cancellation 
of removal under the special rules of section 309(g) or (h) of IIRIRA, 
as amended by section 203(c) of NACARA and by section 1505(c) of the 
LIFE Act Amendments, respectively.
    (h) Jurisdiction over motions to reopen under section 203 of NACARA 
and remand of appeals. (1) Notwithstanding any other provisions, any 
motion to reopen filed pursuant to the special rules of section 309(g) 
of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203(c) of NACARA, shall be filed with 
the Immigration Court, even if the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) 
issued an order in the case. The Immigration Court that last had 
jurisdiction over the proceedings will adjudicate the motion.
    (2) The Board will remand to the Immigration Court any presently 
pending appeal in which the alien appears eligible to apply for 
suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal under the special 
rules of section 309(g) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 of NACARA, 
and appears prima facie eligible for that relief. The alien will then 
have the opportunity to apply for suspension or cancellation under the 
special rules of NACARA before the Immigration Court.
    (i) Jurisdiction over motions to reopen under section 1505(c) of the 
LIFE Act Amendments and remand of appeals. (1) Notwithstanding any other 
provisions, any motion to reopen filed pursuant to paragraph (f) of this 
section to apply for suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal under section 1505(c) of the LIFE Act Amendments shall be filed 
with the Immigration Court or the Board, whichever last held 
jurisdiction over the case. Only an alien with a reinstated final order, 
or an alien with a newly issued final order that was issued based on the 
alien having reentered the United States illegally after having been 
removed or having departed voluntarily under a prior order of removal 
that was subject to reinstatement under section 241(a)(5) of the Act, 
may file a motion to reopen with the Immigration Court or the Board 
pursuant to this section. An alien whose final order has not been 
reinstated and as to whom a newly issued final order, as described in 
this section,

[[Page 946]]

has not been issued may apply for suspension of deportation or special 
rule cancellation of removal before the Service pursuant to section 
309(h)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 1505(c) of the LIFE Act 
Amendments, according to the jurisdictional provisions for applications 
before the Service set forth in 8 CFR 240.62(a) or before the 
Immigration Court as set forth in 8 CFR 240.62(b).
    (2) If the Immigration Court has jurisdiction and grants only the 
motion to reopen filed pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section, the 
scope of the reopened proceeding shall be limited to a determination of 
the alien's eligibility for suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal pursuant to section 309(h)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 
1505(c) of the LIFE Act Amendments.
    (3) If the Board has jurisdiction and grants only the motion to 
reopen filed pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section, it shall remand 
the case to the Immigration Court solely for adjudication of the 
application for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal 
pursuant to section 309(h)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 1505(c) 
of the LIFE Act Amendments.
    (4) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preclude or 
restrict the applicability of any other exceptions regarding motions to 
reopen that are provided for in 8 CFR 3.2(c)(3) and 3.23(b).

[66 FR 37123, July 17, 2001]



Sec.  1003.44  Special motion to seek section 212(c) relief for aliens 
who pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to certain crimes before April 1, 1997.

    (a) Standard for adjudication. This section applies to certain 
aliens who formerly were lawful permanent residents, who are subject to 
an administratively final order of deportation or removal, and who are 
eligible to apply for relief under former section 212(c) of the Act and 
8 CFR 1212.3 with respect to convictions obtained by plea agreements 
reached prior to a verdict at trial prior to April 1, 1997. A special 
motion to seek relief under section 212(c) of the Act will be 
adjudicated under the standards of this section and 8 CFR 1212.3. This 
section is not applicable with respect to any conviction entered after 
trial.
    (b) General eligibility. The alien has the burden of establishing 
eligibility for relief, including the date on which the alien and the 
prosecution agreed on the plea of guilt or nolo contendere. Generally, a 
special motion under this section to seek section 212(c) relief must 
establish that the alien:
    (1) Was a lawful permanent resident and is now subject to a final 
order of deportation or removal;
    (2) Agreed to plead guilty or nolo contendere to an offense 
rendering the alien deportable or removable, pursuant to a plea 
agreement made before April 1, 1997;
    (3) Had seven consecutive years of lawful unrelinquished domicile in 
the United States prior to the date of the final administrative order of 
deportation or removal; and
    (4) Is otherwise eligible to apply for section 212(c) relief under 
the standards that were in effect at the time the alien's plea was made, 
regardless of when the plea was entered by the court.
    (c) Aggravated felony definition. For purposes of eligibility to 
apply for section 212(c) relief under this section and 8 CFR 1212.3, the 
definition of aggravated felony in section 101(a)(43) of the Act is that 
in effect at the time the special motion or the application for section 
212(c) relief is adjudicated under this section. An alien shall be 
deemed to be ineligible for section 212(c) relief if he or she has been 
charged and found deportable or removable on the basis of a crime that 
is an aggravated felony, except as provided in 8 CFR 1212.3(f)(4).
    (d) Effect of prior denial of section 212(c) relief. A motion under 
this section will not be granted with respect to any conviction where an 
alien has previously been denied section 212(c) relief by an immigration 
judge or by the Board on discretionary grounds.
    (e) Scope of proceedings. Proceedings shall be reopened under this 
section solely for the purpose of adjudicating the application for 
section 212(c) relief, but if the immigration judge or the Board grants 
a motion by the alien to reopen the proceedings on other applicable 
grounds under 8 CFR 1003.2 or

[[Page 947]]

1003.23 of this chapter, all issues encompassed within the reopened 
proceedings may be considered together, as appropriate.
    (f) Procedure for filing a special motion to seek section 212(c) 
relief. An eligible alien shall file a special motion to seek section 
212(c) relief with the immigration judge or the Board, whichever last 
held jurisdiction over the case. An eligible alien must submit a copy of 
the Form I-191 application, and supporting documents, with the special 
motion. The motion must contain the notation ``special motion to seek 
section 212(c) relief.'' The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall 
have 45 days from the date of filing of the special motion to respond. 
In the event the DHS does not respond to the motion, the DHS retains the 
right in the proceedings to contest any and all issues raised.
    (g) Relationship to motions to reopen or reconsider on other 
grounds--(1) Other pending motions to reopen or reconsider. An alien who 
has previously filed a motion to reopen or reconsider that is still 
pending before an immigration judge or the Board, other than a motion 
for section 212(c) relief, must file a separate special motion to seek 
section 212(c) relief pursuant to this section. The new motion shall 
specify any other motions currently pending before an immigration judge 
or the Board. An alien who has previously filed a motion to reopen under 
8 CFR 1003.2 or 1003.23 based on INS v. St. Cyr is not required to file 
a new special motion under this section, but he or she may supplement 
the previous motion if it is still pending. Any motion for section 
212(c) relief described in this section pending before the Board or an 
immigration judge on the effective date of this rule that would be 
barred by the time or number limitations on motions shall be deemed to 
be a motion filed pursuant to this section, and shall not count against 
the number restrictions for other motions to reopen.
    (2) Motions previously filed pursuant to prior provision. If an 
alien previously filed a motion to apply for section 212(c) relief with 
an immigration judge or the Board pursuant to the prior provisions of 
this section, as in effect before October 28, 2004, and the motion is 
still pending, the motion will be adjudicated pursuant to the standards 
of this section, both as revised and as previously in effect, and the 
alien does not need to file a new special motion pursuant to paragraph 
(g)(1) of this section. However, if a motion filed under the prior 
provisions of this section was denied because the alien did not satisfy 
the requirements contained therein, the alien must file a new special 
motion pursuant to this section, if eligible, in order to apply for 
section 212(c) relief based on the requirements established in this 
section.
    (3) Effect of a prior denial of a motion to reopen or motion to 
reconsider filed after the St. Cyr decision. A motion under this section 
will not be granted where an alien has previously submitted a motion to 
reopen or motion to reconsider based on the St. Cyr decision and that 
motion was denied by an immigration judge or the Board (except on 
account of time or number limitations for such motions).
    (4) Limitations for motions. The filing of a special motion under 
this section has no effect on the time and number limitations for 
motions to reopen or reconsider that may be filed on grounds unrelated 
to section 212(c).
    (h) Deadline to file a special motion to seek section 212(c) relief 
under this section. An alien subject to a final administrative order of 
deportation or removal must file a special motion to seek section 212(c) 
relief on or before April 26, 2005. An eligible alien may file one 
special motion to seek section 212(c) relief under this section.
    (i) Fees. No filing fee is required at the time the alien files a 
special motion to seek section 212(c) relief under this section. 
However, if the special motion is granted, and the alien has not 
previously filed an application for section 212(c) relief, the alien 
will be required to submit the appropriate fee receipt at the time the 
alien files the Form I-191 with the immigration court.
    (j) Remands of appeals. If the Board has jurisdiction and grants the 
motion to apply for section 212(c) relief pursuant to this section, it 
shall remand the case to the immigration judge solely for adjudication 
of the section 212(c) application.

[[Page 948]]

    (k) Limitations on eligibility under this section. This section does 
not apply to:
    (1) Aliens who have departed the United States and are currently 
outside the United States;
    (2) Aliens issued a final order of deportation or removal who then 
illegally returned to the United States; or
    (3) Aliens who have not been admitted or paroled.

[69 FR 57833, Sept. 28, 2004]



Sec.  1003.46  Protective orders, sealed submissions in Immigration Courts.

    (a) Authority. In any immigration or bond proceeding, Immigration 
Judges may, upon a showing by the Service of a substantial likelihood 
that specific information submitted under seal or to be submitted under 
seal will, if disclosed, harm the national security (as defined in 
section 219(c)(2) of the Act) or law enforcement interests of the United 
States, issue a protective order barring disclosure of such information.
    (b) Motion by the service. The Service may at any time after filing 
a Notice to Appear, or other charging document, file with the 
Immigration Judge, and serve upon the respondent, a motion for an order 
to protect specific information it intends to submit or is submitting 
under seal. The motion shall describe, to the extent practical, the 
information that the Service seeks to protect from disclosure. The 
motion shall specify the relief requested in the protective order. The 
respondent may file a response to the motion within ten days after the 
motion is served.
    (c) Sealed annex to motion. In the Service's discretion, the Service 
may file the specific information as a sealed annex to the motion, which 
shall not be served upon the respondent. If the Service files a sealed 
annex, or the Immigration Judge, in his or her discretion, instructs 
that the information be filed as a sealed annex in order to determine 
whether to grant or deny the motion, the Immigration Judge shall 
consider the information only for the purpose of determining whether to 
grant or deny the motion.
    (d) Due deference. The Immigration Judge shall give appropriate 
deference to the expertise of senior officials in law enforcement and 
national security agencies in any averments in any submitted affidavit 
in determining whether the disclosure of information will harm the 
national security or law enforcement interests of the United States.
    (e) Denied motions. If the motion is denied, any sealed annex shall 
be returned to the Service, and the Immigration Judge shall give no 
weight to such information. The Service may immediately appeal denial of 
the motion to the Board, which shall have jurisdiction to hear the 
appeal, by filing a Notice of Appeal and the sealed annex with the 
Board. The Immigration Judge shall hold any further proceedings in 
abeyance pending resolution of the appeal by the Board.
    (f) Granted motions. If the motion is granted, the Immigration Judge 
shall issue an appropriate protective order.
    (1) The Immigration Judge shall ensure that the protective order 
encompasses such witnesses as the respondent demonstrates are reasonably 
necessary to the presentation of his case. If necessary, the Immigration 
Judge may impose the requirements of the protective order on any witness 
before the Immigration Judge to whom such information may be disclosed.
    (2) The protective order may require that the respondent, and his or 
her attorney or accredited representative, if any:
    (i) Not divulge any of the information submitted under the 
protective order, or any information derived therefrom, to any person or 
entity, other than authorized personnel of the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review, the Service, or such other persons approved by the 
Service or the Immigration Judge;
    (ii) When transmitting any information under a protective order, or 
any information derived therefrom, to the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review or the Service, include a cover sheet identifying the 
contents of the submission as containing information subject to a 
protective order under this section;
    (iii) Store any information under a protective order, or any 
information derived therefrom, in a reasonably secure manner, and return 
all copies of such information to the Service upon

[[Page 949]]

completion of proceedings, including judicial review; and
    (iv) Such other requirements as the Immigration Judge finds 
necessary to protect the information from disclosure.
    (3) Upon issuance of such protective order, the Service shall serve 
the respondent with the protective order and the sealed information. A 
protective order issued under this section shall remain in effect until 
vacated by the Immigration Judge.
    (4) Further review of the protective order before the Board shall 
only be had pursuant to review of an order of the Immigration Judge 
resolving all issues of removability and any applications for relief 
pending in the matter pursuant to 8 CFR 3.1(b). Notwithstanding any 
other provision of this section, the Immigration Judge shall retain 
jurisdiction to modify or vacate a protective order upon motion of the 
Service or the respondent. An Immigration Judge may not grant a motion 
by the respondent to modify or vacate a protective order until either: 
the Service files a response to such motion or 10 days after service of 
such motion on the Service.
    (g) Admissibility as evidence. The issuance of a protective order 
shall not prejudice the respondent's right to challenge the 
admissibility of the information subject to a protective order. The 
Immigration Judge may not find the information inadmissible solely 
because it is subject to a protective order.
    (h) Seal. Any submission to the Immigration Judge, including any 
briefs, referring to information subject to a protective order shall be 
filed under seal. Any information submitted subject to a protective 
order under this paragraph shall remain under seal as part of the 
administrative record.
    (i) Administrative enforcement. If the Service establishes that a 
respondent, or the respondent's attorney or accredited representative, 
has disclosed information subject to a protective order, the Immigration 
Judge shall deny all forms of discretionary relief, except bond, unless 
the respondent fully cooperates with the Service or other law 
enforcement agencies in any investigation relating to the noncompliance 
with the protective order and disclosure of the information; and 
establishes by clear and convincing evidence either that extraordinary 
and extremely unusual circumstances exist or that failure to comply with 
the protective order was beyond the control of the respondent and his or 
her attorney or accredited representative. Failure to comply with a 
protective order may also result in the suspension of an attorney's or 
an accredited representative's privilege of appearing before the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review or before the Service pursuant 
to 8 CFR part 3, subpart G.

[67 FR 36802, May 28, 2002]



Sec.  1003.47  Identity, law enforcement, or security investigations 
or examinations relating to applications for immigration relief, protection, 
or restriction on removal.

    (a) In general. The procedures of this section are applicable to any 
application for immigration relief, protection, or restriction on 
removal that is subject to the conduct of identity, law enforcement, or 
security investigations or examinations as described in paragraph (b) of 
this section, in order to ensure that DHS has completed the appropriate 
identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or examinations 
before the adjudication of the application.
    (b) Covered applications. The requirements of this section apply to 
the granting of any form of immigration relief in immigration 
proceedings which permits the alien to reside in the United States, 
including but not limited to the following forms of relief, protection, 
or restriction on removal to the extent they are within the authority of 
an immigration judge or the Board to grant:
    (1) Asylum under section 208 of the Act.
    (2) Adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident 
under sections 209 or 245 of the Act, or any other provision of law.
    (3) Waiver of inadmissibility or deportability under sections 
209(c), 212, or 237 of the Act, or any provision of law.
    (4) Permanent resident status on a conditional basis or removal of 
the

[[Page 950]]

conditional basis of permanent resident status under sections 216 or 
216A of the Act, or any other provision of law.
    (5) Cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation under 
section 240A or former section 244 of the Act, or any other provision of 
law.
    (6) Relief from removal under former section 212(c) of the Act.
    (7) Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or 
under the Convention Against Torture.
    (8) Registry under section 249 of the Act.
    (9) Conditional grants relating to the above, such as for 
applications seeking asylum pursuant to section 207(a)(5) of the Act or 
cancellation of removal in light of section 240A(e) of the Act.
    (c) Completion of applications for immigration relief, protection, 
or restriction on removal. Failure to file necessary documentation and 
comply with the requirements to provide biometrics and other 
biographical information in conformity with the applicable regulations, 
the instructions to the applications, the biometrics notice, and 
instructions provided by DHS, within the time allowed by the immigration 
judge's order, constitutes abandonment of the application and the 
immigration judge may enter an appropriate order dismissing the 
application unless the applicant demonstrates that such failure was the 
result of good cause. Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
affect the provisions in 8 CFR 1208.4 regarding the timely filing of 
asylum applications or the determination of a respondent's compliance 
with any other deadline for initial filing of an application, including 
the consequences of filing under the Child Status Protection Act.
    (d) Biometrics and other biographical information. At any hearing at 
which a respondent expresses an intention to file or files an 
application for relief for which identity, law enforcement, or security 
investigations or examinations are required under this section, unless 
DHS advises the immigration judge that such information is unnecessary 
in the particular case, DHS shall notify the respondent of the need to 
provide biometrics and other biographical information and shall provide 
a biometrics notice and instructions to the respondent for such 
procedures. The immigration judge shall specify for the record when the 
respondent receives the biometrics notice and instructions and the 
consequences for failing to comply with the requirements of this 
section. Whenever required by DHS, the applicant shall make arrangements 
with an office of DHS to provide biometrics and other biographical 
information (including for any other person covered by the same 
application who is required to provide biometrics and other biographical 
information) before or as soon as practicable after the filing of the 
application for relief in the immigration proceedings. Failure to 
provide biometrics or other biographical information of the applicant or 
any other covered individual within the time allowed will constitute 
abandonment of the application or of the other covered individual's 
participation unless the applicant demonstrates that such failure was 
the result of good cause. DHS is responsible for obtaining biometrics 
and other biographical information with respect to any alien in 
detention.
    (e) Conduct of investigations or examinations. DHS shall endeavor to 
initiate all relevant identity, law enforcement, or security 
investigations or examinations concerning the alien or beneficiaries 
promptly, to complete those investigations or examinations as promptly 
as is practicable (considering, among other things, increased demands 
placed upon such investigations), and to advise the immigration judge of 
the results in a timely manner, on or before the date of a scheduled 
hearing on any application for immigration relief filed in the 
proceedings. The immigration judges, in scheduling hearings, shall allow 
a period of time for DHS to undertake the necessary identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations prior to the 
date that an application is scheduled for hearing and disposition, with 
a view to minimizing the number of cases in which hearings must be 
continued.
    (f) Continuance for completion of investigations or examinations. If 
DHS has not reported on the completion and results

[[Page 951]]

of all relevant identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations for an applicant and his or her beneficiaries by the date 
that the application is scheduled for hearing and disposition, after the 
time allowed by the immigration judge pursuant to paragraph (e) of this 
section, the immigration judge may continue proceedings for the purpose 
of completing the investigations or examinations, or hear the case on 
the merits. DHS shall attempt to give reasonable notice to the 
immigration judge of the fact that all relevant identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations have not been 
completed and the amount of time DHS anticipates is required to complete 
those investigations or examinations.
    (g) Adjudication after completion of investigations or examinations. 
In no case shall an immigration judge grant an application for 
immigration relief that is subject to the conduct of identity, law 
enforcement, or security investigations or examinations under this 
section until after DHS has reported to the immigration judge that the 
appropriate investigations or examinations have been completed and are 
current as provided in this section and DHS has reported any relevant 
information from the investigations or examinations to the immigration 
judge.
    (h) Adjudication upon remand from the Board. In any case remanded 
pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.1(d)(6), the immigration judge shall consider the 
results of the identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations subject to the provisions of this section. If new 
information is presented, the immigration judge may hold a further 
hearing if necessary to consider any legal or factual issues, including 
issues relating to credibility, if relevant. The immigration judge shall 
then enter an order granting or denying the immigration relief sought.
    (i) Procedures when immigration relief granted. At the time that the 
immigration judge or the Board grants any relief under this section that 
would entitle the respondent to a new document evidencing such relief, 
the decision granting such relief shall include advice that the 
respondent will need to contact an appropriate office of DHS. 
Information concerning DHS locations and local procedures for document 
preparation shall be routinely provided to EOIR and updated by DHS. Upon 
respondent's presentation of a final order from the immigration judge or 
the Board granting such relief and submission of any biometric and other 
information necessary, DHS shall prepare such documents in keeping with 
section 264 of the Act and regulations thereunder and other relevant 
law.
    (j) Voluntary departure. The procedures of this section do not apply 
to the granting of voluntary departure prior to the conclusion of 
proceedings pursuant to 8 CFR 1240.26(b) or at the conclusion of 
proceedings pursuant to 8 CFR 1240.26(c). If DHS seeks a continuance in 
order to complete pending identity, law enforcement, or security 
investigations or examinations, the immigration judge may grant 
additional time in the exercise of discretion, and the 30-day period for 
the immigration judge to grant voluntary departure, as provided in Sec.  
1240.26(b)(1)(ii), shall be extended accordingly.
    (k) Custody hearings. The foregoing provisions of this section do 
not apply to proceedings seeking the redetermination of conditions of 
custody of an alien during the pendency of immigration proceedings under 
section 236 of the Act. In scheduling an initial custody redetermination 
hearing, the immigration judge shall, to the extent practicable 
consistent with the expedited nature of such cases, take account of the 
brief initial period of time needed for DHS to conduct the automated 
portions of its identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations with respect to aliens detained in connection with 
immigration proceedings. If at the time of the custody hearing DHS seeks 
a brief continuance in an appropriate case based on unresolved identity, 
law enforcement, or security investigations or examinations, the 
immigration judge in the exercise of discretion may grant one or more 
continuances for a limited period of time which is reasonable under the 
circumstances.

[70 FR 4753, Jan. 31, 2005]

Subpart D [Reserved]

[[Page 952]]



           Subpart E_List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

    Source: 62 FR 9073, Feb. 28, 1997, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1003.61  General provisions.

    (a) Definitions--(1) Director. Director means the Director of the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), pursuant to 8 CFR 
1001.1(o), and shall also include any office or official within EOIR to 
whom the Director delegates authority with respect to subpart E of this 
part.
    (2) Pro bono legal services. Pro bono legal services are those 
uncompensated legal services performed for indigent individuals or the 
public good without any expectation of either direct or indirect 
remuneration, including referral fees (other than filing fees or 
photocopying and mailing expenses), although a representative may be 
regularly compensated by the firm, organization, or pro bono referral 
service with which he or she is associated.
    (3) Organization. A non-profit religious, charitable, social 
service, or similar group established in the United States.
    (4) Pro bono referral service. A referral service, offered by a non-
profit group, association, or similar organization established in the 
United States that assists persons in locating pro bono representation 
by making case referrals to attorneys or organizations that are 
available to provide pro bono representation.
    (5) Provider. Any organization, pro bono referral service, or 
attorney whose name is included on the List of Pro Bono Legal Service 
Providers.
    (b) Authority. The Director shall maintain a list, known as the List 
of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers (List), of organizations, pro bono 
referral services, and attorneys qualified under this subpart to provide 
pro bono legal services in immigration proceedings. The List, which 
shall be updated not less than quarterly, shall be provided to 
individuals in removal and other proceedings before an immigration 
court.
    (c) Qualification. An organization, pro bono referral service, or 
attorney qualifies to be included on the List if the eligibility 
requirements under Sec.  1003.62 and the application procedures under 
Sec.  1003.63 are met.
    (d) Organizations. Approval of an organization's application to be 
included on the List under this subpart is not equivalent to recognition 
under part 1292 of this chapter. Recognition under part 1292 of this 
chapter does not constitute a successful application for purposes of the 
List.

[80 FR 59510, Oct. 1, 2015]



Sec.  1003.62  Eligibility.

    (a) Organizations recognized under part 1292. An organization that 
is recognized under part 1292 of this chapter is eligible to apply to 
have its name included on the List if the organization meets the 
requirements in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section.
    (1) The organization will provide a minimum of 50 hours per year of 
pro bono legal services to individuals at each immigration court 
location where the organization intends to be included on the List, in 
cases where an attorney or representative of the organization, or an 
attorney or representative to whom the organization has referred the 
case for pro bono representation, files a Form EOIR-28 Notice of Entry 
of Appearance as Attorney or Representative before the Immigration Court 
(EOIR-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance). When an attorney or 
representative of the organization represents the individual pro bono 
before the immigration court location, the organization may count, 
toward the 50-hour requirement, the attorney's or representative's out-
of-court preparation time and in-court time. When the organization 
refers the case for pro bono legal services outside the organization, 
the organization may count, toward the 50-hour requirement, time the 
organization's attorneys and representatives spent providing pro bono 
legal services, for example conducting an intake interview or mentoring 
the attorney or representative to whom the case is referred. However, 
the organization is not permitted to count the time of the attorney or 
representative to whom the case was referred.
    (2) The organization has on its staff at least one attorney, as 
defined in Sec.  1292.1(a)(1) of this chapter, or at least

[[Page 953]]

one representative accredited under part 1292 of this chapter, to 
practice before the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration 
Appeals.
    (3) No attorney or representative who will provide pro bono legal 
services on the organization's behalf in cases pending before EOIR is 
the subject of an order of disbarment under Sec.  1003.101(a)(1) or 
suspension under Sec.  1003.101(a)(2).
    (b) Organizations not recognized under part 1292. An organization 
that is not recognized under part 1292 of this chapter is eligible to 
apply to have its name included on the List if the organization meets 
the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section.
    (1) The organization will provide a minimum of 50 hours per year of 
pro bono legal services to individuals at each immigration court 
location where the organization intends to be included on the List, in 
cases where an attorney or representative of the organization, or an 
attorney or representative to whom the organization has referred the 
case for pro bono representation, files a Form EOIR-28 Notice of Entry 
of Appearance. When an attorney or representative of the organization 
represents the individual pro bono before the immigration court 
location, the organization may count, toward the 50-hour requirement, 
the attorney's or representative's out-of-court preparation time and in-
court time. When the organization refers the case for pro bono legal 
services outside the organization, the organization may count, toward 
the 50-hour requirement, time the organization's attorneys or 
representatives spent providing pro bono legal services, for example 
conducting an intake interview or mentoring the attorney or 
representative to whom the case is referred. However, the organization 
is not permitted to count the time of the attorney or representative to 
whom the case was referred.
    (2) The organization has on its staff at least one attorney, as 
defined in Sec.  1292.1(a)(1) of this chapter.
    (3) No attorney or representative who will provide pro bono legal 
services on the organization's behalf in cases pending before EOIR is 
the subject of an order of disbarment under Sec.  1003.101(a)(1) or 
suspension under Sec.  1003.101(a)(2).
    (c) Pro bono referral services. A referral service is eligible to 
apply to have its name included on the List at each immigration court 
location where the referral service either refers or plans to refer 
cases to attorneys or organizations that will provide pro bono legal 
services to individuals in proceedings before an immigration judge.
    (d) Attorneys. An attorney, as defined in Sec.  1292.1(a)(1) of this 
chapter, is eligible to apply to have his or her name included on the 
List if the attorney meets the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) through 
(3) of this section.
    (1) The attorney is not the subject of an order of disbarment under 
Sec.  1003.101(a)(1) or suspension under Sec.  1003.101(a)(2);
    (2) The attorney will provide a minimum of 50 hours per year of pro 
bono legal services to individuals at each immigration court location 
where the attorney intends to be included on the List, in cases where he 
or she files a Form EOIR-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance. The attorney 
may count, toward the requirement, both out-of-court preparation time 
and in-court time.
    (3) The attorney cannot provide pro bono legal services through or 
in association with an organization or pro bono referral service 
described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section because:
    (i) Such an organization or referral service is unavailable; or
    (ii) The range of services provided by an available organization(s) 
or referral service(s) is insufficient to address the needs of the 
community.

[80 FR 59510, Oct. 1, 2015]



Sec.  1003.63  Applications.

    (a) Generally. To be included on the List, any organization, pro 
bono referral service, or attorney that is eligible under Sec.  1003.62 
to apply to be included on the List must file an application with the 
Director. Applications must be received by the Director at least 60 days 
in advance of the quarterly update in order to be considered. The 
application must:

[[Page 954]]

    (1) Establish by clear and convincing evidence that the applicant 
qualifies to be on the List pursuant to Sec.  1003.61(c);
    (2) Specify how the organization, pro bono referral service, or 
attorney wants its name and contact information to be set forth on the 
List; and
    (3) Identify each immigration court location where the organization, 
pro bono referral service, or attorney provides, or plans to provide, 
pro bono legal services.
    (b) Organizations. An organization, whether recognized or not under 
part 1292, must submit with its application a declaration signed by an 
authorized officer of the organization that states under penalty of 
perjury:
    (1) That it will provide annually at least 50 hours of pro bono 
legal services to individuals in removal or other proceedings before 
each immigration court location identified in its application;
    (2) That every attorney and accredited representative who will 
represent clients pro bono before EOIR on behalf of the organization is 
registered to practice before EOIR under Sec.  1292.1(f);
    (3) That no attorney or representative who will provide pro bono 
legal services on behalf of the organization in cases pending before 
EOIR:
    (i) Is under any order suspending, enjoining, restraining, 
disbarring, or otherwise restricting him or her in the practice of law; 
or
    (ii) Is the subject of an order of disbarment under Sec.  
1003.101(a)(1) or suspension under Sec.  1003.101(a)(2); and
    (4) Any specific limitations it has in providing pro bono legal 
services (e.g., not available to assist detained individuals or those 
with criminal convictions, or available for asylum cases only).
    (c) Pro bono referral services. A pro bono referral service must 
submit with its application a declaration signed by an authorized 
officer of the referral service that states under penalty of perjury:
    (1) That it will offer its referral services to individuals in 
removal or other proceedings before each immigration court location 
identified in its application; and
    (2) Any specific limitations it has in providing its pro bono 
referral services (e.g., not available to assist detained individuals or 
those with criminal convictions, or available only for asylum cases).
    (d) Attorneys. An attorney must submit with his or her application a 
declaration that states under penalty of perjury:
    (1) That he or she will provide annually at least 50 hours of pro 
bono legal services to individuals in removal or other proceedings 
before each immigration court location identified in his or her 
application;
    (2) Any specific limitations the attorney has in providing pro bono 
legal services (e.g., not available to assist detained individuals or 
those with criminal convictions, or available for asylum cases only);
    (3) A description of the good-faith efforts he or she made to 
provide pro bono legal services through an organization or pro bono 
referral service described in Sec.  1003.62(a), (b), or (c) to 
individuals appearing before each immigration court location listed in 
the application;
    (4) An explanation that any such organization or referral service is 
unavailable or that the range of services provided by available 
organization(s) or referral service(s) is insufficient to address the 
needs of the community;
    (5) His or her EOIR registration number;
    (6) That he or she is not under any order suspending, enjoining, 
restraining, disbarring, or otherwise restricting him or her in the 
practice of law; and
    (7) That he or she is not the subject of an order of disbarment 
under Sec.  1003.101(a)(1) or suspension under Sec.  1003.101(a)(2).
    (e) Applications approved before November 30, 2015. Providers whose 
applications to be included on the List were approved before November 
30, 2015 must file an application under this section as follows: 
Organizations and pro bono referral services, within one year of 
November 30, 2015; attorneys, within six months of November 30, 2015. 
The names of providers who do not file an application as required by 
this paragraph shall be removed from the List following expiration of 
the application time period, the removal of which will

[[Page 955]]

be reflected no later than in the next quarterly update.
    (f) Notice and comments--(1) Public notice and comment. The names of 
the applicants, whether organizations, pro bono referral services, or 
individuals, meeting the regulatory requirements to be included on the 
List shall be publicly posted for 15 days after review of the 
applications by the Director, and upon request a copy of each 
application shall be made available for public review. Any individual 
may forward to the Director comments or a recommendation for approval or 
disapproval of an application within 30 days from the first date the 
name of the applicant is publicly posted. The commenting party shall 
include his or her name and address. A comment or recommendation may be 
sent to the Director electronically, in which case the Director shall 
transmit the comment or recommendation to the applicant. A comment or 
recommendation not sent to the Director electronically must include 
proof of service on the applicant.
    (2) Response. The applicant has 15 days to respond from the date the 
applicant was served with, or notified by the Director of, the comment. 
All responses must be filed with the Director and include proof of 
service of a copy of such response on the commenting party.

[80 FR 59511, Oct. 1, 2015, as amended at 86 FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.64  Approval and denial of applications.

    (a) Authority. The Director in his discretion shall have the 
authority to approve or deny an application to be included on the List 
of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers. The Director may request additional 
information from the applicant to determine whether the applicant 
qualifies to be included on the List.
    (b) Decision. The applicant shall be notified of the decision in 
writing. The written notice shall be served at the address provided on 
the application unless the applicant subsequently provides a change of 
address pursuant to Sec.  1003.66, or shall be transmitted to the 
applicant electronically.
    (1) Denials. If the application is denied, the applicant shall be 
given a written explanation of the grounds for such denial, and the 
decision shall be final. Such denial shall be without prejudice to file 
another application at any time after the next quarterly publication of 
the List.
    (2) Approval and continuing qualification. If the application is 
approved, the applicant's name will be included on the List at the next 
quarterly update. Every three years from the date of approval, a 
provider must file with the Director a declaration, under penalty of 
perjury, stating that the provider remains qualified to be included on 
the List under Sec.  1003.62(a), (b), (c), or (d). For organizations and 
attorneys, the declaration must include alien registration numbers of 
clients in whose cases the provider rendered pro bono legal services 
under Sec.  1003.62(a)(1), (b)(1), or (d)(2), representing at least 50 
hours of pro bono legal services each year since the provider's most 
recent such declaration, or since the provider was included on the List, 
whichever was more recent. Organizations must provide, for each case 
listed, the name of the organization's attorneys or representatives who 
provided representation or other pro bono legal services, or the name of 
the attorney, representative, or organization the case was referred to 
for pro bono legal services. If a provider fails to timely file the 
declaration or declares that it is no longer qualified to be included on 
the List, the provider's name will be removed from the List at the next 
quarterly update. Failure to file a declaration within the applicable 
time period does not prohibit the filing of a new application to be 
included on the List.

[80 FR 59512, Oct. 1, 2015, as amended at 86 FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.65  Removal of a provider from the List.

    (a) Automatic removal. If the Director determines that an attorney 
on the List is the subject of a final order of disbarment under Sec.  
1003.101(a)(1), or an order of suspension under Sec.  1003.101(a)(2), 
then the Director shall:
    (1) Remove the name of the attorney from the List no later than at 
the next quarterly update; and

[[Page 956]]

    (2) Notify the attorney of such removal in writing, at the last 
known address given by the provider or electronically.
    (b) Requests for removal. (1) Any provider may, at any time, submit 
a written request to have the provider's name removed from the List. The 
written request may include an explanation for the voluntary removal. 
Upon such written request, the name of the provider shall be removed 
from the List, and such removal will be reflected no later than in the 
next quarterly update.
    (2) Any provider removed from the List at the provider's request may 
seek reinstatement to the List upon written notice to the Director. Any 
request for reinstatement must include a new declaration of eligibility, 
as set forth under Sec.  1003.63(b), (c), or (d). Reinstatement to the 
List is at the sole discretion of the Director. Upon the Director's 
approval of reinstatement, the provider's name shall be included on the 
List no later than in the next quarterly update. Reinstatement to the 
List does not affect the requirement under Sec.  1003.64(b)(2) that a 
provider submit a new declaration of eligibility every three years from 
the date of the approval of the original application to be included on 
the List.
    (c) EOIR inquiry in response to complaints. If EOIR receives 
complaints that a particular provider on the List may no longer be 
accepting new pro bono clients, the Director may send a written inquiry 
to the provider noting that EOIR has received complaints with regard to 
the provider's acceptance of pro bono clients and allowing an 
opportunity for the provider to state whether the provider is continuing 
to comply with the regulations in this subpart or, if appropriate, 
whether the provider wishes to request voluntary removal from the List 
as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. The Director may remove a 
provider from the List for failure to respond to a written inquiry 
issued under this paragraph within 30 days or such additional time 
period stated by the Director in the written inquiry.
    (d) Procedures for removing providers from the List. The following 
provisions apply in cases not covered by paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of 
this section.
    (1) Grounds. A provider shall be removed from the List if it, he, or 
she:
    (i) Fails to comply with Sec.  1003.66;
    (ii) Has filed a false declaration in connection with an application 
filed pursuant to Sec.  1003.63;
    (iii) Improperly uses the List primarily to advertise or solicit 
clients for compensated legal services; or
    (iv) Fails to comply with any and all other requirements of this 
subpart.
    (2) Notice. If the Director determines that a provider falls within 
one or more of the enumerated grounds under paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section, the Director shall promptly notify the provider in writing, at 
the address last provided to the Director by the provider or 
electronically, of the Director's intention to remove the name of the 
provider from the List.
    (3) Response. The provider may submit a written answer within 30 
days from the date the notice is served or is sent to the provider 
electronically. The provider must establish by clear and convincing 
evidence that the provider continues to meet the qualifications for 
inclusion on the List, by declaration under penalty of perjury as to the 
provider's continued compliance with eligibility requirements under this 
subchapter, which must include alien registration numbers of clients in 
whose cases the provider rendered pro bono legal services under Sec.  
1003.62(a)(1), (b)(2), or (d)(2), representing at least 50 hours of pro 
bono legal services each year since the provider's most recent 
declaration under Sec.  1003.64(b)(2), or since the provider was 
included on the List, whichever was more recent.
    (4) Decision. If, after consideration of any response submitted by 
the provider, the Director determines that the provider is no longer 
qualified to remain on the List, the Director shall:
    (i) Remove the name of the provider from the List no later than in 
the next quarterly update; and
    (ii) Notify the provider of such removal in writing, at the address 
last provided to the Director by the provider or electronically.
    (5) Disciplinary Action. Removal from the List pursuant to Sec.  
1003.65(a), (b), (c), or (d) shall be without prejudice to the

[[Page 957]]

authority to discipline a practitioner under EOIR's rules and procedures 
for professional conduct for practitioners listed in 8 CFR part 1003, 
subpart G.

[80 FR 59512, Oct. 1, 2015, as amended at 86 FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.66  Changes in information or status.

    All providers with a pending application or currently on the List 
must notify the Director in writing within ten business days if:
    (a) The provider's contact information has changed;
    (b) Any specific limitations in providing pro bono legal services 
under Sec.  1003.63(b)(4), (c)(2), or (d)(2) have changed; or
    (c) The provider is no longer eligible under Sec.  1003.62.

[80 FR 59513, Oct. 1, 2015]

Subpart F [Reserved]



  Subpart G_Professional Conduct for Practitioners_Rules and Procedures

    Source: 65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1003.101  General provisions.

    (a) Authority to sanction. An adjudicating official or the Board of 
Immigration Appeals (the Board) may impose disciplinary sanctions 
against any practitioner if it finds it to be in the public interest to 
do so. It will be in the public interest to impose disciplinary 
sanctions against a practitioner who is authorized to practice before 
the Board and the Immigration Courts when such person has engaged in 
criminal, unethical, or unprofessional conduct, or in frivolous 
behavior, as set forth in Sec.  1003.102. In accordance with the 
disciplinary proceedings set forth in this subpart and outlined below, 
an adjudicating official or the Board may impose any of the following 
disciplinary sanctions:
    (1) Disbarment, which is permanent, from practice before the Board 
and the Immigration Courts or the DHS, or before all three authorities;
    (2) Suspension, including immediate suspension, from practice before 
the Board and the Immigration Courts or the DHS, or before all three 
authorities;
    (3) Public or private censure; or
    (4) Such other disciplinary sanctions as the adjudicating official 
or the Board deems appropriate.
    (b) Persons subject to sanctions. Persons subject to sanctions 
include any practitioner. Attorneys employed by the Department of 
Justice shall be subject to discipline pursuant to Sec.  1003.109. 
Nothing in this regulation shall be construed as authorizing persons who 
do not meet the definition of practitioner to represent individuals 
before the Board and the immigration courts or the DHS.
    (c) The administrative termination of a representative's 
accreditation under 8 CFR 1292.17 after the issuance of a Notice of 
Intent to Discipline pursuant to Sec.  1003.105(a)(1) shall not preclude 
the continuation of disciplinary proceedings and the imposition of 
sanctions, unless counsel for the government moves to withdraw the 
Notice of Intent to Discipline and the adjudicating official or the 
Board grants the motion.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76923, Dec. 18, 2008; 
77 FR 2014, Jan. 13, 2012; 81 FR 92362, Dec. 19, 2016; 87 FR 56259, 
Sept. 14, 2022]



Sec.  1003.102  Grounds.

    It is deemed to be in the public interest for an adjudicating 
official or the Board to impose disciplinary sanctions against any 
practitioner who falls within one or more of the categories enumerated 
in this section, but these categories do not constitute the exclusive 
grounds for which disciplinary sanctions may be imposed in the public 
interest. Nothing in this regulation should be read to denigrate the 
practitioner's duty to represent zealously his or her client within the 
bounds of the law. A practitioner who falls within one of the following 
categories shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions in the public 
interest if he or she:
    (a) Charges or receives, either directly or indirectly:
    (1) In the case of an attorney, any fee or compensation for specific 
services rendered for any person that shall be deemed to be grossly 
excessive. The

[[Page 958]]

factors to be considered in determining whether a fee or compensation is 
grossly excessive include the following: The time and labor required, 
the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill 
requisite to perform the legal service properly; the likelihood, if 
apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment 
will preclude other employment by the attorney; the fee customarily 
charged in the locality for similar legal services; the amount involved 
and the results obtained; the time limitations imposed by the client or 
by the circumstances; the nature and length of the professional 
relationship with the client; and the experience, reputation, and 
ability of the attorney or attorneys performing the services,
    (2) In the case of an accredited representative as defined in Sec.  
1292.1(a)(4) of this chapter, any fee or compensation for specific 
services rendered for any person, except that an accredited 
representative may be regularly compensated by the organization of which 
he or she is an accredited representative, or
    (3) In the case of a law student or law graduate as defined in Sec.  
1292.1(a)(2) of this chapter, any fee or compensation for specific 
services rendered for any person, except that a law student or law 
graduate may be regularly compensated by the organization or firm with 
which he or she is associated as long as he or she is appearing without 
direct or indirect remuneration from the client he or she represents;
    (b) Bribes, attempts to bribe, coerces, or attempts to coerce, by 
any means whatsoever, any person (including a party to a case or an 
officer or employee of the Department of Justice) to commit any act or 
to refrain from performing any act in connection with any case;
    (c) Knowingly or with reckless disregard makes a false statement of 
material fact or law, or willfully misleads, misinforms, threatens, or 
deceives any person (including a party to a case or an officer or 
employee of the Department of Justice), concerning any material and 
relevant matter relating to a case, including knowingly or with reckless 
disregard offering false evidence. If a practitioner has offered 
material evidence and comes to know of its falsity, the practitioner 
shall take appropriate remedial measures;
    (d) Solicits professional employment, through in-person or live 
telephone contact or through the use of runners, from a prospective 
client with whom the practitioner has no family or prior professional 
relationship, when a significant motive for the practitioner's doing so 
is the practitioner's pecuniary gain. If the practitioner has no family 
or prior professional relationship with the prospective client known to 
be in need of legal services in a particular matter, the practitioner 
must include the words ``Advertising Material'' on the outside of the 
envelope of any written communication and at the beginning and ending of 
any recorded communication. Such advertising material or similar 
solicitation documents may not be distributed by any person in or around 
the premises of any building in which an immigration court is located;
    (e) Is subject to a final order of disbarment or suspension, or has 
resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;
    (f) Knowingly or with reckless disregard makes a false or misleading 
communication about his or her qualifications or services. A 
communication is false or misleading if it:
    (1) Contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law, or omits a 
fact necessary to make the statement considered as a whole not 
materially misleading, or,
    (2) Contains an assertion about the practitioner or the 
practitioner's qualifications or services that cannot be substantiated. 
A practitioner shall not state or imply that the practitioner has been 
recognized or certified as a specialist in immigration or nationality 
law unless such certification is granted by the appropriate State 
regulatory authority or by an organization that has been approved by the 
appropriate State regulatory authority to grant such certification. An 
accredited representative shall not state or imply that the accredited 
representative:
    (i) Is approved to practice before the immigration courts or the 
Board, if the representative is only approved as an accredited 
representative before DHS;

[[Page 959]]

    (ii) Is an accredited representative for an organization other than 
a recognized organization through which the representative acquired 
accreditation; or
    (iii) Is an attorney.
    (g) Engages in contumelious or otherwise obnoxious conduct, with 
regard to a case in which he or she acts in a representative capacity, 
which would constitute contempt of court in a judicial proceeding;
    (h) Has been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere 
to, a serious crime, in any court of the United States, or of any state, 
possession, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. A 
serious crime includes any felony and also includes any lesser crime, a 
necessary element of which, as determined by the statutory or common law 
definition of such crime in the jurisdiction where the judgment was 
entered, involves interference with the administration of justice, false 
swearing, misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure to file income tax 
returns, deceit, dishonesty, bribery, extortion, misappropriation, 
theft, or an attempt, or a conspiracy or solicitation of another, to 
commit a serious crime. A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction 
after a plea of nolo contendere is deemed to be a conviction within the 
meaning of this section;
    (i) Knowingly or with reckless disregard falsely certifies a copy of 
a document as being a true and complete copy of an original;
    (j) Engages in frivolous behavior in a proceeding before an 
immigration court, the Board, or any other administrative appellate body 
under title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act, provided:
    (1) A practitioner engages in frivolous behavior when he or she 
knows or reasonably should have known that his or her actions lack an 
arguable basis in law or in fact, or are taken for an improper purpose, 
such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay. Actions that, if taken 
improperly, may be subject to disciplinary sanctions include, but are 
not limited to, the making of an argument on any factual or legal 
question, the submission of an application for discretionary relief, the 
filing of a motion, or the filing of an appeal. The signature of a 
practitioner on any filing, application, motion, appeal, brief, or other 
document constitutes certification by the signer that the signer has 
read the filing, application, motion, appeal, brief, or other document 
and that, to the best of the signer's knowledge, information, and 
belief, formed after inquiry reasonable under the circumstances, the 
document is well-grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or by 
a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of 
existing law or the establishment of new law, and is not interposed for 
any improper purpose.
    (2) The imposition of disciplinary sanctions for frivolous behavior 
under this section in no way limits the authority of the Board to 
dismiss an appeal summarily pursuant to Sec.  1003.1(d);
    (k) Engages in conduct that constitutes ineffective assistance of 
counsel, as previously determined in a finding by the Board, an 
immigration judge in an immigration proceeding, or a Federal court judge 
or panel, and a disciplinary complaint is filed within one year of the 
finding;
    (l) Repeatedly fails to appear for pre-hearing conferences, 
scheduled hearings, or case-related meetings in a timely manner without 
good cause;
    (m) Assists any person, other than a practitioner as defined in 
Sec.  1003.101(b), in the performance of activity that constitutes the 
unauthorized practice of law. The practice of law before EOIR means 
engaging in practice or preparation as those terms are defined in 
Sec. Sec.  1001.1(i) and (k);
    (n) Engages in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of 
justice or undermines the integrity of the adjudicative process. Conduct 
that will generally be subject to sanctions under this ground includes 
any action or inaction that seriously impairs or interferes with the 
adjudicative process when the practitioner should have reasonably known 
to avoid such conduct;
    (o) Fails to provide competent representation to a client. Competent 
representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and 
preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. Competent 
handling of a particular matter includes inquiry into and analysis of 
the factual and legal

[[Page 960]]

elements of the problem, and use of methods and procedures meeting the 
standards of competent practitioners;
    (p) Fails to abide by a client's decisions concerning the objectives 
of representation and fails to consult with the client as to the means 
by which they are to be pursued, in accordance with paragraph (r) of 
this section. A practitioner may take such action on behalf of the 
client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation;
    (q) Fails to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in 
representing a client.
    (1) A practitioner's workload must be controlled and managed so that 
each matter can be handled competently.
    (2) A practitioner has the duty to act with reasonable promptness. 
This duty includes, but shall not be limited to, complying with all time 
and filing limitations. This duty, however, does not preclude the 
practitioner from agreeing to a reasonable request for a postponement 
that will not prejudice the practitioner's client.
    (3) A practitioner should carry through to conclusion all matters 
undertaken for a client, consistent with the scope of representation as 
previously determined by the client and practitioner, unless the client 
terminates the relationship or the practitioner obtains permission to 
withdraw in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. If a 
practitioner has handled a proceeding that produced a result adverse to 
the client and the practitioner and the client have not agreed that the 
practitioner will handle the matter on appeal, the practitioner must 
consult with the client about the client's appeal rights and the terms 
and conditions of possible representation on appeal;
    (r) Fails to maintain communication with the client throughout the 
duration of the client-practitioner relationship. It is the obligation 
of the practitioner to take reasonable steps to communicate with the 
client in a language that the client understands. A practitioner is only 
under the obligation to attempt to communicate with his or her client 
using addresses or phone numbers known to the practitioner. In order to 
properly maintain communication, the practitioner should:
    (1) Promptly inform and consult with the client concerning any 
decision or circumstance with respect to which the client's informed 
consent is reasonably required;
    (2) Reasonably consult with the client about the means by which the 
client's objectives are to be accomplished. Reasonable consultation with 
the client includes the duty to meet with the client sufficiently in 
advance of a hearing or other matter to ensure adequate preparation of 
the client's case and compliance with applicable deadlines;
    (3) Keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the 
matter, such as significant developments affecting the timing or the 
substance of the representation; and
    (4) Promptly comply with reasonable requests for information, except 
that when a prompt response is not feasible, the practitioner, or a 
member of the practitioner's staff, should acknowledge receipt of the 
request and advise the client when a response may be expected;
    (s) Fails to disclose to the adjudicator legal authority in the 
controlling jurisdiction known to the practitioner to be directly 
adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing 
counsel;
    (t) Repeatedly fails to submit a signed and completed entry of 
appearance using the appropriate form in compliance with applicable 
rules and regulations, including 8 CFR 292.4(a), 1003.17, and 1003.38;
    (u) Repeatedly drafts notices, motions, briefs, or claims that are 
filed with DHS or EOIR that reflect little or no attention to the 
specific factual or legal issues applicable to a client's case, but 
rather rely on boilerplate language indicative of a substantial failure 
to competently and diligently represent the client;
    (v) Acts outside the scope of the representative's approved 
authority as an accredited representative.
    (w) Repeatedly fails to sign any pleading, application, motion, 
petition, brief, or other document prepared, drafted, or filed with DHS 
or EOIR. The practitioner's signature must be in the practitioner's 
individual name and

[[Page 961]]

must be handwritten or electronically in conformity with the rules and 
instructions of the applicable system.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76923, Dec. 18, 2008, 
81 FR 92362, Dec. 19, 2016; 87 FR 56259, Sept. 14, 2022]



Sec.  1003.103  Immediate suspension and summary disciplinary proceedings; 
duty of practitioner to notify EOIR of conviction or discipline.

    (a) Immediate Suspension--(1) Petition. The EOIR disciplinary 
counsel shall file a petition with the Board to suspend immediately from 
practice before the Board and the Immigration Courts any practitioner 
who has been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, a 
serious crime, as defined in Sec.  1003.102(h), or any practitioner who 
has been suspended or disbarred by, or while a disciplinary 
investigation or proceeding is pending has resigned from, the highest 
court of any State, possession, territory, or Commonwealth of the United 
States, or the District of Columbia, or any Federal court, or who has 
been placed on an interim suspension pending a final resolution of the 
underlying disciplinary matter.
    (2) DHS petition. DHS may file a petition with the Board to suspend 
immediately from practice before DHS any practitioner described in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section. See 8 CFR 292.3(c).
    (3) Copy of petition. A copy of a petition filed by the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel shall be forwarded to DHS, which may submit a 
written request to the Board that entry of any order immediately 
suspending a practitioner before the Board or the Immigration Courts 
also apply to the practitioner's authority to practice before DHS. A 
copy of a petition filed by DHS shall be forwarded to the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel, who may submit a written request to the Board that 
entry of any order immediately suspending a practitioner before DHS also 
apply to the practitioner's authority to practice before the Board and 
Immigration Courts. Proof of service on the practitioner of any request 
to broaden the scope of an immediate suspension or proposed discipline 
must be filed with the Board or the adjudicating official.
    (4) Immediate suspension. Upon the filing of a petition for 
immediate suspension pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1003.103(a)(1) or 
1003.103(a)(2), together with a certified copy of a court record finding 
that a practitioner has been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo 
contendere to, a serious crime, or has been disciplined or has resigned, 
as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Board shall 
forthwith enter an order immediately suspending the practitioner from 
practice before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and/or DHS, 
notwithstanding the pendency of an appeal, if any, of the underlying 
disciplinary proceeding, pending final disposition of a summary 
disciplinary proceeding as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. 
Such immediate suspension will continue until imposition of a final 
administrative decision. If an immediate suspension is imposed upon a 
practitioner, the Board may require that notice of such suspension be 
posted at the Board, the Immigration Courts, or DHS. Upon good cause 
shown, the Board may set aside such order of immediate suspension when 
it appears in the interest of justice to do so. If a final 
administrative decision includes the imposition of a period of 
suspension, time spent by the practitioner under immediate suspension 
pursuant to this paragraph may be credited toward the period of 
suspension imposed under the final administrative decision.
    (b) Summary disciplinary proceedings. The EOIR disciplinary counsel 
(or DHS pursuant to 8 CFR 292.3(c)(3)) shall promptly initiate summary 
disciplinary proceedings against any practitioner described in paragraph 
(a) of this section by the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Discipline, 
upon receipt of a certified copy of the order, judgment, or record 
evidencing the underlying criminal conviction, discipline, or 
resignation, and accompanied by a certified copy of such document. 
However, delays in initiation of summary disciplinary proceedings under 
this section will not impact an immediate suspension imposed pursuant to 
paragraph (a) of this section. Summary proceedings shall be conducted in 
accordance with the provisions set forth in

[[Page 962]]

Sec. Sec.  1003.105 and 1003.106. Any such summary proceeding shall not 
be concluded until all direct appeals from an underlying criminal 
conviction shall have been completed.
    (1) In matters concerning criminal convictions, a certified copy of 
the court record, docket entry, or plea shall be conclusive evidence of 
the commission of the crime in any summary disciplinary proceeding based 
thereon.
    (2) In the case of a summary proceeding based upon a final order of 
disbarment or suspension, or a resignation while a disciplinary 
investigation or proceeding is pending (i.e., reciprocal discipline), a 
certified copy of a judgment or order of discipline shall establish a 
rebuttable presumption of the professional misconduct. Disciplinary 
sanctions shall follow in such a proceeding unless the attorney can 
rebut the presumption by demonstrating clear and convincing evidence 
that:
    (i) The underlying disciplinary proceeding was so lacking in notice 
or opportunity to be heard as to constitute a deprivation of due 
process;
    (ii) There was such an infirmity of proof establishing the 
attorney's professional misconduct as to give rise to the clear 
conviction that the adjudicating official could not, consistent with his 
or her duty, accept as final the conclusion on that subject; or
    (iii) The imposition of discipline by the adjudicating official 
would result in grave injustice.
    (c) Duty of practitioner and recognized organizations to notify EOIR 
of conviction or discipline. A practitioner and if applicable, the 
authorized officer of each recognized organization with which a 
practitioner is affiliated must notify the EOIR disciplinary counsel 
within 30 days of the issuance of the initial order, even if an appeal 
of the conviction or discipline is pending, when the practitioner has 
been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, a serious 
crime, as defined in Sec.  1003.102(h), or has been disbarred or 
suspended by, or while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is 
pending has resigned from, the highest court of any State, possession, 
territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of 
Columbia, or any Federal court. A practitioner's failure to do so may 
result in an immediate suspension as set forth in paragraph (a) of this 
section and other final discipline. An organization's failure to do so 
may result in the administrative termination of its recognition for 
violating the reporting requirement under 8 CFR 1292.14. This duty to 
notify applies only to convictions for serious crimes and to orders 
imposing discipline for professional misconduct entered on or after 
August 28, 2000.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76923, Dec. 18, 2008; 
77 FR 2014, Jan. 13, 2012; 81 FR 92362, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1003.104  Filing of complaints; preliminary inquiries; resolutions; 
referral of complaints.

    (a) Filing complaints--(1) Practitioners authorized to practice 
before the Board and the Immigration Courts. Complaints of criminal, 
unethical, or unprofessional conduct, or of frivolous behavior by a 
practitioner who is authorized to practice before the Board and the 
Immigration Courts shall be filed with the EOIR disciplinary counsel. 
Disciplinary complaints must be submitted in writing and must state in 
detail the information that supports the basis for the complaint, 
including, but not limited to, the names and addresses of the 
complainant and the practitioner, the date(s) of the conduct or 
behavior, the nature of the conduct or behavior, the individuals 
involved, the harm or damages sustained by the complainant, and any 
other relevant information. Any individual may file a complaint with the 
EOIR disciplinary counsel using the Form EOIR-44. The EOIR disciplinary 
counsel shall notify DHS of any disciplinary complaint that pertains, in 
whole or part, to a matter before DHS.
    (2) Practitioners authorized to practice before DHS. Complaints of 
criminal, unethical, or unprofessional conduct, or frivolous behavior by 
a practitioner who is authorized to practice before DHS shall be filed 
with DHS pursuant to the procedures set forth in Sec.  292.3(d) of this 
chapter.
    (b) Preliminary inquiry. Upon receipt of a disciplinary complaint or 
on its own initiative, the EOIR disciplinary

[[Page 963]]

counsel will initiate a preliminary inquiry. If a complaint is filed by 
a client or former client, the complainant thereby waives the attorney-
client privilege and any other privilege relating to the representation 
to the extent necessary to conduct a preliminary inquiry and any 
subsequent proceedings based thereon. If the EOIR disciplinary counsel 
determines that a complaint is without merit, no further action will be 
taken. The EOIR disciplinary counsel may, in the disciplinary counsel's 
discretion, close a preliminary inquiry if the complainant fails to 
comply with reasonable requests for assistance, information, or 
documentation. The complainant and the practitioner shall be notified of 
any such determination in writing.
    (c) Resolution reached prior to the issuance of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline. The EOIR disciplinary counsel, in its discretion, may 
issue warning letters and admonitions, and may enter into agreements in 
lieu of discipline, prior to the issuance of a Notice of Intent to 
Discipline.
    (d) Referral of complaints of criminal conduct. If the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel receives credible information or allegations that a 
practitioner has engaged in criminal conduct, the EOIR disciplinary 
counsel shall refer the matter to DHS or the appropriate United States 
Attorney and, if appropriate, to the Inspector General, the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation, or other law enforcement agency. In such cases, 
in making the decision to pursue disciplinary sanctions, the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel shall coordinate in advance with the appropriate 
investigative and prosecutorial authorities within the Department to 
ensure that neither the disciplinary process nor criminal prosecutions 
are jeopardized.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76924, Dec. 18, 2008; 
81 FR 92362, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1003.105  Notice of Intent to Discipline.

    (a) Issuance of Notice. (1) If, upon completion of the preliminary 
inquiry, the EOIR disciplinary counsel determines that sufficient prima 
facie evidence exists to warrant charging a practitioner with 
professional misconduct as set forth in Sec.  1003.102 or a recognized 
organization with misconduct as set forth in Sec.  1003.110, the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel will file with the Board and issue to the 
practitioner or organization that was the subject of the preliminary 
inquiry a Notice of Intent to Discipline. In cases involving 
practitioners, service of the notice will be made upon the practitioner 
either by certified mail to the practitioner's last known address, as 
defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by personal delivery. In 
cases involving recognized organizations, service of the notice will be 
made upon the authorized officer of the organization either by certified 
mail at the address of the organization or by personal delivery. The 
notice shall contain a statement of the charge(s), a copy of the 
preliminary inquiry report, the proposed disciplinary sanctions to be 
imposed, the procedure for filing an answer or requesting a hearing, and 
the mailing address and telephone number of the Board. In summary 
disciplinary proceedings brought pursuant to Sec.  1003.103(b), a 
preliminary inquiry report is not required to be filed with the Notice 
of Intent to Discipline. If a Notice of Intent to Discipline is filed 
against an accredited representative, the EOIR disciplinary counsel 
shall send a copy of the notice to the authorized officer of the 
recognized organization through which the representative is accredited 
at the address of the organization.
    (2) For the purposes of this section, the last known address of a 
practitioner is the practitioner's address as it appears in EOIR's case 
management system if the practitioner is actively representing a party 
before EOIR on the date that the EOIR disciplinary counsel issues the 
Notice of Intent to Discipline. If the practitioner does not have a 
matter pending before EOIR on the date of the issuance of a Notice of 
Intent to Discipline, then the last known address for a practitioner 
will be as follows:
    (i) Attorneys in the United States: the attorney's address that is 
on record with a state jurisdiction that licensed the attorney to 
practice law.
    (ii) Accredited representatives: the address of a recognized 
organization

[[Page 964]]

with which the accredited representative is affiliated.
    (iii) Accredited officials: the address of the embassy of the 
foreign government that employs the accredited official.
    (iv) All other practitioners: the address for the practitioner that 
appears in EOIR's case management system for the most recent matter on 
which the practitioner represented a party.
    (3) DHS Issuance of Notice to practitioner. DHS may file a Notice of 
Intent to Discipline with the Board in accordance with 8 CFR 292.3(e).
    (b) Copy of notice; reciprocity of discipline. A copy of the Notice 
of Intent to Discipline filed by the EOIR disciplinary counsel shall be 
forwarded to DHS, which may submit a written request to the Board or the 
adjudicating official requesting that any discipline imposed upon a 
practitioner which restricts his or her authority to practice before the 
Board and the Immigration Courts also apply to the practitioner's 
authority to practice before DHS. A copy of the Notice of Intent to 
Discipline filed by DHS shall be forwarded to the EOIR disciplinary 
counsel, who may submit a written request to the Board or the 
adjudicating official requesting that any discipline imposed upon a 
practitioner that restricts his or her authority to practice before DHS 
also apply to the practitioner's authority to practice before the Board 
and the Immigration Courts. Proof of service on the practitioner of any 
request to broaden the scope of the proposed discipline must be filed 
with the adjudicating official.
    (c) Answer--(1) Filing. The practitioner or, in cases involving a 
recognized organization, the organization, shall file a written answer 
to the Notice of Intent to Discipline with the Board within 30 days of 
the date of service of the Notice of Intent to Discipline unless, on 
motion to the Board, an extension of time to answer is granted for good 
cause. A motion for an extension of time to answer must be received by 
the Board no later than three (3) working days before the time to answer 
has expired. A copy of the answer and any such motion shall be served by 
the practitioner on the counsel for the government.
    (2) Contents. The answer shall contain a statement of facts which 
constitute the grounds of defense and shall specifically admit or deny 
each allegation set forth in the Notice of Intent to Discipline. Every 
allegation in the Notice of Intent to Discipline which is not denied in 
the answer shall be deemed to be admitted and may be considered as 
proved, and no further evidence in respect of such allegation need be 
adduced. The practitioner or, in cases involving a recognized 
organization, the organization, may also state affirmatively special 
matters of defense and may submit supporting documents, including 
affidavits or statements, along with the answer.
    (3) Request for hearing. The practitioner or, in cases involving a 
recognized organization, the organization, shall also state in the 
answer whether a hearing on the matter is requested. If no such request 
is made, the opportunity for a hearing will be deemed waived.
    (d) Failure to file an answer. (1) Failure to file an answer within 
the time period prescribed in the Notice of Intent to Discipline, except 
where the time to answer is extended by the Board, shall constitute an 
admission of the allegations in the Notice of Intent to Discipline and 
no further evidence with respect to such allegations need be adduced.
    (2) Upon such a default by the practitioner or, in cases involving a 
recognized organization, the organization, the counsel for the 
government shall submit to the Board proof of service of the Notice of 
Intent to Discipline. The practitioner or the organization shall be 
precluded thereafter from requesting a hearing on the matter. The Board 
shall issue a final order adopting the proposed disciplinary sanctions 
in the Notice of Intent to Discipline unless to do so would foster a 
tendency toward inconsistent dispositions for comparable conduct or 
would otherwise be unwarranted or not in the interests of justice. With 
the exception of cases in which the Board has already imposed an 
immediate suspension pursuant to Sec.  1003.103 or that otherwise 
involve an accredited representative or recognized organization, any 
final order imposing discipline shall not become effective

[[Page 965]]

sooner than 15 days from the date of the order to provide the 
practitioner opportunity to comply with the terms of such order, 
including, but not limited to, withdrawing from any pending immigration 
matters and notifying immigration clients of the imposition of any 
sanction. Any final order imposing discipline against an accredited 
representative or recognized organization shall become effective 
immediately. A practitioner or a recognized organization may file a 
motion to set aside a final order of discipline issued pursuant to this 
paragraph, with service of such motion on counsel for the government, 
provided:
    (i) Such a motion is filed within 15 days of the date of service of 
the final order; and
    (ii) The practitioner's or the recognized organization's failure to 
file an answer was due to exceptional circumstances (such as serious 
illness of the practitioner or death of an immediate relative of the 
practitioner, but not including less compelling circumstances) beyond 
the control of the practitioner or the recognized organization.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76925, Dec. 18, 2008; 
77 FR 2014, Jan. 13, 2012; 81 FR 92362, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1003.106  Right to be heard and disposition.

    (a) Right to be heard--(1) Summary disciplinary proceedings. A 
practitioner who is subject to summary disciplinary proceedings pursuant 
to Sec.  1003.103(b) must make a prima facie showing to the Board in his 
or her answer that there is a material issue of fact in dispute with 
regard to the basis for summary disciplinary proceedings, or with one or 
more of the exceptions set forth in Sec.  1003.103(b)(2)(i) through 
(iii). If the practitioner files a timely answer and the Board 
determines that there is a material issue of fact in dispute with regard 
to the basis for summary disciplinary proceedings, or with one or more 
of the exceptions set forth in Sec.  1003.103(b)(2)(i) through (iii), 
then the Board shall refer the case to the Chief Immigration Judge for 
the appointment of an adjudicating official. If the practitioner fails 
to make such a prima facie showing, the Board shall retain jurisdiction 
over the case and issue a final order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
the Board shall refer any case to the Chief Immigration Judge for the 
appointment of an adjudicating official in which the practitioner has 
filed a timely answer and the case involves a charge or charges that 
cannot be adjudicated under the summary disciplinary proceedings 
provisions in Sec.  1003.103(b). The Board shall refer such a case 
regardless of whether the practitioner has requested a hearing.
    (2) Procedure. The procedures set forth in paragraphs (b) through 
(d) of this section apply to cases in which the practitioner or 
recognized organization files a timely answer to the Notice of Intent to 
Discipline, with the exception of cases in which the Board issues a 
final order pursuant to Sec.  1003.105(d)(2) or Sec.  1003.106(a)(1).
    (i) The Chief Immigration Judge shall, upon the filing of an answer, 
appoint an Immigration Judge as an adjudicating official. At the request 
of the Chief Immigration Judge, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer 
may appoint an Administrative Law Judge as an adjudicating official. The 
Director may appoint either an Immigration Judge or Administrative Law 
Judge as an adjudicating official if the Chief Immigration Judge or the 
Chief Administrative Hearing Officer does not appoint an adjudicating 
official or if the Director determines it is in the interest of 
efficiency to do so. An Immigration Judge or Administrative Law Judge 
shall not serve as the adjudicating official in any case in which the 
Judge is the complainant, in any case involving a practitioner who 
regularly appears before the Judge, or in any case involving a 
recognized organization whose representatives regularly appear before 
the Judge.
    (ii) Upon the practitioner's or, in cases involving a recognized 
organization, the organization's, request for a hearing, the 
adjudicating official may designate the time and place of the hearing 
with due regard to the location of the practitioner's practice or 
residence or of the recognized organization, the convenience of 
witnesses, and any other relevant factors. When designating the time and 
place of a hearing, the adjudicating official shall provide

[[Page 966]]

for the service of a notice of hearing on the practitioner or the 
authorized officer of the recognized organization and the counsel for 
the government. The practitioner or the recognized organization shall be 
afforded adequate time to prepare a case in advance of the hearing. Pre-
hearing conferences may be scheduled at the discretion of the 
adjudicating official in order to narrow issues, to obtain stipulations 
between the parties, to exchange information voluntarily, and otherwise 
to simplify and organize the proceeding. Settlement agreements reached 
after the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Discipline are subject to 
final approval by the adjudicating official or, if the practitioner or 
organization has not filed an answer, subject to final approval by the 
Board.
    (iii) The practitioner or, in cases involving a recognized 
organization, the organization, may be represented by counsel at no 
expense to the government. Counsel for the practitioner or the 
organization shall file the appropriate Notice of Entry of Appearance 
(Form EOIR-27 or EOIR-28) in accordance with the procedures set forth in 
this part. Each party shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine and 
object to evidence presented by the other party, to present evidence, 
and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the other party. If the 
practitioner or the recognized organization files an answer but does not 
request a hearing, then the adjudicating official shall provide the 
parties an opportunity to submit briefs and evidence to support or 
refute any of the charges or affirmative defenses.
    (iv) In rendering a decision, the adjudicating official shall 
consider the following: The complaint, the preliminary inquiry report, 
the Notice of Intent to Discipline, the answer, any supporting 
documents, and any other evidence, including pleadings, briefs, and 
other materials. Counsel for the government shall bear the burden of 
proving the grounds for disciplinary sanctions enumerated in the Notice 
of Intent to Discipline by clear and convincing evidence.
    (v) The record of proceedings, regardless of whether an immigration 
judge or an administrative law judge is the adjudicating official, shall 
conform to the requirements of 8 CFR part 1003, subpart C and 8 CFR 
1240.9. Disciplinary hearings shall be conducted in the same manner as 
Immigration Court proceedings as is appropriate, and shall be open to 
the public, except that:
    (A) Depending upon physical facilities, the adjudicating official 
may place reasonable limitations upon the number of individuals in 
attendance at any one time, with priority being given to the press over 
the general public, and
    (B) For the purposes of protecting witnesses, parties, or the public 
interest, the adjudicating official may limit attendance or hold a 
closed hearing.
    (3) Failure to appear in proceedings. If the practitioner or, in 
cases involving a recognized organization, the organization, requests a 
hearing as provided in Sec.  1003.105(c)(3) but fails to appear, the 
adjudicating official shall then proceed and decide the case in the 
absence of the practitioner or the recognized organization in accordance 
with paragraph (b) of this section, based on the available record, 
including any additional evidence or arguments presented by the counsel 
for the government at the hearing. In such a proceeding the counsel for 
the government shall submit to the adjudicating official proof of 
service of the Notice of Intent to Discipline as well as the Notice of 
the Hearing. The practitioner or the recognized organization shall be 
precluded thereafter from participating further in the proceedings. A 
final order imposing discipline issued pursuant to this paragraph shall 
not be subject to further review, except that the practitioner or the 
recognized organization may file a motion to set aside the order, with 
service of such motion on counsel for the government, provided:
    (i) Such a motion is filed within 15 days of the date of issuance of 
the final order; and
    (ii) The practitioner's or the recognized organization's failure to 
appear was due to exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness of 
the practitioner or death of an immediate relative of the practitioner, 
but not including less compelling circumstances) beyond the control of 
the practitioner or the recognized organization.

[[Page 967]]

    (b) Decision. The adjudicating official shall consider the entire 
record and, as soon as practicable, render a decision. If the 
adjudicating official finds that one or more grounds for disciplinary 
sanctions enumerated in the Notice of Intent to Discipline have been 
established by clear and convincing evidence, the official shall rule 
that the disciplinary sanctions set forth in the Notice of Intent to 
Discipline be adopted, modified, or otherwise amended. If the 
adjudicating official determines that the practitioner should be 
suspended, the time period for such suspension shall be specified. If 
the adjudicating official determines that the organization's recognition 
should be revoked, the official may also identify the persons affiliated 
with the organization who were directly involved in the conduct that 
constituted the grounds for revocation. If the adjudicating official 
determines that the organization's recognition should be terminated, the 
official shall specify the time restriction, if any, before the 
organization may submit a new request for recognition. Any grounds for 
disciplinary sanctions enumerated in the Notice of Intent to Discipline 
that have not been established by clear and convincing evidence shall be 
dismissed. The adjudicating official shall provide for service of a 
written decision or memorandum summarizing an oral decision on the 
practitioner or, in cases involving a recognized organization, on the 
authorized officer of the organization and on the counsel for the 
government. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the 
adjudicating official's decision becomes final only upon waiver of 
appeal or expiration of the time for appeal to the Board, whichever 
comes first, and does not take effect during the pendency of an appeal 
to the Board as provided in Sec.  1003.6. A final order imposing 
discipline against an accredited representative or recognized 
organization shall take effect immediately.
    (c) Appeal. Upon issuance of a decision by the adjudicating 
official, either party or both parties may appeal to the Board to 
conduct a review pursuant to Sec.  1003.1(d)(3). Parties must comply 
with all pertinent provisions for appeals to the Board, including 
provisions relating to forms and fees, as set forth in Part 1003, and 
must use Form EOIR-45. The decision of the Board is the final 
administrative order as provided in Sec.  1003.1(d)(7), and shall be 
served upon the practitioner or, in cases involving a recognized 
organization, the organization, as provided in Sec.  1003.1(f). With the 
exception of cases in which the Board has already imposed an immediate 
suspension pursuant to Sec.  1003.103 or cases involving accredited 
representatives or recognized organizations, any final order imposing 
discipline shall not become effective sooner than 15 days from the date 
of the order to provide the practitioner opportunity to comply with the 
terms of such order, including, but not limited to, withdrawing from any 
pending immigration matters and notifying immigration clients of the 
imposition of any sanction. A final order imposing discipline against an 
accredited representative or recognized organization shall take effect 
immediately. A copy of the final administrative order of the Board shall 
be served upon the counsel for the government. If disciplinary sanctions 
are imposed against a practitioner or a recognized organization (other 
than a private censure), the Board may require that notice of such 
sanctions be posted at the Board, the Immigration Courts, or DHS for the 
period of time during which the sanctions are in effect, or for any 
other period of time as determined by the Board.
    (d) Referral. In addition to, or in lieu of, initiating disciplinary 
proceedings against a practitioner, the EOIR disciplinary counsel may 
notify an appropriate Federal or state disciplinary or regulatory 
authority of any complaint filed against a practitioner. Any final 
administrative decision imposing sanctions against a practitioner (other 
than a private censure) shall be reported to any such disciplinary or 
regulatory authority in every jurisdiction where the disciplined 
practitioner is admitted or otherwise authorized to practice. In 
addition, the EOIR disciplinary counsel shall transmit notice of all 
public discipline imposed under this rule to the National Lawyer 
Regulatory Data

[[Page 968]]

Bank maintained by the American Bar Association.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76925, Dec. 18, 2008; 
77 FR 2015, Jan. 13, 2012; 81 FR 92363, Dec. 19, 2016; 86 FR 70723, Dec. 
13, 2021]



Sec.  1003.107  Reinstatement after disbarment or suspension.

    (a) Reinstatement upon expiration of suspension. (1) Except as 
provided in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, after the period of 
suspension has expired, a practitioner who has been suspended and wishes 
to be reinstated must file a motion to the Board requesting 
reinstatement to practice before the Board and the Immigration Courts, 
or DHS, or before all three authorities. The practitioner must 
demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that notwithstanding the 
suspension, the practitioner otherwise meets the definition of attorney 
or representative as set forth in Sec.  1001.1(f) and (j), respectively, 
of this chapter. The practitioner must serve a copy of such motion on 
the EOIR disciplinary counsel. In matters in which the practitioner was 
ordered suspended from practice before DHS, the practitioner must serve 
a copy of such motion on the DHS disciplinary counsel.
    (2) The EOIR disciplinary counsel and, in matters in which the 
practitioner was ordered suspended from practice before DHS, the DHS 
disciplinary counsel, may reply within 13 days of service of the motion 
in the form of a written response objecting to the reinstatement on the 
ground that the practitioner failed to comply with the terms of the 
suspension. The response must include supporting documentation or 
evidence of the petitioner's failure to comply with the terms of the 
suspension. The Board, in its discretion, may afford the parties 
additional time to file briefs or hold a hearing to determine if the 
practitioner meets all the requirements for reinstatement.
    (3) If a practitioner does not meet the definition of attorney or 
representative, the Board shall deny the motion for reinstatement 
without further consideration. If the practitioner failed to comply with 
the terms of the suspension, the Board shall deny the motion and 
indicate the circumstances under which the practitioner may apply for 
reinstatement. If the practitioner meets the definition of attorney or 
representative and the practitioner otherwise has complied with the 
terms of the suspension, the Board shall grant the motion and reinstate 
the practitioner.
    (b) Early reinstatement. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of 
this section, a practitioner who has been disbarred or who has been 
suspended for one year or more may file a petition for reinstatement 
directly with the Board after one-half of the suspension period has 
expired or one year has passed, whichever is greater, provided that 
notwithstanding the suspension, the practitioner otherwise meets the 
definition of attorney or representative as set forth in Sec.  1001.1(f) 
and (j), respectively, of this chapter. A copy of such a petition shall 
be served on the EOIR disciplinary counsel. In matters in which the 
practitioner was ordered disbarred or suspended from practice before 
DHS, a copy of such petition shall be served on the DHS disciplinary 
counsel.
    (2) A practitioner seeking early reinstatement must demonstrate by 
clear and convincing evidence that the practitioner possesses the moral 
and professional qualifications required to appear before the Board, the 
Immigration Courts, or DHS, and that the practitioner's reinstatement 
will not be detrimental to the administration of justice. The EOIR 
disciplinary counsel and, in matters in which the practitioner was 
ordered disbarred or suspended from practice before DHS, the DHS 
disciplinary counsel, may reply within 30 days of service of the 
petition in the form of a written response to the Board, which may 
include, but is not limited to, documentation or evidence of the 
practitioner's failure to comply with the terms of the disbarment or 
suspension or of any complaints filed against the disbarred or suspended 
practitioner subsequent to the practitioner's disbarment or suspension.
    (3) If a practitioner cannot meet the definition of attorney or 
representative, the Board shall deny the petition

[[Page 969]]

for reinstatement without further consideration. If the petition for 
reinstatement is found to be otherwise inappropriate or unwarranted, the 
petition shall be denied. Any subsequent petitions for reinstatement may 
not be filed before the end of one year from the date of the Board's 
previous denial of reinstatement, unless the practitioner is otherwise 
eligible for reinstatement under paragraph (a). If the petition for 
reinstatement is determined to be timely, the practitioner meets the 
definition of attorney or representative, and the petitioner has 
otherwise established by the requisite standard of proof that the 
practitioner possesses the qualifications set forth herein, and that 
reinstatement will not be detrimental to the administration of justice, 
the Board shall grant the petition and reinstate the practitioner. The 
Board, in its discretion, may hold a hearing to determine if the 
practitioner meets all of the requirements for reinstatement.
    (c) Accredited representatives. (1) An accredited representative who 
has been suspended for a period of time greater than the remaining 
period of validity of the representative's accreditation at the time of 
the suspension is not eligible to be reinstated under Sec.  1003.107(a) 
or (b). In such circumstances, after the period of suspension has 
expired, an organization may submit a new request for accreditation 
pursuant to 8 CFR 1292.13 on behalf of such an individual.
    (2) Disbarment. An accredited representative who has been disbarred 
is permanently barred from appearing before the Board, the Immigration 
Courts, or DHS as an accredited representative and cannot seek 
reinstatement.
    (d) Appearance after reinstatement. A practitioner who has been 
reinstated to practice by the Board must file a new Notice of Entry of 
Appearance of Attorney or Representative in each case on the form 
required by applicable rules and regulations, even if the reinstated 
practitioner previously filed such a form in a proceeding before the 
practitioner was disciplined.

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76926, Dec. 18, 2008; 
77 FR 2015, Jan. 13, 2012; 81 FR 92364, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1003.108  Confidentiality.

    (a) Complaints and preliminary inquiries. Except as otherwise 
provided by law or regulation, information concerning complaints or 
preliminary inquiries is confidential. A practitioner or recognized 
organization whose conduct is the subject of a complaint or preliminary 
inquiry, however, may waive confidentiality, except that the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel may decline to permit a waiver of confidentiality 
if it is determined that an ongoing preliminary inquiry may be 
substantially prejudiced by public disclosure before the filing of a 
Notice of Intent to Discipline.
    (1) Disclosure of information for the purpose of protecting the 
public. The EOIR disciplinary counsel may disclose information 
concerning a complaint or preliminary inquiry for the protection of the 
public when the necessity for disclosing information outweighs the 
necessity for preserving confidentiality in circumstances including, but 
not limited to, the following:
    (i) A practitioner or recognized organization has caused, or is 
likely to cause, harm to client(s), the public, or the administration of 
justice, such that the public or specific individuals should be advised 
of the nature of the allegations. If disclosure of information is made 
pursuant to this paragraph, the EOIR disciplinary counsel may define the 
scope of information disseminated and may limit the disclosure of 
information to specified individuals and entities;
    (ii) A practitioner or recognized organization has committed 
criminal acts or is under investigation by law enforcement authorities;
    (iii) A practitioner or recognized organization is under 
investigation by a disciplinary or regulatory authority, or has 
committed acts or made omissions that may reasonably result in 
investigation by such authorities;
    (iv) A practitioner or recognized organization is the subject of 
multiple disciplinary complaints and the EOIR disciplinary counsel has 
determined not to pursue all of the complaints. The EOIR disciplinary 
counsel may inform complainants whose allegations have not been pursued 
of the status of any other preliminary inquiries or the

[[Page 970]]

manner in which any other complaint(s) against the practitioner or 
recognized organization have been resolved.
    (2) Disclosure of information for the purpose of conducting a 
preliminary inquiry. The EOIR disciplinary counsel, in the exercise of 
discretion, may disclose documents and information concerning complaints 
and preliminary inquiries to the following individuals and entities:
    (i) To witnesses or potential witnesses in conjunction with a 
complaint or preliminary inquiry;
    (ii) To other governmental agencies responsible for the enforcement 
of civil or criminal laws;
    (iii) To agencies and other jurisdictions responsible for 
disciplinary or regulatory investigations and proceedings;
    (iv) To the complainant or a lawful designee;
    (v) To the practitioner or recognized organization who is the 
subject of the complaint or preliminary inquiry or the practitioner's or 
recognized organization's counsel of record.
    (3) Disclosure of information for the purpose of recognition of 
organizations and accreditation of representatives. The EOIR 
disciplinary counsel, in the exercise of discretion, may disclose 
information concerning complaints or preliminary inquiries regarding 
applicants for recognition and accreditation, recognized organizations 
or their authorized officers, or accredited representatives to the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) for any purpose related to the recognition of organizations 
and accreditation of representatives.
    (b) Resolutions reached prior to the issuance of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline. Resolutions reached prior to the issuance of a Notice of 
Intent to Discipline, such as warning letters, admonitions, and 
agreements in lieu of discipline are confidential, except that 
resolutions that pertain to an accredited representative may be 
disclosed to the accredited representative's organization and the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate). However, all such resolutions may become part of the public 
record if the practitioner becomes subject to a subsequent Notice of 
Intent to Discipline.
    (c) Notices of Intent to Discipline and action subsequent thereto. 
Notices of Intent to Discipline and any action that takes place 
subsequent to their issuance, except for the imposition of private 
censures, may be disclosed to the public, except that private censures 
may become part of the public record if introduced as evidence of a 
prior record of discipline in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding. 
Settlement agreements reached after the issuance of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline may be disclosed to the public upon final approval by the 
adjudicating official or the Board. Disciplinary hearings are open to 
the public, except as noted in Sec.  1003.106(a)(1)(v).

[65 FR 39526, June 27, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 76926, Dec. 18, 2008; 
81 FR 92365, Dec. 19, 2016; 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1003.109  Discipline of government attorneys.

    Complaints regarding the conduct or behavior of Department 
attorneys, Immigration Judges, or Board Members shall be directed to the 
Office of Professional Responsibility, United States Department of 
Justice. If disciplinary action is warranted, it shall be administered 
pursuant to the Department's attorney discipline procedures.



Sec.  1003.110  Sanction of recognized organizations.

    (a) Authority to sanction. (1) An adjudicating official or the Board 
may impose disciplinary sanctions against a recognized organization if 
it is in the public interest to do so. It will be in the public interest 
to impose disciplinary sanctions if a recognized organization has 
engaged in the conduct described in paragraph (b) of this section. In 
accordance with the disciplinary proceedings set forth in this subpart, 
an adjudicating official or the Board may impose the following 
sanctions:
    (i) Revocation, which removes the organization and its accredited 
representatives from the recognition and accreditation roster and 
permanently bars the organization from future recognition;

[[Page 971]]

    (ii) Termination, which removes the organization and its accredited 
representatives from the recognition and accreditation roster but does 
not bar the organization from future recognition. In terminating 
recognition under this section, the adjudicating official or the Board 
may preclude the organization from submitting a new request for 
recognition under 8 CFR 1292.13 before a specified date; or
    (iii) Such other disciplinary sanctions, except a suspension, as the 
adjudicating official or the Board deems appropriate.
    (2) The administrative termination of an organization's recognition 
under 8 CFR 1292.17 after the issuance of Notice of Intent to Discipline 
pursuant to Sec.  1003.105(a)(1) shall not preclude the continuation of 
disciplinary proceedings and the imposition of sanctions, unless counsel 
for the government moves to dismiss the Notice of Intent to Discipline 
and the adjudicating official or the Board grants the motion.
    (3) The imposition of disciplinary sanctions against a recognized 
organization does not result in disciplinary sanctions against that 
organization's accredited representatives; disciplinary sanctions, if 
any, against an organization's accredited representatives must be 
imposed separately from disciplinary sanctions against the organization. 
Termination or revocation of an organization's recognition has the 
effect of terminating the accreditation of representatives of that 
organization, but such individuals may retain or seek accreditation 
through another recognized organization.
    (b) Grounds. It shall be deemed to be in the public interest for an 
adjudicating official or the Board to impose disciplinary sanctions 
against any recognized organization that violates one or more of the 
grounds specified in this paragraph, except that these grounds do not 
constitute the exclusive grounds for which disciplinary sanctions may be 
imposed in the public interest. A recognized organization may be subject 
to disciplinary sanctions if it:
    (1) Knowingly or with reckless disregard provides a false statement 
or misleading information in applying for recognition or accreditation 
of its representatives;
    (2) Knowingly or with reckless disregard provides false or 
misleading information to clients or prospective clients regarding the 
scope of authority of, or the services provided by, the organization or 
its accredited representatives;
    (3) Fails to adequately supervise accredited representatives;
    (4) Employs, receives services from, or affiliates with an 
individual who performs an activity that constitutes the unauthorized 
practice of law or immigration fraud; or
    (5) Engages in the practice of law through staff when it does not 
have an attorney or accredited representative.
    (c) Joint disciplinary proceedings. The EOIR disciplinary counsel or 
DHS disciplinary counsel may file a Notice of Intent to Discipline 
against a recognized organization and one or more of its accredited 
representatives pursuant to Sec.  1003.101 et seq. Disciplinary 
proceedings conducted on such notices, if they are filed jointly with 
the Board, shall be joined and referred to the same adjudicating 
official pursuant to Sec.  1003.106. An adjudicating official may join 
related disciplinary proceedings after the filing of a Notice of Intent 
to Discipline.

[81 FR 92365, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1003.111  Interim suspension.

    (a) Petition for interim suspension--(1) EOIR Petition. In 
conjunction with the filing of a Notice of Intent to Discipline or at 
any time thereafter during disciplinary proceedings before an 
adjudicating official, the EOIR disciplinary counsel may file a petition 
for an interim suspension of an accredited representative. Such 
suspension, if issued, precludes the representative from practicing 
before the Board and the Immigration Courts during the pendency of 
disciplinary proceedings and continues until the issuance of a final 
order in the disciplinary proceedings.
    (2) DHS Petition. In conjunction with the filing of a Notice of 
Intent to Discipline or at any time thereafter during disciplinary 
proceedings before an adjudicating official, the DHS disciplinary 
counsel may file a petition for an

[[Page 972]]

interim suspension of an accredited representative. Such suspension, if 
issued, precludes the representative from practicing before DHS during 
the pendency of disciplinary proceedings and continues until the 
issuance of a final order in the disciplinary proceedings.
    (3) Contents of the petition. In the petition, counsel for the 
government must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the 
accredited representative poses a substantial threat of irreparable harm 
to clients or prospective clients. An accredited representative poses a 
substantial threat of irreparable harm to clients or prospective clients 
if the representative committed three or more acts in violation of the 
grounds of discipline described at Sec.  1003.102, when actual harm or 
threatened harm is demonstrated, or engages in any other conduct that, 
if continued, will likely cause irreparable harm to clients or 
prospective clients. Counsel for the government must serve the petition 
on the accredited representative, as provided in Sec.  1003.105, and 
send a copy of the petition to the authorized officer of the recognized 
organization at the address of the organization through which the 
representative is accredited.
    (4) Requests to broaden scope. The EOIR disciplinary counsel or DHS 
disciplinary counsel may submit a request to broaden the scope of any 
interim suspension order such that an accredited representative would be 
precluded from practice before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and 
DHS.
    (b) Response. The accredited representative may file a written 
response to the petition for interim suspension within 30 days of 
service of the petition.
    (c) Adjudication. Upon the expiration of the time to respond to the 
petition for an interim suspension, the adjudicating official will 
consider the petition for an interim suspension, the accredited 
representative's response, if any, and any other evidence presented by 
the parties before determining whether to issue an interim suspension. 
If the adjudicating official imposes an interim suspension on the 
representative, the adjudicating official may require that notice of the 
interim suspension be posted at the Board and the Immigration Courts, or 
DHS, or all three authorities. Upon good cause shown, the adjudicating 
official may set aside an order of interim suspension when it appears in 
the interest of justice to do so. If a final order in the disciplinary 
proceedings includes the imposition of a period of suspension against an 
accredited representative, time spent by the representative under an 
interim suspension pursuant to this section may be credited toward the 
period of suspension imposed under the final order.

[81 FR 92365, Dec. 19, 2016]

[[Page 973]]



                  SUBCHAPTER B_IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS





PART 1101_PRESUMPTION OF LAWFUL ADMISSION--Table of Contents



Sec.
1101.1 Presumption of lawful admission.
1101.2 Presumption of lawful admission; entry under erroneous name or 
          other errors.
1101.3 Creation of record of lawful permanent resident status for person 
          born under diplomatic status in the United States.
1101.4 Registration procedure.
1101.5 Special immigrant status for certain G-4 nonimmigrants.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: Duplicated from part 101 at 68 FR 9832, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1101 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1101.1  Presumption of lawful admission.

    A member of the following classes shall be presumed to have been 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence even though a record of his 
admission cannot be found, except as otherwise provided in this section, 
unless he abandoned his lawful permanent resident status or subsequently 
lost that status by operation of law:
    (a) Prior to June 30, 1906. An alien who establishes that he entered 
the United States prior to June 30, 1906.
    (b) United States land borders. An alien who establishes that, while 
a citizen of Canada or Newfoundland, he entered the United States across 
the Canadian border prior to October 1, 1906; an alien who establishes 
that while a citizen of Mexico he entered the United States across the 
Mexican border prior to July 1, 1908; an alien who establishes that, 
while a citizen of Mexico, he entered the United States at the port of 
Presidio, Texas, prior to October 21, 1918, and an alien for whom a 
record of his actual admission to the United States does not exist but 
who establishes that he gained admission to the United States prior to 
July 1, 1924, pursuant to preexamination at a United States immigration 
station in Canada and that a record of such preexamination exists.
    (c) Virgin Islands. An alien who establishes that he entered the 
Virgin Islands of the United States prior to July 1, 1938, even though a 
record of his admission prior to that date exists as a non-immigrant 
under the Immigration Act of 1924.
    (d) Asiatic barred zone. An alien who establishes that he is of a 
race indigenous to, and a native of a country within, the Asiatic zone 
defined in section 3 of the Act of February 5, 1917, as amended, that he 
was a member of a class of aliens exempted from exclusion by the 
provisions of that section, and that he entered the United States prior 
to July 1, 1924, provided that a record of his admission exists.
    (e) Chinese and Japanese aliens--(1) Prior to July 1, 1924. A 
Chinese alien for whom there exists a record of his admission to the 
United States prior to July 1, 1924, under the laws and regulations 
formerly applicable to Chinese and who establishes that at the time of 
his admission he was a merchant, teacher, or student, and his son or 
daughter under 21 or wife accompanying or following to join him; a 
traveler for curiosity or pleasure and his accompanying son or daughter 
under 21 or accompanying wife; a wife of a United States citizen; a 
returning laborer; and a person erroneously admitted as a United States 
citizen under section 1993 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, 
as amended, his father not having resided in the United States prior to 
his birth.
    (2) On or after July 1, 1924. A Chinese alien for whom there exists 
a record of his admission to the United States as a member of one of the 
following classes; an alien who establishes that he was readmitted 
between July 1, 1924, and December 16, 1943, inclusive, as a returning 
Chinese laborer who acquired lawful permanent residence prior to July 1, 
1924; a person erroneously admitted between July 1, 1924, and June 6, 
1927, inclusive, as a United States citizen under section 1993 of the 
Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended, his father not having 
resided in the United States prior to his birth; an alien admitted at 
any time after

[[Page 974]]

June 30, 1924, under section 4 (b) or (d) of the Immigration Act of 
1924; an alien wife of a United States citizen admitted between June 13, 
1930, and December 16, 1943, inclusive, under section 4(a) of the 
Immigration Act of 1924; an alien admitted on or after December 17, 
1943, under section 4(f) of the Immigration Act of 1924; an alien 
admitted on or after December 17, 1943, under section 317(c) of the 
Nationality Act of 1940, as amended; an alien admitted on or after 
December 17, 1943, as a preference or nonpreference quota immigrant 
pursuant to section 2 of that act; and a Chinese or Japanese alien 
admitted to the United States between July 1, 1924, and December 23, 
1952, both dates inclusive, as the wife or minor son or daughter of a 
treaty merchant admitted before July 1, 1924, if the husband-father was 
lawfully admitted to the United States as a treaty merchant before July 
1, 1924, or, while maintaining another status under which he was 
admitted before that date, and his status changed to that of a treaty 
merchant or treaty trader after that date, and was maintaining the 
changed status at the time his wife or minor son or daughter entered the 
United States.
    (f) Citizens of the Philippine Islands--(1) Entry prior to May 1, 
1934. An alien who establishes that he entered the United States prior 
to May 1, 1934, and that he was on the date of his entry a citizen of 
the Philippine Islands, provided that for the purpose of petitioning for 
naturalization he shall not be regarded as having been lawfully admitted 
for permanent residence unless he was a citizen of the Commonwealth of 
the Philippines on July 2, 1946.
    (2) Entry between May 1, 1934, and July 3, 1946. An alien who 
establishes that he entered Hawaii between May 1, 1934, and July 3, 
1946, inclusive, under the provisions of the last sentence of section 
8(a)(1) of the Act of March 24, 1934, as amended, that he was a citizen 
of the Philippine Islands when he entered, and that a record of such 
entry exists.
    (g) Temporarily admitted aliens. The following aliens who when 
admitted expressed an intention to remain in the United States 
temporarily or to pass in transit through the United States, for whom 
records of admission exist, but who remained in the United States: An 
alien admitted prior to June 3, 1921, except if admitted temporarily 
under the 9th proviso to section 3 of the Immigration Act of 1917, or as 
an accredited official of a foreign government, his suite, family, or 
guest, or as a seaman in pursuit of his calling; an alien admitted under 
the Act of May 19, 1921, as amended, who was admissible for permanent 
residence under that Act notwithstanding the quota limitation's thereof 
and his accompanying wife or unmarried son or daughter under 21 who was 
admissible for permanent residence under that Act notwithstanding the 
quota limitations thereof; and an alien admitted under the Act of May 
19, 1921, as amended, who was charged under that Act to the proper quota 
at the time of his admission or subsequently and who remained so 
charged.
    (h) Citizens of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands who 
entered Guam prior to December 24, 1952. An alien who establishes that 
while a citizen of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands he entered 
Guam prior to December 24, 1952, by records, such as Service records 
subsequent to June 15, 1952, records of the Guamanian Immigration 
Service, records of the Navy or Air Force, or records of contractors of 
those agencies, and was residing in Guam on December 24, 1952.
    (i) Aliens admitted to Guam. An alien who establishes that he was 
admitted to Guam prior to December 24, 1952, by records such as Service 
records subsequent to June 15, 1952, records of the Guamanian 
Immigration Service, records of the Navy or Air Force, or records of 
contractors of those agencies; that he was not excludable under the Act 
of February 5, 1917, as amended; and that he continued to reside in Guam 
until December 24, 1952, and thereafter was not admitted or readmitted 
into Guam as a nonimmigrant, provided that the provisions of this 
paragraph shall not apply to an alien who was exempted from the contract 
laborer provisions of section 3 of the Immigration Act of February 5, 
1917, as amended, through the exercise, expressly or impliedly, of the 
4th or 9th provisos to section 3 of that act.
    (j) Erroneous admission as United States citizens or as children of 
citizens. (1)(i) An alien for whom there exists a

[[Page 975]]

record of admission prior to September 11, 1957, as a United States 
citizen who establishes that at the time of such admission he was the 
child of a United States citizen parent; he was erroneously issued a 
United States passport or included in the United States passport of his 
citizen parent accompanying him or to whom he was destined; no fraud or 
misrepresentation was practiced by him in the issuance of the passport 
or in gaining admission; he was otherwise admissible at the time of 
entry except for failure to meet visa or passport requirements; and he 
has maintained a residence in the United States since the date of 
admission, or (ii) an alien who meets all of the foregoing requirements 
except that if he were, in fact, a citizen of the United States a 
passport would not have been required, or it had been individually 
waived, and was erroneously admitted as a United States citizen by a 
Service officer. For the purposes of all of the foregoing, the terms 
child and parent shall be defined as in section 101(b) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
    (2) An alien admitted to the United States before July 1, 1948, in 
possession of a section 4(a) 1924 Act nonquota immigration visa issued 
in accordance with State Department regulations, including a child of a 
United States citizen after he reached the age of 21, in the absence of 
fraud or misrepresentation; a member of a naturalized person's family 
who was admitted to the United States as a United States citizen or as a 
section 4(a) 1924 Act nonquota immigrant on the basis of that 
naturalization, unless he knowingly participated in the unlawful 
naturalization of the parent or spouse rendered void by cancellation, or 
knew at any time prior to his admission to the United States of the 
cancellation; and a member of a naturalized person's family who knew at 
any time prior to his admission to the United States of the cancellation 
of the naturalization of his parent or spouse but was admitted to the 
United States as a United States citizen pursuant to a State Department 
or Service determination based upon a then prevailing administrative 
view, provided the State Department or Service knew of the cancellation.

[23 FR 9119, Nov. 26, 1958, as amended at 24 FR 2583, Apr. 3, 1959; 24 
FR 6476, Aug. 12, 1959; 25 FR 581, Jan. 23, 1960; 31 FR 535, Jan. 15, 
1966]



Sec.  1101.2  Presumption of lawful admission; entry under erroneous name 
or other errors.

    An alien who entered the United States as either an immigrant or 
nonimmigrant under any of the following circumstances shall be regarded 
as having been lawfully admitted in such status, except as otherwise 
provided in this part: An alien otherwise admissible whose entry was 
made and recorded under other than his full true and correct name or 
whose entry record contains errors in recording sex, names of relatives, 
or names of foreign places of birth or residence, provided that he 
establishes by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence that the 
record of the claimed admission relates to him, and, if entry occurred 
on or after May 22, 1918, if under other than his full, true and correct 
name that he also establishes that the name was not adopted for the 
purpose of concealing his identity when obtaining a passport or visa, or 
for the purpose of using the passport or visa of another person or 
otherwise evading any provision of the immigration laws, and that the 
name used at the time of entry was one by which he had been known for a 
sufficient length of time prior to making application for a passport or 
visa to have permitted the issuing authority or authorities to have made 
any necessary investigation concerning him or that his true identity was 
known to such officials.

[32 FR 9622, July 4, 1967]



Sec.  1101.3  Creation of record of lawful permanent resident status 
for person born under diplomatic status in the United States.

    (a) Person born to foreign diplomat--(1) Status of person. A person 
born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic officer accredited to 
the United States, as a matter of international law, is not subject to 
the jurisdiction of the United States. That person is not a

[[Page 976]]

United States citizen under the Fourteenth Amendment to the 
Constitution. Such a person may be considered a lawful permanent 
resident at birth.
    (2) Definition of foreign diplomatic officer. Foreign diplomatic 
officer means a person listed in the State Department Diplomatic List, 
also known as the Blue List. It includes ambassadors, ministers, 
charg[eacute]s d'affaires, counselors, secretaries and attach[eacute]s 
of embassies and legations as well as members of the Delegation of the 
Commission of the European Communities. The term also includes 
individuals with comparable diplomatic status and immunities who are 
accredited to the United Nations or to the Organization of American 
States, and other individuals who are also accorded comparable 
diplomatic status.
    (b) Child born subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. A 
child born in the United States is born subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States and is a United States citizen if the parent is not a 
``foreign diplomatic officer'' as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section. This includes, for example, a child born in the United States 
to one of the following foreign government officials or employees:
    (1) Employees of foreign diplomatic missions whose names appear in 
the State Department list entitled ``Employees of Diplomatic Missions 
Not Printed in the Diplomatic List,'' also known as the White List; 
employees of foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the United 
Nations or the Organization of American States; or foreign diplomats 
accredited to other foreign states. The majority of these individuals 
enjoy certain diplomatic immunities, but they are not ``foreign 
diplomatic officers'' as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. 
The immunities, if any, of their family members are derived from the 
status of the employees or diplomats.
    (2) Foreign government employees with limited or no diplomatic 
immunity such as consular officials named on the State Department list 
entitled ``Foreign Consular Officers in the United States'' and their 
staffs.
    (c) Voluntary registration as lawful permanent resident of person 
born to foreign diplomat. Since a person born in the United States to a 
foreign diplomatic officer is not subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States, his/her registration as a lawful permanent resident of 
the United States is voluntary. The provisions of section 262 of the Act 
do not apply to such a person unless and until that person ceases to 
have the rights, privileges, exemptions, or immunities which may be 
claimed by a foreign diplomatic officer.
    (d) Retention of lawful permanent residence. To be eligible for 
lawful permanent resident status under paragraph (a) of this section, an 
alien must establish that he/she has not abandoned his/her residence in 
the United States. One of the tests for retention of lawful permanent 
resident status is continuous residence, not continuous physical 
presence, in the United States. Such a person will not be considered to 
have abandoned his/her residence in the United States solely by having 
been admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant classification 
under paragraph (15)(A) or (15)(G) of section 101(a) of the Act after a 
temporary stay in a foreign country or countries on one or several 
occasions.

(Secs. 101(a)(20), 103, 262, 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
as amended; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), 1103, 1302, 1304)

[47 FR 940, Jan. 8, 1982]



Sec.  1101.4  Registration procedure.

    The procedure for an application for creation of a record of lawful 
permanent residence and a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, for a 
person eligible for presumption of lawful admission for permanent 
residence under Sec.  1101.1 or Sec.  1101.2 or for lawful permanent 
residence as a person born in the United States to a foreign diplomatic 
officer under Sec.  1101.3 is described in Sec.  264.2 of 8 CFR chapter 
1.

(Secs. 101(a)(20), 103, 262, 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 
as amended; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), 1103, 1302, 1304)

[47 FR 941, Jan. 8, 1982, as amended at 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 68 
FR 10351, Mar. 5, 2003]



Sec.  1101.5  Special immigrant status for certain G-4 nonimmigrants.

    (a) Application. An application for adjustment to special immigrant 
status under section 101(a)(27)(I) of the INA

[[Page 977]]

shall be made on Form I-485. The application date of the I-485 shall be 
the date of acceptance by the Service as properly filed. If the 
application date is other than the fee receipt date it must be noted and 
initialed by a Service officer. The date of application for adjustment 
of status is the closing date for computing the residence and physical 
presence requirement. The applicant must have complied with all 
requirements as of the date of application.
    (b) Documentation. All documents must be submitted in accordance 
with Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter. The application shall be 
accompanied by documentary evidence establishing the aggregate residence 
and physical presence required. Documentary evidence may include 
official employment verification, records of official or personnel 
transactions or recordings of events occurring during the period of 
claimed residence and physical presence. Affidavits of credible 
witnesses may also be accepted. Persons unable to furnish evidence in 
their own names may furnish evidence in the names of parents or other 
persons with whom they have been living, if affidavits of the parents or 
other persons are submitted attesting to the claimed residence and 
physical presence. The claimed family relationship to the principle G-4 
international organization officer or employee must be substantiated by 
the submission of verifiable civil documents.
    (c) Residence and physical presence requirements. All applicants 
applying under sections 101(a)(27)(I) (i), (ii), and (iii) of the INA 
must have resided and been physically present in the United States for a 
designated period of time.
    For purposes of this section only, an absence from the United States 
to conduct official business on behalf of the employing organization, or 
approved customary leave shall not be subtracted from the aggregated 
period of required residence or physical presence for the current or 
former G-4 officer or employee or the accompanying spouse and unmarried 
sons or daughters of such officer or employee, provided residence in the 
United States is maintained during such absences, and the duty station 
of the principle G-4 nonimmigrant continues to be in the United States. 
Absence from the United States by the G-4 spouse or unmarried son or 
daughter without the principle G-4 shall not be subtracted from the 
aggregate period of residence and physical presence if on customary 
leave as recognized by the international organization employer. Absence 
by the unmarried son or daughter while enrolled in a school outside the 
United States will not be counted toward the physical presence 
requirement.
    (d) Maintenance of nonimmigrant status. Section 101(a)(27)(I) (i), 
and (ii) requires the applicant to accrue the required period of 
residence and physical presence in the United States while maintaining 
status as a G-4 or N nonimmigrant. Section 101(a)(27)(I)(iii) requires 
such time accrued only in G-4 nonimmigrant status.
    Maintaining G-4 status for this purpose is defined as maintaining 
qualified employment with a ``G'' international organization or 
maintaining the qualifying family relationship with the G-4 
international organization officer or employee. Maintaining status as an 
N nonimmigrant for this purpose requires the qualifying family 
relationship to remain in effect. Unauthorized employment will not 
remove an otherwise eligible alien from G-4 status for residence and 
physical presence requirements, provided the qualifying G-4 status is 
maintained.

[54 FR 5927, Feb. 7, 1989]



PART 1103_APPEALS, RECORDS, AND FEES--Table of Contents



Sec.
1103.3 Denials, appeals, and precedent decisions.
1103.4 Certifications.
1103.7 Fees.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1304, 1356; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 28 
U.S.C. 509, 510.

    Source: 40 FR 44481, Sept. 26, 1975, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 103 at 68 FR 9833, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1103 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10351, Mar. 5, 2003.

[[Page 978]]



Sec.  1103.3  Denials, appeals, and precedent decisions.

    (a) DHS regulations. The regulations pertaining to denials, appeals, 
and precedent decisions of the Department of Homeland Security are 
contained in 8 CFR Chapter I.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) DHS precedent decisions. The Secretary of Homeland Security, or 
specific officials of the Department of Homeland Security designated by 
the Secretary with the concurrence of the Attorney General, may file 
with the Attorney General decisions relating to the administration of 
the immigration laws of the United States for publication as precedent 
in future proceedings, and upon approval of the Attorney General as to 
the lawfulness of such decision, the Director of the Executive Office 
for Immigration Review shall cause such decisions to be published in the 
same manner as decisions of the Board and the Attorney General.

[31 FR 3062, Feb. 24, 1966, as amended at 37 FR 927, Jan. 21, 1972; 48 
FR 36441, Aug. 11, 1983; 49 FR 7355, Feb. 29, 1984; 52 FR 16192, May 1, 
1987; 54 FR 29881, July 17, 1989; 55 FR 20769, 20775, May 21, 1990; 55 
FR 23345, June 7, 1990; 57 FR 11573, Apr. 6, 1992; 68 FR 9832, Feb. 28, 
2003; 81 FR 92366, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1103.4  Certifications.

    (a) Certification of other than special agricultural worker and 
legalization cases--(1) General. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's 
delegate may direct that any case or class of cases be certified to 
another Service official for decision. In addition, regional 
commissioners, regional service center directors, district directors, 
officers in charge in districts 33 (Bangkok, Thailand), 35 (Mexico City, 
Mexico), and 37 (Rome, Italy), and the Director, National Fines Office, 
may certify their decisions to the appropriate appellate authority (as 
designated in this chapter) when the case involves an unusually complex 
or novel issue of law or fact.
    (2) Notice to affected party. When a case is certified to a Service 
officer, the official certifying the case shall notify the affected 
party using a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C). The affected party 
may submit a brief to the officer to whom the case is certified within 
30 days after service of the notice. If the affected party does not wish 
to submit a brief, the affected party may waive the 30-day period.
    (3) Favorable action. The Service officer to whom a case is 
certified may suspend the 30-day period for submission of a brief if 
that officer takes action favorable to the affected party.
    (4) Initial decision. A case within the appellate jurisdiction of 
the Associate Commissioner, Examinations, or for which there is no 
appeal procedure may be certified only after an initial decision is 
made.
    (5) Certification to AAU. A case described in paragraph (a)(4) of 
this section may be certified to the AAU.
    (6) Appeal to Board. In a case within the Board's appellate 
jurisdiction, an unfavorable decision of the Service official to whom 
the case is certified (whether made initially or upon review) is the 
decision which may be appealed to the Board under Sec.  1003.1(b) of 
this chapter.
    (7) Other applicable provisions. The provisions of Sec.  
1103.3(a)(2)(x) of this part also apply to decisions on certified cases. 
The provisions of Sec.  1103.3(b) of this part also apply to requests 
for oral argument regarding certified cases considered by the AAU.
    (b) Certification of denials of special agricultural worker and 
legalization applications. The Regional Processing Facility director or 
the district director may, in accordance with paragraph (a) of this 
section, certify a decision to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations 
(Administrative Appeals Unit) (the appellate authority designated in 
Sec.  103.1(f)(2)) of this part, when the case involves an unusually 
complex or novel question of law or fact.

[52 FR 661, Jan. 8, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 43985, Oct. 31, 1988; 55 
FR 20770, May 21, 1990]



Sec.  1103.7  Fees.

    (a) Remittances--(1) In general. Fees shall be submitted in 
connection with any formal appeal, motion, or application prescribed in 
this chapter in the amount prescribed by law or regulation. Payment of 
any fee under this section does not constitute filing of the appeal, 
motion, or application with the Board of Immigration Appeals or with the 
immigration court.

[[Page 979]]

    (2) Board of Immigration Appeals. The fee for filing an appeal or a 
motion with the Board of Immigration Appeals shall be paid pursuant to 
the provisions of 8 CFR 1003.8 when a fee is required.
    (3) All other fees payable in connection with immigration 
proceedings. Except as provided in 8 CFR 1003.8, the Executive Office 
for Immigration Review does not accept the payment of any fee relating 
to Executive Office for Immigration Review proceedings. Instead, such 
fees, when required, shall be paid to, and accepted by, an office of the 
Department of Homeland Security authorized to accept fees, as provided 
in 8 CFR 103.7(a)(1). The Department of Homeland Security shall return 
to the payer, at the time of payment, a receipt for any fee paid, and 
shall also return to the payer any documents, submitted with the fee, 
relating to any immigration proceeding. The fee receipt and the 
application or motion shall then be submitted to the Executive Office 
for Immigration Review. If the payer has paid any required fee but has 
not received the fee receipt from the Department of Homeland Security by 
the deadline set by the immigration judge, the payer must instead 
provide to the immigration court a copy of proof of the payment to the 
Department of Homeland Security with the filing. The payer must then 
submit a copy of the fee receipt by a new deadline set by the 
immigration judge. If the immigration judge does not set a deadline, the 
alien must submit the fee receipt no later than 45 days after the date 
of filing of the application. Remittances to the Department of Homeland 
Security for applications, motions, or forms filed in connection with 
immigration proceedings shall be payable subject to the provisions of 8 
CFR 103.7(a)(2).
    (b) Amounts of fees--(1) Appeals. For filing an appeal to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals, when a fee is required pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.8, 
as follows:
    Form EOIR-26. For filing an appeal from a decision of an immigration 
judge--$975.
    Form EOIR-29. For filing an appeal from a decision of an officer of 
the Department of Homeland Security--$705.
    Form EOIR-45. For filing an appeal from a decision of an 
adjudicating official in a practitioner disciplinary case--$675.
    (2) Motions. For filing a motion to reopen or a motion to 
reconsider, when a fee is required pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.8 or 1003.24, 
as follows:
    Motion to reopen or motion to reconsider before the immigration 
court--$145.
    Motion to reopen or motion to reconsider before the Board of 
Immigration Appeals--$895.
    (3) Multiple parties. When an appeal or motion is filed on behalf of 
two or more aliens and the aliens are covered by one decision, only one 
fee is required.
    (4) Applications for Relief--(i) Forms published by the Executive 
Office for Immigration Review. Fees for applications for relief shall be 
paid in accordance with 8 CFR 1003.8(b) and 1003.24(c) as follows:
    Form EOIR-40. Application for Suspension of Deportation--$305.
    Form EOIR-42A. Application for Cancellation of Removal for Certain 
Permanent Residents--$305.
    Form EOIR-42B. Application for Cancellation of Removal and 
Adjustment of Status for Certain Nonpermanent Residents--$360.
    (ii) Forms published by the Department of Homeland Security. The 
fees for applications published by the Department of Homeland Security 
and used in immigration proceedings are governed by 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 
CFR part 106. Consistent with 8 CFR 106.2, no fee shall apply to a Form 
I-589 filed with an immigration judge for the sole purpose of seeking 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or protection 
under the Convention Against Torture regulations.
    (c) Fee waivers. For provisions relating to the authority of the 
Board or the immigration judges to waive any of the fees prescribed in 
paragraph (b) of this section, see 8 CFR 1003.8 and 1003.24. No waiver 
may be granted with respect to the fee prescribed for a Department of 
Homeland Security form or action that is identified as non-waivable in 
regulations of the Department of Homeland Security.
    (d) Requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act. Fees 
for production or disclosure of records under 5

[[Page 980]]

U.S.C. 552 may be waived or reduced in accordance with 28 CFR 16.10.

[69 FR 44907, July 28, 2004, as amended at 85 FR 81750, Dec. 16, 2020; 
85 FR 82793, Dec. 18, 2020; 86 FR 70723, Dec. 13, 2021]



PART 1204_IMMIGRANT PETITIONS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1151, 1153, 1154, 1182, 1186a, 1255, 
1641; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 68 FR 9833, Feb. 28, 2003, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1204.1  Single level of appellate review.

    The decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals concerning the 
denial of a relative visa petition under 8 CFR chapter I, part 204 
because the petitioner failed to establish eligibility for the bona fide 
marriage exemption contained in that part will constitute the single 
level of appellate review established by statute.



PART 1205_REVOCATION OF APPROVAL OF PETITIONS--Table of Contents



Sec.
1205.1 Automatic revocation.
1205.2 Revocation on notice.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1151, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1182, and 
1186a.

    Source: Duplicated from part 205 at 68 FR 9833, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1205 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1205.1  Automatic revocation.

    (a) Reasons for automatic revocation. The approval of a petition or 
self-petition made under section 204 of the Act and in accordance with 
part 204 of 8 CFR chapter I is revoked as of the date of approval:
    (1) If the Secretary of State shall terminate the registration of 
the beneficiary pursuant to the provisions of section 203(e) of the Act 
before October 1, 1991, or section 203(g) of the Act on or after October 
1, 1994;
    (2) If the filing fee and associated service charge are not paid 
within 14 days of the notification to the remitter that his or her check 
or other financial instrument used to pay the filing fee has been 
returned as not payable; or
    (3) If any of the following circumstances occur before the 
beneficiary's or self-petitioner's journey to the United States 
commences or, if the beneficiary or self-petitioner is an applicant for 
adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident, before the 
decision on his or her adjustment application becomes final:
    (i) Immediate relative and family-sponsored petitions, other than 
Amerasian petitions. (A) Upon written notice of withdrawal filed by the 
petitioner or self-petitioner with any officer of the Service who is 
authorized to grant or deny petitions.
    (B) Upon the death of the beneficiary or the self-petitioner.
    (C) Upon the death of the petitioner, except as provided for in 8 
CFR 205.1(a)(3)(i)(C).
    (D) Upon the legal termination of the marriage when a citizen or 
lawful permanent resident of the United States has petitioned to accord 
his or her spouse immediate relative or family-sponsored preference 
immigrant classification under section 201(b) or section 203(a)(2) of 
the Act. The approval of a spousal self-petition based on the 
relationship to an abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident of the 
United States filed under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) 
of the Act, however, will not be revoked solely because of the 
termination of the marriage to the abuser.
    (E) Upon the remarriage of the spouse of an abusive citizen or 
lawful permanent resident of the United States when the spouse has self-
petitioned under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the 
Act for immediate relative classification under section 201(b) of the 
Act or for preference classification under section 203(a)(2) of the Act.
    (F) Upon a child reaching the age of 21, when he or she has been 
accorded immediate relative status under section 201(b) of the Act. A 
petition filed on behalf of a child under section 204(a)(1)(A)(i) of the 
Act or a self-petition filed by a child of an abusive United States 
citizen under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Act, however, will remain 
valid for the duration of the relationship to accord preference status 
under section 203(a)(1) of the Act if the

[[Page 981]]

beneficiary remains unmarried, or to accord preference status under 
section 203(a)(3) of the Act if he or she marries.
    (G) Upon the marriage of a child, when he or she has been accorded 
immediate relative status under section 201(b) of the Act. A petition 
filed on behalf of the child under section 204(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Act or 
a self-petition filed by a child of an abusive United States citizen 
under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Act, however, will remain valid 
for the duration of the relationship to accord preference status under 
section 203(a)(3) of the Act if he or she marries.
    (H) Upon the marriage of a person accorded preference status as a 
son or daughter of a United States citizen under section 203(a)(1) of 
the Act. A petition filed on behalf of the son or daughter, however, 
will remain valid for the duration of the relationship to accord 
preference status under section 203(a)(3) of the Act.
    (I) Upon the marriage of a person accorded status as a son or 
daughter of a lawful permanent resident alien under section 203(a)(2) of 
the Act.
    (J) Upon legal termination of the petitioner's status as an alien 
admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States unless the 
petitioner became a United States citizen. The provisions of 8 CFR 
204.2(i)(3) shall apply if the petitioner became a United States 
citizen.
    (ii) Petition for Pub. L. 97-359 Amerasian. (A) Upon formal notice 
of withdrawal filed by the petitioner with the officer who approved the 
petition.
    (B) Upon the death of the beneficiary.
    (C) Upon the death or bankruptcy of the sponsor who executed Form I-
361, Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal 
Custody for Pub. L. 97-359 Amerasian. In that event, a new petition may 
be filed in the beneficiary's behalf with the documentary evidence 
relating to sponsorship and, in the case of a beneficiary under 18 years 
of age, placement. If the new petition is approved, it will be given the 
priority date of the previously approved petition.
    (D) Upon the death or substitution of the petitioner if other than 
the beneficiary or sponsor. However, if the petitioner dies or no longer 
desires or is able to proceed with the petition, and another person 18 
years of age or older, an emancipated minor, or a corporation 
incorporated in the United States desires to be substituted for the 
deceased or original petitioner, a written request may be submitted to 
the Service or American consular office where the petition is located to 
reinstate the petition and restore the original priority date.
    (E) Upon the beneficiary's reaching the age of 21 when the 
beneficiary has been accorded classification under section 201(b) of the 
Act. Provided that all requirements of section 204(f) of the Act 
continue to be met, however, the petition is to be considered valid for 
purposes of according the beneficiary preference classification under 
section 203(a)(1) of the Act if the beneficiary remains unmarried or 
under section 203(a)(3) if the beneficiary marries.
    (F) Upon the beneficiary's marriage when the beneficiary has been 
accorded classification under section 201(b) or section 203(a)(1) of the 
Act. Provided that all requirements of section 204(f) of the Act 
continue to be met, however, the petition is to be considered valid for 
purposes of according the beneficiary preference classification under 
section 203(a)(3) of the Act.
    (iii) Petitions under section 203(b), other than special immigrant 
juvenile petitions. (A) Upon invalidation pursuant to 20 CFR Part 656 of 
the labor certification in support of the petition.
    (B) Upon the death of the petitioner or beneficiary.
    (C) Upon written notice of withdrawal filed by the petitioner, in 
employment-based preference cases, with any officer of the Service who 
is authorized to grant or deny petitions.
    (D) Upon termination of the employer's business in an employment-
based preference case under section 203(b)(1)(B), 203(b)(1)(C), 
203(b)(2), or 203(b)(3) of the Act.
    (iv) Special immigrant juvenile petitions. Unless the beneficiary 
met all of the eligibility requirements as of November 29, 1990, and the 
petition requirements as of November 29, 1990, and the petition for 
classification as a special immigrant juvenile was filed before June 1, 
1994, or unless the change in circumstances resulted from the

[[Page 982]]

beneficiary's adoption or placement in a guardianship situation:
    (A) Upon the beneficiary reaching the age of 21;
    (B) Upon the marriage of the beneficiary;
    (C) Upon the termination of the beneficiary's dependency upon the 
juvenile court;
    (D) Upon the termination of the beneficiary's eligibility for long-
term foster care; or
    (E) Upon the determination in administrative or judicial proceedings 
that it is in the beneficiary's best interest to be returned to the 
country of nationality or last habitual residence of the beneficiary or 
of his or her parent or parents.
    (b) Notice. When it shall appear to the director that the approval 
of a petition has been automatically revoked, he or she shall cause a 
notice of such revocation to be sent promptly to the consular office 
having jurisdiction over the visa application and a copy of such notice 
to be mailed to the petitioner's last known address.

[61 FR 13077, Mar. 26, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 10352, Mar. 5, 2003; 71 
FR 35757, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  1205.2  Revocation on notice.

    (a) General. Any Service officer authorized to approve a petition 
under section 204 of the Act may revoke the approval of that petition 
upon notice to the petitioner on any ground other than those specified 
in Sec.  1205.1 when the necessity for the revocation comes to the 
attention of this Service.
    (b) Notice of intent. Revocation of the approval of a petition of 
self-petition under paragraph (a) of this section will be made only on 
notice to the petitioner or self-petitioner. The petitioner or self-
petitioner must be given the opportunity to offer evidence in support of 
the petition or self-petition and in opposition to the grounds alleged 
for revocation of the approval.
    (c) Notification of revocation. If, upon reconsideration, the 
approval previously granted is revoked, the director shall provide the 
petitioner or the self-petitioner with a written notification of the 
decision that explains the specific reasons for the revocation. The 
director shall notify the consular officer having jurisdiction over the 
visa application, if applicable, of the revocation of an approval.
    (d) Appeals. The petitioner or self-petitioner may appeal the 
decision to revoke the approval within 15 days after the service of 
notice of the revocation. The appeal must be filed as provided in part 
1003 of this chapter, unless the Associate Commissioner for Examinations 
exercises appellate jurisdiction over the revocation under part 103 of 8 
CFR chapter I. Appeals filed with the Associate Commissioner for 
Examinations must meet the requirements of part 103 of this chapter.

[48 FR 19156, Apr. 28, 1983, as amended at 58 FR 42851, Aug. 12, 1993; 
61 FR 13078, Mar. 26, 1996; 68 FR 10352, Mar. 5, 2003]



PART 1207_ADMISSION OF REFUGEES--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1151, 1157, 1159, 1182; 8 CFR part 
2.



Sec.  1207.3  Waivers of inadmissibility.

    (a) Authority. Section 207(c)(3) of the Act sets forth grounds of 
inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act which are not applicable 
and those which may be waived in the case of an otherwise qualified 
refugee and the conditions under which such waivers may be approved. 
Officers in charge of overseas offices are delegated authority to 
initiate the necessary investigations to establish the facts in each 
waiver application pending before them and to approve or deny such 
waivers.
    (b) Filing requirements. The applicant for a waiver must submit Form 
I-602, Application by Refugee for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, 
with the Service office processing his or her case. The burden is on the 
applicant to show that the waiver should be granted based upon 
humanitarian grounds, family unity, or the public interest. The 
applicant shall be notified in writing of the decision, including the 
reasons for denial, if the application is denied. There is no appeal 
from such decision.

[62 FR 10336, Mar. 6, 1997. Duplicated from Sec.  207.3 at 68 FR 9833, 
Feb. 28, 2003]

[[Page 983]]



PART 1208_PROCEDURES FOR ASYLUM AND WITHHOLDING OF REMOVAL--Table of Contents



               Subpart A_Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Sec.
1208.1 General.
1208.2 Jurisdiction.
1208.3 Form of application.
1208.4 Filing the application.
1208.5 Special duties toward aliens in custody of DHS.
1208.6 Disclosure to third parties.
1208.7 [Reserved]
1208.8 Limitations on travel outside the United States.
1208.9 [Reserved]
1208.10 Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing before an immigration 
          judge; failure to follow requirements for biometrics and other 
          biographical information processing.
1208.11 Comments from the Department of State.
1208.12 Reliance on information compiled by other sources.
1208.13 Establishing asylum eligibility.
1208.14 Approval, denial, referral, or dismissal of application.
1208.15 Definition of ``firm resettlement.''
1208.16 Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act and 
          withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture.
1208.17 Deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture.
1208.18 Implementation of the Convention Against Torture.
1208.19 [Reserved]
1208.20 Determining if an asylum application is frivolous.
1208.21 Admission of the asylee's spouse and children.
1208.22 Effect on exclusion, deportation, and removal proceedings.
1208.23 Restoration of status.
1208.24 Termination of asylum or withholding of removal or deportation.
1208.25 Severability.
1208.26-1208.29 [Reserved]

                 Subpart B_Credible Fear of Persecution

1208.30 Credible fear determinations involving stowaways and applicants 
          for admission who are found inadmissible pursuant to section 
          212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act.
1208.31 Reasonable fear of persecution or torture determinations 
          involving aliens ordered removed under section 238(b) of the 
          Act and aliens whose removal is reinstated under section 
          241(a)(5) of the Act.

Subpart C_Lawful Pathways and Asylum Eligibility for Certain Aliens Who 
             Entered Between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025

1208.33 Lawful pathways condition on asylum eligibility.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1158, 1226, 1252, 1282; Title VII of 
Pub. L. 110-229; Pub. L. 115-218.

    Source: 62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 208 at 68 FR 9834, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1208 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10352, Mar. 5, 2003.



               Subpart A_Asylum and Withholding of Removal



Sec.  1208.1  General.

    (a) Applicability--(1) In general. Unless otherwise provided in this 
chapter V, this subpart A shall apply to all applications for asylum 
under section 208 of the Act or for withholding of deportation or 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or under the 
Convention Against Torture, whether before an asylum officer or an 
immigration judge, regardless of the date of filing. For purposes of 
this chapter V, withholding of removal shall also mean withholding of 
deportation under section 243(h) of the Act, as it appeared prior to 
April 1, 1997, except as provided in Sec.  1208.16(d). Such applications 
are hereinafter referred to as ``asylum applications.'' The provisions 
of this part shall not affect the finality or validity of any decision 
made by a district director, an immigration judge, or the Board of 
Immigration Appeals in any such case prior to April 1, 1997. No asylum 
application that was filed with a district director, asylum officer, or 
immigration judge prior to April 1, 1997, may be reopened or otherwise 
reconsidered under the provisions of this part except by motion granted 
in the exercise of discretion by the Board of Immigration Appeals, an 
immigration judge, or an asylum officer for proper cause shown. Motions 
to reopen or reconsider must meet the requirements of sections 240(c)(6) 
and

[[Page 984]]

(c)(7) of the Act, and 8 CFR parts 1003 and 1103, where applicable.
    (2) Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The provisions of 
this subpart A shall not apply prior to January 1, 2030, to an alien 
physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands seeking to apply for asylum. No application for asylum 
may be filed prior to January 1, 2030, pursuant to section 208 of the 
Act by an alien physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands. Effective on the transition program 
effective date, the provisions of this subpart A shall apply to aliens 
physically present in or arriving in the CNMI with respect to 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and 
withholding and deferral of removal under the Convention Against 
Torture.
    (b) Training of asylum officers. The Director of International 
Affairs shall ensure that asylum officers receive special training in 
international human rights law, nonadversarial interview techniques, and 
other relevant national and international refugee laws and principles. 
The Director of International Affairs shall also, in cooperation with 
the Department of State and other appropriate sources, compile and 
disseminate to asylum officers information concerning the persecution of 
persons in other countries on account of race, religion, nationality, 
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, torture 
of persons in other countries, and other information relevant to asylum 
determinations, and shall maintain a documentation center with 
information on human rights conditions.
    (c) Particular social group. For purposes of adjudicating an 
application for asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application 
for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, a 
particular social group is one that is based on an immutable or 
fundamental characteristic, is defined with particularity, and is 
recognized as socially distinct in the society at question. Such a 
particular social group cannot be defined exclusively by the alleged 
persecutory acts or harm and must also have existed independently of the 
alleged persecutory acts or harm that forms the basis of the claim. The 
Attorney General, in general, will not favorably adjudicate claims of 
aliens who claim a fear of persecution on account of membership in a 
particular social group consisting of or defined by the following 
circumstances: past or present criminal activity or association 
(including gang membership); presence in a country with generalized 
violence or a high crime rate; being the subject of a recruitment effort 
by criminal, terrorist, or persecutory groups; the targeting of the 
applicant for criminal activity for financial gain based on perceptions 
of wealth or affluence; interpersonal disputes of which governmental 
authorities were unaware or uninvolved; private criminal acts of which 
governmental authorities were unaware or uninvolved; past or present 
terrorist activity or association; past or present persecutory activity 
or association; or, status as an alien returning from the United States. 
This list is nonexhaustive, and the substance of the alleged particular 
social group, rather than the precise form of its delineation, shall be 
considered in determining whether the group falls within one of the 
categories on the list. No alien shall be found to be a refugee or have 
it decided that the alien's life or freedom would be threatened based on 
membership in a particular social group in any case unless that person 
first articulates on the record, or provides a basis on the record for 
determining, the definition and boundaries of the alleged particular 
social group. A failure to define, or provide a basis for defining, a 
formulation of a particular social group before an immigration judge 
shall waive any such claim for all purposes under the Act, including on 
appeal. Any waived claim on this basis shall not serve as the basis for 
any motion to reopen or reconsider for any reason, including a claim of 
ineffective assistance of counsel unless the alien complies with the 
procedural requirements for such a motion and demonstrates that 
counsel's failure to define, or provide a basis for defining, a 
formulation of a particular social group was both not a strategic choice 
and constituted egregious conduct.
    (d) Political opinion. For purposes of adjudicating an application 
for asylum

[[Page 985]]

under section 208 of the Act or an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, a political opinion is one 
expressed by or imputed to an applicant in which the applicant possesses 
an ideal or conviction in support of the furtherance of a discrete cause 
related to political control of a State or a unit thereof. The Attorney 
General, in general, will not favorably adjudicate claims of aliens who 
claim a fear of persecution on account of a political opinion defined 
solely by generalized disapproval of, disagreement with, or opposition 
to criminal, terrorist, gang, guerilla, or other non-state organizations 
absent expressive behavior in furtherance of a cause against such 
organizations related to efforts by the State to control such 
organizations or behavior that is antithetical to or otherwise opposes 
the ruling legal entity of the State or a legal sub-unit of the State. A 
person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo 
involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for failure or 
refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance to a 
coercive population control program, shall be deemed to have been 
persecuted on account of political opinion, and a person who has a well-
founded fear that he or she will be forced to undergo such a procedure 
or subject to persecution for such failure, refusal, or resistance shall 
be deemed to have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of 
political opinion.
    (e) Persecution. For purposes of adjudicating an application for 
asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, persecution requires an 
intent to target a belief or characteristic, a severe level of harm, and 
the infliction of a severe level of harm by the government of a country 
or by persons or an organization that the government was unable or 
unwilling to control. For purposes of evaluating the severity of the 
level of harm, persecution is an extreme concept involving a severe 
level of harm that includes actions so severe that they constitute an 
exigent threat. Persecution does not encompass the generalized harm that 
arises out of civil, criminal, or military strife in a country, nor does 
it encompass all treatment that the United States regards as unfair, 
offensive, unjust, or even unlawful or unconstitutional. It does not 
include intermittent harassment, including brief detentions; threats 
with no actual effort to carry out the threats, except that 
particularized threats of a severe harm of immediate and menacing nature 
made by an identified entity may constitute persecution; or, non-severe 
economic harm or property damage, though this list is nonexhaustive. The 
existence of government laws or policies that are unenforced or 
infrequently enforced do not, by themselves, constitute persecution, 
unless there is credible evidence that those laws or policies have been 
or would be applied to an applicant personally.
    (f) Nexus. For purposes of adjudicating an application for asylum 
under section 208 of the Act or an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, the Attorney General, in 
general, will not favorably adjudicate the claims of aliens who claim 
persecution based on the following list of nonexhaustive circumstances:
    (1) Interpersonal animus or retribution;
    (2) Interpersonal animus in which the alleged persecutor has not 
targeted, or manifested an animus against, other members of an alleged 
particular social group in addition to the member who has raised the 
claim at issue;
    (3) Generalized disapproval of, disagreement with, or opposition to 
criminal, terrorist, gang, guerilla, or other non-state organizations 
absent expressive behavior in furtherance of a discrete cause against 
such organizations related to control of a State or expressive behavior 
that is antithetical to the State or a legal unit of the State;
    (4) Resistance to recruitment or coercion by guerilla, criminal, 
gang, terrorist or other non-state organizations;
    (5) The targeting of the applicant for criminal activity for 
financial gain based on wealth or affluence or perceptions of wealth or 
affluence;
    (6) Criminal activity;
    (7) Perceived, past or present, gang affiliation; or,
    (8) Gender.

[[Page 986]]

    (g) Evidence based on stereotypes. For purposes of adjudicating an 
application for asylum under section 208 of the Act or an application 
for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, evidence 
offered in support of such an application which promotes cultural 
stereotypes about a country, its inhabitants, or an alleged persecutor, 
including stereotypes based on race, religion, nationality, or gender, 
shall not be admissible in adjudicating that application, provided that 
nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting the 
submission of evidence that an alleged persecutor holds stereotypical 
views of the applicant.

[64 FR 8487, Feb. 19, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 55741, Oct. 28, 2009; 85 
FR 23904, Apr. 30, 2020; 85 FR 80394, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  1208.2  Jurisdiction.

    (a) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). (1) Except as 
provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, USCIS shall have 
initial jurisdiction over:
    (i) An asylum application filed by an alien physically present in 
the United States or seeking admission at a port-of-entry; and
    (ii) Interviews provided in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(B)(ii) 
of the Act to further consider the application for asylum of an alien, 
other than a stowaway, found to have a credible fear of persecution or 
torture in accordance with 8 CFR 208.30(f) and retained by USCIS, or 
referred to USCIS by an immigration judge pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1003.42 
of this chapter and 1208.30, after the immigration judge has vacated a 
negative credible fear determination. Interviews to further consider 
applications for asylum under this paragraph (a)(1)(ii) are governed by 
the procedures provided for under 8 CFR 208.9. Further consideration of 
an asylum application filed by a stowaway who has received a positive 
credible fear determination will be under the jurisdiction of an 
immigration judge pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) USCIS shall also have initial jurisdiction over credible fear 
determinations under 8 CFR 208.30 and reasonable fear determinations 
under 8 CFR 208.31.
    (b) Jurisdiction of Immigration Court in general. Immigration judges 
shall have exclusive jurisdiction over asylum applications filed by an 
alien who has been served a Form I-221, Order to Show Cause; Form I-122, 
Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for a Hearing before an 
Immigration Judge; or Form I-862, Notice to Appear, after the charging 
document has been filed with the Immigration Court. Immigration judges 
shall also have jurisdiction over any asylum applications filed prior to 
April 1, 1997, by alien crewmembers who have remained in the United 
States longer than authorized, by applicants for admission under the 
Visa Waiver Pilot Program, and by aliens who have been admitted to the 
United States under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Immigration judges 
shall also have the authority to review reasonable fear determinations 
referred to the Immigration Court under Sec.  1208.31, and credible fear 
determinations referred to the Immigration Court under Sec.  1208.30.
    (c) Certain aliens not entitled to proceedings under section 240 of 
the Act--(1) Asylum applications and withholding of removal applications 
only. After Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, has 
been filed with the Immigration Court, an immigration judge shall have 
exclusive jurisdiction over any asylum application filed on or after 
April 1, 1997, by:
    (i) An alien crewmember who:
    (A) Is an applicant for a landing permit;
    (B) Has been refused permission to land under section 252 of the 
Act; or
    (C) On or after April 1, 1997, was granted permission to land under 
section 252 of the Act, regardless of whether the alien has remained in 
the United States longer than authorized;
    (ii) An alien stowaway who has been found to have a credible fear of 
persecution or torture pursuant to the procedures set forth in subpart B 
of this part;
    (iii) An alien who is an applicant for admission pursuant to the 
Visa Waiver Program under section 217 of the Act, except that if such an 
alien is an applicant for admission to the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for asylum prior 
to January 1, 2030;

[[Page 987]]

    (iv) An alien who was admitted to the United States pursuant to the 
Visa Waiver Program under section 217 of the Act and has remained longer 
than authorized or has otherwise violated his or her immigration status, 
except that if such an alien was admitted to the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for 
asylum in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands prior to 
January 1, 2030;
    (v) An alien who has been ordered removed under Sec.  235(c) of the 
Act, as described in Sec.  235.8(a) of this chapter (applicable only in 
the event that the alien is referred for proceedings under this 
paragraph by the Regional Director pursuant to section 235.8(b)(2)(ii) 
of this chapter);
    (vi) An alien who is an applicant for admission, or has been 
admitted, as an alien classified under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act 
(applicable only in the event that the alien is referred for proceedings 
under this paragraph by the district director);
    (vii) An alien who is an applicant for admission to Guam or the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pursuant to the Guam-CNMI 
Visa Waiver Program under section 212(l) of the Act, except that if such 
an alien is an applicant for admission to the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for 
asylum prior to January 1, 2030; or
    (viii) An alien who was admitted to Guam or the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands pursuant to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program 
under section 212(l) of the Act and has remained longer than authorized 
or has otherwise violated his or her immigration status, except that if 
such an alien was admitted to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, then he or she shall not be eligible for asylum in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands prior to January 1, 2030.
    (ix) [Reserved]
    (2) Withholding of removal applications only. After Form I-863, 
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, has been filed with the 
Immigration Court, an immigration judge shall have exclusive 
jurisdiction over any application for withholding of removal filed by:
    (i) An alien who is the subject of a reinstated removal order 
pursuant to section 241(a)(5) of the Act; or
    (ii) An alien who has been issued an administrative removal order 
pursuant to section 238 of the Act as an alien convicted of committing 
an aggravated felony.
    (3) Rules of procedure--(i) General. Except as provided in this 
section, proceedings falling under the jurisdiction of the immigration 
judge pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) or (2) of this section shall be 
conducted in accordance with the same rules of procedure as proceedings 
conducted under 8 CFR part 1240, subpart A. The scope of review in 
proceedings conducted pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall 
be limited to a determination of whether the alien is eligible for 
asylum or withholding or deferral of removal, and whether asylum shall 
be granted in the exercise of discretion. The scope of review in 
proceedings conducted pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall 
be limited to a determination of whether the alien is eligible for 
withholding or deferral of removal. During such proceedings, all parties 
are prohibited from raising or considering any other issues, including 
but not limited to issues of admissibility, deportability, eligibility 
for waivers, and eligibility for any other form of relief.
    (ii) Notice of hearing procedures and in-absentia decisions. The 
alien will be provided with notice of the time and place of the 
proceeding. The request for asylum and withholding of removal submitted 
by an alien who fails to appear for the hearing shall be denied. The 
denial of asylum and withholding of removal for failure to appear may be 
reopened only upon a motion filed with the immigration judge with 
jurisdiction over the case. Only one motion to reopen may be filed, and 
it must be filed within 90 days, unless the alien establishes that he or 
she did not receive notice of the hearing date or was in Federal or 
State custody on the date directed to appear. The motion must include 
documentary evidence, which demonstrates that:
    (A) The alien did not receive the notice;

[[Page 988]]

    (B) The alien was in Federal or State custody and the failure to 
appear was through no fault of the alien; or
    (C) ``Exceptional circumstances,'' as defined in section 240(e)(1) 
of the Act, caused the failure to appear.
    (iii) Relief. The filing of a motion to reopen shall not stay 
removal of the alien unless the immigration judge issues an order 
granting a stay pending disposition of the motion. An alien who fails to 
appear for a proceeding under this section shall not be eligible for 
relief under section 240A, 240B, 245, 248, or 249 of the Act for a 
period of 10 years after the date of the denial, unless the applicant 
can show exceptional circumstances resulted in his or her failure to 
appear.

[65 FR 76130, Dec. 6, 2000, as amended at 74 FR 55741, Oct. 28, 2009; 85 
FR 23904, Apr. 30, 2020; 85 FR 80395, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 18221, Mar. 
29, 2022]



Sec.  1208.3  Form of application.

    (a)(1) Except for applicants described in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, an asylum applicant must file Form I-589, Application for 
Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, together with any additional 
supporting evidence in accordance with the instructions on the form. The 
applicant's spouse and children shall be listed on the application and 
may be included in the request for asylum if they are in the United 
States. One additional copy of the principal applicant's Form I-589 must 
be submitted for each dependent included in the principal's application.
    (2) In proceedings under Sec.  1240.17 of this chapter, the written 
record of a positive credible fear determination issued in accordance 
with 8 CFR 208.30(f), and Sec. Sec.  1003.42 of this chapter and 
1208.30, shall be construed as the asylum application and satisfies the 
application filing requirements and Sec.  1208.4(b). The written record 
of the positive credible fear determination shall be considered a 
complete asylum application for purposes of Sec.  1208.4(a), with the 
date of service of the positive credible fear determination on the alien 
considered the date of filing and receipt, and shall be subject to the 
conditions and consequences provided for in paragraph (c) of this 
section following the applicant's signature at the asylum merits 
interview before the USCIS asylum officer. The applicant's spouse and 
children may be included in the request for asylum only if they were 
included in the credible fear determination pursuant to 8 CFR 208.30(c), 
or also presently have an application for asylum pending adjudication 
with USCIS pursuant to 8 CFR 208.2(a)(1)(ii). If USCIS does not grant 
the applicant's asylum application after an interview conducted in 
accordance with 8 CFR 208.9 and if a spouse or child who was included in 
the request for asylum does not separately file an asylum application 
that is adjudicated by USCIS, the application will be deemed to satisfy 
the application filing requirements of Sec.  1208.4(b) for a spouse or 
child who was included in the request for asylum. The asylum applicant 
may subsequently seek to amend, correct, or supplement the record of 
proceedings created before the asylum officer or during the credible 
fear review process as set forth in Sec.  1240.17(g) of this chapter 
concerning the consideration of documentary evidence and witness 
testimony.
    (b) An asylum application shall be deemed to constitute at the same 
time an application for withholding of removal, unless adjudicated in 
deportation or exclusion proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997. 
In such instances, the asylum application shall be deemed to constitute 
an application for withholding of deportation under section 243(h) of 
the Act, as that section existed prior to April 1, 1997. Where a 
determination is made that an applicant is ineligible to apply for 
asylum under section 208(a)(2) of the Act, an asylum application shall 
be construed as an application for withholding of removal.
    (c) Form I-589 shall be filed under the following conditions and 
shall have the following consequences:
    (1) If the application was filed on or after January 4, 1995, 
information provided in the application may be used as a basis for the 
initiation of removal proceedings, or to satisfy any burden of proof in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings;
    (2) The applicant and anyone other than a spouse, parent, son, or 
daughter

[[Page 989]]

of the applicant who assists the applicant in preparing the application 
must sign the application under penalty of perjury. The applicant's 
signature establishes a presumption that the applicant is aware of the 
contents of the application. A person other than a relative specified in 
this paragraph who assists the applicant in preparing the application 
also must provide his or her full mailing address;
    (3) An asylum application under paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
must be properly filed in accordance with the form instructions and with 
Sec. Sec.  1003.24, 1003.31(b), and 1103.7(a)(3) of this chapter, 
including payment of a fee, if any, as explained in the instructions to 
the application. For purposes of filing with an immigration court, an 
asylum application is incomplete if it does not include a response to 
each of the required questions contained in the form, is unsigned, is 
unaccompanied by the required materials specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section, is not completed and submitted in accordance with the form 
instructions, or is unaccompanied by any required fee receipt or other 
proof of payment as provided in Sec.  1208.4(d)(3). The filing of an 
incomplete application shall not commence the period after which the 
applicant may file an application for employment authorization. An 
application that is incomplete shall be rejected by the immigration 
court. If an applicant wishes to have his or her application for asylum 
considered, he or she shall correct the deficiencies in the incomplete 
application and refile it within 30 days of rejection. Failure to 
correct the deficiencies in an incomplete application or failure to 
timely refile the application with the deficiencies corrected, absent 
exceptional circumstances as defined in Sec.  1003.10(b) of this 
chapter, shall result in a finding that the alien has abandoned that 
application and waived the opportunity to file such an application;
    (4) Knowing placement of false information on the application may 
subject the person placing that information on the application to 
criminal penalties under title 18 of the United States Code and to civil 
or criminal penalties under section 274C of the Act; and
    (5) Knowingly filing a frivolous application on or after April 1, 
1997, so long as the applicant has received the notice required by 
section 208(d)(4) of the Act, shall render the applicant permanently 
ineligible for any benefits under the Act pursuant to Sec.  1208.20.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 76131, Dec. 6, 2000; 85 
FR 81750, Dec. 16, 2020; 87 FR 18221, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  1208.4  Filing the application.

    Except as prohibited in paragraph (a) of this section, asylum 
applications shall be filed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (a) Prohibitions on filing. Section 208(a)(2) of the Act prohibits 
certain aliens from filing for asylum on or after April 1, 1997, unless 
the alien can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Attorney General 
that one of the exceptions in section 208(a)(2)(D) of the Act applies. 
Such prohibition applies only to asylum applications under section 208 
of the Act and not to applications for withholding of removal under 
Sec.  1208.16. If an applicant files an asylum application and it 
appears that one or more of the prohibitions contained in section 
208(a)(2) of the Act apply, an asylum officer, in an interview, or an 
immigration judge, in a hearing, shall review the application and give 
the applicant the opportunity to present any relevant and useful 
information bearing on any prohibitions on filing to determine if the 
application should be rejected. For the purpose of making determinations 
under section 208(a)(2) of the Act, the following rules shall apply:
    (1) Authority. Only an asylum officer, an immigration judge, or the 
Board of Immigration Appeals is authorized to make determinations 
regarding the prohibitions contained in section 208(a)(2)(B) or (C) of 
the Act.
    (2) One-year filing deadline. (i) For purposes of section 
208(a)(2)(B) of the Act, an applicant has the burden of proving:
    (A) By clear and convincing evidence that the application has been 
filed within 1 year of the date of the alien's arrival in the United 
States, or
    (B) To the satisfaction of the asylum officer, the immigration 
judge, or the Board that he or she qualifies for an exception to the 1-
year deadline.

[[Page 990]]

    (ii) The 1-year period shall be calculated from the date of the 
alien's last arrival in the United States or April 1, 1997, whichever is 
later. When the last day of the period so computed falls on a Saturday, 
Sunday, or legal holiday, the period shall run until the end of the next 
day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For the purpose of 
making determinations under section 208(a)(2)(B) of the Act only, an 
application is considered to have been filed on the date it is received 
by the Service, pursuant to Sec.  103.2(a)(7) of 8 CFR chapter I. In a 
case in which the application has not been received by the Service 
within 1 year from the applicant's date of entry into the United States, 
but the applicant provides clear and convincing documentary evidence of 
mailing the application within the 1-year period, the mailing date shall 
be considered the filing date. For cases before the immigration court, 
the application is considered to have been filed on the date it is 
received by the immigration court. For cases before the Board of 
Immigration Appeals, the application is considered to have been filed on 
the date it is received by the Board. In the case of an application that 
appears to have been filed more than a year after the applicant arrived 
in the United States, the asylum officer, the immigration judge, or the 
Board will determine whether the applicant qualifies for an exception to 
the deadline. The failure to have provided required biometrics and other 
biographical information does not prevent the ``filing'' of an asylum 
application for purposes of the one-year filing rule of section 
208(a)(2)(B) of the Act. See 8 CFR 1003.47. For aliens present in or 
arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 1-year 
period shall be calculated from January 1, 2030, or from the date of the 
alien's last arrival in the United States (including the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands), whichever is later. No period of physical 
presence in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands prior to 
January 1, 2030, shall count toward the 1-year period. After November 
28, 2009, any travel to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
from any other State shall not re-start the calculation of the 1-year 
period.
    (3) Prior denial of application. For purposes of section 
208(a)(2)(C) of the Act, an asylum application has not been denied 
unless denied by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals.
    (4) Changed circumstances. (i) The term ``changed circumstances'' in 
section 208(a)(2)(D) of the Act shall refer to circumstances materially 
affecting the applicant's eligibility for asylum. They may include, but 
are not limited to:
    (A) Changes in conditions in the applicant's country of nationality 
or, if the applicant is stateless, country of last habitual residence;
    (B) Changes in the applicant's circumstances that materially affect 
the applicant's eligibility for asylum, including changes in applicable 
U.S. law and activities the applicant becomes involved in outside the 
country of feared persecution that place the applicant at risk; or
    (C) In the case of an alien who had previously been included as a 
dependent in another alien's pending asylum application, the loss of the 
spousal or parent-child relationship to the principal applicant through 
marriage, divorce, death, or attainment of age 21.
    (ii) The applicant shall file an asylum application within a 
reasonable period given those ``changed circumstances.'' If the 
applicant can establish that he or she did not become aware of the 
changed circumstances until after they occurred, such delayed awareness 
shall be taken into account in determining what constitutes a 
``reasonable period.''
    (5) The term ``extraordinary circumstances'' in section 208(a)(2)(D) 
of the Act shall refer to events or factors directly related to the 
failure to meet the 1-year deadline. Such circumstances may excuse the 
failure to file within the 1-year period as long as the alien filed the 
application within a reasonable period given those circumstances. The 
burden of proof is on the applicant to establish to the satisfaction of 
the asylum officer, the immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals that the circumstances were not intentionally created by the

[[Page 991]]

alien through his or her own action or inaction, that those 
circumstances were directly related to the alien's failure to file the 
application within the 1-year period, and that the delay was reasonable 
under the circumstances. Those circumstances may include but are not 
limited to:
    (i) Serious illness or mental or physical disability, including any 
effects of persecution or violent harm suffered in the past, during the 
1-year period after arrival;
    (ii) Legal disability (e.g., the applicant was an unaccompanied 
minor or suffered from a mental impairment) during the 1-year period 
after arrival;
    (iii) Ineffective assistance of counsel, provided that:
    (A) The alien files an affidavit setting forth in detail the 
agreement that was entered into with counsel with respect to the actions 
to be taken and what representations counsel did or did not make to the 
respondent in this regard;
    (B) The counsel whose integrity or competence is being impugned has 
been informed of the allegations leveled against him or her and given an 
opportunity to respond; and
    (C) The alien indicates whether a complaint has been filed with 
appropriate disciplinary authorities with respect to any violation of 
counsel's ethical or legal responsibilities, and if not, why not;
    (iv) The applicant maintained Temporary Protected Status, lawful 
immigrant or nonimmigrant status, or was given parole, until a 
reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application;
    (v) The applicant filed an asylum application prior to the 
expiration of the 1-year deadline, but that application was rejected by 
the Service as not properly filed, was returned to the applicant for 
corrections, and was refiled within a reasonable period thereafter; and
    (vi) The death or serious illness or incapacity of the applicant's 
legal representative or a member of the applicant's immediate family.
    (6) Asylum cooperative agreements. Immigration judges have authority 
to consider issues under section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, relating to 
the determination of whether an alien is ineligible to apply for asylum 
and should be removed to a third country pursuant to a bilateral or 
multilateral agreement, only with respect to aliens whom DHS has chosen 
to place in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, as 
provided in 8 CFR 1240.11(g) and (h). For DHS regulations relating to 
determinations by immigration officers on this subject, see 8 CFR 
208.30(e)(6) and (7).
    (b) Filing location--(1) With the service center by mail. Except as 
provided in paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this 
section, asylum applications shall be filed directly by mail with the 
service center servicing the asylum office with jurisdiction over the 
place of the applicant's residence or, in the case of an alien without a 
United States residence, the applicant's current lodging or the land 
border port-of-entry through which the alien seeks admission to the 
United States.
    (2) With the asylum office. An asylum application shall be filed 
directly with the asylum office having jurisdiction over the matter in 
the case of an alien who:
    (i) Has received the express consent of the asylum office director 
or the Director of Asylum to do so, or
    (ii) Previously was included in a spouse's or parent's pending 
application but is no longer eligible to be included as a derivative. In 
such cases, the derivative should include a cover letter referencing the 
previous application and explaining that he or she is now independently 
filing for asylum.
    (3) With the Immigration Court. Asylum applications shall be filed 
directly with the Immigration Court having jurisdiction over the case in 
the following circumstances:
    (i) During exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, with the 
Immigration Court having jurisdiction over the underlying proceeding 
except that an alien in proceedings under Sec.  1240.17 of this chapter 
is not required to file the Form I-589.
    (ii) After completion of exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings, and in conjunction with a motion to reopen pursuant to 8 
CFR part 1003 where applicable, with the Immigration Court

[[Page 992]]

having jurisdiction over the prior proceeding. Any such motion must 
reasonably explain the failure to request asylum prior to the completion 
of the proceedings.
    (iii) In asylum proceedings pursuant to Sec.  1208.2(c)(1) and after 
the Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, has been served 
on the alien and filed with the Immigration Court having jurisdiction 
over the case.
    (4) With the Board of Immigration Appeals. In conjunction with a 
motion to remand or reopen pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1003.2 and 1003.8 of 
this chapter where applicable, an initial asylum application shall be 
filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals if jurisdiction over the 
proceedings is vested in the Board of Immigration Appeals under 8 CFR 
part 1003. Any such motion must reasonably explain the failure to 
request asylum prior to the completion of the proceedings.
    (5) With the district director. In the case of any alien described 
in Sec.  1208.2(c)(1) and prior to the service on the alien of Form I-
863, any asylum application shall be submitted to the district director 
having jurisdiction pursuant to 8 CFR part 103. If the district director 
elects to issue the Form I-863, the district director shall forward such 
asylum application to the appropriate Immigration Court with the Form
    (c) Amending an application after filing. Upon request of the alien 
and as a matter of discretion, the asylum officer or immigration judge 
having jurisdiction may permit an asylum applicant to amend or 
supplement the application, but any delay caused by such request shall 
extend the period within which the applicant may not apply for 
employment authorization in accordance with Sec.  1208.7(a).
    (d) Filing deadline. (1) For any alien in asylum-and-withholding-
only proceedings pursuant to Sec.  1208.2(c)(1) and paragraph 
(b)(3)(iii) of this section, the immigration judge shall comply with the 
requirements of Sec.  1240.11(c)(1)(i) through (iii) of this chapter and 
shall set a deadline of fifteen days from the date of the alien's first 
hearing before an immigration judge by which the alien must file an 
asylum application, which includes an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and protection under 
Sec. Sec.  1208.16 through 1208.18. The immigration judge may extend the 
deadline for good cause. If the alien does not file an asylum 
application by the deadline set by the immigration judge, the 
immigration judge shall deem the opportunity to file such an application 
waived, and the case shall be returned to the Department of Homeland 
Security. For any alien in proceedings pursuant to Sec.  1208.2(c)(2), 
the immigration judge shall comply with the requirements of Sec.  
1240.11(c)(1)(i) through (iii) and shall set a deadline of fifteen days 
from the date of the alien's first hearing before an immigration judge 
by which the alien must file an application for withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, which includes an application for 
protection under Sec. Sec.  1208.16 through 1208.18. The immigration 
judge may extend the deadline for good cause. If the alien does not file 
an application by the deadline set by the immigration judge, the 
immigration judge shall deem the opportunity to file such an application 
waived, and the case shall be returned to the Department of Homeland 
Security.
    (2) If the alien must pay a fee for submission of the asylum 
application, the alien must submit the DHS-issued fee receipt together 
with the application by the deadline set by the immigration judge in 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (3) If the alien has paid any required fee but has not received the 
fee receipt from DHS by the deadline set by the immigration judge, the 
alien must instead provide to the immigration court a copy of proof of 
the payment to DHS with the asylum application. The alien must then 
submit a copy of the fee receipt by a new deadline set by the 
immigration judge. If the immigration judge does not set a deadline, the 
alien must submit the fee receipt no later than 45 days after the date 
of filing of the application.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 
FR 13881, Mar. 23, 1999; 65 FR 76131, Dec. 6, 2000; 69 FR 69497, Nov. 
29, 2004; 70 FR 4754, Jan. 31, 2005; 74 FR 55741, Oct. 28, 2009; 84 FR 
64010, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 23904, Apr. 30, 2020; 85 FR 81751, Dec. 16, 
2020; 86 FR 70724, Dec. 13, 2021; 87 FR 18221, Mar. 29, 2022]

[[Page 993]]



Sec.  1208.5  Special duties toward aliens in custody of DHS.

    (a) General. When an alien in the custody of DHS requests asylum or 
withholding of removal, or expresses a fear of persecution or harm upon 
return to his or her country of origin or to agents thereof, DHS shall 
make available the appropriate application forms and shall provide the 
applicant with the information required by section 208(d)(4) of the Act, 
including in the case of an alien who is in custody with a positive 
credible fear determination under 8 CFR 208.30 or a reasonable fear 
determination pursuant to 8 CFR 208.31, and except in the case of an 
alien who is in custody pending a credible fear determination under 8 
CFR 208.30 or a reasonable fear determination pursuant to 8 CFR 208.31. 
Although DHS does not have a duty in the case of an alien who is in 
custody pending a credible fear or reasonable fear determination under 
either 8 CFR 1208.30 or 8 CFR 1208.31, DHS may provide the appropriate 
forms, upon request. Where possible, expedited consideration shall be 
given to applications of detained aliens. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section, such alien shall not be excluded, 
deported, or removed before a decision is rendered on his or her asylum 
application. Furthermore, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this 
section, an alien physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be excluded, deported, or 
removed before a decision is rendered on his or her application for 
withholding of removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) of the Act and 
withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture. No 
application for asylum may be filed prior to January 1, 2030, pursuant 
to section 208 of the Act by an alien physically present in or arriving 
in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    (b) Certain aliens aboard vessels. (1) If an alien crewmember or 
alien stowaway on board a vessel or other conveyance alleges, claims, or 
otherwise makes known to an immigration inspector or other official 
making an examination on the conveyance that he or she is unable or 
unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality or last 
habitual residence (if not a national of any country) because of 
persecution or a fear of persecution in that country on account of race, 
religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or 
political opinion, or if the alien expresses a fear of torture upon 
return to that country, the alien shall be promptly removed from the 
conveyance. If the alien makes such fear known to an official while off 
such conveyance, the alien shall not be returned to the conveyance but 
shall be retained in or transferred to the custody of the Service.
    (i) An alien stowaway will be referred to an asylum officer for a 
credible fear determination under Sec.  1208.30.
    (ii) An alien crewmember shall be provided the appropriate 
application forms and information required by section 208(d)(4) of the 
Act and may then have 10 days within which to submit an asylum 
application to the district director having jurisdiction over the port-
of-entry. The district director may extend the 10-day filing period for 
good cause. Once the application has been filed, the district director, 
pursuant to Sec.  1208.4(b), shall serve Form I-863 on the alien and 
immediately forward any such application to the appropriate Immigration 
Court with a copy of the Form I-863 being filed with that court.
    (iii) An alien crewmember physically present in or arriving in the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands can request withholding of 
removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) of the Act and withholding of 
removal under the Convention Against Torture. However, such an alien 
crewmember is not eligible to request asylum pursuant to section 208 of 
the Act prior to January 1, 2030.
    (2) Pending adjudication of the application, and, in the case of a 
stowaway the credible fear determination and any review thereof, the 
alien may be detained by the Service or otherwise paroled in accordance 
with 8 CFR 212.5. However, pending the credible fear determination, 
parole of an alien stowaway may be permitted only when the Attorney 
General determines, in the exercise of discretion, that parole is 
required to meet a medical emergency or is necessary for a legitimate 
law enforcement objective.

[[Page 994]]

    (c) Exception to prohibition on removal. A motion to reopen or an 
order to remand accompanied by an asylum application pursuant to Sec.  
1208.4(b)(3)(iii) shall not stay execution of a final exclusion, 
deportation, or removal order unless such stay is specifically granted 
by the Board of Immigration Appeals or the immigration judge having 
jurisdiction over the motion.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76132, Dec. 6, 2000; 73 FR 55741, Oct. 28, 2009; 85 FR 23904, Apr. 
30, 2020; 85 FR 80395, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 18221, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  1208.6  Disclosure to third parties.

    (a) Information contained in or pertaining to any application for 
refugee admission, asylum, withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of the Act, or protection under regulations issued pursuant to 
the Convention Against Torture's implementing legislation, records 
pertaining to any credible fear determination conducted pursuant to 
Sec.  208.30, and records pertaining to any reasonable fear 
determination conducted pursuant to Sec.  208.31, shall not be disclosed 
without the written consent of the applicant, except as permitted by 
this section or at the discretion of the Attorney General.
    (b) The confidentiality of other records kept by DHS and the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review that indicate that a specific 
alien has applied for refugee admission, asylum, withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or protection under regulations 
issued pursuant to the Convention Against Torture's implementing 
legislation, or has received a credible fear or reasonable fear 
interview, or received a credible fear or reasonable fear review shall 
also be protected from disclosure, except as permitted in this section. 
DHS will coordinate with the Department of State to ensure that the 
confidentiality of those records is maintained if they are transmitted 
to Department of State offices in other countries.
    (c) This section shall not apply to any disclosure to:
    (1) Any United States Government official or contractor having a 
need to examine information in connection with:
    (i) The adjudication of asylum applications;
    (ii) The consideration of a request for a credible fear or 
reasonable fear interview, or a credible fear or reasonable fear review;
    (iii) The defense of any legal action arising from the adjudication 
of, or failure to adjudicate, the asylum application, or from a credible 
fear determination or reasonable fear determination under Sec.  1208.30 
or Sec.  1208.31;
    (iv) The defense of any legal action of which the asylum 
application, credible fear determination, or reasonable fear 
determination is a part; or
    (v) Any United States Government investigation concerning any 
criminal or civil matter; or
    (2) Any Federal, State, or local court in the United States 
considering any legal action:
    (i) Arising from the adjudication of, or failure to adjudicate, the 
asylum application, or from a credible fear or reasonable fear 
determination under Sec.  1208.30 or Sec.  1208.31; or
    (ii) Arising from the proceedings of which the asylum application, 
credible fear determination, or reasonable fear determination is a part.
    (d)(1) Any information contained in an application for refugee 
admission, asylum, withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) the 
Act, or protection under regulations issued pursuant to the Convention 
Against Torture's implementing legislation, any relevant and applicable 
information supporting that application, any information regarding an 
alien who has filed such an application, and any relevant and applicable 
information regarding an alien who has been the subject of a reasonable 
fear or credible fear determination may be disclosed:
    (i) As part of an investigation or adjudication of the merits of 
that application or of any other application under the immigration laws;
    (ii) As part of any State or Federal criminal investigation, 
proceeding, or prosecution;
    (iii) Pursuant to any State or Federal mandatory reporting 
requirement;
    (iv) To deter, prevent, or ameliorate the effects of child abuse;

[[Page 995]]

    (v) As part of any proceeding arising under the immigration laws, 
including proceedings arising under the Act; and
    (vi) As part of the Government's defense of any legal action 
relating to the alien's immigration or custody status, including 
petitions for review filed in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1252.
    (2) If information may be disclosed under paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section, the disclosure provisions in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of 
this section shall not apply.
    (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the 
disclosure of information contained in an application for refugee 
admission, asylum, withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of 
the Act, or protection under the regulations issued pursuant to the 
Convention Against Torture's implementing legislation, any relevant and 
applicable information supporting that application, information 
regarding an alien who has filed such an application, or information 
regarding an alien who has been the subject of a reasonable fear or 
credible fear determination:
    (1) Among employees of the Department of Justice, the Department of 
Homeland Security, the Department of State, the Department of Health and 
Human Services, the Department of Labor, or a U.S. national security 
agency having a need to examine the information for an official purpose; 
or
    (2) Where a United States government employee or contractor has a 
good faith and reasonable belief that disclosure is necessary to prevent 
the commission of a crime, the furtherance of an ongoing crime, or to 
ameliorate the effects of a crime.

[65 FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000, as amended at 85 FR 80395, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  1208.7  [Reserved]



Sec.  1208.8  Limitations on travel outside the United States.

    (a) An applicant who leaves the United States without first 
obtaining advance parole under Sec.  212.5(f) of this chapter shall be 
presumed to have abandoned his or her application under this section.
    (b) An applicant who leaves the United States pursuant to advance 
parole under Sec.  1212.5(f) of this chapter and returns to the country 
of claimed persecution shall be presumed to have abandoned his or her 
application, unless the applicant is able to establish compelling 
reasons for such return.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 82255, Dec. 28, 2000]



Sec.  1208.9  [Reserved]



Sec.  1208.10  Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing before 
an immigration judge; failure to follow requirements for biometrics 
and other biographical information processing.

    Failure to appear for a scheduled immigration hearing without prior 
authorization may result in dismissal of the application and the entry 
of an order of deportation or removal in absentia. Failure to comply 
with processing requirements for biometrics and other biographical 
information within the time allowed will result in dismissal of the 
application, unless the applicant demonstrates that such failure was the 
result of good cause. DHS is responsible for obtaining biometrics and 
other biographical information with respect to any alien in custody.

[70 FR 4754, Jan. 31, 2005]



Sec.  1208.11  Comments from the Department of State.

    (a) The immigration judge may request, in his or her discretion, 
specific comments from the Department of State regarding individual 
cases or types of claims under consideration, or other information the 
immigration judge deems appropriate.
    (b) With respect to any asylum application, the Department of State 
may provide, at its discretion, to the Immigration Court:
    (1) Detailed country conditions information relevant to eligibility 
for asylum, withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, 
and withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture;
    (2) An assessment of the accuracy of the applicant's assertions 
about conditions in the applicant's country of nationality or habitual 
residence and the applicant's particular situation;
    (3) Information about whether persons who are similarly situated to 
the

[[Page 996]]

applicant are persecuted or tortured in the applicant's country of 
nationality or habitual residence and the frequency of such persecution 
or torture; or
    (4) Such other information as it deems relevant.
    (c) Any comments received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section 
shall be made part of the record. Unless the comments are classified 
under an applicable Executive Order, the applicant shall be provided an 
opportunity to review and respond to such comments prior to the issuance 
of any decision to deny the application.

[78 FR 19079, Mar. 29, 2013]



Sec.  1208.12  Reliance on information compiled by other sources.

    (a) In deciding an asylum application, which includes an application 
for withholding of removal under 241(b)(3) of the Act and protection 
under Sec. Sec.  1208.16 through 1208.18, or in deciding whether the 
alien has a credible fear of persecution or torture pursuant to Sec.  
1208.30, or a reasonable fear of persecution or torture pursuant to 
Sec.  1208.31, an immigration judge may rely on material provided by the 
Department of State, other Department of Justice offices, the Department 
of Homeland Security, or other U.S. Government agencies, and may rely on 
foreign government and non-governmental sources if those sources are 
determined by the judge to be credible and the material is probative. On 
his or her own authority, an immigration judge may submit relevant 
evidence into the record, if the source is credible and the evidence is 
probative, and may consider it in deciding an asylum application, which 
includes an application for withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of the Act and protection under Sec. Sec.  1208.16 through 
1208.18, provided that a copy of the evidence has been provided to both 
parties and both parties have had an opportunity to comment on or object 
to the evidence prior to the issuance of the immigration judge's 
decision.
    (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to entitle the applicant 
to conduct discovery directed toward the records, officers, agents, or 
employees of the Service, the Department of Justice, or the Department 
of State. Persons may continue to seek documents available through a 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request pursuant to 28 CFR part 16.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000; 85 FR 81751, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  1208.13  Establishing asylum eligibility.

    (a) Burden of proof. The burden of proof is on the applicant for 
asylum to establish that he or she is a refugee as defined in section 
101(a)(42) of the Act. The testimony of the applicant, if credible, may 
be sufficient to sustain the burden of proof without corroboration. The 
fact that the applicant previously established a credible fear of 
persecution for purposes of section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act does not 
relieve the alien of the additional burden of establishing eligibility 
for asylum.
    (b) Eligibility. The applicant may qualify as a refugee either 
because he or she has suffered past persecution or because he or she has 
a well-founded fear of future persecution.
    (1) Past persecution. An applicant shall be found to be a refugee on 
the basis of past persecution if the applicant can establish that he or 
she has suffered persecution in the past in the applicant's country of 
nationality or, if stateless, in his or her country of last habitual 
residence, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion, and is unable or 
unwilling to return to, or avail himself or herself of the protection 
of, that country owing to such persecution. An applicant who has been 
found to have established such past persecution shall also be presumed 
to have a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of the original 
claim. That presumption may be rebutted if an asylum officer or 
immigration judge makes one of the findings described in paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section. If the applicant's fear of future persecution 
is unrelated to the past persecution, the applicant bears the burden of 
establishing that the fear is well-founded.
    (i) Discretionary referral or denial. Except as provided in 
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, an asylum officer shall, in the 
exercise of his or her discretion, refer or deny, or an immigration 
judge,

[[Page 997]]

in the exercise of his or her discretion, shall deny the asylum 
application of an alien found to be a refugee on the basis of past 
persecution if any of the following is found by a preponderance of the 
evidence:
    (A) There has been a fundamental change in circumstances such that 
the applicant no longer has a well-founded fear of persecution in the 
applicant's country of nationality or, if stateless, in the applicant's 
country of last habitual residence, on account of race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political 
opinion; or
    (B) The applicant could avoid future persecution by relocating to 
another part of the applicant's country of nationality or, if stateless, 
another part of the applicant's country of last habitual residence, and 
under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect the 
applicant to do so.
    (ii) Burden of proof. In cases in which an applicant has 
demonstrated past persecution under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, 
the Service shall bear the burden of establishing by a preponderance of 
the evidence the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(A) or (B) of this 
section.
    (iii) Grant in the absence of well-founded fear of persecution. An 
applicant described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section who is not 
barred from a grant of asylum under paragraph (c) of this section, may 
be granted asylum, in the exercise of the decision-maker's discretion, 
if:
    (A) The applicant has demonstrated compelling reasons for being 
unwilling or unable to return to the country arising out of the severity 
of the past persecution; or
    (B) The applicant has established that there is a reasonable 
possibility that he or she may suffer other serious harm upon removal to 
that country.
    (2) Well-founded fear of persecution. (i) An applicant has a well-
founded fear of persecution if:
    (A) The applicant has a fear of persecution in his or her country of 
nationality or, if stateless, in his or her country of last habitual 
residence, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion;
    (B) There is a reasonable possibility of suffering such persecution 
if he or she were to return to that country; and
    (C) He or she is unable or unwilling to return to, or avail himself 
or herself of the protection of, that country because of such fear.
    (ii) An applicant does not have a well-founded fear of persecution 
if the applicant could avoid persecution by relocating to another part 
of the applicant's country of nationality or, if stateless, another part 
of the applicant's country of last habitual residence, if under all the 
circumstances it would be reasonable to expect the applicant to do so.
    (iii) In evaluating whether the applicant has sustained the burden 
of proving that he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution, the 
asylum officer or immigration judge shall not require the applicant to 
provide evidence that there is a reasonable possibility he or she would 
be singled out individually for persecution if:
    (A) The applicant establishes that there is a pattern or practice in 
his or her country of nationality or, if stateless, in his or her 
country of last habitual residence, of persecution of a group of persons 
similarly situated to the applicant on account of race, religion, 
nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political 
opinion; and
    (B) The applicant establishes his or her own inclusion in, and 
identification with, such group of persons such that his or her fear of 
persecution upon return is reasonable.
    (3) Reasonableness of internal relocation. For purposes of 
determinations under paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) and (b)(2) of this 
section, adjudicators should consider the totality of the relevant 
circumstances regarding an applicant's prospects for relocation, 
including the size of the country of nationality or last habitual 
residence, the geographic locus of the alleged persecution, the size, 
numerosity, and reach of the alleged persecutor, and the applicant's 
demonstrated ability to relocate to the United States in order to apply 
for asylum.
    (i) In cases in which the applicant has not established past 
persecution, the applicant shall bear the burden of

[[Page 998]]

establishing that it would not be reasonable for him or her to relocate, 
unless the persecution is by a government or is government-sponsored.
    (ii) In cases in which the persecutor is a government or is 
government-sponsored, it shall be presumed that internal relocation 
would not be reasonable, unless the Department of Homeland Security 
establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that, under all the 
circumstances, it would be reasonable for the applicant to relocate.
    (iii) Regardless of whether an applicant has established persecution 
in the past, in cases in which the persecutor is not the government or a 
government-sponsored actor, or otherwise is a private actor, there shall 
be a presumption that internal relocation would be reasonable unless the 
applicant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it would 
be unreasonable to relocate.
    (iv) For purposes of determinations under paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section, persecutors who are private actors--including 
persecutors who are gang members, officials acting outside their 
official capacity, family members who are not themselves government 
officials, or neighbors who are not themselves government officials--
shall not be considered to be persecutors who are the government or 
government-sponsored absent evidence that the government sponsored the 
persecution.
    (c) Mandatory denials--(1) Applications filed on or after April 1, 
1997. For applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, an applicant 
shall not qualify for asylum if section 208(a)(2) or 208(b)(2) of the 
Act applies to the applicant. If the applicant is found to be ineligible 
for asylum under either section 208(a)(2) or 208(b)(2) of the Act, the 
applicant shall be considered for eligibility for withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act. The applicant shall also be 
considered for eligibility for withholding of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture if the applicant requests such consideration 
or if the evidence presented by the alien indicates that the alien may 
be tortured in the country of removal.
    (2) Applications filed before April 1, 1997. (i) An immigration 
judge or asylum officer shall not grant asylum to any applicant who 
filed his or her application before April 1, 1997, if the alien:
    (A) Having been convicted by a final judgment of a particularly 
serious crime in the United States, constitutes a danger to the 
community;
    (B) Has been firmly resettled within the meaning of Sec.  1208.15;
    (C) Can reasonably be regarded as a danger to the security of the 
United States;
    (D) Has been convicted of an aggravated felony, as defined in 
section 101(a)(43) of the Act; or
    (E) Ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the 
persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, 
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
    (F) Is described within section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)(I),(II), and (III) 
of the Act as it existed prior to April 1, 1997, and as amended by the 
Anti-terrorist and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), unless 
it is determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that 
the individual is a danger to the security of the United States.
    (ii) If the evidence indicates that one of the above grounds apply 
to the applicant, he or she shall have the burden of proving by a 
preponderance of the evidence that he or she did not so act.
    (3)-(5) [Reserved]
    (6) Additional limitations on eligibility for asylum. For 
applications filed on or after November 20, 2020, an alien shall be 
found ineligible for asylum if:
    (i) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of an offense 
arising under sections 274(a)(1)(A), 274(a)(2), or 276 of the Act;
    (ii) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of a 
Federal, State, tribal, or local crime that the immigration judge knows 
or has reason to believe was committed in support, promotion, or 
furtherance of the activity of a criminal street gang as that term is 
defined either under the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred or 
in section 521(a) of title 18;
    (iii) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of an 
offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired as those terms are 
defined under the

[[Page 999]]

jurisdiction where the conviction occurred (including a conviction for 
driving while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or drugs) 
without regard to whether the conviction is classified as a misdemeanor 
or felony under Federal, State, tribal, or local law, in which such 
impaired driving was a cause of serious bodily injury or death of 
another person;
    (iv)(A) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of a 
second or subsequent offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired 
as those terms are defined under the jurisdiction where the conviction 
occurred (including a conviction for driving while under the influence 
of or impaired by alcohol or drugs) without regard to whether the 
conviction is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under Federal, 
State, tribal, or local law;
    (B) A finding under paragraph (c)(6)(iv)(A) of this section does not 
require the immigration judge to find the first conviction for driving 
while intoxicated or impaired (including a conviction for driving while 
under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or drugs) as a predicate 
offense. The immigration judge need only make a factual determination 
that the alien was previously convicted for driving while intoxicated or 
impaired as those terms are defined under the jurisdiction where the 
convictions occurred (including a conviction for driving while under the 
influence of or impaired by alcohol or drugs).
    (v)(A) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of a crime 
that involves conduct amounting to a crime of stalking; or a crime of 
child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment; or that involves 
conduct amounting to a domestic assault or battery offense, including a 
misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, as described in section 
922(g)(9) of title 18, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as 
described in section 921(a)(33) of title 18, a crime of domestic 
violence as described in section 12291(a)(8) of title 34, or any crime 
based on conduct in which the alien harassed, coerced, intimidated, 
voluntarily or recklessly used (or threatened to use) force or violence 
against, or inflicted physical injury or physical pain, however slight, 
upon a person, and committed by:
    (1) An alien who is a current or former spouse of the person;
    (2) An alien with whom the person shares a child in common;
    (3) An alien who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the person 
as a spouse;
    (4) An alien similarly situated to a spouse of the person under the 
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction where the offense 
occurs; or
    (5) Any other alien against a person who is protected from that 
alien's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the United 
States or any State, tribal government, or unit of local government.
    (B) In making a determination under paragraph (c)(6)(v)(A) of this 
section, including in determining the existence of a domestic 
relationship between the alien and the victim, the underlying conduct of 
the crime may be considered and the immigration judge is not limited to 
facts found by the criminal court or provided in the underlying record 
of conviction.
    (C) An alien who was convicted of offenses described in paragraph 
(c)(6)(v)(A) of this section is not subject to ineligibility for asylum 
on that basis if the alien would be described in section 237(a)(7)(A) of 
the Act were the crimes or conduct considered grounds for deportability 
under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) through (ii) of the Act.
    (vi) The alien has been convicted on or after such date of--
    (A) Any felony under Federal, State, tribal, or local law;
    (B) Any misdemeanor offense under Federal, State, tribal, or local 
law involving:
    (1) The possession or use of an identification document, 
authentication feature, or false identification document without lawful 
authority, unless the alien can establish that the conviction resulted 
from circumstances showing that the document was presented before 
boarding a common carrier, that the document related to the alien's 
eligibility to enter the United States, that the alien used the document 
to depart a country in which the alien has claimed a fear of 
persecution, and that the alien claimed a fear of persecution

[[Page 1000]]

without delay upon presenting himself or herself to an immigration 
officer upon arrival at a United States port of entry;
    (2) The receipt of Federal public benefits, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 
1611(c), from a Federal entity, or the receipt of similar public 
benefits from a State, tribal, or local entity, without lawful 
authority; or
    (3) Possession or trafficking of a controlled substance or 
controlled-substance paraphernalia, other than a single offense 
involving possession for one's own use of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
    (vii) The immigration judge knows or has reason to believe that the 
alien has engaged on or after such date in acts of battery or extreme 
cruelty as defined in 8 CFR 204.2(c)(1)(vi), upon a person, and 
committed by:
    (A) An alien who is a current or former spouse of the person;
    (B) An alien with whom the person shares a child in common;
    (C) An alien who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the person 
as a spouse;
    (D) An alien similarly situated to a spouse of the person under the 
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction where the offense 
occurs; or
    (E) Any other alien against a person who is protected from that 
alien's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the United 
States or any State, tribal government, or unit of local government, 
even if the acts did not result in a criminal conviction;
    (F) Except that an alien who was convicted of offenses or engaged in 
conduct described in paragraph (c)(6)(vii) of this section is not 
subject to ineligibility for asylum on that basis if the alien would be 
described in section 237(a)(7)(A) of the Act were the crimes or conduct 
considered grounds for deportability under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i)-(ii) 
of the Act.
    (7) For purposes of paragraph (c)(6) of this section:
    (i) The term ``felony'' means any crime defined as a felony by the 
relevant jurisdiction (Federal, State, tribal, or local) of conviction, 
or any crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.
    (ii) The term ``misdemeanor'' means any crime defined as a 
misdemeanor by the relevant jurisdiction (Federal, State, tribal, or 
local) of conviction, or any crime not punishable by more than one year 
of imprisonment.
    (iii) Whether any activity or conviction also may constitute a basis 
for removability under the Act is immaterial to a determination of 
asylum eligibility.
    (iv) All references to a criminal offense or criminal conviction 
shall be deemed to include any attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to 
commit the offense or any other inchoate form of the offense.
    (v) No order vacating a conviction, modifying a sentence, clarifying 
a sentence, or otherwise altering a conviction or sentence, shall have 
any effect unless the immigration judge determines that--
    (A) The court issuing the order had jurisdiction and authority to do 
so; and
    (B) The order was not entered for rehabilitative purposes or for 
purposes of ameliorating the immigration consequences of the conviction 
or sentence.
    (8) For purposes of paragraph (c)(7)(v)(B) of this section, the 
order shall be presumed to be for the purpose of ameliorating 
immigration consequences if:
    (i) The order was entered after the initiation of any proceeding to 
remove the alien from the United States; or
    (ii) The alien moved for the order more than one year after the date 
of the original order of conviction or sentencing.
    (9) An immigration judge is authorized to look beyond the face of 
any order purporting to vacate a conviction, modify a sentence, or 
clarify a sentence to determine whether the requirements of paragraph 
(c)(7)(v) of this section have been met in order to determine whether 
such order should be given any effect under this section.
    (d) Discretion. Factors that fall short of grounds of mandatory 
denial of an asylum application may constitute discretionary 
considerations.
    (1) The following are significant adverse discretionary factors that 
a decision-maker shall consider, if applicable, in determining whether 
an alien

[[Page 1001]]

merits a grant of asylum in the exercise of discretion:
    (i) An alien's unlawful entry or unlawful attempted entry into the 
United States unless such entry or attempted entry was made in immediate 
flight from persecution in a contiguous country or unless such entry or 
attempted entry was made by an alien under the age of 18 at the time the 
entry or attempted entry was made;
    (ii) The failure of an alien to apply for protection from 
persecution or torture in at least one country outside the alien's 
country of citizenship, nationality, or last lawful habitual residence 
through which the alien transited before entering the United States 
unless:
    (A) The alien received a final judgment denying the alien protection 
in such country;
    (B) The alien demonstrates that he or she satisfies the definition 
of ``victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 
CFR 214.11; or
    (C) Such country or countries were, at the time of the transit, not 
parties to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 
1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Convention 
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or 
Punishment; and
    (iii) An alien's use of fraudulent documents to enter the United 
States, unless the alien arrived in the United States by air, sea, or 
land directly from the applicant's home country without transiting 
through any other country.
    (2)(i) The Attorney General, except as provided in paragraph 
(d)(2)(ii) of this section, will not favorably exercise discretion under 
section 208 of the Act for an alien who:
    (A) Immediately prior to his arrival in the United States or en 
route to the United States from the alien's country of citizenship, 
nationality, or last lawful habitual residence, spent more than 14 days 
in any one country unless:
    (1) The alien demonstrates that he or she applied for protection 
from persecution or torture in such country and the alien received a 
final judgment denying the alien protection in such country;
    (2) The alien demonstrates that he or she satisfies the definition 
of ``victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 
CFR 214.11; or
    (3) Such country was, at the time of the transit, not a party to the 
1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees the 1967 Protocol 
relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Convention against Torture 
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
    (B) Transits through more than one country between his country of 
citizenship, nationality, or last habitual residence and the United 
States unless:
    (1) The alien demonstrates that he or she applied for protection 
from persecution or torture in at least one such country and the alien 
received a final judgment denying the alien protection in such country;
    (2) The alien demonstrates that he or she satisfies the definition 
of ``victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 
CFR 214.11; or
    (3) All such countries through which the alien transited en route to 
the United States were, at the time of the transit, not parties to the 
1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 Protocol 
relating to the Status of Refugees, or the Convention against Torture 
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
    (C) Would otherwise be subject to Sec.  1208.13(c) but for the 
reversal, vacatur, expungement, or modification of a conviction or 
sentence unless the alien was found not guilty;
    (D) Accrued more than one year of unlawful presence in the United 
States, as defined in sections 212(a)(9)(B)(ii) and (iii) of the Act, 
prior to filing an application for asylum;
    (E) At the time the asylum application is filed with the immigration 
court or is referred from DHS has:
    (1) Failed to timely file (or timely file a request for an extension 
of time to file) any required Federal, State, or local income tax 
returns;
    (2) Failed to satisfy any outstanding Federal, State, or local tax 
obligations; or
    (3) Has income that would result in tax liability under section 1 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that was not reported to the 
Internal Revenue Service;

[[Page 1002]]

    (F) Has had two or more prior asylum applications denied for any 
reason;
    (G) Has withdrawn a prior asylum application with prejudice or been 
found to have abandoned a prior asylum application;
    (H) Failed to attend an interview regarding his or her asylum 
application with DHS, unless the alien shows by a preponderance of the 
evidence that:
    (1) Exceptional circumstances prevented the alien from attending the 
interview; or
    (2) The interview notice was not mailed to the last address provided 
by the alien or the alien's representative and neither the alien nor the 
alien's representative received notice of the interview; or
    (I) Was subject to a final order of removal, deportation, or 
exclusion and did not file a motion to reopen to seek asylum based on 
changed country conditions within one year of the changes in country 
conditions.
    (ii) Where one or more of the adverse discretionary factors set 
forth in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section are present, the Attorney 
General, in extraordinary circumstances, such as those involving 
national security or foreign policy considerations, or cases in which an 
alien, by clear and convincing evidence, demonstrates that the denial of 
the application for asylum would result in exceptional and extremely 
unusual hardship to the alien, may favorably exercise discretion under 
section 208 of the Act, notwithstanding the applicability of paragraph 
(d)(2)(i). Depending on the gravity of the circumstances underlying the 
application of paragraph (d)(2)(i), a showing of extraordinary 
circumstances might still be insufficient to warrant a favorable 
exercise of discretion under section 208 of the Act.
    (e) Prima facie eligibility. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision 
of this part, upon oral or written motion by the Department of Homeland 
Security, an immigration judge shall, if warranted by the record, 
pretermit and deny any application for asylum, withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or protection under the regulations 
issued pursuant to the Convention Against Torture's implementing 
legislation if the alien has not established a prima facie claim for 
relief or protection under applicable law. An immigration judge need not 
conduct a hearing prior to pretermitting and denying an application 
under this paragraph (e)(1) but must consider any response to the motion 
before making a decision.
    (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, upon his or 
her own authority, an immigration judge shall, if warranted by the 
record, pretermit and deny any application for asylum, withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or protection under the 
regulations issued pursuant to the Convention Against Torture's 
implementing legislation if the alien has not established a prima facie 
claim for relief or protection under applicable law, provided that the 
immigration judge shall give the parties at least 10 days' notice prior 
to entering such an order. An immigration judge need not conduct a 
hearing prior to pretermitting and denying an application under this 
paragraph (e)(2) but must consider any filings by the parties within the 
10-day period before making a decision.
    (f) Lawful pathways condition. For applications filed by aliens who 
entered the United States between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025, also 
refer to the provisions on asylum eligibility described in Sec.  
1208.33.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76133, Dec. 6, 2000; 83 FR 55952, Nov. 9, 2018; 84 FR 33844, July 16, 
2019; 85 FR 67259, Oct. 21, 2020; 85 FR 80396, Dec. 11, 2020; 85 FR 
82289, Dec. 17, 2020; 88 FR 31451, May 16, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84196, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  1208.13 
was amended by adding paragraph (c)(10), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The 
amendment to Sec.  1208.13 was delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 
6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 
15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of the user, the added text is 
set forth as follows:



Sec.  1208.13  Establishing asylum eligibility.

                                * * * * *

    (c) * * *
    (10)(i) Public health emergencies. If a communicable disease has 
triggered an ongoing

[[Page 1003]]

declaration of a public health emergency under Federal law, such as 
under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 247d, or 
section 564 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3, 
then an alien is ineligible for asylum under section 208 of the Act on 
the basis of there being reasonable grounds for regarding the alien as a 
danger to the security of the United States under section 
208(b)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act if the alien--
    (A) Exhibits symptoms indicating that he or she is afflicted with 
the disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney 
General, as appropriate, or
    (B) Has come into contact with the disease within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney General, 
as appropriate.
    (ii) Danger to the public health caused by an epidemic outside of 
the United States. If, regarding a communicable disease of public health 
significance as defined at 42 CFR 34.2(b), the Secretary and the 
Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, have jointly--
    (A) Determined that the physical presence in the United States of 
aliens who are coming from a country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or have embarked at a place or places, 
where such disease is prevalent or epidemic (or had come from that 
country or countries (or one or more subdivisions or regions thereof), 
or had embarked at that place or places, during a period in which the 
disease was prevalent or epidemic there) would cause a danger to the 
public health in the United States, and
    (B) Designated the foreign country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or place or places, and the period of 
time or circumstances under which they jointly deem it necessary for the 
public health that aliens or classes of aliens described in paragraph 
(c)(1)(ii)(A) of this section who are still within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease be regarded as a danger to the security of the United States 
under section 208(b)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act, including any relevant 
exceptions as appropriate, then--
    (C) An alien or class of aliens are ineligible for asylum under 
section 208 of the Act on the basis of there being reasonable grounds 
for regarding the alien or class of aliens as a danger to the security 
of the United States under section 208(b)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act if the 
alien or class of aliens are described in paragraph (c)(10)(ii)(A) of 
this section and are regarded as a danger to the security of the United 
States as provided for in paragraph (c)(10)(ii)(B) of this section.
    (iii) The grounds for mandatory denial described in paragraphs 
(c)(10)(i) and (ii) of this section shall not apply to an alien who is 
applying for asylum or withholding of removal in the United States upon 
return from Canada to the United States and pursuant to the Agreement 
Between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada 
for Cooperation in the Examination of Refugee Status Claims from 
Nationals of Third Countries.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  1208.14  Approval, denial, referral, or dismissal of application.

    (a) By an immigration judge. Unless otherwise prohibited in Sec.  
1208.13(c), an immigration judge may grant or deny asylum in the 
exercise of discretion to an applicant who qualifies as a refugee under 
section 101(a)(42) of the Act. In no case shall an immigration judge 
grant asylum without compliance with the requirements of Sec.  1003.47 
concerning identity, law enforcement, or security investigations or 
examinations.
    (b) Approval by an asylum officer. In any case within the 
jurisdiction of USCIS, unless otherwise prohibited in Sec.  1208.13(c), 
an asylum officer, subject to review within USCIS, may grant, in the 
exercise of his or her distraction, asylum to an applicant who qualifies 
as a refugee under section 101(a)(42) of the Act, and whose identity has 
been checked pursuant to section 208(d)(5)(A)(i) of the Act.
    (c) Denial, referral, or dismissal by an asylum officer. If the 
asylum officer, subject to review within USCIS, does not grant asylum to 
an applicant after an interview conducted in accordance with 8 CFR 
208.9, or if, as provided in 8 CFR 208.10, the applicant is deemed to 
have waived the applicant's right to an interview or an adjudication by 
an asylum officer, the asylum officer shall deny, refer, or dismiss the 
application, as follows:
    (1) Inadmissible or deportable aliens. Except for applicants 
described in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section who have not already 
been subject to proceedings in accordance with 8 CFR 235.3, in the case 
of an applicant who appears to be inadmissible or deportable under 
section 212(a) or 237(a) of the Act, the asylum officer shall refer the 
application to an immigration judge, together with the appropriate 
charging document, for adjudication in removal

[[Page 1004]]

proceedings (or, where charging documents may not be issued, shall 
dismiss the application).
    (2) Alien in valid status. In the case of an applicant who is 
maintaining valid immigrant, nonimmigrant, or Temporary Protected Status 
at the time the application is decided, the asylum officer shall deny 
the application for asylum.
    (3) Alien with valid parole. If an applicant has been paroled into 
the United States and the parole has not expired or been terminated by 
the Service, the asylum officer shall deny the application for asylum.
    (4) Alien paroled into the United States whose parole has expired or 
is terminated--(i) Alien paroled prior to April 1, 1997, or with advance 
authorization for parole. In the case of an applicant who was paroled 
into the United States prior to April 1, 1997, or who, prior to 
departure from the United States, had received an advance authorization 
for parole, the asylum officer shall refer the application, together 
with the appropriate charging documents, to an immigration judge for 
adjudication in removal proceedings if the parole has expired, the 
Service has terminated parole, or the Service is terminating parole 
through issuance of the charging documents, pursuant to Sec.  
1212.5(d)(2)(i) of this chapter.
    (ii) Alien paroled on or after April 1, 1997, without advance 
authorization for parole. In the case of an applicant who is an arriving 
alien or is otherwise subject to removal under Sec.  235.3(b) of chapter 
I, and was paroled into the United States on or after April 1, 1997, 
without advance authorization for parole prior to departure from the 
United States, the asylum officer will take the following actions, if 
the parole has expired or been terminated:
    (A) Inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act. 
If the applicant appears inadmissible to the United States under section 
212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act and the asylum officer does not 
intend to lodge any additional charges of inadmissibility, the asylum 
officer shall proceed in accordance with Sec.  235.3(b) of chapter I. If 
such applicant is found to have a credible fear of persecution or 
torture based on information elicited from the asylum interview, an 
asylum officer may refer the applicant directly to an immigration judge 
in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, without conducting 
a separate credible fear interview pursuant to Sec.  1208.30. If such 
applicant is not found to have a credible fear based on information 
elicited at the asylum interview, an asylum officer will conduct a 
credible fear interview and the applicant will be subject to the 
credible fear process specified at Sec.  1208.30(b).
    (B) Inadmissible on other grounds. In the case of an applicant who 
was paroled into the United States on or after April 1, 1997, and will 
be charged as inadmissible to the United States under provisions of the 
Act other than, or in addition to, sections 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7), 
the asylum officer shall refer the application to an immigration judge 
for adjudication in removal proceedings.
    (d) Applicability of Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter. No application 
for asylum or withholding of deportation shall be subject to denial 
pursuant to Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter.
    (e) Duration. If the applicant is granted asylum, the grant will be 
effective for an indefinite period, subject to termination as provided 
in Sec.  1208.24.
    (f) Effect of denial of principal's application on separate 
applications by dependents. The denial of an asylum application filed by 
a principal applicant for asylum shall also result in the denial of 
asylum status to any dependents of that principal applicant who are 
included in that same application. Such denial shall not preclude a 
grant of asylum for an otherwise eligible dependent who has filed a 
separate asylum application, nor shall such denial result in an 
otherwise eligible dependent becoming ineligible to apply for asylum due 
to the provisions of section 208(a)(2)(C) of the Act.
    (g) Applicants granted lawful permanent residence status. If an 
asylum applicant is granted adjustment of status to lawful permanent 
resident, the Service may provide written notice to the applicant that 
his or her asylum application will be presumed abandoned and dismissed 
without prejudice, unless the applicant submits a written request within 
30 days of the notice, that the

[[Page 1005]]

asylum application be adjudicated. If an applicant does not respond 
within 30 days of the date the written notice was sent or served, the 
Service may presume the asylum application abandoned and dismiss it 
without prejudice.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 12986, Mar. 17, 1998; 64 
FR 27875, May 21, 1999; 65 FR 76134, Dec. 6, 2000; 70 FR 4754, Jan. 31, 
2005; 85 FR 80397, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 18221, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  1208.15  Definition of ``firm resettlement.''

    (a) An alien is considered to be firmly resettled if, after the 
events giving rise to the alien's asylum claim:
    (1) The alien resided in a country through which the alien transited 
prior to arriving in or entering the United States and--
    (i) Received or was eligible for any permanent legal immigration 
status in that country;
    (ii) Resided in such a country with any non-permanent but 
indefinitely renewable legal immigration status (including asylee, 
refugee, or similar status but excluding status such as of a tourist); 
or
    (iii) Resided in such a country and could have applied for and 
obtained any non-permanent but indefinitely renewable legal immigration 
status in that country;
    (2) The alien physically resided voluntarily, and without continuing 
to suffer persecution in any one country for one year or more after 
departing his country of nationality or last habitual residence and 
prior to arrival in or entry into the United States, provided that time 
spent in Mexico by an alien who is not a native or citizen of Mexico 
solely as a direct result of being returned to Mexico pursuant to 
section 235(b)(2)(C) of the Act or of being subject to metering would 
not be counted for purposes of this paragraph; or
    (3)(i) The alien is a citizen of a country other than the one where 
the alien alleges a fear of persecution and the alien was present in 
that country after departing his country of nationality or last habitual 
residence and prior to arrival in or entry into the United States, or
    (ii) the alien was a citizen of a country other than the one where 
the alien alleges a fear of persecution, the alien was present in that 
country after departing his country of nationality or last habitual 
residence and prior to arrival in or entry into the United States, and 
the alien renounced that citizenship after arriving in the United 
States.
    (b) The provisions of 8 CFR 1240.8(d) shall apply when the evidence 
of record indicates that the firm resettlement bar may apply. In such 
cases, the alien shall bear the burden of proving the bar does not 
apply. Either DHS or the immigration judge may raise the issue of the 
application of the firm resettlement bar based on the evidence of 
record. The firm resettlement of an alien's parent(s) shall be imputed 
to the alien if the resettlement occurred before the alien turned 18 and 
the alien resided with the alien's parents at the time of the firm 
resettlement unless he or she could not have derived any permanent legal 
immigration status or any non-permanent but indefinitely renewable legal 
immigration status (including asylee, refugee, or similar status but 
excluding status such as of a tourist) from the alien's parent.

[85 FR 80397, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  1208.16  Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act 
and withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture.

    (a) Consideration of application for withholding of removal. 
Consideration of eligibility for statutory withholding of removal and 
protection under the Convention Against Torture by a DHS officer is as 
provided at 8 CFR 208.16. In exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings, an immigration judge may adjudicate both an asylum claim 
and a request for withholding of removal whether or not asylum is 
granted.
    (b) Eligibility for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) 
of the Act; burden of proof. The burden of proof is on the applicant for 
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act to establish 
that his or her life or freedom would be threatened in the proposed 
country of removal on account of race, religion, nationality, membership

[[Page 1006]]

in a particular social group, or political opinion. The testimony of the 
applicant, if credible, may be sufficient to sustain the burden of proof 
without corroboration. The evidence shall be evaluated as follows:
    (1) Past threat to life or freedom. (i) If the applicant is 
determined to have suffered past persecution in the proposed country of 
removal on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion, it shall be presumed that 
the applicant's life or freedom would be threatened in the future in the 
country of removal on the basis of the original claim. This presumption 
may be rebutted if an asylum officer or immigration judge finds by a 
preponderance of the evidence:
    (A) There has been a fundamental change in circumstances such that 
the applicant's life or freedom would not be threatened on account of 
any of the five grounds mentioned in this paragraph upon the applicant's 
removal to that country; or
    (B) The applicant could avoid a future threat to his or her life or 
freedom by relocating to another part of the proposed country of removal 
and, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect the 
applicant to do so.
    (ii) In cases in which the applicant has established past 
persecution, the Service shall bear the burden of establishing by a 
preponderance of the evidence the requirements of paragraphs 
(b)(1)(i)(A) or (b)(1)(i)(B) of this section.
    (iii) If the applicant's fear of future threat to life or freedom is 
unrelated to the past persecution, the applicant bears the burden of 
establishing that it is more likely than not that he or she would suffer 
such harm.
    (2) Future threat to life or freedom. An applicant who has not 
suffered past persecution may demonstrate that his or her life or 
freedom would be threatened in the future in a country if he or she can 
establish that it is more likely than not that he or she would be 
persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion upon removal to that 
country. Such an applicant cannot demonstrate that his or her life or 
freedom would be threatened if the asylum officer or immigration judge 
finds that the applicant could avoid a future threat to his or her life 
or freedom by relocating to another part of the proposed country of 
removal and, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to 
expect the applicant to do so. In evaluating whether it is more likely 
than not that the applicant's life or freedom would be threatened in a 
particular country on account of race, religion, nationality, membership 
in a particular social group, or political opinion, the asylum officer 
or immigration judge shall not require the applicant to provide evidence 
that he or she would be singled out individually for such persecution 
if:
    (i) The applicant establishes that in that country there is a 
pattern or practice of persecution of a group of persons similarly 
situated to the applicant on account of race, religion, nationality, 
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; and
    (ii) The applicant establishes his or her own inclusion in and 
identification with such group of persons such that it is more likely 
than not that his or her life or freedom would be threatened upon return 
to that country.
    (3) Reasonableness of internal relocation. For purposes of 
determinations under paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, 
adjudicators should consider the totality of the relevant circumstances 
regarding an applicant's prospects for relocation, including the size of 
the country of nationality or last habitual residence, the geographic 
locus of the alleged persecution, the size, reach, or numerosity of the 
alleged persecutor, and the applicant's demonstrated ability to relocate 
to the United States in order to apply for withholding of removal.
    (i) In cases in which the applicant has not established past 
persecution, the applicant shall bear the burden of establishing that it 
would not be reasonable for him or her to relocate, unless the 
persecutor is a government or is government-sponsored.
    (ii) In cases in which the persecutor is a government or is 
government-sponsored, it shall be presumed that internal relocation 
would not be reasonable,

[[Page 1007]]

unless the DHS establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that, 
under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable for the applicant to 
relocate.
    (iii) Regardless of whether an applicant has established persecution 
in the past, in cases in which the persecutor is not the government or a 
government-sponsored actor, or otherwise is a private actor, there shall 
be a presumption that internal relocation would be reasonable unless the 
applicant establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it would 
be unreasonable to relocate.
    (iv) For purposes of determinations under paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section, persecutors who are private actors, including 
persecutors who are gang members, public official who are not acting 
under color of law, or family members who are not themselves government 
officials or neighbors who are not themselves government officials, 
shall not be considered to be persecutors who are the government or 
government-sponsored absent evidence that the government sponsored the 
persecution.
    (c) Eligibility for withholding of removal under the Convention 
Against Torture. (1) For purposes of regulations under Title II of the 
Act, ``Convention Against Torture'' shall refer to the United Nations 
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment, subject to any reservations, understandings, 
declarations, and provisos contained in the United States Senate 
resolution of ratification of the Convention, as implemented by section 
2242 of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (Pub. 
L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681, 2681-821). The definition of torture 
contained in Sec.  1208.18(a) of this part shall govern all decisions 
made under regulations under Title II of the Act about the applicability 
of Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture.
    (2) The burden of proof is on the applicant for withholding of 
removal under this paragraph to establish that it is more likely than 
not that he or she would be tortured if removed to the proposed country 
of removal. The testimony of the applicant, if credible, may be 
sufficient to sustain the burden of proof without corroboration.
    (3) In assessing whether it is more likely than not that an 
applicant would be tortured in the proposed country of removal, all 
evidence relevant to the possibility of future torture shall be 
considered, including, but not limited to:
    (i) Evidence of past torture inflicted upon the applicant;
    (ii) Evidence that the applicant could relocate to a part of the 
country of removal where he or she is not likely to be tortured;
    (iii) Evidence of gross, flagrant or mass violations of human rights 
within the country of removal, where applicable; and
    (iv) Other relevant information regarding conditions in the country 
of removal.
    (4) In considering an application for withholding of removal under 
the Convention Against Torture, the immigration judge shall first 
determine whether the alien is more likely than not to be tortured in 
the country of removal. If the immigration judge determines that the 
alien is more likely than not to be tortured in the country of removal, 
the alien is entitled to protection under the Convention Against 
Torture. Protection under the Convention Against Torture will be granted 
either in the form of withholding of removal or in the form of deferral 
of removal. An alien entitled to such protection shall be granted 
withholding of removal unless the alien is subject to mandatory denial 
of withholding of removal under paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3) of this 
section. If an alien entitled to such protection is subject to mandatory 
denial of withholding of removal under paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3) of 
this section, the alien's removal shall be deferred under Sec.  
1208.17(a).
    (d) Approval or denial of application--(1) General. Subject to 
paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section, an application for 
withholding of deportation or removal to a country of proposed removal 
shall be granted if the applicant's eligibility for withholding is 
established pursuant to paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section.

[[Page 1008]]

    (2) Mandatory denials. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of 
this section, an application for withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of the Act or under the Convention Against Torture shall be 
denied if the applicant falls within section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act or, 
for applications for withholding of deportation adjudicated in 
proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997, within section 243(h)(2) 
of the Act as it appeared prior to that date. For purposes of section 
241(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Act, or section 243(h)(2)(B) of the Act as it 
appeared prior to April 1, 1997, an alien who has been convicted of a 
particularly serious crime shall be considered to constitute a danger to 
the community. If the evidence indicates the applicability of one or 
more of the grounds for denial of withholding enumerated in the Act, the 
applicant shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the 
evidence that such grounds do not apply.
    (3) Exception to the prohibition on withholding of deportation in 
certain cases. Section 243(h)(3) of the Act, as added by section 413 of 
Pub. L. 104-132 (110 Stat. 1214), shall apply only to applications 
adjudicated in proceedings commenced before April 1, 1997, and in which 
final action had not been taken before April 24, 1996. The discretion 
permitted by that section to override section 243(h)(2) of the Act shall 
be exercised only in the case of an applicant convicted of an aggravated 
felony (or felonies) where he or she was sentenced to an aggregate term 
of imprisonment of less than 5 years and the immigration judge 
determines on an individual basis that the crime (or crimes) of which 
the applicant was convicted does not constitute a particularly serious 
crime. Nevertheless, it shall be presumed that an alien convicted of an 
aggravated felony has been convicted of a particularly serious crime. 
Except in the cases specified in this paragraph, the grounds for denial 
of withholding of deportation in section 243(h)(2) of the Act as it 
appeared prior to April 1, 1997, shall be deemed to comply with the 
Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, Jan. 31, 1967, T.I.A.S. No. 
6577.
    (e) [Reserved]
    (f) Removal to third country. Nothing in this section or Sec.  
1208.17 shall prevent the Service from removing an alien to a third 
country other than the country to which removal has been withheld or 
deferred.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8488, Feb. 19, 1999; 65 
FR 76135, Dec. 6, 2000; 85 FR 67260, Oct. 21, 2020; 85 FR 80398, Dec. 
11, 2020; 87 FR 18222, Mar. 29, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84197, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  1208.16 
was amended by revising paragraphs (d)(2) and (f), effective Jan. 22, 
2021. The amendments to Sec.  1208.16 were delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, 
at 86 FR 6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 
FR 15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of the user, the revised text 
is set forth as follows:



Sec.  1208.16  Withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the 
          Act and withholding of removal under the Convention Against 
          Torture.

                                * * * * *

    (d) * * *
    (2) Mandatory denials--(i) In general. Except as provided in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section, an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or under the regulations 
issued pursuant to the legislation implementing the Convention Against 
Torture shall be denied if the applicant falls within section 
241(b)(3)(B) of the Act or, for applications for withholding of 
deportation adjudicated in proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997, 
within section 243(h)(2) of the Act as it appeared prior to that date. 
For purposes of section 241(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Act, or section 
243(h)(2)(B) of the Act as it appeared prior to April 1, 1997, an alien 
who has been convicted of a particularly serious crime shall be 
considered to constitute a danger to the community. If the evidence 
indicates the applicability of one or more of the grounds for denial of 
withholding enumerated in the Act, the applicant shall have the burden 
of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that such grounds do not 
apply.
    (ii) Public health emergencies. If a communicable disease has 
triggered an ongoing declaration of a public health emergency under 
Federal law, such as under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, 
42 U.S.C. 247d, or section 564 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 
U.S.C. 360bbb-3, then an alien is ineligible for withholding of removal 
under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and under the regulations issued 
pursuant to the legislation implementing the Convention Against Torture 
on the basis of there being reasonable grounds for regarding the alien 
as a danger

[[Page 1009]]

to the security of the United States under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of 
the Act if the alien--
    (A) Exhibits symptoms indicating that he or she is afflicted with 
the disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney 
General, as appropriate; or
    (B) Has come into contact with the disease within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease, per guidance issued by the Secretary or the Attorney General, 
as appropriate.
    (iii) Danger to the public health caused by an epidemic outside of 
the United States. If, regarding a communicable disease of public health 
significance as defined at 42 CFR 34.2(b), the Secretary and the 
Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, have jointly--
    (A) Determined that the physical presence in the United States of 
aliens who are coming from a country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or have embarked at a place or places, 
where such disease is prevalent or epidemic (or had come from that 
country or countries (or one or more subdivisions or regions thereof), 
or had embarked at that place or places, during a period in which the 
disease was prevalent or epidemic there) would cause a danger to the 
public health in the United States; and
    (B) Designated the foreign country or countries (or one or more 
subdivisions or regions thereof), or place or places, and the period of 
time or circumstances under which they jointly deem it necessary for the 
public health that aliens or classes of aliens described in paragraph 
(d)(2)(iii)(A) of this section who are still within the number of days 
equivalent to the longest known incubation and contagion period for the 
disease be regarded as a danger to the security of the United States 
under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act, including any relevant 
exceptions as appropriate, then--
    (C) An alien or class of aliens are ineligible for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and under the regulations 
issued pursuant to the legislation implementing the Convention Against 
Torture on the basis of there being reasonable grounds for regarding the 
alien or class of aliens as a danger to the security of the United 
States under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act if the alien or class 
of aliens are described in paragraph (d)(2)(iii)(A) of this section and 
are regarded as a danger to the security of the United States as 
provided for in paragraph (d)(2)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (iv) The grounds for mandatory denial described in paragraphs 
(d)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section shall not apply to an alien who is 
applying for asylum or withholding of removal in the United States upon 
return from Canada to the United States and pursuant to the Agreement 
Between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada 
for Cooperation in the Examination of Refugee Status Claims from 
Nationals of Third Countries)

                                * * * * *

    (f) Removal to third country. (1) Nothing in this section or Sec.  
1208.17 shall prevent the Department of Homeland Security from removing 
an alien requesting protection to a third country other than a country 
to which removal is currently withheld or deferred.
    (2) If an alien requests withholding or deferral of removal to the 
applicable home country or another specific country, nothing in this 
section or Sec.  1208.17 precludes the Department of Homeland Security 
from removing the alien to a third country prior to a determination or 
adjudication of the alien's initial request for withholding or deferral 
of removal if, after being notified of the identity of the prospective 
third country of removal and provided an opportunity to demonstrate that 
he or she is more likely than not to be tortured in that third country, 
the alien fails to establish that they are more likely than not to be 
tortured there. However, such a removal shall be executed only if the 
alien was:
    (i) Advised at the time of requesting withholding or deferral of 
removal of the possibility of being removed to a third country prior to 
a determination or adjudication of the same under the conditions set 
forth in this paragraph, and
    (ii) Provided, but did not accept, an opportunity to withdraw the 
request for withholding or deferral of removal in order to prevent such 
removal and, instead, proceed to removal pursuant to section 241(b) of 
the Act, as appropriate.



Sec.  1208.17  Deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture.

    (a) Grant of deferral of removal. An alien who: has been ordered 
removed; has been found under Sec.  1208.16(c)(3) to be entitled to 
protection under the Convention Against Torture; and is subject to the 
provisions for mandatory denial of withholding of removal under Sec.  
1208.16(d)(2) or (d)(3), shall be granted deferral of removal to the 
country where he or she is more likely than not to be tortured.
    (b) Notice to alien. (1) After an immigration judge orders an alien 
described in paragraph (a) of this section removed, the immigration 
judge shall inform the alien that his or her removal to the country 
where he or she is more likely than not to be tortured shall be deferred 
until such time as the deferral

[[Page 1010]]

is terminated under this section. The immigration judge shall inform the 
alien that deferral of removal:
    (i) Does not confer upon the alien any lawful or permanent 
immigration status in the United States;
    (ii) Will not necessarily result in the alien being released from 
the custody of the Service if the alien is subject to such custody;
    (iii) Is effective only until terminated; and
    (iv) Is subject to review and termination if the immigration judge 
determines that it is not likely that the alien would be tortured in the 
country to which removal has been deferred, or if the alien requests 
that deferral be terminated.
    (2) The immigration judge shall also inform the alien that removal 
has been deferred only to the country in which it has been determined 
that the alien is likely to be tortured, and that the alien may be 
removed at any time to another country where he or she is not likely to 
be tortured.
    (c) Detention of an alien granted deferral of removal under this 
section. Nothing in this section shall alter the authority of the 
Service to detain an alien whose removal has been deferred under this 
section and who is otherwise subject to detention. In the case of such 
an alien, decisions about the alien's release shall be made according to 
part 241 of this chapter.
    (d) Termination of deferral of removal. (1) At any time while 
deferral of removal is in effect, the INS District Counsel for the 
District with jurisdiction over an alien whose removal has been deferred 
under paragraph (a) of this section may file a motion with the 
Immigration Court having administrative control pursuant to Sec.  
1003.11 of this chapter to schedule a hearing to consider whether 
deferral of removal should be terminated. The Service motion shall be 
granted if it is accompanied by evidence that is relevant to the 
possibility that the alien would be tortured in the country to which 
removal has been deferred and that was not presented at the previous 
hearing. The Service motion shall not be subject to the requirements for 
reopening in Sec. Sec.  3.2 and 3.23 of this chapter.
    (2) The Immigration Court shall provide notice to the alien and the 
Service of the time, place, and date of the termination hearing. Such 
notice shall inform the alien that the alien may supplement the 
information in his or her initial application for withholding of removal 
under the Convention Against Torture and shall provide that the alien 
must submit any such supplemental information within 10 calendar days of 
service of such notice (or 13 calendar days if service of such notice 
was by mail). At the expiration of this 10 or 13 day period, the 
Immigration Court shall forward a copy of the original application, and 
any supplemental information the alien or the Service has submitted, to 
the Department of State, together with notice to the Department of State 
of the time, place and date of the termination hearing. At its option, 
the Department of State may provide comments on the case, according to 
the provisions of Sec.  1208.11 of this part.
    (3) The immigration judge shall conduct a hearing and make a de novo 
determination, based on the record of proceeding and initial application 
in addition to any new evidence submitted by the Service or the alien, 
as to whether the alien is more likely than not to be tortured in the 
country to which removal has been deferred. This determination shall be 
made under the standards for eligibility set out in Sec.  1208.16(c). 
The burden is on the alien to establish that it is more likely than not 
that he or she would be tortured in the country to which removal has 
been deferred.
    (4) If the immigration judge determines that the alien is more 
likely than not to be tortured in the country to which removal has been 
deferred, the order of deferral shall remain in place. If the 
immigration judge determines that the alien has not established that he 
or she is more likely than not to be tortured in the country to which 
removal has been deferred, the deferral of removal shall be terminated 
and the alien may be removed to that country. Appeal of the immigration 
judge's decision shall lie to the Board.
    (e) Termination at the request of the alien. (1) At any time while 
deferral of

[[Page 1011]]

removal is in effect, the alien may make a written request to the 
Immigration Court having administrative control pursuant to Sec.  
1003.11 of this chapter to terminate the deferral order. If satisfied on 
the basis of the written submission that the alien's request is knowing 
and voluntary, the immigration judge shall terminate the order of 
deferral and the alien may be removed.
    (2) If necessary the immigration judge may calendar a hearing for 
the sole purpose of determining whether the alien's request is knowing 
and voluntary. If the immigration judge determines that the alien's 
request is knowing and voluntary, the order of deferral shall be 
terminated. If the immigration judge determines that the alien's request 
is not knowing and voluntary, the alien's request shall not serve as the 
basis for terminating the order of deferral.
    (f) Termination pursuant to Sec.  1208.18(c). At any time while 
deferral of removal is in effect, the Attorney General may determine 
whether deferral should be terminated based on diplomatic assurances 
forwarded by the Secretary of State pursuant to the procedures in Sec.  
1208.18(c).

[64 FR 8489, Feb. 19, 1999]



Sec.  1208.18  Implementation of the Convention Against Torture.

    (a) Definitions. The definitions in this subsection incorporate the 
definition of torture contained in Article 1 of the Convention Against 
Torture, subject to the reservations, understandings, declarations, and 
provisos contained in the United States Senate resolution of 
ratification of the Convention.
    (1) Torture is defined as any act by which severe pain or suffering, 
whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for 
such purposes as obtaining from him or her or a third person information 
or a confession, punishing him or her for an act he or she or a third 
person has committed or is suspected of having committed, intimidating 
or coercing him or her or a third person, or for any reason based on 
discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by, 
or at the instigation of, or with the consent or acquiescence of, a 
public official acting in an official capacity or other person acting in 
an official capacity. Pain or suffering inflicted by a public official 
who is not acting under color of law shall not constitute pain or 
suffering inflicted by, or at the instigation of, or with the consent or 
acquiescence of, a public official acting in an official capacity or 
other person acting in an official capacity, although a different public 
official acting in an official capacity or other person acting in an 
official capacity could instigate, consent to, or acquiesce in the pain 
or suffering inflicted by the public official who is not acting under 
color of law.
    (2) Torture is an extreme form of cruel and inhuman treatment and 
does not include lesser forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment 
or punishment that do not amount to torture.
    (3) Torture does not include pain or suffering arising only from, 
inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions. Lawful sanctions include 
judicially imposed sanctions and other enforcement actions authorized by 
law, including the death penalty, but do not include sanctions that 
defeat the object and purpose of the Convention Against Torture to 
prohibit torture.
    (4) In order to constitute torture, mental pain or suffering must be 
prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from:
    (i) The intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe 
physical pain or suffering;
    (ii) The administration or application, or threatened administration 
or application, of mind altering substances or other procedures 
calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or the personality;
    (iii) The threat of imminent death; or
    (iv) The threat that another person will imminently be subjected to 
death, severe physical pain or suffering, or the administration or 
application of mind altering substances or other procedures calculated 
to disrupt profoundly the sense or personality.
    (5) In order to constitute torture, an act must be specifically 
intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering. An act 
that results in unanticipated or unintended severity of pain and 
suffering is not torture.

[[Page 1012]]

    (6) In order to constitute torture an act must be directed against a 
person in the offender's custody or physical control.
    (7) Acquiescence of a public official requires that the public 
official, prior to the activity constituting torture, have awareness of 
such activity and thereafter breach his or her legal responsibility to 
intervene to prevent such activity. Such awareness requires a finding of 
either actual knowledge or willful blindness. Willful blindness means 
that the public official acting in an official capacity or other person 
acting in an official capacity was aware of a high probability of 
activity constituting torture and deliberately avoided learning the 
truth; it is not enough that such public official acting in an official 
capacity or other person acting in an official capacity was mistaken, 
recklessly disregarded the truth, or negligently failed to inquire. In 
order for a public official to breach his or her legal responsibility to 
intervene to prevent activity constituting torture, the official must 
have been charged with preventing the activity as part of his or her 
duties and have failed to intervene. No person will be deemed to have 
breached a legal responsibility to intervene if such person is unable to 
intervene, or if the person intervenes but is unable to prevent the 
activity that constitutes torture.
    (8) Noncompliance with applicable legal procedural standards does 
not per se constitute torture.
    (b) Applicability of Sec. Sec.  1208.16(c) and 1208.17(a)--(1) 
Aliens in proceedings on or after March 22, 1999. (i) An alien who is in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings on or after March 22, 
1999, may apply for withholding of removal under Sec.  1208.16(c), and, 
if applicable, may be considered for deferral of removal under Sec.  
1208.17(a).
    (ii) In addition, an alien may apply for withholding of removal 
under 8 CFR 208.16(c), and, if applicable, may be considered for 
deferral of removal under 8 CFR 208.17(a), in the following situation: 
The alien is determined to be an applicant for admission under section 
235(b)(1) of the Act, the alien is found to have a credible fear of 
persecution or torture, the alien's case is subsequently retained by or 
referred to USCIS pursuant to the jurisdiction provided at 8 CFR 
208.2(a)(1)(ii) to consider the application for asylum, and that 
application for asylum is not granted.
    (2) Aliens who were ordered removed, or whose removal orders became 
final, before March 22, 1999. An alien under a final order of 
deportation, exclusion, or removal that became final prior to March 22, 
1999 may move to reopen proceedings for the sole purpose of seeking 
protection under Sec.  1208.16(c). Such motions shall be governed by 
Sec. Sec.  1003.23 and 1003.2 of this chapter, except that the time and 
numerical limitations on motions to reopen shall not apply and the alien 
shall not be required to demonstrate that the evidence sought to be 
offered was unavailable and could not have been discovered or presented 
at the former hearing. The motion to reopen shall not be granted unless:
    (i) The motion is filed within June 21, 1999; and
    (ii) The evidence sought to be offered establishes a prima facie 
case that the applicant's removal must be withheld or deferred under 
Sec. Sec.  1208.16(c) or 1208.17(a).
    (3) Aliens who, on March 22, 1999, have requests pending with the 
Service for protection under Article 3 of the Convention Against 
Torture. (i) Except as otherwise provided, after March 22, 1999, the 
Service will not:
    (A) Consider, under its pre-regulatory administrative policy to 
ensure compliance with the Convention Against Torture, whether Article 3 
of that Convention prohibits the removal of an alien to a particular 
country, or
    (B) Stay the removal of an alien based on a request filed with the 
Service for protection under Article 3 of that Convention.
    (ii) For each alien who, on or before March 22, 1999, filed a 
request with the Service for protection under Article 3 of the 
Convention Against Torture, and whose request has not been finally 
decided by the Service, the Service shall provide written notice that, 
after March 22, 1999, consideration for protection under Article 3 can 
be obtained only through the provisions of this rule.
    (A) The notice shall inform an alien who is under an order of 
removal issued

[[Page 1013]]

by EOIR that, in order to seek consideration of a claim under Sec. Sec.  
1208.16(c) or 1208.17(a), such an alien must file a motion to reopen 
with the immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals. This 
notice shall be accompanied by a stay of removal, effective until 30 
days after service of the notice on the alien. A motion to reopen filed 
under this paragraph for the limited purpose of asserting a claim under 
Sec. Sec.  1208.16(c) or 1208.17(a) shall not be subject to the 
requirements for reopening in Sec. Sec.  1003.2 and 1003.23 of this 
chapter. Such a motion shall be granted if it is accompanied by a copy 
of the notice described in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) or by other convincing 
evidence that the alien had a request pending with the Service for 
protection under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture on March 
22, 1999. The filing of such a motion shall extend the stay of removal 
during the pendency of the adjudication of this motion.
    (B) The notice shall inform an alien who is under an administrative 
order of removal issued by the Service under section 238(b) of the Act 
or an exclusion, deportation, or removal order reinstated by the Service 
under section 241(a)(5) of the Act that the alien's claim to withholding 
of removal under Sec.  1208.16(c) or deferral of removal under Sec.  
1208.17(a) will be considered under Sec.  1208.31.
    (C) The notice shall inform an alien who is under an administrative 
order of removal issued by the Service under section 235(c) of the Act 
that the alien's claim to protection under the Convention Against 
Torture will be decided by the Service as provided in Sec.  1208.18(d) 
and 1235.8(b)(4) and will not be considered under the provisions of this 
part relating to consideration or review by an immigration judge, the 
Board of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer.
    (4) Aliens whose claims to protection under the Convention Against 
Torture were finally decided by the Service prior to March 22, 1999. 
Sections 208.16(c) and 208.17 (a) and paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) 
of this section do not apply to cases in which, prior to March 22, 1999, 
the Service has made a final administrative determination about the 
applicability of Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture to the case 
of an alien who filed a request with the Service for protection under 
Article 3. If, prior to March 22, 1999, the Service determined that an 
applicant cannot be removed consistent with the Convention Against 
Torture, the alien shall be considered to have been granted withholding 
of removal under Sec.  1208.16(c), unless the alien is subject to 
mandatory denial of withholding of removal under Sec.  1208.16(d)(2) or 
(d)(3), in which case the alien will be considered to have been granted 
deferral of removal under 208.17(a). If, prior to March 22, 1999, the 
Service determined that an alien can be removed consistent with the 
Convention Against Torture, the alien will be considered to have been 
finally denied withholding of removal under Sec.  1208.16(c) and 
deferral of removal under Sec.  1208.17(a).
    (c) Diplomatic assurances against torture obtained by the Secretary 
of State. (1) The Secretary of State may forward to the Attorney General 
assurances that the Secretary has obtained from the government of a 
specific country that an alien would not be tortured there if the alien 
were removed to that country.
    (2) If the Secretary of State forwards assurances described in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section to the Attorney General for 
consideration by the Attorney General or her delegates under this 
paragraph, the Attorney General shall determine, in consultation with 
the Secretary of State, whether the assurances are sufficiently reliable 
to allow the alien's removal to that country consistent with Article 3 
of the Convention Against Torture. The Attorney General's authority 
under this paragraph may be exercised by the Deputy Attorney General or 
by the Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service, but may not 
be further delegated.
    (3) Once assurances are provided under paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, the alien's claim for protection under the Convention Against 
Torture shall not be considered further by an immigration judge, the 
Board of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer.
    (d) Cases involving aliens ordered removed under section 235(c) of 
the Act. With respect to an alien terrorist or

[[Page 1014]]

other alien subject to administrative removal under section 235(c) of 
the Act who requests protection under Article 3 of the Convention 
Against Torture, the Service will assess the applicability of Article 3 
through the removal process to ensure that a removal order will not be 
executed under circumstances that would violate the obligations of the 
United States under Article 3. In such cases, the provisions of Part 208 
relating to consideration or review by an immigration judge, the Board 
of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer shall not apply.
    (e) Judicial review of claims for protection from removal under 
Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture. (1) Pursuant to the 
provisions of section 2242(d) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and 
Restructuring Act of 1998, there shall be no judicial appeal or review 
of any action, decision, or claim raised under the Convention or that 
section, except as part of the review of a final order of removal 
pursuant to section 242 of the Act; provided however, that any appeal or 
petition regarding an action, decision, or claim under the Convention or 
under section 2242 of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act 
of 1998 shall not be deemed to include or authorize the consideration of 
any administrative order or decision, or portion thereof, the appeal or 
review of which is restricted or prohibited by the Act.
    (2) Except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this 
paragraph shall be construed to create a private right of action or to 
authorize the consideration or issuance of administrative or judicial 
relief.

[64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 FR 13881, Mar. 23, 1999, as amended at 85 
FR 80398, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 18222, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  1208.19  [Reserved]



Sec.  1208.20  Determining if an asylum application is frivolous.

    (a) For applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, and before 
January 11, 2021, an applicant is subject to the provisions of section 
208(d)(6) of the Act only if the alien received the notice required by 
section 208(d)(4)(A) of the Act and a final order by an immigration 
judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals specifically finds that the 
alien knowingly filed a frivolous asylum application. An application is 
frivolous if:
    (1) Any of the material elements in the asylum application is 
deliberately fabricated, and the immigration judge or the Board is 
satisfied that the applicant, during the course of the proceedings, has 
had sufficient opportunity to account for any discrepancies or 
implausible aspects of the claim.
    (2) Paragraphs (b) through (f) shall only apply to applications 
filed on or after January 11, 2021.
    (b) For applications filed on or after January 11, 2021, an asylum 
officer may determine that the applicant knowingly filed a frivolous 
asylum application and may refer the applicant to an immigration judge 
on that basis, so long as the applicant has received the notice required 
by section 208(d)(4)(A) of the Act. For applications referred to an 
immigration judge, an asylum officer's determination that an application 
is frivolous will not render an applicant permanently ineligible for 
immigration benefits unless an immigration judge or the Board makes a 
finding of frivolousness as described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) For applications filed on or after January 11, 2021, an asylum 
application is frivolous if it:
    (1) Contains a fabricated material element;
    (2) Is premised upon false or fabricated evidence unless the 
application would have been granted without the false or fabricated 
evidence;
    (3) Is filed without regard to the merits of the claim; or
    (4) Is clearly foreclosed by applicable law.
    (d) If the alien has been provided the warning required by section 
208(d)(4)(A) of the Act, he or she need not be given any additional or 
further opportunity to account for any issues with his or her claim 
prior to the entry of a frivolousness finding.
    (e) An asylum application may be found frivolous even if it was 
untimely filed.
    (f) A withdrawn asylum application may be found frivolous unless:
    (1) The alien wholly disclaims the application and withdraws it with 
prejudice;

[[Page 1015]]

    (2) The alien is eligible for and agrees to accept voluntary 
departure for a period of no more than 30 days pursuant to section 
240B(a) of the Act;
    (3) The alien withdraws any and all other applications for relief or 
protection with prejudice; and
    (4) The alien waives his right to appeal and any rights to file, for 
any reason, a motion to reopen or reconsider.
    (g) For purposes of this section, a finding that an alien filed a 
knowingly frivolous asylum application shall not preclude the alien from 
seeking withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act or 
protection under the regulations issued pursuant to the Convention 
Against Torture's implementing legislation.

[85 FR 80398, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  1208.21  Admission of the asylee's spouse and children.

    (a) Eligibility. In accordance with section 208(b)(3) of the Act, a 
spouse, as defined in section 101(a)(35) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(35), or child, as defined in section 101(b)(1) of the Act, also 
may be granted asylum if accompanying, or following to join, the 
principal alien who was granted asylum, unless it is determined that the 
spouse or child is ineligible for asylum under section 208(b)(2)(A)(i), 
(ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of the Act for applications filed on or after 
April 1, 1997, or under Sec.  1208.13(c)(2)(i)(A), (C), (D), (E), or (F) 
for applications filed before April 1, 1997.
    (b) Relationship. The relationship of spouse and child as defined in 
sections 101(a)(35) and 101(b)(1) of the Act must have existed at the 
time the principal alien's asylum application was approved and must 
continue to exist at the time of filing for accompanying or following-
to-join benefits and at the time of the spouse or child's subsequent 
admission to the United States. If the asylee proves that the asylee is 
the parent of a child who was born after asylum was granted, but who was 
in utero on the date of the asylum grant, the child shall be eligible to 
accompany or follow-to-join the asylee. The child's mother, if not the 
principal asylee, shall not be eligible to accompany or follow-to-join 
the principal asylee unless the child's mother was the principal 
asylee's spouse on the date the principal asylee was granted asylum.
    (c) Spouse or child in the United States. When a spouse or child of 
an alien granted asylum is in the United States, but was not included in 
the asylee's application, the asylee may request accompanying or 
following-to-join benefits for his/her spouse or child by filing for 
each qualifying family member a separate Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee 
Relative Petition, and supporting evidence, with the designated Service 
office, regardless of the status of that spouse or child in the United 
States. A recent photograph of each derivative must accompany the Form 
I-730. The photograph must clearly identify the derivative, and will be 
made part of the derivative's immigration record for identification 
purposes. Additionally, a separate Form I-730 must be filed by the 
asylee for each qualifying family member before February 28, 2000, or 
within 2 years of the date in which he/she was granted asylum status, 
whichever is later, unless it is determined by the Service that this 
period should be extended for humanitarian reasons. Upon approval of the 
Form I-730, the Service will notify the asylee of such approval on Form 
I-797, Notice of Action. Employment will be authorized incident to 
status. To demonstrate employment authorization, the Service will issue 
a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, which also reflects the 
derivative's current status as an asylee, or the derivative may apply 
under Sec.  274a.12(a) of this chapter, using Form I-765, Application 
for Employment Authorization, and a copy of the Form I-797. The approval 
of the Form I-730 shall remain valid for the duration of the 
relationship to the asylee and, in the case of a child, while the child 
is under 21 years of age and unmarried, provided also that the 
principal's status has not been revoked. However, the approved Form I-
730 will cease to confer immigration benefits after it has been used by 
the beneficiary for admission to the United States as a derivative of an 
asylee.
    (d) Spouse or child outside the United States. When a spouse or 
child of an alien granted asylum is outside the United States, the 
asylee may request

[[Page 1016]]

accompanying or following-to-join benefits for his/her spouse or 
child(ren) by filing a separate Form I-730 for each qualifying family 
member with the designated Service office, setting forth the full name, 
relationship, date and place of birth, and current location of each such 
person. A recent photograph of each derivative must accompany the Form 
I-730. The photograph must clearly identify the derivative, and will be 
made part of the derivative's immigration record for identification 
purposes. A separate Form I-730 for each qualifying family member must 
be filed before February 28, 2000, or within 2 years of the date in 
which the asylee was granted asylum status, whichever is later, unless 
the Service determines that the filing period should be extended for 
humanitarian reasons. When the Form I-730 is approved, the Service will 
notify the asylee of such approval on Form I-797. The approved Form I-
730 shall be forwarded by the Service to the Department of State for 
delivery to the American Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over 
the area in which the asylee's spouse or child is located. The approval 
of the Form I-730 shall remain valid for the duration of the 
relationship to the asylee and, in the case of a child, while the child 
is under 21 years of age and unmarried, provided also that the 
principal's status has not been revoked. However, the approved Form I-
730 will cease to confer immigration benefits after it has been used by 
the beneficiary for admission to the United States as a derivative of an 
asylee.
    (e) Denial. If the spouse or child is found to be ineligible for the 
status accorded under section 208(c) of the Act, a written notice 
stating the basis for denial shall be forwarded to the principal alien. 
No appeal shall lie from this decision.
    (f) Burden of proof. To establish the claimed relationship of spouse 
or child as defined in sections 101(a)(35) and 101(b)(1) of the Act, 
evidence must be submitted with the request as set forth in part 204 of 
this chapter. Where possible this will consist of the documents 
specified in Sec.  204.2 (a)(1)(i)(B), (a)(1)(iii)(B), (a)(2), (d)(2), 
and (d)(5) of 8 CFR chapter I. The burden of proof is on the principal 
alien to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that any person on 
whose behalf he or she is making a request under this section is an 
eligible spouse or child.
    (g) Duration. The spouse or child qualifying under section 208(c) of 
the Act shall be granted asylum for an indefinite period unless the 
principal's status is revoked.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 3796, Jan. 27, 1998. 
Redesignated at 64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999 and further redesignated and 
amended at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000]



Sec.  1208.22  Effect on exclusion, deportation, and removal proceedings.

    An alien who has been granted asylum may not be deported or removed 
unless asylum status is terminated pursuant to 8 CFR 208.24 or Sec.  
1208.24. An alien in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings who 
is granted withholding of removal or deportation, or deferral of 
removal, may not be deported or removed to the country to which his or 
her deportation or removal is ordered withheld or deferred unless the 
withholding order is terminated pursuant to 8 CFR 208.24 or Sec.  
1208.24 or deferral is terminated pursuant to 8 CFR 208.17 or Sec.  
1208.17(d) or (e).

[87 FR 18222, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec.  1208.23  Restoration of status.

    An alien who was maintaining his or her nonimmigrant status at the 
time of filing an asylum application and has such application denied may 
continue in or be restored to that status, if it has not expired.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated at 64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999 
and further redesignated at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000]



Sec.  1208.24  Termination of asylum or withholding of removal or deportation.

    (a) Termination of asylum by the Service. Except as provided in 
paragraph (e) of this section, an asylum officer may terminate a grant 
of asylum made under the jurisdiction of an asylum officer or a district 
director if following an interview, the asylum officer determines that:
    (1) There is a showing of fraud in the alien's application such that 
he or she

[[Page 1017]]

was not eligible for asylum at the time it was granted;
    (2) As to applications filed on or after April 1, 1997, one or more 
of the conditions described in section 208(c)(2) of the Act exist; or
    (3) As to applications filed before April 1, 1997, the alien no 
longer has a well-founded fear of persecution upon return due to a 
change of country conditions in the alien's country of nationality or 
habitual residence or the alien has committed any act that would have 
been grounds for denial of asylum under Sec.  1208.13(c)(2).
    (b) Termination of withholding of deportation or removal by the 
Service. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, an asylum 
officer may terminate a grant of withholding of deportation or removal 
made under the jurisdiction of an asylum officer or a district director 
if the asylum officer determines, following an interview, that:
    (1) The alien is no longer entitled to withholding of deportation or 
removal because, owing to a fundamental change in circumstances relating 
to the original claim, the alien's life or freedom no longer would be 
threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a 
particular social group, or political opinion in the country from which 
deportation or removal was withheld.
    (2) There is a showing of fraud in the alien's application such that 
the alien was not eligible for withholding of removal at the time it was 
granted;
    (3) The alien has committed any other act that would have been 
grounds for denial of withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) 
of the Act had it occurred prior to the grant of withholding of removal; 
or
    (4) For applications filed in proceedings commenced before April 1, 
1997, the alien has committed any act that would have been grounds for 
denial of withholding of deportation under section 243(h)(2) of the Act.
    (c) Procedure. Prior to the termination of a grant of asylum or 
withholding of deportation or removal, the alien shall be given notice 
of intent to terminate, with the reasons therefor, at least 30 days 
prior to the interview specified in paragraph (a) of this section before 
an asylum officer. The alien shall be provided the opportunity to 
present evidence showing that he or she is still eligible for asylum or 
withholding of deportation or removal. If the asylum officer determines 
that the alien is no longer eligible for asylum or withholding of 
deportation or removal, the alien shall be given written notice that 
asylum status or withholding of deportation or removal and any 
employment authorization issued pursuant thereto, are terminated.
    (d) Termination of derivative status. The termination of asylum 
status for a person who was the principal applicant shall result in 
termination of the asylum status of a spouse or child whose status was 
based on the asylum application of the principal. Such termination shall 
not preclude the spouse or child of such alien from separately asserting 
an asylum or withholding of deportation or removal claim.
    (e) Removal proceedings. When an alien's asylum status or 
withholding of removal or deportation is terminated under this section, 
the Service shall initiate removal proceedings, as appropriate, if the 
alien is not already in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings. 
Removal proceedings may take place in conjunction with a termination 
hearing scheduled under Sec.  1208.24(f).
    (f) Termination of asylum, or withholding of deportation or removal, 
by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals. An 
immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals may reopen a case 
pursuant to Sec.  3.2 or Sec.  3.23 of this chapter for the purpose of 
terminating a grant of asylum, or a withholding of deportation or 
removal. In such a reopened proceeding, the Service must establish, by a 
preponderance of evidence, one or more of the grounds set forth in 
paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. In addition, an immigration judge 
may terminate a grant of asylum, or a withholding of deportation or 
removal, made under the jurisdiction of the Service at any time after 
the alien has been provided a notice of intent to terminate by the 
Service. Any termination under this paragraph may occur in conjunction 
with an exclusion, deportation, or removal proceeding.

[[Page 1018]]

    (g) Termination of asylum for arriving aliens. If the Service 
determines that an applicant for admission who had previously been 
granted asylum in the United States falls within conditions set forth in 
Sec.  1208.24 and is inadmissible, the Service shall issue a notice of 
intent to terminate asylum and initiate removal proceedings under 
section 240 of the Act. The alien shall present his or her response to 
the intent to terminate during proceedings before the immigration judge.

[62 FR 10337, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated at 64 FR 8490, Feb. 19, 1999 
and further redesignated and amended at 65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000]



Sec.  1208.25  Severability.

    The provisions of part 1208 are separate and severable from one 
another. In the event that any provision in part 1208 is stayed, 
enjoined, not implemented, or otherwise held invalid, the remaining 
provisions shall nevertheless be implemented as an independent rule and 
continue in effect.

[85 FR 80399, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec. Sec.  1208.26-1208.29  [Reserved]



                 Subpart B_Credible Fear of Persecution



Sec.  1208.30  Credible fear determinations involving stowaways and applicants 
for admission who are found inadmissible pursuant to section 212(a)(6)(C) 
or 212(a)(7) of the Act.

    (a) Jurisdiction. The provisions of this subpart apply to aliens 
subject to sections 235(a)(2) and 235(b)(1) of the Act. Pursuant to 
section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act, DHS has exclusive jurisdiction to make 
the determinations described in this subpart. Except as otherwise 
provided in this subpart, paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section are 
the exclusive procedures applicable to stowaways and applicants for 
admission who are found inadmissible pursuant to section 212(a)(6)(C) or 
212(a)(7) of the Act and who receive fear interviews, determinations, 
and reviews under section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Act. Prior to January 1, 
2030, an alien physically present in or arriving in the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands is ineligible to apply for asylum and may 
only establish eligibility for withholding of removal pursuant to 
section 241(b)(3) of the Act or withholding or deferral of removal under 
the regulations in Sec. Sec.  1208.16(c) through (f), 1208.17, and 
1208.18 issued pursuant to the Convention Against Torture's implementing 
legislation.
    (b) Treatment of dependents. A spouse or child of an alien may be 
included in that alien's fear evaluation and determination, if such 
spouse or child:
    (1) Arrived in the United States concurrently with the principal 
alien; and
    (2) Desires to be included in the principal alien's determination. 
However, any alien may have his or her evaluation and determination made 
separately, if he or she expresses such a desire.
    (c)-(d) [Reserved]
    (e) Determination. For the standards and procedures for asylum 
officers in conducting credible fear interviews, and in making positive 
and negative credible fear determinations, see 8 CFR 208.30. The 
immigration judges will review such determinations as provided in 
paragraph (g) of this section and Sec. Sec.  1003.42 and 1240.17 of this 
chapter.
    (f) [Reserved]
    (g) Procedures for negative fear determinations.
    (1) [Reserved]
    (2) Review by immigration judge of a negative credible fear finding. 
(i) The asylum officer's negative decision regarding credible fear shall 
be subject to review by an immigration judge upon the applicant's 
request, or upon the applicant's refusal or failure either to request or 
to decline the review after being given such opportunity, in accordance 
with section 235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(III) of the Act. The immigration judge 
shall not have the authority to remand the case to the asylum officer.
    (ii) The record of the negative credible fear determination, 
including copies of the Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration 
Judge, the asylum officer's notes, the summary of the material facts, 
and other materials upon which the determination was based shall be 
provided to the immigration judge with the negative determination.
    (iii) A credible fear hearing will be closed to the public unless 
the alien

[[Page 1019]]

states for the record or submits a written statement that the alien is 
waiving that requirement; in that event the hearing shall be open to the 
public, subject to the immigration judge's discretion as provided in 
Sec.  1003.27 of this chapter.
    (iv) Upon review of the asylum officer's negative credible fear 
determination:
    (A) If the immigration judge concurs with the determination of the 
asylum officer that the alien does not have a credible fear of 
persecution or torture, the case shall be returned to DHS for removal of 
the alien. The immigration judge's decision is final and may not be 
appealed. USCIS may nevertheless reconsider a negative credible fear 
finding as provided at 8 CFR 208.30(g)(1)(i).
    (B) If the immigration judge finds that the alien, other than an 
alien stowaway, possesses a credible fear of persecution or torture, the 
immigration judge shall vacate the Notice and Order of Expedited Removal 
and refer the case back to DHS for further proceedings consistent with 
Sec.  1208.2(a)(1)(ii). Alternatively, DHS may commence removal 
proceedings under section 240 of the Act, during which time the alien 
may file an application for asylum and withholding of removal in 
accordance with Sec.  1208.4(b)(3)(i).
    (C) If the immigration judge finds that an alien stowaway possesses 
a credible fear of persecution or torture, the alien shall be allowed to 
file an application for asylum and withholding of removal before the 
immigration judge in accordance with Sec.  1208.4(b)(3)(iii). The 
immigration judge shall decide the application as provided in that 
section. Such decision may be appealed by either the stowaway or DHS to 
the Board of Immigration Appeals. If a denial of the application for 
asylum and for withholding of removal becomes final, the alien shall be 
removed from the United States in accordance with section 235(a)(2) of 
the Act. If an approval of the application for asylum or for withholding 
of removal becomes final, DHS shall terminate removal proceedings under 
section 235(a)(2) of the Act.

[65 FR 76136, Dec. 6, 2000, as amended at 69 FR 69497, Nov. 29, 2004; 74 
FR 55742, Oct. 28, 2009; 83 FR 55952, Nov. 9, 2018; 84 FR 33844, July 
16, 2019; 85 FR 23904, Apr. 30, 2020; 85 FR 80399, Dec. 11, 2020; 87 FR 
18222, Mar. 29, 2022; 88 FR 31451, May 16, 2023]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84197, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  1208.30 
was amended by revising paragraphs (e), (g)(1)(ii), (g)(2)(i), and 
(g)(2)(iv)(A) and (B), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The amendments to Sec.  
1208.30 were delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 6847, Jan. 25, 2021, 
further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 15069, Mar. 22, 2021, 
further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and 
further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For 
the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  1208.30  Credible fear determinations of persecution, reasonable 
          possibility of persecution, and reasonable possibility of 
          torture determinations involving stowaways and applicants for 
          admission who are found inadmissible pursuant to section 
          212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) of the Act, whose entry is limited 
          or suspended under section 212(f) or 215(a)(1) of the Act, or 
          who failed to apply for protection from persecution in a third 
          country where potential relief is available while en route to 
          the United States.

                                * * * * *

    (e) Determination. For the standards and procedures for asylum 
officers in conducting credible fear of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of persecution, and reasonable possibility of torture 
interviews, and interviews to determine whether an alien has established 
that he or she is more likely than not to be tortured in the prospective 
country of removal, and in making positive and negative fear 
determinations, see 8 CFR 208.30. The immigration judges will review 
such determinations as provided in paragraph (g) of this section and 8 
CFR 1003.42.

                                * * * * *

    (g) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) If the alien is determined to be an alien described as 
ineligible for asylum in 8 CFR 208.13(c)(4) or 8 CFR 1208.13(c)(4) and 
is determined to lack a reasonable possibility of persecution or torture 
under 8 CFR 208.30(e)(5)(iii), the immigration judge shall first review 
de novo the determination that the alien is described as ineligible for 
asylum in 8 CFR 208.13(c)(4) or 8 CFR 1208.13(c)(4). If the immigration 
judge finds that the alien is not described as ineligible for asylum in 
8

[[Page 1020]]

CFR 208.13(c)(4) or 8 CFR 1208.13(c)(4), then, except as provided in 8 
CFR 208.30(e)(iv), the immigration judge shall vacate the order of the 
asylum officer, and DHS may commence asylum-and-withholding-only 
proceedings under 8 CFR 1208.2(c)(1). If the immigration judge concurs 
with the determination that the alien is an alien described as 
ineligible for asylum in 8 CFR 208.13(c)(4) or 8 CFR 1208.13(c)(4), the 
immigration judge will then review the asylum officer's negative 
decision regarding reasonable possibility made under 8 CFR 208.30(e)(5) 
and regarding whether the alien has established that it is more likely 
than not that he or she would be tortured in the prospective country of 
removal, consistent with paragraph (g)(2) of this section, except that 
the immigration judge will review the fear of persecution or torture 
findings under the reasonable possibility standard, and the 
determination that the alien has not established that he or she is more 
likely than not to be tortured in the prospective country of removal 
under the more likely than not standard, instead of the credible fear of 
persecution standard described in paragraph (g)(2).
    (2) * * *
    (i) The asylum officer's negative decision regarding a credible fear 
of persecution, reasonable possibility of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of torture, and whether the alien has established that he or 
she is more likely than not to be tortured in the prospective country of 
removal shall be subject to review by an immigration judge upon the 
applicant's request, in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(B)(iii)(III) 
of the Act. If the alien refuses to make an indication, DHS will 
consider such a response as a decision to decline review.

                                * * * * *

    (iv) * * *
    (A) If the immigration judge concurs with the determination of the 
asylum officer that the alien has not established a credible fear of 
persecution, reasonable possibility of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of torture, or that he or she is more likely than not to be 
tortured in the prospective country of removal, except as provided in 
Sec.  208.30(e)(5)(iii) and (iv), the case shall be returned to DHS for 
removal of the alien. The immigration judge's decision is final and may 
not be appealed.
    (B) If the immigration judge finds that the alien, other than an 
alien stowaway, establishes a credible fear of persecution, reasonable 
possibility of persecution, reasonable possibility of torture, or that 
he or she is more likely than not to be tortured in the prospective 
country of removal, the immigration judge shall, except as provided in 
Sec.  208.30(e)(5)(iii) and (iv), vacate the Notice and Order of 
Expedited Removal and DHS may commence asylum-and-withholding-only 
proceedings under 8 CFR 1208.2(c)(1), during which time the alien may 
file an application for asylum and for withholding of removal in 
accordance with 8 CFR 1208.4(b)(3)(i). Such application shall be 
considered de novo in all respects by an immigration judge regardless of 
any determination made under this paragraph.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  1208.31  Reasonable fear of persecution or torture determinations 
involving aliens ordered removed under section 238(b) of the Act 
and aliens whose removal is reinstated under section 241(a)(5) of the Act.

    (a) Jurisdiction. This section shall apply to any alien ordered 
removed under section 238(b) of the Act or whose deportation, exclusion, 
or removal order is reinstated under section 241(a)(5) of the Act who, 
in the course of the administrative removal or reinstatement process, 
expresses a fear of returning to the country of removal. The Service has 
exclusive jurisdiction to make reasonable fear determinations, and EOIR 
has exclusive jurisdiction to review such determinations.
    (b) Initiation of reasonable fear determination process. Upon 
issuance of a Final Administrative Removal Order under Sec.  238.1 of 
this chapter, or notice under Sec.  1241.8(b) of this chapter that an 
alien is subject to removal, an alien described in paragraph (a) of this 
section shall be referred to an asylum officer for a reasonable fear 
determination. In the absence of exceptional circumstances, this 
determination will be conducted within 10 days of the referral.
    (c) Interview and procedure. The asylum officer shall conduct the 
interview in a non-adversarial manner, separate and apart from the 
general public. At the time of the interview, the asylum officer shall 
determine that the alien has an understanding of the reasonable fear 
determination process. The alien may be represented by counsel or an 
accredited representative at the interview, at no expense to the 
Government, and may present evidence, if available, relevant to the 
possibility of persecution or torture. The alien's representative may 
present a statement at the

[[Page 1021]]

end of the interview. The asylum officer, in his or her discretion, may 
place reasonable limits on the number of persons who may be present at 
the interview and the length of the statement. If the alien is unable to 
proceed effectively in English, and if the asylum officer is unable to 
proceed competently in a language chosen by the alien, the asylum 
officer shall arrange for the assistance of an interpreter in conducting 
the interview. The interpreter may not be a representative or employee 
of the applicant's country or nationality, or if the applicant is 
stateless, the applicant's country of last habitual residence. The 
asylum officer shall create a summary of the material facts as stated by 
the applicant. At the conclusion of the interview, the officer shall 
review the summary with the alien and provide the alien with an 
opportunity to correct errors therein. The asylum officer shall create a 
written record of his or her determination, including a summary of the 
material facts as stated by the applicant, any additional facts relied 
on by the officers, and the officer's determination of whether, in light 
of such facts, the alien has established a reasonable fear of 
persecution or torture. The alien shall be determined to have a 
reasonable fear of persecution or torture if the alien establishes a 
reasonable possibility that he or she would be persecuted on account of 
his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular 
social group or political opinion, or a reasonable possibility that he 
or she would be tortured in the country of removal. For purposes of the 
screening determination, the bars to eligibility for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act shall not be considered.
    (d) Authority. Asylum officers conducting screening determinations 
under this section shall have the authority described in Sec.  
1208.9(c).
    (e) Referral to Immigration Judge. If an asylum officer determines 
that an alien described in this section has a reasonable fear of 
persecution or torture, the officer shall so inform the alien and issue 
a Form I-863, Notice of Referral to the Immigration Judge, for full 
consideration of the request for withholding of removal only. Such cases 
shall be adjudicated by the immigration judge in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  1208.16. Appeal of the immigration judge's decision 
shall lie to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
    (f) Removal of aliens with no reasonable fear of persecution or 
torture. If the asylum officer determines that the alien has not 
established a reasonable fear of persecution or torture, the asylum 
officer shall inform the alien in writing of the decision and shall 
inquire whether the alien wishes to have an immigration judge review the 
negative decision, using the Record of Negative Reasonable Fear Finding 
and Request for Review by Immigration Judge, on which the alien must 
indicate whether he or she desires such review. If the alien refuses to 
make an indication, DHS shall consider such a response as a decision to 
decline review.
    (g) Review by Immigration Judge. The asylum officer's negative 
decision regarding reasonable fear shall be subject to review by an 
immigration judge upon the alien's request. If the alien requests such 
review, the asylum officer shall serve him or her with a Notice of 
Referral to the Immigration Judge. The record of determination, 
including copies of the Notice of Referral to the Immigration Judge, the 
asylum officer's notes, the summary of the material facts, and other 
materials upon which the determination was based shall be provided to 
the immigration judge with the negative determination. In the absence of 
exceptional circumstances, such review shall be conducted by the 
immigration judge within 10 days of the filing of the Notice of Referral 
to the Immigration Judge with the immigration court. Upon review of the 
asylum officer's negative reasonable fear determination:
    (1) If the immigration judge concurs with the asylum officer's 
determination that the alien does not have a reasonable fear of 
persecution or torture, the case shall be returned to DHS for removal of 
the alien. No appeal shall lie from the immigration judge's decision.
    (2) If the immigration judge finds that the alien has a reasonable 
fear of persecution or torture, the alien may submit an Application for 
Asylum and

[[Page 1022]]

for Withholding of Removal. Such application shall be considered de novo 
in all respects by an immigration judge regardless of any determination 
made under this paragraph.
    (i) The immigration judge shall consider only the alien's 
application for withholding of removal under 8 CFR 1208.16 and shall 
determine whether the alien's removal to the country of removal must be 
withheld or deferred.
    (ii) Appeal of the immigration judge's decision whether removal must 
be withheld or deferred lies with the Board of Immigration Appeals. If 
the alien or DHS appeals the immigration judge's decision, the Board 
shall review only the immigration judge's decision regarding the alien's 
eligibility for withholding or deferral of removal under 8 CFR 1208.16.

[64 FR 8493, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 FR 13881, Mar. 23, 1999, as amended at 85 
FR 80400, Dec. 11, 2020]



Subpart C_Lawful Pathways and Asylum Eligibility for Certain Aliens Who 
             Entered Between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025

    Source: 88 FR 31451, May 16, 2023, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1208.33  Lawful pathways condition on asylum eligibility.

    Notwithstanding any contrary section of this part, including 
Sec. Sec.  1208.2, 1208.13, and 1208.30--
    (a) Condition on eligibility--(1) Applicability. A rebuttable 
presumption of ineligibility for asylum applies to an alien who enters 
the United States from Mexico at the southwest land border or adjacent 
coastal borders without documents sufficient for lawful admission as 
described in section 212(a)(7) of the Act and whose entry was:
    (i) Between May 11, 2023, and May 11, 2025,
    (ii) Subsequent to the end of implementation of the Title 42 public 
health Order issued on August 2, 2021, and related prior orders issued 
pursuant to the authorities in sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 265, 268) and the implementing regulation at 42 
CFR 71.40, and
    (iii) After the alien traveled through a country other than the 
alien's country of citizenship, nationality, or, if stateless, last 
habitual residence, that is a party to the 1951 United Nations 
Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or the 1967 Protocol 
relating to the Status of Refugees.
    (2) Exceptions to applicability of the rebuttable presumption. The 
rebuttable presumption described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
does not apply if:
    (i) The alien was, at the time of entry, an unaccompanied alien 
child as defined in 6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2); or
    (ii) The alien, or a member of the alien's family as described in 
Sec.  208.30(c) with whom the alien is traveling:
    (A) Was provided appropriate authorization to travel to the United 
States to seek parole, pursuant to a DHS-approved parole process;
    (B) Presented at a port of entry, pursuant to a pre-scheduled time 
and place, or presented at a port of entry without a pre-scheduled time 
and place, if the alien demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence 
that it was not possible to access or use the DHS scheduling system due 
to language barrier, illiteracy, significant technical failure, or other 
ongoing and serious obstacle; or
    (C) Sought asylum or other protection in a country through which the 
alien traveled and received a final decision denying that application. A 
final decision includes any denial by a foreign government of the 
applicant's claim for asylum or other protection through one or more of 
that government's pathways for that claim. A final decision does not 
include a determination by a foreign government that the alien abandoned 
the claim.
    (3) Rebuttal of the presumption. (i) The presumption in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section can be rebutted if an alien demonstrates by a 
preponderance of the evidence that exceptionally compelling 
circumstances exist, including if the alien demonstrates that, at the 
time of entry, the alien or a member of the alien's family as described 
in Sec.  208.30(c) with whom the alien is traveling:
    (A) Faced an acute medical emergency;

[[Page 1023]]

    (B) Faced an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety, such as 
an imminent threat of rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder; or
    (C) Satisfied the definition of ``victim of a severe form of 
trafficking in persons'' provided in 8 CFR 214.11(a).
    (ii) An alien who demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence 
any of the circumstances in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section shall 
necessarily rebut the presumption in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (b) Application in credible fear determinations. (1) Where an asylum 
officer has issued a negative credible fear determination pursuant to 8 
CFR 208.33(b), and the alien has requested immigration judge review of 
that credible fear determination, the immigration judge shall evaluate 
the case de novo, as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. In 
doing so, the immigration judge shall take into account the credibility 
of the statements made by the alien in support of the alien's claim and 
such other facts as are known to the immigration judge.
    (2) The immigration judge shall first determine whether the alien is 
covered by the presumption at 8 CFR 208.33(a)(1) and 1208.33(a)(1) and, 
if so, whether the alien has rebutted the presumption in accordance with 
8 CFR 208.33(a)(3) and 1208.33(a)(3).
    (i) Where the immigration judge determines that the alien is not 
covered by the presumption, or that the presumption has been rebutted, 
the immigration judge shall further determine, consistent with Sec.  
1208.30, whether the alien has established a significant possibility of 
eligibility for asylum under section 208 of the Act, withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act, or withholding of removal 
under the Convention Against Torture. Where the immigration judge 
determines that the alien has established a significant possibility of 
eligibility for one of those forms of relief or protection, the 
immigration judge shall issue a positive credible fear finding. Where 
the immigration judge determines that the alien has not established a 
significant possibility of eligibility for any of those forms of relief 
or protection, the immigration judge shall issue a negative credible 
fear finding.
    (ii) Where the immigration judge determines that the alien is 
covered by the presumption and that the presumption has not been 
rebutted, the immigration judge shall further determine whether the 
alien has established a reasonable possibility of persecution (meaning a 
reasonable possibility of being persecuted because of their race, 
religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular 
social group) or torture. Where the immigration judge determines that 
the alien has established a reasonable possibility of persecution or 
torture, the immigration judge shall issue a positive credible fear 
finding. Where the immigration judge determines that the alien has not 
established a reasonable possibility of persecution or torture, the 
immigration judge shall issue a negative credible fear finding.
    (3) Following the immigration judge's determination, the case will 
proceed as indicated in 8 CFR 208.33(b)(2)(v)(A) through (C).
    (4) If, under 8 CFR 208.33(b)(2), DHS issues a Form I-862, Notice to 
Appear, to commence removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, 
the alien may apply for asylum, withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of the Act, withholding of removal under the Convention 
Against Torture, or any other form of relief or protection for which the 
alien is eligible during those removal proceedings.
    (c) Family unity and removal proceedings. In removal proceedings 
under section 240 of the Act, where a principal asylum applicant is 
eligible for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act 
or withholding of removal under Sec.  1208.16(c)(2) and would be granted 
asylum but for the presumption in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and 
where an accompanying spouse or child as defined in section 208(b)(3)(A) 
of the Act does not independently qualify for asylum or other protection 
from removal or the principal asylum applicant has a spouse or child who 
would be eligible to follow to join that applicant as described in 
section 208(b)(3)(A) of the Act, the presumption shall be deemed 
rebutted as an exceptionally compelling circumstance in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section.

[[Page 1024]]

    (d) Continuing applicability of condition on eligibility. (1) 
Subject to paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the condition on asylum 
eligibility in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall apply to any 
asylum application filed by an alien who entered the United States 
during the time and in the manner specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section and who is not covered by an exception in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, regardless of when the application is filed and 
adjudicated.
    (2) The conditions on asylum eligibility in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section shall not apply to an asylum application filed by an alien 
described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section if the asylum application 
is filed after May 11, 2025, the alien was under the age of 18 at the 
time of the entry referenced in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, and 
the alien is applying for asylum as a principal applicant.
    (e) Severability. The Department intends that any provision of this 
section held to be invalid or unenforceable by its terms, or as applied 
to any person or circumstance, should be construed so as to continue to 
give the maximum effect to the provision permitted by law, unless such 
holding is that the provision is wholly invalid and unenforceable, in 
which event the provision should be severed from the remainder of this 
section and the holding should not affect the remainder of this section 
or the application of the provision to persons not similarly situated or 
to dissimilar circumstances.



PART 1209_ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF REFUGEES AND ALIENS GRANTED ASYLUM--
Table of Contents



Sec.
1209.1 Adjustment of status of refugees.
1209.2 Adjustment of status of alien granted asylum.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1157, 1158, 1159, 1228, 1252, 1282; 
Title VII of Pub. L. 110-229; Pub. L. 115-218.

    Source: Duplicated from part 209 at 68 FR 9835, Feb. 28, 2003

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1209 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1209.1  Adjustment of status of refugees.

    The provisions of this section shall provide the sole and exclusive 
procedure for adjustment of status by a refugee admitted under section 
207 of the Act whose application is based on his or her refugee status.
    (a) Eligibility. (1) Every alien in the United States who is 
classified as a refugee under part 207 of this chapter, whose status has 
not been terminated, is required to apply to the Service 1 year after 
entry in order for the Service to determine his or her admissibility 
under section 212 of the Act.
    (2) Every alien processed by the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service abroad and paroled into the United States as a refugee after 
April 1, 1980, and before May 18, 1980, shall be considered as having 
entered the United States as a refugee under section 207(a) of the Act.
    (b) Application. Upon admission to the United States, every refugee 
entrant shall be notified of the requirement to submit an application 
for permanent residence 1 year after entry. An application for the 
benefits of section 209(a) of the Act shall be filed on Form I-485, 
without fee, with the director of the appropriate Service office 
identified in the instructions which accompany the Form I-485. A 
separate application must be filed by each alien. Every applicant who is 
14 years of age or older must submit a completed Form G-325A 
(Biographical Information) with the Form I-485 application. Following 
submission of the Form I-485 application, a refugee entrant who is 14 
years of age or older will be required to execute a Form FD-258 
(Applicant Fingerprint Card) at such time and place as the Service will 
designate.
    (c) Medical examination. A refugee seeking adjustment of status 
under section 209(a) of the Act is not required to repeat the medical 
examination performed under Sec.  207.2(c) of chapter I, unless there 
were medical grounds of inadmissibility applicable at the time of 
admission. The refugee is, however, required to establish compliance 
with the vaccination requirements described under section 
212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act, by submitting with the adjustment of

[[Page 1025]]

status application a vaccination supplement, completed by a designated 
civil surgeon in the United States.
    (d) Interview. The Service director having jurisdiction over the 
application will determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether an 
interview by an immigration officer is necessary to determine the 
applicant's admissibility for permanent resident status under this part.
    (e) Decision. The director will notify the applicant in writing of 
the decision of his or her application for admission to permanent 
residence. If the applicant is determined to be inadmissible or no 
longer a refugee, the director will deny the application and notify the 
applicant of the reasons for the denial. The director will, in the same 
denial notice, inform the applicant of his or her right to renew the 
request for permanent residence in removal proceedings under section 240 
of the Act. There is no appeal of the denial of an application by the 
director, but such denial will be without prejudice to the alien's right 
to renew the application in removal proceedings under part 240 of this 
chapter. If the applicant is found to be admissible for permanent 
residence under section 209(a) of the Act, the director will approve the 
application and admit the applicant for lawful permanent residence as of 
the date of the alien's arrival in the United States. An alien admitted 
for lawful permanent residence will be issued Form I-551, Alien 
Registration Receipt Card.

[63 FR 30109, June 3, 1998, as amended at 68 FR 10353, Mar. 5, 2003]



Sec.  1209.2  Adjustment of status of alien granted asylum.

    The provisions of this section shall be the sole and exclusive 
procedure for adjustment of status by an asylee admitted under section 
208 of the Act whose application is based on his or her asylee status.
    (a) Eligibility. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) or 
(a)(3) of this section, the status of any alien who has been granted 
asylum in the United States may be adjusted to that of an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence, provided the alien:
    (i) Applies for such adjustment;
    (ii) Has been physically present in the United States for at least 
one year after having been granted asylum;
    (iii) Continues to be a refugee within the meaning of section 
101(a)(42) of the Act, or is the spouse or child of a refugee;
    (iv) Has not been firmly resettled in any foreign country; and
    (v) Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant under the Act 
at the time of examination for adjustment without regard to paragraphs 
(4), (5)(A), (5)(B), and (7)(A)(i) of section 212(a) of the Act, and 
(vi) has a refugee number available under section 207(a) of the Act.

If the application for adjustment filed under this part exceeds the 
refugee numbers available under section 207(a) of the Act for the fiscal 
year, a waiting list will be established on a priority basis by the date 
the application was properly filed.
    (2) An alien, who was granted asylum in the United States prior to 
November 29, 1990 (regardless of whether or not such asylum has been 
terminated under section 208(b) of the Act), and is no longer a refugee 
due to a change in circumstances in the foreign state where he or she 
feared persecution, may also have his or her status adjusted by the 
director to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
even if he or she is no longer able to demonstrate that he or she 
continues to be a refugee within the meaning of section 10l(a)(42) of 
the Act, or to be a spouse or child of such a refugee or to have been 
physically present in the United States for at least one year after 
being granted asylum, so long as he or she is able to meet the 
requirements noted in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (iv), and (v) of this 
section. Such persons are exempt from the numerical limitations of 
section 209(b) of the Act. However, the number of aliens who are natives 
of any foreign state who may adjust status pursuant to this paragraph in 
any fiscal year shall not exceed the difference between the per country 
limitation established under section 202(a) of the Act and the number of 
aliens who are chargeable to that foreign state in the fiscal year under 
section 202 of the Act. Aliens who applied for adjustment of status

[[Page 1026]]

under section 209(b) of the Act before June 1, 1990, are also exempt 
from its numerical limitation without any restrictions.
    (3) No alien arriving in or physically present in the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands may apply to adjust status under section 
209(b) of the Act in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
prior to January 1, 2030.
    (b) Inadmissible Alien. An applicant who is inadmissible to the 
United States under section 212(a) of the Act, may, under section 209(c) 
of the Act, have the grounds of inadmissibility waived by the director 
(except for those grounds under paragraphs (27), (29), (33), and so much 
of (23) as relates to trafficking in narcotics) for humanitarian 
purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public 
interest. An application for the waiver may be filed on Form I-602 
(Application by Refugee for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability) with the 
application for adjustment. An applicant for adjustment who has had the 
status of an exchange alien nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(J) of 
the Act, and who is subject to the foreign resident requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act, shall be eligible for adjustment without 
regard to the foreign residence requirement.
    (c) Application. An application for the benefits of section 209(b) 
of the Act may be filed on Form I-485, with the correct fee, with the 
director of the appropriate Service office identified in the 
instructions to the Form I-485. A separate application must be filed by 
each alien. Every applicant who is 14 years of age or older must submit 
a completed Form G-325A (Biographic Information) with the Form I-485 
application. Following submission of the Form I-485 application, every 
applicant who is 14 years of age or older will be required to execute a 
Form FD-258 (Applicant Fingerprint Card) at such time and place as the 
Service will designate. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section, the application must also be supported by evidence that the 
applicant has been physically present in the United States for at least 
1 year. If an alien has been placed in deportation or exclusion 
proceedings, the application can be filed and considered only in 
proceedings under section 240 of the Act.
    (d) Medical examination. An alien seeking adjustment of status under 
section 209(b) of the Act 1 year following the grant of asylum under 
section 208 of the Act shall submit the results of a medical examination 
to determine whether any grounds of inadmissibility described under 
section 212(a)(1)(A) of the Act apply. Form I-693, Medical Examination 
of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status, and a vaccination supplement to 
determine compliance with the vaccination requirements described under 
section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act must be completed by a designed 
civil surgeon in the United States and submitted at the time of 
application for adjustment of status.
    (e) Interview. Each applicant for adjustment of status under this 
part shall be interviewed by an immigration officer. The interview may 
be waived for a child under 14 years of age. The Service director having 
jurisdiction over the application will determine, on a case-by-case 
basis, whether an interview by an immigration officer is necessary to 
determine the applicant's admissibility for permanent resident status 
under this part.
    (f) Decision. The applicant shall be notified of the decision, and 
if the application is denied, of the reasons for denial. No appeal shall 
lie from the denial of an application by the director but such denial 
will be without prejudice to the alien's right to renew the application 
in proceedings under part 240 of this chapter. If the application is 
approved, the director shall record the alien's admission for lawful 
permanent residence as of the date one year before the date of the 
approval of the application, but not earlier than the date of the 
approval for asylum in the case of an applicant approved under paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section.

[46 FR 45119, Sept. 10, 1981, as amended at 56 FR 26898, June 12, 1991; 
57 FR 42883, Sept. 17, 1992; 63 FR 30109, June 3, 1998; 74 FR 55742, 
Oct. 28, 2009; 85 FR 23904, Apr. 30, 2020]

[[Page 1027]]



PART 1211_DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS: IMMIGRANTS; WAIVERS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1181, 1182, 1203, 1225, 1257; 8 CFR 
part 2.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1211 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1211.4  Waiver of documents for returning residents.

    (a) Pursuant to the authority contained in section 211(b) of the 
Act, an alien previously lawfully admitted to the United States for 
permanent residence who, upon return from a temporary absence was 
inadmissible because of failure to have or to present a valid passport, 
immigrant visa, reentry permit, border crossing card, or other document 
required at the time of entry, may be granted a waiver of such 
requirement in the discretion of the district director if the district 
director determines that such alien:
    (1) Was not otherwise inadmissible at the time of entry, or having 
been otherwise inadmissible at the time of entry is with respect thereto 
qualified for an exemption from deportability under section 237(a)(1)(H) 
of the Act; and
    (2) Is not otherwise subject to removal.
    (b) Denial of a waiver by the district director is not appealable 
but shall be without prejudice to renewal of an application and 
reconsideration in proceedings before the immigration judge.

[62 FR 10346, Mar. 6, 1997. Duplicated from Sec.  211.4 at 68 FR 9835, 
Feb. 28, 2003]



PART 1212_DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS: NONIMMIGRANTS; WAIVERS; 
ADMISSION OF CERTAIN INADMISSIBLE ALIENS; PAROLE--Table of Contents



Sec.
1212.1 Documentary requirements for nonimmigrants.
1212.2 Consent to reapply for admission after deportation, removal or 
          departure at Government expense.
1212.3 Application for the exercise of discretion under former section 
          212(c).
1212.4 Applications for the exercise of discretion under section 
          212(d)(1) and 212(d)(3).
1212.5 Parole of aliens into the United States.
1212.6 Border crossing identification cards.
1212.7 Waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.
1212.8 Certification requirement of section 212(a)(14).
1212.9 Applicability of section 212(a)(32) to certain derivative third 
          and sixth preference and nonpreference immigrants.
1212.10 Section 212(k) waiver.
1212.11 Controlled substance convictions.
1212.12 Parole determinations and revocations respecting Mariel Cubans.
1212.13 Severability.
1212.14 Parole determinations for alien witnesses and informants for 
          whom a law enforcement authority (``LEA'') will request S 
          classification.
1212.15 Certificates for foreign health care workers.
1212.16 Applications for exercise of discretion relating to T 
          nonimmigrant status.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101 and note, 1102, 1103, 1182 and note, 1184, 
1187, 1223, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1255; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note (section 7209 of 
Pub. L. 108-458); Title VII of Pub. L. 110-229; Pub. L. 115-218.

    Source: 17 FR 11484, Dec. 19, 1952, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 212 at 68 FR 9535, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1212 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10353, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1212.1  Documentary requirements for nonimmigrants.

    A valid unexpired visa and an unexpired passport, valid for the 
period set forth in section 212(a)(26) of the Act, shall be presented by 
each arriving nonimmigrant alien except that the passport validity 
period for an applicant for admission who is a member of a class 
described in section 102 of the Act is not required to extend beyond the 
date of his application for admission if so admitted, and except as 
otherwise provided in the Act, this chapter, and for the following 
classes:
    (a) Canadian nationals, and aliens having a common nationality with 
nationals of Canada or with British subjects in Bermuda, Bahamian 
nationals or British subjects resident in Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and 
Turks and Caicos Islands. A visa is not required of a Canadian national 
in any case. A passport is not required of such national except after a

[[Page 1028]]

visit outside of the Western Hemisphere. A visa is not required of an 
alien having a common nationality with Canadian nationals or with 
British subjects in Bermuda, who has his or her residence in Canada or 
Bermuda. A passport is not required of such alien except after a visit 
outside of the Western Hemisphere. A visa and a passport are required of 
a Bahamian national or a British subject who has his residence in the 
Bahamas except that a visa is not required of such an alien who, prior 
to or at the time of embarkation for the United States on a vessel or 
aircraft, satisfied the examining U.S. immigration officer at the 
Bahamas, that he is clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to admission in 
all other respects. A visa is not required of a British subject who has 
his residence in, and arrives directly from, the Cayman Islands or the 
Turks and Caicos Islands and who presents a current certificate from the 
Clerk of Court of the Cayman Islands or the Turks and Caicos Islands 
indicating no criminal record.
    (b) Certain Caribbean residents--(1) British, French, and 
Netherlands nationals, and nationals of certain adjacent islands of the 
Caribbean which are independent countries. A visa is not required of a 
British, French, or Netherlands national, or of a national of Barbados, 
Grenada, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago, who has his or her residence 
in British, French, or Netherlands territory located in the adjacent 
islands of the Caribbean area, or in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, or 
Trinidad and Tobago, who:
    (i) Is proceeding to the United States as an agricultural worker;
    (ii) Is the beneficiary of a valid, unexpired indefinite 
certification granted by the Department of Labor for employment in the 
Virgin Islands of the United States and is proceeding to the Virgin 
Islands of the United States for such purpose, or
    (iii) Is the spouse or child of an alien described in paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) or (b)(1)(ii) of this section, and is accompanying or 
following to join him or her.
    (2) Nationals of the British Virgin Islands. A visa is not required 
of a national of the British Virgin Islands who has his or her residence 
in the British Virgin Islands, if:
    (i) The alien is seeking admission solely to visit the Virgin 
Islands of the United States; or
    (ii) At the time of embarking on an aircraft at St. Thomas, U.S. 
Virgin Islands, the alien meets each of the following requirements:
    (A) The alien is traveling to any other part of the United States by 
aircraft as a nonimmigrant visitor for business or pleasure (as 
described in section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act);
    (B) The alien satisfies the examining U.S. Immigration officer at 
the port-of-entry that he or she is clearly and beyond a doubt entitled 
to admission in all other respects; and
    (C) The alien presents a current Certificate of Good Conduct issued 
by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Department indicating that he or she 
has no criminal record.
    (c) Mexican nationals. (1) A visa and a passport are not required of 
a Mexican national who:
    (i) Is in possession of a Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 Visa and Border 
Crossing Card, containing a machine-readable biometric identifier, 
issued by the DOS and is applying for admission as a temporary visitor 
for business or pleasure from contiguous territory.
    (ii) Is a Mexican national entering solely for the purpose of 
applying for a Mexican passport or other official Mexican document at a 
Mexican consular office on the United States side of the border.
    (2) A visa shall not be required of a Mexican national who:
    (i) Is in possession of a Form DSP-150, with a biometric identifier, 
issued by the DOS, and a passport, and is applying for admission as a 
temporary visitor for business or pleasure from other than contiguous 
territory;
    (ii) Is a crew member employed on an aircraft belonging to a Mexican 
company owned carrier authorized to engage in commercial transportation 
into the United States; or
    (iii) Bears a Mexican diplomatic or official passport and who is a 
military or civilian official of the Federal Government of Mexico 
entering the United States for 6 months or less for a purpose other than 
on assignment as a

[[Page 1029]]

permanent employee to an office of the Mexican Federal Government in the 
United States, and the official's spouse or any of the official's 
dependent family members under 19 years of age, bearing diplomatic or 
official passports, who are in the actual company of such official at 
the time of admission into the United States. This provision does not 
apply to the spouse or any of the official's family members classifiable 
under section 101(a)(15)(F) or (M) of the Act.
    (3) A Mexican national who presents a BCC at a POE must present the 
DOS-issued DSP-150 containing a machine-readable biometric identifier. 
The alien will not be permitted to cross the border into the United 
States unless the biometric identifier contained on the card matches the 
appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien.
    (4) Mexican nationals presenting a combination B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant 
visa and border crossing card (or similar stamp in a passport), issued 
by DOS prior to April 1, 1998, that does not contain a machine-readable 
biometric identifier, may be admitted on the basis of the nonimmigrant 
visa only, provided it has not expired and the alien remains admissible. 
A passport is also required.
    (5) Aliens entering pursuant to International Boundary and Water 
Commission Treaty. A visa and a passport are not required of an alien 
employed either directly or indirectly on the construction, operation, 
or maintenance of works in the United States undertaken in accordance 
with the treaty concluded on February 3, 1944, between the United States 
and Mexico regarding the functions of the International Boundary and 
Water Commission, and entering the United States temporarily in 
connection with such employment.
    (d) Citizens of the Freely Associated States, formerly Trust 
Territory of the Pacific Islands. Citizens of the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia may enter into, 
lawfully engage in employment, and establish residence in the United 
States and its territories and possessions without regard to paragraphs 
(14), (20) and (26) of section 212(a) of the Act pursuant to the terms 
of Pub. L. 99-239. Pending issuance by the aforementioned governments of 
travel documents to eligible citizens, travel documents previously 
issued by the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands will continue to be 
accepted for purposes of identification and to establish eligibility for 
admission into the United States, its territories and possessions.
    (e) Aliens entering Guam pursuant to section 14 of Public Law 99-
396, ``Omnibus Territories Act'' and 8 CFR 212.1(e). (1) As provided in 
8 CFR 212.1(e), until November 28, 2009, a visa is not required of an 
alien who is a citizen of a country enumerated in 8 CFR 212.1(e)(3) who:
    (i) Is classifiable as a visitor for business or pleasure;
    (ii) Is solely entering and staying on Guam for a period not to 
exceed fifteen days;
    (iii) Is in possession of a round-trip nonrefundable and 
nontransferable transportation ticket bearing a confirmed departure date 
not exceeding fifteen days from the date of admission to Guam;
    (iv) Is in possession of a completed and signed Visa Waiver 
Information Form (Form I-736);
    (v) Waives any right to review or appeal the immigration officer's 
determination of admissibility at the port of entry at Guam; and
    (vi) Waives any right to contest any action for deportation, other 
than on the basis of a request for asylum.
    (2) The DHS regulations for waiver of the visa requirement for 
aliens entering Guam pursuant to section 14 of Public Law 99-396, prior 
to November 28, 2009, are set forth at 8 CFR 212.1(e).
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) Admission under 8 CFR 212.1(e) renders an alien ineligible for:
    (i) Adjustment of status to that of a temporary resident or, except 
under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act or as an immediate 
relative as defined in section 201(b), to that of a lawful permanent 
resident;
    (ii) Change of nonimmigrant status; or
    (iii) Extension of stay.
    (f) Direct transits--(1) Transit without visa. A passport and visa 
are not required of an alien who is being transported in immediate and 
continuous transit through the United States in

[[Page 1030]]

accordance with the terms of an agreement entered into between the 
transportation line and the Service under the provisions of section 
238(d) of the Act on Form I-426 to insure such immediate and continuous 
transit through, and departure from, the United States en route to a 
specifically designated foreign country: Provided, That such alien is in 
possession of a travel document or documents establishing his/her 
identity and nationality and ability to enter some country other than 
the United States.
    (2) Unavailability to transit. This waiver of passport and visa 
requirement is not available to an alien who is a citizen of 
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia-aherzegovina, Burma, 
Burundi, Central African Republic, People's Republic of China, Colombia, 
Congo (Brazzaville), Cuba, India, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, North 
Korea, Pakistan, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan.
    (3) Foreign government officials in transit. If an alien is of the 
class described in section 212(d)(8) of the Act, only a valid unexpired 
visa and a travel document valid for entry into a foreign country for at 
least 30 days from the date of admission to the United States are 
required.
    (g) Unforeseen emergency. A nonimmigrant seeking admission to the 
United States must present an unexpired visa and a passport valid for 
the amount of time set forth in section 212(a)(7)(B) of the Act or a 
valid biometric border crossing card, issued by the DOS on Form DSP-150, 
at the time of application for admission, unless the nonimmigrant 
satisfies the requirements described in one or more of the paragraphs 
(a) through (f),(i) or (o) of this section. Upon a nonimmigrant's 
application on Form I-193, Application for Waiver of Passport and/or 
Visa, a district director may, in the exercise of his or her discretion, 
on a case-by-case basis, waive the documentary requirements if satisfied 
that the nonimmigrant cannot present the required documents because of 
an unforeseen emergency. The district director or the Deputy 
Commissioner may at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized 
pursuant to this paragraph and notify the nonimmigrant in writing to 
that effect.
    (h) Nonimmigrant spouses, fianc[eacute]es, fianc[eacute]s, and 
children of U.S. citizens. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this 
part, an alien seeking admission as a spouse, fianc[eacute]e, 
fianc[eacute], or child of a U.S. citizen, or as a child of the spouse, 
fian[eacute], or finac[eacute]e of a U.S. citizen, pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(K) of the Act shall be in possession of an unexpired 
nonimmigrant visa issued by an American consular officer classifying the 
alien under that section, or be inadmissible under section 212(a)(7)(B) 
of the Act.
    (i) Visa Waiver Pilot Program. A visa is not required of any alien 
who is eligible to apply for admission to the United States as a Visa 
Waiver Pilot Program applicant pursuant to the provisions of section 217 
of the Act and part 217 of this chapter if such alien is a national of a 
country designated under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, who seeks 
admission to the United States for a period of 90 days or less as a 
visitor for business or pleasure.
    (j) Officers authorized to act upon recommendations of United States 
consular officers for waiver of visa and passport requirements. All 
district directors, the officers in charge are authorized to act upon 
recommendations made by United States consular officers or by officers 
of the Visa Office, Department of State, pursuant to the provisions of 
22 CFR 41.7 for waiver of visa and passport requirements under the 
provisions of section 212(d)(4)(A) of the Act. The District Director at 
Washington, DC, has jurisdiction in such cases recommended to the 
Service at the seat of Government level by the Department of State. 
Neither an application nor fee are required if the concurrence in a 
passport or visa waiver is requested by a U.S. consular officer or by an 
officer of the Visa Office. The district director or the Deputy 
Commissioner, may at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized 
pursuant to this paragraph and notify the nonimmigrant alien in writing 
to that effect.
    (k) Cancellation of nonimmigrant visas by immigration officers. Upon 
receipt of advice from the Department of State that a nonimmigrant visa 
has been revoked or invalidated, and request by

[[Page 1031]]

that Department for such action, immigration officers shall place an 
appropriate endorsement thereon.
    (l) Treaty traders and investors. Notwithstanding any of the 
provisions of this part, an alien seeking admission as a treaty trader 
or investor under the provisions of Chapter 16 of the North American 
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(E) of the 
Act, shall be in possession of a nonimmigrant visa issued by an American 
consular officer classifying the alien under that section.
    (m) Aliens in S classification. Notwithstanding any of the 
provisions of this part, an alien seeking admission pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act must be in possession of appropriate documents 
issued by a United States consular officer classifying the alien under 
that section.
    (n) Alien in Q-2 classification. Notwithstanding any of the 
provisions of this part, an alien seeking admission as a principal 
according to section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of the Act must be in possession 
of a Certification Letter issued by the Department of State's Program 
Administrator documenting participation in the Irish peace process 
cultural and training programs.
    (o) Alien in T-2 through T-4 classification. Individuals seeking T-2 
through T-4 nonimmigrant status may avail themselves of the provisions 
of paragraph (g) of this section, except that the authority to waive 
documentary requirements resides with the Service Center.
    (p) [Reserved]
    (q) Aliens admissible under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program and 8 
CFR 212.1(q)--(1) Eligibility for Program. As provided in 8 CFR 
212.1(q), in accordance with Public Law 110-229, beginning November 28, 
2009, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the 
Secretaries of the Departments of Interior and State, may waive the visa 
requirement in the case of a nonimmigrant alien who seeks admission to 
Guam or to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) under 
the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. To be admissible under the Guam-CNMI 
Visa Waiver Program, prior to embarking on a carrier for travel to Guam 
or the CNMI, each nonimmigrant alien must:
    (i) Be a national of a country or geographic area listed in 8 CFR 
212.1(q)(2);
    (ii) Be classifiable as a visitor for business or pleasure;
    (iii) Be solely entering and staying on Guam or the CNMI for a 
period not to exceed forty-five days;
    (iv) Be in possession of a round trip ticket that is nonrefundable 
and nontransferable and bears a confirmed departure date not exceeding 
forty-five days from the date of admission to Guam or the CNMI. ``Round 
trip ticket'' includes any return trip transportation ticket issued by a 
participating carrier, electronic ticket record, airline employee passes 
indicating return passage, individual vouchers for return passage, group 
vouchers for return passage for charter flights, or military travel 
orders which include military dependents for return to duty stations 
outside the United States on U.S. military flights;
    (v) Be in possession of a completed and signed Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver 
Information Form (CBP Form I-736);
    (vi) Be in possession of a completed and signed I-94, Arrival-
Departure Record (CBP Form I-94);
    (vii) Be in possession of a valid unexpired ICAO compliant, machine 
readable passport issued by a country that meets the eligibility 
requirements of paragraph (q)(2) of this section;
    (viii) Have not previously violated the terms of any prior 
admissions. Prior admissions include those under the Guam-CNMI Visa 
Waiver Program, the prior Guam Visa Waiver Program, the Visa Waiver 
Program as described in section 217(a) of the Act and admissions 
pursuant to any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa;
    (ix) Waive any right to review or appeal an immigration officer's 
determination of admissibility at the port of entry into Guam or the 
CNMI;
    (x) Waive any right to contest any action for deportation or 
removal, other than on the basis of: an application for withholding of 
removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA; withholding of removal under 
the regulations implementing Article 3 of the United Nations Convention 
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

[[Page 1032]]

Degrading Treatment or Punishment; or, an application for asylum if 
permitted under section 208 of the Act; and
    (xi) If a resident of Taiwan, possess a Taiwan National Identity 
Card and a valid Taiwan passport with a valid re-entry permit issued by 
the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    (2) Implementing regulations. The DHS regulations for waiver of the 
visa requirement for aliens seeking admission to Guam or to the CNMI 
under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program are set forth at 8 CFR 212.1(q).
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) Admission under 8 CFR 212.1(q). Admission under 8 CFR 212.1(q) 
renders an alien ineligible for:
    (i) Adjustment of status to that of a temporary resident or, except 
as provided by section 245(i) of the Act, other than as an immediate 
relative as defined in section 201(b) of the Act, to that of a lawful 
permanent resident;
    (ii) Change of nonimmigrant status; or
    (iii) Extension of stay.
    (5)-(7) [Reserved]
    (8) Inadmissibility and Deportability--(i) Determinations of 
inadmissibility. (A) An alien who applies for admission under the 
provisions of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, who is determined by an 
immigration officer to be inadmissible to Guam or the CNMI under one or 
more of the grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212 of the Act 
(other than for lack of a visa), or who is in possession of and presents 
fraudulent or counterfeit travel documents, will be refused admission 
into Guam or the CNMI and removed. Such refusal and removal shall be 
effected without referral of the alien to an immigration judge for 
further inquiry, examination, or hearing, except that an alien who 
presents himself or herself as an applicant for admission to Guam under 
the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, who applies for asylum, withholding 
of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA or withholding of removal 
under the regulations implementing Article 3 of the United Nations 
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment must be issued a Form I-863, Notice of Referral 
to Immigration Judge, for a proceeding in accordance with 8 CFR 
208.2(c)(1) and (2) and 1208.2(c)(1) and (2). The provisions of 8 CFR 
part 1208 subpart A shall not apply to an alien present or arriving in 
the CNMI seeking to apply for asylum prior to January 1, 2030. No 
application for asylum may be filed pursuant to section 208 of the Act 
by an alien present or arriving in the CNMI prior to January 1, 2030; 
however, aliens physically present in the CNMI during the transition 
period who express a fear of persecution or torture only may establish 
eligibility for withholding or deferral of removal pursuant to INA 
241(b)(3) or pursuant to the regulations implementing Article 3 of the 
United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or 
Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
    (B) [Reserved]
    (C) Refusal of admission under this paragraph or 8 CFR 
212.1(q)(8)(i) shall not constitute removal for purposes of the Act.
    (ii) Determination of deportability. (A) An alien who has been 
admitted to either Guam or the CNMI under the provisions of this section 
who is determined by an immigration officer to be deportable from either 
Guam or the CNMI under one or more of the grounds of deportability 
listed in section 237 of the Act, shall be removed from either Guam or 
the CNMI to his or her country of nationality or last residence. Such 
removal will be determined by DHS authority that has jurisdiction over 
the place where the alien is found, and will be effected without 
referral of the alien to an immigration judge for a determination of 
deportability, except that an alien admitted to Guam under the Guam-CNMI 
Visa Waiver Program who applies for asylum or other form of protection 
from persecution or torture must be issued a Form I-863 for a proceeding 
in accordance with 8 CFR 208.2(c)(1) and (2) and 1208.2(c)(1) and (2). 
The provisions of 8 CFR part 1208 subpart A shall not apply to an alien 
present or arriving in the CNMI seeking to apply for asylum prior to 
January 1, 2030. No application for asylum may be filed pursuant to 
section 208 of the INA by an alien present or arriving in the CNMI prior 
to January 1, 2030; however, aliens physically present or

[[Page 1033]]

arriving in the CNMI prior to January 1, 2030, may apply for withholding 
of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Act and withholding of removal 
under the regulations implementing Article 3 of the United Nations 
Convention Against Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or 
Punishment.
    (B) Removal by DHS under paragraph (b)(1) of this section or 8 CFR 
212.1(q)(8)(ii) is equivalent in all respects and has the same 
consequences as removal after proceedings conducted under section 240 of 
the Act.
    (iii) [Reserved]

(Secs. 103, 104, 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended 
(8 U.S.C. 1103, 1104, 1132))

[26 FR 12066, Dec. 16, 1961]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
1212.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  1212.2  Consent to reapply for admission after deportation, 
removal or departure at Government expense.

    (a) Evidence. Any alien who has been deported or removed from the 
United States is inadmissible to the United States unless the alien has 
remained outside of the United States for five consecutive years since 
the date of deportation or removal. If the alien has been convicted of 
an aggravated felony, he or she must remain outside of the United States 
for twenty consecutive years from the deportation date before he or she 
is eligible to re-enter the United States. Any alien who has been 
deported or removed from the United States and is applying for a visa, 
admission to the United States, or adjustment of status, must present 
proof that he or she has remained outside of the United States for the 
time period required for re-entry after deportation or removal. The 
examining consular or immigration officer must be satisfied that since 
the alien's deportation or removal, the alien has remained outside the 
United States for more than five consecutive years, or twenty 
consecutive years in the case of an alien convicted of an aggravated 
felony as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Act. Any alien who does 
not satisfactorily present proof of absence from the United States for 
more than five consecutive years, or twenty consecutive years in the 
case of an alien convicted of an aggravated felony, to the consular or 
immigration officer, and any alien who is seeking to enter the United 
States prior to the completion of the requisite five- or twenty-year 
absence, must apply for permission to reapply for admission to the 
United States as provided under this part. A temporary stay in the 
United States under section 212(d)(3) of the Act does not interrupt the 
five or twenty consecutive year absence requirement.
    (b) Alien applying to consular officer for nonimmigrant visa or 
nonresident alien border crossing card. (1) An alien who is applying to 
a consular officer for a nonimmigrant visa or a nonresident alien border 
crossing card, must request permission to reapply for admission to the 
United States if five years, or twenty years if the alien's deportation 
was based upon a conviction for an aggravated felony, have not elapsed 
since the date of deportation or removal. This permission shall be 
requested in the manner prescribed through the consular officer, and may 
be granted only in accordance with sections 212(a)(17) and 212(d)(3)(A) 
of the Act and Sec.  1212.4 of this part. However, the alien may apply 
for such permission by submitting Form I-212, Application for Permission 
to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or 
Removal, to the consular officer if that officer is willing to accept 
the application, and recommends to the district director that the alien 
be permitted to apply.
    (2) The consular officer shall forward the Form I-212 to the 
district director with jurisdiction over the place where the deportation 
or removal proceedings were held.
    (c) Special provisions for an applicant for nonimmigrant visa under 
section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Act. (1) An applicant for a nonimmigrant 
visa under section 101(a)(15)(K) must:
    (i) Be the beneficiary of a valid visa petition approved by the 
Service; and
    (ii) File an application on Form I-212 with the consular officer for 
permission to reapply for admission to the United States after 
deportation or removal.

[[Page 1034]]

    (2) The consular officer must forward the Form I-212 to the Service 
office with jurisdiction over the area within which the consular officer 
is located. If the alien is ineligible on grounds which, upon the 
applicant's marriage to the United States citizen petitioner, may be 
waived under section 212 (g), (h), or (i) of the Act, the consular 
officer must also forward a recommendation as to whether the waiver 
should be granted.
    (d) Applicant for immigrant visa. Except as provided in paragraph 
(g)(3) of this section, an applicant for an immigrant visa who is not 
physically present in the United States and who requires permission to 
reapply must file Form I-212 with the district director having 
jurisdiction over the place where the deportation or removal proceedings 
were held. Except as provided in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, if 
the applicant also requires a waiver under section 212 (g), (h), or (i) 
of the Act, Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of 
Excludability, must be filed simultaneously with the Form I-212 with the 
American consul having jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence. 
The consul must forward these forms to the appropriate Service office 
abroad with jurisdiction over the area within which the consul is 
located.
    (e) Applicant for adjustment of status. An applicant for adjustment 
of status under section 245 of the Act and part 245 of this chapter must 
request permission to reapply for entry in conjunction with his or her 
application for adjustment of status. This request is made by filing an 
application for permission to reapply, Form I-212, with the district 
director having jurisdiction over the place where the alien resides. If 
the application under section 245 of the Act has been initiated, 
renewed, or is pending in a proceeding before an immigration judge, the 
district director must refer the Form I-212 to the immigration judge for 
adjudication.
    (f) Applicant for admission at port of entry. Within five years of 
the deportation or removal, or twenty years in the case of an alien 
convicted of an aggravated felony, an alien may request permission at a 
port of entry to reapply for admission to the United States. The alien 
shall file the Form I-212 with the district director having jurisdiction 
over the port of entry.
    (g) Other applicants. (1) Any applicant for permission to reapply 
for admission under circumstances other than those described in 
paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section must file Form I-212. This 
form is filed with either:
    (i) The district director having jurisdiction over the place where 
the deportation or removal proceedings were held; or
    (ii) The district director who exercised or is exercising 
jurisdiction over the applicant's most recent proceeding.
    (2) If the applicant is physically present in the United States but 
is ineligible to apply for adjustment of status, he or she must file the 
application with the district director having jurisdiction over his or 
her place of residence.
    (3) If an alien who is an applicant for parole authorization under 
Sec.  245.15(t)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I requires consent to reapply for 
admission after deportation, removal, or departure at Government 
expense, or a waiver under section 212(g), 212(h), or 212(i) of the Act, 
he or she may file the requisite Form I-212 or Form I-601 at the 
Nebraska Service Center concurrently with the Form I-131, Application 
for Travel Document. If an alien who is an applicant for parole 
authorization under Sec.  245.13(k)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I requires 
consent to reapply for admission after deportation, removal, or 
departure at Government expense, or a waiver under section 212(g), 
212(h), or 212(i) of the Act, he or she may file the requisite Form I-
212 or Form I-601 at the Texas Service Center concurrently with the Form 
I-131, Application for Travel Document.
    (h) Decision. An applicant who has submitted a request for consent 
to reapply for admission after deportation or removal must be notified 
of the decision. If the application is denied, the applicant must be 
notified of the reasons for the denial and of his or her right to appeal 
as provided in part 103 of this chapter. Except in the case of an 
applicant seeking to be granted advance permission to reapply for 
admission prior to his or her departure from

[[Page 1035]]

the United States, the denial of the application shall be without 
prejudice to the renewal of the application in the course of proceedings 
before an immigration judge under section 242 of the Act and this 
chapter.
    (i) Retroactive approval. (1) If the alien filed Form I-212 when 
seeking admission at a port of entry, the approval of the Form I-212 
shall be retroactive to either:
    (i) The date on which the alien embarked or reembarked at a place 
outside the United States; or
    (ii) The date on which the alien attempted to be admitted from 
foreign contiguous territory.
    (2) If the alien filed Form I-212 in conjunction with an application 
for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, the approval of 
Form I-212 shall be retroactive to the date on which the alien embarked 
or reembarked at a place outside the United States.
    (j) Advance approval. An alien whose departure will execute an order 
of deportation shall receive a conditional approval depending upon his 
or her satisfactory departure. However, the grant of permission to 
reapply does not waive inadmissibility under section 212(a) (16) or (17) 
of the Act resulting from exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings 
which are instituted subsequent to the date permission to reapply is 
granted.

[56 FR 23212, May 21, 1991, as amended at 64 FR 25766, May 12, 1999; 65 
FR 15854, Mar. 24, 2000]



Sec.  1212.3  Application for the exercise of discretion 
under former section 212(c).

    (a) Jurisdiction. An application by an eligible alien for the 
exercise of discretion under former section 212(c) of the Act (as in 
effect prior to April 1, 1997), if made in the course of proceedings 
under section 240 of the Act, or under former sections 235, 236, or 242 
of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997), shall be submitted to 
the immigration judge by filing Form I-191, Application for Advance 
Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile.
    (b) Filing of application. The application may be filed prior to, at 
the time of, or at any time after the applicant's departure from or 
arrival into the United States. All material facts or circumstances that 
the applicant knows or believes apply to the grounds of excludability, 
deportability, or removability must be described in the application. The 
applicant must also submit all available documentation relating to such 
grounds.
    (c) [Reserved]
    (d) Validity. Once an application is approved, that approval is 
valid indefinitely. However, the approval covers only those specific 
grounds of excludability, deportability, or removability that were 
described in the application. An applicant who failed to describe any 
other grounds of excludability, deportability, or removability, or 
failed to disclose material facts existing at the time of the approval 
of the application, remains excludable, deportable, or removable under 
the previously unidentified grounds. If the applicant is excludable, 
deportable, or removable based upon any previously unidentified grounds 
a new application must be filed.
    (e) Filing or renewal of applications before an immigration judge. 
(1) An eligible alien may renew or submit an application for the 
exercise of discretion under former section 212(c) of the Act in 
proceedings before an immigration judge under section 240 of the Act, or 
under former sections 235, 236, or 242 of the Act (as it existed prior 
to April 1, 1997), and under this chapter. Such application shall be 
adjudicated by the immigration judge, without regard to whether the 
applicant previously has made application to the district director.
    (2) The immigration judge may grant or deny an application for 
relief under section 212(c), in the exercise of discretion, unless such 
relief is prohibited by paragraph (f) of this section or as otherwise 
provided by law.
    (3) An alien otherwise entitled to appeal to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals may appeal the denial by the immigration judge of 
this application in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  1003.38 of 
this chapter.
    (f) Limitations on discretion to grant an application under section 
212(c) of the Act. An application for relief under

[[Page 1036]]

former section 212(c) of the Act shall be denied if:
    (1) The alien has not been lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence;
    (2) The alien has not maintained lawful domicile in the United 
States, as either a lawful permanent resident or a lawful temporary 
resident pursuant to section 245A or section 210 of the Act, for at 
least seven consecutive years immediately preceding the filing of the 
application;
    (3) The alien is subject to inadmissibility or exclusion from the 
United States under paragraphs (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(C), (3)(E), or 
(10)(C) of section 212(a) of the Act;
    (4) The alien has been charged and found to be deportable or 
removable on the basis of a crime that is an aggravated felony, as 
defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Act (as in effect at the time the 
application for section 212(c) relief is adjudicated), except as 
follows:
    (i) An alien whose convictions for one or more aggravated felonies 
were entered pursuant to plea agreements made on or after November 29, 
1990, but prior to April 24, 1996, is ineligible for section 212(c) 
relief only if he or she has served a term of imprisonment of five years 
or more for such aggravated felony or felonies, and
    (ii) An alien is not ineligible for section 212(c) relief on account 
of an aggravated felony conviction entered pursuant to a plea agreement 
that was made before November 29, 1990; or
    (5) The alien is deportable under former section 241 of the Act or 
removable under section 237 of the Act on a ground which does not have a 
statutory counterpart in section 212 of the Act.
    (g) Relief for certain aliens who were in deportation proceedings 
before April 24, 1996. Section 440(d) of Antiterrorism and Effective 
Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA) shall not apply to any applicant for 
relief under this section whose deportation proceedings were commenced 
before the Immigration Court before April 24, 1996.
    (h) Availability of section 212(c) relief for aliens who pleaded 
guilty or nolo contendere to certain crimes. For purposes of this 
section, the date of the plea agreement will be considered the date the 
plea agreement was agreed to by the parties. Aliens are not eligible to 
apply for section 212(c) relief under the provisions of this paragraph 
with respect to convictions entered after trial.
    (1) Pleas before April 24, 1996. Regardless of whether an alien is 
in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, an eligible alien may 
apply for relief under former section 212(c) of the Act, without regard 
to the amendment made by section 440(d) of the Antiterrorism and 
Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, with respect to a conviction if the 
alien pleaded guilty or nolo contendere and the alien's plea agreement 
was made before April 24, 1996.
    (2) Pleas between April 24, 1996 and April 1, 1997. Regardless of 
whether an alien is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, 
an eligible alien may apply for relief under former section 212(c) of 
the Act, as amended by section 440(d) of the Antiterrorism and Effective 
Death Penalty Act of 1996, with respect to a conviction if the alien 
pleaded guilty or nolo contendere and the alien's plea agreement was 
made on or after April 24, 1996, and before April 1, 1997.
    (3) Please on or after April 1, 1997. Section 212(c) relief is not 
available with respect to convictions arising from plea agreements made 
on or after April 1, 1997.

[56 FR 50034, Oct. 3, 1991, as amended at 60 FR 34090, June 30, 1995; 61 
FR 59825, Nov. 25, 1996; 66 FR 6446, Jan. 22, 2001; 69 FR 57834, Sept. 
28, 2004]



Sec.  1212.4  Applications for the exercise of discretion under 
section 212(d)(1) and 212(d)(3).

    (a) Applications under section 212(d)(3)(A)--(1) General. District 
directors and officers in charge outside the United States in the 
districts of Bangkok, Thailand; Mexico City, Mexico; and Rome, Italy are 
authorized to act upon recommendations made by consular officers for the 
exercise of discretion under section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act. The 
District Director, Washington, DC, has jurisdiction in such cases 
recommended to the Service at the seat-of-government level by the 
Department of State. When a consular officer or other State Department 
official recommends that the benefits of

[[Page 1037]]

section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act be accorded an alien, neither an 
application nor fee shall be required. The recommendation shall specify:
    (i) The reasons for inadmissibility and each section of law under 
which the alien is inadmissible;
    (ii) Each intended date of arrival;
    (iii) The length of each proposed stay in the United States;
    (iv) The purpose of each stay;
    (v) The number of entries which the alien intends to make; and
    (vi) The justification for exercising the authority contained in 
section 212(d)(3) of the Act.

If the alien desires to make multiple entries and the consular officer 
or other State Department official believes that the circumstances 
justify the issuance of a visa valid for multiple entries rather than 
for a specified number of entries, and recommends that the alien be 
accorded an authorization valid for multiple entries, the information 
required by items (ii) and (iii) shall be furnished only with respect to 
the initial entry. Item (ii) does not apply to a bona fide crewman. The 
consular officer or other State Department official shall be notified of 
the decision on his recommendation. No appeal by the alien shall lie 
from an adverse decision made by a Service officer on the recommendation 
of a consular officer or other State Department official.
    (2) Authority of consular officers to approve section 212(d)(3)(A) 
recommendations pertaining to aliens inadmissible under section 
212(a)(28)(C). In certain categories of visa cases defined by the 
Secretary of State, United States consular officers assigned to visa-
issuing posts abroad may, on behalf of the Attorney General pursuant to 
section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act, approve a recommendation by another 
consular officer that an alien be admitted temporarily despite visa 
ineligibility solely because the alien is of the class of aliens defined 
at section 212(a)(28)(C) of the Act, as a result of presumed or actual 
membership in, or affiliation with, an organization described in that 
section. Authorizations for temporary admission granted by consular 
officers shall be subject to the terms specified in Sec.  1212.4(c) of 
this chapter. Any recommendation which is not clearly approvable shall, 
and any recommendation may, be presented to the appropriate official of 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service for a determination.
    (b) Applications under section 212(d)(3)(B). An application for the 
exercise of discretion under section 212(d)(3)(B) of the Act shall be 
submitted on Form I-192 to the district director in charge of the 
applicant's intended port of entry prior to the applicant's arrival in 
the United States. (For Department of State procedure when a visa is 
required, see 22 CFR 41.95 and paragraph (a) of this section.) If the 
application is made because the applicant may be inadmissible due to 
present or past membership in or affiliation with any Communist or other 
totalitarian party or organization, there shall be attached to the 
application a written statement of the history of the applicant's 
membership or affiliation, including the period of such membership or 
affiliation, whether the applicant held any office in the organization, 
and whether his membership or affiliation was voluntary or involuntary. 
If the applicant alleges that his membership or affiliation was 
involuntary, the statement shall include the basis for that allegation. 
When the application is made because the applicant may be inadmissible 
due to disease, mental or physical defect, or disability of any kind, 
the application shall describe the disease, defect, or disability. If 
the purpose of seeking admission to the United States is for treatment, 
there shall be attached to the application statements in writing to 
establish that satisfactory treatment cannot be obtained outside the 
United States; that arrangements have been completed for treatment, and 
where and from whom treatment will be received; what financial 
arrangements for payment of expenses incurred in connection with the 
treatment have been made, and that a bond will be available if required. 
When the application is made because the applicant may be inadmissible 
due to the conviction of one or more crimes, the designation of each 
crime, the date and place of its commission and of the conviction 
thereof, and the sentence or other judgment of

[[Page 1038]]

the court shall be stated in the application; in such a case the 
application shall be supplemented by the official record of each 
conviction, and any other documents relating to commutation of sentence, 
parole, probation, or pardon. If the application is made at the time of 
the applicant's arrival to the district director at a port of entry, the 
applicant shall establish that he was not aware of the ground of 
inadmissibility and that it could not have been ascertained by the 
exercise of reasonable diligence, and he shall be in possession of a 
passport and visa, if required, or have been granted a waiver thereof. 
The applicant shall be notified of the decision and if the application 
is denied of the reasons therefor and of his right to appeal to the 
Board within 15 days after the mailing of the notification of decision 
in accordance with the Provisions of part 1003 of this chapter. If 
denied, the denial shall be without prejudice to renewal of the 
application in the course of proceedings before a special inquiry 
officer under sections 235 and 236 of the Act and this chapter. When an 
appeal may not be taken from a decision of a special inquiry officer 
excluding an alien but the alien has applied for the exercise of 
discretion under section 212(d)(3)(B) of the Act, the alien may appeal 
to the Board from a denial of such application in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  236.5(b) of this chapter.
    (c) Terms of authorization--(1) General. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, each authorization under section 
212(d)(3)(A) or (B) of the Act shall specify:
    (i) Each section of law under which the alien is inadmissible;
    (ii) The intended date of each arrival, unless the applicant is a 
bona fide crewman. However, if the authorization is valid for multiple 
entries rather than for a specified number of entries, this information 
shall be specified only with respect to the initial entry;
    (iii) The length of each stay authorized in the United States, which 
shall not exceed the period justified and shall be subject to 
limitations specified in 8 CFR part 214. However, if the authorization 
is valid for multiple entries rather than for a specified number of 
entries, this information shall be specified only with respect to the 
initial entry;
    (iv) The purpose of each stay;
    (v) The number of entries for which the authorization is valid;
    (vi) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, the dates on or between which each application for admission at 
POEs in the United States is valid;
    (vii) The justification for exercising the authority contained in 
section 212(d)(3) of the Act; and
    (viii) That the authorization is subject to revocation at any time.
    (2) Conditions of admission. (i) For aliens issued an authorization 
for temporary admission in accordance with this section, admissions 
pursuant to section 212(d)(3) of the Act shall be subject to the terms 
and conditions set forth in the authorization.
    (ii) The period for which the alien's admission is authorized 
pursuant to this section shall not exceed the period justified, or the 
limitations specified, in 8 CFR part 214 for each class of nonimmigrant, 
whichever is less.
    (3) Validity. (i) Authorizations granted to crew members may be 
valid for a maximum period of 2 years for application for admission at 
U.S. POEs and may be valid for multiple entries.
    (ii) An authorization issued in conjunction with an application for 
a Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing Card, issued by the DOS 
shall be valid for a period not to exceed the validity of the biometric 
BCC for applications for admission at U.S. POEs and shall be valid for 
multiple entries.
    (iii) A multiple entry authorization for a person other than a crew 
member or applicant for a Form DSP-150 may be made valid for a maximum 
period of 5 years for applications for admission at U.S. POEs.
    (iv) An authorization that was previously issued in conjunction with 
Form I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card, and that is 
noted on the card may remain valid. Although the waiver may remain 
valid, the non-biometric border crossing card portion of this document 
is not valid after that date. This waiver authorization shall cease if 
otherwise revoked or voided.

[[Page 1039]]

    (v) A single-entry authorization to apply for admission at a U.S. 
POE shall not be valid for more than 6 months from the date the 
authorization is issued.
    (vi) An authorization may not be revalidated. Upon expiration of the 
authorization, a new application and authorization are required.
    (d) Admission of groups inadmissible under section 212(a)(28) for 
attendance at international conferences. When the Secretary of State 
recommends that a group of nonimmigrant aliens and their accompanying 
family members be admitted to attend international conferences 
notwithstanding their inadmissibility under section 212(a)(28) of the 
Act, the Deputy Commissioner, may enter an order pursuant to the 
authority contained in section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act specifying the 
terms and conditions of their admission and stay.
    (e) Inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1). Pursuant to the 
authority contained in section 212(d)(3) of the Act, the temporary 
admission of a nonimmigrant visitor is authorized notwithstanding 
inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1) of the Act, if such alien is 
accompanied by a member of his/her family, or a guardian who will be 
responsible for him/her during the period of admission authorized.
    (f) Action upon alien's arrival. Upon admitting an alien who has 
been granted the benefits of section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Act, the 
immigration officer shall be guided by the conditions and limitations 
imposed in the authorization and noted by the consular officer in the 
alien's passport. When admitting any alien who has been granted the 
benefits of section 212(d)(3)(B) of the Act, the Immigration officer 
shall note on the arrival-departure record, Form I-94, or crewman's 
landing permit, Form I-95, issued to the alien, the conditions and 
limitations imposed in the authorization.
    (g) Authorizations issued to crewmen without limitation as to period 
of validity. When a crewman who has a valid section 212(d)(3) 
authorization without any time limitation comes to the attention of the 
Service, his travel document shall be endorsed to show that the validity 
of his section 212(d)(3) authorization expires as of a date six months 
thereafter, and any previously-issued Form I-184 shall be lifted and 
Form I-95 shall be issued in its place and similarly endorsed.
    (h) Revocation. The Deputy Commissioner or the district director may 
at any time revoke a waiver previously authorized under section 
212(d)(3) of the Act and shall notify the nonimmigrant in writing to 
that effect.
    (i) Alien witnesses and informants--(1) Waivers under section 
212(d)(1) of the Act. Upon the application of a federal or state law 
enforcement authority (``LEA''), which shall include a state or federal 
court or United States Attorney's Office, pursuant to the filing of Form 
I-854, Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record, for nonimmigrant 
classification described in section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act, the 
Commissioner shall determine whether a ground of exclusion exists with 
respect to the alien for whom classification is sought and, if so, 
whether it is in the national interest to exercise the discretion to 
waive the ground of excludability, other than section 212(a)(3)(E) of 
the Act. The Commissioner may at any time revoke a waiver previously 
authorized under section 212(d)(1) of the Act. In the event the 
Commissioner decides to revoke a previously authorized waiver for an S 
nonimmigrant, the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the 
relevant LEA shall be notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to the 
decision. Unless the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
objects within 7 days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in 
the decision. In the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to 
the Deputy Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances 
shall the alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any 
decision to revoke.
    (2) Grounds of removal. Nothing shall prohibit the Service from 
removing from the United States an alien classified pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act for conduct committed after the alien has been 
admitted to the

[[Page 1040]]

United States as an S nonimmigrant, or after the alien's change to S 
classification, or for conduct or a condition undisclosed to the 
Attorney General prior to the alien's admission in, or change to, S 
classification, unless such conduct or condition is waived prior to 
admission and classification. In the event the Commissioner decides to 
remove an S nonimmigrant from the United States, the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be notified in 
writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. Unless the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he 
or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In the event 
of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General 
for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the 
relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to remove.

[29 FR 15252, Nov. 13, 1964, as amended at 30 FR 12330, Sept. 28, 1965; 
31 FR 10413, Aug. 3, 1966; 32 FR 15469, Nov. 7, 1967; 35 FR 3065, Feb. 
17, 1970; 35 FR 7637, May 16, 1970; 40 FR 30470, July 21, 1975; 51 FR 
32295, Sept. 10, 1986; 53 FR 40867, Oct. 19, 1988; 60 FR 44264, Aug. 25, 
1995; 60 FR 52248, Oct. 5, 1995; 67 FR 71448, Dec. 2, 2002]



Sec.  1212.5  Parole of aliens into the United States.

    Procedures and standards for the granting of parole by the 
Department of Homeland Security can be found at 8 CFR 212.5.

[69 FR 69497, Nov. 29, 2004]



Sec.  1212.6  Border crossing identification cards.

    The regulations of the Department of Homeland Security pertaining to 
border crossing identification cards can be found at 8 CFR 212.6.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016]



Sec.  1212.7  Waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.

    (a) General--(1) Filing procedure--(i) Immigrant visa or K 
nonimmigrant visa applicant. An applicant for an immigrant visa or ``K'' 
nonimmigrant visa who is inadmissible and seeks a waiver of 
inadmissibility shall file an application on Form I-601 at the consular 
office considering the visa application. Upon determining that the alien 
is admissible except for the grounds for which a waiver is sought, the 
consular officer shall transmit the Form I-601 to the Service for 
decision.
    (ii) Adjustment of status applicant. An applicant for adjustment of 
status who is excludable and seeks a waiver under section 212(h) or (i) 
of the Act shall file an application on Form I-601 with the director or 
immigration judge considering the application for adjustment of status.
    (iii) Parole authorization applicant under Sec.  1245.15(t). An 
applicant for parole authorization under Sec.  1245.15(t) of this 
chapter who is inadmissible and seeks a waiver under section 212(h) or 
(i) of the Act must file an application on Form I-601 with the Director 
of the Nebraska Service Center considering the Form I-131.
    (iv) Parole authorization applicant under Sec.  1245.13(k)(2) of 
this chapter. An applicant for parole authorization under Sec.  
1245.13(k)(2) of this chapter who is inadmissible and seeks a waiver 
under section 212(h) or (i) of the Act must file an application on Form 
I-601 with the Director of the Texas Service Center adjudicating the 
Form I-131.
    (2) Termination of application for lack of prosecution. An applicant 
may withdraw the application at any time prior to the final decision, 
whereupon the case will be closed and the consulate notified. If the 
applicant fails to prosecute the application within a reasonable time 
either before or after interview the applicant shall be notified that if 
he or she fails to prosecute the application within 30 days the case 
will be closed subject to being reopened at the applicant's request. If 
no action has been taken within the 30-day period immediately 
thereafter, the case will be closed and the appropriate consul notified.
    (3) Decision. If the application is approved the director shall 
complete Form I-607 for inclusion in the alien's file and shall notify 
the alien of the decision. If the application is denied the applicant 
shall be notified of the decision, of the reasons therefor, and of the

[[Page 1041]]

right to appeal in accordance with part 103 of this chapter.
    (4) Validity. A waiver granted under section 212(h) or section 
212(i) of the Act shall apply only to those grounds of excludability and 
to those crimes, events or incidents specified in the application for 
waiver. Once granted, the waiver shall be valid indefinitely, even if 
the recipient of the waiver later abandons or otherwise loses lawful 
permanent resident status, except that any waiver which is granted to an 
alien who obtains lawful permanent residence on a conditional basis 
under section 216 of the Act shall automatically terminate concurrently 
with the termination of such residence pursuant to the provisions of 
section 216. Separate notification of the termination of the waiver is 
not required when an alien is notified of the termination of residence 
under section 216 of the Act, and no appeal shall lie from the decision 
to terminate the waiver on this basis. However, if the respondent is 
found not to be deportable in a deportation proceeding based on the 
termination, the waiver shall again become effective. Nothing in this 
subsection shall preclude the director from reconsidering a decision to 
approve a waiver if the decision is determined to have been made in 
error.
    (b) Section 212(g) (tuberculosis and certain mental conditions)--(1) 
General. Any alien who is ineligible for a visa and is excluded from 
admission into the United States under section 212(a) (1), (3), or (6) 
of the Act may file an Application for Waiver of Grounds of 
Excludability (Form I-601) under section 212(g) of the Act at an office 
designated in paragraph (2). The family member specified in section 
212(g) of the Act may file the waiver for the applicant if the applicant 
is incompetent to file the waiver personally.
    (2) Locations for filing Form I-601. Form I-601 may be filed at any 
one of the following offices:
    (i) The American consulate where the application for a visa is being 
considered if the alien is outside the United States;
    (ii) The Service office having jurisdiction over the port of entry 
where the alien is applying for admission into the United States;
    (iii) The Service office having jurisdiction over the alien if the 
alien is in the United States;
    (iv) The Nebraska Service Center, if the alien is outside the United 
States and seeking parole authorization under Sec.  1245.15(t)(2) of 
this chapter; or
    (v) The Texas Service Center if the alien is outside the United 
States and is seeking parole authorization under Sec.  1245.13(k)(2) of 
this chapter.
    (3) Section 212(a)(6) (tuberculosis). If the alien is excludable 
under section 212(a)(6) of the Act because of tuberculosis, he shall 
execute Statement A on the reverse of page 1 of Form I-601. In addition, 
he or his sponsor in the United States is responsible for having 
Statement B executed by the physician or health facility which has 
agreed to supply treatment or observation; and, if required, Statement C 
shall be executed by the appropriate local or State health officer.
    (4) Section 212(a) (1) or (3) (certain mental conditions)--(i) 
Arrangements for submission of medical report. If the alien is 
excludable under section 212(a) (1) or (3) (because of mental 
retardation or because of a past history of mental illness) he or his 
sponsoring family member shall submit an executed Form I-601 to the 
consular or Service office with a statement that arrangements have been 
made for the submission to that office of a medical report. The medical 
report shall contain a complete medical history of the alien, including 
details of any hospitalization or institutional care or treatment for 
any physical or mental condition; findings as to the current physical 
condition of the alien, including reports of chest X-ray examination and 
of serologic test for syphilis if the alien is 15 years of age or over, 
and other pertinent diagnostic tests; and findings as to the current 
mental condition of the alien, with information as to prognosis and life 
expectancy and with a report of a psychiatric examination conducted by a 
psychiatrist who shall, in case of mental retardation, also provide an 
evaluation of the alien's intelligence. For an alien with a past history 
of mental illness, the medical report shall also contain available 
information on which the U.S. Public Health Service can base a finding 
as to whether the

[[Page 1042]]

alien has been free of such mental illness for a period of time 
sufficient in the light of such history to demonstrate recovery. Upon 
receipt of the medical report, the consular or Service office shall 
refer it to the U.S. Public Health Service for review.
    (ii) Submission of statement. Upon being notified that the medical 
report has been reviewed by the U.S. Public Health Service and 
determined to be acceptable, the alien or the alien's sponsoring family 
member shall submit a statement to the consular or Service office. The 
statement must be from a clinic, hospital, institution, specialized 
facility, or specialist in the United States approved by the U.S. Public 
Health Service. The alien or alien's sponsor may be referred to the 
mental retardation or mental health agency of the state of proposed 
residence for guidance in selecting a post-arrival medical examining 
authority who will complete the evaluation and provide an evaluation 
report to the Centers for Disease Control. The statement must specify 
the name and address of the specialized facility, or specialist, and 
must affirm that:
    (A) The specified facility or specialist agrees to evaluate the 
alien's mental status and prepare a complete report of the findings of 
such evaluation.
    (B) The alien, the alien's sponsoring family member, or another 
responsible person has made complete financial arrangements for payment 
of any charges that may be incurred after arrival for studies, care, 
training and service;
    (C) The Director, Division of Quarantine, Center for Prevention 
Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA. 30333 shall be 
furnished:
    (1) The report evaluating the alien's mental status within 30 days 
after the alien's arrival; and
    (2) Prompt notification of the alien's failure to report to the 
facility or specialist within 30 days after being notified by the U.S. 
Public Health Service that the alien has arrived in the United States.
    (D) The alien shall be in an outpatient, inpatient, study, or other 
specified status as determined by the responsible local physician or 
specialist during the initial evaluation.
    (5) Assurances: Bonds. In all cases under paragraph (b) of this 
section the alien or his or her sponsoring family member shall also 
submit an assurance that the alien will comply with any special travel 
requirements as may be specified by the U.S. Public Health Service and 
that, upon the admission of the alien into the United States, he or she 
will proceed directly to the facility or specialist specified for the 
initial evaluation, and will submit to such further examinations or 
treatment as may be required, whether in an outpatient, inpatient, or 
other status. The alien, his or her sponsoring family member, or other 
responsible person shall provide such assurances or bond as may be 
required to assure that the necessary expenses of the alien will be met 
and that he or she will not become a public charge. For procedures 
relating to cancellation or breaching of bonds, see part 103 of 8 CFR 
chapter I.
    (c) Section 212(e). (1) An alien who was admitted to the United 
States as an exchange visitor, or who acquired that status after 
admission, is subject to the foreign residence requirement of section 
212(e) of the Act if his or her participation in an exchange program was 
financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by a United States 
government agency or by the government of the country of his or her 
nationality or last foreign residence.
    (2) An alien is also subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act if at the time of admission to the United 
States as an exchange visitor or at the time of acquisition of exchange 
visitor status after admission to the United States, the alien was a 
national or lawful permanent resident of a country which the Director of 
the United States Information Agency had designated, through public 
notice in the Federal Register, as clearly requiring the services of 
persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skill in which 
the alien was to engage in his or her exchange visitor program.
    (3) An alien is also subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act if he or she was admitted to the United States 
as an exchange visitor on or after January 10,

[[Page 1043]]

1977 to receive graduate medical education or training, or following 
admission, acquired such status on or after that date for that purpose. 
However, an exchange visitor already participating in an exchange 
program of graduate medical education or training as of January 9, 1977 
who was not then subject to the foreign residence requirement of section 
212(e) and who proceeds or has proceeded abroad temporarily and is 
returning to the United States to participate in the same program, 
continues to be exempt from the foreign residence requirement.
    (4) A spouse or child admitted to the United States or accorded 
status under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act to accompany or follow to 
join an exchange visitor who is subject to the foreign residence 
requirement of section 212(e) of the Act is also subject to that 
requirement.
    (5) An alien who is subject to the foreign residence requirement and 
who believes that compliance therewith would impose exceptional hardship 
upon his/her spouse or child who is a citizen of the United States or a 
lawful permanent resident alien, or that he or she cannot return to the 
country of his or her nationality or last residence because he or she 
will be subject to persecution on account of race, religion, or 
political opinion, may apply for a waiver on Form I-612. The alien's 
spouse and minor children, if also subject to the foreign residence 
requirement, may be included in the application, provided the spouse has 
not been a participant in an exchange program.
    (6) Each application based upon a claim to exceptional hardship must 
be accompanied by the certificate of marriage between the applicant and 
his or her spouse and proof of legal termination of all previous 
marriages of the applicant and spouse; the birth certificate of any 
child who is a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien, 
if the application is based upon a claim of exceptional hardship to a 
child, and evidence of the United States citizenship of the applicant's 
spouse or child, when the application is based upon a claim of 
exceptional hardship to a spouse or child who is a citizen of the United 
States.
    (7) Evidence of United States citizenship and of status as a lawful 
permanent resident shall be in the form provided in part 204 of 8 CFR 
chapter I. An application based upon exceptional hardship shall be 
supported by a statement, dated and signed by the applicant, giving a 
detailed explanation of the basis for his or her belief that his or her 
compliance with the foreign residence requirement of section 212(e) of 
the Act, as amended, would impose exceptional hardship upon his or her 
spouse or child who is a citizen of the United States or a lawful 
permanent resident thereof. The statement shall include all pertinent 
information concerning the incomes and savings of the applicant and 
spouse. If exceptional hardship is claimed upon medical grounds, the 
applicant shall submit a medical certificate from a qualified physician 
setting forth in terms understandable to a layman the nature and effect 
of the illness and prognosis as to the period of time the spouse or 
child will require care or treatment.
    (8) An application based upon the applicant's belief that he or she 
cannot return to the country of his or her nationality or last residence 
because the applicant would be subject to persecution on account of 
race, religion, or political opinion, must be supported by a statement, 
dated and signed by the applicant, setting forth in detail why the 
applicant believes he or she would be subject to persecution.
    (9) Waivers under Pub. L. 103-416 based on a request by a State 
Department of Public Health (or equivalent). In accordance with section 
220 of Pub. L. 103-416, an alien admitted to the United States as a 
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, or who acquired 
status under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act after admission to the 
United States, to participate in an exchange program of graduate medical 
education or training (as of January 9, 1977), may apply for a waiver of 
the 2-year home country residence and physical presence requirement (the 
``2-year requirement'') under section 212(e)(iii) of the Act based on a 
request by a State Department of Public Health, or its equivalent. To 
initiate the application for a waiver under Pub. L. 103-416, the 
Department of Public Health, or its

[[Page 1044]]

equivalent, or the State in which the foreign medical graduate seeks to 
practice medicine, must request the Director of USIA to recommend a 
waiver to the Service. The waiver may be granted only if the Director of 
USIA provides the Service with a favorable waiver recommendation. Only 
the Service, however, may grant or deny the waiver application. If 
granted, such a waiver shall be subject to the terms and conditions 
imposed under section 214(l) of the Act (as redesignated by section 
671(a)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 104-208). Although the alien is not required to 
submit a separate waiver application to the Service, the burden rests on 
the alien to establish eligibility for the waiver. If the Service 
approves a waiver request made under Pub. L. 103-416, the foreign 
medical graduate (and accompanying dependents) may apply for change of 
nonimmigrant status, from J-1 to H-1B and, in the case of dependents of 
such a foreign medical graduate, from J-2 to H-4. Aliens receiving 
waivers under section 220 of Pub. L. 103-416 are subject, in all cases, 
to the provisions of section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Act.
    (i) Eligibility criteria. J-1 foreign medical graduates (with 
accompanying J-2 dependents) are eligible to apply for a waiver of the 
2-year requirement under Pub. L. 103-416 based on a request by a State 
Department of Public Health (or its equivalent) if:
    (A) They were admitted to the United States under section 
101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, or acquired J nonimmigrant status before June 
1, 2002, to pursue graduate medical education or training in the United 
States.
    (B) They have entered into a bona fide, full-time employment 
contract for 3 years to practice medicine at a health care facility 
located in an area or areas designated by the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals (``HHS-
designated shortage area'');
    (C) They agree to commence employment within 90 days of receipt of 
the waiver under this section and agree to practice medicine for 3 years 
at the facility named in the waiver application and only in HHS-
designated shortage areas. The health care facility named in the waiver 
application may be operated by:
    (1) An agency of the Government of the United States or of the State 
in which it is located; or
    (2) A charitable, educational, or other not-for-profit organization; 
or
    (3) Private medical practitioners.
    (D) The Department of Public Health, or its equivalent, in the State 
where the health care facility is located has requested the Director, 
USIA, to recommend the waiver, and the Director, USIA, submits a 
favorable waiver recommendation to the Service; and
    (E) Approval of the waiver will not cause the number of waivers 
granted pursuant to Pub. L. 103-416 and this section to foreign medical 
graduates who will practice medicine in the same state to exceed 20 
during the current fiscal year.
    (ii) Decision on waivers under Pub. L. 103-416 and notification to 
the alien--(A) Approval. If the Director of USIA submits a favorable 
waiver recommendation on behalf of a foreign medical graduate pursuant 
to Pub. L. 103-416, and the Service grants the waiver, the alien shall 
be notified of the approval on Form I-797 (or I-797A or I-797B, as 
appropriate). The approval notice shall clearly state the terms and 
conditions imposed on the waiver, and the Service's records shall be 
noted accordingly.
    (B) Denial. If the Director of USIA issues a favorable waiver 
recommendation under Pub. L. 103-416 and the Service denies the waiver, 
the alien shall be notified of the decision and of the right to appeal 
under 8 CFR part 1103. However, no appeal shall lie where the basis for 
denial is that the number of waivers granted to the State in which the 
foreign medical graduate will be employed would exceed 20 for that 
fiscal year.
    (iii) Conditions. The foreign medical graduate must agree to 
commence employment for the health care facility specified in the waiver 
application within 90 days of receipt of the waiver under Pub. L. 103-
416. The foreign medical graduate may only fulfill the requisite 3-year 
employment contract as an H-1B nonimmigrant. A foreign medical graduate 
who receives a waiver

[[Page 1045]]

under Pub. L. 103-416 based on a request by a State Department of Public 
Health (or equivalent), and changes his or her nonimmigrant 
classification from J-1 to H-1B, may not apply for permanent residence 
or for any other change of nonimmigrant classification unless he or she 
has fulfilled the 3-year employment contract with the health care 
facility and in the specified HHS-designated shortage area named in the 
waiver application.
    (iv) Failure to fulfill the three-year employment contract due to 
extenuating circumstances. A foreign medical graduate who fails to meet 
the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver under section 214(l) of 
the Act and this paragraph will once again become subject to the 2-year 
requirement under section 212(e) of the Act.
    Under section 214(l)(1)(B) of the Act, however, the Service, in the 
exercise of discretion, may excuse early termination of the foreign 
medical graduate's 3-year period of employment with the health care 
facility named in the waiver application due to extenuating 
circumstances. Extenuating circumstances may include, but are not 
limited to, closure of the health care facility or hardship to the 
alien. In determining whether to excuse such early termination of 
employment, the Service shall base its decision on the specific facts of 
each case. In all cases, the burden of establishing eligibility for a 
favorable exercise of discretion rests with the foreign medical 
graduate. Depending on the circumstances, closure of the health care 
facility named in the waiver application may, but need not, be 
considered an extenuating circumstance excusing early termination of 
employment. Under no circumstances will a foreign medical graduate be 
eligible to apply for change of status to another nonimmigrant category, 
for an immigrant visa or for status as a lawful permanent resident prior 
to completing the requisite 3-year period of employment for a health 
care facility located in an HHS-designated shortage area.
    (v) Required evidence. A foreign medical graduate who seeks to have 
early termination of employment excused due to extenuating circumstances 
shall submit documentary evidence establishing such a claim. In all 
cases, the foreign medical graduate shall submit an employment contract 
with another health care facility located in an HHS-designated shortage 
area for the balance of the required 3-year period of employment. A 
foreign medical graduate claiming extenuating circumstances based on 
hardship shall also submit evidence establishing that such hardship was 
caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond his or her control. A foreign 
medical graduate claiming extenuating circumstances based on closure of 
the health care facility named in the waiver application shall also 
submit evidence that the facility has closed or is about to be closed.
    (vi) Notification requirements. A J-1 foreign medical graduate who 
has been granted a waiver of the 2-year requirement pursuant to Pub. L. 
103-416, is required to comply with the terms and conditions specified 
in section 214(l) of the Act and the implementing regulations in this 
section. If the foreign medical graduate subsequently applies for and 
receives H-1B status, he or she must also comply with the terms and 
conditions of that nonimmigrant status. Such compliance shall also 
include notifying the Service of any material change in the terms and 
conditions of the H-1B employment, by filing either an amended or a new 
H-1B petition, as required, under Sec. Sec.  214.2(h)(2)(i)(D), 
214.2(h)(2)(i)(E), and 214.2(h)(11) of 8 CFR chapter I.
    (A) Amended H-1B petitions. The health care facility named in the 
waiver application and H-1B petition shall file an amended H-1B 
petition, as required under Sec.  214.2(h)(2)(i)(E) of 8 CFR chapter I, 
if there are any material changes in the terms and conditions of the 
beneficiary's employment or eligibility as specified in the waiver 
application filed under Pub. L. 103-416 and in the subsequent H-1B 
petition. In such a case, an amended H-1B petition shall be accompanied 
by evidence that the alien will continue practicing medicine with the 
original employer in an HHS-designated shortage area.
    (B) New H-1B petitions. A health care facility seeking to employ a 
foreign medical graduate who has been granted a waiver under Pub. L. 
103-416 (prior to

[[Page 1046]]

the time the alien has completed his or her 3-year contract with the 
facility named in the waiver application and original H-1B petition), 
shall file a new H-1B petition with the Service, as required under 
Sec. Sec.  214.2(h)(2)(i) (D) and (E) of 8 CFR chapter I. Although a new 
waiver application need not be filed, the new H-1B petition shall be 
accompanied by the documentary evidence generally required under Sec.  
214.2(h) of this chapter, and the following additional documents:
    (1) A copy of Form I-797 (and/or I-797A and I-797B) relating to the 
waiver and nonimmigrant H status granted under Pub. L. 103-416;
    (2) An explanation from the foreign medical graduate, with 
supporting evidence, establishing that extenuating circumstances 
necessitate a change in employment;
    (3) An employment contract establishing that the foreign medical 
graduate will practice medicine at the health care facility named in the 
new H-1B petition for the balance of the required 3-year period; and
    (4) Evidence that the geographic area or areas of intended 
employment indicated in the new H-1B petition are in HHS-designated 
shortage areas.
    (C) Review of amended and new H-1B petitions for foreign medical 
graduates granted waivers under Pub. L. 103-416 and who seek to have 
early termination of employment excused due to extenuating 
circumstances--(1) Amended H-1B petitions. The waiver granted under Pub. 
L. 103-416 may be affirmed, and the amended H-1B petition may be 
approved, if the petitioning health care facility establishes that the 
foreign medical graduate otherwise remains eligible for H-1B 
classification and that he or she will continue practicing medicine in 
an HHS-designated shortage area.
    (2) New H-1B petitions. The Service shall review a new H-1B petition 
filed on behalf of a foreign medical graduate who has not yet fulfilled 
the required 3-year period of employment with the health care facility 
named in the waiver application and in the original H-1B petition to 
determine whether extenuating circumstances exist which warrant a change 
in employment, and whether the waiver granted under Pub. L. 103-416 
should be affirmed. In conducting such a review, the Service shall 
determine whether the foreign medical graduate will continue practicing 
medicine in an HHS-designated shortage area, and whether the new H-1B 
petitioner and the foreign medical graduate have satisfied the remaining 
H-1B eligibility criteria described under section 101(a)(15)(H) of the 
Act and Sec.  214.2(h) of 8 CFR chapter I. If these criteria have been 
satisfied, the waiver granted to the foreign medical graduate under Pub. 
L. 103-416 may be affirmed, and the new H1-B petition may be approved in 
the exercise of discretion, thereby permitting the foreign medical 
graduate to serve the balance of the requisite 3-year employment period 
at the health care facility named in the new H-1B petition.
    (D) Failure to notify the Service of any material changes in 
employment. Foreign medical graduates who have been granted a waiver of 
the 2-year requirement and who have obtained H-1B status under Pub. L. 
103-416 but fail to: Properly notify the Service of any material change 
in the terms and conditions of their H-1B employment, by having their 
employer file an amended or a new H-1B petition in accordance with this 
section and Sec.  214.2(h) of 8 CFR chapter I; or establish continued 
eligibility for the waiver and H-1B status, shall (together with their 
dependents) again become subject to the 2-year requirement. Such foreign 
medical graduates and their accompanying H-4 dependents also become 
subject to deportation under section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.
    (10) The applicant and his or her spouse may be interviewed by an 
immigration officer in connection with the application and consultation 
may be had with the Director, United States Information Agency and the 
sponsor of any exchange program in which the applicant has been a 
participant.
    (11) The applicant shall be notified of the decision, and if the 
application is denied, of the reasons therefor and of the right of 
appeal in accordance with the provisions of part 103 of this chapter. 
However, no appeal shall lie from the denial of an application for lack 
of a favorable recommendation from the Secretary of State. When an 
interested

[[Page 1047]]

United States Government agency requests a waiver of the two-year 
foreign-residence requirement and the Director, United States 
Information Agency had made a favorable recommendation, the interested 
agency shall be notified of the decision on its request and, if the 
request is denied, of the reasons thereof, and of the right of appeal. 
If the foreign country of the alien's nationality or last residence has 
furnished statement in writing that it has no objection to his/her being 
granted a waiver of the foreign residence requirement and the Director, 
United States Information Agency has made a favorable recommendation, 
the Director shall be notified of the decision and, if the foreign 
residence requirement is not waived, of the reasons therefor and of the 
foregoing right of appeal. However, this ``no objection'' provision is 
not applicable to the exchange visitor admitted to the United States on 
or after January 10, 1977 to receive graduate medical education or 
training, or who acquired such status on or after that date for such 
purpose; except that the alien who commenced a program before January 
10, 1977 and who was readmitted to the United States on or after that 
date to continue participation in the same program, is eligible for the 
``no objection'' waiver.
    (d) Criminal grounds of inadmissibility involving violent or 
dangerous crimes. The Attorney General, in general, will not favorably 
exercise discretion under section 212(h)(2) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 
1182(h)(2)) to consent to an application or reapplication for a visa, or 
admission to the United States, or adjustment of status, with respect to 
immigrant aliens who are inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) of the Act 
in cases involving violent or dangerous crimes, except in extraordinary 
circumstances, such as those involving national security or foreign 
policy considerations, or cases in which an alien clearly demonstrates 
that the denial of the application for adjustment of status or an 
immigrant visa or admission as an immigrant would result in exceptional 
and extremely unusual hardship. Moreover, depending on the gravity of 
the alien's underlying criminal offense, a showing of extraordinary 
circumstances might still be insufficient to warrant a favorable 
exercise of discretion under section 212(h)(2) of the Act.

(Secs. 103, 203, 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended 
by secs. 4, 5, 18 of Pub. L. 97-116, 95 Stat. 1611, 1620, (8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1153, 1182)

[29 FR 12584, Sept. 4, 1964]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
1212.7, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  1212.8  Certification requirement of section 212(a)(14).

    (a) General. The certification requirement of section 212(a)(14) of 
the Act applies to aliens seeking admission to the United States or 
adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act for the purpose of 
performing skilled or unskilled labor, who are preference immigrants as 
described in section 203(a) (3) or (6) of the Act, or who are 
nonpreference immigrants as described in section 203(a)(8). The 
certification requirement shall not be applicable to a nonpreference 
applicant for admission to the United States or to a nonpreference 
applicant for adjustment of status under section 245 who establishes 
that he will not perform skilled or unskilled labor. A native of the 
Western Hemisphere who established a priority date with a consular 
officer prior to January 1, 1977 and who was found to be entitled to an 
exemption from the labor certification requirement of section 212(a)(14) 
of the Act under the law in effect prior to January 1, 1977 as the 
parent, spouse or child of a United States citizen or lawful permanent 
resident alien shall continue to be exempt from that requirement for so 
long as the relationship upon which the exemption is based continues to 
exist.
    (b) Aliens not required to obtain labor certifications. The 
following persons are not considered to be within the purview of section 
212(a)(14) of the Act and do not require a labor certification: (1) A 
member of the Armed Forces of the United States; (2) a spouse or child 
accompanying or following to join his spouse or parent who either has a 
labor certification or is a nondependent alien

[[Page 1048]]

who does not require such a certification; (3) a female alien who 
intends to marry a citizen or alien lawful permanent resident of the 
United States, who establishes satisfactorily that she does not intend 
to seek employment in the United States and whose fiance has guaranteed 
her support; (4) an alien who establishes on Form I-526 that he has 
invested, or is actively in the process of investing, capital totaling 
at least $40,000 in an enterprise in the United States of which he will 
be a principal manager and that the enterprise will employ a person or 
persons in the United States of which he will be a principal manager and 
that the enterprise will employ a person or persons in the United States 
who are United States citizens or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence, exclusive of the alien, his spouse and children. A copy of a 
document submitted in support of Form I-526 may be accepted though 
unaccompanied by the original, if the copy bears a certification by an 
attorney, typed or rubber-stamped in the language set forth in Sec.  
204.2(j) of 8 CFR chapter I. However, the original document shall be 
submitted, if submittal is requested by the Service.

[31 FR 10021, July 23, 1966; 31 FR 10355, Aug. 22, 1966, as amended at 
34 FR 5326, Mar. 18, 1969; 38 FR 31166, Nov. 12, 1973; 41 FR 37566, 
Sept. 7, 1976; 41 FR 55850, Dec. 23, 1976; 47 FR 44990, Oct. 13, 1982; 
48 FR 19157, Apr. 28, 1983]



Sec.  1212.9  Applicability of section 212(a)(32) to certain derivative third 
and sixth preference and nonpreference immigrants.

    A derivative beneficiary who is the spouse or child of a qualified 
third or sixth preference or nonpreference immigrant and who is also a 
graduate of a medical school as defined by section 101(a)(41) of the Act 
is not considered to be an alien who is coming to the United States 
principally to perform services as a member of the medical profession. 
Therefore, a derivative third or sixth preference or nonpreference 
immigrant under section 203(a)(8) of the Act, who is also a graduate of 
a medical school, is eligible for an immigrant visa or for adjustment of 
status under section 245 of the Act, whether or not such derivative 
immigrant has passed Parts I and II of the National Board of Medical 
Examiners Examination or equivalent examination.

(Secs. 103, 203(a)(8), and 212(a)(32), 8 U.S.C 1103, 1153(a)(8), and 
1182(a)(32))

[45 FR 63836, Sept. 26, 1980]



Sec.  1212.10  Section 212(k) waiver.

    Any applicant for admission who is in possession of an immigrant 
visa, and who is excludable under sections 212(a)(14), (20), or (21) of 
the Act, may apply to the district director at the port of entry for a 
waiver under section 212(k) of the Act. If the application for waiver is 
denied by the district director, the application may be renewed in 
exclusion proceedings before an immigration judge as provided in part 
1236 of this chapter.

(Secs. 103, 203, 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended 
by secs. 4, 5, 18 of Pub. L. 97-116, 95 Stat. 1611, 1620, (8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1153, 1182)

[47 FR 44236, Oct. 7, 1982]



Sec.  1212.11  Controlled substance convictions.

    In determining the admissibility of an alien who has been convicted 
of a violation of any law or regulation of a State, the United States, 
or a foreign country relating to a controlled substance, the term 
controlled substance as used in section 212(a)(23) of the Act, shall 
mean the same as that referenced in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 
U.S.C. 801, et seq., and shall include any substance contained in 
Schedules I through V of 21 CFR 1308.1, et seq. For the purposes of this 
section, the term controlled substance includes controlled substance 
analogues as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802(23) and 813.

[53 FR 9282, Mar. 22, 1988]



Sec.  1212.12  Parole determinations and revocations respecting Mariel Cubans.

    (a) Scope. This section applies to any native of Cuba who last came 
to the United States between April 15, 1980, and October 20, 1980 
(hereinafter referred to as Mariel Cuban) and who is being detained by 
the Immigration and Naturalization Service (hereinafter referred to as 
the Service) pending his or

[[Page 1049]]

her exclusion hearing, or pending his or her return to Cuba or to 
another country. It covers Mariel Cubans who have never been paroled as 
well as those Mariel Cubans whose previous parole has been revoked by 
the Service. It also applies to any Mariel Cuban, detained under the 
authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act in any facility, who 
has not been approved for release or who is currently awaiting movement 
to a Service or Bureau Of Prisons (BOP) facility. In addition, it covers 
the revocation of parole for those Mariel Cubans who have been released 
on parole at any time.
    (b) Parole authority and decision. The authority to grant parole 
under section 212(d)(5) of the Act to a detained Mariel Cuban shall be 
exercised by the Commissioner, acting through the Associate Commissioner 
for Enforcement, as follows:
    (1) Parole decisions. The Associate Commissioner for Enforcement 
may, in the exercise of discretion, grant parole to a detained Mariel 
Cuban for emergent reasons or for reasons deemed strictly in the public 
interest. A decision to retain in custody shall briefly set forth the 
reasons for the continued detention. A decision to release on parole may 
contain such special conditions as are considered appropriate. A copy of 
any decision to parole or to detain, with an attached copy translated 
into Spanish, shall be provided to the detainee. Parole documentation 
for Mariel Cubans shall be issued by the district director having 
jurisdiction over the alien, in accordance with the parole determination 
made by the Associate Commissioner for Enforcement.
    (2) Additional delegation of authority. All references to the 
Commissioner and Associate Commissioner for Enforcement in this section 
shall be deemed to include any person or persons (including a committee) 
designated in writing by the Commissioner or Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement to exercise powers under this section.
    (c) Review Plan Director. The Associate Commissioner for Enforcement 
shall appoint a Director of the Cuban Review Plan. The Director shall 
have authority to establish and maintain appropriate files respecting 
each Mariel Cuban to be reviewed for possible parole, to determine the 
order in which the cases shall be reviewed, and to coordinate activities 
associated with these reviews.
    (d) Recommendations to the Associate Commissioner for Enforcement. 
Parole recommendations for detained Mariel Cubans shall be developed in 
accordance with the following procedures.
    (1) Review Panels. The Director shall designate a panel or panels to 
make parole recommendations to the Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement. A Cuban Review Panel shall, except as otherwise provided, 
consist of two persons. Members of a Review Panel shall be selected from 
the professional staff of the Service. All recommendations by a two-
member Panel shall be unanimous. If the vote of a two-member Panel is 
split, it shall adjourn its deliberations concerning that particular 
detainee until a third Panel member is added. A recommendation by a 
three-member Panel shall be by majority vote. The third member of any 
Panel shall be the Director of the Cuban Review Plan or his designee.
    (2) Criteria for Review. Before making any recommendation that a 
detainee be granted parole, a majority of the Cuban Review Panel 
members, or the Director in case of a record review, must conclude that:
    (i) The detainee is presently a nonviolent person;
    (ii) The detainee is likely to remain nonviolent;
    (iii) The detainee is not likely to pose a threat to the community 
following his release; and
    (iv) The detainee is not likely to violate the conditions of his 
parole.
    (3) Factors for consideration. The following factors should be 
weighed in considering whether to recommend further detention or release 
on parole of a detainee:
    (i) The nature and number of disciplinary infractions or incident 
reports received while in custody;
    (ii) The detainee's past history of criminal behavior;
    (iii) Any psychiatric and psychological reports pertaining to the 
detainee's mental health;
    (iv) Institutional progress relating to participation in work, 
educational and vocational programs;

[[Page 1050]]

    (v) His ties to the United States, such as the number of close 
relatives residing lawfully here;
    (vi) The likelihood that he may abscond, such as from any 
sponsorship program; and
    (vii) Any other information which is probative of whether the 
detainee is likely to adjust to life in a community, is likely to engage 
in future acts of violence, is likely to engage in future criminal 
activity, or is likely to violate the conditions of his parole.
    (4) Procedure for review. The following procedures will govern the 
review process:
    (i) Record review. Initially, the Director or a Panel shall review 
the detainee's file. Upon completion of this record review, the Director 
or the Panel shall issue a written recommendation that the detainee be 
released on parole or scheduled for a personal interview.
    (ii) Personal interview. If a recommendation to grant parole after 
only a record review is not accepted or if the detainee is not 
recommended for release, a Panel shall personally interview the 
detainee. The scheduling of such interviews shall be at the discretion 
of the Director. The detainee may be accompanied during the interview by 
a person of his choice, who is able to attend at the time of the 
scheduled interview, to assist in answering any questions. The detainee 
may submit to the Panel any information, either orally or in writing, 
which he believes presents a basis for release on parole.
    (iii) Panel recommendation. Following completion of the interview 
and its deliberations, the Panel shall issue a written recommendation 
that the detainee be released on parole or remain in custody pending 
deportation or pending further observation and subsequent review. This 
written recommendation shall include a brief statement of the factors 
which the Panel deems material to its recommendation. The recommendation 
and appropriate file material shall be forwarded to the Associate 
Commissioner for Enforcement, to be considered in the exercise of 
discretion pursuant to Sec.  1212.12(b).
    (e) Withdrawal of parole approval. The Associate Commissioner for 
Enforcement may, in his or her discretion, withdraw approval for parole 
of any detainee prior to release when, in his or her opinion, the 
conduct of the detainee, or any other circumstance, indicates that 
parole would no longer be appropriate.
    (f) Sponsorship. No detainee may be released on parole until 
suitable sponsorship or placement has been found for the detainee. The 
paroled detainee must abide by the parole conditions specified by the 
Service in relation to his sponsorship or placement. The following 
sponsorships and placements are suitable:
    (1) Placement by the Public Health Service in an approved halfway 
house or mental health project;
    (2) Placement by the Community Relations Service in an approved 
halfway house or community project; and
    (3) Placement with a close relative such as a parent, spouse, child, 
or sibling who is a lawful permanent resident or a citizen of the United 
States.
    (g) Timing of reviews. The timing of review shall be in accordance 
with the following guidelines.
    (1) Parole revocation cases. The Director shall schedule the review 
process in the case of a new or returning detainee whose previous 
immigration parole has been revoked. The review process will commence 
with a scheduling of a file review, which will ordinarily be expected to 
occur within approximately three months after parole is revoked. In the 
case of a Mariel Cuban who is in the custody of the Service, the Cuban 
Review Plan Director may, in his or her discretion, suspend or postpone 
the parole review process if such detainee's prompt deportation is 
practicable and proper.
    (2) Continued detention cases. A subsequent review shall be 
commenced for any detainee within one year of a refusal to grant parole 
under Sec.  1212.12(b), unless a shorter interval is specified by the 
Director.
    (3) Discretionary reviews. The Cuban Review Plan Director, in his 
discretion, may schedule a review of a detainee at any time when the 
Director deems such a review to be warranted.
    (h) Revocation of parole. The Associate Commissioner for Enforcement 
shall have authority, in the exercise of

[[Page 1051]]

discretion, to revoke parole in respect to Mariel Cubans. A district 
director may also revoke parole when, in the district director's 
opinion, revocation is in the public interest and circumstances do not 
reasonably permit referral of the case to the Associate Commissioner. 
Parole may be revoked in the exercise of discretion when, in the opinion 
of the revoking official:
    (1) The purposes of parole have been served;
    (2) The Mariel Cuban violates any condition of parole;
    (3) It is appropriate to enforce an order of exclusion or to 
commence proceedings against a Mariel Cuban; or
    (4) The period of parole has expired without being renewed.

[52 FR 48802, Dec. 28, 1987, as amended at 59 FR 13870, Mar. 24, 1994; 
65 FR 80294, Dec. 21, 2000]



Sec.  1212.13  Severability.

    The provisions of part 1212 are separate and severable from one 
another. In the event that any provision in part 1212 is stayed, 
enjoined, not implemented, or otherwise held invalid, the remaining 
provisions shall nevertheless be implemented as an independent rule and 
continue in effect.

[85 FR 80400, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  1212.14  Parole determinations for alien witnesses and informants 
for whom a law enforcement authority (``LEA'') will request S classification.

    (a) Parole authority. Parole authorization under section 212(d)(5) 
of the Act for aliens whom LEAs seek to bring to the United States as 
witnesses or informants in criminal/counter terrorism matters and to 
apply for S classification shall be exercised as follows:
    (1) Grounds of eligibility. The Commissioner may, in the exercise of 
discretion, grant parole to an alien (and the alien's family members) 
needed for law enforcement purposes provided that a state or federal 
LEA:
    (i) Establishes its intention to file, within 30 days after the 
alien's arrival in the United States, a completed Form I-854, Inter-
Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record, with the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice, in accordance with 
the instructions on or attached to the form, which will include the 
names of qualified family members for whom parole is sought;
    (ii) Specifies the particular operational reasons and basis for the 
request, and agrees to assume responsibility for the alien during the 
period of the alien's temporary stay in the United States, including 
maintaining control and supervision of the alien and the alien's 
whereabouts and activities, and further specifies any other terms and 
conditions specified by the Service during the period for which the 
parole is authorized;
    (iii) Agrees to advise the Service of the alien's failure to report 
quarterly any criminal conduct by the alien, or any other activity or 
behavior on the alien's part that may constitute a ground of 
excludability or deportability;
    (iv) Assumes responsibility for ensuring the alien's departure on 
the date of termination of the authorized parole (unless the alien has 
been admitted in S nonimmigrant classification pursuant to the terms of 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section), provides any and all assistance 
needed by the Service, if necessary, to ensure departure, and verifies 
departure in a manner acceptable to the Service;
    (v) Provide LEA seat-of-government certification that parole of the 
alien is essential to an investigation or prosecution, is in the 
national interest, and is requested pursuant to the terms and authority 
of section 212(d)(5) of the Act;
    (vi) Agrees that no promises may be, have been, or will be made by 
the LEA to the alien that the alien will or may:
    (A) Remain in the United States in parole status or any other 
nonimmigrant classification;
    (B) Adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident; or
    (C) Otherwise attempt to remain beyond the authorized parole. The 
alien (and any family member of the alien who is 18 years of age or 
older) shall sign a statement acknowledging an awareness that parole 
only authorizes a temporary stay in the United States and does not 
convey the benefits of S nonimmigrant classification, any other 
nonimmigrant classification, or any

[[Page 1052]]

entitlement to further benefits under the Act; and
    (vii) Provides, in the case of a request for the release of an alien 
from Service custody, certification that the alien is eligible for 
parole pursuant to Sec.  235.3 of chapter I.
    (2) Authorization. (i) Upon approval of the request for parole, the 
Commissioner shall notify the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, of the approval.
    (ii) Upon notification of approval of a request for parole, the LEA 
will advise the Commissioner of the date, time, and place of the arrival 
of the alien. The Commissioner will coordinate the arrival of the alien 
in parole status with the port director prior to the time of arrival.
    (iii) Parole will be authorized for a period of thirty (30) days to 
commence upon the alien's arrival in the United States in order for the 
LEA to submit a completed Form I-854 to the Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division. Upon the submission to the Assistant Attorney General 
of the Form I-854 requesting S classification, the period of parole will 
be automatically extended while the request is being reviewed. The 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, will notify the 
Commissioner of the submission of a Form I-854.
    (b) Termination of parole--(1) General. The Commissioner may 
terminate parole for any alien (including a member of the alien's 
family) in parole status under this section where termination is in the 
public interest. A district director may also terminate parole when, in 
the district director's opinion, termination is in the public interest 
and circumstances do not reasonably permit referral of the case to the 
Commissioner. In such a case, the Commissioner shall be notified 
immediately. In the event the Commissioner, or in the appropriate case, 
a district director, decides to terminate the parole of an alien witness 
or informant authorized under the terms of this paragraph, the Assistant 
Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be 
notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. Unless 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 
days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In 
the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy 
Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the 
alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to 
terminate parole.
    (2) Termination of parole and admission in S classification. When an 
LEA has filed a request for an alien in authorized parole status to be 
admitted in S nonimmigrant classification and that request has been 
approved by the Commissioner pursuant to the procedures outlines in 8 
CFR 214.2(t), the Commissioner may, in the exercise of discretion:
    (i) Terminate the alien's parole status;
    (ii) Determine eligibility for waivers; and
    (iii) Admit the alien in S nonimmigrant classification pursuant to 
the terms and conditions of section 101(a)(15(S) of the Act and 8 CFR 
214.2(t).
    (c) Departure. If the alien's parole has been terminated and the 
alien has been ordered excluded from the United States, the LEA shall 
ensure departure from the United States and so inform the district 
director in whose jurisdiction the alien has last resided. The district 
director, if necessary, shall oversee the alien's departure from the 
United States and, in any event, shall notify the Commissioner of the 
alien's departure. The Commissioner shall be notified in writing of the 
failure of any alien authorized parole under this paragraph to depart in 
accordance with an order of exclusion and deportation entered after 
parole authorized under this paragraph has been terminated.
    (d) Failure to comply with procedures. Any failure to adhere to the 
parole procedures contained in this section shall immediately be brought 
to the attention of the Commissioner, who will notify the Attorney 
General.

[60 FR 44265, Aug. 25, 1995, as amended at 85 FR 80400, Dec. 11, 2020]

[[Page 1053]]



Sec.  1212.15  Certificates for foreign health care workers.

    (a) Inadmissible aliens. With the exception of the aliens described 
in paragraph (b) of this section, any alien coming to the United States 
for the primary purpose of performing labor in a health care occupation 
listed in paragraph (c) of this section is inadmissible to the United 
States unless the alien presents a certificate as described in paragraph 
(f) of this section.
    (b) Inapplicability of the ground of inadmissibility. The following 
aliens are not subject to this ground of inadmissibility:
    (1) Aliens seeking admission to the United States to perform 
services in a non-clinical health care occupation. A non-clinical 
health-care occupation is one where the alien is not required to perform 
direct or indirect patient care. Occupations which are considered to be 
non-clinical include, but are not limited to, medical teachers, medical 
researchers, managers of health care facilities, and medical consultants 
to the insurance industry;
    (2) The spouse and dependent children of any immigrant alien who is 
seeking to immigrate in order to accompany or follow to join the 
principal alien; and
    (3) Any alien applying for adjustment of status to that of a 
permanent resident under any provision of law other than an alien who is 
seeking to immigrate on the basis of an employment-based immigrant visa 
petition which was filed for the purpose of obtaining the alien's 
services in a health care occupation described in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (c) Occupations affected by this provision. With the exception of 
the aliens described in paragraph (b) of this section, any alien seeking 
admission to the United States as an immigrant or any alien applying for 
adjustment of status to a permanent resident to perform labor in one of 
the following health care occupations, regardless of where he or she 
received his or her education or training, is subject to this provision:
    (1) Licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and 
registered nurses.
    (2) Occupational therapists.
    (3) Physical therapists.
    (4) Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
    (5) Medical Technologists (Clinical Laboratory Scientists).
    (6) Physician Assistants.
    (7) Medical Technicians (Clinical Laboratory Technicians).
    (d) Presentation of the certificate. An alien described in paragraph 
(a) of this section who is applying for admission as an immigrant 
seeking to perform labor in a health care occupation as described in 
this section must present a certificate to a consular officer at the 
time of visa issuance and to the Service at the time of admission or 
adjustment of status. The certificate must be valid at the time of visa 
issuance and admission at a port-of-entry, or, if applicable, at the 
time of adjustment of status.
    (e) Organizations approved by the Service to issue certificates for 
health care workers. (1) The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing 
Schools may issue certificates pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(C), and 
section 212(a)(5)(C) of the Act for the occupations of nurse (licensed 
practical nurse, licensed vocational nurse, and registered nurse), 
physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist 
and audiologist, medical technologist (clinical laboratory scientist), 
physician assistant, and medical technician (clinical laboratory 
technician).
    (2) The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy is 
authorized by the Service to issue certificates under section 343 for 
the occupation of occupational therapist.
    (3) The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy is 
authorized by the Service to issue certificates under section 343 for 
the occupation of physical therapist.
    (f) Contents of the certificate. A certificate must contain the 
following information:
    (1) The name and address of the certifying organization;
    (2) A point of contact where the organization may be contacted in 
order to verify the validity of the certificate;
    (3) The date of the certificate was issued;
    (4) The occupation for which the certificate was issued;

[[Page 1054]]

    (5) The alien's name, and date and place of birth;
    (6) Verification that the alien's education, training, license, and 
experience are comparable with that required for an American health care 
worker of the same type;
    (7) Verification that the alien's education, training, license, and 
experience are authentic and, in the case of a license, unencumbered;
    (8) Verification that the alien's education, training, license, and 
experience meet all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for 
admission into the United States as an immigrant under section 203(b) of 
the Act. This verification is not binding on the Service; and
    (9) Verification either that the alien has passed a test predicting 
success on the occupation's licensing or certification examination, 
provided such a test is recognized by a majority of States licensing the 
occupation for which the certificate is issued, or that the alien has 
passed the occupation's licensing or certification examination.
    (g) English testing requirement. (1) With the exception of those 
aliens described in paragraph (g)(2) of this section, every alien must 
meet certain English language requirements in order to obtain a 
certificate. The Secretary of Health and Human Services has determined 
that an alien must have a passing score on one of the two tests listed 
in paragraph (g)(3) of this section before he or she can be granted a 
certificate.
    (2) Aliens exempt from the English language requirement. Aliens who 
have graduated from a college, university, or professional training 
school located in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New 
Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States are exempt from the 
English language requirement.
    (3) Approved testing services. (i) Michigan English Language 
Assessment Battery (MELAB). Effective June 30, 2000, the MELAB Oral 
Interview Speaking Test is no longer being given overseas and is only 
being administered in the United States and Canada. Applicants may take 
MELAB Parts 1, 2, and 3, plus the Test of Spoken English offered by the 
Educational Testing Service.
    (ii) Test of English as a Foreign Language, Educational Testing 
Service (ETS).
    (4) Passing scores for various occupations--(i) Occupational and 
physical therapists. An alien seeking to perform labor in the United 
States as an occupational therapist or physical therapist must obtain 
the following scores on the English tests administered by ETS: Test Of 
English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Paper-Based 560, Computer-Based 
220; Test of Written English (TWE): 4.5; Test of Spoken English (TSE): 
50. Certifying organizations shall not accept the results of the MELAB 
for the occupation of occupational therapist or physical therapist. 
Aliens seeking to obtain a certificate to work as an occupational or 
physical therapist must take the test offered by the ETS. The MELAB 
scores are not acceptable for these occupations.
    (ii) Registered nurses. An alien coming to the United States to 
perform labor as a registered nurse must obtain the following scores to 
obtain a certificate: ETS: TOEFL: Paper-Based 540, Computer-Based 207; 
TWE: 4.0; TSE: 50; MELAB: Final Score 79; Oral Interview: 3+.
    (iii) Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses. An 
alien coming to the United States to perform labor as a licensed 
practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse must have the following 
scores to be issued a certificate: ETS: TOEFL: Paper-Based 530, 
Computer-Based 197; TWE: 4.0; TSE: 50; MELAB: Final Score 77; Oral 
Interview: 3+.
    (iv) Speech-language pathologists and Audiologists, medical 
technologists (clinical laboratory scientists), and physician 
assistants. An alien coming to the United States to perform labor as a 
speech-language pathologist and audiologist, a medical technologist 
(clinical laboratory scientist), or a physician assistant must have the 
following scores to be issued a certificate: ETS: TOEFL: Paper-Based 
540, Computer-Based 207; TWE: 4.0; TSE: 50; MELAB: Final Score 79; Oral 
Interview: 3+.
    (v) Medical technicians (clinical laboratory technicians). An alien 
coming to the United States to perform labor as a medical technician 
(clinical laboratory technician) must have the following

[[Page 1055]]

scores to be issued a certificate: ETS: TOEFL: Paper-Based 530, 
Computer-Based 197; TWE: 4.0; TSE: 50; MELAB: Final Score 77; Oral 
Interview: 3+.

[63 FR 55011, Oct. 14, 1998, as amended at 64 FR 23177, Apr. 30, 1999; 
66 FR 3444, Jan. 16, 2001]



Sec.  1212.16  Applications for exercise of discretion relating to 
T nonimmigrant status.

    (a) Filing the waiver application. An alien applying for the 
exercise of discretion under section 212(d)(13) or (d)(3)(B) of the Act 
(waivers of inadmissibility) in connection with an application for T 
nonimmigrant status shall submit Form I-192, with the appropriate fee in 
accordance with Sec.  103.7(b)(1) of this chapter or an application for 
a fee waiver, to the Service with the completed Form I-914 application 
package for status under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i) of the Act.
    (b) Treatment of waiver application. (1) The Service shall determine 
whether a ground of inadmissibility exists with respect to the alien 
applying for T nonimmigrant status. If a ground of inadmissibility is 
found, the Service shall determine if it is in the national interest to 
exercise discretion to waive the ground of inadmissibility, except for 
grounds of inadmissibility based upon sections 212(a)(3), 212(a)(10)(C) 
and 212(a)(10)(E) of the Act, which the Commissioner may not waive. 
Special consideration will be given to the granting of a waiver of a 
ground of inadmissibility where the activities rendering the alien 
inadmissible were caused by or incident to the victimization described 
under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i) of the Act.
    (2) In the case of applicants inadmissible on criminal and related 
grounds under section 212(a)(2) of the Act, the Service will only 
exercise its discretion in exceptional cases unless the criminal 
activities rendering the alien inadmissible were caused by or were 
incident to the victimization described under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i) 
of the Act.
    (3) An application for waiver of a ground of inadmissibility for T 
nonimmigrant status (other than under section 212(a)(6) of the Act) will 
be granted only in exceptional cases when the ground of inadmissibility 
would prevent or limit the ability of the applicant to adjust to 
permanent resident status after the conclusion of 3 years.
    (4) The Service shall have sole discretion to grant or deny a 
waiver, and there shall be no appeal of a decision to deny a waiver. 
However, nothing in this paragraph (b) is intended to prevent an 
applicant from re-filing a request for a waiver of a ground of 
inadmissibility in appropriate cases.
    (c) Incident to victimization. When an applicant for status under 
section 101(a)(15)(T) of the Act seeks a waiver of a ground of 
inadmissibility under section 212(d)(13) of the Act on grounds other 
than those described in sections 212(a)(1) and (a)(4) of the Act, the 
applicant must establish that the activities rendering him or her 
inadmissible were caused by, or were incident to, the victimization 
described in section 101(a)(15)(T)(i)(I) of the Act.
    (d) Revocation. The Commissioner may at any time revoke a waiver 
previously authorized under section 212(d) of the Act. Under no 
circumstances shall the alien or any party acting on his or her behalf 
have a right to appeal from a decision to revoke a waiver.

[67 FR 4795, Jan. 31, 2002]



PART 1214_REVIEW OF NONIMMIGRANT CLASSES--Table of Contents



Sec.
1214.1 Review of requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance 
          of status.
1214.2 Review of alien victims of severe forms of trafficking in 
          persons; aliens in pending immigration proceedings.
1214.3 Certain spouses and children of lawful permanent residents; 
          aliens in proceedings; V visas.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1102, 1103, 1182, 1184, 1186a, 1187, 1221, 
1281, 1282, 1301-1305 and 1372; sec. 643, Pub. L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 
3009-708; section 141 of the Compacts of Free Association with the 
Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
and with the Government of Palau, 48 U.S.C. 1901, note, and 1931 note, 
respectively; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 68 FR 9835, Feb. 28, 2003, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 1056]]



Sec.  1214.1  Review of requirements for admission, extension, 
and maintenance of status.

    Every nonimmigrant alien who applies for admission to, or an 
extension of stay in, the United States, shall establish that he or she 
is admissible to the United States, or that any ground of 
inadmissibility has been waived under section 212(d)(3) of the Act. Upon 
application for admission, the alien shall present a valid passport and 
valid visa unless either or both documents have been waived. However, an 
alien applying for extension of stay shall present a passport only if 
requested to do so by the Service. The passport of an alien applying for 
admission shall be valid for a minimum of six months from the expiration 
date of the contemplated period of stay, unless otherwise provided in 
this chapter, and the alien shall agree to abide by the terms and 
conditions of his or her admission. The passport of an alien applying 
for extension of stay shall be valid at the time of application for 
extension, unless otherwise provided in this chapter, and the alien 
shall agree to maintain the validity of his or her passport and to abide 
by all the terms and conditions of his extension. The alien shall also 
agree to depart the United States at the expiration of his or her 
authorized period of admission or extension, or upon abandonment of his 
or her authorized nonimmigrant status. At the time a nonimmigrant alien 
applies for admission or extension of stay he or she shall post a bond 
on Form I-352 in the sum of not less than $500, to insure the 
maintenance of his or her nonimmigrant status and departure from the 
United States, if required to do so by the director, immigration judge 
or Board of Immigration Appeals.



Sec.  1214.2  Review of alien victims of severe forms of trafficking 
in persons; aliens in pending immigration proceedings.

    (a) Applications for T visas while in proceedings. Individuals who 
believe they are victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons and 
who are in pending immigration proceedings must inform DHS if they 
intend to apply for T nonimmigrant status under this section. With the 
concurrence of DHS counsel, a victim of a severe form of trafficking in 
persons in proceedings before an immigration judge or the Board of 
Immigration Appeals may request that the proceedings be administratively 
closed (or that a motion to reopen or motion to reconsider be 
indefinitely continued) in order to allow the alien to pursue an 
application for T nonimmigrant status with DHS. If the alien appears 
eligible for T nonimmigrant status, the immigration judge or the Board, 
whichever has jurisdiction, may grant such a request to administratively 
close the proceeding or continue a motion to reopen or motion to 
reconsider indefinitely. In the event DHS finds an alien ineligible for 
T-1 nonimmigrant status, DHS may recommence proceedings that have been 
administratively closed by filing a motion to re-calendar with the 
immigration court or a motion to reinstate with the Board. If the alien 
is in DHS custody pending the completion of immigration proceedings, DHS 
may continue to detain the alien until a decision has been rendered on 
the application. An alien who is in custody and requests bond or a bond 
redetermination will be governed by the provisions of part 236 of this 
chapter.
    (b) Stay of final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. A 
determination by DHS that an application for T-1 nonimmigrant status is 
bona fide automatically stays the execution of any final order of 
exclusion, deportation, or removal. This stay shall remain in effect 
until there is a final decision on the T application. The filing of an 
application for T nonimmigrant status does not stay the execution of a 
final order unless DHS has determined that the application is bona fide. 
Neither an immigration judge nor the Board of Immigration Appeals has 
jurisdiction to adjudicate an application for a stay of execution, 
deportation, or removal order, on the basis of the filing of an 
application for T nonimmigrant status.

[68 FR 9835, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended at 86 FR 70724, Dec, 13, 2021]



Sec.  1214.3  Certain spouses and children of lawful permanent residents; 
aliens in proceedings; V visas.

    An alien who is already in immigration proceedings and believes that 
he

[[Page 1057]]

or she may have become eligible to apply for V nonimmigrant status 
should request before the immigration judge or the Board of Immigration 
Appeals, as appropriate, that the proceedings be administratively closed 
(or before the Board that a previously-filed motion for reopening or 
reconsideration be indefinitely continued) in order to allow the alien 
to pursue an application for V nonimmigrant status with the Service. If 
the alien appears eligible for V nonimmigrant status, the immigration 
judge or the Board, whichever has jurisdiction, shall administratively 
close the proceeding or continue the motion indefinitely. In the event 
that the Service finds an alien eligible for V nonimmigrant status, the 
Service can adjudicate the change of status under this section. In the 
event that the Service finds an alien ineligible for V nonimmigrant 
status, the Service shall recommence proceedings by filing a motion to 
re-calendar.



PART 1215_CONTROLS OF ALIENS DEPARTING FROM THE UNITED STATES--
Table of Contents



Sec.
1215.1 Definitions.
1215.2 Authority of departure-control officer to prevent alien's 
          departure from the United States.
1215.3 Alien whose departure is deemed prejudicial to the interests of 
          the United States.
1215.4 Procedure in case of alien prevented from departing from the 
          United States.
1215.5 Hearing procedure before special inquiry officer.
1215.6 Departure from the Canal Zone, the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
          Islands, or outlying possessions of the United States.
1215.7 Instructions from the Administrator required in certain cases.

    Authority: Sec. 104, 66 Stat. 174, Proc. 3004, 18 FR 489; 8 U.S.C. 
1104, 3 CFR, 1953 Supp. Interpret or apply sec. 215, 66 Stat. 190; (8 
U.S.C. 1185).

    Source: 45 FR 65516, Oct. 3, 1980, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 215 at 68 FR 9836, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1215 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1215.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of this part:
    (a) The term alien means any person who is not a citizen or national 
of the United States.
    (b) The term Commissioner means the Commissioner of Immigration and 
Naturalization.
    (c) The term regional commissioner means an officer of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service duly appointed or designated as a 
regional commissioner, or an officer who has been designated to act as a 
regional commissioner.
    (d) The term district director means an officer of the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service duly appointed or designated as a district 
director, or an officer who has been designated to act as a district 
director.
    (e) The term United States means the several States, the District of 
Columbia, the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, 
American Samoa, Swains Island, the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
Islands, and all other territory and waters, continental and insular, 
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
    (f) The term continental United States means the District of 
Columbia and the several States, except Alaska and Hawaii.
    (g) The term geographical part of the United States means: (1) The 
continental United States, (2) Alaska, (3) Hawaii, (4) Puerto Rico, (5) 
the Virgin Islands, (6) Guam, (7) the Canal Zone, (8) American Samoa, 
(9) Swains Island, or (10) the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
    (h) The term depart from the United States means depart by land, 
water, or air: (1) From the United States for any foreign place, or (2) 
from one geographical part of the United States for a separate 
geographical part of the United States: Provided, That a trip or journey 
upon a public ferry, passenger vessel sailing coastwise on a fixed 
schedule, excursion vessel, or aircraft, having both termini in the 
continental United States or in any one of the other geographical parts 
of the United States and not touching any territory or waters under the 
jurisdiction or control of a foreign power, shall not be

[[Page 1058]]

deemed a departure from the United States.
    (i) The term departure-control officer means any immigration officer 
as defined in the regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service who is designated to supervise the departure of aliens, or any 
officer or employee of the United States designated by the Governor of 
the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner of the Trust Territory of the 
Pacific Islands, or the governor of an outlying possession of the United 
States, to supervise the departure of aliens.
    (j) The term port of departure means a port in the continental 
United States, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, 
designated as a port of entry by the Attorney General or by the 
Commissioner, or in exceptional circumstances such other place as the 
departure-control officer may, in his discretion, designate in an 
individual case, or a port in American Samoa, Swains Island, the Canal 
Zone, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, designated as a 
port of entry by the chief executive officer thereof.
    (k) The term special inquiry officer shall have the meaning ascribed 
thereto in section 101(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.



Sec.  1215.2  Authority of departure-control officer to prevent alien's 
departure from the United States.

    (a) No alien shall depart, or attempt to depart, from the United 
States if his departure would be prejudicial to the interests of the 
United States under the provisions of Sec.  1215.3. Any departure-
control officer who knows or has reason to believe that the case of an 
alien in the United States comes within the provisions of Sec.  1215.3 
shall temporarily prevent the departure of such alien from the United 
States and shall serve him with a written temporary order directing him 
not to depart, or attempt to depart, from the United States until 
notified of the revocation of the order.
    (b) The written order temporarily preventing an alien, other than an 
enemy alien, from departing from the United States shall become final 15 
days after the date of service thereof upon the alien, unless prior 
thereto the alien requests a hearing as hereinafter provided. At such 
time as the alien is served with an order temporarily preventing his 
departure from the United States, he shall be notified in writing 
concerning the provisions of this paragraph, and shall be advised of his 
right to request a hearing if entitled thereto under Sec.  1215.4. In 
the case of an enemy alien, the written order preventing departure shall 
become final on the date of its service upon the alien.
    (c) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States may be 
required, in the discretion of the departure-control officer, to be 
examined under oath and to submit for official inspection all documents, 
articles, and other property in his possession which are being removed 
from the United States upon, or in connection with, the alien's 
departure. The departure-control officer may permit certain other 
persons, including officials of the Department of State and 
interpreters, to participate in such examination or inspection and may 
exclude from presence at such examination or inspection any person whose 
presence would not further the objectives of such examination or 
inspection. The departure-control officer shall temporarily prevent the 
departure of any alien who refuses to submit to such examination or 
inspection, and may, if necessary to the enforcement of this 
requirement, take possession of the alien's passport or other travel 
document.



Sec.  1215.3  Alien whose departure is deemed prejudicial to the interests 
of the United States.

    The departure from the United States of any alien within one or more 
of the following categories shall be deemed prejudicial to the interests 
of the United States.
    (a) Any alien who is in possession of, and who is believed likely to 
disclose to unauthorized persons, information concerning the plans, 
preparation, equipment, or establishments for the national defense and 
security of the United States.
    (b) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States to engage 
in, or who is likely to engage in, activities of any kind designed to 
obstruct, impede,

[[Page 1059]]

retard, delay or counteract the effectiveness of the national defense of 
the United States or the measures adopted by the United States or the 
United Nations for the defense of any other country.
    (c) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States to engage 
in, or who is likely to engage in, activities which would obstruct, 
impede, retard, delay, or counteract the effectiveness of any plans made 
or action taken by any country cooperating with the United States in 
measures adopted to promote the peace, defense, or safety of the United 
States or such other country.
    (d) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States for the 
purpose of organizing, directing, or participating in any rebellion, 
insurrection, or violent uprising in or against the United States or a 
country allied with the United States, or of waging war against the 
United States or its allies, or of destroying, or depriving the United 
States of sources of supplies or materials vital to the national defense 
of the United States, or to the effectiveness of the measures adopted by 
the United States for its defense, or for the defense of any other 
country allied with the United States.
    (e) Any alien who is subject to registration for training and 
service in the Armed Forces of the United States and who fails to 
present a Registration Certificate (SSS Form No. 2) showing that he has 
complied with his obligation to register under the Universal Military 
Training and Service Act, as amended.
    (f) Any alien who is a fugitive from justice on account of an 
offense punishable in the United States.
    (g) Any alien who is needed in the United States as a witness in, or 
as a party to, any criminal case under investigation or pending in a 
court in the United States: Provided, That any alien who is a witness 
in, or a party to, any criminal case pending in any criminal court 
proceeding may be permitted to depart from the United States with the 
consent of the appropriate prosecuting authority, unless such alien is 
otherwise prohibited from departing under the provisions of this part.
    (h) Any alien who is needed in the United States in connection with 
any investigation or proceeding being, or soon to be, conducted by any 
official executive, legislative, or judicial agency in the United States 
or by any governmental committee, board, bureau, commission, or body in 
the United States, whether national, state, or local.
    (i) Any alien whose technical or scientific training and knowledge 
might be utilized by an enemy or a potential enemy of the United States 
to undermine and defeat the military and defensive operations of the 
United States or of any nation cooperating with the United States in the 
interests of collective security.
    (j) Any alien, where doubt exists whether such alien is departing or 
seeking to depart from the United States voluntarily except an alien who 
is departing or seeking to depart subject to an order issued in 
extradition, exclusion, or deportation proceedings.
    (k) Any alien whose case does not fall within any of the categories 
described in paragraphs (a) to (j), inclusive, of this section, but 
which involves circumstances of a similar character rendering the 
alien's departure prejudicial to the interests of the United States.



Sec.  1215.4  Procedure in case of alien prevented from departing 
from the United States.

    (a) Any alien, other than an enemy alien, whose departure has been 
temporarily prevented under the provisions of Sec.  1215.2, may, within 
15 days of the service upon him of the written order temporarily 
preventing his departure, request a hearing before a special inquiry 
officer. The alien's request for a hearing shall be made in writing and 
shall be addressed to the district director having administrative 
jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence. If the alien's request 
for a hearing is timely made, the district director shall schedule a 
hearing before a special inquiry officer, and notice of such hearing 
shall be given to the alien. The notice of hearing shall, as 
specifically as security considerations permit, inform the alien of the 
nature of the case against him, shall fix the time and place of the 
hearing, and shall inform the alien of his right to be represented,

[[Page 1060]]

at no expense to the Government, by counsel of his own choosing.
    (b) Every alien for whom a hearing has been scheduled under 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be entitled: (1) To appear in person 
before the special inquiry officer, (2) to be represented by counsel of 
his own choice, (3) to have the opportunity to be heard and to present 
evidence, (4) to cross-examine the witnesses who appear at the hearing, 
except that if, in the course of the examination, it appears that 
further examination may divulge information of a confidential or 
security nature, the special inquiry officer may, in his discretion, 
preclude further examination of the witness with respect to such 
matters, (5) to examine any evidence in possession of the Government 
which is to be considered in the disposition of the case, provided that 
such evidence is not of a confidential or security nature the disclosure 
of which would be prejudicial to the interests of the United States, (6) 
to have the time and opportunity to produce evidence and witnesses on 
his own behalf, and (7) to reasonable continuances, upon request, for 
good cause shown.
    (c) Any special inquiry officer who is assigned to conduct the 
hearing provided for in this section shall have the authority to: (1) 
Administer oaths and affirmations, (2) present and receive evidence, (3) 
interrogate, examine, and cross examine under oath or affirmation both 
the alien and witnesses, (4) rule upon all objections to the 
introduction of evidence or motions made during the course of the 
hearing, (5) take or cause depositions to be taken, (6) issue subpoenas, 
and (7) take any further action consistent with applicable provisions of 
law, Executive orders, proclamations, and regulations.



Sec.  1215.5  Hearing procedure before special inquiry officer.

    (a) The hearing before the special inquiry officer shall be 
conducted in accordance with the following procedure:
    (1) The special inquiry officer shall advise the alien of the rights 
and privileges accorded him under the provisions of Sec.  1215.4.
    (2) The special inquiry officer shall enter of record: (i) A copy of 
the order served upon the alien temporarily preventing his departure 
from the United States, and (ii) a copy of the notice of hearing 
furnished the alien.
    (3) The alien shall be interrogated by the special inquiry officer 
as to the matters considered pertinent to the proceeding, with 
opportunity reserved to the alien to testify thereafter in his own 
behalf, if he so chooses.
    (4) The special inquiry officer shall present on behalf of the 
Government such evidence, including the testimony of witnesses and the 
certificates or written statements of Government officials or other 
persons, as may be necessary and available. In the event such 
certificates or statements are received in evidence, the alien may 
request and, in the discretion of the special inquiry officer, be given 
an opportunity to interrogate such officials or persons, by deposition 
or otherwise, at a time and place and in a manner fixed by the special 
inquiry officer: Provided, That when in the judgment of the special 
inquiry officer any evidence relative to the disposition of the case is 
of a confidential or security nature the disclosure of which would be 
prejudicial to the interests of the United States, such evidence shall 
not be presented at the hearing but shall be taken into consideration in 
arriving at a decision in the case.
    (5) The alien may present such additional evidence, including the 
testimony of witnesses, as is pertinent and available.
    (b) A complete verbatim transcript of the hearing, except statements 
made off the record shall be recorded. The alien shall be entitled, upon 
request, to the loan of a copy of the transcript, without cost, subject 
to reasonable conditions governing its use.
    (c) Following the completion of the hearing, the special inquiry 
officer shall make and render a recommended decision in the case, which 
shall be governed by and based upon the evidence presented at the 
hearing and any evidence of a confidential or security nature which the 
Government may have in its possession. The decision of the special 
inquiry officer shall recommend: (1) That the temporary order preventing 
the departure of the alien from the United States be made final,

[[Page 1061]]

or (2) that the temporary order preventing the departure of the alien 
from the United States be revoked. This recommended decision of the 
special inquiry officer shall be made in writing and shall set forth the 
officer's reasons for such decision. The alien concerned shall at his 
request be furnished a copy of the recommended decision of the special 
inquiry officer, and shall be allowed a reasonable time, not to exceed 
10 days, in which to submit representations with respect thereto in 
writing.
    (d) As soon as practicable after the completion of the hearing and 
the rendering of a decision by the special inquiry officer, the district 
director shall forward the entire record of the case, including the 
recommended decision of the special inquiry officer and any written 
representations submitted by the alien, to the regional commissioner 
having jurisdiction over his district. After reviewing the record, the 
regional commissioner shall render a decision in the case, which shall 
be based upon the evidence in the record and on any evidence or 
information of a confidential or security nature which he deems 
pertinent. Whenever any decision is based in whole or in part on 
confidential or security information not included in the record, the 
decision shall state that such information was considered. A copy of the 
regional commissioner's decision shall be furnished the alien, or his 
attorney or representative. No administrative appeal shall lie from the 
regional commissioner's decision.
    (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the 
Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs referred to 
in section 104(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or such other 
officers of the Department of State as he may designate, after 
consultation with the Commissioner, or such other officers of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service as he may designate, may at any 
time permit the departure of an individual alien or of a group of aliens 
from the United States if he determines that such action would be in the 
national interest. If the Administrator specifically requests the 
Commissioner to prevent the departure of a particular alien or of a 
group of aliens, the Commissioner shall not permit the departure of such 
alien or aliens until he has consulted with the Administrator.
    (f) In any case arising under Sec. Sec.  1215.1 to 1215.7, the 
Administrator shall, at his request, be kept advised, in as much detail 
as he may indicate is necessary, of the facts and of any action taken or 
proposed.



Sec.  1215.6  Departure from the Canal Zone, the Trust Territory 
of the Pacific Islands, or outlying possessions of the United States.

    (a) In addition to the restrictions and prohibitions imposed by the 
provisions of this part upon the departure of aliens from the United 
States, any alien who seeks to depart from the Canal Zone, the Trust 
Territory of the Pacific Islands, or an outlying possession of the 
United States shall comply with such other restrictions and prohibitions 
as may be imposed by regulations prescribed, with the concurrence of the 
Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs and the 
Commissioner, by the Governor of the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner 
of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or by the governor of an 
outlying possession of the United States, respectively. No alien shall 
be prevented from departing from such zone, territory, or possession 
without first being accorded a hearing as provided in Sec. Sec.  1215.4 
and 1215.5.
    (b) The Governor of the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner of the 
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or the governor of any outlying 
possession of the United States shall have the authority to designate 
any employee or class of employees of the United States as hearing 
officers for the purpose of conducting the hearing referred to in 
paragraph (a) of this section. The hearing officer so designated shall 
exercise the same powers, duties, and functions as are conferred upon 
special inquiry officers under the provisions of this part. The chief 
executive officer of such zone, territory, or possession shall, in lieu 
of the regional commissioner, review the recommended decision of the 
hearing officer, and shall render a decision in any case referred to 
him, basing it on evidence in the

[[Page 1062]]

record and on any evidence or information of a confidential or a 
security nature which he deems pertinent.



Sec.  1215.7  Instructions from the Administrator required in certain cases.

    In the absence of appropriate instructions from the Administrator of 
the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs, departure-control officers 
shall not exercise the authority conferred by Sec.  1215.2 in the case 
of any alien who seeks to depart from the United States in the status of 
a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) (A) or (G) of the Immigration 
and Nationality Act, or in the status of a nonimmigrant under section 
11(3), 11(4), or 11(5) of the Agreement between the United Nations and 
the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United 
Nations (61 Stat. 756): Provided, That in cases of extreme urgency, 
where the national security so requires, a departure-control officer may 
preliminarily exercise the authority conferred by Sec.  1215.2 pending 
the outcome of consultation with the Administrator, which shall be 
undertaken immediately. In all cases arising under this section, the 
decision of the Administrator shall be controlling: Provided, That any 
decision to prevent the departure of an alien shall be based upon a 
hearing and record as prescribed in this part.



PART 1216_CONDITIONAL BASIS OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS--
Table of Contents



Sec.
1216.1 Definition of conditional permanent resident.
1216.2 Notification requirements.
1216.3 Termination of conditional resident status.
1216.4 Joint petition to remove conditional basis of lawful permanent 
          resident status for alien spouse.
1216.5 Waiver of requirement to file joint petition to remove conditions 
          by alien spouse.
1216.6 Petition by entrepreneur to remove conditional basis of lawful 
          permanent resident status.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1154, 1184, 1186a, 1186b, and 8 CFR 
part 2.

    Source: 53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 216 at 68 FR 9837, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1216 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10353, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1216.1  Definition of conditional permanent resident.

    A conditional permanent resident is an alien who has been lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence within the meaning of section 
101(a)(20) of the Act, except that a conditional permanent resident is 
also subject to the conditions and responsibilities set forth in section 
216 or 216A of the Act, whichever is applicable, and part 216 of this 
chapter. Unless otherwise specified, the rights, privileges, 
responsibilities and duties which apply to all other lawful permanent 
residents apply equally to conditional permanent residents, including 
but not limited to the right to apply for naturalization (if otherwise 
eligible), the right to file petitions on behalf of qualifying 
relatives, the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as 
an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not 
having changed; the duty to register with the Selective Service System, 
when required; and the responsibility for complying with all laws and 
regulations of the United States. All references within this chapter to 
lawful permanent residents apply equally to conditional permanent 
residents, unless otherwise specified. The conditions of section 216 of 
the Act shall not apply to lawful permanent resident status based on a 
self-petitioning relationship under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii), 
204(a)(1)(A)(iv), 204(a)(1)(b)(ii), or 204(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act or 
based on eligibility as the derivative child of a self-petitioning 
spouse under section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii) or 204(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act, 
regardless of the date on which the marriage to the abusive citizen or 
lawful permanent resident occurred.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 26590, May 23, 1994; 61 
FR 13079, Mar. 26, 1996]



Sec.  1216.2  Notification requirements.

    (a) When alien acquires status of conditional permanent resident. At 
the time an alien acquires conditional permanent residence through 
admission to the United States with an immigrant

[[Page 1063]]

visa or adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, the Service 
shall notify the alien of the conditional basis of the alien's status, 
of the requirement that the alien apply for removal of the conditions 
within the ninety days immediately preceding the second anniversary of 
the alien's having been granted such status, and that failure to apply 
for removal of the conditions will result in automatic termination of 
the alien's lawful status in the United States.
    (b) When alien is required to apply for removal of the conditional 
basis of lawful permanent resident status. Approximately 90 days before 
the second anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained 
conditional permanent residence, the Service should notify the alien a 
second time of the requirement that the alien and the petitioning spouse 
or alien entrepreneur must file a petition to remove the conditional 
basis of the alien's lawful permanent residence. Such notification shall 
be mailed to the alien's last known address.
    (c) Effect of failure to provide notification. Failure of the 
Service to provide notification as required by either paragraph (a) or 
(b) of this section does not relieve the alien and the petitioning 
spouse, or alien entrepreneur of the requirement to file a petition to 
remove conditions within the 90 days immediately preceding the second 
anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained permanent residence.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 59 FR 26590, May 23, 1994]



Sec.  1216.3  Termination of conditional resident status.

    (a) During the two-year conditional period. The director shall send 
a formal written notice to the conditional permanent resident of the 
termination of the alien's conditional permanent resident status if the 
director determines that any of the conditions set forth in section 
216(b)(1) or 216A(b)(1) of the Act, whichever is applicable, are true, 
or it becomes known to the government that an alien entrepreneur who was 
admitted pursuant to section 203(b)(5) of the Act obtained his or her 
investment capital through other than legal means (such as through the 
sale of illegal drugs). If the Service issues a notice of intent to 
terminate an alien's conditional resident status, the director shall not 
adjudicate Form I-751 or Form I-829 until it has been determined that 
the alien's status will not be terminated. During this time, the alien 
shall continue to be a lawful conditional permanent resident with all 
the rights, privileges, and responsibilities provided to persons 
possessing such status. Prior to issuing the notice of termination, the 
director shall provide the alien with an opportunity to review and rebut 
the evidence upon which the decision is to be based, in accordance with 
Sec.  103.2(b)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I. The termination of status, and all 
of the rights and privileges concomitant thereto (including 
authorization to accept or continue in employment in this country), 
shall take effect as of the date of such determination by the director, 
although the alien may request a review of such determination in removal 
proceedings. In addition to the notice of termination, the director 
shall issue a notice to appear in accordance with 8 CFR part 1239. 
During the ensuing removal proceedings, the alien may submit evidence to 
rebut the determination of the director. The burden of proof shall be on 
the Service to establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that one 
or more of the conditions in section 216(b)(1) or 216A(b)(1) of the Act, 
whichever is applicable, are true, or that an alien entrepreneur who was 
admitted pursuant to section 203(b)(5) of the Act obtained his or her 
investment capital through other than legal means (such as through the 
sale of illegal drugs).
    (b) Determination of fraud after two years. If, subsequent to the 
removal of the conditional basis of an alien's permanent resident 
status, the director determines that an alien spouse obtained permanent 
resident status through a marriage which was entered into for the 
purpose of evading the immigration laws or an alien entrepreneur 
obtained permanent resident status through a commercial enterprise which 
was improper under section 216A(b)(1) of the Act, the director may

[[Page 1064]]

institute rescission proceedings pursuant to section 246 of the Act (if 
otherwise appropriate) or removal proceedings under section 240 of the 
Act.

[62 FR 10349, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1216.4  Joint petition to remove conditional basis of lawful 
permanent resident status for alien spouse.

    (a) Filing the petition--(1) General procedures. Within the 90-day 
period immediately preceding the second anniversary of the date on which 
the alien obtained permanent residence, the alien and the alien's spouse 
who filed the original immigrant visa petition or fiance/fiancee 
petition through which the alien obtained permanent residence must file 
a Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence (Form I-751) with the 
Service. The petition shall be filed within this time period regardless 
of the amount of physical presence which the alien has accumulated in 
the United States. Before Form I-751 may be considered as properly 
filed, it must be accompanied by the fee required under 8 CFR 103.7 and 
8 CFR part 106 and by documentation as described in paragraph (a)(5) of 
this section, and it must be properly signed by the alien and the 
alien's spouse. If the joint petition cannot be filed due to the 
termination of the marriage through annulment, divorce, or the death of 
the petitioning spouse, or if the petitioning spouse refuses to join in 
the filing of the petition, the conditional permanent resident may apply 
for a waiver of the requirement to file the joint petition in accordance 
with the provisions of Sec.  1216.5 of this part. Upon receipt of a 
properly filed Form I-751, the alien's conditional permanent resident 
status shall be extended automatically, if necessary, until such time as 
the director has adjudicated the petition.
    (2) Dependent children. Dependent children of a conditional 
permanent resident who acquired conditional permanent resident status 
concurrently with the parent may be included in the joint petition filed 
by the parent and the parent's petitioning spouse. A child shall be 
deemed to have acquired conditional residence status concurrently with 
the parent if the child's residence was acquired on the same date or 
within 90 days thereafter. Children who cannot be included in a joint 
petition filed by the parent and parent's petitioning spouse due to the 
child's not having acquired conditional resident status concurrently 
with the parent, the death of the parent, or other reasons may file a 
separate Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence (Form I-751).
    (3) Jurisdiction. Form I-751 shall be filed with the director of the 
regional service center having jurisdiction over the alien's place of 
residence.
    (4) Physical presence at time of filing. A petition may be filed 
regardless of whether the alien is physically present in the United 
States. However, if the alien is outside the United States at the time 
of filing, he or she must return to the United States, with his or her 
spouse and dependent children, to comply with the interview requirements 
contained in the Act. Furthermore, if the documentation submitted in 
support of the petition includes affidavits of third parties having 
knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship, the petitioner 
must arrange for the affiants to be present at the interview, at no 
expense to the government. Once the petition has been properly filed, 
the alien may travel outside the United States and return if in 
possession of documentation as set forth in Sec.  1211.1(b)(1) of this 
chapter, provided the alien and the petitioning spouse comply with the 
interview requirements described in Sec.  1216.4(b). An alien who is not 
physically present in the United States during the filing period but 
subsequently applies for admission to the United States shall be 
processed in accordance with Sec.  1235.11 of this chapter.
    (5) Documentation. Form I-751 shall be accompanied by evidence that 
the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of evading the 
immigration laws of the United States. Such evidence may include:
    (i) Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
    (ii) Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;
    (iii) Documentation showing commingling of financial resources;
    (iv) Birth certificates of children born to the marriage;

[[Page 1065]]

    (v) Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the bona fides 
of the marital relationship, or
    (vi) Other documentation establishing that the marriage was not 
entered into in order to evade the immigration laws of the United 
States.
    (6) Termination of status for failure to file petition. Failure to 
properly file Form I-751 within the 90-day period immediately preceding 
the second anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained lawful 
permanent residence on a conditional basis shall result in the automatic 
termination of the alien's permanent residence status and the initiation 
of proceedings to remove the alien from the United States. In such 
proceedings the burden shall be on the alien to establish that he or she 
complied with the requirement to file the joint petition within the 
designated period. Form I-751 may be filed after the expiration of the 
90-day period only if the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the 
director, in writing, that there was good cause for the failure to file 
Form I-751 within the required time period. If the joint petition is 
filed prior to the jurisdiction vesting with the immigration judge in 
removal proceedings and the director excuses the late filing and 
approves the petition, he or she shall restore the alien's permanent 
residence status, remove the conditional basis of such status and cancel 
any outstanding notice to appear in accordance with Sec.  1239.2 of this 
chapter. If the joint petition is not filed until after jurisdiction 
vests with the immigration judge, the immigration judge may terminate 
the matter upon joint motion by the alien and the Service.
    (b) Interview--(1) Authority to waive interview. The director of the 
regional service center shall review the Form I-751 filed by the alien 
and the alien's spouse to determine whether to waive the interview 
required by the Act. If satisfied that the marriage was not for the 
purpose of evading the immigration laws, the regional service center 
director may waive the interview and approve the petition. If not so 
satisfied, then the regional service center director shall forward the 
petition to the district director having jurisdiction over the place of 
the alien's residence so that an interview of both the alien and the 
alien's spouse may be conducted. The director must either waive the 
requirement for an interview and adjudicate the petition or arrange for 
an interview within 90 days of the date on which the petition was 
properly filed.
    (2) Location of interview. Unless waived, an interview on the Form 
I-751 shall be conducted by an immigration examiner or other officer so 
designated by the district director at the district office, files 
control office or suboffice having jurisdiction over the residence of 
the joint petitioners.
    (3) Termination of status for failure to appear for interview. If 
the conditional resident alien and/or the petitioning spouse fail to 
appear for an interview in connection with the joint petition required 
by section 216(c) of the Act, the alien's permanent residence status 
will be automatically terminated as of the second anniversary of the 
date on which the alien obtained permanent residence. The alien shall be 
provided with written notification of the termination and the reasons 
therefor, and a notice to appear shall be issued placing the alien under 
removal proceedings. The alien may seek review of the decision to 
terminate his or her status in such proceedings, but the burden shall be 
on the alien to establish compliance with the interview requirements. If 
the alien submits a written request that the interview be rescheduled or 
that the interview be waived, and the director determines that there is 
good cause for granting the request, the interview may be rescheduled or 
waived, as appropriate. If the interview is rescheduled at the request 
of the petitioners, the Service shall not be required to conduct the 
interview within the 90-day period following the filing of the petition.
    (c) Adjudication of petition. The director shall adjudicate the 
petition within 90 days of the date of the interview, unless the 
interview is waived in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section. 
In adjudicating the petition the director shall determine whether--
    (1) The qualifying marriage was entered into in accordance with the 
laws of the place where the marriage took place;

[[Page 1066]]

    (2) The qualifying marriage has been judicially annulled or 
terminated, other than through the death of a spouse;
    (3) The qualifying marriage was entered into for the purpose of 
procuring permanent residence status for the alien; or
    (4) A fee or other consideration was given (other than a fee or 
other consideration to an attorney for assistance in preparation of a 
lawful petition) in connection with the filing of the petition through 
which the alien obtained conditional permanent residence. If derogatory 
information is determined regarding any of these issues, the director 
shall offer the petitioners the opportunity to rebut such information. 
If the petitioners fail to overcome such derogatory information the 
director may deny the joint petition, terminate the alien's permanent 
residence, and issue a notice to appear to initiate removal proceedings. 
If derogatory information not relating to any of these issues is 
determined during the course of the interview, such information shall be 
forwarded to the investigations unit for appropriate action. If no 
unresolved derogatory information is determined relating to these 
issues, the petition shall be approved and the conditional basis of the 
alien's permanent residence status removed, regardless of any action 
taken or contemplated regarding other possible grounds for removal.
    (d) Decision--(1) Approval. If the director approves the joint 
petition he or she shall provide written notice of the decision to the 
alien and shall require the alien to report to the appropriate office of 
the Service for processing for a new Permanent Resident Card (if 
necessary), at which time the alien shall surrender any Permanent 
Resident Card previously issued.
    (2) Denial. If the director denies the joint petition, he or she 
shall provide written notice to the alien of the decision and the 
reason(s) therefor and shall issue a notice to appear under section 239 
of the Act and 8 CFR part 1239. The alien's lawful permanent resident 
status shall be terminated as of the date of the director's written 
decision. The alien shall also be instructed to surrender any Permanent 
Resident Card previously issued by the Service. No appeal shall lie from 
the decision of the director; however, the alien may seek review of the 
decision in removal proceedings. In such proceedings the burden of proof 
shall be on the Service to establish, by a preponderance of the 
evidence, that the facts and information set forth by the petitioners 
are not true or that the petition was properly denied.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 30369, July 20, 1989; 
59 FR 26590, May 23, 1994; 62 FR 10349, Mar. 6, 1997; 63 FR 70315, Dec. 
21, 1998; 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1216.5  Waiver of requirement to file joint petition to remove 
conditions by alien spouse.

    (a) General. (1) A conditional resident alien who is unable to meet 
the requirements under section 216 of the Act for a joint petition for 
removal of the conditional basis of his or her permanent resident status 
may file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, if 
the alien requests a waiver, was not at fault in failing to meet the 
filing requirement, and the conditional resident alien is able to 
establish that:
    (i) Deportation or removal from the United States would result in 
extreme hardship;
    (ii) The marriage upon which his or her status was based was entered 
into in good faith by the conditional resident alien, but the marriage 
was terminated other than by death, and the conditional resident was not 
at fault in failing to file a timely petition; or
    (iii) The qualifying marriage was entered into in good faith by the 
conditional resident but during the marriage the alien spouse or child 
was battered by or subjected to extreme cruelty committed by the citizen 
or permanent resident spouse or parent.
    (2) A conditional resident who is in exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceedings may apply for the waiver only until such time as 
there is a final order of exclusion, deportation or removal.
    (b) Fee. Form I-751 shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee 
required under 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106.
    (c) Jurisdiction. Form I-751 shall be filed with the regional 
service center

[[Page 1067]]

director having jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence.
    (d) Interview. The service center director may refer the application 
to the appropriate local office and require that the alien appear for an 
interview in connection with the application for a waiver. The director 
shall deny the application and initiate removal proceedings if the alien 
fails to appear for the interview as required, unless the alien 
establishes good cause for such failure and the interview is 
rescheduled.
    (e) Adjudication of waiver application--(1) Application based on 
claim of hardship. In considering an application for a waiver based upon 
an alien's claim that extreme hardship would result from the alien's 
removal from the United States, the director shall take into account 
only those factors that arose subsequent to the alien's entry as a 
conditional permanent resident. The director shall bear in mind that any 
removal from the United States is likely to result in a certain degree 
of hardship, and that only in those cases where the hardship is extreme 
should the application for a waiver be granted. The burden of 
establishing that extreme hardship exists rests solely with the 
applicant.
    (2) Application for waiver based upon the alien's claim that the 
marriage was entered into in good faith. In considering whether an alien 
entered into a qualifying marriage in good faith, the director shall 
consider evidence relating to the amount of commitment by both parties 
to the marital relationship. Such evidence may include--
    (i) Documentation relating to the degree to which the financial 
assets and liabilities of the parties were combined;
    (ii) Documentation concerning the length of time during which the 
parties cohabited after the marriage and after the alien obtained 
permanent residence;
    (iii) Birth certificates of children born to the marriage; and
    (iv) Other evidence deemed pertinent by the director.
    (3) Application for waiver based on alien's claim of having been 
battered or subjected to extreme mental cruelty. A conditional resident 
who entered into the qualifying marriage in good faith, and who was 
battered or was the subject of extreme cruelty or whose child was 
battered by or was the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the 
United States citizen or permanent resident spouse during the marriage, 
may request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. The conditional 
resident parent of a battered or abused child may apply for the waiver 
regardless of the child's citizenship or immigration status.
    (i) For the purpose of this chapter the phrase ``was battered by or 
was the subject of extreme cruelty'' includes, but is not limited to, 
being the victim of any act or threatened act of violence, including any 
forceful detention, which results or threatens to result in physical or 
mental injury. Psychological or sexual abuse or exploitation, including 
rape, molestation, incest (if the victim is a minor) or forced 
prostitution shall be considered acts of violence.
    (ii) A conditional resident or former conditional resident who has 
not departed the United States after termination of resident status may 
apply for the waiver. The conditional resident may apply for the waiver 
regardless of his or her present marital status. The conditional 
resident may still be residing with the citizen or permanent resident 
spouse, or may be divorced or separated.
    (iii) Evidence of physical abuse may include, but is not limited to, 
expert testimony in the form of reports and affidavits from police, 
judges, medical personnel, school officials and social service agency 
personnel. The Service must be satisfied with the credibility of the 
sources of documentation submitted in support of the application.
    (iv) The Service is not in a position to evaluate testimony 
regarding a claim of extreme mental cruelty provided by unlicensed or 
untrained individuals. Therefore, all waiver applications based upon 
claims of extreme mental cruelty must be supported by the evaluation of 
a professional recognized by the Service as an expert in the field. An 
evaluation which was obtained in the course of the divorce proceedings 
may be submitted if it was

[[Page 1068]]

provided by a professional recognized by the Service as an expert in the 
field.
    (v) The evaluation must contain the professional's full name, 
professional address and license number. It must also identify the 
licensing, certifying, or registering authority. The Service retains the 
right to verify the professional's license.
    (vi) The Service's decision on extreme mental cruelty waivers will 
be based upon the evaluation of the recognized professional. The Service 
reserves the right to request additional evaluations from expert 
witnesses chosen by the Service. Requests for additional evaluations 
must be authorized by the Assistant Regional Commissioner for 
Adjudications.
    (vii) Licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and 
psychiatrists are professionals recognized by the Service for the 
purpose of this section. A clinical social worker who is not licensed 
only because the state in which he or she practices does not provide for 
licensing will be considered a licensed professional recognized by the 
Service if he or she is included in the Register of Clinical Social 
Workers published by the National Association of Social Workers or is 
certified by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work.
    (viii) As directed by the statute, the information contained in the 
application and supporting documents shall not be released without a 
court order or the written consent of the applicant; or, in the case of 
a child, the written consent of the parent or legal guardian who filed 
the waiver application on the child's behalf. Information may be 
released only to the applicant, his or her authorized representative, an 
officer of the Department of Justice, or any federal or State law 
enforcement agency. Any information provided under this part may be used 
for the purposes of enforcement of the Act or in any criminal 
proceeding.
    (f) Decision. The director shall provide the alien with written 
notice of the decision on the application for waiver. If the decision is 
adverse, the director shall advise the alien of the reasons therefor, 
notify the alien of the termination of his or her permanent residence 
status, instruct the alien to surrender any Permanent Resident Card 
issued by the Service and issue a notice to appear placing the alien in 
removal proceedings. No appeal shall lie from the decision of the 
director; however, the alien may seek review of such decision in removal 
proceedings.

[53 FR 30018, Aug. 10, 1988, as amended at 56 FR 22637, May 16, 1991; 59 
FR 26591, May 23, 1994; 62 FR 10350, Mar. 6, 1997; 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 
1998; 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1216.6  Petition by entrepreneur to remove conditional basis 
of lawful permanent resident status.

    (a) Filing the petition--(1) General procedures. A petition to 
remove the conditional basis of the permanent resident status of an 
alien accorded conditional permanent residence pursuant to section 
203(b)(5) of the Act must be filed by the alien entrepreneur on Form I-
829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. The alien 
entrepreneur must file Form I-829 within the 90-day period preceding the 
second anniversary of his or her admission to the United States as a 
conditional permanent resident. Before Form I-829 may be considered as 
properly filed, it must be accompanied by the fee required under 8 CFR 
103.7 and 8 CFR part 106, and by documentation as described in paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section, and it must be properly signed by the alien. 
Upon receipt of a properly filed Form I-829, the alien's conditional 
permanent resident status shall be extended automatically, if necessary, 
until such time as the director has adjudicated the petition. The 
entrepreneur's spouse and children should be included in the petition to 
remove conditions. Children who have reached the age of twenty-one or 
who have married during the period of conditional permanent residence 
and the former spouse of an entrepreneur, who was divorced from the 
entrepreneur during the period of conditional permanent residence, may 
be included in the alien entrepreneur's petition or may file a separate 
petition.
    (2) Jurisdiction. Form I-829 must be filed with the regional service 
center having jurisdiction over the location of the alien entrepreneur's 
commercial enterprise in the United States.

[[Page 1069]]

    (3) Physical presence at time of filing. A petition may be filed 
regardless of whether the alien is physically present in the United 
States. However, if the alien is outside the United States at the time 
of filing, he or she must return to the United States, with his or her 
spouse and children, if necessary, to comply with the interview 
requirements contained in the Act. Once the petition has been properly 
filed, the alien may travel outside the United States and return if in 
possession of documentation as set forth in Sec.  1211.1(b)(1) of this 
chapter, provided the alien complies with the interview requirements 
described in paragraph (b) of this section. An alien who is not 
physically present in the United States during the filing period but 
subsequently applies for admission to the United States shall be 
processed in accordance with Sec.  1235.11 of this chapter.
    (4) Documentation. The petition for removal of conditions must be 
accompanied by the following evidence:
    (i) Evidence that a commercial enterprise was established by the 
alien. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, Federal income 
tax returns;
    (ii) Evidence that the alien invested or was actively in the process 
of investing the requisite capital. Such evidence may include, but is 
not limited to, an audited financial statement or other probative 
evidence; and
    (iii) Evidence that the alien sustained the actions described in 
paragraph (a)(4)(i) and (a)(4)(ii) of this section throughout the period 
of the alien's residence in the United States. The alien will be 
considered to have sustained the actions required for removal of 
conditions if he or she has, in good faith, substantially met the 
capital investment requirement of the statute and continuously 
maintained his or her capital investment over the two years of 
conditional residence. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, 
bank statements, invoices, receipts, contracts, business licenses, 
Federal or State income tax returns, and Federal or State quarterly tax 
statements.
    (iv) Evidence that the alien created or can be expected to create 
within a reasonable time ten full-time jobs for qualifying employees. In 
the case of a ``troubled business'' as defined in 8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii), 
the alien entrepreneur must submit evidence that the commercial 
enterprise maintained the number of existing employees at no less than 
the pre-investment level for the period following his or her admission 
as a conditional permanent resident. Such evidence may include payroll 
records, relevant tax documents, and Forms I-9.
    (5) Termination of status for failure to file petition. Failure to 
properly file Form I-829 within the 90-day period immediately preceding 
the second anniversary of the date on which the alien obtained lawful 
permanent residence on a conditional basis shall result in the automatic 
termination of the alien's permanent resident status and the initiation 
of deportation proceedings. The director shall send a written notice of 
termination and an order to show cause to an alien entrepreneur who 
fails to timely file a petition for removal of conditions. No appeal 
shall lie from this decision; however, the alien may request a review of 
the determination during deportation proceedings. In deportation 
proceedings, the burden of proof shall rest with the alien to show by a 
preponderance of the evidence that he or she complied with the 
requirement to file the petition within the designated period. The 
director may deem the petition to have been filed prior to the second 
anniversary of the alien's obtaining conditional permanent resident 
status and accept and consider a late petition if the alien demonstrates 
to the director's satisfaction that failure to file a timely petition 
was for good cause and due to extenuating circumstances. If the late 
petition is filed prior to jurisdiction vesting with the immigration 
judge in deportation proceedings and the director excuses the late 
filing and approves the petition, he or she shall restore the alien's 
permanent resident status, remove the conditional basis of such status, 
and cancel any outstanding order to show cause in accordance with Sec.  
242.7 of 8 CFR chapter I. If the petition is not filed until after 
jurisdiction vests with the immigration judge, the immigration judge may 
terminate the matter upon joint motion by the alien and the Service.

[[Page 1070]]

    (6) Death of entrepreneur and effect on spouse and children. If an 
entrepreneur dies during the prescribed two-year period of conditional 
permanent residence, the spouse and children of the entrepreneur will be 
eligible for removal of conditions if it can be demonstrated that the 
conditions set forth in paragraph (a)(4) of this section have been met.
    (b) Petition review--(1) Authority to waive interview. The director 
of the service center shall review the Form I-829 and the supporting 
documents to determine whether to waive the interview required by the 
Act. If satisfied that the requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section have been met, the service center director may waive the 
interview and approve the petition. If not so satisfied, then the 
service center director shall forward the petition to the district 
director having jurisdiction over the location of the alien 
entrepreneur's commercial enterprise in the United States so that an 
interview of the alien entrepreneur may be conducted. The director must 
either waive the requirement for an interview and adjudicate the 
petition or arrange for an interview within 90 days of the date on which 
the petition was properly filed.
    (2) Location of interview. Unless waived, an interview relating to 
the Form I-829 shall be conducted by an immigration examiner or other 
officer so designated by the district director at the district office 
that has jurisdiction over the location of the alien entrepreneur's 
commercial enterprise in the United States.
    (3) Termination of status for failure to appear for interview. If 
the alien fails to appear for an interview in connection with the 
petition when requested by the Service, the alien's permanent resident 
status will be automatically terminated as of the second anniversary of 
the date on which the alien obtained permanent residence. The alien will 
be provided with written notification of the termination and the reasons 
therefore, and an order to show cause shall be issued placing the alien 
under deportation proceedings. The alien may seek review of the decision 
to terminate his or her status in such proceedings, but the burden shall 
be on the alien to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he 
or she complied with the interview requirements. If the alien has failed 
to appear for a scheduled interview, he or she may submit a written 
request to the district director asking that the interview be 
rescheduled or that the interview be waived. That request should explain 
his or her failure to appear for the scheduled interview, and if a 
request for waiver of the interview, the reasons such waiver should be 
granted. If the district director determines that there is good cause 
for granting the request, the interview may be rescheduled or waived, as 
appropriate. If the district director waives the interview, he or she 
shall restore the alien's conditional permanent resident status, cancel 
any outstanding order to show cause in accordance with Sec.  
1216.6(a)(5), and proceed to adjudicate the alien's petition. If the 
district director reschedules that alien's interview, he or she shall 
restore the alien's conditional permanent resident status, and cancel 
any outstanding order to show cause in accordance with Sec.  
1216.6(a)(5). If the interview is rescheduled at the request of the 
alien, the Service shall not be required to conduct the interview within 
the 90-day period following the filing of the petition.
    (c) Adjudication of petition. (1) The decision on the petition shall 
be made within 90 days of the date of filing or within 90 days of the 
interview, whichever is later. In adjudicating the petition, the 
director shall determine whether:
    (i) A commercial enterprise was established by the alien;
    (ii) The alien invested or was actively in the process of investing 
the requisite capital; and
    (iii) The alien sustained the actions described in paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this section throughout the period of the 
alien's residence in the United States. The alien will be considered to 
have sustained the actions required for removal of conditions if he or 
she has, in good faith, substantially met the capital investment 
requirement of the statute and continuously maintained his or her 
capital investment over the two years of conditional residence.

[[Page 1071]]

    (iv) The alien created or can be expected to create within a 
reasonable period of time ten full-time jobs to qualifying employees. In 
the case of a ``troubled business'' as defined in 8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii), 
the alien maintained the number of existing employees at no less than 
the pre-investment level for the previous two years.
    (2) If derogatory information is determined regarding any of these 
issues or it becomes known to the government that the entrepreneur 
obtained his or her investment funds through other than legal means 
(such as through the sale of illegal drugs), the director shall offer 
the alien entrepreneur the opportunity to rebut such information. If the 
alien entrepreneur fails to overcome such derogatory information or 
evidence the investment funds were obtained through other than legal 
means, the director may deny the petition, terminate the alien's 
permanent resident status, and issue an order to show cause. If 
derogatory information not relating to any of these issues is determined 
during the course of the interview, such information shall be forwarded 
to the investigations unit for appropriate action. If no unresolved 
derogatory information is determined relating to these issues, the 
petition shall be approved and the conditional basis of the alien's 
permanent resident status removed, regardless of any action taken or 
contemplated regarding other possible grounds for deportation.
    (d) Decision--(1) Approval. If, after initial review or after the 
interview, the director approves the petition, he or she will remove the 
conditional basis of the alien's permanent resident status as of the 
second anniversary of the alien's entry as a conditional permanent 
resident. He or she shall provide written notice of the decision to the 
alien and shall require the alien to report to the appropriate district 
office for processing for a new Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, at 
which time the alien shall surrender any Permanent Resident Card 
previously issued.
    (2) Denial. If, after initial review or after the interview, the 
director denies the petition, he or she shall provide written notice to 
the alien of the decision and the reason(s) therefor, and shall issue an 
order to show cause why the alien should not be deported from the United 
States. The alien's lawful permanent resident status and that of his or 
her spouse and any children shall be terminated as of the date of the 
director's written decision. The alien shall also be instructed to 
surrender any Permanent Resident Card previously issued by the Service. 
No appeal shall lie from this decision; however, the alien may seek 
review of the decision in deportation proceedings. In deportation 
proceedings, the burden shall rest with the Service to establish by a 
preponderance of the evidence that the facts and information in the 
alien's petition for removal of conditions are not true and that the 
petition was properly denied.

[59 FR 26591, May 23, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 70315, Dec. 21, 1998; 85 
FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



PART 1235_INSPECTION OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR ADMISSION--Table of Contents



Sec.
1235.1-1235.3 [Reserved]
1235.4 Withdrawal of application for admission.
1235.5 [Reserved]
1235.6 Referral to immigration judge.
1235.8 Inadmissibility on security and related grounds.
1235.9 Northern Marianas identification card.
1235.10 U.S. Citizen Identification Card.
1235.11 Admission of conditional permanent residents.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101 and note, 1103, 1183, 1185 (pursuant to 
E.O. 13323, 69 FR 241, 3 CFR, 2003 Comp., p. 278), 1201, 1224, 1225, 
1226, 1228, 1365a note, 1379, 1731-32; Title VII of Pub. L. 110-229; 8 
U.S.C. 1185 note (section 7209 of Pub. L. 108-458); Public Law 115-218.

    Source: Duplicated from part 235 at 68 FR 9837, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1235 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10354, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec. Sec.  1235.1-1235.3  [Reserved]



Sec.  1235.4  Withdrawal of application for admission.

    The Attorney General may, in his or her discretion, permit any alien 
applicant for admission to withdraw his or

[[Page 1072]]

her application for admission in lieu of removal proceedings under 
section 240 of the Act or expedited removal under section 235(b)(1) of 
the Act. The alien's decision to withdraw his or her application for 
admission must be made voluntarily, but nothing in this section shall be 
construed as to give an alien the right to withdraw his or her 
application for admission. Permission to withdraw an application for 
admission should not normally be granted unless the alien intends and is 
able to depart the United States immediately. An alien permitted to 
withdraw his or her application for admission shall normally remain in 
carrier or Service custody pending departure, unless the district 
director determines that parole of the alien is warranted in accordance 
with Sec.  1212.5(b) of this chapter.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 15363, Apr. 1, 1997; 65 FR 82256, Dec. 
28, 2000]



Sec.  1235.5  [Reserved]



Sec.  1235.6  Referral to immigration judge.

    (a) Notice--(1) Referral by Form I-862, Notice to Appear. An 
immigration officer or asylum officer will sign and deliver a Form I-862 
to an alien in the following cases:
    (i) If, in accordance with the provisions of section 235(b)(2)(A) of 
the Act, the examining immigration officer detains an alien for a 
proceeding before an immigration judge under section 240 of the Act; or
    (ii) If an immigration officer verifies that an alien subject to 
expedited removal under section 235(b)(1) of the Act has been admitted 
as a lawful permanent resident or refugee, or granted asylum, or, upon 
review pursuant to Sec.  235.3(b)(5)(iv) of chapter I, an immigration 
judge determines that the alien was once so admitted or granted asylum, 
provided that such status has not been terminated by final 
administrative action, and DHS initiates removal proceedings against the 
alien under section 240 of the Act.
    (2) Referral by Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge. 
An immigration officer will sign and deliver a Form I-863 to an alien in 
the following cases:
    (i) If an asylum officer determines that an alien does not have a 
credible fear of persecution or torture, and the alien requests a review 
of that determination by an immigration judge;
    (ii) If, in accordance with section 235(b)(1)(C) of the Act, an 
immigration officer refers an expedited removal order entered on an 
alien claiming to be a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or 
U.S. citizen for whom the officer could not verify such status to an 
immigration judge for review of the order; or
    (iii) If an immigration officer refers an applicant in accordance 
with the provisions of 8 CFR 208.2(b) to an immigration judge.
    (b) Certification for mental condition; medical appeal. An alien 
certified under sections 212(a)(1) and 232(b) of the Act shall be 
advised by the examining immigration officer that he or she may appeal 
to a board of medical examiners of the United States Public Health 
Service pursuant to section 232 of the Act. If such appeal is taken, the 
district director shall arrange for the convening of the medical board.
    (c) The provisions of part 1235 are separate and severable from one 
another. In the event that any provision in part 1235 is stayed, 
enjoined, not implemented, or otherwise held invalid, the remaining 
provisions shall nevertheless be implemented as an independent rule and 
continue in effect.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999; 74 
FR 55744, Oct. 28, 2009; 85 FR 23904, Apr. 30, 2020; 85 FR 80400, Dec. 
11, 2020; 86 FR 1737, Jan. 11, 2021; 87 FR 18223, Mar. 29, 2022]

    Effective Date Note: At 85 FR 84198, Dec. 23, 2020, Sec.  1235.6 was 
amended by revising paragraph (a)(2)(i), effective Jan. 22, 2021. The 
amendments to Sec.  1208.30 were delayed until Mar. 22, 2021, at 86 FR 
6847, Jan. 25, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2021, at 86 FR 
15069, Mar. 22, 2021, further delayed until Dec. 31, 2022, at 86 FR 
73615, Dec. 28, 2021, and further delayed until Dec. 31, 2024, at 87 FR 
79789, Dec. 28, 2022. For the convenience of the user, the revised text 
is set forth as follows:



Sec.  1235.6  Referral to immigration judge.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) If an asylum officer determines that an alien does not have a 
credible fear of persecution, reasonable possibility of persecution, 
reasonable possibility of torture, or has not established that he or she 
is more likely

[[Page 1073]]

than not to be tortured in the prospective country of removal, and the 
alien requests a review of that determination by an immigration judge; 
or

                                * * * * *



Sec.  1235.8  Inadmissibility on security and related grounds.

    (a) Report. When an immigration officer or an immigration judge 
suspects that an arriving alien appears to be inadmissible under section 
212(a)(3)(A) (other than clause (ii)), (B), or (C) of the Act, the 
immigration officer or immigration judge shall order the alien removed 
and report the action promptly to the district director who has 
administrative jurisdiction over the place where the alien has arrived 
or where the hearing is being held. The immigration officer shall, if 
possible, take a brief sworn question-and-answer statement from the 
alien, and the alien shall be notified by personal service of Form I-
147, Notice of Temporary Inadmissibility, of the action taken and the 
right to submit a written statement and additional information for 
consideration by the Attorney General. The district director shall 
forward the report to the regional director for further action as 
provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Action by regional director. (1) In accordance with section 
235(c)(2)(B) of the Act, the regional director may deny any further 
inquiry or hearing by an immigration judge and order the alien removed 
by personal service of Form I-148, Notice of Permanent Inadmissibility, 
or issue any other order disposing of the case that the regional 
director considers appropriate.
    (2) If the regional director concludes that the case does not meet 
the criteria contained in section 235(c)(2)(B) of the Act, the regional 
director may direct that:
    (i) An immigration officer shall conduct a further examination of 
the alien, concerning the alien's admissibility; or,
    (ii) The alien's case be referred to an immigration judge for a 
hearing, or for the continuation of any prior hearing.
    (3) The regional director's decision shall be in writing and shall 
be signed by the regional director. Unless the written decision contains 
confidential information, the disclosure of which would be prejudicial 
to the public interest, safety, or security of the United States, the 
written decision shall be served on the alien. If the written decision 
contains such confidential information, the alien shall be served with a 
separate written order showing the disposition of the case, but with the 
confidential information deleted.
    (4) The Service shall not execute a removal order under this section 
under circumstances that violate section 241(b)(3) of the Act or Article 
3 of the Convention Against Torture. The provisions of part 1208 of this 
chapter relating to consideration or review by an immigration judge, the 
Board of Immigration Appeals, or an asylum officer shall not apply.
    (c) Finality of decision. The regional director's decision under 
this section is final when it is served upon the alien in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(3) of this section. There is no administrative appeal 
from the regional director's decision.
    (d) Hearing by immigration judge. If the regional director directs 
that an alien subject to removal under this section be given a hearing 
or further hearing before an immigration judge, the hearing and all 
further proceedings in the matter shall be conducted in accordance with 
the provisions of section 240 of the Act and other applicable sections 
of the Act to the same extent as though the alien had been referred to 
an immigration judge by the examining immigration officer. In a case 
where the immigration judge ordered the alien removed pursuant to 
paragraph (a) of this section, the Service shall refer the case back to 
the immigration judge and proceedings shall be automatically reopened 
upon receipt of the notice of referral. If confidential information, not 
previously considered in the matter, is presented supporting the 
inadmissibility of the alien under section 212(a)(3)(A) (other than 
clause (ii)), (B) or (C) of the Act, the disclosure of which, in the 
discretion of the immigration judge, may be prejudicial to the public 
interest, safety, or security, the immigration judge may again order the 
alien removed under the authority of section 235(c) of the Act and

[[Page 1074]]

further action shall be taken as provided in this section.
    (e) Nonapplicability. The provisions of this section shall apply 
only to arriving aliens, as defined in Sec.  1001.1(q) of this chapter. 
Aliens present in the United States who have not been admitted or 
paroled may be subject to proceedings under Title V of the Act.

[62 FR 10358, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999]



Sec.  1235.9  Northern Marianas identification card.

    During the two-year period that ended July 1, 1990, the Service 
issued Northern Marianas Identification Cards to aliens who acquired 
United States citizenship when the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United 
States entered into force on November 3, 1986. These cards remain valid 
as evidence of United States citizenship. Although the Service no longer 
issues these cards, a United States citizen to whom a card was issued 
may file Form I-777, Application for Issuance or Replacement of Northern 
Marianas Card, to obtain replacement of a lost, stolen, or mutilated 
Northern Marianas Identification Card.

[62 FR 10359, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1235.10  U.S. Citizen Identification Card.

    (a) General. Form I-197, U.S. Citizen Identification Card, is no 
longer issued by the Service but valid existing cards will continue to 
be acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship. Possession of the 
identification card is not mandatory for any purpose. A U.S. Citizen 
Identification Card remains the property of the United States. Because 
the identification card is no longer issued, there are no provisions for 
replacement cards.
    (b) Surrender and voidance--(1) Institution of proceeding under 
section 240 or 342 of the Act. A U.S. Citizen Identification Card must 
be surrendered provisionally to a Service office upon notification by 
the district director that a proceeding under section 240 or 342 of the 
Act is being instituted against the person to whom the card was issued. 
The card shall be returned to the person if the final order in the 
proceeding does not result in voiding the card under this paragraph. A 
U.S. Citizen Identification Card is automatically void if the person to 
whom it was issued is determined to be an alien in a proceeding 
conducted under section 240 of the Act, or if a certificate, document, 
or record relating to that person is canceled under section 342 of the 
Act.
    (2) Investigation of validity of identification card. A U.S. Citizen 
Identification Card must be surrendered provisionally upon notification 
by a district director that the validity of the card is being 
investigated. The card shall be returned to the person who surrendered 
it if the investigation does not result in a determination adverse to 
his or her claim to be a United States citizen. When an investigation 
results in a tentative determination adverse to the applicant's claim to 
be a United States citizen, the applicant shall be notified by certified 
mail directed to his or her last known address. The notification shall 
inform the applicant of the basis for the determination and of the 
intention of the district director to declare the card void unless 
within 30 days the applicant objects and demands an opportunity to see 
and rebut the adverse evidence. Any rebuttal, explanation, or evidence 
presented by the applicant must be included in the record of proceeding. 
The determination whether the applicant is a United States citizen must 
be based on the entire record and the applicant shall be notified of the 
determination. If it is determined that the applicant is not a United 
States citizen, the applicant shall be notified of the reasons, and the 
card deemed void. There is no appeal from the district director's 
decision.
    (3) Admission of alienage. A U.S. Citizen Identification Card is 
void if the person to whom it was issued admits in a statement signed 
before an immigration officer that he or she is an alien and consents to 
the voidance of the card. Upon signing the statement the card must be 
surrendered to the immigration officer.
    (4) Surrender of void card. A void U.S. Citizen Identification Card 
which has not been returned to the Service must

[[Page 1075]]

be surrendered without delay to an immigration officer or to the issuing 
office of the Service.
    (c) U.S. Citizen Identification Card previously issued on Form I-
179. A valid Form I-179, U.S. Citizen Identification Card, continues to 
be valid subject to the provisions of this section.

[62 FR 10359, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1235.11  Admission of conditional permanent residents.

    (a) General--(1) Conditional residence based on family relationship. 
An alien seeking admission to the United States with an immigrant visa 
as the spouse or son or daughter of a United States citizen or lawful 
permanent resident shall be examined to determine whether the conditions 
of section 216 of the Act apply. If so, the alien shall be admitted 
conditionally for a period of 2 years. At the time of admission, the 
alien shall be notified that the alien and his or her petitioning spouse 
must file a Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, 
within the 90-day period immediately preceding the second anniversary of 
the alien's admission for permanent residence.
    (2) Conditional residence based on entrepreneurship. An alien 
seeking admission to the United States with an immigrant visa as an 
alien entrepreneur (as defined in section 216A(f)(1) of the Act) or the 
spouse or unmarried minor child of an alien entrepreneur shall be 
admitted conditionally for a period of 2 years. At the time of 
admission, the alien shall be notified that the principal alien 
(entrepreneur) must file a Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to 
Remove Conditions, within the 90-day period immediately preceding the 
second anniversary of the alien's admission for permanent residence.
    (b) Correction of endorsement on immigrant visa. If the alien is 
subject to the provisions of section 216 of the Act, but the 
classification endorsed on the immigrant visa does not so indicate, the 
endorsement shall be corrected and the alien shall be admitted as a 
lawful permanent resident on a conditional basis, if otherwise 
admissible. Conversely, if the alien is not subject to the provisions of 
section 216 of the Act, but the visa classification endorsed on the 
immigrant visa indicates that the alien is subject thereto (e.g., if the 
second anniversary of the marriage upon which the immigrant visa is 
based occurred after the issuance of the visa and prior to the alien's 
application for admission) the endorsement on the visa shall be 
corrected and the alien shall be admitted as a lawful permanent resident 
without conditions, if otherwise admissible.
    (c) Expired conditional permanent resident status. The lawful 
permanent resident alien status of a conditional resident automatically 
terminates if the conditional basis of such status is not removed by the 
Service through approval of a Form I-751, Petition to Remove the 
Conditions on Residence or, in the case of an alien entrepreneur (as 
defined in section 216A(f)(1) of the Act), Form I-829, Petition by 
Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. Therefore, an alien who is seeking 
admission as a returning resident subsequent to the second anniversary 
of the date on which conditional residence was obtained (except as 
provided in Sec.  1211.1(b)(1) of this chapter) and whose conditional 
basis of such residence has not been removed pursuant to section 216(c) 
or 216A(c) of the Act, whichever is applicable, shall be placed under 
removal proceedings. However, in a case where conditional residence was 
based on a marriage, removal proceedings may be terminated and the alien 
may be admitted as a returning resident if the required Form I-751 is 
filed jointly, or by the alien alone (if appropriate), and approved by 
the Service. In the case of an alien entrepreneur, removal proceedings 
may be terminated and the alien admitted as a returning resident if the 
required Form I-829 is filed by the alien entrepreneur and approved by 
the Service.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997]

[[Page 1076]]



PART 1236_APPREHENSION AND DETENTION OF INADMISSIBLE AND DEPORTABLE ALIENS; 
REMOVAL OF ALIENS ORDERED REMOVED--Table of Contents



         Subpart A_Detention of Aliens Prior to Order of Removal

Sec.
1236.1 Apprehension, custody, and detention.
1236.2 Confined aliens, incompetents, and minors.
1236.3 Detention and release of juveniles.
1236.4 Removal of S-5, S-6, and S-7 nonimmigrants.
1236.5 Fingerprints and photographs.
1236.6 Information regarding detainees.
1236.7-1236.9 [Reserved]

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1224, 1225, 
1226, 1227, 1231, 1362; 18 U.S.C. 4002, 4013(c)(4); 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 236 at 68 FR 9838, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1236 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10354, Mar. 5, 2003.



         Subpart A_Detention of Aliens Prior to Order of Removal



Sec.  1236.1  Apprehension, custody, and detention.

    (a) Detainers. The issuance of a detainer under this section shall 
be governed by the provisions of Sec.  287.7 of 8 CFR chapter I.
    (b) Warrant of arrest--(1) In general. At the time of issuance of 
the notice to appear, or at any time thereafter and up to the time 
removal proceedings are completed, the respondent may be arrested and 
taken into custody under the authority of Form I-200, Warrant of Arrest. 
A warrant of arrest may be issued only by those immigration officers 
listed in Sec.  287.5(e)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I and may be served only by 
those immigration officers listed in Sec.  287.5(e)(3) of 8 CFR chapter 
I.
    (2) If, after the issuance of a warrant of arrest, a determination 
is made not to serve it, any officer authorized to issue such warrant 
may authorize its cancellation.
    (c) Custody issues and release procedures--(1) In general. (i) After 
the expiration of the Transition Period Custody Rules (TPCR) set forth 
in section 303(b)(3) of Div. C of Pub. L. 104-208, no alien described in 
section 236(c)(1) of the Act may be released from custody during removal 
proceedings except pursuant to section 236(c)(2) of the Act.
    (ii) Paragraph (c)(2) through (c)(8) of this section shall govern 
custody determinations for aliens subject to the TPCR while they remain 
in effect. For purposes of this section, an alien ``subject to the 
TPCR'' is an alien described in section 303(b)(3)(A) of Div. C of Pub. 
L. 104-208 who is in deportation proceedings, subject to a final order 
of deportation, or in removal proceedings. The TPCR do not apply to 
aliens in exclusion proceedings under former section 236 of the Act, 
aliens in expedited removal proceedings under section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act, or aliens subject to a final order of removal.
    (2) Aliens not lawfully admitted. Subject to paragraph (c)(6)(i) of 
this section, but notwithstanding any other provision within this 
section, an alien subject to the TPCR who is not lawfully admitted is 
not eligible to be considered for release from custody.
    (i) An alien who remains in status as an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence, conditionally admitted for permanent residence, or 
lawfully admitted for temporary residence is ``lawfully admitted'' for 
purposes of this section.
    (ii) An alien in removal proceedings, in deportation proceedings, or 
subject to a final order of deportation, and not described in paragraph 
(c)(2)(i) of this section, is not ``lawfully admitted'' for purposes of 
this section unless the alien last entered the United States lawfully 
and is not presently an applicant for admission to the United States.
    (3) Criminal aliens eligible to be considered for release. Except as 
provided in this section, or otherwise provided by law, an alien subject 
to the TPCR may be considered for release from custody if lawfully 
admitted. Such an alien must first demonstrate, by clear and convincing 
evidence, that release would not pose a danger to the safety of other 
persons or of property. If an alien meets this burden, the alien must

[[Page 1077]]

further demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, that the alien is 
likely to appear for any scheduled proceeding (including any appearance 
required by the Service or EOIR) in order to be considered for release 
in the exercise of discretion.
    (4) Criminal aliens ineligible to be considered for release except 
in certain special circumstances. An alien, other than an alien lawfully 
admitted for permanent residence, subject to section 303(b)(3)(A) (ii) 
or (iii) of Div. C. of Pub. L. 104-208 is ineligible to be considered 
for release if the alien:
    (i) Is described in section 241(a)(2)(C) of the Act (as in effect 
prior to April 1, 1997), or has been convicted of a crime described in 
section 101(a)(43)(B), (E)(ii) or (F) of the Act (as in effect on April 
1, 1997);
    (ii) Has been convicted of a crime described in section 
101(a)(43)(G) of the Act (as in effect on April 1, 1997) or a crime or 
crimes involving moral turpitude related to property, and sentenced 
therefor (including in the aggregate) to at least 3 years' imprisonment;
    (iii) Has failed to appear for an immigration proceeding without 
reasonable cause or has been subject to a bench warrant or similar legal 
process (unless quashed, withdrawn, or cancelled as improvidently 
issued);
    (iv) Has been convicted of a crime described in section 
101(a)(43)(Q) or (T) of the Act (as in effect on April 1, 1997);
    (v) Has been convicted in a criminal proceeding of a violation of 
section 273, 274, 274C, 276, or 277 of the Act, or has admitted the 
factual elements of such a violation;
    (vi) Has overstayed a period granted for voluntary departure;
    (vii) Has failed to surrender or report for removal pursuant to an 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal;
    (viii) Does not wish to pursue, or is statutorily ineligible for, 
any form of relief from exclusion, deportation, or removal under this 
chapter or the Act; or
    (ix) Is described in paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(A), (B), or (C) of this 
section but has not been sentenced, including in the aggregate but not 
including any portions suspended, to at least 2 years' imprisonment, 
unless the alien was lawfully admitted and has not, since the 
commencement of proceedings and within the 10 years prior thereto, been 
convicted of a crime, failed to comply with an order to surrender or a 
period of voluntary departure, or been subject to a bench warrant or 
similar legal process (unless quashed, withdrawn, or cancelled as 
improvidently issued). An alien eligible to be considered for release 
under this paragraph must meet the burdens described in paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section in order to be released from custody in the exercise of 
discretion.
    (5) Criminal aliens ineligible to be considered for release. (i) A 
criminal alien subject to section 303(b)(3)(A)(ii) or (iii) of Div. C of 
Pub. L. 104-208 is ineligible to be considered for release if the alien 
has been sentenced, including in the aggregate but not including any 
portions suspended, to at least 2 years' imprisonment, and the alien
    (A) Is described in section 237(a)(2)(D)(i) or (ii) of the Act (as 
in effect on April 1, 1997), or has been convicted of a crime described 
in section 101(a)(43)(A), (C), (E)(i), (H), (I), (K)(iii), or (L) of the 
Act (as in effect on April 1, 1997);
    (B) Is described in section 237(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act; or
    (C) Has escaped or attempted to escape from the lawful custody of a 
local, State, or Federal prison, agency, or officer within the United 
States.
    (ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section, a 
permanent resident alien who has not, since the commencement of 
proceedings and within the 15 years prior thereto, been convicted of a 
crime, failed to comply with an order to surrender or a period of 
voluntary departure, or been subject to a bench warrant or similar legal 
process (unless quashed, withdrawn, or cancelled as improvidently 
issued), may be considered for release under paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section.
    (6) Unremovable aliens and certain long-term detainees. (i) If the 
district director determines that an alien subject to section 
303(b)(3)(A)(ii) or (iii) of Div. C of Pub. L. 104-208 cannot be removed 
from the United States because the designated country of removal or 
deportation will not accept the alien's return, the district director 
may, in the exercise of discretion, consider release

[[Page 1078]]

of the alien from custody upon such terms and conditions as the district 
director may prescribe, without regard to paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(4), and 
(c)(5) of this section.
    (ii) The district director may also, notwithstanding paragraph 
(c)(5) of this section, consider release from custody, upon such terms 
and conditions as the district director may prescribe, of any alien 
described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section who has been in the 
Service's custody for six months pursuant to a final order of 
deportation terminating the alien's status as a lawful permanent 
resident.
    (iii) The district director may release an alien from custody under 
this paragraph only in accordance with the standards set forth in 
paragraph (c)(3) of this section and any other applicable provisions of 
law.
    (iv) The district director's custody decision under this paragraph 
shall not be subject to redetermination by an immigration judge, but, in 
the case of a custody decision under paragraph (c)(6)(ii) of this 
section, may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals pursuant to 
paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (7) Construction. A reference in this section to a provision in 
section 241 of the Act as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, shall be 
deemed to include a reference to the corresponding provision in section 
237 of the Act as in effect on April 1, 1997. A reference in this 
section to a ``crime'' shall be considered to include a reference to a 
conspiracy or attempt to commit such a crime. In calculating the 10-year 
period specified in paragraph (c)(4) of this section and the 15-year 
period specified in paragraph (c)(5) of this section, no period during 
which the alien was detained or incarcerated shall count toward the 
total. References in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section to the 
``district director'' shall be deemed to include a reference to any 
official designated by the Commissioner to exercise custody authority 
over aliens covered by that paragraph. Nothing in this part shall be 
construed as prohibiting an alien from seeking reconsideration of the 
Service's determination that the alien is within a category barred from 
release under this part.
    (8) Any officer authorized to issue a warrant of arrest may, in the 
officer's discretion, release an alien not described in section 
236(c)(1) of the Act, under the conditions at section 236(a)(2) and (3) 
of the Act; provided that the alien must demonstrate to the satisfaction 
of the officer that such release would not pose a danger to property or 
persons, and that the alien is likely to appear for any future 
proceeding. Such an officer may also, in the exercise of discretion, 
release an alien in deportation proceedings pursuant to the authority in 
section 242 of the Act (as designated prior to April 1, 1997), except as 
otherwise provided by law.
    (9) When an alien who, having been arrested and taken into custody, 
has been released, such release may be revoked at any time in the 
discretion of the district director, acting district director, deputy 
district director, assistant district director for investigations, 
assistant district director for detention and deportation, or officer in 
charge (except foreign), in which event the alien may be taken into 
physical custody and detained. If detained, unless a breach has 
occurred, any outstanding bond shall be revoked and canceled.
    (10) The provisions of Sec.  103.6 of 8 CFR chapter I shall apply to 
any bonds authorized. Subject to the provisions of this section, the 
provisions of Sec.  1003.19 of this chapter shall govern availability to 
the respondent of recourse to other administrative authority for release 
from custody.
    (11) An immigration judge may not exercise the authority provided in 
this section, and the review process described in paragraph (d) of this 
section shall not apply, with respect to any alien beyond the custody 
jurisdiction of the immigration judge as provided in Sec.  1003.19(h) of 
this chapter.
    (d) Appeals from custody decisions--(1) Application to immigration 
judge. After an initial custody determination by the district director, 
including the setting of a bond, the respondent may, at any time before 
an order under 8 CFR part 1240 becomes final, request amelioration of 
the conditions under which he or she may be released. Prior to

[[Page 1079]]

such final order, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the 
immigration judge is authorized to exercise the authority in section 236 
of the Act (or section 242(a)(1) of the Act as designated prior to April 
1, 1997 in the case of an alien in deportation proceedings) to detain 
the alien in custody, release the alien, and determine the amount of 
bond, if any, under which the respondent may be released, as provided in 
Sec.  1003.19 of this chapter. If the alien has been released from 
custody, an application for amelioration of the terms of release must be 
filed within 7 days of release.
    (2) Application to the district director. After expiration of the 7-
day period in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the respondent may 
request review by the district director of the conditions of his or her 
release.
    (3) Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. An appeal relating 
to bond and custody determinations may be filed to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals in the following circumstances:
    (i) In accordance with Sec.  1003.38 of this chapter, the alien or 
the Service may appeal the decision of an immigration judge pursuant to 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (ii) The alien, within 10 days, may appeal from the district 
director's decision under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (4) Effect of filing an appeal. The filing of an appeal from a 
determination of an immigration judge or district director under this 
paragraph shall not operate to delay compliance with the order (except 
as provided in Sec.  1003.19(i)), nor stay the administrative 
proceedings or removal.
    (e) Privilege of communication. Every detained alien shall be 
notified that he or she may communicate with the consular or diplomatic 
officers of the country of his or her nationality in the United States. 
Existing treaties with the following countries require immediate 
communication with appropriate consular or diplomatic officers whenever 
nationals of the following countries are detained in removal 
proceedings, whether or not requested by the alien and even if the alien 
requests that no communication be undertaken in his or her behalf. When 
notifying consular or diplomatic officials, Service officers shall not 
reveal the fact that any detained alien has applied for asylum or 
withholding of removal.

Albania \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Arrangements with these countries provide that U.S. authorities 
shall notify responsible representatives within 72 hours of the arrest 
or detention of one of their nationals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antigua
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Brunei
Bulgaria
China (People's Republic of) \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ When Taiwan nationals (who carry ``Republic of China'' 
passports) are detained, notification should be made to the nearest 
office of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative's Office, the 
unofficial entity representing Taiwan's interests in the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costa Rica
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Dominica
Fiji
Gambia, The
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
Hungary
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Moldova
Mongolia
Nigeria
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russian Federation
St. Kitts/Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent/Grenadines
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovak Republic
South Korea
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Tonga

[[Page 1080]]

Trinidad/Tobago
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Kingdom \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ British dependencies are also covered by this agreement. They 
are: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Montserrat, 
and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their residents carry British 
passports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S.S.R. \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ All U.S.S.R. successor states are covered by this agreement. 
They are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and 
Uzbekistan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Uzbekistan
Zambia

    (f) Notification to Executive Office for Immigration Review of 
change in custody status. The Service shall notify the Immigration Court 
having administrative control over the Record of Proceeding of any 
change in custody location or of release from, or subsequent taking 
into, Service custody of a respondent/applicant pursuant to Sec.  
1003.19(g) of this chapter.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 15363, Apr. 1, 1997, as amended at 63 
FR 27449, May 19, 1998; 65 FR 80294, Dec. 21, 2000]



Sec.  1236.2  Confined aliens, incompetents, and minors.

    (a) Service. If the respondent is confined, or if he or she is an 
incompetent, or a minor under the age of 14, the notice to appear, and 
the warrant of arrest, if issued, shall be served in the manner 
prescribed in Sec.  1239.1 of this chapter upon the person or persons 
specified by Sec.  103.5a(c) of 8 CFR chapter I.
    (b) Service custody and cost of maintenance. An alien confined 
because of physical or mental disability in an institution or hospital 
shall not be accepted into physical custody by the Service until an 
order of removal has been entered and the Service is ready to remove the 
alien. When such an alien is an inmate of a public or private 
institution at the time of the commencement of the removal proceedings, 
expenses for the maintenance of the alien shall not be incurred by the 
Government until he or she is taken into physical custody by the 
Service.



Sec.  1236.3  Detention and release of juveniles.

    (a) Juveniles. A juvenile is defined as an alien under the age of 18 
years.
    (b) Release. Juveniles for whom bond has been posted, for whom 
parole has been authorized, or who have been ordered released on 
recognizance, shall be released pursuant to the following guidelines:
    (1) Juveniles shall be released, in order of preference, to:
    (i) A parent;
    (ii) Legal guardian; or
    (iii) An adult relative (brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent) 
who is not presently in Service detention, unless a determination is 
made that the detention of such juvenile is required to secure his or 
her timely appearance before the Service or the Immigration Court or to 
ensure the juvenile's safety or that of others. In cases where the 
parent, legal guardian, or adult relative resides at a location distant 
from where the juvenile is detained, he or she may secure release at a 
Service office located near the parent, legal guardian, or adult 
relative.
    (2) If an individual specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) 
of this section cannot be located to accept custody of a juvenile, and 
the juvenile has identified a parent, legal guardian, or adult relative 
in Service detention, simultaneous release of the juvenile and the 
parent, legal guardian, or adult relative shall be evaluated on a 
discretionary case-by-case basis.
    (3) In cases where the parent or legal guardian is in Service 
detention or outside the United States, the juvenile may be released to 
such person as is designated by the parent or legal guardian in a sworn 
affidavit, executed before an immigration officer or consular officer, 
as capable and willing to care for the juvenile's well-being. Such 
person must execute an agreement to care for the juvenile and to ensure 
the juvenile's presence at all future proceedings before the Service or 
an immigration judge.
    (4) In unusual and compelling circumstances and in the discretion of 
the

[[Page 1081]]

Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, a juvenile may be released 
to an adult, other than those identified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through 
(b)(1)(iii) of this section, who executes an agreement to care for the 
juvenile's well-being and to ensure the juvenile's presence at all 
future proceedings before the Service or an immigration judge.
    (c) Juvenile coordinator. The case of a juvenile for whom detention 
is determined to be necessary should be referred to the ``Juvenile 
Coordinator,'' whose responsibilities should include, but not be limited 
to, finding suitable placement of the juvenile in a facility designated 
for the occupancy of juveniles. These may include juvenile facilities 
contracted by the Service, state or local juvenile facilities, or other 
appropriate agencies authorized to accommodate juveniles by the laws of 
the state or locality.
    (d) Detention. In the case of a juvenile for whom detention is 
determined to be necessary, for such interim period of time as is 
required to locate suitable placement for the juvenile, whether such 
placement is under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, the juvenile 
may be temporarily held by Service authorities or placed in any Service 
detention facility having separate accommodations for juveniles.
    (e) Refusal of release. If a parent of a juvenile detained by the 
Service can be located, and is otherwise suitable to receive custody of 
the juvenile, and the juvenile indicates a refusal to be released to his 
or her parent, the parent(s) shall be notified of the juvenile's refusal 
to be released to the parent(s), and they shall be afforded the 
opportunity to present their views to the district director, chief 
patrol agent, Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs or immigration 
judge before a custody determination is made.
    (f) Notice to parent of application for relief. If a juvenile seeks 
release from detention, voluntary departure, parole, or any form of 
relief from removal, where it appears that the grant of such relief may 
effectively terminate some interest inherent in the parent-child 
relationship and/or the juvenile's rights and interests are adverse with 
those of the parent, and the parent is presently residing in the United 
States, the parent shall be given notice of the juvenile's application 
for relief, and shall be afforded an opportunity to present his or her 
views and assert his or her interest to the district director, Director 
of the Office of Juvenile Affairs or immigration judge before a 
determination is made as to the merits of the request for relief.
    (g) Voluntary departure. Each juvenile, apprehended in the immediate 
vicinity of the border, who resides permanently in Mexico or Canada, 
shall be informed, prior to presentation of the voluntary departure form 
or being allowed to withdraw his or her application for admission, that 
he or she may make a telephone call to a parent, close relative, a 
friend, or to an organization found on the free legal services list. A 
juvenile who does not reside in Mexico or Canada who is apprehended 
shall be provided access to a telephone and must in fact communicate 
either with a parent, adult relative, friend, or with an organization 
found on the free legal services list prior to presentation of the 
voluntary departure form. If such juvenile, of his or her own volition, 
asks to contact a consular officer, and does in fact make such contact, 
the requirements of this section are satisfied.
    (h) Notice and request for disposition. When a juvenile alien is 
apprehended, he or she must be given a Form I-770, Notice of Rights and 
Disposition. If the juvenile is less than 14 years of age or unable to 
understand the notice, the notice shall be read and explained to the 
juvenile in a language he or she understands. In the event a juvenile 
who has requested a hearing pursuant to the notice subsequently decides 
to accept voluntary departure or is allowed to withdraw his or her 
application for admission, a new Form I-770 shall be given to, and 
signed by the juvenile.

[62 FR 10360, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 67 FR 39258, June 7, 2002]



Sec.  1236.4  Removal of S-5, S-6, and S-7 nonimmigrants.

    (a) Condition of classification. As a condition of classification 
and continued stay in classification pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) 
of the Act, nonimmigrants in S classification must have executed Form I-
854, Part B,

[[Page 1082]]

Inter-agency Alien Witness and Informant Record, certifying that they 
have knowingly waived their right to a removal hearing and right to 
contest, other than on the basis of an application for withholding of 
deportation or removal, any removal action, including detention pending 
deportation or removal, instituted before lawful permanent resident 
status is obtained.
    (b) Determination of deportability. (1) A determination to remove a 
deportable alien classified pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act 
shall be made by the district director having jurisdiction over the 
place where the alien is located.
    (2) A determination to remove such a deportable alien shall be based 
on one or more of the grounds of deportability listed in section 237 of 
the Act based on conduct committed after, or conduct or a condition not 
disclosed to the Service prior to, the alien's classification as an S 
nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act, or for a violation 
of, or failure to adhere to, the particular terms and conditions of 
status in S nonimmigrant classification.
    (c) Removal procedures. (1) A district director who determines to 
remove an alien witness or informant in S nonimmigrant classification 
shall notify the Commissioner, the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, and the relevant law enforcement agency in writing to that 
effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall concur 
in or object to that decision. Unless the Assistant Attorney General, 
Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he or she shall be deemed to 
have concurred in the decision. In the event of an objection by the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, the matter will be 
expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General for a final 
resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the relevant law 
enforcement agency have a right of appeal from any decision to remove.
    (2) A district director who has provided notice as set forth in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section and who has been advised by the 
Commissioner that the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, has 
not objected shall issue a Warrant of Removal. The alien shall 
immediately be arrested and taken into custody by the district director 
initiating the removal. An alien classified under the provisions of 
section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act who is determined, pursuant to a 
warrant issued by a district director, to be deportable from the United 
States shall be removed from the United States to his or her country of 
nationality or last residence. The agency that requested the alien's 
presence in the United States shall ensure departure from the United 
States and so inform the district director in whose jurisdiction the 
alien has last resided. The district director, if necessary, shall 
oversee the alien's departure from the United States and, in any event, 
shall notify the Commissioner of the alien's departure.
    (d) Withholding of removal. An alien classified pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act who applies for withholding of removal shall 
have 10 days from the date the Warrant of Removal is served upon the 
alien to file an application for such relief with the district director 
initiating the removal order. The procedures contained in Sec. Sec.  
1208.2 and 1208.16 of this chapter shall apply to such an alien who 
applies for withholding of removal.
    (e) Inadmissibility. An alien who applies for admission under the 
provisions of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act who is determined by an 
immigration officer not to be eligible for admission under that section 
or to be inadmissible to the United States under one or more of the 
grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212 of the Act and which 
have not been previously waived by the Commissioner will be taken into 
custody. The district director having jurisdiction over the port-of-
entry shall follow the notification procedures specified in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section. A district director who has provided such notice 
and who has been advised by the Commissioner that the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, has not objected shall remove the alien 
without further hearing. An alien may not contest such removal, other 
than by applying for withholding of removal.

[[Page 1083]]



Sec.  1236.5  Fingerprints and photographs.

    Every alien 14 years of age or older against whom proceedings based 
on deportability under section 237 of the Act are commenced under this 
part by service of a notice to appear shall be fingerprinted and 
photographed. Such fingerprints and photographs shall be made available 
to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies upon request to 
the district director or chief patrol agent having jurisdiction over the 
alien's record. Any such alien, regardless of his or her age, shall be 
photographed and/or fingerprinted if required by any immigration officer 
authorized to issue a notice to appear. Every alien 14 years of age or 
older who is found to be inadmissible to the United States and ordered 
removed by an immigration judge shall be fingerprinted, unless during 
the preceding year he or she has been fingerprinted at an American 
consular office.



Sec.  1236.6  Information regarding detainees.

    No person, including any state or local government entity or any 
privately operated detention facility, that houses, maintains, provides 
services to, or otherwise holds any detainee on behalf of the Service 
(whether by contract or otherwise), and no other person who by virtue of 
any official or contractual relationship with such person obtains 
information relating to any detainee, shall disclose or otherwise permit 
to be made public the name of, or other information relating to, such 
detainee. Such information shall be under the control of the Service and 
shall be subject to public disclosure only pursuant to the provisions of 
applicable federal laws, regulations and executive orders. Insofar as 
any documents or other records contain such information, such documents 
shall not be public records. This section applies to all persons and 
information identified or described in it, regardless of when such 
persons obtained such information, and applies to all requests for 
public disclosure of such information, including requests that are the 
subject of proceedings pending as of April 17, 2002.

[67 FR 19511, Apr. 22, 2002]



Sec. Sec.  1236.7-1236.9  [Reserved]



PART 1238_EXPEDITED REMOVAL OF AGGRAVATED FELONS--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1228; 8 CFR part 2.



Sec.  1238.1  Proceedings under section 238(b) of the Act.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this part the term:
    Deciding Service officer means a district director, chief patrol 
agent, or another immigration officer designated by a district director, 
chief patrol agent, the Deputy Executive Associate Commissioner for 
Detention and Removal, or the Director of the Office of Juvenile 
Affairs, so long as that person is not the same person as the Issuing 
Service Officer.
    Issuing Service officer means any Service officer listed in Sec.  
1239.1 of this chapter as authorized to issue notices to appear.
    (b) Preliminary consideration and Notice of Intent to Issue a Final 
Administrative Deportation Order; commencement of proceedings--(1) Basis 
of Service charge. An issuing Service officer shall cause to be served 
upon an alien a Form I-851, Notice of Intent to Issue a Final 
Administrative Deportation Order (Notice of Intent), if the officer is 
satisfied that there is sufficient evidence, based upon questioning of 
the alien by an immigration officer and upon any other evidence 
obtained, to support a finding that the individual:
    (i) Is an alien;
    (ii) Has not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or has 
conditional permanent resident status under section 216 of the Act;
    (iii) Has been convicted (as defined in section 101(a)(48) of the 
Act and as demonstrated by any of the documents or records listed in 
Sec.  1003.41 of this chapter) of an aggravated felony and such 
conviction has become final; and
    (iv) Is deportable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Act, 
including an alien who has neither been admitted nor paroled, but who is 
conclusively

[[Page 1084]]

presumed deportable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) by operation of 
section 238(c) of the Act (``Presumption of Deportability'').
    (2) Notice. (i) Removal proceedings under section 238(b) of the Act 
shall commence upon personal service of the Notice of Intent upon the 
alien, as prescribed by Sec. Sec.  103.5a(a)(2) and 103.5a(c)(2) of 8 
CFR chapter I. The Notice of Intent shall set forth the preliminary 
determinations and inform the alien of the Service's intent to issue a 
Form I-851A, Final Administrative Removal Order, without a hearing 
before an immigration judge. The Notice of Intent shall constitute the 
charging document. The Notice of Intent shall include allegations of 
fact and conclusions of law. It shall advise that the alien: has the 
privilege of being represented, at no expense to the government, by 
counsel of the alien's choosing, as long as counsel is authorized to 
practice in removal proceedings; may request withholding of removal to a 
particular country if he or she fears persecution or torture in that 
country; may inspect the evidence supporting the Notice of Intent; may 
rebut the charges within 10 calendar days after service of such Notice 
(or 13 calendar days if service of the Notice was by mail).
    (ii) The Notice of Intent also shall advise the alien that he or she 
may designate in writing, within the rebuttal period, the country to 
which he or she chooses to be deported in accordance with section 241 of 
the Act, in the event that a Final Administrative Removal Order is 
issued, and that the Service will honor such designation only to the 
extent permitted under the terms, limitations, and conditions of section 
241 of the Act.
    (iii) The Service must determine that the person served with the 
Notice of Intent is the person named on the notice.
    (iv) The Service shall provide the alien with a list of available 
free legal services programs qualified under 8 CFR part 1003 and 
organizations recognized pursuant to 8 CFR part 1292, located within the 
district or sector where the Notice of Intent is issued.
    (v) The Service must either provide the alien with a written 
translation of the Notice of Intent or explain the contents of the 
Notice of Intent to the alien in the alien's native language or in a 
language that the alien understands.
    (c) Alien's response--(1) Time for response. The alien will have 10 
calendar days from service of the Notice of Intent or 13 calendar days 
if service is by mail, to file a response to the Notice of Intent. In 
the response, the alien may: designate his or her choice of country for 
removal; submit a written response rebutting the allegations supporting 
the charge and/or requesting the opportunity to review the Government's 
evidence; and/or submit a statement indicating an intention to request 
withholding of removal under 8 CFR 1208.16 of this chapter, and/or 
request in writing an extension of time for response, stating the 
specific reasons why such an extension is necessary.
    (2) Nature of rebuttal or request to review evidence. (i) If an 
alien chooses to rebut the allegations contained in the Notice of 
Intent, the alien's written response must indicate which finding(s) are 
being challenged and should be accompanied by affidavit(s), documentary 
information, or other specific evidence supporting the challenge.
    (ii) If an alien's written response requests the opportunity to 
review the Government's evidence, the Service shall serve the alien with 
a copy of the evidence in the record of proceeding upon which the 
Service is relying to support the charge. The alien may, within 10 
calendar days following service of the Government's evidence (13 
calendar days if service is by mail), furnish a final response in 
accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If the alien's final 
response is a rebuttal of the allegations, such a final response should 
be accompanied by affidavit(s), documentary information, or other 
specific evidence supporting the challenge.
    (d) Determination by deciding Service officer--(1) No response 
submitted or concession of deportability. If the deciding Service 
officer does not receive a timely response and the evidence in the 
record of proceeding establishes deportability by clear, convincing, and 
unequivocal evidence, or if the alien concedes deportability, then the 
deciding Service officer shall issue and

[[Page 1085]]

cause to be served upon the alien a Final Administrative Removal Order 
that states the reasons for the deportation decision. The alien may, in 
writing, waive the 14-day waiting period before execution of the final 
order of removal provided in a paragraph (f) of this section.
    (2) Response submitted--(i) Insufficient rebuttal; no genuine issue 
of material fact. If the alien timely submits a rebuttal to the 
allegations, but the deciding Service officer finds that deportability 
is established by clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence in the 
record of proceeding, the deciding Service officer shall issue and cause 
to be served upon the alien a Final Administrative Removal Order that 
states the reasons for the decision of deportability.
    (ii) Additional evidence required. (A) If the deciding Service 
officer finds that the record of proceeding, including the alien's 
timely rebuttal, raises a genuine issue of material fact regarding the 
preliminary findings, the deciding Service officer may either obtain 
additional evidence from any source, including the alien, or cause to be 
issued a notice to appear to initiate removal proceedings under section 
240 of the Act. The deciding Service officer may also obtain additional 
evidence from any source, including the alien, if the deciding Service 
officer deems that such additional evidence may aid the officer in the 
rendering of a decision.
    (B) If the deciding Service officer considers additional evidence 
from a source other than the alien, that evidence shall be made a part 
of the record of proceeding, and shall be provided to the alien. If the 
alien elects to submit a response to such additional evidence, such 
response must be filed with the Service within 10 calendar days of 
service of the additional evidence (or 13 calendar days if service is by 
mail). If the deciding Service officer finds, after considering all 
additional evidence, that deportability is established by clear, 
convincing, and unequivocal evidence in the record of proceeding, the 
deciding Service officer shall issue and cause to be served upon the 
alien a Final Administrative Removal Order that states the reasons for 
the decision of deportability.
    (iii) Conversion to proceedings under section 240 of the Act. If the 
deciding Service officer finds that the alien is not amenable to removal 
under section 238 of the Act, the deciding Service officer shall 
terminate the expedited proceedings under section 238 of the Act and 
shall, where appropriate, cause to be issued a notice to appear for the 
purpose of initiating removal proceedings before an immigration judge 
under section 240 of the Act.
    (3) Termination of proceedings by deciding Service officer. Only the 
deciding Service officer may terminate proceedings under section 238 of 
the Act, in accordance with this section.
    (e) Proceedings commenced under section 240 of the Act. In any 
proceeding commenced under section 240 of the Act which is based on 
deportability under section 237 of the Act, if it appears that the 
respondent alien is subject to removal pursuant to section 238 of the 
Act, the immigration judge may, upon the Service's request, terminate 
the case and, upon such termination, the Service may commence 
administrative proceedings under section 238 of the Act. However, in the 
absence of any such request, the immigration judge shall complete the 
proceeding commenced under section 240 of the Act.
    (f) Executing final removal order of deciding Service officer--(1) 
Time of execution. Upon the issuance of a Final Administrative Removal 
Order, the Service shall issue a Warrant of Removal in accordance with 
Sec.  1241.2 of this chapter; such warrant shall be executed no sooner 
than 14 calendar days after the date the Final Administrative Removal 
Order is issued, unless the alien knowingly, voluntarily, and in writing 
waives the 14-day period.
    (2) Country to which alien is to be removed. The deciding Service 
officer shall designate the country of removal in the manner prescribed 
by section 241 of the Act.
    (3) Withholding of removal. If the alien has requested withholding 
of removal under Sec.  1208.16 of this chapter, the deciding officer 
shall, upon issuance of a Final Administrative Removal Order, 
immediately refer the alien's case to an asylum officer to conduct a 
reasonable fear determination in accordance with Sec.  1208.31 of this 
chapter.

[[Page 1086]]

    (g) Arrest and detention. At the time of issuance of a Notice of 
Intent or at any time thereafter and up to the time the alien becomes 
the subject of a Warrant of Removal, the alien may be arrested and taken 
into custody under the authority of a Warrant of Arrest issued by an 
officer listed in Sec.  287.5(e)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I. The decision of 
the Service concerning custody or bond shall not be administratively 
appealable during proceedings initiated under section 238 of the Act and 
this part.
    (h) Record of proceeding. The Service shall maintain a record of 
proceeding for judicial review of the Final Administrative Removal Order 
sought by any petition for review. The record of proceeding shall 
include, but not necessarily be limited to: the charging document 
(Notice of Intent); the Final Administrative Removal Order (including 
any supplemental memorandum of decision); the alien's response, if any; 
all evidence in support of the charge; and any admissible evidence, 
briefs, or documents submitted by either party respecting deportability. 
The executed duplicate of the Notice of Intent in the record of 
proceedings shall be retained as evidence that the individual upon whom 
the notice for the proceeding was served was, in fact, the alien named 
in the notice.

[62 FR 10365, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8494, Feb. 19, 1999; 67 
FR 39258, June 7, 2002. Duplicated from Sec.  238.1 at 68 FR 9838, Feb. 
28, 2003, as amended at 68 FR 10355, Mar. 3, 2003]



PART 1239_INITIATION OF REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS--Table of Contents



Sec.
1239.1 Notice to appear.
1239.2 Cancellation of notice to appear.
1239.3 Effect of filing notice to appear.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1221, 1229.

    Source: 62 FR 10366, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 239 at 68 FR 9838, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1239 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10355, Mar. 3, 2003.



Sec.  1239.1  Notice to appear.

    (a) Commencement. Every removal proceeding conducted under section 
240 of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a) to determine the deportability or 
inadmissibility of an alien is commenced by the filing of a notice to 
appear with the immigration court. For provisions relating to the 
issuance of a notice to appear by an immigration officer, or supervisor 
thereof, see 8 CFR 239.1(a).
    (b) Service of notice to appear. Service of the notice to appear 
shall be in accordance with section 239 of the Act.

[62 FR 10366, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 67 FR 39258, June 7, 2002; 69 
FR 44907, July 28, 2004]



Sec.  1239.2  Cancellation of notice to appear.

    (a) Prior to commencement of proceedings. For provisions relating to 
the authority of an immigration officer to cancel a notice to appear 
prior to the vesting of jurisdiction with the immigration judge, see 8 
CFR 239.2(a) and (b).
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Motion to dismiss. After commencement of proceedings pursuant to 
8 CFR 1003.14, government counsel or an officer enumerated in 8 CFR 
239.1(a) may move for dismissal of the matter on the grounds set out 
under 8 CFR 239.2(a). Dismissal of the matter shall be without prejudice 
to the alien or the Department of Homeland Security.
    (d) Motion for remand. After commencement of the hearing, government 
counsel or an officer enumerated in 8 CFR 239.1(a) may move for remand 
of the matter to the Department of Homeland Security on the ground that 
the foreign relations of the United States are involved and require 
further consideration. Remand of the matter shall be without prejudice 
to the alien or the Department of Homeland Security.
    (e) Warrant of arrest. When a notice to appear is canceled or 
proceedings are terminated under this section any outstanding warrant of 
arrest is canceled.
    (f) Termination of removal proceedings by immigration judge. An 
immigration judge may terminate removal proceedings to permit the alien 
to proceed to a final hearing on a pending application or petition for 
naturalization when the alien has established prima facie eligibility 
for naturalization and the matter involves exceptionally appealing or 
humanitarian factors; in

[[Page 1087]]

every other case, the removal hearing shall be completed as promptly as 
possible notwithstanding the pendency of an application for 
naturalization during any state of the proceedings.

[62 FR 10366, Mar. 6, 1997. Duplicated from part 239 at 68 FR 9838, Feb. 
28, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 44907, July 28, 2004]



Sec.  1239.3  Effect of filing notice to appear.

    The filing of a notice to appear shall have no effect in determining 
periods of unlawful presence as defined in section 212(a)(9)(B) of the 
Act.



PART 1240_PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE REMOVABILITY OF ALIENS 
IN THE UNITED STATES--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_Removal Proceedings

Sec.
1240.1 Immigration judges.
1240.2 DHS counsel.
1240.3 Representation by counsel.
1240.4 Incompetent respondents.
1240.5 Interpreter.
1240.6 Postponement and adjournment of hearing.
1240.7 Evidence in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act.
1240.8 Burdens of proof in removal proceedings.
1240.9 Contents of record.
1240.10 Hearing.
1240.11 Ancillary matters, applications.
1240.12 Decision of the immigration judge.
1240.13 Notice of decision.
1240.14 Finality of order.
1240.15 Appeals.
1240.16 Application of new procedures or termination of proceedings in 
          old proceedings pursuant to section 309(c) of Public Law 104-
          208.
1240.17 Removal proceedings where the respondent has a credible fear of 
          persecution or torture.
1240.18-1240.19 [Reserved]

                    Subpart B_Cancellation of Removal

1240.20 Cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under section 
          240A of the Act.
1240.21 Suspension of deportation and adjustment of status under section 
          244(a) of the Act (as in effect before April 1, 1997) and 
          cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under section 
          240A(b) of the Act for certain nonpermanent residents.
1240.22-1240.24 [Reserved]

                      Subpart C_Voluntary Departure

1240.26 Voluntary departure--authority of the Executive Office for 
          Immigration Review.
1240.27-1240.29 [Reserved]

Subpart D_Exclusion of Aliens (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 
                                1, 1997)

1240.30 Proceedings prior to April 1, 1997.
1240.31 Authority of immigration judges.
1240.32 Hearing.
1240.33 Applications for asylum or withholding of deportation.
1240.34 Renewal of application for adjustment of status under section 
          245 of the Act.
1240.35 Decision of the immigration judge; notice to the applicant.
1240.36 Finality of order.
1240.37 Appeals.
1240.38 Fingerprinting of excluded aliens.
1240.39 [Reserved]

Subpart E_Proceedings To Determine Deportability of Aliens in the United 
States: Hearing and Appeal (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 
                                  1997)

1240.40 Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.
1240.41 Immigration judges.
1240.42 Representation by counsel.
1240.43 Incompetent respondents.
1240.44 Interpreter.
1240.45 Postponement and adjournment of hearing.
1240.46 Evidence.
1240.47 Contents of record.
1240.48 Hearing.
1240.49 Ancillary matters, applications.
1240.50 Decision of the immigration judge.
1240.51 Notice of decision.
1240.52 Finality of order.
1240.53 Appeals.
1240.54 [Reserved]

    Subpart F_Suspension of Deportation and Voluntary Departure (for 
              Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997)

1240.55 Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.
1240.56 Application.
1240.57 Extension of time to depart.
1240.58 Extreme hardship.

[[Page 1088]]

Subpart G--Civil Penalties for Failure to Depart [Reserved]

  Subpart H_Applications for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule 
      Cancellation of Removal Under Section 203 of Pub. L. 105	100

1240.60 Definitions.
1240.61 Applicability.
1240.62 Jurisdiction.
1240.63 Application process.
1240.64 Eligibility--general.
1240.65 Eligibility for suspension of deportation.
1240.66 Eligibility for special rule cancellation of removal.
1240.67 Procedure for interview before an asylum officer.
1240.68 Failure to appear at an interview before an asylum officer or 
          failure to follow requirements for fingerprinting.
1240.69 Reliance on information compiled by other sources.
1240.70 Decision by the Service.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1158, 1182, 1186a, 1186b, 1225, 1226, 
1227, 1228, 1229a, 1229b, 1229c, 1252 note, 1361, 1362; secs. 202 and 
203, Pub. L. 105-100 (111 Stat. 2160, 2193); sec. 902, Pub. L. 105-277 
(112 Stat. 2681).

    Source: 62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated in part and duplicated in part from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 
9840, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1240 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10355, Mar. 3, 2003.



                      Subpart A_Removal Proceedings



Sec.  1240.1  Immigration judges.

    (a) Authority. (1) In any removal proceeding pursuant to section 240 
of the Act, the immigration judge shall have the authority to:
    (i) Determine removability pursuant to section 240(a)(1) of the Act; 
to make decisions, including orders of removal as provided by section 
240(c)(1)(A) of the Act;
    (ii) To determine applications under sections 208, 212(a)(2)(F), 
212(a)(6)(F)(ii), 212(a)(9)(B)(v), 212(d)(11), 212(d)(12), 212(g), 
212(h), 212(i), 212(k), 237(a)(1)(E)(iii), 237(a)(1)(H), 
237(a)(3)(C)(ii), 240A(a) and (b), 240B, 245, and 249 of the Act, 
section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, section 902 of Pub. L. 105-277, and 
former section 212(c) of the Act (as it existed prior to April 1, 1997);
    (iii) To order withholding of removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) 
of the Act and pursuant to the Convention Against Torture; and
    (iv) To take any other action consistent with applicable law and 
regulations as may be appropriate.
    (2) An immigration judge may certify his or her decision in any case 
under section 240 of the Act to the Board of Immigration Appeals when it 
involves an unusually complex or novel question of law or fact. Nothing 
contained in this part shall be construed to diminish the authority 
conferred on immigration judges under sections 101(b)(4) and 103 of the 
Act.
    (b) Withdrawal and substitution of immigration judges. The 
immigration judge assigned to conduct the hearing shall at any time 
withdraw if he or she deems himself or herself disqualified. If an 
immigration judge becomes unavailable to complete his or her duties, 
another immigration judge may be assigned to complete the case. The new 
immigration judge shall familiarize himself or herself with the record 
in the case and shall state for the record that he or she has done so.
    (c) Conduct of hearing. The immigration judge shall receive and 
consider material and relevant evidence, rule upon objections, and 
otherwise regulate the course of the hearing.
    (d) Withdrawal of application for admission. An immigration judge 
may allow only an arriving alien to withdraw an application for 
admission. Once the issue of inadmissibility has been resolved, 
permission to withdraw an application for admission should ordinarily be 
granted only with the concurrence of the Service. An immigration judge 
shall not allow an alien to withdraw an application for admission unless 
the alien, in addition to demonstrating that he or she possesses both 
the intent and the means to depart immediately from the United States, 
establishes that factors directly relating to the issue of 
inadmissibility indicate that the granting of the withdrawal would be in 
the interest of justice. During the pendency of an appeal from the order 
of removal, permission to withdraw an application for

[[Page 1089]]

admission must be obtained from the immigration judge or the Board.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 15363, Apr. 1, 1997, as amended at 63 
FR 27829, May 21, 1998; 64 FR 8495, Feb. 19, 1999; 64 FR 25766, May 12, 
1999; 69 FR 57835, Sept. 28, 2004; 72 FR 53678, Sept. 20, 2007]



Sec.  1240.2  DHS Counsel.

    (a) Authority. DHS counsel shall present on behalf of the government 
evidence material to the issues of deportability or inadmissibility and 
any other issues that may require disposition by the immigration judge. 
The duties of the DHS counsel include, but are not limited to, the 
presentation of evidence and the interrogation, examination, and cross-
examination of the respondent or other witnesses. Nothing contained in 
this subpart diminishes the authority of an immigration judge to conduct 
proceedings under this part. The DHS counsel is authorized to appeal 
from a decision of the immigration judge pursuant to Sec.  1003.38 of 
this chapter and to move for reopening or reconsideration pursuant to 
Sec.  1003.23 of this chapter.
    (b) Assignment. In a removal proceeding, DHS shall assign an 
attorney to each case within the provisions of Sec.  1240.10(d), and to 
each case in which an unrepresented respondent is incompetent or is 
under 18 years of age, and is not accompanied by a guardian, relative, 
or friend. In a case in which the removal proceeding would result in an 
order of removal, DHS shall assign an attorney to each case in which a 
respondent's nationality is in issue. A DHS counsel shall be assigned in 
every case in which the Commissioner approves the submission of non-
record information under Sec.  1240.11(a)(3). In his or her discretion, 
whenever he or she deems such assignment necessary or advantageous, the 
General Counsel may assign a DHS counsel to any other case at any stage 
of the proceeding.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended 
at 86 FR 70724, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.3  Representation by counsel.

    The respondent may be represented at the hearing by an attorney or 
other representative qualified under 8 CFR part 1292.



Sec.  1240.4  Incompetent respondents.

    When it is impracticable for the respondent to be present at the 
hearing because of mental incompetency, the attorney, legal 
representative, legal guardian, near relative, or friend who was served 
with a copy of the notice to appear shall be permitted to appear on 
behalf of the respondent. If such a person cannot reasonably be found or 
fails or refuses to appear, the custodian of the respondent shall be 
requested to appear on behalf of the respondent.



Sec.  1240.5  Interpreter.

    Any person acting as an interpreter in a hearing before an 
immigration judge under this part shall be sworn to interpret and 
translate accurately, unless the interpreter is an employee of the 
United States Government, in which event no such oath shall be required.



Sec.  1240.6  Postponement and adjournment of hearing.

    After the commencement of the hearing, the immigration judge may 
grant a reasonable adjournment either at his or her own instance or, for 
good cause shown, upon application by the respondent or the Department 
of Homeland Security, provided that nothing in this section shall 
authorize an adjournment that causes the adjudication of an asylum 
application to exceed 180 days in the absence of exceptional 
circumstances, consistent with section 208(d)(5)(A)(iii) of the Act and 
Sec.  1003.10(b) of this chapter.

[85 FR 81751, Dec. 16, 2020]



Sec.  1240.7  Evidence in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act.

    (a) Use of prior statements. The immigration judge may receive in 
evidence any oral or written statement that is material and relevant to 
any issue in the case previously made by the respondent or any other 
person during any investigation, examination, hearing, or trial.
    (b) Testimony. Testimony of witnesses appearing at the hearing shall 
be under oath or affirmation administered by the immigration judge.

[[Page 1090]]

    (c) Depositions. The immigration judge may order the taking of 
depositions pursuant to Sec.  1003.35 of this chapter.



Sec.  1240.8  Burdens of proof in removal proceedings.

    (a) Deportable aliens. A respondent charged with deportability shall 
be found to be removable if the Service proves by clear and convincing 
evidence that the respondent is deportable as charged.
    (b) Arriving aliens. In proceedings commenced upon a respondent's 
arrival in the United States or after the revocation or expiration of 
parole, the respondent must prove that he or she is clearly and beyond a 
doubt entitled to be admitted to the United States and is not 
inadmissible as charged.
    (c) Aliens present in the United States without being admitted or 
paroled. In the case of a respondent charged as being in the United 
States without being admitted or paroled, the Service must first 
establish the alienage of the respondent. Once alienage has been 
established, unless the respondent demonstrates by clear and convincing 
evidence that he or she is lawfully in the United States pursuant to a 
prior admission, the respondent must prove that he or she is clearly and 
beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted to the United States and is not 
inadmissible as charged.
    (d) Relief from removal. The respondent shall have the burden of 
establishing that he or she is eligible for any requested benefit or 
privilege and that it should be granted in the exercise of discretion. 
If the evidence indicates that one or more of the grounds for mandatory 
denial of the application for relief may apply, the alien shall have the 
burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that such grounds 
do not apply.



Sec.  1240.9  Contents of record.

    The hearing before the immigration judge, including the testimony, 
exhibits, applications, proffers, and requests, the immigration judge's 
decision, and all written orders, motions, appeals, briefs, and other 
papers filed in the proceedings shall constitute the record in the case. 
The hearing shall be recorded verbatim except for statements made off 
the record with the permission of the immigration judge. In his or her 
discretion, the immigration judge may exclude from the record any 
arguments made in connection with motions, applications, requests, or 
objections, but in such event the person affected may submit a brief.



Sec.  1240.10  Hearing.

    (a) Opening. In a removal proceeding, the immigration judge shall:
    (1) Advise the respondent of his or her right to representation, at 
no expense to the government, by counsel of his or her own choice 
authorized to practice in the proceedings and require the respondent to 
state then and there whether he or she desires representation;
    (2) Advise the respondent of the availability of pro bono legal 
services for the immigration court location at which the hearing will 
take place, and ascertain that the respondent has received a list of 
such pro bono legal service providers.
    (3) Ascertain that the respondent has received a copy of appeal 
rights.
    (4) Advise the respondent that he or she will have a reasonable 
opportunity to examine and object to the evidence against him or her, to 
present evidence in his or her own behalf and to cross-examine witnesses 
presented by the government (but the respondent shall not be entitled to 
examine such national security information as the government may proffer 
in opposition to the respondent's admission to the United States or to 
an application by the respondent for discretionary relief);
    (5) Place the respondent under oath;
    (6) Read the factual allegations and the charges in the notice to 
appear to the respondent and explain them in non-technical language; and
    (7) Enter the notice to appear as an exhibit in the Record of 
Proceeding.
    (b) Public access to hearings. Removal hearings shall be open to the 
public, except that the immigration judge may, in his or her discretion, 
close proceedings as provided in Sec.  1003.27 of this chapter.

[[Page 1091]]

    (c) Pleading by respondent. The immigration judge shall require the 
respondent to plead to the notice to appear by stating whether he or she 
admits or denies the factual allegations and his or her removability 
under the charges contained therein. If the respondent admits the 
factual allegations and admits his or her removability under the charges 
and the immigration judge is satisfied that no issues of law or fact 
remain, the immigration judge may determine that removability as charged 
has been established by the admissions of the respondent. The 
immigration judge shall not accept an admission of removability from an 
unrepresented respondent who is incompetent or under the age of 18 and 
is not accompanied by an attorney or legal representative, a near 
relative, legal guardian, or friend; nor from an officer of an 
institution in which a respondent is an inmate or patient. When, 
pursuant to this paragraph, the immigration judge does not accept an 
admission of removability, he or she shall direct a hearing on the 
issues.
    (d) Issues of removability. When removability is not determined 
under the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, the immigration 
judge shall request the assignment of DHS counsel, and shall receive 
evidence as to any unresolved issues, except that no further evidence 
need be received as to any facts admitted during the pleading. The alien 
shall provide a court certified copy of a Judicial Recommendation 
Against Deportation (JRAD) to the immigration judge when such 
recommendation will be the basis of denying any charge(s) brought by DHS 
in the proceedings against the alien. No JRAD is effective against a 
charge of deportability under former section 241(a)(11) of the Act or if 
the JRAD was granted on or after November 29, 1990.
    (e) Additional charges in removal hearings. At any time during the 
proceeding, additional or substituted charges of inadmissibility and/or 
deportability and/or factual allegations may be lodged by DHS in 
writing. The alien in removal proceedings shall be served with a copy of 
these additional charges and allegations. The immigration judge shall 
read the additional factual allegations and charges to the alien and 
explain them to him or her. The immigration judge shall advise the 
alien, if he or she is not represented by counsel, that the alien may be 
so represented, and that he or she may be given a reasonable continuance 
to respond to the additional factual allegations and charges. 
Thereafter, the provision of Sec.  1240.6(b) relating to pleading shall 
apply to the additional factual allegations and charges.
    (f) Country of removal. With respect to an arriving alien covered by 
section 241(b)(1) of the Act, the country, or countries in the 
alternative, to which the alien may be removed will be determined 
pursuant to section 241(b)(1) of the Act. In any other case, the 
immigration judge shall notify the respondent that if he or she is 
finally ordered removed, the country of removal will in the first 
instance be the country designated by the respondent, except as 
otherwise provided under section 241(b)(2) of the Act, and shall afford 
him or her an opportunity then and there to make such designation. The 
immigration judge shall also identify for the record a country, or 
countries in the alternative, to which the alien's removal may be made 
pursuant to section 241(b)(2) of the Act if the country of the alien's 
designation will not accept him or her into its territory, or fails to 
furnish timely notice of acceptance, or if the alien declines to 
designate a country. In considering alternative countries of removal, 
acceptance or the existence of a functioning government is not required 
with respect to an alternative country described in section 
241(b)(1)(C)(i)-(iii) of the Act or a removal country described in 
section 241(b)(2)(E)(i)-(iv) of the Act. See 8 CFR 241.15.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated in part and duplicated in part 
from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 
674, Jan. 5, 2005; 80 FR 59513, Oct. 1, 2015; 86 FR 70724, Dec. 13, 
2021]



Sec.  1240.11  Ancillary matters, applications.

    (a) Creation of the status of an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence. (1) In a removal proceeding, an alien may apply to 
the immigration judge for cancellation of removal under section 240A of 
the Act, adjustment of

[[Page 1092]]

status under section 1 of the Act of November 2, 1966 (as modified by 
section 606 of Pub. L. 104-208), section 101 or 104 of the Act of 
October 28, 1977, section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, or section 902 of Pub. 
L. 105-277, or for the creation of a record of lawful admission for 
permanent residence under section 249 of the Act. The application shall 
be subject to the requirements of Sec.  1240.20, and 8 CFR parts 1245 
and 1249. The approval of any application made to the immigration judge 
under section 245 of the Act by an alien spouse (as defined in section 
216(g)(1) of the Act) or by an alien entrepreneur (as defined in section 
216A(f)(1) of the Act) shall result in the alien's obtaining the status 
of lawful permanent resident on a conditional basis in accordance with 
the provisions of section 216 or 216A of the Act, whichever is 
applicable. However, the Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence 
required by section 216(c) of the Act, or the Petition by Entrepreneur 
to Remove Conditions required by section 216A(c) of the Act shall be 
made to the director in accordance with 8 CFR part 1216.
    (2) In conjunction with any application for creation of status of an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence made to an immigration 
judge, if the alien is inadmissible under any provision of section 
212(a) of the Act, and believes that he or she meets the eligibility 
requirements for a waiver of the ground of inadmissibility, he or she 
may apply to the immigration judge for such waiver. The immigration 
judge shall inform the alien of his or her apparent eligibility to apply 
for any of the benefits enumerated in this chapter and shall afford the 
alien an opportunity to make application during the hearing, in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  1240.8(d). In a relevant case, 
the immigration judge may adjudicate the sufficiency of an Affidavit of 
Support Under Section 213A (Form I-864), executed on behalf of an 
applicant for admission or for adjustment of status, in accordance with 
the provisions of section 213A of the Act and 8 CFR part 213a.
    (3) In exercising discretionary power when considering an 
application for status as a permanent resident under this chapter, the 
immigration judge may consider and base the decision on information not 
contained in the record and not made available for inspection by the 
alien, provided the Commissioner has determined that such information is 
relevant and is classified under the applicable Executive Order as 
requiring protection from unauthorized disclosure in the interest of 
national security. Whenever the immigration judge believes that he or 
she can do so while safeguarding both the information and its source, 
the immigration judge should inform the alien of the general nature of 
the information in order that the alien may have an opportunity to offer 
opposing evidence. A decision based in whole or in part on such 
classified information shall state that the information is material to 
the decision.
    (b) Voluntary departure. The alien may apply to the immigration 
judge for voluntary departure in lieu of removal pursuant to section 
240B of the Act and subpart C of this part. The immigration judge shall 
advise the alien of the consequences of filing a post-decision motion to 
reopen or reconsider prior to the expiration of the time specified by 
the immigration judge for the alien to depart voluntarily.
    (c) Applications for asylum and withholding of removal. (1) If the 
alien expresses fear of persecution or harm upon return to any of the 
countries to which the alien might be removed pursuant to Sec.  
1240.10(f), and the alien has not previously filed an application for 
asylum or withholding of removal that has been referred to the 
immigration judge by an asylum officer in accordance with Sec.  1208.14 
of this chapter, the immigration judge shall:
    (i) Advise the alien that he or she may apply for asylum in the 
United States or withholding of removal to those countries;
    (ii) Make available the appropriate application forms; and
    (iii) Advise the alien of the privilege of being represented by 
counsel at no expense to the government and of the consequences, 
pursuant to section 208(d)(6) of the Act, of knowingly filing a 
frivolous application for asylum. The immigration judge shall provide to 
the alien a list of persons who have indicated their availability to 
represent

[[Page 1093]]

aliens in asylum proceedings on a pro bono basis.
    (2) An application for asylum or withholding of removal must be 
filed with the Immigration Court, pursuant to Sec.  1208.4(b) of this 
chapter. Upon receipt of an application, the Immigration Court may 
forward a copy to the Department of State pursuant to Sec.  1208.11 of 
this chapter and shall calendar the case for a hearing. The reply, if 
any, from the Department of State, unless classified under an applicable 
Executive Order, shall be given to both the alien and to DHS counsel and 
shall be included in the record.
    (3) Applications for asylum and withholding of removal so filed will 
be decided by the immigration judge pursuant to the requirements and 
standards established in 8 CFR part 1208 of this chapter after an 
evidentiary hearing to resolve factual issues in dispute. An evidentiary 
hearing extending beyond issues related to the basis for a mandatory 
denial of the application pursuant to Sec.  1208.14 or Sec.  1208.16 of 
this chapter is not necessary once the immigration judge has determined 
that such a denial is required.
    (i) Evidentiary hearings on applications for asylum or withholding 
of removal will be open to the public unless the alien expressly 
requests that the hearing be closed pursuant to Sec.  3.27 of this 
chapter. The immigration judge shall inquire whether the alien requests 
such closure.
    (ii) Nothing in this section is intended to limit the authority of 
the immigration judge to properly control the scope of any evidentiary 
hearing.
    (iii) During the removal hearing, the alien shall be examined under 
oath on his or her application and may present evidence and witnesses in 
his or her own behalf. The alien has the burden of establishing that he 
or she is a refugee as defined in section 101(a)(42) of the Act pursuant 
to the standards set forth in Sec.  1208.13 of this chapter.
    (iv) DHS counsel may call witnesses and present evidence for the 
record, including information classified under the applicable Executive 
Order, provided the immigration judge or the Board has determined that 
such information is relevant to the hearing. When the immigration judge 
receives such classified information, he or she shall inform the alien. 
The agency that provides the classified information to the immigration 
judge may provide an unclassified summary of the information for release 
to the alien, whenever it determines it can do so consistently with 
safeguarding both the classified nature of the information and its 
sources. The summary should be as detailed as possible, in order that 
the alien may have an opportunity to offer opposing evidence. A decision 
based in whole or in part on such classified information shall state 
whether such information is material to the decision.
    (4) The decision of an immigration judge to grant or deny asylum or 
withholding of removal shall be communicated to the alien and to the DHS 
counsel. An adverse decision shall state why asylum or withholding of 
removal was denied.
    (d) Application for relief under sections 237(a)(1)(H) and 
237(a)(1)(E)(iii) of the Act. The respondent may apply to the 
immigration judge for relief from removal under sections 237(a)(1)(H) 
and 237(a)(1)(E)(iii) of the Act.
    (e) General. An application under this section shall be made only 
during the hearing and shall not be held to constitute a concession of 
alienage or deportability in any case in which the respondent does not 
admit his or her alienage or deportability. However, nothing in this 
section shall prohibit DHS from using information supplied in an 
application for asylum or withholding of deportation or removal 
submitted to DHS on or after January 4, 1995, as the basis for issuance 
of a charging document or to establish alienage or deportability in a 
case referred to an immigration judge under Sec.  1208.14(b) of this 
chapter. The alien shall have the burden of establishing that he or she 
is eligible for any requested benefit or privilege and that it should be 
granted in the exercise of discretion. Nothing contained in this section 
is intended to foreclose the respondent from applying for any benefit or 
privilege that he or she believes himself or herself eligible to receive 
in proceedings under this part. Nothing in this section is intended to 
limit the Attorney General's authority to remove

[[Page 1094]]

an alien to any country permitted by section 241(b) of the Act.
    (f) Fees. The alien shall not be required to pay a fee on more than 
one application within paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section, provided 
that the minimum fee imposed when more than one application is made 
shall be determined by the cost of the application with the highest fee. 
When a motion to reopen or reconsider is made concurrently with an 
application for relief seeking one of the immigration benefits set forth 
in paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section, only the fee set forth in 
Sec.  1103.7(b)(1) of this chapter for the motion must accompany the 
motion and application for relief. If such a motion is granted, the 
appropriate fee for the application for relief, if any, set forth in 
Sec.  1103.7(b)(4) of this chapter, must be paid within the time 
specified in order to complete the application.
    (g) U.S.-Canada safe third country agreement, which includes the 
Additional Protocol of 2022. (1) The immigration judge has authority to 
apply section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, relating to a determination that 
an alien may be removed to Canada pursuant to the 2002 U.S.-Canada 
Agreement (``Agreement''), in the case of an alien who is subject to the 
terms of the Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, 
and is placed in proceedings pursuant to section 240 of the Act. In an 
appropriate case, the immigration judge shall determine whether under 
that Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, the 
alien should be returned to Canada, or whether the alien should be 
permitted to pursue asylum or other protection in the United States.
    (2) An alien described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section is 
ineligible to apply for asylum, pursuant to section 208(a)(2)(A) of the 
Act, unless the immigration judge determines, by preponderance of the 
evidence, that:
    (i) The Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, 
does not apply to the alien or does not preclude the alien from applying 
for asylum in the United States; or
    (ii) The alien qualifies for an exception to the Agreement, which 
includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, as set forth in paragraph 
(g)(3) of this section.
    (3) The immigration judge shall apply the applicable regulations in 
deciding whether the alien qualifies for any exception under the 
Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, that would 
permit the United States to exercise authority over the alien's asylum 
claim. The exceptions under the Agreement, which includes the Additional 
Protocol of 2022, are codified at 8 CFR 208.30(e)(6)(iii). The 
immigration judge shall not review, consider, or decide any issues 
pertaining to any discretionary determination on whether the alien 
should be permitted to pursue an asylum claim in the United States 
notwithstanding the general terms of the Agreement, which includes the 
Additional Protocol of 2022, as such discretionary public interest 
determinations are reserved to DHS. However, an alien in removal 
proceedings who is otherwise ineligible to apply for asylum under the 
Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, may apply for 
asylum if DHS files a written notice in the proceedings before the 
immigration judge that it has decided in the public interest to allow 
the alien to pursue claims for asylum or withholding of removal.
    (4) An alien who is found to be ineligible to apply for asylum under 
section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act is ineligible to apply for withholding 
of removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) of the Act and the Convention 
Against Torture. However, the alien may apply for any other relief from 
removal for which the alien may be eligible. If an alien who is subject 
to the Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of 2022, and 
section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act is ordered removed, the alien shall be 
ordered removed to Canada, in which the alien will be able to pursue his 
or her claims for asylum or protection against persecution or torture 
under the laws of Canada.
    (h) Other asylum cooperative agreements. (1) The immigration judge 
has authority to apply section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, relating to a 
determination that an alien may be removed to a third country pursuant 
to a bilateral or multilateral agreement--other than the 2002 U.S.-
Canada Agreement, which includes the Additional Protocol of

[[Page 1095]]

2022--in the case of an alien who is subject to the terms of the 
relevant agreement and is placed in proceedings pursuant to section 240 
of the Act. In an appropriate case, the immigration judge shall 
determine whether under the relevant agreement the alien should be 
removed to the third country, or whether the alien should be permitted 
to pursue asylum or other protection claims in the United States. If 
more than one agreement applies to the alien and the alien is ordered 
removed, the immigration judge shall enter alternate orders of removal 
to each relevant country.
    (2) An alien described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section is 
ineligible to apply for asylum pursuant to section 208(a)(2)(A) of the 
Act, or for withholding of removal or CAT protection in the United 
States, unless the immigration judge determines, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that:
    (i) The relevant agreement does not apply to the alien or does not 
preclude the alien from applying for asylum in the United States;
    (ii) The alien qualifies for an exception to the relevant agreement 
as set forth in paragraph (h)(3) of this section and the Federal 
Register document specifying the exceptions particular to the relevant 
agreement; or
    (iii) The alien has demonstrated that it is more likely than not 
that he or she would be persecuted on account of a protected ground or 
tortured in the third country.
    (3) The immigration judge shall apply the applicable regulations in 
deciding whether an alien described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section 
qualifies for an exception under the relevant agreement that would 
permit the United States to exercise authority over the alien's asylum 
claim. The exceptions for agreements with countries other than Canada 
are further explained by the applicable published Federal Register 
document setting out each Agreement and its exceptions. The immigration 
judge shall not review, consider, or decide any issues pertaining to any 
discretionary determination on whether an alien described in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this section should be allowed to pursue an application for 
asylum in the United States notwithstanding the general terms of an 
agreement, as section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act reserves to the Secretary 
or his delegates the determination whether it is in the public interest 
for the alien to receive asylum in the United States. However, an alien 
in removal proceedings who is otherwise ineligible to apply for asylum 
under an agreement may apply for asylum if DHS files a written notice in 
the proceedings before the immigration judge that DHS has decided in the 
public interest that the alien may pursue an application for asylum or 
withholding of removal in the United States.
    (4) If the immigration judge determines that an alien described in 
paragraph (h)(1) of this section is subject to the terms of agreements 
formed pursuant to section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act, and that the alien 
has failed to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the alien 
would be persecuted on account of a protected ground or tortured in 
those third countries, then the alien is ineligible to apply for 
withholding of removal pursuant to section 241(b)(3) of the Act and the 
Convention Against Torture notwithstanding any other provision in this 
chapter. However, the alien may apply for any other relief from removal 
for which the alien may be eligible. If an alien who is subject to 
section 208(a)(2)(A) of the Act is ordered removed, the alien shall be 
ordered removed to the relevant third country in which the alien will be 
able to pursue his or her claims for asylum or protection against 
persecution or torture under the laws of that country.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 62 FR 45150, Aug. 26, 1997; 63 
FR 27829, May 21, 1998; 64 FR 25766, May 12, 1999; 69 FR 69497, Nov. 29, 
2004; 71 FR 35757, June 21, 2006; 73 FR 76937, Dec. 18, 2008; 78 FR 
19080, Mar. 29, 2013; 84 FR 64010, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 
2020; 86 FR 70724, Dec. 13, 2021; 88 FR 18240, Mar. 28, 2023]



Sec.  1240.12  Decision of the immigration judge.

    (a) Contents. The decision of the immigration judge may be oral or 
written. The decision of the immigration judge shall include a finding 
as to inadmissibility or deportability. The formal enumeration of 
findings is not required. The decision shall also contain

[[Page 1096]]

reasons for granting or denying the request. The decision shall be 
concluded with the order of the immigration judge.
    (b) Summary decision. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 
(a) of this section, in any case where inadmissibility or deportability 
is determined on the pleadings pursuant to Sec.  1240.10(b) and the 
respondent does not make an application under Sec.  1240.11, the alien 
is statutorily ineligible for relief, or the respondent applies for 
voluntary departure only and the immigration judge grants the 
application, the immigration judge may enter a summary decision or, if 
voluntary departure is granted, a summary decision with an alternate 
order of removal.
    (c) Order of the immigration judge. The order of the immigration 
judge shall direct the respondent's removal from the United States, or 
the termination of the proceedings, or other such disposition of the 
case as may be appropriate. The immigration judge is authorized to issue 
orders in the alternative or in combination as he or she may deem 
necessary.
    (d) Removal. When a respondent is ordered removed from the United 
States, the immigration judge shall identify a country, or countries in 
the alternative, to which the alien's removal may in the first instance 
be made, pursuant to the provisions of section 241(b) of the Act. In the 
event that the Department of Homeland Security is unable to remove the 
alien to the specified or alternative country or countries, the order of 
the immigration judge does not limit the authority of the Department of 
Homeland Security to remove the alien to any other country as permitted 
by section 241(b) of the Act.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated in part and duplicated in part 
from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003; 70 FR 674, Jan. 5, 
2005]



Sec.  1240.13  Notice of decision.

    (a) Written decision. A written decision shall be served upon the 
respondent and the DHS counsel, together with the notice referred to in 
Sec.  1003.3 of this chapter. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.
    (b) Oral decision. An oral decision shall be stated by the 
immigration judge in the presence of the respondent and the DHS counsel, 
if any, at the conclusion of the hearing. A copy of the summary written 
order shall be furnished at the request of the respondent or the DHS 
counsel.
    (c) Summary decision. When the immigration judge renders a summary 
decision as provided in Sec.  1240.12(b), he or she shall serve a copy 
thereof upon the respondent and the DHS counsel at the conclusion of the 
hearing.
    (d) Decision to remove. If the immigration judge decides that the 
respondent is removable and orders the respondent to be removed, the 
immigration judge shall advise the respondent of such decision, and of 
the consequences for failure to depart under the order of removal, 
including civil and criminal penalties described at sections 274D and 
243 of the Act. Unless appeal from the decision is waived, the 
respondent shall be furnished with Form EOIR-26, Notice of Appeal, and 
advised of the provisions of Sec.  1240.15.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated in part and duplicated in part 
from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended at 86 FR 
70724, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.14  Finality of order.

    The order of the immigration judge shall become final in accordance 
with Sec.  1003.39 of this chapter.



Sec.  1240.15  Appeals.

    Pursuant to 8 CFR part 1003, an appeal shall lie from a decision of 
an immigration judge to the Board of Immigration Appeals, except that no 
appeal shall lie from an order of removal entered in absentia. The 
procedures regarding the filing of a Form EOIR 26, Notice of Appeal, 
fees, and briefs are set forth in Sec. Sec.  1003.3, 1003.31, and 
1003.38 of this chapter. An appeal shall be filed within 30 calendar 
days after the mailing of a written decision, the stating of an oral 
decision, or the service of a summary decision. The filing date is 
defined as the date of receipt of the Notice of Appeal by the Board of 
Immigration Appeals. The reasons for the appeal shall be stated in the 
Notice of

[[Page 1097]]

Appeal in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  1003.3(b) of this 
chapter. Failure to do so may constitute a ground for dismissal of the 
appeal by the Board pursuant to Sec.  1003.1(d)(2) of this chapter.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 66 FR 6446, Jan. 22, 2001]



Sec.  1240.16  Application of new procedures or termination of proceedings 
in old proceedings pursuant to section 309(c) of Public Law 104-208.

    The Attorney General shall have the sole discretion to apply the 
provisions of section 309(c) of Public Law 104-208, which provides for 
the application of new removal procedures to certain cases in exclusion 
or deportation proceedings and for the termination of certain cases in 
exclusion or deportation proceedings and initiation of new removal 
proceedings. The Attorney General's application of the provisions of 
section 309(c) shall become effective upon publication of a notice in 
the Federal Register. However, if the Attorney General determines, in 
the exercise of his or her discretion, that the delay caused by 
publication would adversely affect the interests of the United States or 
the effective enforcement of the immigration laws, the Attorney 
General's application shall become effective immediately upon issuance, 
and shall be published in the Federal Register as soon as practicable 
thereafter.



Sec.  1240.17  Removal proceedings where the respondent has a credible fear 
of persecution or torture.

    (a) Scope. This section applies in cases referred to the immigration 
court under 8 CFR 208.14(c)(1) where the respondent has been found to 
have a credible fear of persecution or torture, and U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS) subsequently adjudicated but did not grant 
the respondent's application for asylum under section 208 of the Act; or 
the respondent was included in a spouse's or parent's application under 
8 CFR 208.2(a)(1)(ii) that USCIS subsequently adjudicated but did not 
grant under section 208 of the Act. Except as otherwise provided in this 
section, removal proceedings for such respondents shall be governed by 
the same rules and procedures that apply to proceedings conducted under 
this subpart. In all cases, such proceedings shall be conducted in 
accordance with section 208 of the Act. Should any part of the USCIS 
process governing cases covered by 8 CFR 208.2(a)(1)(ii) be enjoined or 
vacated, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) shall have 
the discretion to adjudicate any case referred to EOIR under 8 CFR 
208.14(c)(1) using the rules and procedures that apply to proceedings 
conducted under this subpart without regard to this section.
    (b) Commencement of proceedings. Removal proceedings conducted under 
this section shall commence when DHS files a Notice to Appear (NTA) 
pursuant to 8 CFR part 1239 and schedules the master calendar hearing to 
take place 30 days after the date the NTA is served or, if a hearing 
cannot be held on that date, on the next available date no later than 35 
days after the date of service. Where the NTA is served by mail, the 
date of service shall be construed as the date the NTA is mailed. The 
DHS component issuing the NTA shall also identify for the respondent and 
the immigration court that the case is subject to the provisions of this 
section. DHS shall personally serve the NTA on the respondent whenever 
practicable and by mail when personal service is not effectuated, and 
shall inform the respondent of the right to be represented by counsel.
    (c) Service of the record. No later than the date of the master 
calendar hearing, DHS shall serve on the respondent and on the 
immigration court where the NTA is filed the record initiating 
proceedings as defined in this paragraph (c). The record initiating 
proceedings shall include the record of proceedings for the asylum 
merits interview, as outlined in 8 CFR 208.9(f), the Form I-213, Record 
of Deportable/Inadmissible Alien, pertaining to the respondent, and the 
asylum officer's written decision issued pursuant to 8 CFR 208.19. If 
service is not effectuated as provided in this paragraph (c), the 
schedule of proceedings pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section shall 
be delayed until service is effectuated.

[[Page 1098]]

    (d) Failure to appear. An immigration judge shall issue an in 
absentia removal order where the respondent fails to appear at the 
master calendar hearing scheduled under paragraph (b) of this section, 
or at a later status conference or hearing under this section, if the 
requirements under section 240(b)(5) of the Act and Sec.  1003.26 of 
this chapter are met, unless the immigration judge waives the 
respondent's presence under Sec.  1003.25(a) of this chapter. If the 
asylum officer determined the respondent eligible for withholding of 
removal under the Act or withholding or deferral of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture, the immigration judge shall give effect to 
the protection for which the asylum officer determined the respondent 
eligible, unless DHS makes a prima facie showing, through evidence that 
specifically pertains to the respondent and was not in the record of 
proceedings for the USCIS asylum merits interview, that the respondent 
is not eligible for such protection(s). Where DHS makes such a showing 
at the master calendar hearing or status conference, the immigration 
judge shall allow the respondent a reasonable opportunity of at least 
10, but no more than 30, days to respond before issuing an order.
    (e) Form of application. In removal proceedings under this section, 
the written record of the positive credible fear determination issued in 
accordance with 8 CFR 208.30(f) satisfies the respondent's filing 
requirement for the application for asylum, withholding of removal under 
the Act, and withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention 
Against Torture. The record of the proceedings for the hearing before 
the asylum officer, as outlined in 8 CFR 208.9(f), and the asylum 
officer's decision, together with any amendment, correction, or 
supplementation made before the immigration judge as described in Sec.  
1208.3(a)(2) of this chapter, shall be admitted as evidence and 
considered by the immigration judge, in addition to any further 
documentation and testimony provided by the parties under the procedures 
in this section.
    (f) Schedule of proceedings--(1) Master calendar hearing. At the 
master calendar hearing, the immigration judge shall perform the 
functions required by Sec.  1240.10(a), including advising the 
respondent of the right to be represented, at no expense to the 
Government, by counsel of the respondent's own choice. In addition, the 
immigration judge shall advise the respondent as to the nature of 
removal proceedings under this section, including: That the respondent 
has pending applications for asylum, withholding of removal under the 
Act and withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention Against 
Torture, as appropriate; that the respondent has the right to present 
evidence in support of the applications; that the respondent has the 
right to call witnesses and to testify at any merits hearing; and that 
the respondent must comply with the deadlines that govern the submission 
of evidence. Except where the respondent is ordered removed in absentia, 
at the conclusion of the master calendar hearing, the immigration judge 
shall schedule a status conference 30 days after the master calendar 
hearing or, if a status conference cannot be held on that date, on the 
next available date no later than 35 days after the master calendar 
hearing. The immigration judge shall inform the respondent of the 
requirements for the status conference. The adjournment of the case 
until the status conference shall not constitute a continuance for the 
purposes of paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
    (2) Status conference. The purpose of the status conference shall be 
to take pleadings, identify and narrow the issues, determine whether the 
case can be decided on the documentary record, and, if necessary, ready 
the case for a merits hearing. At the status conference, the immigration 
judge shall advise the respondent that: The respondent has the right to 
present evidence in support of the applications; the respondent has the 
right to call witnesses and to testify at any merits hearing; and the 
respondent must comply with the deadlines that govern the submission of 
evidence. Based on the parties' representations at the status conference 
and an independent evaluation of the record, the immigration judge shall 
decide whether further proceedings are warranted or whether the

[[Page 1099]]

case will be decided on the documentary record in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(4) of this section. If the immigration judge determines 
that further proceedings are warranted, the immigration judge shall 
schedule the merits hearing to take place 60 days after the master 
calendar hearing or, if the merits hearing cannot be held on that date, 
on the next available date no later than 65 days after the master 
calendar hearing. The immigration judge may schedule additional status 
conferences prior to the merits hearing if the immigration judge 
determines that such conferences are warranted and would contribute to 
the efficient resolution of the case.
    (i) The respondent. At the status conference, the respondent shall 
plead to the NTA under Sec.  1240.10(c), and indicate orally or in 
writing whether the respondent intends to seek any protection(s) for 
which the asylum officer did not find the respondent eligible.
    (A)(1) If the respondent indicates that the respondent intends to 
contest removal or seek any protection(s) for which the asylum officer 
did not determine the respondent eligible, the respondent shall, either 
orally or in writing:
    (i) Indicate whether the respondent intends to testify before the 
immigration court;
    (ii) Identify any witnesses the respondent intends to call in 
support of the applications at the merits hearing;
    (iii) Provide any additional documentation in support of the 
applications;
    (iv) Describe any alleged errors or omissions in the asylum 
officer's decision or the record of proceedings before the asylum 
officer;
    (v) Articulate or confirm any additional bases for asylum and 
related protection, whether or not they were presented to or developed 
before the asylum officer; and
    (vi) State any additional requested forms of relief or protection.
    (2) If the respondent is unrepresented, the respondent shall not be 
required to provide items set forth in paragraphs (f)(2)(i)(A)(1)(iv), 
(v), and (vi) of this section.
    (B) If the respondent indicates that the respondent does not intend 
to contest removal or seek any protection(s) for which the asylum 
officer did not find the respondent eligible, the immigration judge 
shall order the respondent removed, and no further proceedings shall be 
held by the immigration judge. If the asylum officer determined the 
respondent eligible for withholding of removal under the Act or 
withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture, 
the immigration judge shall give effect to the protection(s) for which 
the asylum officer determined the respondent eligible, unless DHS makes 
a prima facie showing, through evidence that specifically pertains to 
the respondent and was not in the record of proceedings for the USCIS 
asylum merits interview, that the respondent is not eligible for such 
protection(s).
    (ii) DHS. (A) At the status conference, DHS shall indicate orally or 
in writing whether it intends to:
    (1) Rest on the record;
    (2) Waive cross examination of the respondent;
    (3) Otherwise participate in the case; or
    (4) Waive appeal if the immigration judge decides that the 
respondent's application should be granted.
    (B) If DHS indicates that it will participate in the case, it shall, 
either orally or in writing at the status conference, or in a written 
submission pursuant to paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section:
    (1) State its position on each of the respondent's claimed grounds 
for asylum or related protection;
    (2) State which elements of the respondent's claim for asylum or 
related protection it is contesting and which facts it is disputing, if 
any, and provide an explanation of its position;
    (3) Identify any witnesses it intends to call at any merits hearing;
    (4) Provide any additional non-rebuttal or non-impeachment evidence; 
and
    (5) State whether the appropriate identity, law enforcement, or 
security investigations or examinations required by section 
208(d)(5)(A)(i) of the Act and Sec.  1003.47 of this chapter have been 
completed.
    (C) Any position DHS expresses pursuant to paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(A) 
of this section may be retracted, orally or in

[[Page 1100]]

writing, prior to the issuance of the immigration judge's decision, if 
DHS seeks consideration of evidence pursuant to the standard laid out in 
paragraph (g)(2) of this section. Where the immigration judge holds a 
merits hearing or hearings, any position DHS expressed pursuant to 
paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(A) may only be retracted prior to the final 
hearing; if no such hearing is held, the retraction must take place 
prior to the immigration judge's decision.
    (3) Written submissions. (i) If DHS intends to participate in the 
case, DHS shall file a written statement that provides any information 
required under paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section that DHS did not 
provide at the status conference, as well as any other relevant 
information or argument in response to the respondent's submissions. 
DHS's written statement, if any, shall be filed no later than 15 days 
prior to the scheduled merits hearing or, if the immigration judge 
determines that no such hearing is warranted, no later than 15 days 
following the status conference. Where DHS intends to participate in the 
case but does not timely provide its position as required under 
paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section, either at the status conference or 
in its written statement, to one or more of the respondent's claimed 
grounds for asylum or related protection, including which arguments 
raised by the respondent it is disputing and which facts it is 
contesting, the immigration judge shall have authority to deem those 
arguments or claims unopposed; provided, however, that DHS may respond 
at the merits hearing to any arguments or claimed bases for asylum first 
advanced by the respondent after the status conference.
    (ii) The respondent may submit a filing no later than 5 days prior 
to the scheduled merits hearing or, if the immigration judge determines 
that no such hearing is warranted, no later than 25 days following the 
status conference, that supplements the respondent's oral statement or 
written submission under paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section. In the 
respondent's supplemental filing, if any, the respondent shall reply to 
any statement submitted by DHS, identify any additional witnesses, and 
provide any additional documentation in support of respondent's 
applications.
    (4) Merits hearings. (i) If DHS has indicated that it waives cross 
examination and neither the respondent nor DHS has requested to present 
testimony under the pre-hearing procedures in paragraph (f)(2) and (3) 
of this section, the immigration judge shall decide the case on the 
documentary record, without holding a merits hearing, unless the 
immigration judge, after consideration of the record, determines that a 
merits hearing is necessary to fulfill the immigration judge's duty to 
fully develop the record.
    (ii) If the respondent has timely requested to present testimony and 
DHS has indicated that it waives cross examination and does not intend 
to present testimony or produce evidence, and the immigration judge 
concludes, consistent with the immigration judge's duty to fully develop 
the record, that the respondent's application can be granted without 
further testimony, the immigration judge shall grant the application 
without holding a merits hearing.
    (iii) In all other situations, the immigration judge shall proceed 
as follows:
    (A) If the immigration judge determines that proceedings can be 
completed at the merits hearing scheduled under paragraph (f)(1) of this 
section, the immigration judge shall hold the scheduled merits hearing, 
at which the immigration judge shall swear the respondent to the truth 
and accuracy of any information or statements submitted pursuant to 
paragraphs (f)(2) and (3) of this section, hear all live testimony 
requested by the parties, consider the parties' submissions, and, 
whenever practicable, issue an oral decision in the case.
    (B) If the immigration judge determines that proceedings cannot be 
completed at the merits hearing scheduled under paragraph (f)(1) of this 
section, the immigration judge may conduct a portion of the scheduled 
hearing, hold a status conference in lieu of the scheduled hearing, and 
take any other steps the immigration judge deems necessary and efficient 
to expeditiously resolve the case. The immigration

[[Page 1101]]

judge shall schedule any and all subsequent merits hearings to occur no 
later than 30 days after the initial merits hearing.
    (5) Decision. Whenever practicable, the immigration judge shall 
issue an oral decision on the date of the final merits hearing or, if 
the immigration judge determines that no merits hearing is warranted, no 
more than 30 days after the status conference. The immigration judge may 
not, however, issue a decision in a case where DHS has made a prima 
facie showing, through evidence that specifically pertains to the 
respondent and was not in the record of proceedings for the USCIS asylum 
merits interview, that the respondent is not eligible for withholding of 
removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture unless the 
respondent was first provided a reasonable opportunity of at least 10, 
but no more than 30, days to respond to the evidence submitted by DHS. 
Where issuance of an oral decision on the date specified under the first 
sentence of this paragraph (f)(5) is not practicable, the immigration 
judge shall issue an oral or written decision as soon as practicable, 
and in no case more than 45 days after the date specified under the 
first sentence of this paragraph (f)(5).
    (g) Consideration of evidence and testimony. (1) The immigration 
judge shall exclude documentary evidence or witness testimony only if it 
is not relevant or probative; if its use is fundamentally unfair; or if 
the documentary evidence is not submitted or the testimony is not 
requested by the applicable deadline, absent a timely request for a 
continuance or filing extension that is granted.
    (2) The immigration judge may consider documentary evidence or 
witness testimony submitted after the applicable deadline, taking into 
account any timely requests for continuances or filing extensions that 
are granted, but before the immigration judge has issued a decision, 
only if the evidence could not reasonably have been obtained and 
presented before the applicable deadline through the exercise of due 
diligence or if the exclusion of such evidence would violate a statute 
or the Constitution. The admission of such evidence shall not 
automatically entitle either party to a continuance or filing extension; 
such a continuance or extension is governed by paragraph (h) of this 
section.
    (h) Continuances, adjournments, and filing extensions--(1) In 
general. For cases governed by this section, an immigration judge may 
grant a continuance of a hearing date or extension of a filing deadline 
only as set forth in this paragraph (h).
    (2) Respondent-requested continuances and filings extensions. (i) 
The immigration judge may, for good cause shown, grant the respondent 
continuances and extend the respondent's filing deadlines. Each such 
continuance or extension shall not exceed 10 calendar days, unless the 
immigration judge determines that a longer period is more efficient. The 
immigration judge may not grant the respondent continuances or 
extensions for good cause that cause a merits hearing to occur more than 
90 days after the master calendar hearing.
    (ii) The immigration judge may grant the respondent continuances or 
extensions that cause a merits hearing to occur more than 90 days after 
the master calendar hearing only if the respondent demonstrates that the 
continuance or extension is necessary to ensure a fair proceeding and 
the need for the continuance or extension exists despite the 
respondent's exercise of due diligence. The length of any such 
continuance or extension shall be limited to the time necessary to 
ensure a fair proceeding. The immigration judge may not grant the 
respondent continuances or extensions pursuant to this paragraph 
(h)(2)(ii) that cause a merits hearing to occur more than 135 days after 
the master calendar hearing.
    (iii) The immigration judge may grant the respondent continuances or 
extensions notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and 
(ii) of this section if the respondent demonstrates that failure to 
grant the continuance or extension would be contrary to statute or the 
Constitution.
    (iv) In calculating the delay to a merits hearing for purposes of 
applying paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section, the immigration 
judge shall exclude any continuances, hearing

[[Page 1102]]

delays, or filing extensions issued pursuant to paragraphs (h)(3) and 
(4) of this section.
    (3) DHS-requested continuances and filings extensions. The 
immigration judge may, based on significant Government need, grant DHS 
continuances and extend DHS's filing deadlines. Significant Government 
need may include, but is not limited to, confirming domestic or foreign 
law-enforcement interest in the respondent, conducting forensic analysis 
of documents submitted in support of a relief application or other 
fraud-related investigations, and securing criminal history information, 
translations of foreign language documents, witness testimony or 
affidavits, or evidence suggesting that the respondent is described in 
sections 208(a)(2)(A)(C), 208(b)(2), or 241(b)(3)(B) of the Act or has 
filed a frivolous asylum application as defined in 8 CFR 208.20.
    (4) Continuances, adjournments, and filing extensions due to exigent 
circumstances. The immigration judge may continue a status conference or 
a hearing, or extend a filing deadline, and a status conference or a 
hearing set forth in this section may be adjourned, where necessary due 
to exigent circumstances, such as the unavailability of an immigration 
judge, the respondent, or either party's counsel assigned to the case 
due to illness; or the closure of the immigration court or a relevant 
DHS office. Any such continuance, extension, or adjournment shall be 
limited to the shortest period feasible and shall not be counted against 
the time limits set forth in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this 
section. A new finding of exigent circumstances must be made to justify 
any and every subsequent continuance, extension, or adjournment under 
this paragraph (h)(4).
    (i) Decision. (1) Where the asylum officer did not grant asylum and 
did not determine that the respondent was eligible for withholding of 
removal under the Act or for withholding or deferral of removal under 
the Convention Against Torture based on the record before USCIS, the 
immigration judge shall adjudicate, de novo, the respondent's 
applications for asylum and, if necessary, for withholding of removal 
under the Act, and withholding or deferral of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B) of this section, 
where the asylum officer did not grant asylum but determined the 
respondent eligible for withholding of removal under the Act, or for 
withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture, 
the immigration judge shall adjudicate, de novo, the respondent's 
application for asylum. If the immigration judge subsequently denies 
asylum and enters a removal order, the immigration judge shall give 
effect to the protection(s) for which the asylum officer determined the 
applicant eligible, unless DHS has demonstrated, through evidence or 
testimony that specifically pertains to the respondent and was not in 
the record of proceedings for the USCIS asylum merits interview, that 
the respondent is not eligible for such protection(s). The immigration 
judge shall also grant any additional protection(s) for which the 
immigration judge finds the applicant eligible. DHS shall not be 
permitted to appeal to the Board the grant of any protection(s) for 
which the asylum officer determined the respondent eligible, except to 
argue that the immigration judge should have denied the application(s) 
based on the evidence allowed under this paragraph (i)(2).
    (3) Where the respondent has requested voluntary departure in the 
alternative to, or in lieu of, asylum and related protection, the 
immigration judge shall adjudicate this application where necessary.
    (j) Changes of venue. Where an immigration judge grants a motion to 
change venue under Sec.  1003.20 of this chapter, the schedule of 
proceedings pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section commences again 
with the master calendar hearing at the court to which venue has been 
changed.
    (k) Exceptions. The provisions in paragraphs (f) through (h) of this 
section shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:
    (1) The respondent was under the age of 18 on the date the NTA was 
issued, except where the respondent is in removal proceedings with one 
or more adult family members.

[[Page 1103]]

    (2) The respondent has produced evidence of prima facie eligibility 
for relief or protection other than asylum, withholding of removal under 
the Act, withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention Against 
Torture, or voluntary departure, and the respondent is seeking to apply 
for, or has applied for, such relief or protection.
    (3) The respondent has produced evidence that supports a prima facie 
showing that the respondent is not subject to removal as charged 
(including under any additional or substitute charges of removal brought 
by DHS pursuant to Sec.  1240.10(e)), and the immigration judge 
determines, under Sec.  1240.10(d), that the issue of whether the 
respondent is subject to removal cannot be resolved simultaneously with 
the adjudication of the respondent's applications for asylum, 
withholding of removal under the Act, or withholding or deferral of 
removal under the Convention Against Torture.
    (4) The immigration judge, pursuant to Sec.  1240.10(f), finds the 
respondent subject to removal to a country other than the country or 
countries in which the respondent claimed a fear of persecution, 
torture, or both before the asylum officer and the respondent claims a 
fear of persecution, torture, or both in that alternative country or 
countries.
    (5) The case has been reopened or remanded following the immigration 
judge's order.
    (6) The respondent has exhibited indicia of mental incompetency.
    (l) Termination of protection. Nothing in this section shall 
preclude DHS from seeking termination of asylum, withholding of removal 
under the Act, or withholding or deferral of removal under the 
Convention Against Torture pursuant to 8 CFR 208.17(d) and 208.24(f).

[87 FR 18223, Mar. 29, 2022]



Sec. Sec.  1240.18-1240.19  [Reserved]



                    Subpart B_Cancellation of Removal



Sec.  1240.20  Cancellation of removal and adjustment of status 
under section 240A of the Act.

    (a) Jurisdiction. An application for the exercise of discretion 
under section 240A of the Act shall be submitted on Form EOIR-42, 
Application for Cancellation of Removal, to the Immigration Court having 
administrative control over the Record of Proceeding of the underlying 
removal proceeding under section 240 of the Act. The application must be 
accompanied by payment of the filing fee as set forth in Sec.  1103.7(b) 
of this chapter or a request for a fee waiver.
    (b) Filing the application. The application may be filed only with 
the Immigration Court after jurisdiction has vested pursuant to Sec.  
1003.14 of this chapter.
    (c) For cases raised under section 240A(b)(2) of the Act, extreme 
hardship shall be determined as set forth in Sec.  1240.58 of this part.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 27875, May 21, 1999; 85 
FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1240.21  Suspension of deportation and adjustment of status 
under section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect before April 1, 1997) 
and cancellation of removal and adjustment of status under section 
240A(b) of the Act for certain nonpermanent residents.

    (a) Applicability of annual cap on suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal. (1) As used in this section, the term cap means 
the numerical limitation of 4,000 grants of suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal in any fiscal year (except fiscal year 1998, 
which has a limitation of 8,000 grants) pursuant to section 240A(e) of 
the Act.
    (2) The provisions of this section apply to grants of suspension of 
deportation pursuant to section 244(a) of the Act (as in effect before 
April 1, 1997) or cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A(b) of 
the Act that are subject to a numerical limitation in section 240A(e) of 
the Act for any fiscal

[[Page 1104]]

year. This section does not apply to grants of suspension of deportation 
or cancellation of removal to aliens described in section 
309(c)(5)(C)(i) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), as amended by section 203(a)(1) of the 
Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), or 
aliens in deportation proceedings prior to April 1, 1997, who apply for 
suspension of deportation pursuant to section 244(a)(3) of the Act (as 
in effect prior to April 1, 1997). The Immigration Court and the Board 
shall no longer issue conditional grants of suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal as provided in 8 CFR 240.21 (as in effect prior 
to September 30, 1998).
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Grants of suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal 
in fiscal years subsequent to fiscal year 1998. On and after October 1, 
1998, the Immigration Court and the Board may grant applications for 
suspension of deportation and adjustment of status under section 244(a) 
of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997) or cancellation of 
removal and adjustment of status under section 240A(b) of the Act that 
meet the statutory requirements for such relief and warrant a favorable 
exercise of discretion until the annual numerical limitation has been 
reached in that fiscal year. The awarding of such relief shall be 
determined according to the date the order granting such relief becomes 
final as defined in Sec. Sec.  1003.1(d)(7) and 1003.39 of this chapter.
    (1) Applicability of the annual limitation. When grants are no 
longer available in a fiscal year, further decisions to grant such 
relief must be reserved until such time as a grant becomes available 
under the annual limitation in a subsequent fiscal year.
    (2) Aliens applying for additional forms of relief. Whether or not 
the cap has been reached, the Immigration Court or the Board shall 
adjudicate concurrently all other forms of relief for which the alien 
has applied. Applications for suspension of deportation or cancellation 
of removal shall be denied in the exercise of discretion if the alien is 
granted asylum or adjustment of status, including pursuant to section 
202 of NACARA, while the suspension of deportation or cancellation of 
removal application is pending. Where an appeal of a decision granting 
asylum or adjustment is sustained by the Board, a decision to deny as a 
matter of discretion an application for suspension of deportation or 
cancellation of removal on this basis shall be reconsidered.

[63 FR 52138, Sept. 30, 1998, as amended at 66 FR 6446, Jan. 22, 2001; 
82 FR 57339, Dec. 5, 2017]



Sec. Sec.  1240.22-1240.24  [Reserved]



                      Subpart C_Voluntary Departure



Sec.  1240.26  Voluntary departure--authority of the Executive Office 
for Immigration Review.

    (a) Eligibility: general. An alien previously granted voluntary 
departure under section 240B of the Act, including by DHS under Sec.  
240.25, and who fails to depart voluntarily within the time specified, 
shall thereafter be ineligible, for a period of ten years, for voluntary 
departure or for relief under sections 240A, 245, 248, and 249 of the 
Act.
    (b) Prior to completion of removal proceedings--(1) Grant by the 
immigration judge. (i) An alien may be granted voluntary departure by an 
immigration judge pursuant to section 240B(a) of the Act only if the 
alien:
    (A) Makes such request prior to or at the master calendar hearing at 
which the case is initially calendared for a merits hearing;
    (B) Makes no additional requests for relief (or if such requests 
have been made, such requests are withdrawn prior to any grant of 
voluntary departure pursuant to this section);
    (C) Concedes removability;
    (D) Waives appeal of all issues; and
    (E) Has not been convicted of a crime described in section 
101(a)(43) of the Act and is not deportable under section 237(a)(4).
    (ii) The judge may not grant voluntary departure under section 
240B(a) of the Act beyond 30 days after the master calendar hearing at 
which the case is initially calendared for a merits hearing, except 
pursuant to a stipulation under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (2) Stipulation. At any time prior to the completion of removal 
proceedings,

[[Page 1105]]

the DHS counsel may stipulate to a grant of voluntary departure under 
section 240B(a) of the Act.
    (3) Conditions. (i) The judge may impose such conditions as he or 
she deems necessary to ensure the alien's timely departure from the 
United States, including the posting of a voluntary departure bond to be 
canceled upon proof that the alien has departed the United States within 
the time specified. The alien shall be required to present to DHS, for 
inspection and photocopying, his or her passport or other travel 
documentation sufficient to assure lawful entry into the country to 
which the alien is departing, unless:
    (A) A travel document is not necessary to return to his or her 
native country or to which country the alien is departing; or
    (B) The document is already in the possession of DHS.
    (ii) DHS may hold the passport or documentation for sufficient time 
to investigate its authenticity. If such documentation is not 
immediately available to the alien, but the immigration judge is 
satisfied that the alien is making diligent efforts to secure it, 
voluntary departure may be granted for a period not to exceed 120 days, 
subject to the condition that the alien within 60 days must secure such 
documentation and present it to DHS. DHS in its discretion may extend 
the period within which the alien must provide such documentation. If 
the documentation is not presented within the 60-day period or any 
extension thereof, the voluntary departure order shall vacate 
automatically and the alternate order of removal will take effect, as if 
in effect on the date of issuance of the immigration judge order.
    (iii) If the alien files a post-decision motion to reopen or 
reconsider during the period allowed for voluntary departure, the grant 
of voluntary departure shall be terminated automatically, and the 
alternate order of removal will take effect immediately. The penalties 
for failure to depart voluntarily under section 240B(d) of the Act shall 
not apply if the alien has filed a post-decision motion to reopen or 
reconsider during the period allowed for voluntary departure. Upon the 
granting of voluntary departure, the immigration judge shall advise the 
alien of the provisions of this paragraph (b)(3)(iii).
    (iv) The automatic termination of a grant of voluntary departure and 
the effectiveness of the alternative order of removal shall not affect, 
in any way, the date that the order of the immigration judge or the 
Board became administratively final, as determined under the provisions 
of the applicable regulations in this chapter.
    (c) At the conclusion of the removal proceedings--(1) Required 
findings. An immigration judge may grant voluntary departure at the 
conclusion of the removal proceedings under section 240B(b) of the Act, 
if he or she finds that:
    (i) The alien has been physically present in the United States for 
period of at least one year preceding the date the Notice to Appear was 
served under section 239(a) of the Act;
    (ii) The alien is, and has been, a person of good moral character 
for at least five years immediately preceding the application;
    (iii) The alien has not been convicted of a crime described in 
section 101(a)(43) of the Act and is not deportable under section 
237(a)(4); and
    (iv) The alien has established by clear and convincing evidence that 
the alien has the means to depart the United States and has the 
intention to do so.
    (2) Travel documentation. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section, the clear and convincing evidence of the means 
to depart shall include in all cases presentation by the alien of a 
passport or other travel documentation sufficient to assure lawful entry 
into the country to which the alien is departing. DHS shall have full 
opportunity to inspect and photocopy the documentation, and to challenge 
its authenticity or sufficiency before voluntary departure is granted.
    (3) Conditions. The immigration judge may impose such conditions as 
he or she deems necessary to ensure the alien's timely departure from 
the United States. The immigration judge shall advise the alien of the 
conditions set forth in this paragraph (c)(3)(i)-(iii). If the 
immigration judge imposes conditions beyond those specifically

[[Page 1106]]

enumerated below, the immigration judge shall advise the alien of such 
conditions before granting voluntary departure. Upon the conditions 
being set forth, the alien shall be provided the opportunity to accept 
the grant of voluntary departure or decline voluntary departure if he or 
she is unwilling to accept the amount of the bond or other conditions. 
In all cases under section 240B(b) of the Act:
    (i) The alien shall be required to post a voluntary departure bond, 
in an amount necessary to ensure that the alien departs within the time 
specified, but in no case less than $500. Before granting voluntary 
departure, the immigration judge shall advise the alien of the specific 
amount of the bond to be set and the duty to post the bond with the ICE 
Field Office Director within 5 business days of the immigration judge's 
order granting voluntary departure.
    (ii) An alien who has been granted voluntary departure shall, within 
30 days of filing of an appeal with the Board, submit sufficient proof 
of having posted the required voluntary departure bond. If the alien 
does not provide timely proof to the Board that the required voluntary 
departure bond has been posted with DHS, the Board will not reinstate 
the period of voluntary departure in its final order.
    (iii) Upon granting voluntary departure, the immigration judge shall 
advise the alien that if the alien files a post-order motion to reopen 
or reconsider during the period allowed for voluntary departure, the 
grant of voluntary departure shall terminate automatically and the 
alternate order of removal will take effect immediately.
    (iv) The automatic termination of an order of voluntary departure 
and the effectiveness of the alternative order of removal shall not 
impact, in any way, the date that the order of the immigration judge or 
the Board became administratively final, as determined under the 
provisions of the applicable regulations in this chapter.
    (v) If, after posting the voluntary departure bond the alien 
satisfies the condition of the bond by departing the United States prior 
to the expiration of the period granted for voluntary departure, the 
alien may apply to the ICE Field Office Director for the bond to be 
canceled, upon submission of proof of the alien's timely departure by 
such methods as the ICE Field Office Director may prescribe.
    (vi) The voluntary departure bond may be canceled by such methods as 
the ICE Field Office Director may prescribe if the alien is subsequently 
successful in overturning or remanding the immigration judge's decision 
regarding removability.
    (4) Provisions relating to bond. The voluntary departure bond shall 
be posted with the ICE Field Office Director within 5 business days of 
the immigration judge's order granting voluntary departure, and the ICE 
Field Office Director may, at his or her discretion, hold the alien in 
custody until the bond is posted. Because the purpose of the voluntary 
departure bond is to ensure that the alien does depart from the United 
States, as promised, the failure to post the bond, when required, within 
5 business days may be considered in evaluating whether the alien should 
be detained based on risk of flight, and also may be considered as a 
negative discretionary factor with respect to any discretionary form of 
relief. The alien's failure to post the required voluntary departure 
bond within the time required does not terminate the alien's obligation 
to depart within the period allowed or exempt the alien from the 
consequences for failure to depart voluntarily during the period 
allowed. However, if the alien had waived appeal of the immigration 
judge's decision, the alien's failure to post the required voluntary 
departure bond within the period allowed means that the alternate order 
of removal takes effect immediately pursuant to 8 CFR 1241.1(f), except 
that an alien granted the privilege of voluntary departure under 8 CFR 
1240.26(c) will not be deemed to have departed under an order of removal 
if the alien:
    (i) Departs the United States no later than 25 days following the 
failure to post bond;
    (ii) Provides to DHS such evidence of his or her departure as the 
ICE Field Office Director may require; and
    (iii) Provides evidence DHS deems sufficient that he or she remains 
outside of the United States.

[[Page 1107]]

    (d) Alternate order of removal. Upon granting a request made for 
voluntary departure either prior to the completion of proceedings or at 
the conclusion of proceedings, the immigration judge shall also enter an 
alternate order or removal.
    (e) Periods of time. If voluntary departure is granted prior to the 
completion of removal proceedings, the immigration judge may grant a 
period not to exceed 120 days. If voluntary departure is granted at the 
conclusion of proceedings, the immigration judge may grant a period not 
to exceed 60 days.
    (1) Motion to reopen or reconsider filed during the voluntary 
departure period. The filing of a motion to reopen or reconsider prior 
to the expiration of the period allowed for voluntary departure has the 
effect of automatically terminating the grant of voluntary departure, 
and accordingly does not toll, stay, or extend the period allowed for 
voluntary departure under this section. See paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) and 
(c)(3)(ii) of this section. If the alien files a post-order motion to 
reopen or reconsider during the period allowed for voluntary departure, 
the penalties for failure to depart voluntarily under section 240B(d) of 
the Act shall not apply. The Board shall advise the alien of the 
condition provided in this paragraph in writing if it reinstates the 
immigration judge's grant of voluntary departure.
    (2) Motion to reopen or reconsider filed after the expiration of the 
period allowed for voluntary departure. The filing of a motion to reopen 
or a motion to reconsider after the time allowed for voluntary departure 
has already expired does not in any way impact the period of time 
allowed for voluntary departure under this section. The granting of a 
motion to reopen or reconsider that was filed after the penalties under 
section 240B(d) of the Act had already taken effect, as a consequence of 
the alien's prior failure voluntarily to depart within the time allowed, 
does not have the effect of vitiating or vacating those penalties, 
except as provided in section 240B(d)(2) of the Act.
    (f) Extension of time to depart. Authority to extend the time within 
which to depart voluntarily specified initially by an immigration judge 
or the Board is only within the jurisdiction of the district director, 
the Deputy Executive Associate Commissioner for Detention and Removal, 
or the Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. An immigration judge 
or the Board may reinstate voluntary departure in a removal proceeding 
that has been reopened for a purpose other than solely making an 
application for voluntarily departure if reopening was granted prior to 
the expiration of the original period of voluntary departure. In no 
event can the total period of time, including any extension, exceed 120 
days or 60 days as set forth in section 240B of the Act. The filing of a 
motion to reopen or reconsider does not toll, stay, or extend the period 
allowed for voluntary departure. The filing of a petition for review has 
the effect of automatically terminating the grant of voluntary 
departure, and accordingly also does not toll, stay, or extend the 
period allowed for voluntary departure.
    (g) Administrative Appeals. No appeal shall lie regarding the length 
of a period of voluntary departure (as distinguished from issues of 
whether to grant voluntary departure).
    (h) Reinstatement of voluntary departure. An immigration judge or 
the Board may reinstate voluntary departure in a removal proceeding that 
has been reopened for a purpose other than solely making application for 
voluntary departure, if reopening was granted prior to the expiration of 
the original period of voluntary departure. In no event can the total 
period of time, including any extension, exceed 120 days or 60 days as 
set forth in section 240B of the Act and paragraph (a) of this section.
    (i) Effect of filing a petition for review. If, prior to departing 
the United States, the alien files a petition for review pursuant to 
section 242 of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1252) or any other judicial challenge 
to the administratively final order, any grant of voluntary departure 
shall terminate automatically upon the filing of the petition or other 
judicial challenge and the alternate order of removal entered pursuant 
to paragraph (d) of this section shall immediately take effect, except 
that an alien granted the privilege of voluntary departure under 8 CFR 
1240.26(c) will not be deemed to have departed under

[[Page 1108]]

an order of removal if the alien departs the United States no later than 
30 days following the filing of a petition for review, provides to DHS 
such evidence of his or her departure as the ICE Field Office Director 
may require, and provides evidence DHS deems sufficient that he or she 
remains outside of the United States. The Board shall advise the alien 
of the condition provided in this paragraph in writing if it reinstates 
the immigration judge's grant of voluntary departure. The automatic 
termination of a grant of voluntary departure and the effectiveness of 
the alternative order of removal shall not affect, in any way, the date 
that the order of the immigration judge or the Board became 
administratively final, as determined under the provisions of the 
applicable regulations in this chapter. Since the grant of voluntary 
departure is terminated by the filing of the petition for review, the 
alien will be subject to the alternate order of removal, but the 
penalties for failure to depart voluntarily under section 240B(d) of the 
Act shall not apply to an alien who files a petition for review, and who 
remains in the United States while the petition for review is pending.
    (j) [Reserved]
    (k) Authority of the Board to grant voluntary departure in the first 
instance. The following procedures apply to any request for voluntary 
departure reviewed by the Board:
    (1) The Board shall not remand a case to an immigration judge to 
reconsider a request for voluntary departure. If the Board first finds 
that an immigration judge incorrectly denied an alien's request for 
voluntary departure or failed to provide appropriate advisals, the Board 
shall consider the alien's request for voluntary departure de novo and, 
if warranted, may enter its own order of voluntary departure with an 
alternate order of removal.
    (2) In cases which an alien has appealed an immigration judge's 
decision or in which DHS and the alien have both appealed an immigration 
judge's decision, the Board shall not grant voluntary departure under 
section 240B of the Act unless:
    (i) The alien requested voluntary departure under that section 
before the immigration judge, the immigration judge denied the request, 
and the alien timely appealed;
    (ii) The alien's notice of appeal specified that the alien is 
appealing the immigration judge's denial of voluntary departure and 
identified the specific factual and legal findings that the alien is 
challenging;
    (iii) The Board finds that the immigration judge's decision was in 
error; and
    (iv) The Board finds that the alien meets all applicable statutory 
and regulatory criteria for voluntary departure under that section.
    (3) In cases in which DHS has appealed an immigration judge's 
decision, the Board shall not grant voluntary departure under section 
240B of the Act unless:
    (i) The alien requested voluntary departure under that section 
before the immigration judge and provided evidence or a proffer of 
evidence in support of the alien's request;
    (ii) The immigration judge either granted the request or did not 
rule on it; and,
    (iii) The Board finds that the alien meets all applicable statutory 
and regulatory criteria for voluntary departure under that section.
    (4) The Board may impose such conditions as it deems necessary to 
ensure the alien's timely departure from the United States, if supported 
by the record on appeal and within the scope of the Board's authority on 
appeal. Unless otherwise indicated in this section, the Board shall 
advise the alien in writing of the conditions set by the Board, 
consistent with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), 
(e), (h), and (i) of this section (other than paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of 
this section), except that the Board shall advise the alien of the duty 
to post the bond with the ICE Field Office Director within 10 business 
days of the Board's order granting voluntary departure if that order was 
served by mail and shall advise the alien of the duty to post the bond 
with the ICE Field Office Director within five business days of the 
Board's order granting voluntary departure if that order was served 
electronically. If documentation sufficient to assure lawful entry into 
the country to which

[[Page 1109]]

the alien is departing is not contained in the record, but the alien 
continues to assert a request for voluntary departure under section 240B 
of the Act and the Board finds that the alien is otherwise eligible for 
voluntary departure under the Act, the Board may grant voluntary 
departure for a period not to exceed 120 days, subject to the condition 
that the alien within 60 days must secure such documentation and present 
it to DHS and the Board. If the Board imposes conditions beyond those 
specifically enumerated, the Board shall advise the alien in writing of 
such conditions. The alien may accept or decline the grant of voluntary 
departure and may manifest his or her declination either by written 
notice to the Board within five days of receipt of its decision, by 
failing to timely post any required bond, or by otherwise failing to 
comply with the Board's order. The grant of voluntary departure shall 
automatically terminate upon a filing by the alien of a motion to reopen 
or reconsider the Board's decision, or by filing a timely petition for 
review of the Board's decision. The alien may decline voluntary 
departure if he or she is unwilling to accept the amount of the bond or 
other conditions.
    (l) Penalty for failure to depart. There shall be a rebuttable 
presumption that the civil penalty for failure to depart, pursuant to 
section 240B(d)(1)(A) of the Act, shall be set at $3,000 unless the 
immigration judge specifically orders a higher or lower amount at the 
time of granting voluntary departure within the permissible range 
allowed by law. The immigration judge shall advise the alien of the 
amount of this civil penalty at the time of granting voluntary 
departure.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 67 FR 39258, June 7, 2002; 73 
FR 76937, Dec. 18, 2008; 85 FR 81655, Dec. 16, 2020; 86 FR 70724, Dec. 
13, 2021]



Sec. Sec.  1240.27-1240.29  [Reserved]



Subpart D_Exclusion of Aliens (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 
                                1, 1997)



Sec.  1240.30  Proceedings prior to April 1, 1997.

    Subpart D of 8 CFR part 240 applies to exclusion proceedings 
commenced prior to April 1, 1997, pursuant to the former section 236 of 
the Act. An exclusion proceeding is commenced by the filing of Form I-
122 with the Immigration Court, and an alien is considered to be in 
exclusion proceedings only upon such filing. All references to the Act 
contained in this subpart are references to the Act in effect prior to 
April 1, 1997.



Sec.  1240.31  Authority of immigration judges.

    In determining cases referred for further inquiry as provided in 
section 235 of the Act, immigration judges shall have the powers and 
authority conferred upon them by the Act and this chapter, including the 
adjudication of applications for adjustment of status pursuant to 
section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, or section 902 of Pub. L. 105-277. 
Subject to any specific limitation prescribed by the Act and this 
chapter, immigration judges shall also exercise the discretion and 
authority conferred upon the Attorney General by the Act as is 
appropriate and necessary for the disposition of such cases.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 27829, May 21, 1998; 64 
FR 25766, May 12, 1999]



Sec.  1240.32  Hearing.

    (a) Opening. Exclusion hearings shall be closed to the public, 
unless the alien at his or her own instance requests that the public, 
including the press, be permitted to attend; in that event, the hearing 
shall be open, provided that the alien states for the record that he or 
she is waiving the requirement in section 236 of the Act that the 
inquiry shall be kept separate and apart from the public. When the 
hearing is to be open, depending upon physical facilities, reasonable 
limitation may be placed upon the number in attendance

[[Page 1110]]

at any one time, with priority being given to the press over the general 
public. The immigration judge shall ascertain whether the applicant for 
admission is the person to whom Form I-122 was previously delivered by 
the examining immigration officer as provided in 8 CFR part 1235; enter 
a copy of such form in evidence as an exhibit in the case; inform the 
applicant of the nature and purpose of the hearing; advise him or her of 
the privilege of being represented by an attorney of his or her own 
choice at no expense to the Government; advise him or her of the 
availability of pro bono legal services for the immigration court 
location at which the hearing will take place, and ascertain that he or 
she has received a list of such pro bono legal service providers; and 
request him or her to ascertain then and there whether he or she desires 
representation; advise him or her that he or she will have a reasonable 
opportunity to present evidence in his or her own behalf, to examine and 
object to evidence against him or her, and to cross-examine witnesses 
presented by the Government; and place the applicant under oath.
    (b) Procedure. The immigration judge shall receive and adduce 
material and relevant evidence, rule upon objections, and otherwise 
regulate the course of the hearing.
    (c) Attorney for DHS. DHS shall assign an attorney to each case in 
which an applicant's nationality is in issue and may assign an attorney 
to any case in which such assignment is deemed necessary or 
advantageous. The duties of the DHS include, but are not limited to, the 
presentation of evidence and the interrogation, examination, and cross-
examination of the applicant and other witnesses. Nothing contained in 
this section diminishes the authority of an immigration judge to conduct 
proceedings under this part.
    (d) Depositions. The procedures specified in Sec.  1240.48(e) shall 
apply.
    (e) Record. The hearing before the immigration judge, including the 
testimony, exhibits, applications, proffers, and requests, the 
immigration judge's decision, and all written orders, motions, appeals, 
and other papers filed in the proceeding shall constitute the record in 
the case. The hearing shall be recorded verbatim except for statements 
made off the record with the permission of the immigration judge.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 80 FR 59513, Oct. 1, 2015; 86 
FR 70724, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.33  Applications for asylum or withholding of deportation.

    (a) If the alien expresses fear of persecution or harm upon return 
to his or her country of origin or to a country to which the alien may 
be deported after a determination of excludability from the United 
States pursuant to this subpart, and the alien has not been referred to 
the immigration judge by an asylum officer in accordance with Sec.  
1208.14(b) of this chapter, the immigration judge shall:
    (1) Advise the alien that he or she may apply for asylum in the 
United States or withholding of deportation to that other country; and
    (2) Make available the appropriate application forms.
    (b) An application for asylum or withholding of deportation must be 
filed with the Immigration Court, pursuant to Sec.  1208.4(b) of this 
chapter. Upon receipt of an application, the Immigration Court may 
forward a copy to the Department of State pursuant to Sec.  1208.11 of 
this chapter and shall calendar the case for a hearing. The reply, if 
any, from the Department of State, unless classified under an applicable 
Executive Order, shall be given to both the applicant and to DHS counsel 
and shall be included in the record.
    (c) Applications for asylum or withholding of deportation so filed 
will be decided by the immigration judge pursuant to the requirements 
and standards established in 8 CFR part 1208 after an evidentiary 
hearing that is necessary to resolve material factual issues in dispute. 
An evidentiary hearing extending beyond issues related to the basis for 
a mandatory denial of the application pursuant to Sec.  1208.13(c) of 
this chapter is not necessary once the immigration judge has determined 
that such denial is required.
    (1) Evidentiary hearings on applications for asylum or withholding 
of deportation will be closed to the public unless the applicant 
expressly requests

[[Page 1111]]

that it be open pursuant to Sec.  1236.3 of this chapter.
    (2) Nothing in this section is intended to limit the authority of 
the immigration judge properly to control the scope of any evidentiary 
hearing.
    (3) During the exclusion hearing, the applicant shall be examined 
under oath on his or her application and may present evidence and 
witnesses on his or her own behalf. The applicant has the burden of 
establishing that he or she is a refugee as defined in section 
101(a)(42) of the Act pursuant to the standard set forth in Sec.  
1208.13 of this chapter.
    (4) The DHS counsel for the government may call witnesses and 
present evidence for the record, including information classified under 
the applicable Executive Order, provided the immigration judge or the 
Board has determined that such information is relevant to the hearing. 
The applicant shall be informed when the immigration judge receives such 
classified information. The agency that provides the classified 
information to the immigration judge may provide an unclassified summary 
of the information for release to the applicant whenever it determines 
it can do so consistently with safeguarding both the classified nature 
of the information and its source. The summary should be as detailed as 
possible, in order that the applicant may have an opportunity to offer 
opposing evidence. A decision based in whole or in part on such 
classified information shall state that such information is material to 
the decision.
    (d) The decision of an immigration judge to grant or deny asylum or 
withholding of deportation shall be communicated to the applicant and to 
the DHS counsel for the government. An adverse decision will state why 
asylum or withholding of deportation was denied.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 78 FR 19080, Mar. 29, 2013; 86 
FR 70724, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.34  Renewal of application for adjustment of status 
under section 245 of the Act.

    An adjustment application by an alien paroled under section 
212(d)(5) of the Act, which has been denied by the district director, 
may be renewed in exclusion proceedings under section 236 of the Act (as 
in effect prior to April 1, 1997) before an immigration judge under the 
following two conditions: first, the denied application must have been 
properly filed subsequent to the applicant's earlier inspection and 
admission to the United States; and second, the applicant's later 
absence from and return to the United States must have been under the 
terms of an advance parole authorization on Form I-512 granted to permit 
the applicant's absence and return to pursue the previously filed 
adjustment application. In a relevant case, the immigration judge may 
adjudicate the sufficiency of an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A 
(Form I-864), executed on behalf of an applicant for admission or for 
adjustment of status, in accordance with the provisions of section 213A 
of the Act and 8 CFR part 213a.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated in part and duplicated in part 
from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended at 71 FR 
35757, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  1240.35  Decision of the immigration judge; notice to the applicant.

    (a) Decision. The immigration judge shall inform the applicant of 
his or her decision in accordance with Sec.  1003.37 of this chapter.
    (b) Advice to alien ordered excluded. An alien ordered excluded 
shall be furnished with Form I-296, Notice to Alien Ordered Excluded by 
Immigration Judge, at the time of an oral decision by the immigration 
judge or upon service of a written decision.
    (c) Holders of refugee travel documents. Aliens who are the holders 
of valid unexpired refugee travel documents may be ordered excluded only 
if they are found to be inadmissible under section 212(a)(2), 212(a)(3), 
or 212(a)(6)(E) of the Act, and it is determined that on the basis of 
the acts for which they are inadmissible there are compelling reasons of 
national security or public order for their exclusion. If the 
immigration judge finds that the alien is inadmissible but determines 
that there are no compelling reasons of national security or public 
order for exclusion, the immigration judge shall remand

[[Page 1112]]

the case to the district director for parole.



Sec.  1240.36  Finality of order.

    The decision of the immigration judge shall become final in 
accordance with Sec.  1003.37 of this chapter.



Sec.  1240.37  Appeals.

    Except for temporary exclusions under section 235(c) of the Act, an 
appeal from a decision of an Immigration Judge under this part may be 
taken by either party pursuant to Sec.  1003.38 of this chapter.



Sec.  1240.38  Fingerprinting of excluded aliens.

    Every alien 14 years of age or older who is excluded from admission 
to the United States by an immigration judge shall be fingerprinted, 
unless during the preceding year he or she has been fingerprinted at an 
American consular office.



Sec.  1240.39  [Reserved]



Subpart E_Proceedings To Determine Deportability of Aliens in the United 
States: Hearing and Appeal (for Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 
                                  1997)



Sec.  1240.40  Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.

    Subpart E of 8 CFR part 1240 applies only to deportation proceedings 
commenced prior to April 1, 1997. A deportation proceeding is commenced 
by the filing of Form I-221 (Order to Show Cause) with the Immigration 
Court, and an alien is considered to be in deportation proceedings only 
upon such filing, except in the case of an alien admitted to the United 
States under the provisions of section 217 of the Act. All references to 
the Act contained in this subpart pertain to the Act as in effect prior 
to April 1, 1997.



Sec.  1240.41  Immigration judges.

    (a) Authority. In any proceeding conducted under this part the 
immigration judge shall have the authority to determine deportability 
and to make decisions, including orders of deportation, as provided by 
section 242(b) and 242B of the Act; to reinstate orders of deportation 
as provided by section 242(f) of the Act; to determine applications 
under sections 208, 212(k), 241(a)(1)(E)(iii), 241(a)(1)(H), 244, 245 
and 249 of the Act, section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, and section 902 of 
Pub. L. 105-277; to determine the country to which an alien's 
deportation will be directed in accordance with section 243(a) of the 
Act; to order temporary withholding of deportation pursuant to section 
243(h) of the Act; and to take any other action consistent with 
applicable law and regulations as may be appropriate. An immigration 
judge may certify his or her decision in any case to the Board of 
Immigration Appeals when it involves an unusually complex or novel 
question of law or fact. Nothing contained in this part shall be 
construed to diminish the authority conferred on immigration judges 
under section 103 of the Act.
    (b) Withdrawal and substitution of immigration judges. The 
immigration judge assigned to conduct the hearing shall at any time 
withdraw if he or she deems himself or herself disqualified. If an 
immigration judge becomes unavailable to complete his or her duties 
within a reasonable time, or if at any time the respondent consents to a 
substitution, another immigration judge may be assigned to complete the 
case. The new immigration judge shall familiarize himself or herself 
with the record in the case and shall state for the record that he or 
she has done so.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 27829, May 21, 1998; 63 
FR 39121, July 21, 1998; 64 FR 25767, May 12, 1999]



Sec.  1240.42  Representation by counsel.

    The respondent may be represented at the hearing by an attorney or 
other representative qualified under 8 CFR part 1292.



Sec.  1240.43  Incompetent respondents.

    When it is impracticable for the respondent to be present at the 
hearing because of mental incompetency, the guardian, near relative, or 
friend who was served with a copy of the order to show cause shall be 
permitted to appear on behalf of the respondent. If such a person cannot 
reasonably be

[[Page 1113]]

found or fails or refuses to appear, the custodian of the respondent 
shall be requested to appear on behalf of the respondent.



Sec.  1240.44  Interpreter.

    Any person acting as interpreter in a hearing before an immigration 
judge under this part shall be sworn to interpret and translate 
accurately, unless the interpreter is an employee of the United States 
Government, in which event no such oath shall be required.



Sec.  1240.45  Postponement and adjournment of hearing.

    After the commencement of the hearing, the immigration judge may 
grant a reasonable adjournment either at his or her own instance or, for 
good cause shown, upon application by the respondent or the Service.



Sec.  1240.46  Evidence.

    (a) Sufficiency. A determination of deportability shall not be valid 
unless it is found by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence that 
the facts alleged as grounds for deportation are true.
    (b) Use of prior statements. The immigration judge may receive in 
evidence any oral or written statement that is material and relevant to 
any issue in the case previously made by the respondent or any other 
person during any investigation, examination, hearing, or trial.
    (c) Testimony. Testimony of witnesses appearing at the hearing shall 
be under oath or affirmation administered by the immigration judge.
    (d) Depositions. The immigration judge may order the taking of 
depositions pursuant to Sec.  1003.35 of this chapter.



Sec.  1240.47  Contents of record.

    The hearing before the immigration judge, including the testimony, 
exhibits, applications, proffers, and requests, the immigration judge's 
decision, and all written orders, motions, appeals, briefs, and other 
papers filed in the proceedings shall constitute the record in the case. 
The hearing shall be recorded verbatim except for statements made off 
the record with the permission of the immigration judge. In his or her 
discretion, the immigration judge may exclude from the record any 
arguments made in connection with motions, applications, requests, or 
objections, but in such event the person affected may submit a brief.



Sec.  1240.48  Hearing.

    (a) Opening. The immigration judge shall advise the respondent of 
his or her right to representation, at no expense to the Government, by 
counsel of his or her own choice authorized to practice in the 
proceedings and require him or her to state then and there whether he or 
she desires representation; advise the respondent of the availability of 
pro bono legal services for the immigration court location at which the 
hearing will take place; ascertain that the respondent has received a 
list of such pro bono legal service providers, and a copy of Form I-618, 
Written Notice of Appeal Rights; advise the respondent that he or she 
will have a reasonable opportunity to examine and object to the evidence 
against him or her, to present evidence in his or her own behalf and to 
cross-examine witnesses presented by the Government; place the 
respondent under oath; read the factual allegations and the charges in 
the order to show cause to the respondent and explain them in 
nontechnical language, and enter the order to show cause as an exhibit 
in the record. Deportation hearings shall be open to the public, except 
that the immigration judge may, in his or her discretion and for the 
purpose of protecting witnesses, respondents, or the public interest, 
direct that the general public or particular individuals shall be 
excluded from the hearing in any specific case. Depending upon physical 
facilities, reasonable limitation may be placed upon the number in 
attendance at any one time, with priority being given to the press over 
the general public.
    (b) Pleading by respondent. The immigration judge shall require the 
respondent to plead to the order to show cause by stating whether he or 
she admits or denies the factual allegations and his or her 
deportability under the charges contained therein. If the respondent 
admits the factual allegations and admits his or her deportability under 
the charges and the immigration judge is

[[Page 1114]]

satisfied that no issues of law or fact remain, the immigration judge 
may determine that deportability as charged has been established by the 
admissions of the respondent. The immigration judge shall not accept an 
admission of deportability from an unrepresented respondent who is 
incompetent or under age 16 and is not accompanied by a guardian, 
relative, or friend; nor from an officer of an institution in which a 
respondent is an inmate or patient. When, pursuant to this paragraph, 
the immigration judge may not accept an admission of deportability, he 
or she shall direct a hearing on the issues.
    (c) Issues of deportability. When deportability is not determined 
under the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the immigration 
judge shall request the assignment of a DHS counsel, and shall receive 
evidence as to any unresolved issues, except that no further evidence 
need be received as to any facts admitted during the pleading. The 
respondent shall provide a court certified copy of a Judicial 
Recommendation Against Deportation (JRAD) to the immigration judge when 
such recommendation will be the basis of denying any charge(s) brought 
by DHS in the proceedings against the respondent. No JRAD is effective 
against a charge of deportability under section 241(a)(11) of the Act or 
if the JRAD was granted on or after November 29, 1990.
    (d) Additional charges. The Service may at any time during a hearing 
lodge additional charges of deportability, including factual 
allegations, against the respondent. Copies of the additional factual 
allegations and charges shall be submitted in writing for service on the 
respondent and entry as an exhibit in the record. The immigration judge 
shall read the additional factual allegations and charges to the 
respondent and explain them to him or her. The immigration judge shall 
advise the respondent if he or she is not represented by counsel that he 
or she may be so represented and also that he or she may have a 
reasonable time within which to meet the additional factual allegations 
and charges. The respondent shall be required to state then and there 
whether he or she desires a continuance for either of these reasons. 
Thereafter, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section shall apply 
to the additional factual allegations and lodged charges.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 80 FR 59513, Oct. 1, 2015; 86 
FR 70724, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.49  Ancillary matters, applications.

    (a) Creation of the status of an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence. The respondent may apply to the immigration judge 
for suspension of deportation under section 244(a) of the Act; for 
adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, or under section 1 of 
the Act of November 2, 1966, or under section 101 or 104 of the Act of 
October 28, 1977; or for the creation of a record of lawful admission 
for permanent residence under section 249 of the Act. The application 
shall be subject to the requirements of 8 CFR parts 1240, 1245, and 
1249. The approval of any application made to the immigration judge 
under section 245 of the Act by an alien spouse (as defined in section 
216(g)(1) of the Act) or by an alien entrepreneur (as defined in section 
216A(f)(1) of the Act), shall result in the alien's obtaining the status 
of lawful permanent resident on a conditional basis in accordance with 
the provisions of section 216 or 216A of the Act, whichever is 
applicable. However, the Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence 
required by section 216(c) of the Act or the Petition by Entrepreneur to 
Remove Conditions required by section 216A(c) of the Act shall be made 
to the director in accordance with 8 CFR part 1216. In conjunction with 
any application for creation of status of an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence made to an immigration judge, if the respondent is 
inadmissible under any provision of section 212(a) of the Act and 
believes that he or she meets the eligibility requirements for a waiver 
of the ground of inadmissibility, he or she may apply to the immigration 
judge for such waiver. The immigration judge shall inform the respondent 
of his or her apparent eligibility to apply for any of the benefits 
enumerated in this paragraph and shall afford the respondent an 
opportunity to make application therefor during the hearing. In a 
relevant case, the immigration

[[Page 1115]]

judge may adjudicate the sufficiency of an Affidavit of Support Under 
Section 213A (Form I-864), executed on behalf of an applicant for 
admission or for adjustment of status, in accordance with the provisions 
of section 213A of the Act and 8 CFR part 213a. In exercising 
discretionary power when considering an application under this 
paragraph, the immigration judge may consider and base the decision on 
information not contained in the record and not made available for 
inspection by the respondent, provided the Commissioner has determined 
that such information is relevant and is classified under the applicable 
Executive Order as requiring protection from unauthorized disclosure in 
the interest of national security. Whenever the immigration judge 
believes that he or she can do so while safeguarding both the 
information and its source, the immigration judge should inform the 
respondent of the general nature of the information in order that the 
respondent may have an opportunity to offer opposing evidence. A 
decision based in whole or in part on such classified information shall 
state that the information is material to the decision.
    (b) Voluntary departure. The respondent may apply to the immigration 
judge for voluntary departure in lieu of deportation pursuant to section 
244(e) of the Act and Sec.  1240.56.
    (c) Applications for asylum or withholding of deportation. (1) The 
immigration judge shall notify the respondent that if he or she is 
finally ordered deported, his or her deportation will in the first 
instance be directed pursuant to section 243(a) of the Act to the 
country designated by the respondent and shall afford him or her an 
opportunity then and there to make such designation. The immigration 
judge shall then specify and state for the record the country, or 
countries in the alternative, to which respondent's deportation will be 
directed pursuant to section 243(a) of the Act if the country of his or 
her designation will not accept him or her into its territory, or fails 
to furnish timely notice of acceptance, or if the respondent declines to 
designate a country.
    (2) If the alien expresses fear of persecution or harm upon return 
to any of the countries to which the alien might be deported pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, and the alien has not previously filed 
an application for asylum or withholding of deportation that has been 
referred to the immigration judge by an asylum officer in accordance 
with Sec.  1208.14(b) of this chapter, the immigration judge shall:
    (i) Advise the alien that he or she may apply for asylum in the 
United States or withholding of deportation to those countries; and
    (ii) Make available the appropriate application forms.
    (3) An application for asylum or withholding of deportation must be 
filed with the Immigration Court, pursuant to Sec.  1208.4(b) of this 
chapter. Upon receipt of an application, the Immigration Court may 
forward a copy to the Department of State pursuant to Sec.  1208.11 of 
this chapter and shall calendar the case for a hearing. The reply, if 
any, of the Department of State, unless classified under an applicable 
Executive Order, shall be given to both the applicant and to DHS counsel 
and shall be included in the record.
    (4) Applications for asylum or withholding of deportation so filed 
will be decided by the immigration judge pursuant to the requirements 
and standards established in 8 CFR part 1208 after an evidentiary 
hearing that is necessary to resolve factual issues in dispute. An 
evidentiary hearing extending beyond issues related to the basis for a 
mandatory denial of the application pursuant to Sec.  1208.13 or Sec.  
1208.16 of this chapter is not necessary once the immigration judge has 
determined that such a denial is required.
    (i) Evidentiary hearings on applications for asylum or withholding 
of deportation will be open to the public unless the applicant expressly 
requests that it be closed.
    (ii) Nothing in this section is intended to limit the authority of 
the immigration judge properly to control the scope of any evidentiary 
hearing.
    (iii) During the deportation hearing, the applicant shall be 
examined under oath on his or her application and may present evidence 
and witnesses in his or her own behalf. The applicant has the burden of 
establishing that he or she is a refugee as defined in section

[[Page 1116]]

101(a)(42) of the Act pursuant to the standard set forth in Sec.  
1208.13 of this chapter.
    (iv) The DHS counsel for the government may call witnesses and 
present evidence for the record, including information classified under 
the applicable Executive Order, provided the immigration judge or the 
Board has determined that such information is relevant to the hearing. 
When the immigration judge receives such classified information he or 
she shall inform the applicant. The agency that provides the classified 
information to the immigration judge may provide an unclassified summary 
of the information for release to the applicant, whenever it determines 
it can do so consistently with safeguarding both the classified nature 
of the information and its source. The summary should be as detailed as 
possible, in order that the applicant may have an opportunity to offer 
opposing evidence. A decision based in whole or in part on such 
classified information shall state whether such information is material 
to the decision.
    (5) The decision of an immigration judge to grant or deny asylum or 
withholding of deportation shall be communicated to the applicant and to 
the DHS counsel for the government. An adverse decision will state why 
asylum or withholding of deportation was denied.
    (d) Application for relief under sections 241(a)(1)(H) and 
241(a)(1)(E)(iii) of the Act. The respondent may apply to the 
immigration judge for relief from deportation under sections 
241(a)(1)(H) and 241(a)(1)(E)(iii) of the Act.
    (e) General. An application under this section shall be made only 
during the hearing and shall not be held to constitute a concession of 
alienage or deportability in any case in which the respondent does not 
admit his alienage or deportability. However, nothing in this section 
shall prohibit DHS from using information supplied in an application for 
asylum or withholding of deportation submitted to an asylum officer 
pursuant to Sec.  1208.2 of this chapter on or after January 4, 1995, as 
the basis for issuance of an order to show cause or a notice to appear 
to establish alienage or deportability in a case referred to an 
immigration judge under Sec.  1208.14(b) of this chapter. The respondent 
shall have the burden of establishing that he or she is eligible for any 
requested benefit or privilege and that it should be granted in the 
exercise of discretion. The respondent shall not be required to pay a 
fee on more than one application within paragraphs (a) and (c) of this 
section, provided that the minimum fee imposed when more than one 
application is made shall be determined by the cost of the application 
with the highest fee. Nothing contained in this section is intended to 
foreclose the respondent from applying for any benefit or privilege 
which he or she believes himself or herself eligible to receive in 
proceedings under this part.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated in part and duplicated in part 
from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended at 71 FR 
35757, June 21, 2006; 78 FR 19080, Mar. 29, 2013; 86 FR 70724, Dec. 13, 
2021]



Sec.  1240.50  Decision of the immigration judge.

    (a) Contents. The decision of the immigration judge may be oral or 
written. Except when deportability is determined on the pleadings 
pursuant to Sec.  1240.48(b), the decision of the immigration judge 
shall include a finding as to deportability. The formal enumeration of 
findings is not required. The decision shall also contain the reasons 
for granting or denying the request. The decision shall be concluded 
with the order of the immigration judge.
    (b) Summary decision. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 
(a) of this section, in any case where deportability is determined on 
the pleadings pursuant to Sec.  1240.48(b) and the respondent does not 
make an application under Sec.  1240.49, or the respondent applies for 
voluntary departure only and the immigration judge grants the 
application, the immigration judge may enter a summary decision on Form 
EOIR-7, Summary Order of Deportation, if deportation is ordered, or on 
Form EOIR-6, Summary Order of Voluntary Departure, if voluntary 
departure is granted with an alternate order of deportation.
    (c) Order of the immigration judge. The order of the immigration 
judge shall

[[Page 1117]]

direct the respondent's deportation, or the termination of the 
proceedings, or such other disposition of the case as may be 
appropriate. When deportation is ordered, the immigration judge shall 
specify the country, or countries in the alternate, to which 
respondent's deportation shall be directed. The immigration judge is 
authorized to issue orders in the alternative or in combination as he or 
she may deem necessary.



Sec.  1240.51  Notice of decision.

    (a) Written decision. A written decision shall be served upon the 
respondent and the DHS counsel, together with the notice referred to in 
Sec.  1003.3 of this chapter. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.
    (b) Oral decision. An oral decision shall be stated by the 
immigration judge in the presence of the respondent and the trail 
attorney, if any, at the conclusion of the hearing. Unless appeal from 
the decision is waived, the respondent shall be furnished with Form 
EOIR-26, Notice of Appeal, and advised of the provisions of Sec.  
1240.53. A printed copy of the oral decision shall be furnished at the 
request of the respondent or the DHS counsel.
    (c) Summary decision. When the immigration judge renders a summary 
decision as provided in Sec.  1240.51(b), he or she shall serve a copy 
thereof upon the respondent at the conclusion of the hearing. Unless 
appeal from the decision is waived, the respondent shall be furnished 
with Form EOIR-26, Notice of Appeal, and advised of the provisions of 
Sec.  1240.54.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997. Redesignated in part and duplicated in part 
from part 240 at 68 FR 9838, 9840, Feb. 28, 2003, as amended at 86 FR 
70725, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.52  Finality of order.

    The decision of the immigration judge shall become final in 
accordance with Sec.  1003.39 of this chapter.



Sec.  1240.53  Appeals.

    (a) Appeal to the Board. Pursuant to 8 CFR part 1003, an appeal 
shall lie from a decision of an immigration judge to the Board, except 
that no appeal shall lie from an order of deportation entered in 
absentia. The procedures regarding the filing of a Form EOIR-26, Notice 
of Appeal, fees, and briefs are set forth in Sec. Sec.  1003.3, 1003.31, 
and 1003.38 of this chapter. An appeal shall be filed within 30 calendar 
days after the mailing or electronic notification of a written decision, 
the stating of an oral decision, or the service of a summary decision. 
The filing date is defined as the date of receipt of the Notice of 
Appeal by the Board. The reasons for the appeal shall be stated in the 
Form EOIR-26, Notice of Appeal, in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec.  1003.3(b) of this chapter. Failure to do so may constitute a 
ground for dismissal of the appeal by the Board pursuant to Sec.  
1003.1(d)(2) of this chapter.
    (b) Prohibited appeals; legalization or applications. An alien 
respondent defined in Sec.  245a.2(c)(6) or (7) of this chapter who 
fails to file an application for adjustment of status to that of a 
temporary resident within the prescribed period(s), and who is 
thereafter found to be deportable by decision of an immigration judge, 
shall not be permitted to appeal the finding of deportability based 
solely on refusal by the immigration judge to entertain such an 
application in deportation proceedings.

[62 FR 10367, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 66 FR 6446, Jan. 22, 2001; 86 
FR 70725, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1240.54  [Reserved]



    Subpart F_Suspension of Deportation and Voluntary Departure (for 
              Proceedings Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997)



Sec.  1240.55  Proceedings commenced prior to April 1, 1997.

    Subpart F of 8 CFR part 1240 applies to deportation proceedings 
commenced prior to April 1, 1997. A deportation proceeding is commenced 
by the filing of Form I-221 (Order to Show Cause) with the Immigration 
Court, and an alien is considered to be in deportation proceedings only 
upon such filing, except in the case of an alien admitted to the United 
States under the provisions of section 217 of the Act. All references to 
the Act contained in this subpart are references to the Act in effect 
prior to April 1, 1997.

[[Page 1118]]



Sec.  1240.56  Application.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an alien who is 
deportable because of a conviction on or after November 18, 1988, for an 
aggravated felony as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Act, shall not 
be eligible for voluntary departure as prescribed in 8 CFR part 1240 and 
section 244 of the Act. Pursuant to subpart F of this part and section 
244 of the Act, an immigration judge may authorize the suspension of an 
alien's deportation; or, if the alien establishes that he or she is 
willing and has the immediate means with which to depart promptly from 
the United States, an immigration judge may authorize the alien to 
depart voluntarily from the United States in lieu of deportation within 
such time as may be specified by the immigration judge when first 
authorizing voluntary departure, and under such conditions as the 
district director shall direct. An application for suspension of 
deportation shall be made on Form EOIR-40.



Sec.  1240.57  Extension of time to depart.

    Authority to reinstate or extend the time within which to depart 
voluntarily specified initially by an immigration judge or the Board is 
within the sole jurisdiction of the district director, except that an 
immigration judge or the Board may reinstate voluntary departure in a 
deportation proceeding that has been reopened for a purpose other than 
solely making an application for voluntary departure. A request by an 
alien for reinstatement or an extension of time within which to depart 
voluntarily shall be filed with the district director having 
jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence. Written notice of the 
district director's decision shall be served upon the alien and no 
appeal may be taken therefrom.



Sec.  1240.58  Extreme hardship.

    (a) To be eligible for suspension of deportation under former 
section 244(a)(1) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, the 
alien must meet the requirements set forth in the Act, which include a 
showing that deportation would result in extreme hardship to the alien 
or to the alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the 
United States, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. 
Extreme hardship is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into 
account the particular facts and circumstances of each case. Applicants 
are encouraged to cite and document all applicable factors in their 
applications, as the presence or absence of any one factor may not be 
determinative in evaluating extreme hardship. Adjudicators should weigh 
all relevant factors presented and consider them in light of the 
totality of the circumstances, but are not required to offer an 
independent analysis of each listed factor when rendering a decision. 
Evidence of an extended stay in the United States without fear of 
deportation and with the benefit of work authorization, when present in 
a particular case, shall be considered relevant to the determination of 
whether deportation will result in extreme hardship.
    (b) To establish extreme hardship, an applicant must demonstrate 
that deportation would result in a degree of hardship beyond that 
typically associated with deportation. Factors that may be considered in 
evaluating whether deportation would result in extreme hardship to the 
alien or to the alien's qualified relative include, but are not limited 
to, the following:
    (1) The age of the alien, both at the time of entry to the United 
States and at the time of application for suspension of deportation;
    (2) The age, number, and immigration status of the alien's children 
and their ability to speak the native language and to adjust to life in 
the country of return;
    (3) The health condition of the alien or the alien's children, 
spouse, or parents and the availability of any required medical 
treatment in the country to which the alien would be returned;
    (4) The alien's ability to obtain employment in the country to which 
the alien would be returned;
    (5) The length of residence in the United States;
    (6) The existence of other family members who are or will be legally 
residing in the United States;
    (7) The financial impact of the alien's departure;

[[Page 1119]]

    (8) The impact of a disruption of educational opportunities;
    (9) The psychological impact of the alien's deportation;
    (10) The current political and economic conditions in the country to 
which the alien would be returned;
    (11) Family and other ties to the country to which the alien would 
be returned;
    (12) Contributions to and ties to a community in the United States, 
including the degree of integration into society;
    (13) Immigration history, including authorized residence in the 
United States; and
    (14) The availability of other means of adjusting to permanent 
resident status.
    (c) For cases raised under section 244(a)(3) of the Act, the 
following factors should be considered in addition to, or in lieu of, 
the factors listed in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) The nature and extent of the physical or psychological 
consequences of abuse;
    (2) The impact of loss of access to the United States courts and 
criminal justice system (including, but not limited to, the ability to 
obtain and enforce orders of protection, criminal investigations and 
prosecutions, and family law proceedings or court orders regarding child 
support, maintenance, child custody, and visitation);
    (3) The likelihood that the batterer's family, friends, or others 
acting on behalf of the batterer in the home country would physically or 
psychologically harm the applicant or the applicant's child(ren);
    (4) The applicant's needs and/or needs of the applicant's child(ren) 
for social, medical, mental health or other supportive services for 
victims of domestic violence that are unavailable or not reasonably 
accessible in the home country;
    (5) The existence of laws and social practices in the home country 
that punish the applicant or the applicant's child(ren) because they 
have been victims of domestic violence or have taken steps to leave an 
abusive household; and
    (6) The abuser's ability to travel to the home country and the 
ability and willingness of authorities in the home country to protect 
the applicant and/or the applicant's children from future abuse.
    (d) Nothing in Sec.  1240.58 shall be construed as creating any 
right, interest, or entitlement that is legally enforceable by or on 
behalf of any party against the United States or its agencies, officers, 
or any other person.

[64 FR 27875, May 21, 1999]

Subpart G--Civil Penalties for Failure to Depart [Reserved]



  Subpart H_Applications for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule 
      Cancellation of Removal Under Section 203 of Pub. L. 105	100

    Source: 64 FR 27876, May 21, 1999, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1240.60  Definitions.

    As used in this subpart the term:
    ABC means American Baptist Churches v. Thornburgh, 760 F. Supp. 796 
(N.D. Cal. 1991).
    ABC class member refers to:
    (1) Any Guatemalan national who first entered the United States on 
or before October 1, 1990; and
    (2) Any Salvadoran national who first entered the United States on 
or before September 19, 1990.
    Asylum application pending adjudication by the Service means any 
asylum application for which the Service has not served the applicant 
with a final decision or which has not been referred to the Immigration 
Court.
    Filed an application for asylum means the proper filing of a 
principal asylum application or filing a derivative asylum application 
by being properly included as a dependent spouse or child in an asylum 
application pursuant to the regulations and procedures in effect at the 
time of filing the principal or derivative asylum application.
    IIRIRA means the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
Responsibility Act of 1996, enacted as Pub. L. 104-208 (110 Stat. 3009-
625).
    NACARA means the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief 
Act (NACARA), enacted as title II of

[[Page 1120]]

Pub. L. 105-100 (111 Stat. 2160, 2193), as amended by the Technical 
Corrections to the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief 
Act, Pub. L. 105-139 (111 Stat. 2644).
    Registered ABC class member means an ABC class member who:
    (1) In the case of an ABC class member who is a national of El 
Salvador, properly submitted an ABC registration form to the Service on 
or before October 31, 1991, or applied for temporary protected status on 
or before October 31, 1991; or
    (2) In the case of an ABC class member who is a national of 
Guatemala, properly submitted an ABC registration form to the Service on 
or before December 31, 1991.



Sec.  1240.61  Applicability.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this 
subpart H applies to the following aliens:
    (1) A registered ABC class member who has not been apprehended at 
the time of entry after December 19, 1990;
    (2) A Guatemalan or Salvadoran national who filed an application for 
asylum with the Service on or before April 1, 1990, either by filing an 
application with the Service or filing the application with the 
Immigration Court and serving a copy of that application on the Service.
    (3) An alien who entered the United States on or before December 31, 
1990, filed an application for asylum on or before December 31, 1991, 
and, at the time of filing the application, was a national of the Soviet 
Union, Russia, any republic of the former Soviet Union, Latvia, Estonia, 
Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, 
East Germany, Yugoslavia, or any state of the former Yugoslavia;
    (4) An alien who is the spouse or child of an individual described 
in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section at the time a 
decision is made to suspend the deportation, or cancel the removal, of 
the individual described in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this 
section;
    (5) An alien who is:
    (i) The unmarried son or unmarried daughter of an individual 
described in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section and is 
21 years of age or older at the time a decision is made to suspend the 
deportation, or cancel the removal, of the parent described in paragraph 
(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this section; and
    (ii) Entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990.
    (b) This subpart H does not apply to any alien who has been 
convicted at any time of an aggravated felony, as defined in section 
101(a)(43) of the Act.



Sec.  1240.62  Jurisdiction.

    (a) Office of International Affairs. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b) of this section, the Office of International Affairs shall have 
initial jurisdiction to grant or refer to the Immigration Court or Board 
an application for suspension of deportation or special rule 
cancellation of removal filed by an alien described in Sec.  1240.61, 
provided:
    (1) In the case of a national of El Salvador described in Sec.  
1240.61(a)(1), the alien filed a complete asylum application on or 
before January 31, 1996 (with an administrative grace period extending 
to February 16, 1996), or otherwise met the asylum application filing 
deadline pursuant to the ABC settlement agreement, and the application 
is still pending adjudication by the Service;
    (2) In the case of a national of Guatemala described in Sec.  
1240.61(a)(1), the alien filed a complete asylum application on or 
before January 3, 1995, or otherwise met the asylum application filing 
deadline pursuant to the ABC settlement agreement, and the application 
is still pending adjudication by the Service;
    (3) In the case of an individual described in Sec.  1240.61(a)(2) or 
(3), the individual's asylum application is pending adjudication by the 
Service;
    (4) In the case of an individual described in Sec.  1240.61(a)(4) or 
(5), the individual's parent or spouse has an application pending with 
the Service under this subpart H or has been granted relief by the 
Service under this subpart.
    (b) Immigration Court. The Immigration Court shall have exclusive 
jurisdiction over an application for suspension of deportation or 
special rule cancellation of removal filed pursuant to section 
309(f)(1)(A) or (B) of IIRIRA, as amended by NACARA, by an alien who

[[Page 1121]]

has been served Form I-221, Order to Show Cause, or Form I-862, Notice 
to Appear, after a copy of the charging document has been filed with the 
Immigration Court, unless the alien is covered by one of the following 
exceptions:
    (1) Certain ABC class members. (i) The alien is a registered ABC 
class member for whom proceedings before the Immigration Court or the 
Board have been administratively closed or continued (including those 
aliens who had final orders of deportation or removal who have filed and 
been granted a motion to reopen as required under 8 CFR 1003.43);
    (ii) The alien is eligible for benefits of the ABC settlement 
agreement and has not had a de novo asylum adjudication pursuant to the 
settlement agreement; and
    (iii) The alien has not moved for and been granted a motion to 
recalendar proceedings before the Immigration Court or the Board to 
request suspension of deportation.
    (2) Spouses, children, unmarried sons, and unmarried daughters. (i) 
The alien is described in Sec.  1240.61(a) (4) or (5);
    (ii) The alien's spouse or parent is described in Sec.  
1240.61(a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) and has a Form I-881 pending with the 
Service; and
    (iii) The alien's proceedings before the Immigration Court have been 
administratively closed, or the alien's proceedings before the Board 
have been continued, to permit the alien to file an application for 
suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal with 
the Service.



Sec.  1240.63  Application process.

    (a) Form and fees. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the application must be made on a Form I-881, Application for 
Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal 
(pursuant to section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA)), and filed in 
accordance with the instructions for that form. An applicant who 
submitted to EOIR a completed Form EOIR-40, Application for Suspension 
of Deportation, before the effective date of the Form I-881 may apply 
with the Service by submitting the completed Form EOIR-40 attached to a 
completed first page of the Form I-881. Each application must be filed 
with the filing and fingerprint fees as provided in Sec.  1103.7(b)(1) 
of this chapter, or a request for fee waiver, as provided in Sec.  
1103.7(c) of this chapter. The fact that an applicant has also applied 
for asylum does not exempt the applicant from the fingerprinting fees 
associated with the Form I-881.
    (b) Applications filed with EOIR. If jurisdiction rests with the 
Immigration Court under Sec.  260.62(b), the application must be made on 
the Form I-881, if filed subsequent to June 21, 1999. The application 
form, along with any supporting documents, must be filed with the 
Immigration Court and served on the Service's district counsel in 
accordance with the instructions on or accompanying the form. 
Applications for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal filed prior to June 21, 1999 shall be filed on Form EOIR-40.
    (c) Applications filed with the Service. If jurisdiction rests with 
the Service under Sec.  1240.62(a), the Form I-881 and supporting 
documents must be filed at the appropriate Service Center in accordance 
with the instructions on or accompanying the form.
    (d) Conditions and consequences of filing. Applications filed under 
this section shall be filed under the following conditions and shall 
have the following consequences:
    (1) The information provided in the application may be used as a 
basis for the initiation of removal proceedings, or to satisfy any 
burden of proof in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings;
    (2) The applicant and anyone other than a spouse, parent, son, or 
daughter of the applicant who assists the applicant in preparing the 
application must sign the application under penalty of perjury. The 
applicant's signature establishes a presumption that the applicant is 
aware of the contents of the application. A person other than a relative 
specified in this paragraph who assists the applicant in preparing the 
application also must provide his or her full mailing address;
    (3) An application that does not include a response to each of the 
questions contained in the application, is

[[Page 1122]]

unsigned, or is unaccompanied by the required materials specified in the 
instructions to the application is incomplete and shall be returned by 
mail to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application by 
the Service; and
    (4) Knowing placement of false information on the application may 
subject the person supplying that information to criminal penalties 
under title 18 of the United States Code and to civil penalties under 
section 274C of the Act.



Sec.  1240.64  Eligibility--general.

    (a) Burden and standard of proof. The burden of proof is on the 
applicant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she 
is eligible for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal and that discretion should be exercised to grant relief.
    (b) Calculation of continuous physical presence and certain breaks 
in presence. For purposes of calculating continuous physical presence 
under this section, section 309(c)(5)(A) of IIRIRA and section 
240A(d)(1) of the Act shall not apply to persons described in Sec.  
1240.61. For purposes of this subpart H, a single absence of 90 days or 
less or absences which in the aggregate total no more than 180 days 
shall be considered brief.
    (1) For applications for suspension of deportation made under former 
section 244 of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, the burden 
of proof is on the applicant to establish that any breaks in continuous 
physical presence were brief, casual, and innocent and did not 
meaningfully interrupt the period of continuous physical presence in the 
United States. For purposes of evaluating whether an absence is brief, 
single absences in excess of 90 days, or absences that total more than 
180 days in the aggregate will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. An 
applicant must establish that any absence from the United States was 
casual and innocent and did not meaningfully interrupt the period of 
continuous physical presence.
    (2) For applications for special rule cancellation of removal made 
under section 309(f)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by NACARA, the applicant 
shall be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical 
presence in the United States if he or she has departed from the United 
States for any period in excess of 90 days or for any periods in the 
aggregate exceeding 180 days. The applicant must establish that any 
period of absence less than 90 days was casual and innocent and did not 
meaningfully interrupt the period of continuous physical presence in the 
United States.
    (3) For all applications made under this subpart, a period of 
continuous physical presence is terminated whenever an alien is removed 
from the United States under an order issued pursuant to any provision 
of the Act or the alien has voluntarily departed under the threat of 
deportation or when the departure is made for purposes of committing an 
unlawful act.
    (4) The requirements of continuous physical presence in the United 
States under this subpart shall not apply to an alien who:
    (i) Has served for a minimum period of 24 months in an active-duty 
status in the Armed Forces of the United States and, if separated from 
such service, was separated under honorable conditions, and
    (ii) At the time of the alien's enlistment or induction, was in the 
United States.
    (c) Factors relevant to extreme hardship. Except as described in 
paragraph (d) of this section, extreme hardship shall be determined as 
set forth in Sec.  1240.58.
    (d) Rebuttable presumption of extreme hardship for certain classes 
of aliens--(1) Presumption of extreme hardship. An applicant described 
in paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of Sec.  1240.61 who has submitted a 
completed Form I-881 or Form EOIR-40 to either the Service or the 
Immigration Court, in accordance with Sec.  1240.63, shall be presumed 
to have established that deportation or removal from the United States 
would result in extreme hardship to the applicant or to his or her 
spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the United States or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (2) Rebuttal of presumption. A presumption of extreme hardship as 
described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall be rebutted if the 
evidence in the record establishes that it is more

[[Page 1123]]

likely than not that neither the applicant nor a qualified relative 
would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were deported or removed 
from the United States. In making such a determination, the adjudicator 
shall consider relevant factors, including those listed in Sec.  
1240.58.
    (3) Burden of proof. In those cases where a presumption of extreme 
hardship applies, the burden of proof shall be on the Service to 
establish that it is more likely than not that neither the applicant nor 
a qualified relative would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were 
deported or removed from the United States.
    (4) Effect of rebuttal. (i) A determination that it is more likely 
than not that neither the applicant nor a qualified relative would 
suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were deported or removed from 
the United States shall be grounds for referral to the Immigration Court 
or dismissal of an application submitted initially to the Service. The 
applicant is entitled to a de novo adjudication and will again be 
considered to have a presumption of extreme hardship before the 
Immigration Court.
    (ii) If the Immigration Court determines that extreme hardship will 
not result from deportation or removal from the United States, the 
application will be denied.

[64 FR 27876, May 21, 1999; 64 FR 33386, June 23, 1999]



Sec.  1240.65  Eligibility for suspension of deportation.

    (a) Applicable statutory provisions. To establish eligibility for 
suspension of deportation under this section, the applicant must be an 
individual described in Sec.  1240.61; must establish that he or she is 
eligible under former section 244 of the Act, as in effect prior to 
April 1, 1997; must not be subject to any bars to eligibility in former 
section 242B(e) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, or any 
other provisions of law; and must not have been convicted of an 
aggravated felony or be an alien described in former section 
241(a)(4)(D) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997 (relating 
to Nazi persecution and genocide).
    (b) General rule. To establish eligibility for suspension of 
deportation under former section 244(a)(1) of the Act, as in effect 
prior to April 1, 1997, an alien must be deportable under any law of the 
United States, except the provisions specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section, and must establish:
    (1) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the 
date the application was filed;
    (2) During all of such period the alien was and is a person of good 
moral character; and
    (3) The alien's deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney 
General, result in extreme hardship to the alien or to the alien's 
spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of the United States or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (c) Aliens deportable on criminal or certain other grounds. To 
establish eligibility for suspension of deportation under former section 
244(a)(2) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, an alien who 
is deportable under former section 241(a) (2), (3), or (4) of the Act, 
as in effect prior to April 1, 1997 (relating to criminal activity, 
document fraud, failure to register, and security threats), must 
establish that:
    (1) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 10 years immediately following the 
commission of an act, or the assumption of a status constituting a 
ground for deportation;
    (2) The alien has been and is a person of good moral character 
during all of such period; and
    (3) The alien's deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney 
General, result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the 
alien, or to the alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a citizen of 
the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
    (d) Battered spouses and children. To establish eligibility for 
suspension of deportation under former section 244(a)(3) of the Act, as 
in effect prior to April 1, 1997, an alien must be deportable under any 
law of the United States, except under former section 241(a)(1)(G) of 
the Act, as in effect prior

[[Page 1124]]

to April 1, 1997 (relating to marriage fraud), and except under the 
provisions specified in paragraph (c) of this section, and must 
establish that:
    (1) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 3 years immediately preceding the 
date the application was filed;
    (2) The alien has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in 
the United States by a spouse or parent who is a United States citizen 
or lawful permanent resident (or is the parent of a child of a United 
States citizen or lawful permanent resident and the child has been 
battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by such 
citizen or permanent resident parent); and
    (3) During all of such time in the United States the alien was and 
is a person of good moral character; and
    (4) The alien's deportation would, in the opinion of the Attorney 
General, result in extreme hardship to the alien or the alien's parent 
or child.



Sec.  1240.66  Eligibility for special rule cancellation of removal.

    (a) Applicable statutory provisions. To establish eligibility for 
special rule cancellation of removal, the applicant must show he or she 
is eligible under section 309(f)(1) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 
of NACARA. The applicant must be described in Sec.  1240.61, must be 
inadmissible or deportable, must not be subject to any bars to 
eligibility in sections 240(b)(7), 240A(c), or 240B(d) of the Act, or 
any other provisions of law, and must not have been convicted of an 
aggravated felony or be an alien described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(I) of 
the Act (relating to persecution of others).
    (b) General rule. To establish eligibility for special rule 
cancellation of removal under section 309(f)(1)(A) of IIRIRA, as amended 
by section 203 of NACARA, the alien must establish that:
    (1) The alien is not inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) or (3) or 
deportable under section 237(a)(2), (3) or (4) of the Act (relating to 
criminal activity, document fraud, failure to register, and security 
threats);
    (2) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of 7 years immediately preceding the date the 
application was filed;
    (3) The alien has been a person of good moral character during the 
required period of continuous physical presence; and
    (4) The alien's removal from the United States would result in 
extreme hardship to the alien, or to the alien's spouse, parent or child 
who is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence.
    (c) Aliens inadmissible or deportable on criminal or certain other 
grounds. To establish eligibility for special rule cancellation of 
removal under section 309(f)(1)(B) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 
of NACARA, the alien must be described in Sec.  1240.61 and establish 
that:
    (1) The alien is inadmissible under section 212(a)(2) of the Act 
(relating to criminal activity), or deportable under paragraphs (a)(2) 
(other than section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii), relating to aggravated felony 
convictions), or (a)(3) of section 237 of the Act (relating to criminal 
activity, document fraud, and failure to register);
    (2) The alien has been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period of not less than 10 years immediately following the 
commission of an act, or the assumption of a status constituting a 
ground for removal;
    (3) The alien has been a person of good moral character during the 
required period of continuous physical presence; and
    (4) The alien's removal from the United States would result in 
exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the alien or to the 
alien's spouse, parent, or child, who is a United States citizen or an 
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.



Sec.  1240.67  Procedure for interview before an asylum officer.

    (a) Fingerprinting requirements. The Service will notify each 
applicant 14 years of age or older to appear for an interview only after 
the applicant has complied with fingerprinting requirements pursuant to 
Sec.  103.2(e) of 8 CFR chapter I, and the Service has received

[[Page 1125]]

a definitive response from the FBI that a full criminal background check 
has been completed. A definitive response that a full criminal 
background check on an applicant has been completed includes:
    (1) Confirmation from the FBI that an applicant does not have an 
administrative or criminal record;
    (2) Confirmation from the FBI that an applicant has an 
administrative or a criminal record; or
    (3) Confirmation from the FBI that two properly prepared fingerprint 
cards (Form FD-258) have been determined unclassifiable for the purpose 
of conducting a criminal background check and have been rejected.
    (b) Interview. (1) The asylum officer shall conduct the interview in 
a non-adversarial manner and, except at the request of the applicant, 
separate and apart from the general public. The purpose of the interview 
shall be to elicit all relevant and useful information bearing on the 
applicant's eligibility for suspension of deportation or special rule 
cancellation of removal. If the applicant has an asylum application 
pending with the Service, the asylum officer may also elicit information 
relating to the application for asylum in accordance with Sec.  1208.9 
of this chapter. At the time of the interview, the applicant must 
provide complete information regarding the applicant's identity, 
including name, date and place of birth, and nationality, and may be 
required to register this identity electronically or through any other 
means designated by the Attorney General.
    (2) The applicant may have counsel or a representative present, may 
present witnesses, and may submit affidavits of witnesses and other 
evidence.
    (3) An applicant unable to proceed with the interview in English 
must provide, at no expense to the Service, a competent interpreter 
fluent in both English and a language in which the applicant is fluent. 
The interpreter must be at least 18 years of age. The following 
individuals may not serve as the applicant's interpreter: the 
applicant's attorney or representative of record; a witness testifying 
on the applicant's behalf; or, if the applicant also has an asylum 
application pending with the Service, a representative or employee of 
the applicant's country of nationality, or, if stateless, country of 
last habitual residence. Failure without good cause to comply with this 
paragraph may be considered a failure to appear for the interview for 
purposes of Sec.  1240.68.
    (4) The asylum officer shall have authority to administer oaths, 
verify the identity of the applicant (including through the use of 
electronic means), verify the identity of any interpreter, present and 
receive evidence, and question the applicant and any witnesses.
    (5) Upon completion of the interview, the applicant or the 
applicant's representative shall have an opportunity to make a statement 
or comment on the evidence presented. The asylum officer may, in the 
officer's discretion, limit the length of such statement or comment and 
may require its submission in writing. Upon completion of the interview, 
and except as otherwise provided by the asylum officer, the applicant 
shall be informed of the requirement to appear in person to receive and 
to acknowledge receipt of the decision and any other accompanying 
material at a time and place designated by the asylum officer.
    (6) The asylum officer shall consider evidence submitted by the 
applicant with the application, as well as any evidence submitted by the 
applicant before or at the interview. As a matter of discretion, the 
asylum officer may grant the applicant a brief extension of time 
following an interview, during which the applicant may submit additional 
evidence.



Sec.  1240.68  Failure to appear at an interview before an asylum officer 
or failure to follow requirements for fingerprinting.

    (a) Failure to appear for a scheduled interview without prior 
authorization may result in dismissal of the application or waiver of 
the right to an adjudication by an asylum officer. A written request to 
reschedule will be granted if it is an initial request and is received 
by the Asylum Office at least 2 days before the scheduled interview 
date. All other requests to reschedule the interview, including those 
submitted after the interview date, will be

[[Page 1126]]

granted only if the applicant has a reasonable excuse for not appearing, 
and the excuse was received by the Asylum Office in writing within a 
reasonable time after the scheduled interview date.
    (b) Failure to comply with fingerprint processing requirements 
without reasonable excuse may result in dismissal of the application or 
waiver of the right to an adjudication by an asylum officer.
    (c) Failure to appear shall be excused if the notice of the 
interview or fingerprint appointment was not mailed to the applicant's 
current address and such address had been provided to the Office of 
International Affairs by the applicant prior to the date of mailing in 
accordance with section 265 of the Act and Service regulations, unless 
the asylum officer determines that the applicant received reasonable 
notice of the interview or fingerprinting appointment.



Sec.  1240.69  Reliance on information compiled by other sources.

    In determining whether an applicant is eligible for suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal, the asylum officer 
may rely on material described in Sec.  1208.12 of this chapter. Nothing 
in this subpart shall be construed to entitle the applicant to conduct 
discovery directed toward records, officers, agents, or employees of the 
Service, the Department of Justice, or the Department of State.



Sec.  1240.70  Decision by the Service.

    (a) Service of decision. Unless the asylum officer has granted the 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal at the time of the interview or as otherwise provided by an 
Asylum Office, the applicant will be required to return to the Asylum 
Office to receive service of the decision on the applicant's 
application. If the applicant does not speak English fluently, the 
applicant shall bring an interpreter when returning to the office to 
receive service of the decision.
    (b) Grant of suspension of deportation. An asylum officer may grant 
suspension of deportation to an applicant eligible to apply for this 
relief with the Service who qualifies for suspension of deportation 
under former section 244(a)(1) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 
1, 1997, who is not an alien described in former section 241(a)(4)(D) of 
the Act, as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, and who admits 
deportability under any law of the United States, excluding former 
section 241(a)(2), (3), or (4) of the Act, as in effect prior to April 
1, 1997. If the Service has made a preliminary decision to grant the 
applicant suspension of deportation under this subpart, the applicant 
shall be notified of that decision and will be asked to sign an 
admission of deportability or inadmissibility. The applicant must sign 
the admission before the Service may grant the relief sought. If 
suspension of deportation is granted, the Service shall adjust the 
status of the alien to lawful permanent resident, effective as of the 
date that suspension of deportation is granted.
    (c) Grant of cancellation of removal. An asylum officer may grant 
cancellation of removal to an applicant who is eligible to apply for 
this relief with the Service, and who qualifies for cancellation of 
removal under section 309(f)(1)(A) of IIRIRA, as amended by section 203 
of NACARA, and who admits deportability under section 237(a), excluding 
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), of the Act, or inadmissibility under 
section 212(a), excluding paragraphs (2) or (3), of the Act. If the 
Service has made a preliminary decision to grant the applicant 
cancellation of removal under this subpart, the applicant shall be 
notified of that decision and asked to sign an admission of 
deportability or inadmissibility. The applicant must sign the concession 
before the Service may grant the relief sought. If the Service grants 
cancellation of removal, the Service shall adjust the status of the 
alien to lawful permanent resident, effective as of the date that 
cancellation of removal is granted.
    (d) Referral of the application. Except as provided in paragraphs 
(e) and (f) of this section, and unless the applicant is granted asylum 
or is in lawful immigrant or non-immigrant status, an asylum officer 
shall refer the application for suspension of deportation or special

[[Page 1127]]

rule cancellation of removal to the Immigration Court for adjudication 
in deportation or removal proceedings, and will provide the applicant 
with written notice of the statutory or regulatory basis for the 
referral, if:
    (1) The applicant is not clearly eligible for suspension of 
deportation under former section 244(a)(1) of the Act as in effect prior 
to April 1, 1997, or for cancellation of removal under section 
309(f)(1)(A) of IIRIRA, as amended by NACARA;
    (2) The applicant does not appear to merit relief as a matter of 
discretion;
    (3) The applicant appears to be eligible for suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal under this subpart, 
but does not admit deportability or inadmissibility; or
    (4) The applicant failed to appear for a scheduled interview with an 
asylum officer or failed to comply with fingerprinting processing 
requirements and such failure was not excused by the Service, unless the 
application is dismissed.
    (e) Dismissal of the application. An asylum officer shall dismiss 
without prejudice an application for suspension of deportation or 
special rule cancellation of removal submitted by an applicant who has 
been granted asylum, or who is in lawful immigrant or non-immigrant 
status. An asylum officer may also dismiss an application for failure to 
appear, pursuant to Sec.  1240.68. The asylum officer will provide the 
applicant written notice of the statutory or regulatory basis for the 
dismissal.
    (f) Special provisions for certain ABC class members whose 
proceedings before EOIR were administratively closed or continued. The 
following provisions shall apply with respect to an ABC class member who 
was in proceedings before the Immigration Court or the Board, and those 
proceedings were closed or continued pursuant to the ABC settlement 
agreement:
    (1) Suspension of deportation or asylum granted. If an asylum 
officer grants asylum or suspension of deportation, the previous 
proceedings before the Immigration Court or Board shall be terminated as 
a matter of law on the date relief is granted.
    (2) Asylum denied and application for suspension of deportation not 
approved. If an asylum officer denies asylum and does not grant the 
applicant suspension of deportation, the Service shall move to 
recalendar proceedings before the Immigration Court or resume 
proceedings before the Board, whichever is appropriate. The Service 
shall refer to the Immigration Court or the Board the application for 
suspension of deportation. In the case where jurisdiction rests with the 
Board, an application for suspension of deportation that is referred to 
the Board will be remanded to the Immigration Court for adjudication.
    (g) Special provisions for dependents whose proceedings before EOIR 
were administratively closed or continued. If an asylum officer grants 
suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation of removal to an 
applicant described in Sec.  1240.61(a)(4) or (a)(5), whose proceedings 
before EOIR were administratively closed or continued, those proceedings 
shall terminate as of the date the relief is granted. If suspension of 
deportation or special rule cancellation of removal is not granted, the 
Service shall move to recalendar proceedings before the Immigration 
Court or resume proceedings before the Board, whichever is appropriate. 
The Service shall refer to the Immigration Court or the Board the 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal. In the case where jurisdiction rests with the Board, an 
application for suspension of deportation or special rule cancellation 
of removal that is referred to the Board will be remanded to the 
Immigration Court for adjudication.
    (h) Special provisions for applicants who depart the United States 
and return under a grant of advance parole while in deportation 
proceedings. Notwithstanding paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section, for 
purposes of adjudicating an application for suspension of deportation or 
special rule cancellation of removal under this subpart, if an applicant 
departs and returns to the United States pursuant to a grant of advance 
parole while in deportation proceedings, including deportation 
proceedings administratively closed or continued pursuant to the ABC 
settlement agreement, the deportation proceedings will be considered 
terminated

[[Page 1128]]

as of the date of applicant's departure from the United States. A 
decision on the NACARA application shall be issued in accordance with 
paragraph (a), and paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section.



PART 1241_APPREHENSION AND DETENTION OF ALIENS ORDERED REMOVED--
Table of Contents



              Subpart A_Post-hearing Detention and Removal

Sec.
1241.1 Final order of removal.
1241.2 Warrant of removal; detention of aliens during removal period.
1241.3-1241.5 [Reserved]
1241.6 Administrative stay of removal.
1241.7 Self-removal.
1241.8 Reinstatement of removal orders.
1241.9-1241.13 [Reserved]
1241.14 Continued detention of removable aliens on account of special 
          circumstances.
1241.15 Lack of jurisdiction to review other country of removal.
1241.16-1241.19 [Reserved]

 Subpart B_Deportation of Excluded Aliens (for Hearings Commenced Prior 
                            to April 1, 1997)

1241.20 Aliens ordered excluded.
1241.21-1241.29 [Reserved]

   Subpart C_Deportation of Aliens in the United States (for Hearings 
                    Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997)

1241.30 Aliens ordered deported.
1241.31 Final order of deportation.
1241.32 Warrant of deportation.
1241.33 Expulsion.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1223, 1224, 
1225, 1226, 1227, 1231, 1251, 1253, 1255, 1330, 1362; 18 U.S.C. 4002, 
4013(c)(4).

    Source: 62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 241 at 68 FR 9840, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1241 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10357, Mar. 5, 2003.



              Subpart A_Post-hearing Detention and Removal



Sec.  1241.1  Final order of removal.

    An order of removal made by the immigration judge at the conclusion 
of proceedings under section 240 of the Act shall become final:
    (a) Upon dismissal of an appeal by the Board of Immigration Appeals;
    (b) Upon waiver of appeal by the respondent;
    (c) Upon expiration of the time allotted for an appeal if the 
respondent does not file an appeal within that time;
    (d) If certified to the Board or Attorney General, upon the date of 
the subsequent decision ordering removal;
    (e) If an immigration judge orders an alien removed in the alien's 
absence, immediately upon entry of such order; or
    (f) If an immigration judge issues an alternate order of removal in 
connection with a grant of voluntary departure, upon overstay of the 
voluntary departure period, or upon the failure to post a required 
voluntary departure bond within 5 business days. If the respondent has 
filed a timely appeal with the Board, the order shall become final upon 
an order of removal by the Board or the Attorney General, or upon 
overstay of the voluntary departure period granted or reinstated by the 
Board or the Attorney General.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 73 FR 76938, Dec. 18, 2008]



Sec.  1241.2  Warrant of removal; detention of aliens during removal period.

    For the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security with 
respect to the detention and removal of aliens who are subject to a 
final order of removal, see 8 CFR part 241.

[70 FR 674, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec. Sec.  1241.3-1241.5  [Reserved]



Sec.  1241.6  Administrative stay of removal.

    (a) An alien under a final order of deportation or removal may seek 
a stay of deportation or removal from the Department of Homeland 
Security as provided in 8 CFR 241.6.
    (b) A denial of a stay by the Department of Homeland Security shall 
not preclude an immigration judge or the Board from granting a stay in 
connection with a previously filed motion to reopen or a motion to 
reconsider as provided in 8 CFR part 1003.

[[Page 1129]]

    (c) The Service shall take all reasonable steps to comply with a 
stay granted by an immigration judge or the Board. However, such a stay 
shall cease to have effect if granted (or communicated) after the alien 
has been placed aboard an aircraft or other conveyance for removal and 
the normal boarding has been completed.

[65 FR 80298, Dec. 21, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 39259, June 7, 2002; 70 
FR 674, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  1241.7  Self-removal.

    Any alien who has departed from the United States while an order of 
deportation or removal is outstanding shall be considered to have been 
deported, excluded and deported, or removed, except that an alien who 
departed before the expiration of the voluntary departure period granted 
in connection with an alternate order of deportation or removal shall 
not be considered to be so deported or removed.

[67 FR 39260, June 7, 2002, as amended at 70 FR 674, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  1241.8  Reinstatement of removal orders.

    (a) Applicability. An alien who illegally reenters the United States 
after having been removed, or having departed voluntarily, while under 
an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal shall be removed from the 
United States by reinstating the prior order. The alien has no right to 
a hearing before an immigration judge in such circumstances. In 
establishing whether an alien is subject to this section, the 
immigration officer shall determine the following:
    (1) Whether the alien has been subject to a prior order of removal. 
The immigration officer must obtain the prior order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal relating to the alien.
    (2) The identity of the alien, i.e., whether the alien is in fact an 
alien who was previously removed, or who departed voluntarily while 
under an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. In disputed cases, 
verification of identity shall be accomplished by a comparison of 
fingerprints between those of the previously excluded, deported, or 
removed alien contained in Service records and those of the subject 
alien. In the absence of fingerprints in a disputed case the alien shall 
not be removed pursuant to this paragraph.
    (3) Whether the alien unlawfully reentered the United States. In 
making this determination, the officer shall consider all relevant 
evidence, including statements made by the alien and any evidence in the 
alien's possession. The immigration officer shall attempt to verify an 
alien's claim, if any, that he or she was lawfully admitted, which shall 
include a check of Service data systems available to the officer.
    (b) Notice. If an officer determines that an alien is subject to 
removal under this section, he or she shall provide the alien with 
written notice of his or her determination. The officer shall advise the 
alien that he or she may make a written or oral statement contesting the 
determination. If the alien wishes to make such a statement, the officer 
shall allow the alien to do so and shall consider whether the alien's 
statement warrants reconsideration of the determination.
    (c) Order. If the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are 
met, the alien shall be removed under the previous order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal in accordance with section 241(a)(5) of the Act.
    (d) Exception for applicants for benefits under section 902 of HRIFA 
or sections 202 or 203 of NACARA. If an alien who is otherwise subject 
to this section has applied for adjustment of status under either 
section 902 of Division A of Public Law 105-277, the Haitian Refugee 
Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA), or section 202 of Public Law 
105-100, the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act 
(NACARA), the provisions of section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act shall not apply. The immigration officer may not 
reinstate the prior order in accordance with this section unless and 
until a final decision to deny the application for adjustment has been 
made. If the application for adjustment of status is granted, the prior 
order shall be rendered moot.
    (e) Exception for withholding of removal. If an alien whose prior 
order of removal has been reinstated under this section expresses a fear 
of returning to

[[Page 1130]]

the country designated in that order, the alien shall be immediately 
referred to an asylum officer for an interview to determine whether the 
alien has a reasonable fear of persecution or torture pursuant to Sec.  
1208.31 of this chapter.
    (f) Execution of reinstated order. Execution of the reinstated order 
of removal and detention of the alien shall be administered in 
accordance with this part.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 8495, Feb. 19, 1999; 66 
FR 29451, May 31, 2001]



Sec. Sec.  1241.9-1241.13  [Reserved]



Sec.  1241.14  Continued detention of removable aliens on account 
of special circumstances.

    (a) Scope. This section provides for the review of determinations by 
the Department of Homeland Security to continue the detention of 
particular removable aliens found to be specially dangerous. See 8 CFR 
241.14.
    (1) Applicability. This section applies to the review of the 
continued detention of removable aliens because the Department of 
Homeland Security has determined that release of the alien would pose a 
special danger to the public, where there is no significant likelihood 
of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future. This section does not 
apply to aliens who are not subject to the special review provisions 
under 8 CFR 241.13.
    (2) Jurisdiction. The immigration judges and the Board have 
jurisdiction with respect to determinations as to whether release of an 
alien would pose a special danger to the public, as provided in 
paragraphs (f) through (k) of this section.
    (b)-(e) [Reserved]
    (f) Detention of aliens determined to be specially dangerous--(1) 
Standard for continued detention. Subject to the review procedures 
provided in this section, the Service shall continue to detain an alien 
if the release of the alien would pose a special danger to the public, 
because:
    (i) The alien has previously committed one or more crimes of 
violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 16;
    (ii) Due to a mental condition or personality disorder and behavior 
associated with that condition or disorder, the alien is likely to 
engage in acts of violence in the future; and
    (iii) No conditions of release can reasonably be expected to ensure 
the safety of the public.
    (2) Determination by the Commissioner. The Service shall promptly 
initiate review proceedings under paragraph (g) of this section if the 
Commissioner has determined in writing that the alien's release would 
pose a special danger to the public, according to the standards of 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (3) Medical or mental health examination. Before making such a 
determination, the Commissioner shall arrange for a report by a 
physician employed or designated by the Public Health Service based on a 
full medical and psychiatric examination of the alien. The report shall 
include recommendations pertaining to whether, due to a mental condition 
or personality disorder and behavior associated with that condition or 
disorder, the alien is likely to engage in acts of violence in the 
future.
    (4) Detention pending review. After the Commissioner or Deputy 
Commissioner has made a determination under this paragraph, the Service 
shall continue to detain the alien, unless an immigration judge or the 
Board issues an administratively final decision dismissing the review 
proceedings under this section.
    (g) Referral to Immigration Judge. Jurisdiction for an immigration 
judge to review a determination by the Service pursuant to paragraph (f) 
of this section that an alien is specially dangerous shall commence with 
the filing by the Service of a Notice of Referral to the Immigration 
Judge (Form I-863) with the Immigration Court having jurisdiction over 
the place of the alien's custody. The Service shall promptly provide to 
the alien by personal service a copy of the Notice of Referral to the 
Immigration Judge and all accompanying documents.
    (1) Factual basis. The Service shall attach a written statement that 
contains a summary of the basis for the Commissioner's determination to 
continue to detain the alien, including a description of the evidence 
relied upon to reach the determination regarding the alien's special 
dangerousness. The

[[Page 1131]]

Service shall attach copies of all relevant documents used to reach its 
decision to continue to detain the alien.
    (2) Notice of reasonable cause hearing. The Service shall attach a 
written notice advising the alien that the Service is initiating 
proceedings for the continued detention of the alien and informing the 
alien of the procedures governing the reasonable cause hearing, as set 
forth at paragraph (h) of this section.
    (3) Notice of alien's rights. The Service shall also provide written 
notice advising the alien of his or her rights during the reasonable 
cause hearing and the merits hearing before the Immigration Court, as 
follows:
    (i) The alien shall be provided with the List of Pro Bono Legal 
Service Providers for the immigration court at which the hearing is 
being held, and may be represented by an attorney or other 
representative of his or her choice in accordance with 8 CFR part 1292, 
at no expense to the Government;
    (ii) The Immigration Court shall provide an interpreter for the 
alien, if necessary, for the reasonable cause hearing and the merits 
hearing.
    (iii) The alien shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine 
evidence against the alien, to present evidence in the alien's own 
behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the Service; and
    (iv) The alien shall have the right, at the merits hearing, to 
cross-examine the author of any medical or mental health reports used as 
a basis for the determination under paragraph (f) of this section that 
the alien is specially dangerous.
    (4) Record. All proceedings before the immigration judge under this 
section shall be recorded. The Immigration Court shall create a record 
of proceeding that shall include all testimony and documents related to 
the proceedings.
    (h) Reasonable cause hearing. The immigration judge shall hold a 
preliminary hearing to determine whether the evidence supporting the 
Service's determination is sufficient to establish reasonable cause to 
go forward with a merits hearing under paragraph (i) of this section. A 
finding of reasonable cause under this section will be sufficient to 
warrant the alien's continued detention pending the completion of the 
review proceedings under this section.
    (1) Scheduling of hearing. The reasonable cause hearing shall be 
commenced not later than 10 business days after the filing of the Form 
I-863. The Immigration Court shall provide prompt notice to the alien 
and to the Service of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing may 
be continued at the request of the alien or his or her representative.
    (2) Evidence. The Service must show that there is reasonable cause 
to conduct a merits hearing under a merits hearing under paragraph (i) 
of this section. The Service may offer any evidence that is material and 
relevant to the proceeding. Testimony of witnesses, if any, shall be 
under oath or affirmation. The alien may, but is not required to, offer 
evidence on his or her own behalf.
    (3) Decision. The immigration judge shall render a decision, which 
should be in summary form, within 5 business days after the close of the 
record, unless that time is extended by agreement of both parties, by a 
determination from the Chief Immigration Judge that exceptional 
circumstances make it impractical to render the decision on a highly 
expedited basis, or because of delay caused by the alien. If the 
immigration judge determines that the Service has met its burden of 
establishing reasonable cause, the immigration judge shall advise the 
alien and the Service, and shall schedule a merits hearing under 
paragraph (i) of this section to review the Service's determination that 
the alien is specially dangerous. If the immigration judge determines 
that the Service has not met its burden, the immigration judge shall 
order that the review proceedings under this section be dismissed. The 
order and any documents offered shall be included in the record of 
proceedings, and may be relied upon in a subsequent merits hearing.
    (4) Appeal. If the immigration judge dismisses the review 
proceedings, the Service may appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals 
in accordance with Sec.  1003.38 of this chapter, except that the 
Service must file the Notice of Appeal

[[Page 1132]]

(Form EOIR-26) with the Board within 2 business days after the 
immigration judge's order. The Notice of Appeal should state clearly and 
conspicuously that it is an appeal of a reasonable cause decision under 
this section.
    (i) If the Service reserves appeal of a dismissal of the reasonable 
cause hearing, the immigration judge's order shall be stayed until the 
expiration of the time to appeal. Upon the Service's filing of a timely 
Notice of Appeal, the immigration judge's order shall remain in abeyance 
pending a final decision of the appeal. The stay shall expire if the 
Service fails to file a timely Notice of Appeal.
    (ii) The Board will decide the Service's appeal, by single Board 
Member review, based on the record of proceedings before the immigration 
judge. The Board shall expedite its review as far as practicable, as the 
highest priority among the appeals filed by detained aliens, and shall 
determine the issue within 20 business days of the filing of the notice 
of appeal, unless that time is extended by agreement of both parties, by 
a determination from the Chairman of the Board that exceptional 
circumstances make it impractical to render the decision on a highly 
expedited basis, or because of delay caused by the alien.
    (iii) If the Board determines that the Service has met its burden of 
showing reasonable cause under this paragraph (h), the Board shall 
remand the case to the immigration judge for the scheduling of a merits 
hearing under paragraph (i) of this section. If the Board determines 
that the Service has not met its burden, the Board shall dismiss the 
review proceedings under this section.
    (i) Merits hearing. If there is reasonable cause to conduct a merits 
hearing under this section, the immigration judge shall promptly 
schedule the hearing and shall expedite the proceedings as far as 
practicable. The immigration judge shall allow adequate time for the 
parties to prepare for the merits hearing, but, if requested by the 
alien, the hearing shall commence within 30 days. The hearing may be 
continued at the request of the alien or his or her representative, or 
at the request of the Service upon a showing of exceptional 
circumstances by the Service.
    (1) Evidence. The Service shall have the burden of proving, by clear 
and convincing evidence, that the alien should remain in custody because 
the alien's release would pose a special danger to the public, under the 
standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The immigration judge may 
receive into evidence any oral or written statement that is material and 
relevant to this determination. Testimony of witnesses shall be under 
oath or affirmation. The alien may, but is not required to, offer 
evidence on his or her own behalf.
    (2) Factors for consideration. In making any determination in a 
merits hearing under this section, the immigration judge shall consider 
the following non-exclusive list of factors:
    (i) The alien's prior criminal history, particularly the nature and 
seriousness of any prior crimes involving violence or threats of 
violence;
    (ii) The alien's previous history of recidivism, if any, upon 
release from either Service or criminal custody;
    (iii) The substantiality of the Service's evidence regarding the 
alien's current mental condition or personality disorder;
    (iv) The likelihood that the alien will engage in acts of violence 
in the future; and
    (v) The nature and seriousness of the danger to the public posed by 
the alien's release.
    (3) Decision. After the closing of the record, the immigration judge 
shall render a decision as soon as practicable. The decision may be oral 
or written. The decision shall state whether or not the Service has met 
its burden of establishing that the alien should remain in custody 
because the alien's release would pose a special danger to the public, 
under the standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The decision 
shall also include the reasons for the decision under each of the 
standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, although a formal 
enumeration of findings is not required. Notice of the decision shall be 
served in accordance with Sec.  1240.13(a) or (b).

[[Page 1133]]

    (i) If the immigration judge determines that the Service has met its 
burden, the immigration judge shall enter an order providing for the 
continued detention of the alien.
    (ii) If the immigration judge determines that the Service has failed 
to meet its burden, the immigration judge shall order that the review 
proceedings under this section be dismissed.
    (4) Appeal. Either party may appeal an adverse decision to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals in accordance with Sec.  3.38 of this chapter, 
except that, if the immigration judge orders dismissal of the 
proceedings, the Service shall have only 5 business days to file a 
Notice of Appeal with the Board. The Notice of Appeal should state 
clearly and conspicuously that this is an appeal of a merits decision 
under this section.
    (i) If the Service reserves appeal of a dismissal, the immigration 
judge's order shall be stayed until the expiration of the time to 
appeal. Upon the Service's filing of a timely Notice of Appeal, the 
immigration judge's order shall remain in abeyance pending a final 
decision of the appeal. The stay shall expire if the Service fails to 
file a timely Notice of Appeal.
    (ii) The Board shall conduct its review of the appeal as provided in 
8 CFR part 3, but shall expedite its review as far as practicable, as 
the highest priority among the appeals filed by detained aliens. The 
decision of the Board shall be final as provided in Sec.  1003.1(d)(3) 
of this chapter.
    (j) Release of alien upon dismissal of proceedings. If there is an 
administratively final decision by the immigration judge or the Board 
dismissing the review proceedings under this section upon conclusion of 
the reasonable cause hearing or the merits hearing, the Service shall 
promptly release the alien on conditions of supervision, as determined 
by the Service, pursuant to Sec.  1241.13. The conditions of supervision 
shall not be subject to review by the immigration judge or the Board.
    (k) Subsequent review for aliens whose release would pose a special 
danger to the public--(1) Periodic review. In any case where the 
immigration judge or the Board has entered an order providing for the 
alien to remain in custody after a merits hearing pursuant to paragraph 
(i) of this section, the Service shall continue to provide an ongoing, 
periodic review of the alien's continued detention, according to Sec.  
1241.4 and paragraphs (f)(1)(ii) and (f)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (2) Alien's request for review. The alien may also request a review 
of his or her custody status because of changed circumstances, as 
provided in this paragraph (k). The request shall be in writing and 
directed to the HQPDU.
    (3) Time for review. An alien may only request a review of his or 
her custody status under this paragraph (k) no earlier than six months 
after the last decision of the immigration judge under this section or, 
if the decision was appealed, the decision of the Board.
    (4) Showing of changed circumstances. The alien shall bear the 
initial burden to establish a material change in circumstances such that 
the release of the alien would no longer pose a special danger to the 
public under the standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (5) Review by the Service. If the Service determines, upon 
consideration of the evidence submitted by the alien and other relevant 
evidence, that the alien is not likely to commit future acts of violence 
or that the Service will be able to impose adequate conditions of 
release so that the alien will not pose a special danger to the public, 
the Service shall release the alien from custody pursuant to the 
procedures in Sec.  1241.13. If the Service determines that continued 
detention is needed in order to protect the public, the Service shall 
provide a written notice to the alien stating the basis for the 
Service's determination, and provide a copy of the evidence relied upon 
by the Service. The notice shall also advise the alien of the right to 
move to set aside the prior review proceedings under this section.
    (6) Motion to set aside determination in prior review proceedings. 
If the Service denies the alien's request for release from custody, the 
alien may file a motion with the Immigration Court that had jurisdiction 
over the merits hearing to set aside the determination in the prior 
review proceedings under this section. The immigration judge shall 
consider any evidence submitted by the alien or relied upon by the 
Service and

[[Page 1134]]

shall provide an opportunity for the Service to respond to the motion.
    (i) If the immigration judge determines that the alien has provided 
good reason to believe that, because of a material change in 
circumstances, releasing the alien would no longer pose a special danger 
to the public under the standards of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, 
the immigration judge shall set aside the determination in the prior 
review proceedings under this section and schedule a new merits hearing 
as provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (ii) Unless the immigration judge determines that the alien has 
satisfied the requirements under paragraph (k)(6)(i) of this section, 
the immigration judge shall deny the motion. Neither the immigration 
judge nor the Board may sua sponte set aside a determination in prior 
review proceedings. Notwithstanding 8 CFR 1003.23 or 1003.2 (motions to 
reopen), the provisions set forth in this paragraph (k) shall be the 
only vehicle for seeking review based on material changed circumstances.
    (iii) The alien may appeal an adverse decision to the Board in 
accordance with Sec.  1003.38 of this chapter. The Notice of Appeal 
should state clearly and conspicuously that this is an appeal of a 
denial of a motion to set aside a prior determination in review 
proceedings under this section.

[66 FR 56979, Nov. 14, 2001, as amended at 70 FR 674, Jan. 5, 2005; 80 
FR 59513, Oct. 1, 2015]



Sec.  1241.15  Lack of jurisdiction to review other country of removal.

    The immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals have no 
jurisdiction to review any determination by officers of the Department 
of Homeland Security under 8 CFR 241.15.

[70 FR 675, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec. Sec.  1241.16-1241.19  [Reserved]



 Subpart B_Deportation of Excluded Aliens (for Hearings Commenced Prior 
                            to April 1, 1997)



Sec.  1241.20  Aliens ordered excluded.

    For the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security 
pertaining to the detention and deportation of excluded aliens, see 8 
CFR 241.20 through 241.25.

[70 FR 675, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec. Sec.  1241.21-1241.29  [Reserved]



   Subpart C_Deportation of Aliens in the United States (for Hearings 
                    Commenced Prior to April 1, 1997)



Sec.  1241.30  Aliens ordered deported.

    For the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security 
pertaining to the detention and deportation of aliens ordered deported, 
see 8 CFR 241.30 through 241.33.

[70 FR 675, Jan. 5, 2005]



Sec.  1241.31  Final order of deportation.

    Except as otherwise required by section 242(c) of the Act for the 
specific purposes of that section, an order of deportation, including an 
alternate order of deportation coupled with an order of voluntary 
departure, made by the immigration judge in proceedings under 8 CFR part 
1240 shall become final upon dismissal of an appeal by the Board of 
Immigration Appeals, upon waiver of appeal, or upon expiration of the 
time allotted for an appeal when no appeal is taken; or, if such an 
order is issued by the Board or approved by the Board upon 
certification, it shall be final as of the date of the Board's decision.



Sec.  1241.32  Warrant of deportation.

    A Form I-205, Warrant of Deportation, based upon the final 
administrative order of deportation in the alien's case shall be issued 
by a district director. The district director shall exercise the 
authority contained in section 243 of the Act to determine at whose 
expense the alien shall be deported and whether his or her mental or 
physical condition requires personal care and attention en route to his 
or her destination.



Sec.  1241.33  Expulsion.

    (a) Execution of order. Except in the exercise of discretion by the 
district director, and for such reasons as are set forth in Sec.  
1212.5(b) of this chapter, once an order of deportation becomes final,

[[Page 1135]]

an alien shall be taken into custody and the order shall be executed. 
For the purposes of this part, an order of deportation is final and 
subject to execution upon the date when any of the following occurs:
    (1) A grant of voluntary departure expires;
    (2) An immigration judge enters an order of deportation without 
granting voluntary departure or other relief, and the alien respondent 
waives his or her right to appeal;
    (3) The Board of Immigration Appeals enters an order of deportation 
on appeal, without granting voluntary departure or other relief; or
    (4) A Federal district or appellate court affirms an administrative 
order of deportation in a petition for review or habeas corpus action.
    (b) Service of decision. In the case of an order entered by any of 
the authorities enumerated above, the order shall be executed no sooner 
than 72 hours after service of the decision, regardless of whether the 
alien is in Service custody, provided that such period may be waived on 
the knowing and voluntary request of the alien. Nothing in this 
paragraph shall be construed, however, to preclude assumption of custody 
by the Service at the time of issuance of the final order.

[62 FR 10378, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 82256, Dec. 28, 2000]



PART 1244_TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR NATIONALS OF DESIGNATED STATES--
Table of Contents



Sec.
1244.1 Definitions.
1244.2 Eligibility.
1244.3 Applicability of grounds of inadmissibility.
1244.4 Ineligible aliens.
1244.5 Temporary treatment benefits for eligible aliens.
1244.6 Application.
1244.7 Filing the application.
1244.8 Appearance.
1244.9 Evidence.
1244.10 Decision by the director or Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU).
1244.11 Renewal of application; appeal to the Board of Immigration 
          Appeals.
1244.12 Employment authorization.
1244.13 Termination of temporary treatment benefits.
1244.14 Withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status.
1244.15 Travel abroad.
1244.16 Confidentiality.
1244.17 Annual registration.
1244.18 Issuance of charging documents; detention.
1244.19 Termination of designation.
1244.20 Waiver of fees.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1254, 1254a note, 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: Duplicated from part 244 at 68 FR 9841, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1244 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10357, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1244.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    Brief, casual, and innocent absence means a departure from the 
United States that satisfies the following criteria:
    (1) Each such absence was of short duration and reasonably 
calculated to accomplish the purpose(s) for the absence;
    (2) The absence was not the result of an order of deportation, an 
order of voluntary departure, or an administrative grant of voluntary 
departure without the institution of deportation proceedings; and
    (3) The purposes for the absence from the United States or actions 
while outside of the United States were not contrary to law.
    Charging document means the written instrument which initiates a 
proceeding before an Immigration Judge. For proceedings initiated prior 
to April 1, 1997, these documents include an Order to Show Cause, a 
Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing before 
Immigration Judge, and a Notice of Intention to Rescind and Request for 
Hearing by Alien. For proceedings initiated after April 1, 1997, these 
documents include a Notice to Appear, a Notice of Referral to 
Immigration Judge, and a Notice of Intention to Rescind and Request for 
Hearing by Alien.
    Continuously physically present means actual physical presence in 
the United States for the entire period specified in the regulations. An 
alien shall not be considered to have failed to maintain continuous 
physical presence in the United States by virtue of brief, casual,

[[Page 1136]]

and innocent absences as defined within this section.
    Continuously resided means residing in the United States for the 
entire period specified in the regulations. An alien shall not be 
considered to have failed to maintain continuous residence in the United 
States by reason of a brief, casual and innocent absence as defined 
within this section or due merely to a brief temporary trip abroad 
required by emergency or extenuating circumstances outside the control 
of the alien.
    Felony means a crime committed in the United States, punishable by 
imprisonment for a term of more than one year, regardless of the term 
such alien actually served, if any, except: When the offense is defined 
by the State as a misdemeanor and the sentence actually imposed is one 
year or less regardless of the term such alien actually served. Under 
this exception for purposes of section 244 of the Act, the crime shall 
be treated as a misdemeanor.
    Foreign state means any foreign country or part thereof as 
designated by the Attorney General pursuant to section 244 of the Act.
    Misdemeanor means a crime committed in the United States, either:
    (1) Punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or less, 
regardless of the term such alien actually served, if any, or
    (2) A crime treated as a misdemeanor under the term ``felony'' of 
this section.
    For purposes of this definition, any crime punishable by 
imprisonment for a maximum term of five days or less shall not be 
considered a felony or misdemeanor.
    Prima facie means eligibility established with the filing of a 
completed application for Temporary Protected Status containing factual 
information that if unrebutted will establish a claim of eligibility 
under section 244 of the Act.
    Register means to properly file, with the director, a completed 
application, with proper fee, for Temporary Protected Status during the 
registration period designated under section 244(b) of the Act.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63595, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4781, Feb. 1, 1999]



Sec.  1244.2  Eligibility.

    Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  1244.3 and 1244.4, an alien may in 
the discretion of the director be granted Temporary Protected Status if 
the alien establishes that he or she:
    (a) Is a national, as defined in section 101(a)(21) of the Act, of a 
foreign state designated under section 244(b) of the Act;
    (b) Has been continuously physically present in the United States 
since the effective date of the most recent designation of that foreign 
state;
    (c) Has continuously resided in the United States since such date as 
the Attorney General may designate;
    (d) Is admissible as an immigrant except as provided under Sec.  
1244.3;
    (e) Is not ineligible under Sec.  1244.4; and
    (f)(1) Registers for Temporary Protected Status during the initial 
registration period announced by public notice in the Federal Register, 
or
    (2) During any subsequent extension of such designation if at the 
time of the initial registration period:
    (i) The applicant is a nonimmigrant or has been granted voluntary 
departure status or any relief from removal;
    (ii) The applicant has an application for change of status, 
adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any relief from 
removal which is pending or subject to further review or appeal;
    (iii) The applicant is a parolee or has a pending request for 
reparole; or
    (iv) The applicant is a spouse or child of an alien currently 
eligible to be a TPS registrant.
    (3) Eligibility for late initial registration in a currently 
designated foreign state shall also continue until January 15, 1999, for 
any applicant who would have been eligible to apply previously if 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section as revised had been in effect before 
November 16, 1998.

[[Page 1137]]

    (g) Has filed an application for late registration with the 
appropriate Service director within a 60-day period immediately 
following the expiration or termination of conditions described in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section.

[63 FR 63595, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.3  Applicability of grounds of inadmissibility.

    (a) Grounds of inadmissibility not to be applied. Paragraphs (4), 
(5) (A) and (B), and (7)(A)(i) of section 212(a) of the Act shall not 
render an alien ineligible for Temporary Protected Status.
    (b) Waiver of grounds of inadmissibility. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section, the Service may waive any other provision 
of section 212(a) of the Act in the case of individual aliens for 
humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when the granting of 
such a waiver is in the public interest. If an alien is inadmissible on 
grounds which may be waived as set forth in this paragraph, he or she 
shall be advised of the procedures for applying for a waiver of grounds 
of inadmissibility on Form I-601 (Application for waiver of grounds of 
excludability).
    (c) Grounds of inadmissibility that may not be waived. The Service 
may not waive the following provisions of section 212(a) of the Act:
    (1) Paragraphs (2)(A)(i), (2)(B), and (2)(C) (relating to criminals 
and drug offenses);
    (2) Paragraphs (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(C), and (3)(D) (relating to 
national security); or
    (3) Paragraph (3)(E) (relating to those who assisted in the Nazi 
persecution).

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 58937, Nov. 5, 1993. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1244.4  Ineligible aliens.

    An alien is ineligible for Temporary Protected Status if the alien:
    (a) Has been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors, as 
defined in Sec.  1244.1, committed in the United States, or
    (b) Is an alien described in section 208(b)(2)(A) of the Act.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 85 FR 80401, Dec. 11, 2020]



Sec.  1244.5  Temporary treatment benefits for eligible aliens.

    (a) Prior to the registration period. Prior to the registration 
period established by the Attorney General, a national of a foreign 
state designated by the Attorney General shall be afforded temporary 
treatment benefits upon the filing, after the effective date of such 
designation, of a completed application for Temporary Protected Status 
which establishes the alien's prima facie eligibility for benefits under 
section 244 of the Act. This application may be filed without fee. 
Temporary treatment benefits, if granted, shall terminate unless the 
registration fee is paid or a waiver is sought within the first thirty 
days of the registration period designated by the Attorney General. If 
the registration fee is paid or a waiver is sought within such thirty 
day period, temporary treatment benefits shall continue until terminated 
under Sec.  1244.13. The denial of temporary treatment benefits prior to 
the registration period designated by the Attorney General shall be 
without prejudice to the filing of an application for Temporary 
Protected Status during such registration period.
    (b) During the registration period. Upon the filing of an 
application for Temporary Protected Status, the alien shall be afforded 
temporary treatment benefits, if the application establishes the alien's 
prima facie eligibility for Temporary Protected Status. Such temporary 
treatment benefits shall continue until terminated under Sec.  1244.13.
    (c) Denied benefits. There shall be no appeal from the denial of 
temporary treatment benefits.

[56 FR 619, May 22, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998]

[[Page 1138]]



Sec.  1244.6  Application.

    An application for Temporary Protected Status must be made in 
accordance with Sec.  103.2 of this chapter except as provided in this 
section. Each application must be filed with the fee, as provided in 8 
CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106 by each individual seeking temporary 
protected status, except that the filing fee for the Form I-765 will be 
charged only for those applicants between the ages of 14 and 65 
(inclusive) who are requesting employment authorization. Each 
application must include a completed Form I-821, Application for 
Temporary Protected Status, Form I-765, Application for Employment 
Authorization, two identification photographs (1\1/2\ x 1\1/
2\), and supporting evidence as provided in Sec.  1244.9. 
Every applicant who is 14 years of age or older must be fingerprinted on 
Form FD-258, Applicant Card, as prescribed in Sec.  103.2(e) of this 
chapter.

[64 FR 4781, Feb. 1, 1999, as amended at 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1244.7  Filing the application.

    (a) An application for Temporary Protected Status shall be filed 
with the director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of 
residence.
    (b) An application for Temporary Protected Status must be filed 
during the registration period established by the Attorney General, 
except in the case of an alien described in Sec.  1244.2(f)(2).
    (c) Each applicant must pay a fee, as determined at the time of the 
designation of the foreign state, except as provided in Sec.  1244.5(a).
    (d) If the alien has a pending deportation or exclusion proceeding 
before the immigration judge or Board of Immigration Appeals at the time 
a foreign state is designated under section 244(b) of the Act, the alien 
shall be given written notice concerning Temporary Protected Status. 
Such alien shall have the opportunity to submit an application for 
Temporary Protected Status to the director under paragraph (a) of this 
section during the published registration period unless the basis of the 
charging document, if established, would render the alien ineligible for 
Temporary Protected Status under Sec.  1244.3(c) or Sec.  1244.4. 
Eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in the latter instance shall 
be decided by the Executive Office for Immigration Review during such 
proceedings.

[63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.8  Appearance.

    The applicant may be required to appear in person before an 
immigration officer. The applicant may be required to present 
documentary evidence to establish his or her eligibility. The applicant 
may have a representative as defined in Sec.  1292.1 of this chapter 
present during any examination. Such representative shall not directly 
participate in the examination; however, such representative may consult 
with and provide advice to the applicant. The record of examination 
shall consist of the application, documents relating to the application, 
and the decision of the director.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.9  Evidence.

    (a) Documentation. Applicants shall submit all documentation as 
required in the instructions or requested by the Service. The Service 
may require proof of unsuccessful efforts to obtain documents claimed to 
be unavailable. If any required document is unavailable, an affidavit or 
other credible evidence may be submitted.
    (1) Evidence of identity and nationality. Each application must be 
accompanied by evidence of the applicant's identity and nationality, if 
available. If these documents are unavailable, the applicant shall file 
an affidavit showing proof of unsuccessful efforts to obtain such 
identity documents, explaining why the consular process is unavailable, 
and affirming that he or she is a national of the designated foreign 
state. A personal interview before an immigration officer shall be 
required for each applicant who fails to provide documentary proof of 
identity or nationality. During this interview, the applicant may 
present any secondary evidence that he or she feels would be

[[Page 1139]]

helpful in showing nationality. Acceptable evidence in descending order 
of preference may consist of:
    (i) Passport;
    (ii) Birth certificate accompanied by photo identification; and/or
    (iii) Any national identity document from the alien's country of 
origin bearing photo and/or fingerprint.
    (2) Proof of residence. Evidence to establish proof of continuous 
residence in the United States during the requisite period of time may 
consist of any of the following:
    (i) Employment records, which may consist of pay stubs, W-2 Forms, 
certification of the filing of Federal, State, or local income tax 
returns; letters from employer(s) or, if the applicant has been self 
employed, letters from banks, and other firms with whom he or she has 
done business. In all of the above, the name of the alien and the name 
of the employer or other interested organization must appear on the form 
or letter, as well as relevant dates. Letters from employers must be in 
affidavit form, and shall be signed and attested to by the employer 
under penalty of perjury. Such letters from employers must include:
    (A) Alien's address(es) at the time of employment;
    (B) Exact period(s) of employment;
    (C) Period(s) of layoff; and
    (D) Duties with the company.
    (ii) Rent receipts, utility bills (gas, electric, telephone, etc.), 
receipts, or letters from companies showing the dates during which the 
applicant received service;
    (iii) School records (letters, report cards, etc.) from the schools 
that the applicant or his or her children have attended in the United 
States showing name of school and period(s) of school attendance;
    (iv) Hospital or medical records showing medical treatment or 
hospitalization of the applicant or his or her children, showing the 
name of the medical facility or physician as well as the date(s) of the 
treatment or hospitalization;
    (v) Attestations by churches, unions, or other organizations of the 
applicant's residence by letter which:
    (A) Identifies applicant by name;
    (B) Is signed by an official whose title is also shown;
    (C) Shows inclusive dates of membership;
    (D) States the address where applicant resided during the membership 
period;
    (E) Includes the seal of the organization impressed on the letter or 
is on the letterhead of the organization, if the organization has 
letterhead stationery;
    (F) Establishes how the attestor knows the applicant; and
    (G) Establishes the origin of the information being attested to.
    (vi) Additional documents to support the applicant's claim, which 
may include:
    (A) Money order receipts for money sent in or out of the country;
    (B) Passport entries;
    (C) Birth certificates of children born in the United States;
    (D) Bank books with dated transactions;
    (E) Correspondence between the applicant and other persons or 
organizations;
    (F) Social Security card;
    (G) Selective Service card;
    (H) Automobile license receipts, title, vehicle registration, etc.;
    (I) Deeds, mortgages, contracts to which applicant has been a party;
    (J) Tax receipts;
    (K) Insurance policies, receipts, or letters; and/or
    (L) Any other relevant document.
    (3) Evidence of eligibility under section 244(c)(2) of the Act. An 
applicant has the burden of showing that he or she is eligible for 
benefits under this part.
    (4) Evidence of valid immigrant or nonimmigrant status. In the case 
of an alien described in Sec.  1244.2(f)(2), Form I-551 or Form I-94 
must be submitted by the applicant.
    (b) Sufficiency of evidence. The sufficiency of all evidence will be 
judged according to its relevancy, consistency, credibility, and 
probative value. To meet his or her burden of proof the applicant must 
provide supporting documentary evidence of eligibility apart from his or 
her own statements.
    (c) Failure to timely respond. Failure to timely respond to a 
request for information, or to appear for a scheduled

[[Page 1140]]

interview, without good cause, will be deemed an abandonment of the 
application and will result in a denial of the application for lack of 
prosecution. Such failure shall be excused if the request for 
information, or the notice of the interview was not mailed to the 
applicant's most recent address provided to the Service.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991; 58 FR 
58937, Nov. 5, 1993. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, 
as amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.10  Decision by the director or Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU).

    (a) Temporary treatment benefits. The director shall grant temporary 
treatment benefits to the applicant if the applicant establishes prima 
facie eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in accordance with 
Sec.  1244.5.
    (b) Temporary Protected Status. Upon review of the evidence 
presented, the director may approve or deny the application for 
Temporary Protected Status in the exercise of discretion, consistent 
with the standards for eligibility in Sec. Sec.  1244.2, 1244.3, and 
1244.4.
    (c) Denial by director. The decision of the director to deny 
Temporary Protected Status, a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility, or 
temporary treatment benefits shall be in writing served in person or by 
mail to the alien's most recent address provided to the Service and 
shall state the reason(s) for the denial. Except as otherwise provided 
in this section, the alien shall be given written notice of his or her 
right to appeal a decision denying Temporary Protected Status. To 
exercise such right, the alien shall file a notice of appeal, Form I-
290B, with the director who issued the denial. If an appeal is filed, 
the administrative record shall be forwarded to the AAU for review and 
decision, pursuant to authority delegated in Sec.  103.1(f)(2), except 
as otherwise provided in this section.
    (1) If the basis for the denial of the Temporary Protected Status 
constitutes a ground for deportability or excludability which renders 
the alien ineligible for Temporary Protected Status under Sec.  1244.4 
or inadmissible under Sec.  1244.3(c), the decision shall include a 
charging document which sets forth such ground(s).
    (2) If such a charging document is issued, the alien shall not have 
the right to appeal the director's decision denying Temporary Protected 
Status as provided in this subsection. The decision shall also apprise 
the alien of his or her right to a de novo determination of his or her 
eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in deportation or exclusion 
proceedings pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1240.11 and 1244.18.
    (d) Decision by AAU. The decision of the AAU shall be in writing 
served in person, or by mail to the alien's most recent address provided 
to the Service, and, if the appeal is dismissed, the decision shall 
state the reason(s) for the denial.
    (1) If the appeal is dismissed by the AAU under Sec.  1240.18(b), 
the decision shall also apprise the alien of his or her right to a de 
novo determination of eligibility for Temporary Protected Status in 
deportation or exclusion proceedings.
    (2) If the appeal is dismissed by the AAU, the director may issue a 
charging document if no charging document is presently filed with the 
Immigration Court.
    (3) If a charging document has previously been filed or is pending 
before the Immigration Court, either party may move to recalendar the 
case after the decision by the AAU.
    (e) Grant of temporary treatment benefits. (1) Temporary treatment 
benefits shall be evidenced by the issuance of an employment 
authorization document. The alien shall be given, in English and in the 
language of the designated foreign state or a language that the alien 
understands, a notice of the registration requirements for Temporary 
Protected Status and a notice of the following benefits:
    (i) Temporary stay of deportation; and
    (ii) Temporary employment authorization.
    (2) Unless terminated under Sec.  1244.13, temporary treatment 
benefits shall remain in effect until a final decision has been made on 
the application for Temporary Protected Status.
    (f) Grant of temporary protected status. (1) The decision to grant 
Temporary Protected Status shall be evidenced by the issuance of an 
alien registration

[[Page 1141]]

document. For those aliens requesting employment authorization, the 
employment authorization document will act as alien registration.
    (2) The alien shall be provided with a notice, in English and in the 
language of the designated foreign state or a language that the alien 
understands, of the following benefits:
    (i) The alien shall not be deported while maintaining Temporary 
Protected Status;
    (ii) Employment authorization;
    (iii) The privilege to travel abroad with the prior consent of the 
director as provided in Sec.  1244.15;
    (iv) For the purposes of adjustment of status under section 245 of 
the Act and change of status under section 248 of the Act, the alien is 
considered as being in, and maintaining, lawful status as a nonimmigrant 
while the alien maintains Temporary Protected Status.
    (v) An alien eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status under 
Sec.  1244.2(f)(2), who was prevented from filing a late application for 
registration because the regulations failed to provide him or her with 
this opportunity, will be considered to have been maintaining lawful 
status as a nonimmigrant until the benefit is granted.
    (3) The benefits contained in the notice are the only benefits the 
alien is entitled to under Temporary Protected Status.
    (4) Such notice shall also advise the alien of the following:
    (i) The alien must remain eligible for Temporary Protected Status;
    (ii) The alien must register annually with the district office or 
service center having jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence; 
and
    (iii) The alien's failure to comply with paragraphs (f)(4) (i) or 
(ii) of this section will result in the withdrawal of Temporary 
Protected Status, including work authorization granted under this 
Program, and may result in the alien's deportation from the United 
States.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991; 58 FR 
58937, Nov. 5, 1993; 60 FR 34090, June 30, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 
10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 
FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999]



Sec.  1244.11  Renewal of application; appeal to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals.

    If a charging document is served on the alien with a notice of 
denial or withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status, an alien may renew 
the application for Temporary Protected Status in deportation or 
exclusion proceedings. The decision of the immigration judge as to 
eligibility for Temporary Protected Status may be appealed to the Board 
of Immigration Appeals pursuant to Sec.  1003.3 of this chapter. The 
provisions of this section do not extend the benefits of Temporary 
Protected Status beyond the termination of a foreign state's designation 
pursuant to Sec.  1244.19.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23497, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.12  Employment authorization.

    (a) Upon approval of an application for Temporary Protected Status, 
the INS shall grant an employment authorization document valid during 
the initial period of the foreign state's designation (and any 
extensions of such period).
    (b) If the alien's Temporary Protected Status is withdrawn under 
Sec.  1244.14, employment authorization expires upon notice of 
withdrawal or on the date stated on the employment authorization 
document, whichever occurs later.
    (c) If Temporary Protected Status is denied by the INS, employment 
authorization shall terminate upon notice of denial or at the expiration 
of the employment authorization document, whichever occurs later.
    (d) If the application is renewed or appealed in deportation or 
exclusion proceedings, or appealed to the Administrative Appeals Unit 
pursuant to Sec.  1244.18(b), employment authorization will be extended 
during the pendency of the renewal and/or appeal.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991; 60 FR 
21975, May 4, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as 
amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999]

[[Page 1142]]



Sec.  1244.13  Termination of temporary treatment benefits.

    (a) Temporary treatment benefits terminate upon a final 
determination with respect to the alien's eligibility for Temporary 
Protected Status.
    (b) Temporary treatment benefits terminate, in any case, sixty (60) 
days after the date that notice is published of the termination of a 
foreign state's designation under section 244(b)(3) of the Act.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997, as amended at 63 FR 63596, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.14  Withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status.

    (a) Authority of director. The director may withdraw the status of 
an alien granted Temporary Protected Status under section 244 of the Act 
at any time upon the occurrence of any of the following:
    (1) The alien was not in fact eligible at the time such status was 
granted, or at any time thereafter becomes ineligible for such status;
    (2) The alien has not remained continuously physically present in 
the United States from the date the alien was first granted Temporary 
Protected Status under this part. For the purpose of this provision, an 
alien granted Temporary Protected Status under this part shall be deemed 
not to have failed to maintain continuous physical presence in the 
United States if the alien departs the United States after first 
obtaining permission from the district director to travel pursuant to 
Sec.  1244.15;
    (3) The alien fails without good cause to register with the Attorney 
General annually within thirty (30) days before the end of each 12-month 
period after the granting of Temporary Protected Status.
    (b) Decision by director. (1) Withdrawal of an alien's status under 
paragraph (a) of this section shall be in writing and served by personal 
service pursuant to Sec.  103.5(a) of this chapter. If the ground for 
withdrawal is Sec.  240.14(a)(3), the notice shall provide that the 
alien has thirty (30) days within which to provide evidence of good 
cause for failure to register. If the alien fails to respond within 
thirty (30) days, Temporary Protected Status shall be withdrawn without 
further notice.
    (2) Withdrawal of the alien's Temporary Protected Status under 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section may subject the applicant to exclusion 
or deportation proceedings under sections 235, 236, 237, 238, 240, or 
241 of the Act as appropriate.
    (3) If the basis for the withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status 
constitutes a ground of deportability or excludability which renders an 
alien ineligible for Temporary Protected Status under Sec.  1244.4 or 
inadmissible under Sec.  1244.3(c), the decision shall include a 
charging document which sets forth such ground(s) with notice of the 
right of a de novo determination of eligibility for Temporary Protected 
Status in deportation or exclusion proceedings. If the basis for 
withdrawal does not constitute such a ground, the alien shall be given 
written notice of his or her right to appeal to the AAU. Upon receipt of 
an appeal, the administrative record will be forwarded to the AAU for 
review and decision pursuant to the authority delegated under Sec.  
103.1(f)(2). Temporary Protected Status benefits will be extended during 
the pendency of an appeal.
    (c) Decision by AAU. If a decision to withdraw Temporary Protected 
Status is entered by the AAU, the AAU shall notify the alien of the 
decision and the right to a de novo determination of eligibility for 
Temporary Protected Status in deportation or exclusion proceedings, if 
the alien is then deportable or excludable, as provided by Sec.  
1244.10(d).

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63596, 63597, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.15  Travel abroad.

    (a) After the grant of Temporary Protected Status, the alien must 
remain continuously physically present in the United States under the 
provisions of section 244(c)(3)(B) of the Act. The grant of Temporary 
Protected Status shall not constitute permission to travel abroad. 
Permission to travel may be granted by the director pursuant to the 
Service's advance parole provisions.

[[Page 1143]]

There is no appeal from a denial of advance parole.
    (b) Failure to obtain advance parole prior to the alien's departure 
from the United States may result in the withdrawal of Temporary 
Protected Status and/or the institution or recalendering of deportation 
or exclusion proceedings against the alien.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991. 
Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 
63597, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999]



Sec.  1244.16  Confidentiality.

    The information contained in the application and supporting 
documents submitted by an alien shall not be released in any form 
whatsoever to a third party requester without a court order, or the 
written consent of the alien. For the purpose of this provision, a third 
party requester means any requester other than the alien, his or her 
authorized representative, an officer of the Department of Justice, or 
any federal or State law enforcement agency. Any information provided 
under this part may be used for purposes of enforcement of the Act or in 
any criminal proceeding.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997]



Sec.  1244.17  Annual registration.

    (a) Aliens granted Temporary Protected Status must register annually 
with the INS designated office having jurisdiction over their place of 
residence. Such registration will apply to nationals of those foreign 
states designated or redesignated for more than one year by the Attorney 
General pursuant to section 244(b) of the Act. Registration may be 
accomplished by mailing or submitting in person, depending on the 
practice in place at the INS designated office, completed Forms I-821 
and I-765 within the thirty (30) day period prior to the anniversary of 
the grant of Temporary Protected Status (inclusive of such anniversary 
date). Form I-821 will be filed without fee. Form I-765 will be filed 
with fee only if the alien is requesting employment authorization. 
Completing the block on the I-821 attesting to the continued maintenance 
of the conditions of eligibility will generally preclude the need for 
supporting documents or evidence. The Service, however, reserves the 
right to request additional information and/or documentation on a case-
by-case basis.
    (b) Unless the Service determines otherwise, registration by mail 
shall suffice to meet the alien's registration requirements. However, as 
part of the registration process, an alien will generally have to appear 
in person in order to secure a renewal of employment authorization 
unless the Service determines that employment authorization will be 
extended in another fashion due to operational need. The Service may 
also request that an alien appear in person as part of the registration 
process. In such cases, failure to appear without good cause shall be 
deemed a failure to register under this chapter.
    (c) Failure to register without good cause will result in the 
withdrawal of the alien's Temporary Protected Status.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991; 60 FR 
21975, May 4, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, as 
amended at 63 FR 63597, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.18  Issuance of charging documents; detention.

    (a) A charging document may be issued against an alien granted 
Temporary Protected Status on grounds of deportability or excludability 
which would have rendered the alien statutorily ineligible for such 
status pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1244.3(c) and 244.4. Aliens shall not be 
deported for a particular offense for which the Service has expressly 
granted a waiver. If the alien is deportable on a waivable ground, and 
no such waiver for the charged offense has been previously granted, then 
the alien may seek such a waiver in deportation or exclusion 
proceedings. The charging document shall constitute notice to the alien 
that his or her status in the United States is subject to withdrawal. A 
final order of deportation or exclusion against an alien granted 
Temporary Protected Status shall constitute a withdrawal of such status.
    (b) The filing of the charging document by the Service with the 
Immigration Court renders inapplicable any other administrative, 
adjudication or review of eligibility for Temporary

[[Page 1144]]

Protected Status. The alien shall have the right to a de novo 
determination of his or her eligibility for Temporary Protected Status 
in the deportation or exclusion proceedings. Review by the Board of 
Immigration Appeals shall be the exclusive administrative appellate 
review procedure. If an appeal is already pending before the 
Administrative Appeals Unit, the director shall notify the 
Administrative Appeals Unit of the filing of the charging document, in 
which case the pending appeal shall be dismissed and the record of 
proceeding returned to the jurisdiction where the charging document was 
filed.
    (c) Upon denial of Temporary Protected Status by the Administrative 
Appeals Unit, the Administrative Appeals Unit shall immediately forward 
the record of proceeding to the director having jurisdiction over the 
alien's place of residence. The director shall, as soon as practicable, 
file a charging document with the Immigration Court if the alien is then 
deportable or excludable under section 241(a) or section 212(a) of the 
Act, respectively.
    (d) An alien who is determined by the Service to be deportable or 
excludable upon grounds which would have rendered the alien ineligible 
for such status as provided in Sec. Sec.  1240.3(c) and 1240.4 may be 
detained under the provisions of this chapter pending deportation or 
exclusion proceedings. Such alien may be removed from the United States 
upon entry of a final order of deportation or exclusion.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 23498, May 22, 1991; 60 FR 
34090, June 30, 1995. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 1997, 
as amended at 63 FR 63597, Nov. 16, 1998; 64 FR 4782, Feb. 1, 1999]



Sec.  1244.19  Termination of designation.

    Upon the termination of designation of a foreign state, those 
nationals afforded temporary Protected Status shall, upon the sixtieth 
(60th) day after the date notice of termination is published in the 
Federal Register, or on the last day of the most recent extension of 
designation by the Attorney General, automatically and without further 
notice or right of appeal, lose Temporary Protected Status in the United 
States. Such termination of a foreign state's designation is not subject 
to appeal.

[56 FR 619, Jan. 7, 1991. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997, as amended at 63 FR 63597, Nov. 16, 1998]



Sec.  1244.20  Waiver of fees.

    (a) Any of the fees prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106 
which relate to applications to the district director or service center 
director for Temporary Protected Status may be waived if the applicant 
establishes that he or she is unable to pay the prescribed fee. The 
applicant will have established his or her inability to pay when the 
adjudicating officer concludes, on the basis of the requisite affidavit 
and of any other information submitted, that it is more probable than 
not that:
    (1) The applicant's gross income from all sources for the three-
month period prior to the filing of the fee waiver request, including 
income received or earned by any dependent in the United States, was 
equaled or exceeded by essential expenditures for such three-month 
period; and
    (2) The applicant does not own, possess, or control assets 
sufficient to pay the fee without substantial hardship.
    (b) For purposes of this section, essential expenditures are limited 
to reasonable expenditures for rent, utilities, food, transportation to 
and from employment, and any essential extraordinary expenditures, such 
as essential medical expenses, or expenses for clothing, laundry, and 
child care, to the extent that the applicant can show that those 
expenditures made during the three-month period prior to the filing of 
the fee waiver request were reasonable and essential to his or her 
physical well-being or to earning a livelihood.
    (c) For purposes of this section, the TPS registration fee 
(including the fee for employment authorization, if applicable) shall be 
considered an essential expenditure. A fee waiver will be granted if the 
sum of the fees for TPS registration and employment authorization equals 
or exceeds income and assets that remain after deducting other essential 
expenditures.
    (d) If an adjudicating officer is satisfied that an applicant has 
established

[[Page 1145]]

inability to pay, he or she shall not deny a fee waiver due to the cost 
of administering the TPS program.
    (e) For purposes of this section, the following documentation shall 
be required:
    (1) The applicant seeking a fee waiver must submit an affidavit, 
under penalty of perjury, setting forth information to establish that he 
or she satisfies the requirements of this section. The affidavit shall 
individually list:
    (i) The applicant's monthly gross income from each source for each 
of the three months prior to the filing of the fee waiver request;
    (ii) All assets owned, possessed, or controlled by the applicant or 
by his or her dependents;
    (iii) The applicant's essential monthly expenditures, itemized for 
each of the three months prior to the filing of the fee waiver request, 
including essential extraordinary expenditures; and
    (iv) The applicant's dependents in the United States, his or her 
relationship to those dependents, the dependents' ages, any income 
earned or received by those dependents, and the street address of each 
dependent's place of residence.
    (2) The applicant may also submit other documentation tending to 
substantiate his or her inability to pay.
    (f) If the adjudicating officer concludes based upon the totality of 
their circumstances that the information presented in the affidavit and 
in any other additional documentation is inaccurate or insufficient, the 
adjudicating officer may require that the applicant submit the following 
additional documents prior to the adjudication of a fee waiver:
    (1) The applicant's employment records, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 
letter(s) from employer(s), and proof of filing of a local, state, or 
federal income tax return. The same documents may also be required from 
the applicant's dependents in the United States.
    (2) The applicant's rent receipts, bills for essential utilities 
(for example, gas, electricity, telephone, water), food, medical 
expenses, and receipts for other essential expenditures.
    (3) Documentation to show all assets owned, possessed, or controlled 
by the applicant or by dependents of the applicant.
    (4) Evidence of the applicant's living arrangements in the United 
States (living with relative, living in his or her own house or 
apartment, etc.), and evidence of whether his or her spouse, children, 
or other dependents are residing in his or her household in the United 
States.
    (5) Evidence of the applicant's essential extraordinary expenditures 
or those of his or her dependents residing in the United States.
    (g) The adjudicating officer must consider the totality of the 
information submitted in each case before requiring additional 
information or rendering a final decision.
    (h) All documents submitted by the applicant or required by the 
adjudicating officer in support of a fee waiver request are subject to 
verification by the Service.
    (i) In requiring additional information, the adjudicating officer 
should consider that some applicants may have little or no documentation 
to substantiate their claims. An adjudicating officer may accept other 
evidence, such as an affidavit from a member of the community of good 
moral character, but only if the applicant provides an affidavit stating 
that more direct documentary evidence in unavailable.

[57 FR 34507, Aug. 5, 1992. Redesignated at 62 FR 10367, 10382, Mar. 6, 
1997, as amended at 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



PART 1245_ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSON ADMITTED FOR 
PERMANENT RESIDENCE--Table of Contents



Sec.
1245.1 Eligibility.
1245.2 Application.
1245.3 Adjustment of status under section 13 of the Act of September 11, 
          1957, as amended.
1245.4 Documentary requirements.
1245.5 Medical examination.
1245.6 Interview.
1245.7 Adjustment of status of certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees 
          under the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal 
          Year 1990 (Pub. L. 101-167).
1245.8 Adjustment of status as a special immigrant under section 
          101(a)(27)(K) of the Act.

[[Page 1146]]

1245.9 Adjustment of status of certain nationals of the People's 
          Republic of China under Public Law 102-404.
1245.10 Adjustment of status upon payment of additional sum under Public 
          Law 103-317.
1245.11 Adjustment of aliens in S nonimmigrant classification.
1245.12 What are the procedures for certain Polish and Hungarian 
          parolees who are adjusting status to that of permanent 
          resident under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 
          Responsibility Act of 1996?
1245.13 Adjustment of status of certain nationals of Nicaragua and Cuba 
          under Public Law 105-100.
1245.14 Adjustment of status of certain health care workers.
1245.15 Adjustment of status of certain Haitian nationals under the 
          Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA).
1245.18 How can physicians (with approved Forms I-140) that are serving 
          in medically underserved areas or at a Veterans Affairs 
          facility adjust status?
1245.20 Adjustment of status of Syrian asylees under Public Law 106-378.
1245.21 Adjustment of status of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, 
          and Laos (section 586 of Public Law 106-429).
1245.22 Evidence to demonstrate an alien's physical presence in the 
          United States on a specific date.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1182, 1255; section 202, Public Law 
105-100, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193; section 902, Public Law 105-277, 112 
Stat. 2681; Title VII of Public Law 110-229.

    Source: Duplicated from part 245 at 68 FR 9842, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1245 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10357, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1245.1  Eligibility.

    (a) General. Any alien who is physically present in the United 
States, except for an alien who is ineligible to apply for adjustment of 
status under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, may apply for 
adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the 
United States if the applicant is eligible to receive an immigrant visa 
and an immigrant visa is immediately available at the time of filing of 
the application. A special immigrant described under section 
101(a)(27)(J) of the Act shall be deemed, for the purpose of applying 
the adjustment to status provisions of section 245(a) of the Act, to 
have been paroled into the United States, regardless of the actual 
method of entry into the United States.
    (b) Restricted aliens. The following categories of aliens are 
ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident alien under section 245 of the Act, unless the alien 
establishes eligibility under the provisions of section 245(i) of the 
Act and Sec.  1245.10, is not included in the categories of aliens 
prohibited from applying for adjustment of status listed in Sec.  
1245.1(c), is eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and has an 
immigrant visa immediately available at the time of filing the 
application for adjustment of status:
    (1) Any alien who entered the United States in transit without a 
visa;
    (2) Any alien who, on arrival in the United States, was serving in 
any capacity on board a vessel or aircraft or was destined to join a 
vessel or aircraft in the United States to serve in any capacity 
thereon;
    (3) Any alien who was not admitted or paroled following inspection 
by an immigration officer;
    (4) Any alien who, on or after January 1, 1977, was employed in the 
United States without authorization prior to filing an application for 
adjustment of status. This restriction shall not apply to an alien who 
is:
    (i) An immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) of the Act;
    (ii) A special immigrant as defined in section 101(a)(27)(H) or (J) 
of the Act;
    (iii) Eligible for the benefits of Public Law 101-238 (the 
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989) and files an application for 
adjustment of status on or before October 17, 1991; or
    (iv) Eligible for the benefits of Public Law 101-238 (the 
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989), and has not entered into or 
continued in unauthorized employment on or after November 29, 1990.
    (5) Any alien who on or after November 6, 1986 is not in lawful 
immigration status on the date of filing his or her application for 
adjustment of status, except an applicant who is an immediate relative 
as defined in section 201(b) or a special immigrant as defined in 
section 101(a)(27) (H), (I), or (J).
    (6) Any alien who files an application for adjustment of status on 
or after November 6, 1986, who has failed (other

[[Page 1147]]

than through no fault of his or her own or for technical reasons) to 
maintain continuously a lawful status since entry into the United 
States, except an applicant who is an immediate relative as defined in 
section 201(b) of the Act or a special immigrant as defined in section 
101(a)(27) (H), (I), or (J) of the Act;
    (7) Any alien admitted as a visitor under the visa waiver provisions 
of 8 CFR 212.1(e) or (q), other than an immediate relative as defined in 
section 201(b) of the Act;
    (8) Any alien admitted as a Visa Waiver Pilot Program visitor under 
the provisions of section 217 of the Act and part 217 of 8 CFR chapter I 
other than an immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) of the 
Act;
    (9) Any alien who seeks adjustment of status pursuant to an 
employment-based immigrant visa petition under section 203(b) of the Act 
and who is not maintaining a lawful nonimmigrant status at the time he 
or she files an application for adjustment of status; and
    (10) Any alien who was ever employed in the United States without 
the authorization of the Service or who has otherwise at any time 
violated the terms of his or her admission to the United States as a 
nonimmigrant, except an alien who is an immediate relative as defined in 
section 201(b) of the Act or a special immigrant as defined in section 
101(a)(27)(H), (I), (J), or (K) of the Act. For purposes of this 
paragraph, an alien who meets the requirements of Sec.  1274a.12(c)(9) 
of this chapter shall not be deemed to have engaged in unauthorized 
employment during the pendency of his or her adjustment application.
    (c) Ineligible aliens. The following categories of aliens are 
ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident alien under section 245 of the Act:
    (1) Any nonpreference alien who is seeking or engaging in gainful 
employment in the United States who is not the beneficiary of a valid 
individual or blanket labor certification issued by the Secretary of 
Labor or who is not exempt from certification requirements under Sec.  
1212.8(b) of this chapter;
    (2) Except for an alien who is applying for residence under the 
provisions of section 133 of the Immigration Act of 1990, any alien who 
has or had the status of an exchange visitor under section 101(a)(15)(J) 
of the Act and who is subject to the foreign residence requirement of 
section 212(e) of the Act, unless the alien has complied with the 
foreign residence requirement or has been granted a waiver of that 
requirement, under that section. An alien who has been granted a waiver 
under section 212(e)(iii) of the Act based on a request by a State 
Department of Health (or its equivalent) under Pub. L. 103-416 shall be 
ineligible to apply for adjustment of status under section 245 of the 
Act if the terms and conditions specified in section 214(k) of the Act 
and Sec.  1212.7(c)(9) of this chapter have not been met;
    (3) Any alien who has nonimmigrant status under paragraph (15)(A), 
(15)(E), or (15)(G) of section 101(a) of the Act, or has an occupational 
status which would, if the alien were seeking admission to the United 
States, entitle the alien to nonimmigrant status under those paragraphs, 
unless the alien first executes and submits the written waiver required 
by section 247(b) of the Act and part 247 of 8 CFR chapter 1;
    (4) Any alien who claims immediate relative status under section 
201(b) or preference status under sections 203(a) or 203(b) of the Act, 
unless the applicant is the beneficiary of a valid unexpired visa 
petition filed in accordance with part 204 of 8 CFR chapter 1;
    (5) Any alien who is already an alien lawfully admitted to the 
United States for permanent residence on a conditional basis pursuant to 
section 216 or 216A of the Act, regardless of any other quota or non-
quota immigrant visa classification for which the alien may otherwise be 
eligible;
    (6) Any alien admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant 
defined in section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Act, unless:
    (i) In the case of a K-1 fiance[eacute](e) under section 
101(a)(15)(K)(i) of the Act or the K-2 child of a fiance[eacute](e) 
under section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of the Act, the alien is applying for 
adjustment of status based upon the marriage of the K-1 
fiance[eacute](e) which was contracted within 90 days of entry with the 
United States citizen who filed a petition on

[[Page 1148]]

behalf of the K-1 fiance[eacute](e) pursuant to Sec.  214.2(k) of 8 CFR 
chapter 1;
    (ii) In the case of a K-3 spouse under section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of 
the Act or the K-4 child of a spouse under section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of 
the Act, the alien is applying for adjustment of status based upon the 
marriage of the K-3 spouse to the United States citizen who filed a 
petition on behalf of the K-3 spouse pursuant to Sec.  214.2(k) of 8 CFR 
chapter I;
    (7) A nonimmigrant classified pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of 
the Act, unless the nonimmigrant is applying for adjustment of status 
pursuant to the request of a law enforcement authority, the provisions 
of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act, and 8 CFR 1245.11;
    (8) Any alien who seeks to adjust status based upon a marriage which 
occurred on or after November 10, 1986, and while the alien was in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, or judicial proceedings 
relating thereto.
    (i) Commencement of proceedings. The period during which the alien 
is in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings or judicial 
proceedings relating thereto, commences:
    (A) With the issuance of the Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and 
Notice of Hearing prior to June 20, 1991;
    (B) With the filing of a Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice 
of Hearing, issued on or after June 20, 1991, with the Immigration 
Court;
    (C) With the issuance of Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for 
Admission Detained for Hearing Before Immigration Judge, prior to April 
1, 1997,
    (D) With the filing of a Form I-862, Notice to Appear, with the 
Immigration Court, or
    (E) With the issuance and service of Form I-860, Notice and Order of 
Expedited Removal.
    (ii) Termination of proceedings. The period during which the alien 
is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, or judicial 
proceedings relating thereto, terminates:
    (A) When the alien departs from the United States while an order of 
exclusion, deportation, or removal is outstanding or before the 
expiration of the voluntary departure time granted in connection with an 
alternate order of deportation or removal;
    (B) When the alien is found not to be inadmissible or deportable 
from the United States;
    (C) When the Form I-122, I-221, I-860, or I-862 is canceled;
    (D) When proceedings are terminated by the immigration judge or the 
Board of Immigration Appeals; or
    (E) When a petition for review or an action for habeas corpus is 
granted by a Federal court on judicial review.
    (iii) Exemptions. This prohibition shall no longer apply if:
    (A) The alien is found not to be inadmissible or deportable from the 
United States;
    (B) Form I-122, I-221, I-860, or I-862, is canceled;
    (C) Proceedings are terminated by the immigration judge or the Board 
of Immigration Appeals;
    (D) A petition for review or an action for habeas corpus is granted 
by a Federal court on judicial review;
    (E) The alien has resided outside the United States for 2 or more 
years following the marriage; or
    (F) The alien establishes the marriage is bona fide by providing 
clear and convincing evidence that the marriage was entered into in good 
faith and in accordance with the laws of the place where the marriage 
took place, was not entered into for the purpose of procuring the 
alien's entry as an immigrant, and no fee or other consideration was 
given (other than to an attorney for assistance in preparation of a 
lawful petition) for the filing of a petition.
    (iv) Request for exemption. No application or fee is required to 
request the exemption under section 245(e) of the Act. The request must 
be made in writing and submitted with the Form I-485. Application for 
Permanent Residence. The request must state the basis for requesting 
consideration for the exemption and must be supported by documentary 
evidence establishing eligibility for the exemption.
    (v) Evidence to establish eligibility for the bona fide marriage 
exemption. Section 204(g) of the Act provides that certain visa 
petitions based upon marriages entered into during deportation,

[[Page 1149]]

exclusion or related judicial proceedings may be approved only if the 
petitioner provides clear and convincing evidence that the marriage is 
bona fide. Evidence that a visa petition based upon the same marriage 
was approved under the bona fide marriage exemption to section 204(g) of 
the Act will be considered primary evidence of eligibility for the bona 
fide marriage exemption provided in this part. The applicant will not be 
required to submit additional evidence to qualify for the bona fide 
marriage exemption provided in this part, unless the district director 
determines that such additional evidence is needed. In cases where the 
district director notifies the applicant that additional evidence is 
required, the applicant must submit documentary evidence which clearly 
and convincingly establishes that the marriage was entered into in good 
faith and not entered into for the purpose of procuring the alien's 
entry as an immigrant. Such evidence may include:
    (A) Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
    (B) Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence;
    (C) Documentation showing commingling of financial resources;
    (D) Birth certificates of children born to the applicant and his or 
her spouse;
    (E) Affidavits of third parties having knowledge of the bona fides 
of the marital relationship, or
    (F) Other documentation establishing that the marriage was not 
entered into in order to evade the immigration laws of the United 
States.
    (vi) Decision. An application for adjustment of status filed during 
the prohibited period shall be denied, unless the applicant establishes 
eligibility for an exemption from the general prohibition.
    (vii) Denials. The denial of an application for adjustment of status 
because the marriage took place during the prohibited period shall be 
without prejudice to the consideration of a new application or a motion 
to reopen a previously denied application, if deportation or exclusion 
proceedings are terminated while the alien is in the United States. The 
denial shall also be without prejudice to the consideration of a new 
application or motion to reopen the adjustment of status application, if 
the applicant presents clear and convincing evidence establishing 
eligibility for the bona fide marriage exemption contained in this part.
    (viii) Appeals. An application for adjustment of status to lawful 
permanent resident which is denied by the district director solely 
because the applicant failed to establish eligibility for the bona fide 
marriage exemption contained in this part may be appealed to the 
Associate Commissioner, Examinations, in accordance with 8 CFR part 103. 
The appeal to the Associate Commissioner, Examinations, shall be the 
single level of appellate review established by statute.
    (d) Definitions--(1) Lawful immigration status. For purposes of 
section 245(c)(2) of the Act, the term ``lawful immigration status'' 
will only describe the immigration status of an individual who is:
    (i) In lawful permanent resident status;
    (ii) An alien admitted to the United States in nonimmigrant status 
as defined in section 101(a)(15) of the Act, whose initial period of 
admission has not expired or whose nonimmigrant status has been extended 
in accordance with part 214 of 8 CFR chapter I;
    (iii) In refugee status under section 207 of the Act, such status 
not having been revoked;
    (iv) In asylee status under section 208 of the Act, such status not 
having been revoked;
    (v) In parole status which has not expired, been revoked or 
terminated; or
    (vi) Eligible for the benefits of Public Law 101-238 (the 
Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989) and files an application for 
adjustment of status on or before October 17, 1991.
    (2) No fault of the applicant or for technical reasons. The 
parenthetical phrase other than through no fault of his or her own or 
for technical reasons shall be limited to:
    (i) Inaction of another individual or organization designated by 
regulation to act on behalf of an individual and over whose actions the 
individual has no control, if the inaction is acknowledged by that 
individual or organization (as, for example, where a designated school 
official certified under

[[Page 1150]]

Sec.  214.2(f) of 8 CFR chapter I or an exchange program sponsor under 
Sec.  214.2(j) of 8 CFR chapter I did not provide required notification 
to the Service of continuation of status, or did not forward a request 
for continuation of status to the Service); or
    (ii) A technical violation resulting from inaction of the Service 
(as for example, where an applicant establishes that he or she properly 
filed a timely request to maintain status and the Service has not yet 
acted on that request). An individual whose refugee or asylum status has 
expired through passage of time, but whose status has not been revoked, 
will be considered to have gone out of status for a technical reason.
    (iii) A technical violation caused by the physical inability of the 
applicant to request an extension of nonimmigrant stay from the Service 
either in person or by mail (as, for example, an individual who is 
hospitalized with an illness at the time nonimmigrant stay expires). The 
explanation of such a technical violation shall be accompanied by a 
letter explaining the circumstances from the hospital or attending 
physician.
    (iv) A technical violation resulting from the Service's application 
of the maximum five/six year period of stay for certain H-1 nurses only 
if the applicant was subsequently reinstated to H-1 status in accordance 
with the terms of Public Law 101-656 (Immigration Amendments of 1988).
    (3) Effect of departure. The departure and subsequent reentry of an 
individual who was employed without authorization in the United States 
after January 1, 1977 does not erase the bar to adjustment of status in 
section 245(c)(2) of the Act. Similarly, the departure and subsequent 
reentry of an individual who has not maintained a lawful immigration 
status on any previous entry into the United States does not erase the 
bar to adjustment of status in section 245(c)(2) of the Act for any 
application filed on or after November 6, 1986.
    (e) Special categories--(1) Alien medical graduates. Any alien who 
is a medical graduate qualified for special immigrant classification 
under section 101(a)(27)(H) of the Act and is the beneficiary of an 
approved petition as required under section 204(a)(1)(E)(i) of the Act 
is eligible for adjustment of status. An accompanying spouse and 
children also may apply for adjustment of status under this section. 
Temporary absences from the United States for 30 days or less, during 
which the applicant was practicing or studying medicine, do not 
interrupt the continuous presence requirement. Temporary absences 
authorized under the Service's advance parole procedures will not be 
considered interruptive of continuous presence when the alien applies 
for adjustment of status.
    (2) Adjustment of certain nurses who were in H-1 nonimmigrant status 
on September 1, 1989 (Pub. L. 101-238)--(i) Eligibility. An alien is 
eligible to apply for adjustment of status without regard to the 
numerical limitations of sections 201 and 202 of the Act if:
    (A) The applicant was admitted to the United States in, or had been 
granted a change of status to, nonimmigrant status under section 
101(a)(15)(H)(i) of the Act on or before September 1, 1989, to perform 
services as a registered nurse (regardless of the date upon which the 
applicant's authorization to remain in the United States expired or will 
expire), and the applicant had not thereafter been granted a change to 
status to any other nonimmigrant classification prior to September 1, 
1989,
    (B) The applicant has been employed in the United States as a 
registered nurse for an aggregate of three years prior to the date of 
application for adjustment of status,
    (C) The applicant's continued employment as a registered nurse meets 
the standards established for certification described in section 
212(a)(5)(A)(i) of the Act,
    (D) The applicant is the beneficiary of:
    (1) A valid, unexpired visa petition filed prior to October 1, 1991, 
which has been approved to grant the applicant preference status under 
section 202(a) (3) or (6) of the Act (as in effect prior to October 1, 
1991), and is deemed by operation of the automatic conversion provisions 
of section 4 of Public Law 102-110 (the Armed Forces Immigration 
Adjustment Act of 1991), to be effective to

[[Page 1151]]

grant the applicant preference status under section 203(b) (2) or (3) of 
the Act (as in effect on and after October 1, 1991) because of his or 
here occupation as a registered nurse, provided the application for 
adjustment of status is approved no later than October 1, 1993, or
    (2) A valid, unexpired visa petition filed on or after October 1, 
1991, which has been approved to grant the applicant preference, status 
under section 203(b) (1), (2), or (3) of this Act (as in effect on and 
after October 1, 1991) because of his or her occupation as a registered 
nurse, and
    (E) The applicant properly files an application for adjustment of 
status under the provisions of section 245 of the Act.
    (ii) Application period. To benefit from the provisions of Public 
Law 101-238, an alien must properly file an application for adjustments 
of status under section 245 of the Act on or before March 20, 1995.
    (iii) Application. An applicant for the benefits of Public Law 101-
238 must file an application for adjustment of status on Form I-485, 
accompanied by the fee and supporting documents described in Sec.  
1245.2 of this part. Beneficiaries of Public Law 101-238 must also 
submit:
    (A) Evidence that the applicant is the beneficiary of:
    (1) A valid, unexpired visa petition filed prior to October 1, 1991, 
which has been approved to grant the applicant preference status under 
section 203(a) (3) or (6) of the Act (as in effect prior to October 1, 
1991) and is deemed by operation of the automatic conversion provisions 
of section 4 of Public Law 101-110 to be effective to grant the 
applicant preference status under section 203(b) (2) or (3) of the Act 
(as in effect on and after October 1, 1991) because of his or her 
occupation as a registered nurse, provided the application for 
adjustment of status is approved no later than October 1, 1993, or
    (2) A valid, unexpired visa petition filed on or after October 1, 
1991, which has been approved to grant the applicant preference status 
under section 203(b) (1), (2), or (3) of the Act (as in effect on and 
after October 1, 1991) because of his or her occupation as a registered 
nurse, and
    (B) A request, made on Form ETA 750 submitted in duplicate, for a 
determination by the district director that the alien is qualified for 
and will engage in the occupation of registered nurse, as currently 
listed on Schedule A (20 CFR part 656),
    (C) Evidence showing that the applicant has been employed in the 
United States as a registered nurse for an aggregate of three years 
prior to the date the application for adjustment of status is filed, in 
the form of:
    (1) Letters from employers stating the beginning and ending dates of 
employment as a registered nurse, or
    (2) Other evidence of employment as a registered nurse, such as pay 
receipts supported by affidavits of co-workers, which is accompanied by 
evidence that the nurse has made reasonable efforts to obtain employment 
letter(s), but has been unable to do so because the current or former 
employer refuses to issue the letter or has gone out of business,
    (D) Evidence that the applicant was licensed, either temporarily or 
permanently, as a registered nurse during all periods of qualifying 
employment, and
    (E) Evidence which establishes that the applicant was in the United 
States in H-1 nonimmigrant status for the purpose of performing services 
as a registered nurse on September 1, 1989.
    (iv) Effect of section 245(c)(2). An applicant for the benefits of 
the adjustment of status provisions of Public Law 101-238 must establish 
eligibility for adjustment of status under all provisions of section 245 
unless those provisions have specifically been waived.
    (A) Application for adjustment of status filed on or before October 
17, 1991. An applicant who qualifies for the benefits of Public Law 101-
238, who properly files an application for adjustment of status on or 
before October 17, 1991, may be granted adjustment of status even though 
the alien has engaged or is engaging in unauthorized employment. For 
purposes of adjustment of status, the applicant will be considered to 
have continuously maintained a lawful nonimmigrant status throughout his 
or her stay in the United States as a nonimmigrant and to be in lawful 
nonimmigrant status at the time the application is filed.

[[Page 1152]]

    (B) Application for adjustment of status filed after October 17, 
1991. An alien who files an application for adjustment of status after 
October 17, 1991, will not automatically be considered as having 
maintained lawful nonimmigrant status. An alien who files for adjustment 
after this date will be subject to the statutory bar of section 
245(c)(2) of the Act and will be ineligible to apply for adjustment of 
status if he or she has failed to continuously maintain lawful 
nonimmigrant status (other than through no fault of his or her own or 
for technical reasons); if he or she was not in lawful nonimmigrant 
status at the time the application was filed; or if he or she was 
employed without authorization on or after November 29, 1990. 
Unauthorized employment which has been waived as a basis for 
ineligibility for adjustment of status may not be used as the basis of a 
determination that the applicant is ineligible for adjustment of status 
due to failure to continuously maintain lawful nonimmigrant status.
    (C) Motions to reopen. Public Law 101-649 (the Immigration Act of 
1990), which became law on November 29, 1990, retroactively amended 
Public Law 101-238 (the Immigration Nursing Relief Act of 1989). An 
alien whose application for adjustment of status under the provisions of 
Public Law 101-238 was denied by the district director before November 
29, 1990, because of unauthorized employment, failure to continuously 
maintain a lawful nonimmigrant status, or not being in lawful 
immigration status at the time of filing, may file a motion to reopen 
the adjustment application. The motion to reopen must be made in 
accordance with the provisions of 8 CFR 103.5. The district director 
will reopen the application for adjustment of status and enter a new 
decision based upon the provisions of Public Law 101-238, as amended by 
Public Law 101-649. Any other alien whose application for adjustment of 
status was denied may file a motion to reopen or reconsider in 
accordance with normal statutory and regulatory provisions.
    (v) Description of qualifying employment. Qualifying employment as a 
registered nurse may have taken place at any time before the alien files 
the application for adjustment of status. It may have occurred before, 
on, or after the enactment of Public Law 101-238. All qualifying 
employment must have occurred in the United States. The qualifying 
employment as a registered nurse may have occurred while the alien was 
in any immigration status, provided that the alien had been admitted in 
or changed to H-1 status for the purpose of performing services as a 
registered nurse on or before September 1, 1989, and had not thereafter 
changed from H-1 status to any other status before September 1, 1989. 
The employment need not have been continuous, provided the applicant can 
establish that he or she engaged in qualifying employment for a total of 
three or more years. Qualifying employment may include periods when the 
applicant possessed a provisional, temporary, interim, or other permit 
or license authorizing the applicant to perform services as a registered 
nurse; provided the license or permit was issued or recognized by the 
State Board of Nursing of the state in which the employment was 
performed. Qualifying employment may not include periods when the 
applicant performed duties as a registered nurse in violation of any 
state law regulating the employment of registered nurses in that state.
    (vi) Effect of enactment on spouse or child--(A) Spouse or child 
accompanying principal alien. The accompanying spouse or child of an 
applicant for adjustment of status who benefits from Public Law 101-238, 
may also apply for adjustment of status. All benefits and limitations of 
this section, including those resulting from the implementation of the 
adjustment of status provisions of section 162(f) of Public Law 101-649, 
apply equally to the principal applicant and his or her accompanying 
spouse or child.
    (B) Spouse or child residing outside the United States or ineligible 
for adjustment of status. A spouse or child who is ineligible to apply 
for adjustment of status as an accompanying spouse or child is not 
immediately eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa under the 
provisions of Public Law 101-238. However, the spouse or child may be 
eligible for visa issuance under other provisions of the Act.

[[Page 1153]]

    (1) Existing relationship. A spouse or child acquired by the 
principal alien prior to the approval of the principal's adjustment of 
status application may be accorded the derivative priority date and 
preference category of the principal alien. The spouse or child may use 
the priority date and category when it becomes current, in accordance 
with existing limitations outlined in sections 201 and 202 of the Act. 
The priority date is not considered immediately available for these 
family members under Public Law 101-238.
    (2) Relationship entered into after adjustment of status is 
approved. An alien who acquires lawful permanent residence under the 
provisions of Public Law 101-238 may file a petition under section 204 
of the Act for an alien spouse, unmarried son or unmarried daughter in 
accordance with existing laws and regulations. The priority date is not 
considered immediately available for these family members under Public 
Law 101-238.
    (3) Special immigrant juveniles. Any alien qualified for special 
immigrant classification under section 101(a)(27)(J) of the Act shall be 
deemed, for the purpose of section 245(a) of the Act, to have been 
paroled into the United States, regardless of the alien's actual method 
of entry into the United States. Neither the provisions of section 
245(c)(2) nor the exclusion provisions of sections 212(a)(4), (5)(A), or 
(7)(A) of the Act shall apply to a qualified special immigrant under 
section 101(a)(27)(J) of the Act. The exclusion provisions of sections 
212(a)(2)(A), (2)(B), (2)(C) (except for so much of such paragraph as 
related to a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of 
marijuana), (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(C), or (3)(E) of the Act may not be 
waived. Any other exclusion provision may be waived on an individual 
basis for humanitarian purposes, family unity, or when it is otherwise 
in the public interest; however, the relationship between the alien and 
the alien's natural parents or prior adoptive parents shall not be 
considered a factor in a discretionary waiver determination.
    (f) Concurrent applications to overcome grounds of inadmissibility. 
Except as provided in 8 CFR parts 1235 and 1249, an application under 
this part shall be the sole method of requesting the exercise of 
discretion under sections 212(g), (h), (i), and (k) of the Act, as they 
relate to the inadmissibility of an alien in the United States. No fee 
is required for filing an application to overcome the grounds of 
inadmissibility of the Act if filed concurrently with an application for 
adjustment of status under the provisions of the Act of October 28, 
1977, and of this part.
    (g) Availability of immigrant visas under section 245 and priority 
dates--(1) Availability of immigrant visas under section 245. An alien 
is ineligible for the benefits of section 245 of the Act unless an 
immigrant visa is immediately available to him or her at the time the 
application is filed. If the applicant is a preference alien, the 
current Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Bulletin 
will be consulted to determine whether an immigrant visa is immediately 
available. An immigrant visa is considered available for accepting and 
processing the application Form I-485 is the preference category 
applicant has a priority date on the waiting list which is earlier than 
the date shown in the Bulletin (or the Bulletin shows that numbers for 
visa applicants in his or her category are current). An immigrant visa 
is also considered immediately available if the applicant establishes 
eligibility for the benefits of Public Law 101-238. Information 
concerning the immediate availability of an immigrant visa may be 
obtained at any Service office.
    (2) Priority dates. The priority date of an applicant who is seeking 
the allotment of an immigrant visa number under one of the preference 
classes specified in section 203(a) or 203(b) of the Act by virtue of a 
valid visa petition approved in his or her behalf shall be fixed by the 
date on which such approved petition was filed.
    (h) Conditional basis of status. Whenever an alien spouse (as 
defined in section 216(g)(1) of the Act), an alien son or daughter (as 
defined in section 216(g)(2) of the Act), an alien entrepreneur (as 
defined in section 216A(f)(1) of the Act), or an alien spouse or child 
(as defined in section 216A(f)(2) of the Act) is granted adjustment of 
status to that of lawful permanent residence, the

[[Page 1154]]

alien shall be considered to have obtained such status on a conditional 
basis subject to the provisions of section 216 or 216A of the Act, as 
appropriate.
    (i) Adjustment of status from K-3/K-4 status. An alien admitted to 
the United States as a K-3 under section 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of the Act 
may apply for adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident 
pursuant to section 245 of the Act at any time following the approval of 
the Form I-130 petition filed on the alien's behalf, by the same citizen 
who petitioned for the alien's K-3 status. An alien admitted to the 
United States as a K-4 under section 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) of the Act may 
apply for adjustment of status to that of permanent residence pursuant 
to section 245 of the Act at any time following the approval of the Form 
I-130 petition filed on the alien's behalf, by the same citizen who 
petitioned for the alien's parent's K-3 status. Upon approval of the 
application, the director shall record his or her lawful admission for 
permanent residence in accordance with that section and subject to the 
conditions prescribed in section 216 of the Act. An alien admitted to 
the U.S. as a K-3/K-4 alien may not adjust to that of permanent resident 
status in any way other than as a spouse or child of the U.S. citizen 
who originally filed the petition for that alien's K-3/K-4 status.

(Title I of Pub. L. 95-145 enacted Oct. 28, 1977 (91 Stat. 1223), sec. 
103 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1103). Interpret or 
apply secs. 101, 212, 242 and 245 (8 U.S.C. 1101, 1182, 1252 and 1255))

[30 FR 14778, Nov. 30, 1965]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
1245.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  1245.2  Application.

    (a)General--(1) Jurisdiction--(i) In General. In the case of any 
alien who has been placed in deportation proceedings or in removal 
proceedings (other than as an arriving alien), the immigration judge 
hearing the proceeding has exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate any 
application for adjustment of status the alien may file.
    (ii) Arriving Aliens. In the case of an arriving alien who is placed 
in removal proceedings, the immigration judge does not have jurisdiction 
to adjudicate any application for adjustment of status filed by the 
arriving alien unless:
    (A) The alien properly filed the application for adjustment of 
status with USCIS while the arriving alien was in the United States;
    (B) The alien departed from and returned to the United States 
pursuant to the terms of a grant of advance parole to pursue the 
previously filed application for adjustment of status;
    (C) The application for adjustment of status was denied by USCIS; 
and
    (D) DHS placed the arriving alien in removal proceedings either upon 
the arriving alien's return to the United States pursuant to the grant 
of advance parole or after USCIS denied the application.
    (2) Proper filing of application--(i) Under section 245. (A) An 
immigrant visa must be immediately available in order for an alien to 
properly file an adjustment application under section 245 of the Act See 
Sec.  1245.1(g)(1) to determine whether an immigrant visa is immediately 
available.
    (B) If, at the time of filing, approval of a visa petition filed for 
classification under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i), section 203(a) or section 
203(b)(1), (2) or (3) of the Act would make a visa immediately available 
to the alien beneficiary, the alien beneficiary's adjustment application 
will be considered properly filed whether submitted concurrently with or 
subsequent to the visa petition, provided that it meets the filing 
requirements contained in parts 103 of 8 CFR chapter I and 1245 of this 
chapter. For any other classification, the alien beneficiary may file 
the adjustment application only after the Service has approved the visa 
petition.
    (C) A visa petition and an adjustment application are concurrently 
filed only if:
    (1) The visa petitioner and adjustment applicant each file their 
respective form at the same time, bundled together within a single 
mailer or delivery packet, with the proper filing fees on the same day 
and at the same Service office, or;

[[Page 1155]]

    (2) the visa petitioner filed the visa petition, for which a visa 
number has become immediately available, on, before or after July 31, 
2002, and the adjustment applicant files the adjustment application, 
together with the proper filing fee and a copy of the Form I-797, Notice 
of Action, establishing the receipt and acceptance by the Service of the 
underlying Form I-140 visa petition, at the same Service office at which 
the visa petitioner filed the visa petition, or;
    (3) The visa petitioner filed the visa petition, for which a visa 
number has become immediately available, on, before, or after July 31, 
2002, and the adjustment applicant files the adjustment application, 
together with proof of payment of the filing fee with the Service and a 
copy of the Form I-797 Notice of Action establishing the receipt and 
acceptance by the Service of the underlying Form I-140 visa petition, 
with the Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals when 
jurisdiction lies under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (ii) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. An application for the 
benefits of section 1 of the Act of November 2, 1966 is not properly 
filed unless the applicant was inspected and admitted or paroled into 
the United States subsequent to January 1, 1959. An applicant is 
ineligible for the benefits of the Act of November 2, 1966 unless he or 
she has been physically present in the United States for one year 
(amended from two years by the Refugee Act of 1980).
    (3) Submission of documents--(i) General. A separate application 
shall be filed by each applicant for benefits under section 245, or the 
Act of November 2, 1966. Each application shall be accompanied by an 
executed Form G-325A, if the applicant has reached his or her 14th 
birthday. Form G-325A shall be considered part of the application. An 
application under this part shall be accompanied by the document 
specified in the instructions which are attached to the application.
    (ii) Under section 245. An application for adjustment of status is 
submitted on Form I-485, Application for Permanent Residence. The 
application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee as explained in 
the instructions to the application.
    (iii) Under section 245(i). An alien who seeks adjustment of status 
under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act must file Form I-485, 
with the required fee. The alien must also file Supplement A to Form I-
485, with any required additional sum.
    (iv) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. An application for 
adjustment of status is made on Form I-485A. The application must be 
accompanied by Form I-643, Health and Human Services Statistical Data 
Sheet. The application must include a clearance from the local police 
jurisdiction for any area in the United States when the applicant has 
lived for six months or more since his or her 14th birthday.
    (4) Effect of departure--(i) General. The effect of a departure from 
the United States is dependent upon the law under which the applicant is 
applying for adjustment.
    (ii) Under section 245 of the Act. (A) The departure from the United 
States of an applicant who is under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings shall be deemed an abandonment of the application 
constituting grounds for termination of the proceeding by reason of the 
departure. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(B) and (C) of this 
section, the departure of an applicant who is not under exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings shall be deemed an abandonment of 
the application constituting grounds for termination of any pending 
application for adjustment of status, unless the applicant was 
previously granted advance parole by the Service for such absences, and 
was inspected upon returning to the United States. If the adjustment 
application of an individual granted advance parole is subsequently 
denied the individual will be treated as an applicant for admission, and 
subject to the provisions of section 212 and 235 of the Act.
    (B) The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment who is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings shall not be deemed an abandonment of the application if he 
or she was previously granted advance parole by the Service for such 
absences, and was inspected

[[Page 1156]]

and paroled upon returning to the United States. If the adjustment of 
status application of such individual is subsequently denied, he or she 
will be treated as an applicant for admission, and subject to the 
provisions of section 212 and 235 of the Act.
    (C) The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment of status who is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceeding and who is in lawful H-1 or L-1 status shall not be deemed an 
abandonment of the application if, upon returning to this country, the 
alien remains eligible for H or L status, is coming to resume employment 
with the same employer for whom he or she had previously been authorized 
to work as an H-1 or L-1 nonimmigrant, and, is in possession of a valid 
H or L visa (if required) and the original I-797 receipt notice for the 
application for adjustment of status. The travel outside of the United 
States by an applicant for adjustment of status who is not under 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceeding and who is in lawful H-4 
or L-2 status shall not be deemed an abandonment of the application if 
the spouse or parent of such alien through whom the H-4 or L-2 status 
was obtained is maintaining H-1 or L-1 status and the alien remains 
otherwise eligible for H-4 or L-2 status, and, the alien is in 
possession of a valid H-4 or L-2 visa (if required) and the original 
copy of the I-797 receipt notice for the application for adjustment of 
status. The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment of status, who is not under exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceeding and who is in lawful K-3 or K-4 status shall not be 
deemed an abandonment of the application if, upon returning to this 
country, the alien is in possession of a valid K-3 or K-4 visa and 
remains eligible for K-3 or K-4 status.
    (D) The travel outside of the United States by an applicant for 
adjustment of status who is not under exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceeding and who is in lawful V status shall not be deemed an 
abandonment of the application if, upon returning to this country, the 
alien is admissible as a V nonimmigrant.
    (iii) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. If an applicant who was 
admitted or paroled subsequent to January 1, 1959, later departs from 
the United States temporarily with no intention of abandoning his or her 
residence, and is readmitted or paroled upon return, the temporary 
absence shall be disregarded for purposes of the applicant's ``last 
arrival'' into the United States in regard to cases filed under section 
1 of the Act of November 2, 1966.
    (5) Decision--(i) General. The applicant shall be notified of the 
decision of the director and, if the application is denied, the reasons 
for the denial.
    (ii) Under section 245 of the Act. If the application is approved, 
the applicant's permanent residence shall be recorded as of the date of 
the order approving the adjustment of status. An application for 
adjustment of status, as a preference alien, shall not be approved until 
an immigrant visa number has been allocated by the Department of State, 
except when the applicant has established eligibility for the benefits 
of Public Law 101-238. No appeal lies from the denial of an application 
by the director, but the applicant, if not an arriving alien, retains 
the right to renew his or her application in proceedings under 8 CFR 
part 1240. Also, an applicant who is a parolee and meets the two 
conditions described in Sec.  1245.2(a)(1) may renew a denied 
application in proceedings under 8 CFR part 1240 to determine 
admissibility. At the time of renewal of the application, an applicant 
does not need to meet the statutory requirement of section 245(c) of the 
Act, or Sec.  1245.1(g), if, in fact, those requirements were met at the 
time the renewed application was initially filed with the director. 
Nothing in this section shall entitle an alien to proceedings under 
section 240 of the Act who is not otherwise so entitled.
    (iii) Under the Act of November 2, 1966. If the application is 
approved, the applicant's permanent residence shall be recorded in 
accordance with the provisions of section 1. No appeal lies from the 
denial of an application by the director, but the applicant, if not an 
arriving alien, retains the right to renew his or her application in 
proceedings under 8 CFR part 1240. Also, an applicant who is a parolee 
and meets the two conditions described in Sec.  1245.2(a)(1)

[[Page 1157]]

may renew a denied application in proceedings under 8 CFR part 1240 to 
determine admissibility.
    (b) Application under section 2 of the Act of November 2, 1966. An 
application by a native or citizen of Cuba or by his spouse or child 
residing in the United States with him, who was lawfully admitted to the 
United States for permanent residence prior to November 2, 1966, and who 
desires such admission to be recorded as of an earlier date pursuant to 
section 2 of the Act of November 2, 1966, shall be made on Form I-485A. 
The application shall be accompanied by the Permanent Resident Card, 
Form I-151 or I-551, issued to the applicant in connection with his 
lawful admission for permanent residence, and shall be submitted to the 
director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence in 
the United States. The decision on the application shall be made by the 
director. No appeal shall lie from his decision. If the application is 
approved, the applicant will be furnished with a replacement of his Form 
I-151 or I-551 bearing the new date as of which the lawful admission for 
permanent residence has been recorded.
    (c) Application under section 214(d) of the Act. An application for 
permanent resident status pursuant to section 214(d) of the Act shall be 
filed on Form I-485 with the director having jurisdiction over the 
applicant's place of residence. A separate application shall be filed by 
each applicant. If the application is approved, the director shall 
record the lawful admission of the applicant as of the date of approval. 
The applicant shall be notified of the decision and, if the application 
is denied, of the reasons therefor. No appeal shall lie from the denial 
of an application by the director but such denial shall be without 
prejudice to the alien's right to renew his or her application in 
proceedings under 8 CFR part 240.

[30 FR 14778, Nov. 30, 1965]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting Sec.  
1245.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.



Sec.  1245.3  Adjustment of status under section 13 of the Act 
of September 11, 1957, as amended.

    Any application for benefits under section 13 of the Act of 
September 11, 1957, as amended, must be filed on Form I-485 with the 
director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. 
The benefits under section 13 are limited to aliens who were admitted 
into the United States under section 101, paragraphs (a)(15)(A)(i), 
(a)(15)(A)(ii), (a)(15)(G)(i), or (a)(15)(G)(ii) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act who performed diplomatic or semi-diplomatic duties and 
to their immediate families, and who establish that there are compelling 
reasons why the applicant or the member of the applicant's immediate 
family is unable to return to the country represented by the government 
which accredited the applicant and that adjustment of the applicant's 
status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
would be in the national interest. Aliens whose duties were of a 
custodial, clerical, or menial nature, and members of their immediate 
families, are not eligible for benefits under section 13. In view of the 
annual limitation of 50 on the number of aliens whose status may be 
adjusted under section 13, any alien who is prima facie eligible for 
adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident under 
another provision of law shall be advised to apply for adjustment 
pursuant to such other provision of law. An applicant for the benefits 
of section 13 shall not be subject to the labor certification 
requirement of section 212(a)(14) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act. The applicant shall be notified of the decision and, if the 
application is denied, of the reasons for the denial and of the right to 
appeal under the provisions of part 103 of this chapter. Any 
applications pending with the Service before December 29, 1981 must be 
resubmitted to comply with the requirements of this section.

(Secs. 103, 245, of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended; 71 
Stat. 642, as amended, sec. 17, Pub. L. 97-116, 95 Stat. 1619 (8 U.S.C. 
1103, 1255, 1255b))

[47 FR 44238, Oct. 7, 1982, as amended at 59 FR 33905, July 1, 1994]

[[Page 1158]]



Sec.  1245.4  Documentary requirements.

    The provisions of part 1211 of this chapter relating to the 
documentary requirements for immigrants shall not apply to an applicant 
under this part.

(Secs. 103, 214, 245 Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended; (8 
U.S.C. 1103, 1184, 8 U.S.C. 1255, Sec. 2, 96 Stat. 1157, 8 U.S.C. 1255 
note))

[30 FR 14779, Nov. 30, 1965. Redesignated at 48 FR 4770, Feb. 3, 1983, 
and further redesignated at 52 FR 6322, Mar. 3, 1982, and further 
redesignated at 56 FR 49481, Oct. 2, 1991]



Sec.  1245.5  Medical examination.

    Pursuant to section 232(b) of the Act, an applicant for adjustment 
of status shall be required to have a medical examination by a 
designated civil surgeon, whose report setting forth the findings of the 
mental and physical condition of the applicant, including compliance 
with section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Act, shall be incorporated into the 
record. A medical examination shall not be required of an applicant for 
adjustment of status who entered the United States as a nonimmigrant 
spouse, fiance[eacute], or fiancee[eacute] of a United States citizen or 
the child of such an alien as defined in section 101(a)(15)(K) of the 
Act and Sec.  214.2(k) of 8 CFR chapter I if the applicant was medically 
examined prior to, and as a condition of, the issuance of the 
nonimmigrant visa; provided that the medical examination must have 
occurred not more than 1 year prior the date of application for 
adjustment of status. Any applicant certified under paragraphs 
(1)(A)(ii) or (1)(A)(iii) of section 212(a) of the Act may appeal to a 
Board of Medical Officers of the U.S. Public Health Service as provided 
in section 234 of the Act and part 1235 of this chapter.

[56 FR 49841, Oct. 2, 1991, as amended at 62 FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 66 
FR 42595, Aug. 14, 2001]



Sec.  1245.6  Interview.

    Each applicant for adjustment of status under this part shall be 
interviewed by an immigration officer. This interview may be waived in 
the case of a child under the age of 14; when the applicant is clearly 
ineligible under section 245(c) of the Act or Sec.  1245.1 of this 
chapter; or when it is determined by the Service that an interview is 
unnecessary.

[57 FR 49375, Nov. 2, 1992]



Sec.  1245.7  Adjustment of status of certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees 
under the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1990 
(Pub. L. 101-167).

    (a) Application. Each person applying for benefits under section 
599E of Public Law 101-167 (103 Stat. 1195, 1263) must file Form I-485, 
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the 
director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence and 
must pay the appropriate filing and fingerprinting fee, as prescribed in 
8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR 103.17. Each application shall be accompanied by 
Form I-643, Health and Human Services Statistical Data for Refugee/
Asylee Adjusting Status, and the results of a medical examination given 
in accordance with Sec.  1245.8. In addition, if the applicant has 
reached his or her 14th birthday but is not over 79 years of age, the 
application shall be accompanied by a completed Form G-325A, Biographic 
Information, and the applicant shall be fingerprinted on Form FD-258, 
Applicant Card, as prescribed in Sec.  103.2(e) of this chapter.
    (b) Aliens eligible to apply for adjustment. The benefits of this 
section shall only apply to an alien who:
    (1) Was a national of the Soviet Union, Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia, 
and
    (2) Was inspected and granted parole into the United States during 
the period beginning on August 15, 1988, and ending on September 30, 
1990, after being denied refugee status.
    (c) Eligibility. Benefits under Section 599E of Public Law 101-167 
are limited to any alien described in paragraph (b) of this section who:
    (1) Applies for such adjustment,
    (2) Has been physically present in the United States for at least 
one year and is physically present in the United States on the date the 
application for such adjustment is filed,
    (3) Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as 
provided in paragraph (d) of this section, and
    (4) Pays a fee for the processing of such application.

[[Page 1159]]

    (d) Waiver of certain grounds for inadmissibility. The provisions of 
paragraphs (14), (15), (20), (21), (25), (28) (other than subparagraph 
(F), and (32) of section 212(a) of the Act shall not apply to adjustment 
under this section. The Attorney General may waive any other provision 
of section 212(a) (other than paragraph (23)(B), (27), (29), or (33)) 
with respect to such an adjustment for humanitarian purposes, to assure 
family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest.
    (e) Date of approval. Upon approval of such an application for 
adjustment of status, the Attorney General shall create a record of the 
alien's admission as a lawful permanent resident as of the date of the 
alien's inspection and parole described in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section.
    (f) No offset in number of visas available. When an alien is granted 
the status of having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence 
under this section, the Secretary of State shall not be required to 
reduce the number of immigrant visas authorized to be issued under the 
Immigration and Nationality Act.

[55 FR 24860, July 19, 1990. Redesignated at 56 FR 49841, Oct. 2, 1991, 
as amended at 59 FR 33905, July 1, 1994; 63 FR 12987, Mar. 17, 1998; 85 
FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1245.8  Adjustment of status as a special immigrant under 
section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act.

    (a) Application. Each person applying for adjustment of status as a 
special immigrant under section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act must file a 
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust 
Status, with the director having jurisdiction over the applicant's place 
of residence. Benefits under this section are limited to aliens who have 
served honorably (or are enlisted to serve) in the Armed Forces of the 
United States for at least 12 years, and their spouses and children. For 
purposes of this section, special immigrants described in section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act and his or her spouse and children shall be 
deemed to have been paroled into the United States pursuant to section 
245(g) of the Act. Each applicant must file a separate application with 
the appropriate fee.
    (b) Eligibility. The benefits of this section shall apply only to an 
alien described in section 101(a)(27)(K) of the Act who applies for such 
adjustment. The accompanying spouse or child of an applicant for 
adjustment of status who benefits from Public Law 102-110 may also apply 
for adjustment of status. The provisions of section 245(c) of the Act do 
not apply to the principal Armed Forces special immigrant or to his or 
her spouse or child.
    (c) Interview of the applicant. Upon completion of the adjustment of 
status interview for a special immigrant under section 101(a)(27)(K) of 
the Act, the director shall make a prima facie determination regarding 
eligibility for naturalization benefits if the applicant is to be 
granted status as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. If 
the director determines that the applicant is immediately eligible for 
naturalization under section 328 or 329 of the Act, the director shall 
advise the applicant that he or she is eligible to apply for 
naturalization on Form N-400, Application to File Petition for 
Naturalization. If the applicant wishes to apply for naturalization, the 
director shall instruct the applicant concerning the requirements for 
naturalization and provide him or her with the necessary forms.
    (d) Spouse or child outside the United States. When a spouse or 
child of an alien granted special immigrant status under section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act is outside the United States, the principal 
alien may file Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved 
Application or Petition, with the office which approved the original 
application.
    (e) Removal provisions of section 237 of the Act. If the Service is 
made aware by notification from the appropriate executive department or 
by any other means that a section 101(a)(27)(K) special immigrant who 
has already been granted permanent residence fails to complete his or 
her total active duty service obligation for reasons other than an 
honorable discharge, the alien may become subject to the removal 
provisions of section 237 of the Act, provided the alien is in one or 
more of

[[Page 1160]]

the classes of deportable aliens specified in section 237 of the Act. 
The Service shall obtain a current Form DD-214, Certificate of Release 
or Discharge from Active Duty, from the appropriate executive department 
for verification of the alien's failure to maintain eligibility.
    (f) Rescission proceedings under section 246 of the Act. If the 
Service determines that a military special immigrant under section 
101(a)(27)(K) of the Act was not in fact eligible for adjustment of 
status, the Service may pursue rescission proceedings under section 246 
of the Act.

[57 FR 33862, July 31, 1992, as amended at 58 FR 50836, Sept. 29, 1993; 
62 FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997]



Sec.  1245.9  Adjustment of status of certain nationals of 
the People's Republic of China under Public Law 102-404.

    (a) Principal applicant status. All nationals of the People's 
Republic of China who qualify under the provisions of paragraph (b) of 
this section may apply for adjustment of status as principals in their 
own right, regardless of age or marital status. Nationals of other 
countries who meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section may apply for adjustment of status as qualified family members.
    (b) Aliens eligible to apply for adjustment. An alien is eligible to 
apply for adjustment of status under the provisions of Public Law 102-
404, if the alien:
    (1) Is a national of the People's Republic of China or a qualified 
family member of an eligible national of the People's Republic of China;
    (2) Was in the United States at some time between June 5, 1989, and 
April 11, 1990, inclusive, or would have been in the United States 
during this time period except for a brief, casual, and innocent 
departure from this country;
    (3) Has resided continuously in the United States since April 11, 
1990, except for brief, casual, and innocent absences;
    (4) Was not physically present in the People's Republic of China for 
more than a cumulative total of 90 days between April 11, 1990, and 
October 9, 1992;
    (5) Is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, unless the 
basis for excludability has been waived;
    (6) Establishes eligibility for adjustment of status under all 
provisions of section 245 of the Act, unless the basis for ineligibility 
has been waived; and
    (7) Properly files an application for adjustment of status under 
section 245 of the Act.
    (c) Qualified family member who is not a national of the People's 
Republic of China. A qualified family member within the meaning of this 
section includes the spouse, child, son, or daughter of a national of 
the People's Republic of China who is eligible for benefits under the 
provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, provided that:
    (1) He or she qualified as the spouse or child (as defined in 
section 101(b)(1) of the Act) of an eligible national of the People's 
Republic of China as of April 11, 1990; and
    (2) The qualifying relationship continues to exist, or the family 
member is a son or daughter of an eligible national of the People's 
Republic of China and the family member was unmarried and under the age 
of 21 on April 11, 1990.
    (d) Waivers of inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act. An 
applicant for the benefits of the adjustment of status provisions of 
Pub. L. 102-404 is automatically exempted from compliance with the 
requirements of sections 212(a)(5) and 212(a)(7)(A) of the Act. A Pub. 
L. 102-404 applicant may also apply for one or more waivers of 
inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act, except for 
inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2)(C), 212(a)(3)(A), 212(a)(3)(B), 
212(a)(3)(C) or 212(a)(3)(E) of the Act.
    (e) Waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement of section 
212(e). An applicant for the benefits of the adjustment of status 
provisions of Public Law 102-404 is automatically exempted from 
compliance with the two-year foreign residence requirement of section 
212(e) of the Act.
    (f) Waiver of section 245(c) of the Act. Public Law 102-404 provides 
that the provisions of section 245(c) of the Act shall not apply to 
persons applying for the adjustment of status benefits of Public Law 
102-404.

[[Page 1161]]

    (g) Application. Each applicant must file an application for 
adjustment of status on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent 
Residence or Adjust Status, accompanied by the prescribed fee, and the 
supporting documents specified on the instructions to Form I-485 and 
described in Sec.  1245.2. Secondary evidence may be submitted if the 
applicant is unable to obtain the required primary evidence. Applicants 
who are nationals of the People's Republic of China should complete Part 
2 of Form I-485 by checking box ``h--other'' and writing ``CSPA--
Principal'' next to that block. Applicants who are not nationals of the 
People's Republic of China should complete Part 2 of Form I-485 by 
checking box ``h--other'' and writing ``CSPA--Qualified Family Member'' 
next to that block. Each applicant for the benefits of Public Law 102-
404 must also submit evidence of eligibility for the adjustment of 
status benefits of Public Law 102-404:
    (1) A photocopy of all pages of the applicant's most recent passport 
or an explanation of why the applicant does not have a passport;
    (2) An attachment on a plain piece of paper showing:
    (i) The date of the applicant's last arrival in the United States 
before or on April 11, 1990;
    (ii) The date of each departure the applicant made from the United 
States since that arrival (if the applicant did not depart the United 
States after the initial date of arrival, the applicant should write ``I 
was in the United States on April 11, 1990, and I have not departed the 
United States since April 11, 1990'');
    (iii) The reason for each departure; and
    (iv) The date of each return to the United States.
    (3) An attachment on a plain piece of paper showing:
    (i) The date the applicant arrived in the People's Republic of 
China; and
    (ii) The date the applicant left the People's Republic of China for 
each trip the applicant made to the People's Republic of China between 
April 11, 1990, and October 9, 1992 (if the applicant did not travel to 
the People's Republic of China, the applicant should write ``I was not 
in the People's Republic of China between April 11, 1990, and October 9, 
1992'');
    (4) A copy of evidence showing that the applicant was found eligible 
for benefits under E.O. 12711, such as deferred enforced departure 
(DED), employment authorization, and/or waiver of the two-year foreign 
residence requirement, if the applicant previously applied for benefits 
under E.O. 12711; and
    (5) Primary or secondary evidence of a qualifying family 
relationship to an eligible national of the People's Republic of China, 
such as a birth or marriage certificate, if the applicant is a qualified 
family member who is not a national of the People's Republic of China.
    (h) Secondary evidence. If any required primary evidence is 
unavailable, church or school records, or other secondary evidence 
pertinent to the facts in issue, may be submitted. If such documents are 
unavailable, affidavits may be submitted. The applicant may submit as 
many types of secondary evidence as necessary to establish the birth, 
marriage, or other event. Documentary evidence establishing that primary 
evidence is unavailable need not accompany secondary evidence of birth 
or marriage in the People's Republic of China.
    (i) Filing. The application period begins on July 1, 1993. To 
benefit from the provisions of Public Law 102-404 (the Chinese Student 
Protection Act of 1992), an alien must properly file an application for 
adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act on or before June 30, 
1994. All applications for the benefits of Public Law 102-404 must be 
submitted by mail to the Service Center having jurisdiction over the 
applicant's place of residence in the United States. Pursuant to the 
deactivation clause of Public Law 102-404, if the President of the 
United States determines and certifies to Congress before July 1, 1993, 
that conditions in the People's Republic of China permit persons covered 
by Public Law 102-404 to safely return to the People's Republic of 
China, no applications for lawful permanent resident status under Public 
Law 102-404 will be processed or granted.

[[Page 1162]]

    (j) Immigrant classification and assignment of priority date. Public 
Law 102-404 provides eligible applicants with automatic classifications 
as immigrants under section 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act. No immigrant 
visa petition is required and applicants need not meet the usual 
requirements for classification as skilled workers. The applicant's 
priority date shall be the date his or her application for adjustment of 
status under Public Law 102-404 is properly filed with the Service.
    (k) Effect of immigrant visa number limitations. Eligible Public Law 
102-404 applicants are exempt from the per-country immigrant visa number 
limitations of section 202(a)(2) of the Act. Eligible Public Law 102-404 
applicants may file an application for adjustment of status under Public 
Law 102-404 without regard to immigrant visa number limitations of 
sections 202(a)(2) and 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act. However, the 
adjustment of status application may not be approved and adjustment of 
status to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States may 
not be granted until a visa number becomes available for the applicant 
under the worldwide allocation of immigrant visa numbers for employment-
based aliens under section 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act. The applicant may 
request initial or continued employment authorization during this period 
by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. If the 
applicant needs to travel outside the United States during this period, 
he or she may file a request for advance parole on Form I-131, 
Application for Travel Document.
    (l) Decision. In the case of an application for adjustment of status 
filed pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 102-404, the authority 
conferred upon district directors in 8 CFR part 1245 to accept and 
adjudicate an application for adjustment of status under section 245 of 
the Act is delegated exclusively to the service center director having 
jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence in the United 
States. If the service center director transfers the application to the 
district director, authority to adjudicate an application for adjustment 
of status filed pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 102-404 lies 
with the district director having jurisdiction over the applicant's 
place of residence.
    (m) Effect of enactment on family members other than qualified 
family members. The adjustment of status benefits and waivers provided 
by Public Law 102-404 do not apply to a spouse or child who is not a 
qualified family member as defined in paragraph (c) of this section. 
However, a spouse or child whose relationship to the principal alien was 
established prior to the approval of the principal's adjustment-of-
status application may be accorded the derivative priority date and 
preference category of the principal alien, in accordance with the 
provisions of section 203(d) of the Act. The spouse or child may use the 
priority date and category when it becomes current, in accordance with 
the limitations set forth in sections 201 and 202 of the Act.

[58 FR 35838, July 1, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 
FR 63254, Nov. 28, 1997]



Sec.  1245.10  Adjustment of status upon payment of additional sum 
under section 245(i).

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section the term:
    (1)(i) Grandfathered alien means an alien who is the beneficiary 
(including a spouse or child of the alien beneficiary if eligible to 
receive a visa under section 203(d) of the Act) of:
    (A) A petition for classification under section 204 of the Act which 
was properly filed with the Attorney General on or before April 30, 
2001, and which was approvable when filed; or
    (B) An application for labor certification under section 
212(a)(5)(A) of the Act that was properly filed pursuant to the 
regulations of the Secretary of Labor on or before April 30, 2001, and 
which was approvable when filed.
    (ii) If the qualifying visa petition or application for labor 
certification was filed after January 14, 1998, the alien must have been 
physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000. This 
requirement does not apply with respect to a spouse or child 
accompanying or following to join a principal alien who is a 
grandfathered alien as described in this section.
    (2) Properly filed means:

[[Page 1163]]

    (i) With respect to a qualifying immigrant visa petition, that the 
application was physically received by the Service on or before April 
30, 2001, or if mailed, was postmarked on or before April 30, 2001, and 
accepted for filing as provided in Sec.  103.2(a)(1) and (a)(2) of 8 CFR 
chapter I; and
    (ii) With respect to a qualifying application for labor 
certification, that the application was properly filed and accepted 
pursuant to the regulations of the Secretary of Labor, 20 CFR 656.21.
    (3) Approvable when filed means that, as of the date of the filing 
of the qualifying immigrant visa petition under section 204 of the Act 
or qualifying application for labor certification, the qualifying 
petition or application was properly filed, meritorious in fact, and 
non-frivolous (``frivolous'' being defined herein as patently without 
substance). This determination will be made based on the circumstances 
that existed at the time the qualifying petition or application was 
filed. A visa petition that was properly filed on or before April 30, 
2001, and was approvable when filed, but was later withdrawn, denied, or 
revoked due to circumstances that have arisen after the time of filing, 
will preserve the alien beneficiary's grandfathered status if the alien 
is otherwise eligible to file an application for adjustment of status 
under section 245(i) of the Act.
    (4) Circumstances that have arisen after the time of filing means 
circumstances similar to those outlined in Sec.  1205.1(a)(3)(i) or 
(a)(3)(ii) of this chapter.
    (b) Eligibility. An alien who is included in the categories of 
restricted aliens under Sec.  1245.1(b) and meets the definition of a 
``grandfathered alien'' may apply for adjustment of status under section 
245 of the Act if the alien meets the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) 
through (b)(7) of this section:
    (1) Is physically present in the United States;
    (2) Is eligible for immigrant classification and has an immigrant 
visa number immediately available at the time of filing for adjustment 
of status;
    (3) Is not inadmissible from the United States under any provision 
of section 212 of the Act, or all grounds for inadmissibility have been 
waived;
    (4) Properly files Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent 
Residence or Adjust Status on or after October 1, 1994, with the 
required fee for that application;
    (5) Properly files Supplement A to Form I-485 on or after October 1, 
1994;
    (6) Pays an additional sum of $1,000, unless payment of the 
additional sum is not required under section 245(i) of the Act; and
    (7) Will adjust status under section 245 of the Act to that of 
lawful permanent resident of the United States on or after October 1, 
1994.
    (c) Payment of additional sum. An adjustment applicant filing under 
the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act must pay the standard 
adjustment application filing fee as specified in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR 
part 106. Each application submitted under the provisions of section 
245(i) of the Act must be submitted with an additional sum of $1,000. An 
applicant must submit the additional sum of $1,000 only once per 
application for adjustment of status submitted under the provisions of 
section 245(i) of the Act. However, an applicant filing under the 
provisions of section 245(i) of the Act is not required to pay the 
additional sum if, at the time the application for adjustment of status 
is filed, the alien is:
    (1) Unmarried and less than 17 years of age;
    (2) The spouse of a legalized alien, qualifies for and has properly 
filed Form I-817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family 
Unity Program, and submits a copy of his or her receipt or approval 
notice for filing Form I-817; or
    (3) The child of a legalized alien, is unmarried and less than 21 
years of age, qualifies for and has filed Form I-817, and submits a copy 
of his or her receipt or approval notice for filing Form I-817. Such an 
alien must pay the additional sum if he or she has reached the age of 21 
years at the time of filing for adjustment of status. Such an alien must 
meet all other conditions for adjustment of status contained in the Act 
and in this chapter.
    (d) Pending adjustment application with the Service or Executive 
Office for Immigration Review filed without Supplement A to Form I-485 
and additional sum.

[[Page 1164]]

An alien who filed an adjustment of status application with the Service 
in accordance with Sec.  103.2 of 8 CFR chapter I will be allowed the 
opportunity to amend such an application to request consideration under 
the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act, if it appears that the 
alien is not otherwise ineligible for adjustment of status. The Service 
shall notify the applicant in writing of the Service's intent to deny 
the adjustment of status application, and any other requests for 
benefits that derive from the adjustment application, unless Supplement 
A to Form I-485 and any required additional sum is filed within 30 days 
of the date of the notice. If the application for adjustment of status 
is pending before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), 
EOIR will allow the respondent an opportunity to amend an adjustment of 
status application filed in accordance with Sec.  103.2 of 8 CFR chapter 
I (to include Supplement A to Form I-485 and proof of remittance to the 
INS of the required additional sum) in order to request consideration 
under the provisions of section 245(i) of the Act.
    (e) Applications for Adjustment of Status filed before October 1, 
1994. The provisions of section 245(i) of the Act shall not apply to an 
application for adjustment of status that was filed before October 1, 
1994. The provisions of section 245(i) of the Act also shall not apply 
to a motion to reopen or reconsider an application for adjustment of 
status if the application for adjustment of status was filed before 
October 1, 1994. An applicant whose pre-October 1, 1994, application for 
adjustment of status has been denied may file a new application for 
adjustment of status pursuant to section 245(i) of the Act on or after 
October 1, 1994, provided that such new application is accompanied by: 
the required fee; Supplement A to Form I-485; the additional sum 
required by section 245(i) of the Act; and all other required initial 
and additional evidence.
    (f) Effect of section 245(i) on completed adjustment applications 
before the Service. (1) Any motion to reopen or reconsider before the 
Service alleging availability of section 245(i) of the Act must be filed 
in accordance with Sec.  103.5 of 8 CFR chapter I. If said motion to 
reopen with the Service is granted, the alien must remit to the Service 
Supplement A to Form I-485 and the additional sum required by section 
245(i) of the Act. If the alien had previously remitted Supplement A to 
Form I-485 and the additional sum with the application which is the 
subject of the motion to reopen, then no additional sum need be remitted 
upon such reopening.
    (2) An alien whose adjustment application was adjudicated and denied 
by the Service because of ineligibility under section 245(a) or (c) of 
the Act and now alleges eligibility due to the availability of section 
245(i) of the Act may file a new application for adjustment of status 
pursuant to section 245(i) of the Act, provided that such new 
application is accompanied by the required fee for the application, 
Supplement A to Form I-485, additional sum required by section 245(i) of 
the Act and all other required and additional evidence.
    (g) Aliens deportable under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act are 
ineligible to adjust status. Section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act renders any 
alien who has engaged, is engaged, or at any time after admission 
engages in any terrorist activity, as defined in section 
212(a)(3)(B)(iii) of the Act, deportable. Under section 245(c)(6) of the 
Act, persons who are deportable under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act 
are ineligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Act. Any 
person who is deportable under section 237(a)(4)(B) of the Act is also 
ineligible to adjust status under section 245(i) of the Act.
    (h) Asylum or diversity immigrant visa applications. An asylum 
application, diversity visa lottery application, or diversity visa 
lottery-winning letter does not serve to grandfather the alien for 
purposes of section 245(i) of the Act. However, an otherwise 
grandfathered alien may use winning a diversity visa as a basis for 
adjustment.
    (i) Denial, withdrawal, or revocation of the approval of a visa 
petition or application for labor certification. The denial, withdrawal, 
or revocation of the approval of a qualifying immigrant visa petition, 
or application for labor certification, that was properly filed on or 
before April 30, 2001, and that was approvable when filed, will not 
preclude

[[Page 1165]]

its grandfathered alien (including the grandfathered alien's family 
members) from seeking adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the 
Act on the basis of another approved visa petition, a diversity visa, or 
any other ground for adjustment of status under the Act, as appropriate.
    (j) Substitution of a beneficiary on an application for a labor 
certification. Only the alien who was the beneficiary of the application 
for the labor certification on or before April 30, 2001, will be 
considered to have been grandfathered for purposes of filing an 
application for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Act. An 
alien who was previously the beneficiary of the application for the 
labor certification but was subsequently replaced by another alien on or 
before April 30, 2001, will not be considered to be a grandfathered 
alien. An alien who was substituted for the previous beneficiary of the 
application for the labor certification after April 30, 2001, will not 
be considered to be a grandfathered alien.
    (k) Changes in employment. An applicant for adjustment under section 
245(i) of the Act who is adjusting status through an employment-based 
category is not required to work for the petitioner who filed the 
petition that grandfathered the alien, unless he or she is seeking 
adjustment based on employment for that same petitioner.
    (l) Effects of grandfathering on an alien's nonimmigrant status. An 
alien's nonimmigrant status is not affected by the fact that he or she 
is a grandfathered alien. Lawful immigration status for a nonimmigrant 
is defined in Sec.  1245.1(d)(1)(ii).
    (m) Effect of grandfathering on unlawful presence under section 
212(a)(9)(B) and (c) of the Act. If the alien is not in a period of stay 
authorized by the Attorney General, the fact that he or she is a 
grandfathered alien does not prevent the alien from accruing unlawful 
presence under section 212(a)(9)(B) and (C) of the Act.
    (n) Evidentiary requirement to demonstrate physical presence on 
December 21, 2000. (1) Unless the qualifying immigrant visa petition or 
application for labor certification was filed on or before January 14, 
1998, a principal grandfathered alien must establish that he or she was 
physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000, to be 
eligible to apply to adjust status under section 245(i) of the Act. If 
no one document establishes the alien's physical presence on December 
21, 2000, he or she may submit several documents establishing his or her 
physical presence in the United States prior to, and after December 21, 
2000.
    (2) To demonstrate physical presence on December 21, 2000, the alien 
may submit Service documentation. Examples of acceptable Service 
documentation include, but are not limited to:
    (i) A photocopy of the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, issued 
upon the alien's arrival in the United States;
    (ii) A photocopy of the Form I-862, Notice to Appear;
    (iii) A photocopy of the Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for 
Admission Detained for Hearing before Immigration Judge, issued by the 
Service on or prior to December 21, 2000, placing the applicant in 
exclusion proceedings under section 236 of the Act (as in effect prior 
to April 1, 1997);
    (iv) A photocopy of the Form I-221, Order to Show Cause, issued by 
the Service on or prior to December 21, 2000, placing the applicant in 
deportation proceedings under section 242 or 242A of the Act (as in 
effect prior to April 1, 1997);
    (v) A photocopy of any application or petition for a benefit under 
the Act filed by or on behalf of the applicant on or prior to December 
21, 2000, which establishes his or her presence in the United States, or 
a fee receipt issued by the Service for such application or petition.
    (3) To demonstrate physical presence on December 21, 2000, the alien 
may submit other government documentation. Other government 
documentation issued by a Federal, state, or local authority must bear 
the signature, seal, or other authenticating instrument of such 
authority (if the document normally bears such instrument), be dated at 
the time of issuance, and bear a date of issuance not later than 
December 21, 2000. For this purpose, the term Federal, state, or local 
authority includes

[[Page 1166]]

any governmental, educational, or administrative function operated by 
Federal, state, county, or municipal officials. Examples of such other 
documentation include, but are not limited to:
    (i) A state driver's license;
    (ii) A state identification card;
    (iii) A county or municipal hospital record;
    (iv) A public college or public school transcript;
    (v) Income tax records;
    (vi) A certified copy of a Federal, state, or local governmental 
record which was created on or prior to December 21, 2000, shows that 
the applicant was present in the United States at the time, and 
establishes that the applicant sought on his or her own behalf, or some 
other party sought on the applicant's behalf, a benefit from the 
Federal, state, or local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (vii) A certified copy of a Federal, state, or local governmental 
record which was created on or prior to December 21, 2000, that shows 
that the applicant was present in the United States at the time, and 
establishes that the applicant submitted an income tax return, property 
tax payment, or similar submission or payment to the Federal, state, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (viii) A transcript from a private or religious school that is 
registered with, or approved or licensed by, appropriate State or local 
authorities, accredited by the State or regional accrediting body, or by 
the appropriate private school association, or maintains enrollment 
records in accordance with State or local requirements or standards.
    (4) To demonstrate physical presence on December 21, 2000, the alien 
may submit non-government documentation. Examples of documentation 
establishing physical presence on December 21, 2000, may include, but 
are not limited to:
    (i) School records;
    (ii) Rental receipts;
    (iii) Utility bill receipts;
    (iv) Any other dated receipts;
    (v) Personal checks written by the applicant bearing a bank 
cancellation stamp;
    (vi) Employment records, including pay stubs;
    (vii) Credit card statements showing the dates of purchase, payment, 
or other transaction;
    (viii) Certified copies of records maintained by organizations 
chartered by the Federal or State government, such as public utilities, 
accredited private and religious schools, and banks;
    (ix) If the applicant established that a family unit was in 
existence and cohabiting in the United States, documents evidencing the 
presence of another member of the same family unit; and
    (x) For applicants who have ongoing correspondence or other 
interaction with the Service, a list of the types and dates of such 
correspondence or other contact that the applicant knows to be contained 
or reflected in Service records.
    (5)(i) The adjudicator will evaluate all evidence on a case-by-case 
basis and will not accept a personal affidavit attesting to physical 
presence on December 21, 2000, without requiring an interview or 
additional evidence to validate the affidavit.
    (ii) In all cases, any doubts as to the existence, authenticity, 
veracity, or accuracy of the documentation shall be resolved by the 
official government record, with records of the Service and the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) having precedence over 
the records of other agencies. Furthermore, determinations as to the 
weight to be given any particular document or item of evidence shall be 
solely within the discretion of the adjudicating authority (i.e., the 
Service or EOIR). It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to 
obtain and submit copies of the records of any other government agency 
that the applicant desires to be considered in support of his or her 
application.

[59 FR 51095, Oct. 7, 1994; 59 FR 53020, Oct. 20, 1994, as amended at 62 
FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997; 62 FR 39424, July 23, 1997; 62 FR 55153, Oct. 
23, 1997; 66 FR 16388, Mar. 26, 2001; 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1245.11  Adjustment of aliens in S nonimmigrant classification.

    (a) Eligibility. An application on Form I-854, requesting that an 
alien witness

[[Page 1167]]

or informant in S nonimmigrant classification be allowed to adjust 
status to that of lawful permanent resident, may only be filed by the 
federal or state law enforcement authority (``LEA'') (which shall 
include a federal or state court or a United States Attorney's Office) 
that originally requested S classification for the alien. The completed 
application shall be filed with the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, Department of Justice, who will forward only properly 
certified applications to the Commissioner, Immigration and 
Naturalization Service, for approval. Upon receipt of an approved Form 
I-854 allowing the S nonimmigrant to adjust status to that of lawful 
permanent resident, the alien may proceed to file with that Form, Form 
I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, 
pursuant to the following process.
    (1) Request to allow S nonimmigrant to apply for adjustment of 
status to that of lawful permanent resident. The LEA that requested S 
nonimmigrant classification for an S nonimmigrant witness or informant 
pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act may request that the 
principal S nonimmigrant be allowed to apply for adjustment of status by 
filing Form I-854 with the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, in accordance with the instructions on, or attached to, that 
form and certifying that the alien has fulfilled the terms of his or her 
admission and classification. The same Form I-854 may be used by the LEA 
to request that the principals nonimmigrant's spouse, married and 
unmarried sons and daughters, regardless of age, and parents who are in 
derivative S nonimmigrant classification and who are qualified family 
members as described in paragraph (b) of this section similarly be 
allowed to apply for adjustment of status pursuant to section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act.
    (2) Certification. Upon receipt of an LEA's request for the 
adjustment of an alien in S nonimmigrant classification on Form I-854, 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, shall review the 
information and determine whether to certify the request to the 
Commissioner in accordance with the instructions on the form.
    (3) Submission of requests for adjustment of status to the 
Commissioner. No application by an LEA on Form I-854 requesting the 
adjustment to lawful permanent resident status of an S nonimmigrant 
shall be forwarded to the Commissioner unless first certified by the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division.
    (4) Decision on request to allow adjustment of S nonimmigrant. The 
Commissioner shall make the final decision on a request to allow an S 
nonimmigrant to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent 
resident.
    (i) In the event the Commissioner decides to deny an application on 
Form I-854 to allow an S nonimmigrant to apply for adjustment of status, 
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA 
shall be notified in writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. 
Unless the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 
7 days, he or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In 
the event of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy 
Attorney General for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the 
alien or the relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to 
deny.
    (ii) Upon approval of the request on Form I-854, the Commissioner 
shall forward a copy of the approved form to the Assistant Attorney 
General and the S nonimmigrant, notifying them that the S nonimmigrant 
may proceed to file Form I-485 and request adjustment of status to that 
of lawful permanent resident, and that, to be eligible for adjustment of 
status, the nonimmigrant must otherwise:
    (A) Meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, if 
requesting adjustment as a qualified family member of the certified 
principal S nonimmigrant witness or informant;
    (B) Be admissible to the United States as an immigrant, unless the 
ground of inadmissibility has been waived;
    (C) Establish eligibility for adjustment of status under all 
provisions of

[[Page 1168]]

section 245 of the Act, unless the basis for ineligibility has been 
waived; and
    (D) Properly file with his or her Form I-485, Application to 
Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the approved Form I-854.
    (b) Family members--(1) Qualified family members. A qualified family 
member of an S nonimmigrant includes the spouse, married or unmarried 
son or daughter, or parent of a principal S nonimmigrant who meets the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, provided that:
    (i) The family member qualified as the spouse, married or unmarried 
son or daughter, or parent (as defined in section 101(b) of the Act) of 
the principal S nonimmigrant when the family member was admitted as or 
granted a change of status to that of a nonimmigrant under section 
101(a)(15)(S) of the Act;
    (ii) The family member was admitted in S nonimmigrant classification 
to accompany, or follow to join, the principal S-5 or S-6 alien pursuant 
to the LEA's request;
    (iii) The family member is not inadmissible from the United States 
as a participant in Nazi persecution or genocide as described in section 
212(a)(3)(E) of the Act;
    (iv) The qualifying relationship continues to exist; and
    (v) The principal alien has adjusted status, has a pending 
application for adjustment of status or is concurrently filing an 
application for adjustment of status under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the 
Act.
    (vi) Paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) and (v) of this section do not apply if 
the alien witness or informant has died and, in the opinion of the 
Attorney General, was in compliance with the terms of his or her S 
classification under section 245(i) (1) and (2) of the Act.
    (2) Other family member. The adjustment provisions in this section 
do not apply to a family member who has not been classified as an S 
nonimmigrant pursuant to a request on Form I-854 or who does not 
otherwise meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. 
However, a spouse or an unmarried child who is less than 21 years old, 
and whose relationship to the principal S nonimmigrant or qualified 
family member was established prior to the approval of the principal S 
nonimmigrant's adjustment of status application, may be accorded the 
priority date and preference category of the principal S nonimmigrant or 
qualified family member, in accordance with the provisions of section 
203(d) of the Act. Such a spouse or child:
    (i) May use the principal S nonimmigrant or qualified member's 
priority date and category when it becomes current, in accordance with 
the limitations set forth in sections 201 and 202 of the Act;
    (ii) May seek immigrant visa issuance abroad or adjustment of status 
to that of a lawful permanent resident of the United States when the 
priority date becomes current for the spouse's or child's country of 
chargeability under the fourth employment-based preference 
classification;
    (iii) Must meet all the requirements for immigrant visa issuance or 
adjustment of status, unless those requirements have been waived;
    (iv) Is not applying for adjustment of status under 101(a)(15)(S) of 
the Act, is not required to file Form I-854, and is not required to 
obtain LEA certification; and
    (v) Will lose eligibility for benefits if the child marries or has 
his or her twenty-first birthday before being admitted with an immigrant 
visa or granted adjustment of status.
    (c) Waivers of inadmissibility. An alien seeking to adjust status 
pursuant to the provisions of section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act may not 
be denied adjustment of status for conduct or a condition that:
    (1) Was disclosed to the Attorney General prior to admission; and
    (2) Was specifically waived pursuant to the waiver provisions set 
forth at section 212(d)(1) and 212(d)(3) of the Act.
    (d) Application. Each S nonimmigrant requesting adjustment of status 
under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act must:
    (1) File Form I-485, with the prescribed fee, accompanied by the 
approved Form I-854, and the supporting documents specified in the 
instructions to Form I-485 and described in 8 CFR 1245.2. Secondary 
evidence may be submitted if the nonimmigrant is unable

[[Page 1169]]

to obtain the required primary evidence as provided in 8 CFR 
103.2(b)(2). The S nonimmigrant applying to adjust must complete Part 2 
of Form I-485 by checking box ``h-other'' and writing ``S'' or ``S-
Qualified Family Member.'' Qualified family members must submit 
documentary evidence of the relationship to the principal S nonimmigrant 
witness or informant.
    (2) Submit detailed and inclusive evidence of eligibility for the 
adjustment of status benefits of S classification, which shall include:
    (i) A photocopy of all pages of the alien's most recent passport or 
an explanation of why the alien does not have a passport; or
    (ii) An attachment on a plain piece of paper showing the dates of 
all arrivals and departures from the United States in S nonimmigrant 
classification and the reason for each departure; and
    (iii) Primary evidence of a qualifying relationship to the principal 
S nonimmigrant, such as birth or marriage certificate. If any required 
primary evidence is unavailable, church or school records, or other 
secondary evidence may be submitted. If such documents are unavailable, 
affidavits may be submitted as provided in 8 CFR 103.2(b)(2).
    (e) Priority date. The S nonimmigrant's priority date shall be the 
date his or her application for adjustment of status as an S 
nonimmigrant is properly filed with the Service.
    (f) Visa number limitation. An adjustment of status application 
under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act may be filed regardless of the 
availability of immigrant visa numbers. The adjustment of status 
application may not, however, be approved and the alien's adjustment of 
status to that of lawful permanent resident of the United States may not 
be granted until a visa number becomes available for the alien under the 
worldwide allocation for employment-based immigrants under section 
201(d) and section 203(b)(4) of the Act. The alien may request initial 
or continued employment authorization while the adjustment application 
is pending by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment 
Authorization. If the alien needs to travel outside the United States 
during this period, he or she may file a request for advance parole on 
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
    (g) Filing and decision. An application for adjustment of status 
filed by an S nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act shall 
be filed with the district director having jurisdiction over the alien's 
place of residence. Upon approval of adjustment of status under this 
section, the district director shall record the alien's lawful admission 
for permanent residence as of the date of such approval. The district 
director shall notify the Commissioner and the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, of the adjustment.
    (h) Removal under section 237 of the Act. Nothing in this section 
shall prevent an alien adjusted pursuant to the terms of these 
provisions from being removed for conviction of a crime of moral 
turpitude committed within 10 years after being provided lawful 
permanent residence under this section or for any other ground under 
section 237 of the Act.
    (i) Denial of application. In the event the district director 
decides to deny an application on Form I-485 and an approved Form I-854 
to allow an S nonimmigrant to adjust status, the Assistant Attorney 
General, Criminal Division, and the relevant LEA shall be notified in 
writing to that effect. The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal 
Division, shall concur in or object to that decision. Unless the 
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, objects within 7 days, he 
or she shall be deemed to have concurred in the decision. In the event 
of an objection by the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 
the matter will be expeditiously referred to the Deputy Attorney General 
for a final resolution. In no circumstances shall the alien or the 
relevant LEA have a right of appeal from any decision to deny. A denial 
of an adjustment application under this paragraph may not be renewed in 
subsequent removal proceedings.

[60 FR 44269, Aug. 25, 1995; 60 FR 52248, Oct. 5, 1995, as amended at 62 
FR 10384, Mar. 6, 1997]

[[Page 1170]]



Sec.  1245.12  What are the procedures for certain Polish and Hungarian 
parolees who are adjusting status to that of permanent resident 
under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996?

    (a) How do I apply for adjustment of status under this section? (1) 
Each person applying for adjustment of status, under section 646(b) of 
Public Law 104-208, must file a completed Form I-485, Application to 
Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the correct filing 
fee, with the Service director having jurisdiction over the applicant's 
place of residence.
    (2) The application must include Form G-325A, Biographic Information 
and the results of the medical examination made according to Sec.  232.1 
of 8 CFR chapter I and Sec.  1245.5.
    (3) The application must include evidence to show the applicant was 
a national of Poland or Hungary who, after being denied refugee status, 
was inspected and granted parole into the United States between November 
1, 1989, and December 31, 1991.
    (4) The applicant must have been physically present in the United 
States for at least 1 year before filing a Form I-485.
    (5) After receiving the Form I-485, the adjudicating Service office 
will notify each applicant who is 14 years old or older of the time and 
location for the required fingerprinting.
    (b) How is my application for adjustment of status affected if I 
leave the United States while my application is still pending? The 
departure from the United States by an applicant for adjustment of 
status must be considered an abandonment of the application, as provided 
in Sec.  1245.2(a)(4)(ii), unless the applicant was previously granted 
advance parole for such absence, and was reinspected on returning to the 
United States.
    (c) Which grounds for inadmissibility do not apply or can be waived? 
The provisions of section 212(a) (4), (5), and (7)(A) of the Act will 
not apply to adjustment of status under Sec.  1245.12. In addition, the 
director may waive any other ground of inadmissibility except section 
212(a)(2)(C) or 212(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E) of the Act, for 
humanitarian purposes, to ensure family unity, or when it is otherwise 
in the public interest.
    (d) If my application for adjustment of status is approved under 
Sec.  1245.12, what date will be recorded as my admission to permanent 
residence? On approval of the application for adjustment of status, the 
date of the applicant's admission to permanent resident status will be 
the date of the applicant's inspection and parole, as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section.

[65 FR 20070, Apr. 14, 2000]



Sec.  1245.13  Adjustment of status of certain nationals of Nicaragua 
and Cuba under Public Law 105-100.

    (a) Aliens eligible to apply for adjustment. An alien is eligible to 
apply for adjustment of status under the provisions of section 202 of 
Pub. L. 105-100 as amended and without regard to section 241(a)(5) of 
the Act, if the alien:
    (1) Is a national of Nicaragua or Cuba;
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (o) of this section, has been 
physically present in the United States for a continuous period 
beginning not later than December 1, 1995, and ending not earlier that 
the date the application for adjustment is granted, excluding:
    (i) Any periods of absence from the United States not exceeding 180 
days in the aggregate; and
    (ii) Any periods of absence for which the applicant received an 
Advance Authorization for Parole (Form I-512) prior to his or her 
departure from the United States, provided the applicant returned to the 
United States in accordance with the conditions of such Advance 
Authorization for Parole;
    (3) Is not inadmissible to the United States for permanent residence 
under any provisions of section 212(a) of the Act, with the exception of 
paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), (7)(A) and (9)(B). If available, an 
applicant may apply for an individual waiver as provided in paragraph 
(c) of this section;
    (4) Is physically present in the United States at the time the 
application is filed; and
    (5) Properly files an application for adjustment of status in 
accordance with this section.
    (b) Qualified family members--(1) Existence of relationship at time 
of adjustment.

[[Page 1171]]

The spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an alien eligible for 
adjustment of status under the provisions of Pub. L. 105-100 is eligible 
to apply for benefits as a dependent provided the qualifying 
relationship existed when the principal beneficiary was granted 
adjustment of status and the dependent meets all applicable requirements 
of sections 202(a) and (d) of Pub. L. 105-100.
    (2) Spouse and minor children. If physically present in the United 
States, the spouse or minor child of an alien who is eligible for 
permanent residence under the provisions of Pub. L. 105-100 may also 
apply for and receive adjustment of status under this section, provided 
such spouse or child meets the criteria established in paragraph (a) of 
this section, except for the requirement of continuous physical presence 
in the United States since December 1, 1995. Such application may be 
filed concurrently with or subsequent to the filing of the principal's 
application but may not be approved prior to approval of the principal's 
application.
    (3) Unmarried adult sons and daughters. An unmarried son or daughter 
of an alien who is eligible for permanent residence under the provisions 
of Pub. L. 105-100 may apply for and receive adjustment under this 
section, provided such son or daughter meets the criteria established in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Applicability of inadmissibility grounds contained in section 
212(a)--(1) General. An applicant for the benefits of the adjustment of 
status provisions of section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100 need not establish 
admissibility under paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), (7)(A), and (9)(B) of 
section 212(a) of the Act in order to be able to adjust his or her 
status to that of permanent resident. An applicant under section 202 of 
Pub. L. 105-100 may also apply for one or more of the immigrant waivers 
of inadmissibility under section 212 of the Act, if applicable, in 
accordance with Sec.  1212.7 of this chapter.
    (2) Special rule for waiver of inadmissibility grounds for NACARA 
applicants under section 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act. An 
applicant for adjustment of status under section 202 of Public Law 105-
100 who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(A) or 212(a)(9)(C) of 
the Act, may apply for a waiver of these grounds of inadmissibility 
while present in the United States. Such an alien must file a Form I-
601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability, with the 
director of the Texas Service Center if the application for adjustment 
is pending at that office, with the district director having 
jurisdiction over the application if the application for adjustment is 
pending at a district office, with the Immigration Judge having 
jurisdiction if the application for adjustment is pending before the 
Immigration Court, or with the Board of Immigration Appeals if the 
appeal is pending before the Board.
    (d) General--(1) Proceedings pending before an Immigration Court. 
Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, while an alien 
is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings pending before an 
immigration judge, or has a pending motion to reopen or motion to 
reconsider filed with an immigration judge on or before May 21, 1998, 
sole jurisdiction over an application for adjustment of status under 
section 202 of Public Law 105-100 shall lie with the immigration judge. 
If an alien who has a pending motion to reopen or motion to reconsider 
filed with an immigration judge on or before May 21, 1998 files an 
application for adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-
100, the immigration judge shall reopen the alien's proceedings for 
consideration of the adjustment application, unless the alien is clearly 
ineligible for adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-
100. All applications for adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. 
L. 105-100 filed with an Immigration Court shall be subject to the 
requirements of Sec. Sec.  3.11 and 3.31 of this chapter.
    (2) Proceedings pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals. 
Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, in cases where a 
motion to reopen or motion to reconsider filed with the Board on or 
before May 21, 1998, or an appeal, is pending, the Board shall remand, 
or reopen and remand, the proceedings to the Immigration Court for the 
sole purpose of adjudicating an application for adjustment of status

[[Page 1172]]

under section 202 of Public Law 105-100, unless the alien is clearly 
ineligible for adjustment of status under section 202 of Public Law 105-
100. If the immigration judge denies, or the alien fails to file, the 
application for adjustment of status under section 202 of Public Law 
105-100, the immigration judge shall certify the decision to the Board 
for consideration in conjunction with the previously pending appeal or 
motion.
    (3) Administrative closure of pending exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceedings. (i) In the case of an alien who is in exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings, or has a pending motion to reopen 
or a motion to reconsider such proceedings filed on or before May 21, 
1998, and who appears to be eligible to file an application for 
adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, the 
Immigration Court having jurisdiction over such proceedings or motion, 
or if the matter is before the Board on appeal or by motion, the Board, 
shall, upon request of the alien and with the concurrence of the 
Service, administratively close the proceedings, or continue 
indefinitely the motion, to allow the alien to file such application 
with the Service as prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section.
    (ii) In any case not administratively closed in accordance with 
paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section, the immigration judge having 
jurisdiction over the exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings 
shall have jurisdiction to accept and adjudicate any application for 
adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100 during the 
course of such proceedings.
    (4)(i) Aliens with final orders of exclusion, deportation, or 
removal. An alien who is subject to a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal, and who has not been denied adjustment of 
status under section 202 of Public Law 105-100 by the immigration judge 
or the Board of Immigration Appeals, may apply to the Service for 
adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100.
    (ii) An alien may file a motion to reopen with the Immigration Court 
or the Board of Immigration Appeals, whichever had jurisdiction last, if 
the alien is present in the United States and subject to a final order 
of exclusion, deportation, or removal and has been denied adjustment of 
status under section 202 of NACARA by an Immigration Court or the Board 
or who never applied for adjustment of status on or before March 31, 
2000, with either the Service, the Immigration Court or the Board, and 
who is now eligible for adjustment as a result of section 1505(a)(1) of 
the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000 (LIFE) and the LIFE 
amendments, Public Law 106-553 and Public Law 106-554, respectively. As 
provided by Sec.  1505(a)(2) of the LIFE Act and its amendments, such a 
motion to reopen must be filed on or before June 19, 2001.
    (5) Stay of final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal--(i) 
With the Service. The filing of an application for adjustment under 
section 202 of Public Law 105-100 with the Service shall not stay the 
execution of such final order unless the applicant has filed, and the 
Service has approved an Application for Stay of Removal (Form I-246) in 
accordance with section 241(c)(2) of the Act and Sec.  241.6 of this 
chapter. Absent evidence of the applicant's statutory ineligibility for 
adjustment of status under section 202 of Public Law 105-100 or 
significant negative discretionary factors, a Form I-246 filed by a bona 
fide applicant for adjustment under section 202 of Public Law 105-100 
shall be approved, and the removal of the applicant shall be stayed 
until such time as the application for adjustment has been adjudicated 
in accordance with this section.
    (ii) With EOIR. When the Service refers a decision to an immigration 
judge on a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) in accordance with 
paragraph (m)(3) of this section, the referral shall not stay the 
execution of the final order. Execution of such final order shall 
proceed unless a stay of execution is specifically granted by the 
immigration judge, the Board, or an authorized Service officer.
    (6) Effect on applications for adjustment under other provisions of 
the law. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to allow any alien who 
is in either exclusion proceedings that commenced prior to April 1, 
1997, or removal proceedings as an inadmissible arriving alien that 
commenced on or after April 1, 1997,

[[Page 1173]]

and who has not been paroled into the United States, to apply for 
adjustment of status under any provision of law other than section 202 
of Pub. L. 105-100.
    (e) Application and supporting documents. Each applicant for 
adjustment of status must file a Form I-485, Application to Register 
Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. An applicant should complete Part 
2 of Form I-485 by checking box ``h--other'' and writing ``NACARA--
Principal'' or ``NACARA--Dependent'' next to that block. Each 
application must be accompanied by:
    (1) The fee prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106;
    (2) If the applicant is 14 years of age or older, the fee for 
fingerprinting prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7;
    (3) Evidence of commencement of physical presence in the United 
States at any time on or before December 1, 1995. Such evidence may 
relate to any time at or after entry and may consist of either:
    (i) Documentation evidencing one or more of the activities specified 
in section 202(b)(2)(A) of Public Law 105-100;
    (ii) A copy of the Form I-94, Record of Arrival and Departure, 
issued to the applicant at the time of his or her inspection and 
admission or parole;
    (iii) Other documentation issued by a Federal, State, or local 
authority provided such other documentation bears the signature, seal, 
or other authenticating instrument of such authority (if the document 
normally bears such instrument), was dated at the time of issuance, and 
bears a date of issuance not later than December 1, 1995. Examples of 
such other documentation include, but are not limited to:
    (A) A State driver's license;
    (B) A State identification card issued in lieu of a driver's license 
to a nondriver;
    (C) A county or municipal hospital record;
    (D) A public college or public school transcript; and
    (E) Income tax records;
    (iv) A copy of a petition on behalf of the applicant that was 
submitted to the Service on or before December 1, 1995, and that lists 
the applicant as being physically present in the United States;
    (v) A certified copy of a Federal, State, or local governmental 
record that was created on or prior to December 1, 1995, shows that the 
applicant was present in the United States at the time, and establishes 
that the applicant sought on his or her own behalf, or some other party 
sought on the applicant's behalf, a benefit from the Federal, State, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (vi) A certified copy of a Federal, State, or local governmental 
record that was created on or prior to December 1, 1995, shows that the 
applicant was present in the United States at the time, and establishes 
that the applicant submitted an income tax return, property tax payment, 
or similar submission or payment to the Federal, State, or local 
governmental agency keeping such record; or
    (vii) In the case of an applicant who, while under the age of 21, 
attended a private or religious school in the United States on or prior 
to December 1, 1995, a transcript from such private or religious school, 
provided that the school:
    (A) Is registered with, approved by, or licensed by, appropriate 
State or local authorities;
    (B) Is accredited by the State or regional accrediting body, or by 
the appropriate private school association; or
    (C) Maintains enrollment records in accordance with State or local 
requirements or standards;
    (4) Evidence of continuity of physical presence in the United States 
since the last date on or prior to December 1, 1995, on which the 
applicant established commencement of physical presence in the United 
States. Such documentation may have been issued by any governmental or 
nongovernmental authority, provided such evidence bears the name of the 
applicant, was dated at the time it was issued, and bears the signature, 
seal, or other authenticating instrument of the issuing authority or its 
authorized representative, if the document would normally contain such 
authenticating instrument. Such documentation may include, but is not 
limited to:
    (i) School records;
    (ii) Rental receipts;
    (iii) Utility bill receipts;

[[Page 1174]]

    (iv) Any other dated receipts;
    (v) Personal checks written by the applicant bearing a dated bank 
cancellation stamp;
    (vi) Employment records, including pay stubs;
    (vii) Credit card statements showing the dates of purchase, payment, 
or other transaction;
    (viii) Certified copies of records maintained by organizations 
chartered by the government, such as public utilities, accredited 
private and parochial schools, and banks;
    (ix) If the applicant establishes that a family unit was in 
existence and cohabiting in the United States, documents evidencing the 
physical presence in the United States of another member of that same 
family unit; and
    (x) If the applicant has had correspondence or other interaction 
with the Service, a list of the types and dates of such correspondence 
or other contact that the applicant knows to be contained or reflected 
in Service records;
    (5) A copy of the applicant's birth certificate;
    (6) If the applicant is between 14 and 79 years of age, a completed 
Biographic Information Sheet (Form G-325A);
    (7) A report of medical examination, as specified in Sec.  1245.5;
    (8) Two photographs, as described in the instructions to Form I-485;
    (9) If the applicant is 14 years of age or older, a police clearance 
from each municipality where the alien has resided for 6 months or 
longer since arriving in the United States. If there are multiple local 
law enforcement agencies (e.g., city police and county sheriff) with 
jurisdiction over the alien's residence, the applicant may obtain a 
clearance from either agency. If the applicant resides or resided in a 
State where the State Police maintain a compilation of all local arrests 
and convictions, a statewide clearance is sufficient. If the applicant 
presents a letter from the local police agencies involved, or other 
evidence, to the effect that the applicant attempted to obtain such 
clearance but was unable to do so because of local or State policy, the 
director or immigration judge having jurisdiction over the application 
may waive the local police clearance. Furthermore, if such local police 
agency has provided the Service or the Immigration Court with a blanket 
statement that issuance of such police clearance is against local or 
state policy, the director or immigration judge having jurisdiction over 
the case may waive the local police clearance requirement regardless of 
whether the applicant individually submits a letter from that local 
police agency;
    (10) If the applicant is applying as the spouse of another Public 
Law 105-100 beneficiary, a copy of their certificate of marriage and 
copies of documents showing the legal termination of all other marriages 
by the applicant or the other beneficiary;
    (11) If the applicant is applying as the child, unmarried son, or 
unmarried daughter of another (principal) beneficiary under section 202 
of Public Law 105-100 who is not the applicant's biological mother, 
copies of evidence (such as the applicant's parent's marriage 
certificate and documents showing the legal termination of all other 
marriages, an adoption decree, or other relevant evidence) to 
demonstrate the relationship between the applicant and the other 
beneficiary;
    (12) A copy of the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, issued at 
the time of the applicant's arrival in the United States, if the alien 
was inspected and admitted or paroled; and
    (13) If the applicant has departed from and returned to the United 
States since December 1, 1995, an attachment on a plain piece of paper 
showing:
    (i) The date of the applicant's last arrival in the United States 
before or on December 1, 1995;
    (ii) The date of each departure from the United States since that 
arrival;
    (iii) The reason for each departure; and
    (iv) The date, manner, and place of each return to the United 
States.
    (f) Secondary evidence. If the primary evidence required in 
paragraph (e)(4), (e)(9) or (e)(10 of this section is unavailable, 
church or school records, or other secondary evidence pertinent to the 
facts in issue, may be submitted. If

[[Page 1175]]

such documents are unavailable, affidavits may be submitted. The 
applicant may submit as many types of secondary evidence as necessary to 
establish the birth, marriage, or other event. Documentary evidence 
establishing that primary evidence is unavailable must accompany 
secondary evidence of birth or marriage in the home country. In 
adjudicating the application for adjustment of status under section 202 
of Public Law 105-100, the Service or immigration judge shall determine 
the weight to be given such secondary evidence. Secondary evidence may 
not be submitted in lieu of the documentation specified in paragraphs 
(e)(2) and (e)(3) of this section. However, subject to verification by 
the Service, if the documentation specified in paragraphs (e)(2) and 
(e)(3) is already contained in the Service's file relating to the 
applicant, the applicant may submit an affidavit to that effect in lieu 
of the actual documentation.
    (g) Filing. The application period begins on June 22, 1998. To 
benefit from the provisions of section 202 of Public Law 105-100, an 
alien must properly file an application for adjustment of status before 
April 1, 2000. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, all 
applications for the benefits of section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100 must be 
submitted by mail to: USINS Texas Service Center, P.O. Box 851804, 
Mesquite, TX 75185-1804. All applications must be accompanied by either 
the correct fee as specified in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106; or a 
request for a fee waiver in accordance with 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 
106. An application received by the Service or Immigration Court before 
April 1, 2000, that has been properly signed and executed and for which 
a waiver of the filing fee has been requested shall be regarded as 
having been filed before the statutory deadline regardless of whether 
the fee waiver request is denied provided that the applicant submits the 
required fee within 30 days of the date of any notice that the fee 
waiver request has been denied. In a case over which the Board has 
jurisdiction, an application received by the Board before April 1, 2000, 
that has been properly signed and executed shall be considered filed 
before the statutory deadline without payment of the fee or submission 
of a fee waiver request. Upon demand by the Board, the payment of the 
fee or a request for a fee waiver shall be made upon submission of the 
application to the Immigration Court in accordance with 8 CFR 
1240.11(f). If a request for a fee waiver is denied, the application 
shall be considered as having been properly filed with the Immigration 
Court before the statutory deadline provided that the applicant submits 
the required fee within 30 days of the date of any notice that the fee 
waiver request has been denied. After proper filing of the application, 
the Service will notify the applicant to appear for fingerprinting as 
prescribed in Sec.  103.2(e) of 8 CFR chapter I.
    (h) Jurisdiction. Except as provide din paragraphs (d) and (i) of 
this section, the director of the Texas Service Center shall have 
jurisdiction over all applications for adjustment of status under 
section 202 of Public Law 105-100.
    (i) Interview. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (d), (i)(2), and 
(i)(3) of this section, all applicants for adjustment of status under 
section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100 must be personally interviewed by an 
immigration officer at a local office of the Service. In any case in 
which the director of the Texas Service Center determines that an 
interview of the applicant is necessary, that director shall forward the 
case to the appropriate local Service office for interview and 
adjudication.
    (2) In the case of an applicant who has submitted evidence of 
commencement of physical presence in the United States consisting of one 
or more of the documents specified in section 202(b)(2)(A)(i) through 
(v) or section 202(b)(2)(A)(vii) of Pub. L. 105-100 and upon examination 
of the application, including all other evidence submitted in support of 
the application, all relevant Service records and all other relevant law 
enforcement indices, if the director of the Texas Service Center 
determines that the alien is clearly eligible for adjustment of status 
under Pub. L. 105-100 and that an interview of the applicant is not 
necessary, the director may approve the application.
    (3) Upon examination of the application, all supporting 
documentation, all relevant Service records, and all other

[[Page 1176]]

relevant law enforcement indices, if the director of the Texas Service 
Center determines that the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of 
status under Pub. L. 105-100 and that an interview of the applicant is 
not necessary, the director may deny the application.
    (j) Authorization to be employed in the United States while the 
application is pending--(1) Application. An applicant for adjustment of 
status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100 who wishes to obtain initial 
or continued employment authorization during the pendency of the 
adjustment application must file an Application for Employment 
authorization (Form I-765), with fee as set forth in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 
CFR part 106. The applicant may submit Form I-765 concurrently with, or 
subsequent to, the filing of the Form I-485.
    (2) Adjudication and issuance. In general, employment authorization 
may not be issued to an applicant for adjustment of status under section 
202 of Pub. L. 105-100 until the adjustment application has been pending 
for 180 days. However, if Service records contain one or more of the 
documents specified in section 202(b)(2)(A)(i) through (v) and (vii) of 
Pub. L. 105-100, evidence of the applicant's Nicaraguan or Cuban 
nationality, and no indication that the applicant is clearly ineligible 
for adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, the 
application for employment authorization may be approved, and the 
resulting document issued immediately upon verification that the Service 
record contains such information. If the Service fails to adjudicate the 
application for employment authorization upon expiration of the 180-day 
waiting period or within 90 days of the filing of application for 
employment authorization, whichever comes later, the alien shall be 
eligible for interim employment authorization in accordance with Sec.  
1274a.13(d) of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall preclude an 
applicant for adjustment of status under Pub. L. 105-100 from being 
granted an initial employment authorization or an extension of 
employment authorization under any other provision of law or regulation 
for which the alien may be eligible.
    (k) Parole authorization for purposes of travel--(1) Travel from and 
return to the United States while the application for adjustment of 
status is pending. If an applicant for benefits under section 202 of 
Pub. L. 105-100 desires to travel outside, and return to, the United 
States while the application for adjustment of status is pending, he or 
she must file a request for advance parole authorization on an 
Application for Travel Document (Form I-131), with fee as set forth in 8 
CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106 and in accordance with the instructions on 
the form. If the alien is either in deportation or removal proceedings, 
or subject to a final order of deportation or removal, the Form I-131 
must be submitted to the Assistant Commissioner for International 
Affairs; otherwise the Form I-131 must be submitted to the director of 
the Texas Service Center, who shall have jurisdiction over such 
applications. Unless the applicant files an advance parole request prior 
to departing from the United States, and the Service approves such 
request, his or her application for adjustment of status under section 
202 of Public Law 105-100 is deemed to be abandoned as of the moment of 
his or her departure. Parole may only be authorized pursuant to the 
authority contained in, and the standards prescribed in, section 
212(d)(5) of the Act.
    (2) Parole authorization for the purpose of filing an application 
for adjustment of status under section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100. An 
otherwise eligible applicant who is outside the United States and wishes 
to come to the United States in order to apply for benefits under 
section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100 may request parole authorization for such 
purpose by filing an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with 
the Texas Service Center, at P.O. Box 851804, Mesquite, TX 75185-1804. 
Such application must be supported by a photocopy of the Form I-485 that 
the alien will file once he or she has been paroled into the United 
States. The applicant must include photocopies of all the supporting 
documentation listed in paragraph (e) of this section, except the filing 
fee, the medical report, the fingerprint card, and the local police 
clearances. If the director of the Texas Service Center is satisfied 
that the alien will be eligible for adjustment of status once the alien 
has been paroled into

[[Page 1177]]

the United States and files the application, he or she may issue an 
Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States (Form I-512) 
to allow the alien to travel to, and be paroled into, the United States 
for a period of 60 days. The applicant shall have 60 days from the date 
of parole to file the application for adjustment of status. If the alien 
files the application for adjustment of status within that 60-day 
period, the Service may re-parole the alien for such time as is 
necessary for adjudication of the application. Failure to file such 
application for adjustment of status within 60 days shall result in the 
alien being returned to the custody of the Service and being examined as 
an arriving alien applying for admission. Such examination will be 
conducted in accordance with the provisions of section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act if the alien is inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) 
of the Act, or section 240 of the Act if the alien is inadmissible under 
any other grounds. Parole may only be authorized pursuant to the 
authority contained in, and the standards prescribed in, section 
212(d)(5) of the Act.
    (3) Effect of departure on an outstanding warrant of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal. If an alien who is the subject of an 
outstanding final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal departs 
from the United States, with or without an advance parole authorization, 
such final order shall be executed by the alien's departure. The 
execution of such final order shall not preclude the applicant from 
filing an Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the 
United States After Deportation or Removal (Form I-212) in accordance 
with Sec.  1212.2 of this chapter.
    (l) Approval. If the director approves the application for 
adjustment of status under the provisions of section 202 of Pub. L. 105-
100, the director shall record the alien's lawful admission for 
permanent resident as of the date of such approval and notify the 
applicant accordingly. The director shall also advise the alien 
regarding the delivery of his or her Permanent Resident Card and of the 
process for obtaining temporary evidence of alien registration. If the 
alien had previously been issued a final order of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal, such order shall be deemed canceled as of the 
date of the director's approval of the application for adjustment of 
status. If the alien had been in exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings that were administratively closed, such proceedings shall be 
deemed terminated as of the date of approval of the application for 
adjustment of status by the director. If an immigration judge grants or 
if the Board, upon appeal, grants an application for adjustment under 
the provisions of section 202 of Pub. L. 105-100, the alien's lawful 
admission for permanent residence shall be as of the date of such grant.
    (m) Denial and review of decision. (1) If the director denies the 
application for adjustment of status under the provisions of section 202 
of Public Law 105-100, the director shall notify the applicant of the 
decision. The director shall also:
    (i) In the case of an alien who is not maintaining valid 
nonimmigrant status and who had not previously been placed in exclusion, 
deportation or removal proceedings, initiate removal proceedings in 
accordance with Sec.  1239.1 of this chapter during which the alien may 
renew his or her application for adjustment of status under section 202 
of Public Law 105-100; or
    (ii) In the case of an alien whose previously initiated exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings had been administratively closed or 
continued indefinitely under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, advise 
the Immigration Court that had administratively closed the proceedings, 
or the Board, as appropriate, of the denial of the application. Upon a 
motion to recalendar filed by the Service, the Immigration Court or the 
Board will then recalendar or reinstate the prior exclusion, deportation 
or removal proceedings, during which the alien may renew his or her 
application for adjustment under section 202 of Public Law 105-100; or
    (iii) In the case of an alien who is the subject of an outstanding 
final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, refer the decision to 
deny the application by filing a Form I-290C, Notice of Certification, 
with the Immigration Court that issued the final order for

[[Page 1178]]

consideration in accordance with paragraph (n) of this section.
    (2) Aliens who were denied adjustment of status by the director, but 
who are now eligible for such adjustment of status pursuant to section 
1505(a)(1) of the LIFE Act and amendments, and have not been referred to 
immigration proceedings as specified in paragraph (m)(1) of this section 
may file a motion to reopen with the Service. If an alien has been 
referred to the Immigration Court or has filed an appeal with the Board 
after an Immigration Court has denied the application for adjustment 
under NACARA section 202, and proceedings are pending, then the 
application for adjustment of status will be adjudicated in accordance 
with section 1505(a) of the LIFE Act and its amendments. An alien 
present in the United States subject to a final order of removal after 
his or her application was denied by an Immigration Court or the Board, 
but who was made eligible for adjustment pursuant to section 1505(a) of 
the LIFE Act and its amendments may file a motion to reopen with the 
Immigration Court or the Board, whichever had jurisdiction last. 
Pursuant to section 1505(a)(2) of the LIFE Act and its amendments, 
motions to reopen proceedings before the Immigration Court or the Board 
must be filed on or before June 19, 2001.
    (n) Action of immigration judge upon referral of decision by a 
Notice of Certification (Form I-290C)--(1) General. Upon the referral by 
a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) of a decision to deny the 
application, in accordance with paragraph (m)(3) of this section, and 
under the authority contained in Sec.  1003.10 of this chapter, the 
immigration judge shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the alien 
is eligible for adjustment of status under section 202 of Public Law 
105-100. Such hearing shall be conducted under the same rules of 
procedure as proceedings conducted under part 1240 of this chapter, 
except the scope of review shall be limited to a determination on the 
alien's eligibility for adjustment of status under section 202 of Public 
Law 105-100. During such proceedings all parties are prohibited from 
raising or considering any other issues, including but not limited to 
issues of admissibility, deportability, removability, and eligibility 
for any form of relief other than adjustment of status under section 202 
of Public Law 105-100. Should the alien fail to appear for such hearing, 
the immigration judge shall deny the application for adjustment under 
section 202 of Public Law 105-100.
    (2) Appeal of immigration judge decision. Once the immigration judge 
issues his or her decision on the application, either the alien or the 
Service may appeal the decision to the Board. Such appeal must be filed 
pursuant to the requirements for appeals to the Board from an 
immigration judge decision set forth in Sec. Sec.  1003.3 and 1003.8 of 
this chapter.
    (3) Rescission of the decision of an immigration judge. The decision 
of an immigration judge under paragraph (n)(1) of this section denying 
an application for adjustment under section 202 of Public Law 105-100 
for failure to appear may be rescinded only:
    (i) Upon a motion to reopen filed within 180 days after the date of 
the denial if the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was 
because of exceptional circumstances as defined in section 240(e)(1) of 
the Act;
    (ii) Upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien 
demonstrates that the alien did not receive notice of the hearing in 
person (or, if personal service was not practicable, through service by 
mail to the alien or to the alien's counsel of record, if any) or the 
alien demonstrates that the alien was in Federal or State custody and 
the failure to appear was through no fault of the alien; or
    (iii) Upon a motion to reopen filed not later than June 19, 2001, by 
an alien present in the United States who became eligible for adjustment 
of status under section 202 of Public Law 105-100, as amended by section 
1505, Public Law 106-554.
    (o) Transition period provisions for tolling the physical presence 
in the United States provision for certain individuals--(1) Departure 
without advance authorization for parole. In the case of an otherwise 
eligible applicant who departed the United States on or before December 
31, 1997, the physical presence in the United States provision of 
section 202(b)(1) of Pub. L. 105-100 is tolled as of

[[Page 1179]]

November 19, 1997, and until July 20, 1998.
    (2) Departure with advance authorization for parole. In the case of 
an alien who departed the United States after having been issued an 
Authorization for parole of an Alien into the United States (Form I-
512), and who returns to the United States in accordance with the 
conditions of that document, the physical presence in the United States 
requirement of section 202(b)(1) of Pub. L. 105-100 is tolled while the 
alien is outside the United States pursuant to the issuance of the Form 
I-512.
    (3) Request for parole authorization from outside the United States. 
In the case of an alien who is outside the United States and submits an 
application for parole authorization in accordance with paragraph (k)(2) 
of this section, and such application for parole authorization is 
granted by the Service, the physical presence in the United States 
provisions of section 202(b)(1) of Pub. L. 105-100 is tilled from the 
date the application is received at the Texas Service Center until the 
alien is paroled into the United States pursuant to the issuance of the 
Form I-512.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control Number 
1115-0221)

[63 FR 27829, May 21, 1998, as amended at 65 FR 15854, Mar. 24, 2000; 66 
FR 29451, May 31, 2001; 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1245.14  Adjustment of status of certain health care workers.

    An alien applying for adjustment of status to perform labor in a 
health care occupation as described in 8 CFR 1212.15(c) must present 
evidence at the time he or she applies for adjustment of status, and, if 
applicable, at the time of the interview on the application, that he or 
she has a valid certificate issued by the Commission on Graduates of 
Foreign Nursing Schools or the National Board of Certification in 
Occupational Therapy.

[63 FR 55012, Oct. 14, 1998]



Sec.  1245.15  Adjustment of status of certain Haitian nationals 
under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA).

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the terms:
    Abandoned and abandonment mean that both parents have, or the sole 
or surviving parent has, or in the case of a child who has been placed 
into a guardianship, the child's guardian or guardians have, willfully 
forsaken all parental or guardianship rights, obligations, and claims to 
the child, as well as all control over and possession of the child, 
without intending to transfer these rights to any specific person(s).
    Guardian means a person lawfully invested (by order of a competent 
Federal, State, or local authority) with the power, and charged with the 
duty, of taking care of, including managing the property, rights, and 
affairs of, a child.
    Orphan and orphaned refer to the involuntary detachment or severance 
of a child from his or her parents due to any of the following:
    (1) The death or disappearance of, desertion by, or separation or 
loss from both parents, as those terms are defined in Sec.  204.3(b) of 
8 CFR chapter I;
    (2) The irrevocable and written release of all parental rights by 
the sole parent, as that term is defined in Sec.  204.3(b) of 8 CFR 
chapter I, based upon the inability of that parent to provide proper 
care (within the meaning of that phrase in Sec.  204.3(b) of 8 CFR 
chapter I) for the child, provided that at the time of such irrevocable 
release such parent is legally obligated to provide such care; or
    (3) The death or disappearance, as that term is defined in Sec.  
204.3(b) of 8 CFR chapter I, of one parent and the irrevocable and 
written release of all parental rights by the sole remaining parent 
based upon the inability of that parent to provide proper care (within 
the meaning of that phrase in Sec.  204.3(b) of 8 CFR chapter I) for the 
child, provided that at the time of such irrevocable release such parent 
is legally obligated to provide such care.
    Parent, father, or mother means a parent, father, or mother only 
where the relationship exists by reason of any of the circumstances set 
forth in paragraphs (A) through (E) of section 101(b)(1) of the Act.
    Sole remaining parent means a person who is the child's only parent 
because:
    (1) The child's other parent has died; or

[[Page 1180]]

    (2) The child's other parent has been certified by competent Haitian 
authorities to be presumed dead as a result of his or her disappearance, 
within the meaning of that term as set forth in Sec.  204.3(b) of 8 CFR 
chapter I.
    (b) Applicability of provisions of section 902 of HRIFA in general. 
Section 902 of Division A of Pub. L. 105-277, the Haitian Refugee 
Immigrant Fairness Act of 1998 (HRIFA), provides special rules for 
adjustment of status for certain nationals of Haiti, and without regard 
to section 241(a)(5) of the Act, if they meet the other requirements of 
HRIFA.
    (1) Principal applicants. Section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA defines five 
categories of principal applicants who may apply for adjustment of 
status, if the alien was physically present in the United States on 
December 31, 1995:
    (i) An alien who filed for asylum before December 31, 1995;
    (ii) An alien who was paroled into the United States prior to 
December 31, 1995, after having been identified as having a credible 
fear of persecution, or paroled for emergent reasons or reasons deemed 
strictly in the public interest; or
    (iii) An alien who at the time of arrival in the United States and 
on December 31, 1995, was unmarried and under 21 years of age and who:
    (A) Arrived in the United States without parents in the United 
States and has remained, without parents, in the United States since his 
or her arrival;
    (B) Became orphaned subsequent to arrival in the United States; or
    (C) Was abandoned by parents or guardians prior to April 1, 1998, 
and has remained abandoned since such abandonment.
    (2) Dependents. Section 902(d) of HRIFA provides for certain Haitian 
nationals to apply for adjustment of status as the spouse, child, or 
unmarried son or daughter of a principal HRIFA beneficiary, even if the 
individual would not otherwise be eligible for adjustment under section 
902. The eligibility requirements for dependents are described further 
in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (c) Eligibility of principal HRIFA applicants. A Haitian national 
who is described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is eligible to 
apply for adjustment of status under the provisions of section 902 of 
HRIFA if the alien meets the following requirements:
    (1) Physical presence. The alien is physically present in the United 
States at the time the application is filed;
    (2) Proper application. The alien properly files an application for 
adjustment of status in accordance with this section, including the 
evidence described in paragraphs (h), (i), (j), and (k) of this section. 
For purposes of Sec.  1245.15 of this chapter only, an Application to 
Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) submitted by 
a principal applicant for benefits under HRIFA may be considered to have 
been properly filed if it:
    (i) Is received not later than March 31, 2000, at the Nebraska 
Service Center, the Board, or the Immigration Court having jurisdiction;
    (ii) Has been properly completed and signed by the applicant;
    (iii) Identifies the provision of HRIFA under which the applicant is 
seeking adjustment of status; and
    (iv) Is accompanied by either:
    (A) The correct fee as specified in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106; 
or
    (B) A request for a fee waiver in accordance with 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 
CFR part 106, provided such fee waiver request is subsequently granted; 
however, if such a fee waiver request is subsequently denied and the 
applicant submits the require fee within 30 days of the date of any 
notice that the fee waiver request had been denied, the application 
shall be regarded as having been filed before the statutory deadline. In 
addition, in a case over which the Board has jurisdiction, an 
application received by the Board before April 1, 2000, that has been 
properly signed and executed shall be considered filed before the 
statutory deadline without payment of the fee or submission of a fee 
waiver request. Upon remand by the Board, the payment of the fee or a 
request for a fee waiver shall be made upon submission of the 
application to the Immigration Court in accordance with 8 CFR 
1240.11(f). If a request for a fee waiver is denied, the application 
shall be considered as having been properly filed with the Immigration 
Court before the statutory deadline

[[Page 1181]]

provided that the applicant submits the required fee within 30 days of 
the date of any notice that the fee waiver request has been denied.
    (3) Admissibility. The alien is not inadmissible to the United 
States for permanent residence under any provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section; and
    (4) Continuous physical presence. The alien has been physically 
present in the United States for a continuous period beginning on 
December 31, 1995, and ending on the date the application for adjustment 
is granted, except for the following periods of time:
    (i) Any period or periods of absence from the United States not 
exceeding 180 days in the aggregate; and
    (ii) Any periods of absence for which the applicant received an 
Advance Authorization for Parole (Form I-512) prior to his or her 
departure from the United States, provided the applicant returned to the 
United States in accordance with the conditions of such Advance 
Authorization for Parole.
    (iii) Any periods of absence from the United States occurring after 
October 21, 1998, and before July 12, 1999, provided the applicant 
departed the United States prior to December 31, 1998.
    (d) Eligibility of dependents of a principal HRIFA beneficiary. A 
Haitian national who is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter 
of a principal beneficiary eligible for adjustment of status under the 
provisions of HRIFA is eligible to apply for benefits as a dependent, if 
the dependent alien meets the following requirements:
    (1) Physical presence. The alien is physically present in the United 
States at the time the application is filed;
    (2) Proper application. The alien properly files an application for 
adjustment of status as a dependent in accordance with this section, 
including the evidence described in paragraphs (h) and (l) of this 
section;
    (3) Admissibility. The alien is not inadmissible to the United 
States for permanent residence under any provisions of section 212(a) of 
the Act, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section;
    (4) Relationship. The qualifying relationship to the principal alien 
must have existed at the time the principal was granted adjustment of 
status and must continue to exist at the time the dependent alien is 
granted adjustment of status. To establish the qualifying relationship 
to the principal alien, evidence must be submitted in accordance with 
Sec.  204.2 of this chapter. Such evidence should consist of the 
documents specified in Sec.  204.2(a)(1)(i)(B), (a)(1)(iii)(B), (a)(2), 
(d)(2), and (d)(5) of 8 CFR chapter I;
    (5) Continuous physical presence. If the alien is applying as the 
unmarried son or unmarried daughter of a principal HRIFA beneficiary, he 
or she must have been physically present in the United States for a 
continuous period beginning not later than December 31, 1995, and ending 
on the date the application for adjustment is granted, as provided in 
paragraphs (c)(4) and (j) of this section.
    (e) Applicability of grounds of inadmissibility contained in section 
212(a)--(1) Certain grounds of inadmissibility inapplicable to HRIFA 
applicants. Paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), (7)(A) and (9)(B) of section 
212(a) of the Act are inapplicable to HRIFA principal applicants and 
their dependents. Accordingly, an applicant for adjustment of status 
under section 902 of HRIFA need not establish admissibility under those 
provisions in order to be able to adjust his or her status to that of 
permanent resident.
    (2) Availability of individual waivers. If a HRIFA applicant is 
inadmissible under any of the other provisions of section 212(a) of the 
Act for which an immigrant waiver is available, the applicant may apply 
for one or more of the immigrant waivers of inadmissibility under 
section 212 of the Act, in accordance with Sec.  1212.7 of this chapter. 
In considering an application for waiver under section 212(g) of the Act 
by an otherwise statutorily eligible applicant for adjustment of status 
under HRIFA who was paroled into the United States from the U.S. Naval 
Base at Guantanamo Bay, for the purpose of receiving treatment of an HIV 
or AIDS condition, the fact that his or her arrival in the United States 
was the direct result of a government decision to provide

[[Page 1182]]

such treatment should be viewed as a significant positive factor when 
weighing discretionary factors. In considering an application for waiver 
under section 212(i) of the Act by an otherwise statutorily eligible 
applicant for adjustment of status under HRIFA who used counterfeit 
documents to travel from Haiti to the United States, the adjudicator 
shall, when weighing discretionary factors, take into consideration the 
general lawlessness and corruption which was widespread in Haiti at the 
time of the alien's departure, the difficulties in obtaining legitimate 
departure documents at that time, and other factors unique to Haiti at 
that time which may have induced the alien to commit fraud or make 
willful misrepresentations.
    (3) Special rule for waiver of inadmissibility grounds for HRIFA 
applicants under section 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act. An 
applicant for adjustment of status under HRIFA who is inadmissible under 
section 212(a)(9)(A) or 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act, may apply for a waiver 
of these grounds of inadmissibility while present in the United States. 
Such an alien must file Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of 
Excludability. If the application for adjustment is pending at the 
Nebraska Service Center, Form I-601 must be filed with the director of 
that office. If the application for adjustment is pending at a district 
office, Form I-601 must be filed with the district director having 
jurisdiction over the application. If the application for adjustment is 
pending before the immigration court, Form I-601 must be filed with the 
immigration judge having jurisdiction, or with the Board of Immigration 
Appeals if the appeal is pending before the Board.
    (f) Time for filing of applications--(1) Applications for HRIFA 
benefits by a principal HRIFA applicant. The application period begins 
on June 11, 1999. To benefit from the provisions of section 902 of 
HRIFA, an alien who is applying for adjustment as a principal applicant 
must properly file an application for adjustment of status before April 
1, 2000.
    (2) Applications by dependent aliens. The spouse, minor child, or 
unmarried son or daughter of an alien who is eligible for adjustment of 
status as a principal beneficiary under HRIFA may file an application 
for adjustment of status under this section concurrently with or 
subsequent to the filing of the application of the principal HRIFA 
beneficiary. An application filed by a dependent may not be approved 
prior to approval of the principal's application.
    (g) Jurisdiction for filing of applications--(1) Filing of 
applications with the Service. The Service has jurisdiction over all 
applications for the benefits of section 902 of HRIFA as a principal 
applicant or as a dependent under this section, except for applications 
filed by aliens who are in pending immigration proceedings as provided 
in paragraph (g)(2) of this section. All applications filed with the 
Service for the benefits of section 902 of HRIFA must be submitted by 
mail to: USINS Nebraska Service Center, PO Box 87245, Lincoln, NE 68501-
7245. After proper filing of the application, the Service will instruct 
the applicant to appear for fingerprinting as prescribed in Sec.  
103.2(e) of this chapter. The Director of the Nebraska Service Center 
shall have jurisdiction over all applications filed with the Service for 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA, unless the Director 
refers the applicant for a personal interview at a local Service office 
as provided in paragraph (o)(1) of this section.
    (2) Filing of applications by aliens in pending exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings. An alien who is in exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings pending before the Immigration Court 
or the Board, or who has a pending motion to reopen or motion to 
reconsider filed with the Immigration Court or the Board on or before 
May 12, 1999, must apply for HRIFA benefits to the Immigration Court or 
the Board, as provided in paragraph (p)(1) of this section, rather than 
to the Service. However, an alien whose proceeding has been 
administratively closed (see paragraph (p)(4) of this section) may only 
apply for HRIFA benefits with the Service as provided in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this section.
    (3)(i) Filing of applications with the Service by aliens who are 
subject to a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. An alien 
who is subject to a

[[Page 1183]]

final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, and who has not been 
denied adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA by the 
Immigration Court or the Board, may only apply for HRIFA benefits with 
the Service as provided in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. This 
includes applications for HRIFA benefits filed by aliens who have filed 
a motion to reopen or motion to reconsider a final order after May 12, 
1999.
    (ii) An alien present in the United States who is subject to a final 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal and has been denied 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA by the Immigration Court 
or the Board, or who never applied for adjustment of status with the 
Service, an Immigration Court, or the Board on or before March 31, 2000, 
and who was made eligible for HRIFA benefits under the Legal Immigration 
Family Equity Act of 2000 (LIFE Act) and LIFE amendments, Public Law 
106-553 and Public Law 106-554, respectively, may file a motion to 
reopen with either the Immigration Court or the Board, whichever had 
jurisdiction last. As provided by the LIFE Act, motions to reopen must 
be filed on or before June 19, 2001.
    (iii) Stay of final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal. The 
filing of an application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA with 
the Service shall not stay the execution of such final order unless the 
applicant has requested and been granted a stay in connection with the 
HRIFA application. An alien who has filed a HRIFA application with the 
Service may file an Application for Stay of Removal (Form I-246) in 
accordance with section 241(c)(2) of the Act and Sec.  1241.6 of this 
chapter.
    (iv) Grant of stay. Absent evidence of the applicant's statutory 
ineligibility for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA or 
significant negative discretionary factors, a Form I-246 filed by a bona 
fide applicant for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA shall be 
approved and the removal of the applicant shall be stayed until such 
time as the Service has adjudicated the application for adjustment in 
accordance with this section.
    (h) Application and supporting documents. Each applicant for 
adjustment of status must file an Application to Register Permanent 
Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485). An applicant should complete 
Part 2 of Form I-485 by checking box ``h--other'' and writing ``HRIFA--
Principal'' or ``HRIFA--Dependent'' next to that block. Each application 
must be accompanied by:
    (1) Application fee. The fee for Form I-485 prescribed in 8 CFR 
103.7 and 8 CFR part 106;
    (2) Fingerprinting fee. If the applicant is 14 years of age or 
older, the fee for fingerprinting prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR 
part 106;
    (3) Identifying information. (i) A copy of the applicant's birth 
certificate or other record of birth as provided in paragraph (m) of 
this section;
    (ii) A completed Biographic Information Sheet (Form G-325A), if the 
applicant is between 14 and 79 years of age;
    (iii) A report of medical examination, as specified in Sec.  1245.5 
of this chapter; and
    (iv) Two photographs, as described in the instructions to Form I-
485;
    (4) Arrival-Departure Record. A copy of the Form I-94, Arrival-
Departure Record, issued at the time of the applicant's arrival in the 
United States, if the alien was inspected and admitted or paroled;
    (5) Police clearances. If the applicant is 14 years old or older, a 
police clearance from each municipality where the alien has resided for 
6 months or longer since arriving in the United States. If there are 
multiple local law enforcement agencies (e.g., city police and county 
sheriff) with jurisdiction over the alien's residence, the applicant may 
obtain a clearance from either agency. If the applicant resides or 
resided in a State where the State police maintain a compilation of all 
local arrests and convictions, a statewide clearance is sufficient. If 
the applicant presents a letter from the local police agencies involved, 
or other evidence, to the effect that the applicant attempted to obtain 
such clearance but was unable to do so because of local or State policy, 
the director or immigration judge having jurisdiction over the 
application may waive the local police clearance. Furthermore, if such 
local police agency has provided the Service

[[Page 1184]]

or the Immigration Court with a blanket statement that issuance of such 
police clearance is against local or State policy, the director or 
immigration judge having jurisdiction over the case may waive the local 
police clearance requirement regardless of whether the applicant 
individually submits a letter from that local police agency;
    (6) Proof of Haitian nationality. If the applicant acquired Haitian 
nationality other than through birth in Haiti, a copy of the certificate 
of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by the Haitian 
government; and
    (7) Additional supporting evidence. Additional supporting evidence 
pertaining to the applicant as provided in paragraphs (i) through (l) of 
this section.
    (i) Evidence of presence in the United States on December 31, 1995. 
An alien seeking HRIFA benefits as a principal applicant must provide 
with the application evidence establishing the alien's presence in the 
United States on December 31, 1995. Such evidence may consist of the 
evidence listed in Sec.  1245.22.
    (j) Evidence of continuity of presence in the United States since 
December 31, 1995. An alien seeking HRIFA benefits as a principal 
applicant, or as the unmarried son or daughter of a principal applicant, 
must provide with the application evidence establishing continuity of 
the alien's physical presence in the United States since December 31, 
1995. (This requirement does not apply to a dependent seeking HRIFA 
benefits as the spouse or minor child of a principal applicant.)
    (1) Evidence establishing presence. Evidence establishing the 
continuity of the alien's physical presence in the United States since 
December 31, 1995, may consist of any documentation issued by any 
governmental or nongovernmental authority, provided such evidence bears 
the name of the applicant, was dated at the time it was issued, and 
bears the signature, seal, or other authenticating instrument of the 
authorized representative of the issuing authority, if the document 
would normally contain such authenticating instrument.
    (2) Examples. Documentation establishing continuity of physical 
presence may include, but is not limited to:
    (i) School records;
    (ii) Rental receipts;
    (iii) Utility bill receipts;
    (iv) Any other dated receipts;
    (v) Personal checks written by the applicant bearing a dated bank 
cancellation stamp;
    (vi) Employment records, including pay stubs;
    (vii) Credit card statements showing the dates of purchase, payment, 
or other transaction;
    (viii) Certified copies of records maintained by organizations 
chartered by the Federal or State government, such as public utilities, 
accredited private and religious schools, and banks;
    (ix) If the applicant establishes that a family unit was in 
existence and cohabiting in the United States, documents evidencing 
presence of another member of that same family unit; and
    (x) For applicants who have had ongoing correspondence or other 
interaction with the Service, a list of the types and dates of such 
correspondence or other contact that the applicant knows to be contained 
or reflected in Service records.
    (3) Evidence relating to absences from the United States since 
December 31, 1995. If the alien is applying as a principal applicant, or 
as the unmarried son or daughter of a principal applicant, and has 
departed from and returned to the United States since December 31, 1995, 
the alien must provide with the application an attachment on a plain 
piece of paper showing:
    (i) The date of the applicant's last arrival in the United States 
before December 31, 1995;
    (ii) The date of each departure (if any) from the United States 
since that arrival;
    (iii) The reason for each departure; and
    (iv) The date, manner, and place of each return to the United 
States.
    (k) Evidence establishing the alien's eligibility under section 
902(b) of HRIFA. An alien seeking HRIFA benefits as a principal 
applicant must provide with the application evidence establishing that 
the alien satisfies one of the eligibility standards described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

[[Page 1185]]

    (1) Applicant for asylum. If the alien is a principal applicant who 
filed for asylum before December 31, 1995, the applicant must provide 
with the application either:
    (i) A photocopy of the first page of the Application for Asylum and 
Withholding of Removal (Form I-589); or
    (ii) If the alien is not in possession of a photocopy of the first 
page of the Form I-589, a statement to that effect giving the date of 
filing and the location of the Service office or Immigration Court at 
which it was filed;
    (2) Parolee. If the alien is a principal applicant who was paroled 
into the United States prior to December 31, 1995, after having been 
identified as having a credible fear of persecution, or paroled for 
emergent reasons or reasons deemed strictly in the public interest, the 
applicant must provide with the application either:
    (i) A photocopy of the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) issued 
when he or she was granted parole; or
    (ii) If the alien is not in possession of the original Form I-94, a 
statement to that effect giving the date of parole and the location of 
the Service port-of-entry at which parole was authorized.
    (3) Child without parents. If the alien is a principal applicant who 
arrived in the United States as a child without parents in the United 
States, the applicant must provide with the application:
    (i) Evidence, showing the date, location, and manner of his or her 
arrival in the United States, such as:
    (A) A photocopy of the Form I-94 issued at the time of the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (B) A copy of the airline or vessel records showing transportation 
to the United States;
    (C) Other similar documentation; or
    (D) If none of the documents in paragraphs (k)(3)(i)(A)-(C) of this 
section are available, a statement from the applicant, accompanied by 
whatever evidence the applicant is able to submit in support of that 
statement; and
    (ii) Evidence establishing the absence of the child's parents, which 
may include either:
    (A) Evidence showing the deaths of, or disappearance or desertion 
by, the applicant's parents; or
    (B) Evidence showing that the applicant's parents did not live in 
the United States with the applicant. Such evidence may include, but is 
not limited to, documentation or affidavits showing that the applicant's 
parents have been continuously employed outside the United States, are 
deceased, disappeared, or abandoned the applicant prior to the 
applicant's arrival, or were otherwise engaged in activities showing 
that they were not in the United States, or (if they have been in the 
United States) that the applicant and his or her parents did not reside 
together.
    (4) Orphaned child. If the alien is a principal applicant who is or 
was a child who became orphaned subsequent to arrival in the United 
States, the applicant must provide with the application:
    (i) Evidence, showing the date, location, and manner of his or her 
arrival in the United States, such as:
    (A) A photocopy of the Form I-94 issued at the time of the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (B) A copy of the airline or vessel records showing transportation 
to the United States;
    (C) Other similar documentation; or
    (D) If none of the documents in paragraphs (k)(4)(i)(A)-(C) of this 
section are available, a statement from the applicant, accompanied by 
whatever evidence the applicant is able to submit in support of that 
statement; and
    (ii) Either:
    (A) The death certificates of both parents (or in the case of a 
child having only one parent, the death certificate of the sole parent) 
showing that the death or deaths occurred after the date of the 
applicant's arrival in the United States;
    (B) Evidence from a State, local, or other court or governmental 
authority having jurisdiction and authority to make decisions in matters 
of child welfare establishing the disappearance of, the separation or 
loss from, or desertion by, both parents (or, in the case of a child 
born out of wedlock who has not been legitimated, the sole parent); or
    (C) Evidence of:
    (1) Either:

[[Page 1186]]

    (i) The child having only a sole parent, as that term is defined in 
Sec.  204.3(b) of this chapter;
    (ii) The death of one parent; or
    (iii) Certification by competent Haitian authorities that one parent 
is presumed dead as a result of his or her disappearance, within the 
meaning of that term as set forth in Sec.  204.3(b) of this chapter; and
    (2) A copy of a written statement executed by the sole parent, or 
the sole remaining parent, irrevocably releasing all parental rights 
based upon the inability of that parent to provide proper care for the 
child.
    (5) Abandoned child. If the alien is a principal applicant who was 
abandoned by parents or guardians prior to April 1, 1998, and has 
remained abandoned since such abandonment, the applicant must provide 
with the application:
    (i) Evidence, showing the date, location, and manner of his or her 
arrival in the United States, such as:
    (A) A photocopy of the Form I-94 issued at the time of the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (B) A copy of the airline or vessel records showing transportation 
to the United States;
    (C) Other similar documentation; or
    (D) If none of the documents in paragraphs (k)(5)(i)(A)-(C) of this 
section are available, a statement from the applicant, accompanied by 
whatever evidence the applicant is able to submit in support of that 
statement; and
    (ii) Either:
    (A) Evidence from a State, local, or other court or governmental 
authority having jurisdiction and authority to make decisions in matters 
of child welfare establishing such abandonment; or
    (B) Evidence to establish that the applicant would have been 
considered to be abandoned according to the laws of the State where he 
or she resides, or where he or she resided at the time of the 
abandonment, had the issue been presented to the proper authorities.
    (l) Evidence relating to applications by dependents under section 
902(d) of HRIFA--(1) Evidence of spousal relationship. If the alien is 
applying as the spouse of a principal HRIFA beneficiary, the applicant 
must provide with the application a copy of their certificate of 
marriage and copies of documents showing the legal termination of all 
other marriages by the applicant or the other beneficiary.
    (2) Evidence of parent-child relationship. If the applicant is 
applying as the child, unmarried son, or unmarried daughter of a 
principal HRIFA beneficiary, and the principal beneficiary is not the 
applicant's biological mother, the applicant must provide with the 
application evidence to demonstrate the parent-child relationship 
between the principal beneficiary and the applicant. Such evidence may 
include copies of the applicant's parent's marriage certificate and 
documents showing the legal termination of all other marriages, an 
adoption decree, or other relevant evidence.
    (m) Secondary evidence. Except as otherwise provided in this 
paragraph, if the primary evidence required in this section is 
unavailable, church or school records, or other secondary evidence 
pertinent to the facts in issue, may be submitted. If such documents are 
unavailable, affidavits may be submitted. The applicant may submit as 
many types of secondary evidence as necessary to establish birth, 
marriage, or other relevant events. Documentary evidence establishing 
that primary evidence is unavailable must accompany secondary evidence 
of birth or marriage in the home country. The unavailability of such 
documents may be shown by submission of a copy of the written request 
for a copy of such documents which was sent to the official keeper of 
the records. In adjudicating the application for adjustment of status 
under section 902 of HRIFA, the Service or immigration judge shall 
determine the weight to be given such secondary evidence. Secondary 
evidence may not be submitted in lieu of the documentation specified in 
paragraphs (i) or (j) of this section. However, subject to verification 
by the Service, if the documentation specified in this paragraph or in 
paragraphs (h)(3)(i), (i), (j), (l)(1), and (l)(2) of this section is 
already contained in the Service's file relating to the applicant, the 
applicant may submit an affidavit to that effect in lieu of the actual 
documentation.
    (n) Authorization to be employed in the United States while the 
application is

[[Page 1187]]

pending--(1) Application for employment authorization. An applicant for 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA who wishes to obtain 
initial or continued employment authorization during the pendency of the 
adjustment application must file an Application for Employment 
Authorization (Form I-765) with the Service, including the fee as set 
forth in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. The applicant may submit Form 
I-765 either concurrently with or subsequent to the filing of the 
application for HRIFA benefits on Form I-485.
    (2) Adjudication and issuance. Employment authorization may not be 
issued to an applicant for adjustment of status under section 902 of 
HRIFA until the adjustment application has been pending for 180 days, 
unless the Director of the Nebraska Service Center verifies that Service 
records contain evidence that the applicant meets the criteria set forth 
in section 902(b) or 902(d) of HRIFA, and determines that there is no 
indication that the applicant is clearly ineligible for adjustment of 
status under section 902 of HRIFA, in which case the Director may 
approve the application for employment authorization, and issue the 
resulting document, immediately upon such verification. If the Service 
fails to adjudicate the application for employment authorization upon 
expiration of the 180-day waiting period, or within 90 days of the 
filing of application for employment authorization, whichever comes 
later, the alien shall be eligible for interim employment authorization 
in accordance with Sec.  1274a.13(d) of this chapter. Nothing in this 
section shall preclude an applicant for adjustment of status under HRIFA 
from being granted an initial employment authorization or an extension 
of employment authorization under any other provision of law or 
regulation for which the alien may be eligible.
    (o) Adjudication of HRIFA applications filed with the Service--(1) 
Referral for interview. Except as provided in paragraphs (o)(2) and 
(o)(3) of this section, all aliens filing applications for adjustment of 
status with the Service under this section must be personally 
interviewed by an immigration officer at a local office of the Service. 
If the Director of the Nebraska Service Center determines that an 
interview of the applicant is necessary, the Director shall forward the 
case to the appropriate local Service office for interview and 
adjudication.
    (2) Approval without interview. Upon examination of the application, 
including all other evidence submitted in support of the application, 
all relevant Service records and all other relevant law enforcement 
indices, the Director may approve the application without an interview 
if the Director determines that:
    (i) The alien's claim to eligibility for adjustment of status under 
section 902 of HRIFA is verified through existing Service records; and
    (ii) The alien is clearly eligible for adjustment of status.
    (3) Denial without interview. If, upon examination of the 
application, all supporting documentation, all relevant Service records, 
and all other relevant law enforcement indices, the Director determines 
that the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of status under 
HRIFA and that an interview of the applicant is not necessary, the 
Director may deny the application.
    (p) Adjudication of HRIFA applications filed in pending exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings--(1) Proceedings pending before an 
Immigration Court. Except as provided in paragraph (p)(4) of this 
section, the Immigration Court shall have sole jurisdiction over an 
application for adjustment of status under this section filed by an 
alien who is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings pending 
before an immigration judge or the Board, or who has a pending motion to 
reopen or motion to reconsider filed with an immigration judge or the 
Board on or before May 12, 1999. The immigration judge having 
jurisdiction over the exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings 
shall have jurisdiction to accept and adjudicate any application for 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA during the course of 
such proceedings. All applications for adjustment of status under 
section 902 of HRIFA filed with an Immigration Court shall be subject to 
the requirements of Sec. Sec.  1003.11 and 1003.31 of this chapter.

[[Page 1188]]

    (2) Motion to reopen or motion to reconsider. If an alien who has a 
pending motion to reopen or motion to reconsider timely filed with an 
immigration judge on or before May 12, 1999, files an application for 
adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA, the immigration judge 
shall reopen the alien's proceedings for consideration of the adjustment 
application, unless the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of 
status under section 902 of HRIFA.
    (3) Proceedings pending before the Board. Except as provided in 
paragraph (d)(4) of this section, in the case of an alien who either has 
a pending appeal with the Board or has a pending motion to reopen or 
motion to reconsider timely filed with the Board on or before May 12, 
1999, the Board shall remand, or reopen and remand, the proceedings to 
the Immigration Court for the sole purpose of adjudicating an 
application for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA, unless 
the alien is clearly ineligible for adjustment of status under section 
902 of HRIFA. If the immigration judge denies, or the alien fails to 
file, the application for adjustment of status under section 902 of 
HRIFA, the immigration judge shall certify the decision to the Board for 
consideration in conjunction with the applicant's previously pending 
appeal or motion.
    (4) Administrative closure of exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings. (i) An alien who is in exclusion, deportation, or removal 
proceedings, or who has a pending motion to reopen or a motion to 
reconsider such proceedings filed on or before May 12, 1999, may request 
that the proceedings be administratively closed, or that the motion be 
indefinitely continued, in order to allow the alien to file such 
application with the Service as prescribed in paragraph (g) of this 
section. If the alien appears to be eligible to file an application for 
adjustment of status under this section, the Immigration Court or the 
Board (whichever has jurisdiction) shall, with the concurrence of the 
Service, administratively close the proceedings or continue indefinitely 
the motion.
    (ii) In the case of an otherwise-eligible alien whose exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceedings have been administratively closed 
for reasons not specified in this section, the alien may only apply 
before the Service for adjustment of status under this section.
    (q) Approval of HRIFA applications--(1) Applications approved by the 
Service. If the Service approves the application for adjustment of 
status under the provisions of section 902 of HRIFA, the director shall 
record the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence as of the 
date of such approval and notify the applicant accordingly. The director 
shall also advise the alien regarding the delivery of his or her 
Permanent Resident Card and of the process for obtaining temporary 
evidence of alien registration. If the alien had previously been issued 
a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, such order shall be 
deemed canceled as of the date of the director's approval of the 
application for adjustment of status. If the alien had been in 
exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings that were 
administratively closed, such proceedings shall be deemed terminated as 
of the date of approval of the application for adjustment of status by 
the director.
    (2) Applications approved by an immigration judge or the Board. If 
an immigration judge or (upon appeal) the Board grants an application 
for adjustment under the provisions of section 902 of HRIFA, the date of 
the alien's lawful admission for permanent residence shall be the date 
of such grant.
    (r) Review of decisions by the Service denying HRIFA applications--
(1)(i) Denial notification. If the Service denies the application for 
adjustment of status under the provisions of section 902 of HRIFA, the 
director shall notify the applicant of the decision and of any right to 
renew the application in proceedings before the Immigration Court.
    (ii) An alien made eligible for adjustment of status under HRIFA by 
the LIFE Act amendments and whose case has not been referred to EOIR 
under paragraphs (r)(2) or (r)(3) of this section, may file a motion to 
reopen with the Service.
    (2) Renewal of application for HRIFA benefits in removal, 
deportation, or exclusion proceedings. An alien who is not the subject 
of a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion may renew

[[Page 1189]]

his or her application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA during 
the course of such removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings.
    (i) Initiation of removal proceedings. In the case of an alien who 
is not maintaining valid nonimmigrant status and who had not previously 
been placed in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, the 
director shall initiate removal proceedings in accordance with Sec.  
1239.1 of this chapter.
    (ii) Recalendaring or reinstatement of prior proceedings. In the 
case of an alien whose previously initiated exclusion, deportation, or 
removal proceeding had been administratively closed or continued 
indefinitely under paragraph (p)(4) of this section, the director shall 
make a request for recalendaring or reinstatement to the Immigration 
Court that had administratively closed the proceeding, or the Board, as 
appropriate, when the application has been denied. The Immigration Court 
or the Board will then recalendar or reinstate the prior exclusion, 
deportation, or removal proceeding.
    (iii) Filing of renewed application. A principal alien may file a 
renewed application for HRIFA benefits with the Immigration Court either 
before or after March 31, 2000, if he or she had filed his or her 
initial application for such benefits with the Service on or before 
March 31, 2000. A dependent of a principal applicant may file such 
renewed application with the Immigration Court either before or after 
March 31, 2000, regardless of when he or she filed his or her initial 
application for HRIFA benefits with the Service.
    (3) Aliens with final orders. In the case of an alien who is the 
subject of an outstanding final order of exclusion, deportation, or 
removal, the Service shall refer the decision to deny the application by 
filing a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) with the Immigration 
Court that issued the final order for consideration in accordance with 
paragraph (s) of this section.
    (4)(i) An alien whose case has been referred to the Immigration 
Court under paragraphs (r)(2) or (r)(3) of this section, or who filed an 
appeal with the Board after his or her application for adjustment of 
status under section 902 of HRIFA was denied, and whose proceedings are 
pending, and who is now eligible for adjustment of status under HRIFA as 
amended by section 1505(b) of the LIFE Act and its amendments, may renew 
the application for adjustment of status with either the Immigration 
Court or the Board, whichever has jurisdiction. The application will be 
adjudicated in accordance with section 1505(b) of the LIFE Act and its 
amendments.
    (ii) An alien present in the United States who is subject to a final 
order of exclusion, deportation or removal after his or her HRIFA 
adjustment application was denied by an Immigration Court or the Board, 
but who was made eligible for HRIFA adjustment as a result of section 
1505(b) of the LIFE Act and its amendments, may file a motion to reopen 
with either the Immigration Court or the Board, whichever had 
jurisdiction last. Such motion to reopen must be filed on or before June 
19, 2001.
    (s) Action on decisions referred to the Immigration Court by a 
Notice of Certification (Form I-290C)--(1) General. Upon the referral by 
a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) of a decision to deny the 
application, in accordance with paragraph (r)(3) of this section, the 
immigration judge shall conduct a hearing, under the authority contained 
in Sec.  3.10 of this chapter, to determine whether the alien is 
eligible for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA. Such 
hearing shall be conducted under the same rules of procedure as 
proceedings conducted under part 240 of this chapter, except the scope 
of review shall be limited to a determination of the alien's eligibility 
for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA. During such 
proceedings, all parties are prohibited from raising or considering any 
unrelated issues, including, but not limited to, issues of 
admissibility, deportability, removability, and eligibility for any 
remedy other than adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA. 
Should the alien fail to appear for such hearing, the immigration judge 
shall deny the application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA.
    (2) Stay pending review. When the Service refers a decision to the 
Immigration Court on a Notice of Certification (Form I-290C) in 
accordance with paragraph (r)(3) of this section,

[[Page 1190]]

the referral shall not stay the execution of the final order. Execution 
of such final order shall proceed unless a stay of execution is 
specifically granted by the immigration judge, the Board, or an 
authorized Service officer.
    (3) Appeal of Immigration Court decision. Once the immigration judge 
issues his or her decision on the application, either the alien or the 
Service may appeal the decision to the Board. Such appeal must be filed 
pursuant to the requirements for appeals to the Board from an 
Immigration Court decision set forth in Sec. Sec.  1003.3 and 1003.8 of 
this chapter.
    (4) Rescission or reopening of the decision of an Immigration Court. 
The decision of an Immigration Court under paragraph (s)(1) of this 
section denying an application for adjustment under section 902 of HRIFA 
for failure to appear may be rescinded or reopened only:
    (i) Upon a motion to reopen filed within 180 days after the date of 
the denial if the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was 
because of exceptional circumstances as defined in section 240(e)(1) of 
the Act;
    (ii) Upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien 
demonstrates that he or she did not receive notice of the hearing in 
person (or, if personal service was not practicable, through service by 
mail to the alien or to the alien's counsel of record, if any) or the 
alien demonstrates that he or she was in Federal or State custody and 
the failure to appear was through no fault of the alien; or
    (iii) Upon a motion to reopen filed not later than June 19, 2001, by 
an alien present in the United States who became eligible for adjustment 
of status under HRIFA, as amended by section 1505, of Public Law 106-
554.
    (t) Parole authorization for purposes of travel--(1) Travel from and 
return to the United States while the application for adjustment of 
status is pending. If an applicant for benefits under section 902 of 
HRIFA desires to travel outside, and return to, the United States while 
the application for adjustment of status is pending, he or she must file 
a request for advance parole authorization on an Application for Travel 
Document (Form I-131), with fee as set forth in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR 
part 106 and in accordance with the instructions on the form. If the 
alien is either in deportation or removal proceedings, or subject to a 
final order of deportation or removal, the Form I-131 must be submitted 
to the Director, Office of International Affairs; otherwise the Form I-
131 must be submitted to the Director of the Nebraska Service Center, 
who shall have jurisdiction over such applications. Unless the applicant 
files an advance parole request prior to departing from the United 
States, and the Service approves such request, his or her application 
for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA is deemed to be 
abandoned as of the moment of his or her departure. Parole may only be 
authorized pursuant to the authority contained in, and the standards 
prescribed in, section 212(d)(5) of the Act.
    (2) Parole authorization for the purpose of filing an application 
for adjustment of status under section 902 of HRIFA. (i) An otherwise 
eligible applicant who is outside the United States and wishes to come 
to the United States in order to apply for benefits under section 902 of 
HRIFA may request parole authorization for such purpose by filing an 
Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with the Nebraska Service 
Center, at P.O. Box 87245, Lincoln, NE 68501-7245. Such application must 
be supported by a photocopy of the Form I-485 that the alien will file 
once he or she has been paroled into the United States. The applicant 
must include photocopies of all the supporting documentation listed in 
paragraph (h) of this section, except the filing fee, the medical 
report, the fingerprint card, and the local police clearances.
    (ii) If the Director of the Nebraska Service Center is satisfied 
that the alien will be eligible for adjustment of status once the alien 
has been paroled into the United States and files the application, he or 
she may issue an Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United 
States (Form I-512) to allow the alien to travel to, and be paroled 
into, the United States for a period of 60 days.
    (iii) The applicant shall have 60 days from the date of parole to 
file the application for adjustment of status. If

[[Page 1191]]

the alien files the application for adjustment of status within that 60-
day period, the Service may re-parole the alien for such time as is 
necessary for adjudication of the application. Failure to file such 
application for adjustment of status within 60 days shall result in the 
alien being returned to the custody of the Service and being examined as 
an arriving alien applying for admission. Such examination will be 
conducted in accordance with the provisions of section 235(b)(1) of the 
Act if the alien is inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C) or 212(a)(7) 
of the Act, or section 240 of the Act if the alien is inadmissible under 
any other grounds.
    (iv) Parole may only be authorized pursuant to the authority 
contained in, and the standards prescribed in, section 212(d)(5) of the 
Act. The authority of the Director of the Nebraska Service Center to 
authorize parole from outside the United States under this provision 
shall expire on March 31, 2000.
    (3) Effect of departure on an outstanding warrant of exclusion, 
deportation, or removal. If an alien who is the subject of an 
outstanding final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal departs 
from the United States, with or without an advance parole authorization, 
such final order shall be executed by the alien's departure. The 
execution of such final order shall not preclude the applicant from 
filing an Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the 
United States After Deportation or Removal (Form I-212) in accordance 
with Sec.  1212.2 of this chapter.
    (u) Tolling the physical presence in the United States provision for 
certain individuals--(1) Departure with advance authorization for 
parole. In the case of an alien who departed the United States after 
having been issued an Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the 
United States (Form I-512), and who returns to the United States in 
accordance with the conditions of that document, the physical presence 
in the United States requirement of section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA is tolled 
while the alien is outside the United States pursuant to the issuance of 
the Form I-512.
    (2) Request for parole authorization from outside the United States. 
In the case of an alien who is outside the United States and submits an 
application for parole authorization in accordance with paragraph (t)(2) 
of this section, and such application for parole authorization is 
granted by the Service, the physical presence requirement contained in 
section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA is tolled from the date the application is 
received at the Nebraska Service Center until the alien is paroled into 
the United States pursuant to the issuance of the Form I-512.
    (3) Departure without advance authorization for parole. In the case 
of an otherwise-eligible applicant who departed the United States on or 
before December 31, 1998, the physical presence in the United States 
provision of section 902(b)(1) of HRIFA is tolled as of October 21, 
1998, and until July 12, 1999.
    (v) Judicial review of HRIFA adjustment of status determinations. 
Pursuant to the provisions of section 902(f) of HRIFA, there shall be no 
judicial appeal or review of any administrative determination as to 
whether the status of an alien should be adjusted under the provisions 
of section 902 of HRIFA.

[64 FR 25767, May 12, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 15844, Mar. 24, 2000; 66 
FR 29452, May 1, 2001; 67 FR 78673, Dec. 26, 2002; 85 FR 82794, Dec. 18, 
2020]



Sec.  1245.18  How can physicians (with approved Forms I-140) that are serving 
in medically underserved areas or at a Veterans Affairs facility adjust status?

    (a) Which physicians are eligible for this benefit? Any alien 
physician who has been granted a national interest waiver under Sec.  
204.12 of 8 CFR chapter 1 may submit Form I-485 during the 6-year period 
following Service approval of a second preference employment-based 
immigrant visa petition.
    (b) Do alien physicians have special time-related requirements for 
adjustment? (1) Alien physicians who have been granted a national 
interest waiver under Sec.  204.12 of 8 CFR chapter I must meet all the 
adjustment of status requirements of this part.
    (2) The Service shall not approve an adjustment application filed by 
an alien physician who obtained a waiver under section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) 
of the Act until the alien physician has completed

[[Page 1192]]

the period of required service established in Sec.  204.12 of 8 CFR 
chapter I.
    (c) Are the filing procedures and documentary requirements different 
for these particular alien physicians? Alien physicians submitting 
adjustment applications upon approval of an immigrant petition are 
required to follow the procedures outlined within this part with the 
following modifications.
    (1) Delayed fingerprinting. Fingerprinting, as noted in the Form I-
485 instructions, will not be scheduled at the time of filing. 
Fingerprinting will be scheduled upon the physician's completion of the 
required years of service.
    (2) Delayed medical examination. The required medical examination, 
as specified in Sec.  1245.5, shall not be submitted with Form I-485. 
The medical examination report shall be submitted with the documentary 
evidence noting the physician's completion of the required years of 
service.
    (d) Are alien physicians eligible for Form I-766, Employment 
Authorization Document? (1) Once the Service has approved an alien 
physician's Form I-140 with a national interest waiver based upon full-
time clinical practice in an underserved area or at a Veterans Affairs 
facility, the alien physician should apply for adjustment of status to 
that of lawful permanent resident on Form I-485, accompanied by an 
application for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-765, 
as specified in Sec.  274a.12(c)(9) of 8 CFR chapter I.
    (2) Since section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act requires the alien 
physician to complete the required employment before the Service can 
approve the alien physician's adjustment application, an alien physician 
who was in lawful nonimmigrant status when he or she filed the 
adjustment application is not required to maintain a nonimmigrant status 
while the adjustment application remains pending. Even if the alien 
physician's nonimmigrant status expires, the alien physician shall not 
be considered to be unlawfully present, so long as the alien physician 
is practicing medicine in accordance with Sec.  204.5(k)(4)(iii) of 8 
CFR chapter I.
    (e) When does the Service begin counting the physician's 5-year or 
3-year medical practice requirement? Except as provided in this 
paragraph, the 6-year period during which a physician must provide the 
required 5 years of service begins on the date of the notice approving 
the Form I-140 and the national interest waiver. Alien physicians who 
have a 3-year medical practice requirement must complete their service 
within the 4-year period beginning on that date.
    (1) If the physician does not already have employment authorization 
and so must obtain employment authorization before the physician can 
begin working, then the period begins on the date the Service issues the 
employment authorization document.
    (2) If the physician formerly held status as a J-1 nonimmigrant, but 
obtained a waiver of the foreign residence requirement and a change of 
status to that of an H-1B nonimmigrant, pursuant to section 214(1) of 
the Act, as amended by section 220 of Public Law 103-416, and Sec.  
212.7(c)(9) of 8 CFR chapter I, the period begins on the date of the 
alien's change from J-1 to H-1B status. The Service will include the 
alien's compliance with the 3-year period of service required under 
section 214(l) in calculating the alien's compliance with the period of 
service required under section 203(b)(2)(B)(ii)(II) of the Act and this 
section.
    (3) An alien may not include any time employed as a J-1 nonimmigrant 
physician in calculating the alien's compliance with the 5 or 3-year 
medical practice requirement. If an alien is still in J-1 nonimmigrant 
status when the Service approves a Form I-140 petition with a national 
interest job offer waiver, the aggregate period during which the medical 
practice requirement period must be completed will begin on the date the 
Service issues an employment authorization document.
    (f) Will the Service provide information to the physician about 
evidence and supplemental filings? The Service shall provide the 
physician with the information and the projected timetables for 
completing the adjustment process, as described in this paragraph. If 
the physician either files the Form I-485 concurrently with or waits to 
subsequently file the Form I-485 while the previously filed Form I-140 
is still pending, then the Service will given

[[Page 1193]]

this information upon approval of the Form I-140. If the physician does 
not file the adjustment application until after approval of the Form I-
140 visa petition, the Service shall provide this information upon 
receipt of the Form I-485 adjustment application.
    (1) The Service shall note the date that the medical service begins 
(provided the physician already had work authorization at the time the 
Form I-140 was filed) or the date that an employment authorization 
document was issued.
    (2) A list of the evidence necessary to satisfy the requirements of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section.
    (3) A projected timeline noting the dates that the physician will 
need to submit preliminary evidence two years and 120 days into his or 
her medical service in an underserved area or VA facility, and a 
projected date six years and 120 days in the future on which the 
physician's final evidence of completed medical service will be due.
    (g) Will physicians be required to file evidence prior to the end of 
the 5 or 3-year period? (1) For physicians with a 5-year service 
requirement, no later than 120 days after the second anniversary of the 
approval of Petition for Immigrant Worker, Form I-140, the alien 
physician must submit to the Service Center having jurisdiction over his 
or her place of employment documentary evidence that proves the 
physician has in fact fulfilled at least 12 months of qualifying 
employment. This may be accomplished by submitting the following.
    (i) Evidence noted in paragraph (h) of this section that is 
available at the second anniversary of the I-140 approval.
    (ii) Documentation from the employer attesting to the fill-time 
medical practice and the date on which the physician began his or her 
medical service.
    (2) Physicians with a 3-year service requirement are not required to 
make a supplemental filing, and must only comply with the requirements 
of paragraph (h) of this section.
    (h) What evidence is needed to prove final compliance with the 
service requirement? No later than 120 days after completion of the 
service requirement established under Sec.  204.12(a) of this section, 
an alien physician must submit to the Service Center having jurisdiction 
over his or her place of employment documentary evidence that proves the 
physician has in fact satisfied the service requirement. Such evidence 
must include, but is not limited to:
    (1) Individual Federal income tax returns, including copies of the 
alien'sW-2 forms, for the entire 3-year period or the balance years of 
the 5-year period that follow the submission of the evidence required in 
paragraph (e) of this section;
    (2) Documentation from the employer attesting to the full-time 
medical service rendered during the required aggregate period. The 
documentation shall address instances of breaks in employment, other 
than routine breaks such as paid vacations;
    (3) If the physician established his or her own practice, documents 
noting the actual establishment of the practice, including incorporation 
of the medical practice (if incorporated), the business license, and the 
business tax returns and tax withholding documents submitted for the 
entire 3 year period, or the balance years of the 5-year period that 
follow the submission of the evidence required in paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (i) What if the physician does not comply with the requirements of 
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section? If an alien physician does not 
submit (in accordance with paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section) proof 
that he or she has completed the service required under Sec.  204.12(a) 
of 8 CFR chapter I, the Service shall serve the alien physician with a 
written notice of intent to deny the alien physician's application for 
adjustment of status and, after the denial is finalized, to revoke 
approval of the Form I-140 and national interest waiver. The written 
notice shall require the alien physician to provide the evidence 
required by paragraph (f) or (g) of this section within 30 days of the 
date of the written notice. The Service shall not extend this 30-day 
period. If the alien physician fails to submit the evidence within the 
30-day period established by the written notice, the Service shall deny 
the alien physician's application for adjustment of status and

[[Page 1194]]

shall revoke approval of the Form I-140 and of the national interest 
waiver.
    (j) Will a Service officer interview the physician? (1) Upon 
submission of the evidence noted in paragraph (h) of this section, the 
Service shall match the documentary evidence with the pending form I-485 
and schedule the alien physician for fingerprinting at an Application 
Support Center.
    (2) The local Service office shall schedule the alien for an 
adjustment interview with a Service officer, unless the Service waives 
the interview as provided in Sec.  1245.6. The local Service office 
shall also notify the alien if supplemental documentation should either 
be mailed to the office, or brought to the adjustment interview.
    (k) Are alien physicians allowed to travel outside the United States 
during the mandatory 3 or 5-year service period? An alien physician who 
has been granted a national interest waiver under Sec.  204.12 of this 
chapter and has a pending application for adjustment of status may 
travel outside of the United States during the required 3 or 5-year 
service period by obtaining advanced parole prior to traveling. Alien 
physicians may apply for advanced parole by submitting form I-131, 
Application for Travel Document, to the Service office having 
jurisdiction over the alien physician's place of business.
    (l) What if the Service denies the adjustment application? If the 
Service denies the adjustment application, the alien physician may renew 
the application in removal proceedings.

[65 FR 53895, Sept. 6, 2000; 65 FR 57861, Sept. 26, 2000; 65 FR 57944, 
Sept. 27, 2000; 67 FR 49563, July 31, 2002]



Sec.  1245.20  Adjustment of status of Syrian asylees under Public Law 106-378.

    (a) Eligibility. An alien is eligible to apply to adjust status 
under Public Law 106-378 if the alien is:
    (1) A Jewish national of Syria;
    (2) Arrived in the United States after December 31, 1991, after 
being permitted by the Syrian Government to depart from Syria;
    (3) Is physically present in the United States at the time of filing 
the application to adjust status;
    (4) Applies for adjustment of status no later than October 26, 2001, 
or has a pending application for adjustment of status under the Act that 
was filed with the Service before October 27, 2000;
    (5) Has been physically present in the United States for at least 1 
year after being granted asylum;
    (6) Has not firmly resettled in any foreign country; and
    (7) Is admissible as an immigrant under the Act at the time of 
examination for adjustment.
    (b) Qualified family members. The spouse, child, or unmarried son or 
daughter of an alien eligible for adjustment under Public Law 106-378 is 
eligible to apply for adjustment of status under this section if the 
alien meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (a)(4) through (a)(7) 
of this section.
    (c) Grounds not to be applied and waivers. The grounds of 
inadmissibility found at section 212(a)(4) of the Act, relating to 
public charge, and at section 212(a)(7)(A) of the Act, relating to 
documentation, do not apply to applicants for adjustment of status under 
Public Law 106-378. Applicants may also request the waivers found at 
sections 212(h), (i), and (k) of the Act, to the extent they are 
eligible.
    (d) Application--(1) New applications. An applicant must submit From 
I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, 
along with the appropriate application fee as stated in 8 CFR 103.7 and 
8 CFR part 106, to the Nebraska Service Center. The application must 
physically be received by the Nebraska Service Center no later than 
close of business on October 26, 2001. Applicants 14 years of age or 
older must also submit the fingerprinting service fee provided for in 
Sec.  103.7(b)(1) of this chapter. Each application filed must be 
accompanied by two photographs as described in the Form I-485 
instructions; a completed Biographic Information Sheet (Form G-325A) if 
the applicant is between 14 and 79 years of age; and a report of medical 
examination (Form I-693 and vaccination supplement) as specified in 8 
CFR 245.5. On Form I-485, Part 2, question ``h'', applicants must write

[[Page 1195]]

``SYRIAN ASYLEE--P.L. 106-378'' to indicate that they are applying based 
on this provision.
    (2) Filing of requests to change the basis of a pending Form I-485--
(i) Request. An eligible Syrian national with a Form I-485 that is 
currently pending with the Service may request that the basis of his or 
her Form I-485 be changed to Public Law 106-378. The alien must submit 
this request in writing to the Nebraska Service Center. The request may 
only be granted if the 2,000 adjustment limit specified in paragraph (i) 
of this section has not yet been reached. The 2,000 adjustment limit 
includes both new and pending Form I-485 petitions. The applicant should 
clearly annotate ``SYRIAN ASYLEE P.L. 106-378'' on the envelope to 
identify the correspondence.
    (ii) Time limit. If the Form I-485 was filed before October 27, 
2000, there is no time limit for requesting a change of basis for 
adjustment of status. However, if the Form I-485 was filed on or after 
October 27, 2001, then the Service must receive the request for change 
of basis no later than October 27, 2001.
    (e) Evidence. Applicants must submit evidence that demonstrates they 
are eligible for adjustment of status under Public Law 106-378. Required 
evidence includes the following:
    (1) A copy of the alien's passport;
    (2) A copy of the applicant's Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) 
or other evidence of inspection and admission or parole into the United 
States after December 31, 1991;
    (3) Documentation including, but not limited to, those listed at 
Sec.  1245.15(j)(2) to establish physical presence in the United States 
for at least 1 year after being granted asylum;
    (4) If the applicant is the spouse of a principal alien applying for 
adjustment, he or she must submit a marriage certificate, if available, 
or other evidence to demonstrate the marriage; and
    (5) If the applicant is the child of a principal alien applying for 
adjustment of status, he or she must submit a birth certificate, if 
available, or other evidence to demonstrate the relationship.
    (f) Employment authorization. Applicants who want to obtain 
employment authorization based on a pending application for adjustment 
of status under Public Law 106-378 may submit Form I-765, Application 
for Employment Authorization, along with the application fee listed in 8 
CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. If the Service approves the application 
for employment authorization, the applicant will be issued an employment 
authorization document.
    (g) Travel while an application to adjust status is pending. 
Applicants who wish to travel abroad and re-enter the United States 
while an application for adjustment of status is pending without being 
considered to have abandoned that application must obtain advance parole 
prior to departing the United States. To obtain advance parole, 
applicants must file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, 
along with the application fee listed in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. 
If the Service approves Form I-131, the alien will be issued Form I-512, 
Authorization for the Parole of an Alien into the United States.
    (h) Approval and date of admission as a lawful permanent resident. 
When the Service approves an application to adjust status to that of 
lawful permanent resident based on Public Law 106-378, the applicant 
will be notified in writing of the Service's decision. In addition, the 
record of the alien's admission as a lawful permanent resident will be 
recorded as of the date 1 year before the approval of the application.
    (i) Number of adjustments under Public Law 106-378. No more than 
2,000 aliens may have their status adjusted to that of lawful permanent 
resident under Public Law 106-378.
    (j) Notice of Denial--(1) General. When the Service denies an 
application to adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident based 
on Public Law 106-378, the applicant will be notified of the decision 
and the reason for the denial in writing.
    (2) Cases involving requests to change the basis of a pending Form 
I-485. If an applicant who requested that a pending Form I-485, be 
considered under Public Law 106-378, is found to be ineligible under 
Public Law 106-378, but he or she appears eligible for adjustment under 
the original section of the Act under which the Form I-485 was filed, 
the Service will provide the applicant with

[[Page 1196]]

notice of this fact. Processing the Form I-485 under the original 
provision of law will resume as appropriate.
    (k) Administrative review. An alien whose application for adjustment 
of status under Public Law 106-378 is denied by the Service may not 
appeal the decision. However, the denial will be without prejudice to 
the alien's right to renew the application in proceedings under 8 CFR 
part 1240 provided that the 2,000 statutory limit on such adjustments 
has not yet been reached.

[66 FR 27448, May 17, 2001, as amended at 85 FR 82795, Dec. 18, 2020]



Sec.  1245.21  Adjustment of status of certain nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, 
and Laos (section 586 of Public Law 106-429).

    (a) Eligibility. DHS may adjust the status to that of a lawful 
permanent resident, a native or citizen of Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos 
who:
    (1) Was inspected and paroled into the United States before October 
1, 1997;
    (2) Was paroled into the United States from Vietnam under the 
auspices of the Orderly Departure Program (ODP), a refugee camp in East 
Asia, or a displaced person camp administered by the United Nations High 
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand;
    (3) Was physically present in the United States prior to and on 
October 1, 1997;
    (4) Files an application for adjustment of status in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this section during the 3-year application period; and
    (5) Is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is 
otherwise admissible as an immigrant to the United States except as 
provided in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section.
    (b) Applying for benefits under section 586 of Public Law 106-429--
(1) Application period. The application period lasts from January 27, 
2003 until January 25, 2006. DHS will accept applications received after 
the end of the application period, but only if the 5,000 limit on 
adjustments has not been reached prior to the end of the three-year 
application period, and the application bears an official postmark dated 
on or before the final day of the application period. Postmarks will be 
evaluated in the following manner:
    (i) If the postmark is illegible or missing, DHS will consider the 
application to be timely filed if it is received on or before 3 business 
days after the end of the application period.
    (ii) In all instances, the burden of proof is on the applicant to 
establish timely filing of an application.
    (2) Application. An alien must be physically present in the United 
States to apply for adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 
106-429. An applicant must submit Form I-485, Application to Register 
Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with the appropriate 
application fee contained in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. Applicants 
who are 14 through 79 years of age must also submit the fingerprinting 
service fee provided for in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. Each 
application filed must be accompanied by evidence establishing 
eligibility as provided in paragraph (g) of this section; two 
photographs as described in the Form I-485 instructions; a completed 
Biographic Information Sheet (Form G-325A) if the applicant is between 
14 and 79 years of age; a report of medical examination (Form I-693 and 
vaccination supplement) specified in Sec.  1245.5; and, if needed, an 
application for waiver of inadmissibility. Under Part 2, question h of 
Form I-485, applicants must write ``INDOCHINESE PAROLEE P.L. 106-429''. 
Applications must be sent to: INS Nebraska Service Center, P.O. Box 
87485, Lincoln NE 68501-7485.
    (c) Applications from aliens in immigration proceedings. An alien in 
pending immigration proceedings who believes he or she is eligible for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 must apply 
directly to DHS in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. An 
immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals may not adjudicate 
applications for adjustment of status under this section. An alien who 
is currently in immigration proceedings who alleges eligibility for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 may contact 
DHS counsel after filing an application to

[[Page 1197]]

request the consent of DHS to the filing of a joint motion for 
administrative closure. Unless DHS consents to such a motion, the 
immigration judge or the Board may not defer or dismiss the proceeding 
in connection with section 586 of Public Law 106-429.
    (d) Applications from aliens with final orders of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion. An alien with a final order of removal, 
deportation, or exclusion who believes he or she is eligible for 
adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 must apply 
directly to DHS in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (1) An application under this section does not automatically stay 
the order of removal, deportation, or exclusion. An alien who is 
eligible for adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-
429 may request that the district director with jurisdiction over the 
alien grant a stay of removal during the pendency of the application. 
The regulations governing such a request are found at 8 CFR 241.6.
    (2) DHS in general will exercise its discretion not to grant a stay 
of removal, deportation, or exclusion with respect to an alien who is 
inadmissible on any of the grounds specified in paragraph (m)(3) of this 
section, unless there is substantial reason to believe that DHS will 
grant the necessary waivers of inadmissibility.
    (3) An immigration judge or the Board may not grant a motion to re-
open or stay in connection with an application under this section.
    (4) If DHS approves the application, the approval will constitute 
the automatic re-opening of the alien's immigration proceedings, 
vacating of the final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion, and 
termination of the reopened proceedings.
    (e) Grounds of inadmissibility that do not apply. In making a 
determination of whether an applicant is otherwise eligible for 
admission to the United States for lawful permanent residence under the 
provisions of section 586 of Public Law 106-429, the grounds of 
inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(7)(A), and (a)(9) 
of the Act shall not apply.
    (f) Waiver of grounds of inadmissibility. In connection with an 
application for adjustment of status under this section, the alien may 
apply for a waiver of the grounds of inadmissibility under sections 
212(a)(1), (a)(6)(B), (a)(6)(C), (a)(6)(F), (a)(8)(A), (a)(10)(B), and 
(a)(10)(D) of the Act as provided in section 586(c) of Public Law 106-
429, if the alien demonstrates that a waiver is necessary to prevent 
extreme hardship to the alien, or to the alien's spouse, parent, son or 
daughter who is a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for 
permanent residence. In addition, the alien may apply for any other 
waiver of inadmissibility under section 212 of the Act, if eligible. In 
order to obtain a waiver for any of these grounds, an applicant must 
submit Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability, 
with the application for adjustment.
    (g) Evidence. Applicants must submit evidence that demonstrates they 
are eligible for adjustment of status under section 586 of Public Law 
106-429. Such evidence shall include the following:
    (1) A birth certificate or other record of birth;
    (2) Documentation to establish that the applicant was physically 
present in the United States on October 1, 1997, under the standards set 
forth in Sec.  1245.22 of this chapter.
    (3) A copy of the applicant's Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) 
or other evidence that the alien was inspected or paroled into the 
United States prior to October 1, 1997, from one of the three programs 
listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. Subject to verification, 
documentation pertaining to paragraph (a)(2) of this section is already 
contained in DHS files and the applicant may submit an affidavit to that 
effect in lieu of actual documentation.
    (h) Employment authorization. Applicants who want to obtain 
employment authorization based on a pending application for adjustment 
of status under this section may submit Form I-765, Application for 
Employment Authorization, along with the application fee listed in 8 CFR 
103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. If DHS approves the application for employment 
authorization, the applicant will be issued an employment authorization 
document.
    (i) Travel while an application to adjust status is pending. An 
alien may travel

[[Page 1198]]

abroad while an application to adjust status is pending. Applicants must 
obtain advance parole in order to avoid the abandonment of their 
application to adjust status. An applicant may obtain advance parole by 
filing Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, along with the 
application fee listed in 8 CFR 103.7 and 8 CFR part 106. If DHS 
approves Form I-131, the alien will be issued Form I-512, Authorization 
for the Parole of an Alien into the United States. Aliens granted 
advance parole will still be subject to inspection at a port-of-entry.
    (j) Approval and date of admission as a lawful permanent resident. 
When DHS approves an application to adjust status to that of lawful 
permanent resident based on section 586 of Public Law 106-429, the 
applicant will be notified in writing of DHS's decision. In addition, 
the record of the alien's admission as a lawful permanent resident will 
be recorded as of the date of the alien's inspection and parole into the 
United States, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (k) Notice of denial. When DHS denies an application to adjust 
status to that of lawful permanent resident based on section 586 of 
Public Law 106-429, the applicant will be notified of the decision in 
writing.
    (l) Administrative review. An alien whose application for adjustment 
of status under section 586 of Public Law 106-429 is denied by DHS may 
appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office in accordance 
with 8 CFR 103.3(a)(2).
    (m) Number of adjustments permitted under this section--(1) Limit. 
No more than 5,000 aliens may have their status adjusted to that of a 
lawful permanent resident under section 586 of Public Law 106-429.
    (2) Counting procedures. Each alien granted adjustment of status 
under this section will count towards the 5,000 limit. DHS will assign a 
tracking number, ascending chronologically by filing date, to all 
applications properly filed in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (g) of 
this section. Except as described in paragraph (m)(3) of this section, 
DHS will adjudicate applications in that order until it reaches 5,000 
approvals under this part. Applications initially denied but pending on 
administrative appeal will retain their place in the queue by virtue of 
their tracking number, pending DHS's adjudication of the appeal.
    (3) Applications submitted with a request for the waiver of a ground 
of inadmissibility. In the discretion of DHS, applications that do not 
require adjudication of a waiver of inadmissibility under section 
212(a)(2), (a)(6)(B), (a)(6)(F), (a)(8)(A), or (a)(10)(D) of the Act may 
be approved and assigned numbers within the 5,000 limit before those 
applications that do require a waiver of inadmissibility under any of 
those provisions. Applications requiring a waiver of any of those 
provisions will be assigned a tracking number chronologically by the 
date of approval of the necessary waivers rather than the date of filing 
of the application.
    (4) Procedures when the 5,000 limit is reached. DHS will track the 
total number of adjustments and stop processing applications after the 
5,000 limit has been reached. When the limit is reached, DHS will return 
any additional applications to applicants with a dated notice 
encouraging applicants to retain their application package and the 
notice in the event the 5,000 limit is expanded or eliminated and the 
alien wishes to apply again. DHS will keep an identifying chronological 
record of the application for purposes of processing applications under 
this section if the 5,000 limit subsequently is expanded or eliminated. 
If at the time the 5,000 limit is reached, it appears that Congress is 
about to pass legislation to expand or eliminate the cap, DHS retains 
the discretion to retain such applications and the related fees.

[67 FR 78673, Dec. 26, 2002, as amended at 85 FR 82795, Dec. 18, 2020; 
86 FR 70725, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1245.22  Evidence to demonstrate an alien's physical presence 
in the United States on a specific date.

    (a) Evidence. Generally, an alien who is required to demonstrate his 
or her physical presence in the United States on a specific date in 
connection with an application to adjust status to that of an alien 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence should submit evidence 
according to this section. In

[[Page 1199]]

cases where a more specific regulation relating to a particular 
adjustment of status provision has been issued in the 8 CFR, such 
regulation is controlling to the extent that it conflicts with this 
section.
    (b) The number of documents. If no one document establishes the 
alien's physical presence on the required date, he or she may submit 
several documents establishing his or her physical presence in the 
United States prior to and after that date.
    (c) Service-issued documentation. To demonstrate physical presence 
on a specific date, the alien may submit Service-issued documentation. 
Examples of acceptable Service documentation include, but are not 
limited to, photocopies of:
    (1) Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, issued upon the alien's 
arrival in the United States;
    (2) Form I-862, Notice to Appear, issued by the Service on or before 
the required date;
    (3) Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for 
Hearing before Immigration Judge, issued by the Service on or prior to 
the required date, placing the applicant in exclusion proceedings under 
section 236 of the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997);
    (4) Form I-221, Order to Show Cause, issued by the Service on or 
prior to the required date, placing the applicant in deportation 
proceedings under section 242 or 242A (redesignated as section 238) of 
the Act (as in effect prior to April 1, 1997); or
    (5) Any application or petition for a benefit under the Act filed by 
or on behalf of the applicant on or prior to the required date that 
establishes his or her presence in the United States, or a fee receipt 
issued by the Service for such application or petition.
    (d) Government-issued documentation. To demonstrate physical 
presence on the required date, the alien may submit other government 
documentation. Other government documentation issued by a Federal, 
State, or local authority must bear the signature, seal, or other 
authenticating instrument of such authority (if the document normally 
bears such instrument), be dated at the time of issuance, and bear a 
date of issuance not later than the required date. For this purpose, the 
term Federal, State, or local authority includes any governmental, 
educational, or administrative function operated by Federal, State, 
county, or municipal officials. Examples of such other documentation 
include, but are not limited to:
    (1) A state driver's license;
    (2) A state identification card;
    (3) A county or municipal hospital record;
    (4) A public college or public school transcript;
    (5) Income tax records;
    (6) A certified copy of a Federal, State, or local governmental 
record that was created on or prior to the required date, shows that the 
applicant was present in the United States at the time, and establishes 
that the applicant sought in his or her own behalf, or some other party 
sought in the applicant's behalf, a benefit from the Federal, State, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record;
    (7) A certified copy of a Federal, State, or local governmental 
record that was created on or prior to the required date, that shows 
that the applicant was present in the United States at the time, and 
establishes that the applicant submitted an income tax return, property 
tax payment, or similar submission or payment to the Federal, State, or 
local governmental agency keeping such record; or
    (8) A transcript from a private or religious school that is 
registered with, or approved or licensed by, appropriate State or local 
authorities, accredited by the State or regional accrediting body, or by 
the appropriate private school association, or maintains enrollment 
records in accordance with State or local requirements or standards. 
Such evidence will only be accepted to document the physical presence of 
an alien who was in attendance and under the age of 21 on the specific 
date that physical presence in the United States is required.
    (e) Copies of records. It shall be the responsibility of the 
applicant to obtain and submit copies of the records of any other 
government agency that the applicant desires to be considered in support 
of his or her application. If the

[[Page 1200]]

alien is not in possession of such a document or documents, but believes 
that a copy is already contained in the Service file relating to him or 
her, he or she may submit a statement as to the name and location of the 
issuing Federal, State, or local government agency, the type of document 
and the date on which it was issued.
    (f) Other relevant document(s) and evaluation of evidence. The 
adjudicator will consider any other relevant document(s) as well as 
evaluate all evidence submitted, on a case-by-case basis. The Service 
may require an interview when necessary.
    (g) Accuracy of documentation. In all cases, any doubts as to the 
existence, authenticity, veracity, or accuracy of the documentation 
shall be resolved by the official government record, with records of the 
Service having precedence over the records of other agencies. 
Furthermore, determinations as to the weight to be given any particular 
document or item of evidence shall be solely within the discretion of 
the adjudicating authority.

[67 FR 78674, Dec. 26, 2002]



PART 1246_RESCISSION OF ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS--Table of Contents



Sec.
1246.1 Notice.
1246.2 Allegations admitted; no answer filed; no hearing requested.
1246.3 Allegations contested or denied; hearing requested.
1246.4 Immigration judge's authority; withdrawal and substitution.
1246.5 Hearing.
1246.6 Decision and order.
1246.7 Appeals.
1246.8 [Reserved]
1246.9 Surrender of Form I-551.

    Authority: Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1259; 8 CFR 
part 2.

    Source: 62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 246 at 68 FR 9842, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1246 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10359, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1246.1  Notice.

    If it appears to a district director that a person residing in his 
or her district was not in fact eligible for the adjustment of status 
made in his or her case, or it appears to an asylum office director that 
a person granted adjustment of status by an asylum officer pursuant to 8 
CFR 1240.70 was not in fact eligible for adjustment of status, a 
proceeding shall be commenced by the personal service upon such person 
of a notice of intent to rescind, which shall inform him or her of the 
allegations upon which it is intended to rescind the adjustment of his 
or her status. In such a proceeding the person shall be known as the 
respondent. The notice shall also inform the respondent that he or she 
may submit, within thirty days from the date of service of the notice, 
an answer in writing under oath setting forth reasons why such 
rescission shall not be made, and that he or she may, within such 
period, request a hearing before an immigration judge in support of, or 
in lieu of, his or her written answer. The respondent shall further be 
informed that he or she may have the assistance of or be represented by 
counsel or representative of his or her choice qualified under part 292 
of this chapter, at no expense to the Government, in the preparation of 
his or her answer or in connection with his or her hearing, and that he 
or she may present such evidence in his or her behalf as may be relevant 
to the rescission.

[62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 27881, May 21, 1999]



Sec.  1246.2  Allegations admitted; no answer filed; no hearing requested.

    If the answer admits the allegations in the notice, or if no answer 
is filed within the thirty-day period, or if no hearing is requested 
within such period, the district director or asylum office director 
shall rescind the adjustment of status previously granted, and no appeal 
shall lie from his decision.

[62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 27881, May 21, 1999]



Sec.  1246.3  Allegations contested or denied; hearing requested.

    If, within the prescribed time following service of the notice 
pursuant to Sec.  1246.1, the respondent has filed an answer which 
contests or denies any allegation in the notice, or a hearing is 
requested, a hearing pursuant to Sec.  1246.5

[[Page 1201]]

shall be conducted by an immigration judge, and the requirements 
contained in Sec. Sec.  1240.3, 1240.4, 1240.5, 1240.6, 1240.7, and 
1240.9 of this chapter shall be followed.



Sec.  1246.4  Immigration judge's authority; withdrawal and substitution.

    In any proceeding conducted under this part, the immigration judge 
shall have authority to interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the 
respondent and other witnesses, to present and receive evidence, to 
determine whether adjustment of status shall be rescinded, to make 
decisions thereon, including an appropriate order, and to take any other 
action consistent with applicable provisions of law and regulations as 
may be appropriate to the disposition of the case. Nothing contained in 
this part shall be construed to diminish the authority conferred on 
immigration judges by the Act. The immigration judge assigned to conduct 
a hearing shall, at any time, withdraw if he or she deems himself or 
herself disqualified. If a hearing has begun but no evidence has been 
adduced other than the notice and answer, if any, pursuant to Sec. Sec.  
1246.1 and 1246.2, or if an immigration judge becomes unavailable to 
complete his or her duties within a reasonable time, or if at any time 
the respondent consents to a substitution, another immigration judge may 
be assigned to complete the case. The new immigration judge shall 
familiarize himself or herself with the record in the case and shall 
state for the record that he or she is familiar with the record in the 
case.



Sec.  1246.5  Hearing.

    (a) DHS counsel. The Government shall be represented at the hearing 
by a DHS counsel who shall have authority to present evidence, and to 
interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the respondent and other 
witnesses. The DHS counsel is authorized to appeal from a decision of 
the immigration judge pursuant to Sec.  1246.7 and to move for reopening 
or reconsideration pursuant to Sec.  1003.23 of this chapter.
    (b) Opening. The immigration judge shall advise the respondent of 
the nature of the proceeding and the legal authority under which it is 
conducted; advise the respondent of his or her right to representation, 
at no expense to the Government, by counsel or representative of his or 
her own choice qualified under part 1292 of this chapter and require him 
or her to state then and there whether he or she desires representation; 
advise the respondent that he or she will have a reasonable opportunity 
to examine and object to the evidence against him or her, to present 
evidence in his or her own behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses 
presented by the Government; place the respondent under oath; read the 
allegations in the notice to the respondent and explain them in 
nontechnical language, and enter the notice and respondent's answer, if 
any, as exhibits in the record.
    (c) Pleading by respondent. The immigration judge shall require the 
respondent to state for the record whether he or she admits or denies 
the allegations contained in the notice, or any of them, and whether he 
or she concedes that his or her adjustment of status should be 
rescinded. If the respondent admits all of the allegations and concedes 
that the adjustment of status in his or her case should be rescinded 
under the allegations set forth in the notice, and the immigration judge 
is satisfied that no issues of law or fact remain, he or she may 
determine that rescission as alleged has been established by the 
respondent's admissions. The allegations contained in the notice shall 
be taken as admitted when the respondent, without reasonable cause, 
fails or refuses to attend or remain in attendance at the hearing.

[62 FR 10385, Mar. 6, 1997. Duplicated from part 246 at 68 FR 9842, Feb. 
28, 2003, as amended at 86 FR 70725, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1246.6  Decision and order.

    The decision of the immigration judge may be oral or written. The 
formal enumeration of findings is not required. The order shall direct 
either that the proceeding be terminated or that the adjustment of 
status be rescinded. Service of the decision and finality of the order 
of the immigration judge shall be in accordance with, and as stated in 
Sec. Sec.  1240.13 (a) and (b) and 1240.14 of this chapter.

[[Page 1202]]



Sec.  1246.7  Appeals.

    Pursuant to 8 CFR part 1003, an appeal shall lie from a decision of 
an immigration judge under this part to the Board of Immigration 
Appeals. An appeal shall be taken within 30 days after the mailing of a 
written decision or the stating of an oral decision. The reasons for the 
appeal shall be specifically identified in the Notice of Appeal (Form 
EOIR 26); failure to do so may constitute a ground for dismissal of the 
appeal by the Board.



Sec.  1246.8  [Reserved]



Sec.  1246.9  Surrender of Form I-551.

    A respondent whose status as a permanent resident has been rescinded 
in accordance with section 246 of the Act and this part, shall, upon 
demand, promptly surrender to the district director having 
administrative jurisdiction over the office in which the action under 
this part was taken, the Form I-551 issued to him or her at the time of 
the grant of permanent resident status.



PART 1249_CREATION OF RECORDS OF LAWFUL ADMISSION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE--
Table of Contents



Sec.
1249.1 Waiver of inadmissibility.
1249.2 Application.
1249.3 Reopening and reconsideration.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1259; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: Duplicated from part 249 at 68 FR 9843, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1249 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1249.1  Waiver of inadmissibility.

    In conjunction with an application under section 249 of the Act, an 
otherwise eligible alien who is inadmissible under paragraph (9), (10), 
or (12) of section 212(a) of the Act or so much of paragraph (23) of 
section 212(a) of the Act as relates to a single offense of simple 
possession of 30 grams or less of marihuana may request a waiver of such 
ground of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Act. Any alien 
within the classes described in subparagraphs (B) through (H) of section 
212(a)(28) of the Act may apply for the benefits of section 
212(a)(28)(I)(ii) in conjunction with an application under section 249 
of the Act.

[47 FR 44238, Oct. 7, 1982]



Sec.  1249.2  Application.

    (a) Jurisdiction. An application by an alien, other than an arriving 
alien, who has been served with a notice to appear or warrant of arrest 
shall be considered only in proceedings under 8 CFR part 1240. In any 
other case, an alien who believes he or she meets the eligibility 
requirements of section 249 of the Act shall apply to the district 
director having jurisdiction over his or her place of residence. The 
application shall be made on Form I-485 and shall be accompanied by Form 
G-325A, which shall be considered part of the application. The 
application shall also be accompanied by documentary evidence 
establishing continuous residence in the United States since prior to 
January 1, 1972, or since entry and prior to July 1, 1924. All documents 
must be submitted in accordance with Sec.  103.2(b) of this chapter. 
Documentary evidence may include any records of official or personal 
transactions or recordings of events occurring during the period of 
claimed residence. Affidavits of credible witnesses may also be 
accepted. Persons unemployed and unable to furnish evidence in their own 
names may furnish evidence in the names of parents or other persons with 
whom they have been living, if affidavits of the parents or other 
persons are submitted attesting to the residence. The numerical 
limitations of sections 201 and 202 of the Act shall not apply.
    (b) Decision. The applicant shall be notified of the decision and, 
if the application is denied, of the reasons therefor. If the 
application is granted, a Form I-551, showing that the applicant has 
acquired the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
residence, shall not be issued until the applicant surrenders any other 
document in his or her possession evidencing compliance with the alien 
registration requirements of former or existing law. No appeal shall lie 
from the denial of an application by the district director.

[[Page 1203]]

However, an alien, other than an arriving alien, may renew the denied 
application in proceedings under 8 CFR part 1240.

[52 FR 6322, Mar. 3, 1987, as amended at 62 FR 10386, Mar. 6, 1997; 68 
FR 10359, Mar. 5, 2003]



Sec.  1249.3  Reopening and reconsideration.

    An applicant who alleged entry and residence since prior to July 1, 
1924, but in whose case a record was created as of the date of approval 
of the application because evidence of continuous residence prior to 
July 1, 1924, was not submitted, may have his case reopened and 
reconsidered pursuant to Sec.  103.5 of 8 CFR chapter I. Upon the 
submission of satisfactory evidence, a record of admission as of the 
date of alleged entry may be created.

[29 FR 11494, Aug. 11, 1964, as amended at 68 FR 10359, Mar. 5, 2003]



PART 1270_PENALTIES FOR DOCUMENT FRAUD--Table of Contents



Sec.
1270.1 Definitions.
1270.2 Enforcement procedures.
1270.3 Penalties.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, and 1324c; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 
Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321.

    Source: 57 FR 33866, July 31, 1992, unless otherwise noted. 
Duplicated from part 270 at 68 FR 9843, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1270 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and at 68 FR 10359, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1270.1  Definitions.

    For the purpose of this part--
    Document means an instrument on which is recorded, by means of 
letters, figures, or marks, matters which may be used to fulfill any 
requirement of the Act. The term ``document'' includes, but is not 
limited to, an application required to be filed under the Act and any 
other accompanying document or material;
    Entity means any legal entity, including, but not limited to, a 
corporation, partnership, joint venture, governmental body, agency, 
proprietorship, or association, including an agent or anyone acting 
directly or indirectly in the interest thereof.



Sec.  1270.2  Enforcement procedures.

    (a) Procedures for the filing of complaints. Any person or entity 
having knowledge of a violation or potential violation of section 274C 
of the Act may submit a signed, written complaint to the Service office 
having jurisdiction over the business or residence of the potential 
violator or the location where the violation occurred. The signed, 
written complaint must contain sufficient information to identify both 
the complainant and the alleged violator, including their names and 
addresses. The complaint should also contain detailed factual 
allegations relating to the potential violation including the date, time 
and place of the alleged violation and the specific act or conduct 
alleged to constitute a violation of the Act. Written complaints may be 
delivered either by mail to the appropriate Service office or by 
personally appearing before any immigration officer at a Service office.
    (b) Investigation. When the Service receives complaints from a third 
party in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, it shall 
investigate only those complaints which, on their face, have a 
substantial probability of validity. The Service may also conduct 
investigations for violations on its own initiative, and without having 
received a written complaint. If it is determined after investigation 
that the person or entity has violated section 274C of the Act, the 
Service may issue and serve upon the alleged violator a Notice of Intent 
to Fine.
    (c) Issuance of a subpoena. Service officers shall have reasonable 
access to examine any relevant evidence of any person or entity being 
investigated. The Service may issue subpoenas pursuant to its authority 
under sections 235(a) and 287 of the Act, in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in Sec.  1287.4 of this chapter.
    (d) Notice of Intent to Fine. The proceeding to assess 
administrative penalties under section 274C of the Act is commenced when 
the Service issues a Notice of Intent to Fine. Service of this notice 
shall be accomplished by personal service pursuant to Sec.  103.5a(a)(2)

[[Page 1204]]

of 8 CFR chapter I. Service is effective upon receipt, as evidenced by 
the certificate of service or the certified mail return receipt. The 
person or entity identified in the Notice of Intent to Fine shall be 
known as the respondent. The Notice of Intent to Fine may be issued by 
an officer defined in Sec.  242.1 of this chapter or by an INS port 
director designated by his or her district director.
    (e) Contents of the Notice of Intent to Fine. (1) The Notice of 
Intent to Fine shall contain the basis for the charge(s) against the 
respondent, the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated, and 
the monetary amount of the penalty the Service intends to impose.
    (2) The Notice of Intent to Fine shall provide the following 
advisals to the respondent:
    (i) That the person or entity has the right to representation by 
counsel of his or her own choice at no expense to the government;
    (ii) That any statement given may be used against the person or 
entity;
    (iii) That the person or entity has the right to request a hearing 
before an administrative law judge pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 554-557, and 
that such request must be filed with INS within 60 days from the service 
of the Notice of Intent to Fine; and
    (iv) That if a written request for a hearing is not timely filed, 
the Service will issue a final order from which there is no appeal.
    (f) Request for hearing before an administrative law judge. If a 
respondent contests the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Fine, the 
respondent must file with the INS, within 60 days of the Notice of 
Intent to Fine, a written request for a hearing before an administrative 
law judge. Any written request for a hearing submitted in a foreign 
language must be accompanied by an English language translation. A 
request for hearing is deemed filed when it is either received by the 
Service office designated in the Notice of Intent to Fine, or addressed 
to such office, stamped with the proper postage, and postmarked within 
the 60-day period. In computing the 60-day period prescribed by this 
section, the day of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine shall not be 
included. In the request for a hearing, the respondent may, but is not 
required to, respond to each allegation listed in the Notice of Intent 
to Fine. A respondent may waive the 60-day period in which to request a 
hearing before an administrative law judge and ask that the INS issue a 
final order from which there is no appeal. Prior to execution of the 
waiver, a respondent who is not a United States citizen will be advised 
that a waiver of a section 274C hearing will result in the issuance of a 
final order and that the respondent will be excludable and/or deportable 
from the United States pursuant to the Act.
    (g) Failure to file a request for hearing. If the respondent does 
not file a written request for a hearing within 60 days of service of 
the Notice of Intent to Fine, the INS shall issue a final order from 
which there shall be no appeal.
    (h) Issuance of the final order. A final order may be issued by an 
officer defined in Sec.  242.1 of 8 CFR chapter I, by an INS port 
director designated by his or her district director, or by the Director 
of the INS National Fines Office.
    (i) Service of the final order--(1) Generally. Service of the final 
order shall be accomplished by personal service pursuant to Sec.  
103.5a(a)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I. Service is effective upon receipt, as 
evidenced by the certificate of service or the certified mail return 
receipt.
    (2) Alternative provisions for service in a foreign country. When 
service is to be effected upon a party in a foreign country, it is 
sufficient if service of the final order is made: (i) In the manner 
prescribed by the law of the foreign country for service in that country 
in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction; or
    (ii) As directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter 
rogatory, when service in either case is reasonably calculated to give 
actual notice; or
    (iii) When applicable, pursuant to Sec.  103.5a(a)(2) of 8 CFR 
chapter I.

Service is effective upon receipt of the final order. Proof of service 
may be made as prescribed by the law of the foreign country, or, when 
service is pursuant to Sec.  103.5a(a)(2) of 8 CFR chapter I, as 
evidenced by the certificate of service or the certified mail return 
receipt.

[[Page 1205]]

    (j) Declination to file charges for document fraud committed by 
refugees at the time of entry. The Service shall not issue a Notice of 
Intent to Fine for acts of document fraud committed by an alien pursuant 
to direct departure from a country in which the alien has a well-founded 
fear of persecution or from which there is a significant danger that the 
alien would be returned to a country in which the alien would have a 
well-founded fear of persecution, provided that the alien has presented 
himself or herself without delay to an INS officer and shown good cause 
for his or her illegal entry or presence. Other acts of document fraud 
committed by such an alien may result in the issuance of a Notice of 
Intent to Fine and the imposition of civil money penalties.



Sec.  1270.3  Penalties.

    (a) Criminal penalties. Nothing in section 274C of the Act shall be 
construed to diminish or qualify any of the penalties available for 
activities prohibited by this section but proscribed as well in title 
18, United States Code.
    (b) Civil penalties. A person or entity may face civil penalties for 
a violation of section 274C of the Act. Civil penalties may be imposed 
by the Service or by an administrative law judge for violations under 
section 274C of the Act. The Service may charge multiple violations of 
section 274C of the Act in a single Notice of Intent to Fine, and may 
impose separate penalties for each such unlawful act in a single 
proceeding or determination. However, in determining whether an offense 
is a first offense or a subsequent offense, a finding of more than one 
violation in the course of a single proceeding or determination will be 
counted as a single offense.
    (1) A respondent found by the Service or an administrative law judge 
to have violated section 274C of the Act shall be subject to an order:
    (i) To cease and desist from such behavior; and
    (ii) To pay a civil penalty as follows:
    (A) First offense. Not less than $250 and not exceeding $2,000 for 
each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity described in 
section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act before September 29, 1999, 
and not less than $275 and not exceeding $2,200, for each fraudulent 
document or each proscribed activity on or after September 29, 1999.
    (B) Subsequent offenses. Not less than $2,000 and not more than 
$5,000 for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity 
described in section 274C(a)(1) through (a)(4) of the Act before 
September 29, 1999, and not less than $2,200 and not exceeding $5,500, 
for each fraudulent document or each proscribed activity occurring on or 
after September 29, 1999.
    (2) Where an order is issued to a respondent composed of distinct, 
physically separate subdivisions each of which provides separately for 
the hiring, recruiting, or referring for a fee for employment (without 
reference to the practices of, and not under the common control of or 
common control with, another subdivision), each subdivision shall be 
considered a separate person or entity.

[57 FR 33866, July 31, 1992, as amended at 64 FR 47101, Aug. 30, 1999]



PART 1274a_CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS--Table of Contents



                     Subpart A_Employer Requirements

Sec.
1274a.1 Employer requirements.
1274a.9 Enforcement procedures.
1274a.10 Penalties.
1274a.11 [Reserved]

Subpart B [Reserved]

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1324a.

    Source: 52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, unless otherwise noted. Duplicated 
from part 274a at 68 FR 9844, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1274a appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10359, Mar. 5, 2003.



                     Subpart A_Employer Requirements



Sec.  1274a.1  Employer requirements.

    (a) Applicable regulations. The regulations of the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) relating to the implementation of the employment 
eligibility and verification provisions of

[[Page 1206]]

section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) are contained 
in 8 CFR part 274a.
    (b) Adjudication of civil penalty proceedings. The procedures for 
hearings before an administrative law judge relating to civil penalties 
sought by DHS under section 274A of the Act are contained in 28 CFR part 
68. The regulations governing employment eligibility and verification in 
8 CFR part 274a are applicable to hearings before an administrative law 
judge and, to the extent relevant, to cases before an immigration judge 
or the Board of Immigration Appeals.

[74 FR 2340, Jan. 15, 2009]



Sec.  1274a.9  Enforcement procedures.

    (a)-(d) [Reserved]
    (e) Request for Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge. If a 
respondent contests the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Fine, the 
respondent must file with the DHS, within thirty days of the service of 
the Notice of Intent to Fine, a written request for a hearing before an 
Administrative Law Judge. Any written request for a hearing submitted in 
a foreign language must be accompanied by an English language 
translation. A request for a hearing is not deemed to be filed until 
received by the DHS office designated in the Notice of Intent to Fine. 
In computing the thirty day period prescribed by this section, the day 
of service of the Notice of Intent to Fine shall not be included. If the 
Notice of Intent to Fine was served by ordinary mail, five days shall be 
added to the prescribed thirty day period. In the request for a hearing, 
the respondent may, but is not required to, respond to each allegation 
listed in the Notice of Intent to Fine.
    (f) Failure to file a request for a hearing. If the respondent does 
not file a request for a hearing in writing within thirty days of the 
date of service of a Notice of Intent to Fine (thirty-five days if 
served by ordinary mail), the final order issued by DHS shall not be 
subject to a hearing before an administrative law judge under 28 CFR 
part 68.

[52 FR 16221, May 1, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8613, Mar. 16, 1988; 55 
FR 25935, June 25, 1990; 56 FR 41786, Aug. 23, 1991; 61 FR 52236, Oct. 
7, 1996; 74 FR 2340, Jan. 15, 2009]



Sec.  1274a.10  Penalties.

    The regulations pertaining to the imposition of penalties for 
violations of the provisions of section 274A of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act are contained in 8 CFR part 274a and 28 CFR part 68.

[73 FR 10136, Feb. 26, 2008]



Sec.  1274a.11  [Reserved]

Subpart B [Reserved]



PART 1280_IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF FINES--Table of Contents



    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1221, 1223, 1227, 1229, 1253, 1281, 1283, 
1284, 1285, 1286, 1322, 1323, 1330; 66 Stat. 173, 195, 197, 201, 203, 
212, 219, 221-223, 226, 227, 230; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as 
amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321.

    Source: 22 FR 9807, Dec. 6, 1957, unless otherwise noted. Duplicated 
from part 280 at 68 FR 9844, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1280 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1280.1  Review of fines and civil monetary penalties imposed by DHS.

    (a) Applicable regulations. The regulations of the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) relating to the imposition of certain fines and 
civil monetary penalties under provisions of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, including sections 231(g), 234, 240B(d), 241(d) and 
(e), 243(c)(1), 251(d), 254(a), 255, 256, 257, 271(a), 272(a), 273(b), 
274D, and 275(b), are contained in 8 CFR part 280.
    (b) Adjudication of civil monetary penalty proceedings. The Board of 
Immigration Appeals (Board) has appellate authority to review DHS 
decisions involving fines and civil monetary penalties imposed under 8 
CFR part 280, as provided under 8 CFR part 1003. The regulations in 8 
CFR part 280 governing the imposition of certain fines and civil 
monetary penalties are applicable in such proceedings before the Board.
    (c) Civil monetary penalties under sections 274A, 274B, or 274C. For 
regulations relating to civil monetary penalties imposed under sections 
274A,

[[Page 1207]]

274B, or 274C of the Act, see 8 CFR parts 274a and 1274a and 28 CFR part 
68.

[76 FR 74630, Dec. 1, 2011]



PART 1287_FIELD OFFICERS; POWERS AND DUTIES--Table of Contents



Sec.
1287.4 Subpoena.
1287.6 Proof of official records.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1182, 1225, 1226, 1251, 1252, 1357.

    Source: Duplicated from part 287 at 68 FR 9845, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1287 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003.



Sec.  1287.4  Subpoena.

    (a) Who may issue--(1) Criminal or civil investigations. For 
provisions relating to the authority of immigration officers to issue a 
subpoena requiring the production of records and evidence for use in 
criminal or civil investigations, see 8 CFR 287.4(a)(1).
    (2) Proceedings other than naturalization proceedings--(i) Prior to 
commencement of proceedings. For provisions relating to who may issue a 
subpoena requiring the attendance of witnesses or the production of 
documentary evidence, or both, for use in any proceeding under this 
title, other than under 8 CFR part 335, or any application made 
ancillary to the proceeding, see 8 CFR 287.4(a)(2)(i).
    (ii) Subsequent to commencement of any proceeding. (A) In any 
proceeding under this chapter and in any proceeding ancillary thereto, 
an immigration judge having jurisdiction over the matter may, upon his/
her own volition or upon application of government counsel, the alien, 
or other party affected, issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of 
witnesses or for the production of books, papers and other documentary 
evidence, or both.
    (B) Application for subpoena. A party applying for a subpoena shall 
be required, as a condition precedent to its issuance, to state in 
writing or at the proceeding, what he/she expects to prove by such 
witnesses or documentary evidence, and to show affirmatively that he/she 
has made diligent effort, without success, to produce the same.
    (C) Issuance of subpoena. Upon being satisfied that a witness will 
not appear and testify or produce documentary evidence and that the 
witness' evidence is essential, the immigration judge shall issue a 
subpoena.
    (D) Appearance of witness. If the witness is at a distance of more 
than 100 miles from the place of the proceeding, the subpoena shall 
provide for the witnesses' appearance at the Service office nearest to 
the witness to respond to oral or written interrogatories, unless the 
Service indicates that there is no objection to bringing the witness the 
distance required to enable him/her to testify in person.
    (b) Form of subpoena. All subpoenas shall be issued on Form I-138.
    (1) Criminal or civil investigations. The subpoena shall command the 
person or entity to which it is addressed to attend and to give 
testimony at a time or place specified. A subpoena shall also command 
the person or entity to which it is addressed to produce the books, 
papers, or documents specified in the subpoena. A subpoena may direct 
the taking of a deposition before an officer of the Service.
    (2) Proceedings other than naturalization proceedings. Every 
subpoena issued under the provisions of this section shall state the 
title of the proceeding and shall command the person to whom it is 
directed to attend and to give testimony at a time and place specified. 
A subpoena shall also command the person to whom it is directed to 
produce the books, papers, or documents specified in the subpoena. A 
subpoena may direct the making of a deposition before an officer of the 
Service.
    (c) Service. For provisions relating to who may serve a subpoena 
issued under this section, see 8 CFR 287.4(c).
    (d) Invoking aid of court. If a witness neglects or refuses to 
appear and testify as directed by the subpoena served upon him or her in 
accordance with the provisions of this section, the immigration judge 
issuing the subpoena shall request the United States Attorney for the 
district in which the subpoena was issued to report such neglect or 
refusal to the United States District Court and to request such court to 
issue an order requiring the witness to appear and

[[Page 1208]]

testify and to produce the books, papers, or documents designated in the 
subpoena.

[50 FR 30134, July 24, 1985; 50 FR 47205, Nov. 15, 1985, as amended at 
60 FR 56937, Nov. 13, 1995; 62 FR 10390, Mar. 6, 1997; 67 FR 39260, June 
7, 2002; 69 FR 44907, July 28, 2004]



Sec.  1287.6  Proof of official records.

    (a) Domestic. In any proceeding under this chapter, an official 
record or entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, shall be 
evidenced by an official publication thereof, or by a copy attested by 
the official having legal custody of the record or by an authorized 
deputy.
    (b) Foreign: Countries not Signatories to Convention. (1) In any 
proceeding under this chapter, an official record or entry therein, when 
admissible for any purpose, shall be evidenced by an official 
publication thereof, or by a copy attested by an officer so authorized. 
This attested copy in turn may but need not be certified by any 
authorized foreign officer both as to the genuineness of the signature 
of the attesting officer and as to his/her official position. The 
signature and official position of this certifying foreign officer may 
then likewise be certified by any other foreign officer so authorized, 
thereby creating a chain of certificates.
    (2) The attested copy, with the additional foreign certificates if 
any, must be certified by an officer in the Foreign Service of the 
United States, stationed in the foreign country where the record is 
kept. This officer must certify the genuineness of the signature and the 
official position either of (i) the attesting officer; or (ii) any 
foreign officer whose certification of genuineness of signature and 
official position relates directly to the attestation or is in a chain 
of certificates of genuineness of signature and official position 
relating to the attestation.
    (c) Foreign: Countries Signatory to Convention Abolishing the 
Requirement of Legislation for Foreign Public Document. (1) In any 
proceeding under this chapter, a public document or entry therein, when 
admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication, 
or by a copy properly certified under the Convention. To be properly 
certified, the copy must be accompanied by a certificate in the form 
dictated by the Convention. This certificate must be signed by a foreign 
officer so authorized by the signatory country, and it must certify (i) 
the authenticity of the signature of the person signing the document; 
(ii) the capacity in which that person acted, and (iii) where 
appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears.
    (2) No certification is needed from an officer in the Foreign 
Service of public documents.
    (3) In accordance with the Convention, the following are deemed to 
be public documents:
    (i) Documents emanating from an authority or an official connected 
with the courts of tribunals of the state, including those emanating 
from a public prosecutor, a clerk of a court or a process server;
    (ii) Administrative documents;
    (iii) Notarial acts; and
    (iv) Official certificates which are placed on documents signed by 
persons in their private capacity, such as official certificates 
recording the registration of a document or the fact that it was in 
existence on a certain date, and official and notarial authentication of 
signatures.
    (4) In accordance with the Convention, the following are deemed not 
to be public documents, and thus are subject to the more stringent 
requirements of Sec.  1287.6(b) above:
    (i) Documents executed by diplomatic or consular agents; and
    (ii) Administrative documents dealing directly with commercial or 
customs operations.
    (d) Canada. In any proceedings under this chapter, an official 
record or entry therein, issued by a Canadian governmental entity within 
the geographical boundaries of Canada, when admissible for any purpose, 
shall be evidenced by a certified copy of the original record attested 
by the official having legal custody of the record or by an authorized 
deputy.

[50 FR 37834, Sept. 18, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 39337, Sept. 26, 1989; 
54 FR 48851, Nov. 28, 1989]

[[Page 1209]]



PART 1292_REPRESENTATION AND APPEARANCES--Table of Contents



                               In General

Sec.
1292.1 Representation of others.
1292.2 [Reserved]
1292.3 Conduct for practitioners and recognized organizations--rules and 
          procedures.
1292.4 Appearances.
1292.5 Service upon and action by attorney or representative of record.
1292.6 Interpretation.

     Recognition of organizations and accreditation of non-attorney 
                             representatives

1292.11 Recognition of an organization.
1292.12 Accreditation of representatives.
1292.13 Applying for recognition of organizations or accreditation of 
          representatives.
1292.14 Reporting, recordkeeping, and posting requirements for 
          recognized organizations.
1292.15 Extension of recognition and accreditation to multiple offices 
          or locations of an organization.
1292.16 Renewal of recognition and accreditation.
1292.17 Administrative termination of recognition and accreditation.
1292.18 Administrative review of denied requests for reconsideration.
1292.19 Complaints against recognized organizations and accredited 
          representatives.
1292.20 Roster of recognized organizations and accredited 
          representatives.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1362.

    Source: Duplicated from part 292 at 68 FR 9845, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1292 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10360, Mar. 5, 2003.

                               In General



Sec.  1292.1  Representation of others.

    (a) A person entitled to representation may be represented by any of 
the following:
    (1) Attorneys in the United States. Any attorney as defined in Sec.  
1001.1(f) of this chapter and who, once the registration requirements in 
paragraph (f) of this section have taken effect, is registered to 
practice with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
    (2) Law students and law graduates not yet admitted to the bar. A 
law student who is enrolled in an accredited U.S. law school, or a 
graduate of an accredited U.S. law school who is not yet admitted to the 
bar, provided that:
    (i) He or she is appearing at the request of the person entitled to 
representation;
    (ii) In the case of a law student, he or she has filed a statement 
that he or she is participating, under the direct supervision of an 
EOIR-registered licensed attorney or accredited representative, in a 
legal aid program or clinic conducted by a law school or non-profit 
organization, and that he or she is without direct or indirect 
remuneration from the alien he or she represents;
    (iii) In the case of a law graduate, he or she has filed a statement 
that he or she is appearing under the supervision of an EOIR-registered 
licensed attorney or accredited representative and that he or she is 
appearing without direct or indirect remuneration from the alien he or 
she represents;
    (iv) When the law student or law graduate appears before the 
immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, the law student 
or law graduate is supervised by an attorney or accredited 
representative who must appear simultaneously at the same hearing. The 
accompanying attorney or accredited representative must be authorized to 
practice before EOIR and be prepared to proceed with the case at all 
times; and
    (v) All filings by law students and law graduates are made through 
an EOIR-registered attorney or accredited representative.
    (3) Reputable individuals. Any reputable individual of good moral 
character, provided that:
    (i) He is appearing on an individual case basis, at the request of 
the person entitled to representation;
    (ii) He is appearing without direct or indirect renumeration and 
files a written declaration to that effect;
    (iii) He has a pre-existing relationship or connection with the 
person entitled to representation (e.g., as a relative, neighbor, 
clergyman, business associate or personal friend), provided that such 
requirement may be waived, as a matter of administrative discretion, in 
cases where adequate representation would not otherwise be available; 
and

[[Page 1210]]

    (iv) His appearance is permitted by the official before whom he 
wished to appear (namely, a special inquiry officer, district director, 
officer-in-charge, regional commissioner, the Commissioner, or the 
Board), provided that such permission shall not be granted with respect 
to any individual who regularly engages in immigration and 
naturalization practice or preparation, or holds himself out to the 
public as qualified to do so.
    (4) Accredited representative. An individual whom EOIR has 
authorized to represent immigration clients on behalf of a recognized 
organization, and whose period of accreditation is current and has not 
expired. A partially accredited representative is authorized to practice 
solely before DHS. A fully accredited representative is authorized to 
practice before DHS, and upon registration, to practice before the 
Immigration Courts and the Board.
    (5) Accredited officials. An accredited official, in the United 
States, of the government to which an alien owes allegiance, if the 
official appears solely in his official capacity and with the alien's 
consent.
    (b) Persons formerly authorized to practice. A person, other than a 
representative of an organization described in Sec.  1292.2 of this 
chapter, who on December 23, 1952, was authorized to practice before the 
Board and the Service may continue to act as a representative, subject 
to the provisions of Sec.  1292.3 of this chapter.
    (c) Former employees. No person previously employed by the 
Department of Justice shall be permitted to act as a representative in 
any case in violation of the provisions of 28 CFR 45.735-7.
    (d) Amicus curiae. The Board may grant permission to appear, on a 
case-by-case basis, as amicus curiae, to an attorney or to an 
organization represented by an attorney, if the public interest will be 
served thereby.
    (e) Except as set forth in this section, no other person or persons 
shall represent others in any case.
    (f) Registration requirement for attorneys and accredited 
representatives. The Director or his designee is authorized to register, 
and establish procedures for registering, attorneys and accredited 
representatives, specified in paragraph (a) of this section, as a 
condition of practice before immigration judges or the Board of 
Immigration Appeals. Such registration procedures will include a 
requirement for electronic registration and that each registrant 
validate his or her identity by presenting photo identification. The 
Director or his designee may administratively suspend from practice 
before the immigration judges and the Board any attorney or accredited 
representative who fails to provide the following required registration 
information: name, business address(es), business telephone number(s), 
date of birth, email address, bar admission information (if applicable), 
and recognized organization (if applicable), or who, after having 
provided that information, fails to present photo identification or 
comply with any other validation requirements implemented by the 
Director. After such a system has been established, an immigration judge 
may, under extraordinary and rare circumstances, permit an unregistered 
attorney or accredited representative to appear at one hearing if the 
immigration judge first acquires from the attorney or accredited 
representative, on the record, the required registration information. An 
unregistered attorney or accredited representative who is permitted to 
appear at a hearing in such circumstances must complete the electronic 
registration process without delay after the hearing at which he or she 
is permitted to appear.

[40 FR 23271, May 29, 1975, as amended at 53 FR 7728, Mar. 10, 1988; 55 
FR 49251, Nov. 27, 1990; 61 FR 53610, Oct. 15, 1996; 62 FR 23635, May 1, 
1997; 73 FR 76927, Dec. 18, 2008; 78 FR 19408, Apr. 1, 2013; 81 FR 
92367, Dec. 19, 2016; 86 FR 70725, Dec. 13, 2021]



Sec.  1292.2  [Reserved]



Sec.  1292.3  Conduct for practitioners and recognized organizations--
rules and procedures.

    Practitioners, as defined in Sec.  1003.101(b) of this chapter, and 
recognized organizations are subject to the imposition of sanctions as 
provided in 8 CFR part 1003, subpart G, Sec.  1003.101 et seq., and 8 
CFR 292.3 (pertaining to practice before DHS).

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016]

[[Page 1211]]



Sec.  1292.4  Appearances.

    (a) An appearance shall be filed on the appropriate form by the 
attorney or representative appearing in each case. During Immigration 
Judge or Board proceedings, withdrawal and/or substitution of counsel is 
permitted only in accordance with Sec. Sec.  1003.16 and 1003.36 
respectively. During proceedings before the Service, substitution may be 
permitted upon the written withdrawal of the attorney or representative 
of record, or upon notification of the new attorney or representative. 
When an appearance is made by a person acting in a representative 
capacity, his or her personal appearance or signature shall constitute a 
representation that under the provisions of this chapter he or she is 
authorized and qualified to represent. Further proof of authority to act 
in a representative capacity may be required. A notice of appearance 
entered in application or petition proceedings must be signed by the 
applicant or petitioner to authorize representation in order for the 
appearance to be recognized by the Service.
    (b) Availability of records. During the time a case is pending, and 
except as otherwise provided in Sec.  103.2(b) of 8 CFR chapter I, a 
party to a proceeding or his attorney or representative shall be 
permitted to examine the record of proceeding in a Service office. He 
may, in conformity with Sec.  103.10 of 8 CFR chapter I, obtain copies 
of Service records or information therefrom and copies of documents or 
transcripts of evidence furnished by him. Upon request, he may in 
addition, be loaned a copy of the testimony and exhibits contained in 
the record of proceeding upon giving his receipt for such copies and 
pledging that it will be surrendered upon final disposition of the case 
or upon demand. If extra copies of exhibits do not exist, they shall not 
be furnished free on loan; however, they shall be made available for 
copying or purchase of copies as provided in Sec.  103.10 of 8 CFR 
chapter I.

[23 FR 2673, Apr. 23, 1958, as amended at 32 FR 9633, July 4, 1967; 52 
FR 2941, Jan. 29, 1987; 59 FR 1466, Jan. 11, 1994]



Sec.  1292.5  Service upon and action by attorney or representative of record.

    (a) Representative capacity. Whenever a person is required by any of 
the provisions of this chapter to give or be given notice; to serve or 
be served with any paper other than a warrant of arrest or a subpoena; 
to make a motion; to file or submit an application or other document; or 
to perform or waive the performance of any act, such notice, service, 
motion, filing, submission, performance, or waiver shall be given by or 
to, served by or upon, made by, or requested of the attorney or 
representative of record, or the person himself if unrepresented.
    (b) Right to representation. Whenever an examination is provided for 
in this chapter, the person involved shall have the right to be 
represented by an attorney or representative who shall be permitted to 
examine or cross-examine such person and witnesses, to introduce 
evidence, to make objections which shall be stated succinctly and 
entered on the record, and to submit briefs. Provided, that nothing in 
this paragraph shall be construed to provide any applicant for admission 
in either primary or secondary inspection the right to representation, 
unless the applicant for admission has become the focus of a criminal 
investigation and has been taken into custody.

[37 FR 11471, June 8, 1972 and 45 FR 81733, Dec. 12, 1980; 46 FR 2025, 
Jan. 8, 1981; 58 FR 49911, Sept. 24, 1993]



Sec.  1292.6  Interpretation.

    Interpretations of Sec. Sec.  1292.1 through 1292.6 will be made by 
the Board, subject to the provisions of part 1003 of this chapter. 
Interpretations of Sec. Sec.  1292.11 through 1292.20 will be made by 
the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for 
Policy's delegate) or the Director.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019; 
85 FR 69482, Nov. 3, 2020]

[[Page 1212]]

     Recognition of Organizations and Accreditation of Non-Attorney 
                             Representatives



Sec.  1292.11  Recognition of an organization.

    (a) In general. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate), in the exercise of discretion, may 
recognize an eligible organization to provide representation through 
accredited representatives who appear on behalf of clients before the 
Immigration Courts, the Board, and DHS, or DHS alone. The Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) 
will determine whether an organization is eligible for recognition. To 
be eligible for recognition, the organization must establish that:
    (1) The organization is a non-profit religious, charitable, social 
service, or similar organization that provides immigration legal 
services primarily to low-income and indigent clients within the United 
States, and, if the organization charges fees, has a written policy for 
accommodating clients unable to pay fees for immigration legal services;
    (2) The organization is a Federal tax-exempt organization 
established in the United States;
    (3) The organization is simultaneously applying to have at least one 
employee or volunteer of the organization approved as an accredited 
representative by the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) and at least one application for 
accreditation is concurrently approved, unless the organization is 
seeking renewal of recognition and has an accredited representative or 
is seeking renewal of recognition on inactive status as described in 
Sec.  1292.16(i);
    (4) The organization has access to adequate knowledge, information, 
and experience in all aspects of immigration law and procedure; and
    (5) The organization has designated an authorized officer to act on 
behalf of the organization.
    (b) Proof of status as non-profit religious, charitable, social 
service, or similar organization established in the United States and 
service to low-income and indigent clients. The organization must 
submit: A copy of its organizing documents, including a statement of its 
mission or purpose; a declaration from its authorized officer attesting 
that it serves primarily low-income and indigent clients; a summary of 
the legal services to be provided; if it charges fees for legal 
services, fee schedules and organizational policies or guidance 
regarding fee waivers or reduced fees based on financial need; and its 
annual budget. The organization may also submit additional documentation 
to demonstrate non-profit status and service to primarily low-income and 
indigent individuals, such as reports prepared for funders or 
information about other free or low-cost immigration-related services 
that it provides (e.g., educational or outreach events).
    (c) Annual budget. The organization must submit its annual budget 
for providing immigration legal services for the current year and, if 
available, its annual budget for providing immigration legal services 
for the prior year. If the annual budgets for both the current and prior 
years are unavailable, the organization must submit its projected annual 
budget for the upcoming year. The annual budget should describe how the 
organization is funded and include information about the organization's 
operating expenses and sources of revenue for providing immigration 
legal services. Sources of revenue may include, but are not limited to, 
grants, fees, donations, or dues.
    (d) Proof of tax-exempt status. The organization must submit a copy 
of its currently valid IRS tax-exemption determination letter, 
alternative documentation to establish Federal tax-exempt status, or 
proof that is has applied for Federal tax-exempt status.
    (e) Proof of knowledge, information, and experience. The 
organization must submit: A description of the immigration legal 
services that the organization seeks to offer; a description of the 
legal resources to which the organization has access; an organizational 
chart showing names, titles, and supervisors of immigration legal staff 
members; a description of the qualifications, experience, and breadth of 
immigration knowledge of these staff members, including, but not limited 
to resumes, letters of recommendation, certifications, and a list of all 
relevant,

[[Page 1213]]

formal immigration-related trainings attended by staff members; and any 
agreement or proof of a formal arrangement entered into with non-staff 
immigration practitioners and recognized organizations for consultations 
or technical legal assistance.
    (f) Validity period of recognition. Recognition is valid for a 
period of six years from the date of the Assistant Director for Policy's 
(or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) approval of 
recognition, unless the organization has been granted conditional 
recognition. Conditional recognition is granted to an organization that 
has not been recognized previously, that has Federal tax-exempt status 
pending, or that has been approved for recognition after recognition was 
previously terminated pursuant to Sec.  1292.17 or 8 CFR 1003.101 et 
seq. Conditional recognition is valid for two years from the date of the 
Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) approval of conditional recognition. Any organization's 
recognition is subject to being terminated pursuant to Sec.  1292.17 or 
upon the issuance of disciplinary sanctions (termination or revocation) 
under 8 CFR 1003.101 et seq.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.12  Accreditation of representatives.

    (a) In general. Only recognized organizations, or organizations 
simultaneously applying for recognition, may request accreditation of 
individuals. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate), in the exercise of discretion, may 
approve accreditation of an eligible individual as a representative of a 
recognized organization for either full or partial accreditation. An 
individual who receives full accreditation may represent clients before 
the Immigration Courts, the Board, and DHS. An individual who receives 
partial accreditation may represent clients only before DHS. In the 
request for accreditation, the organization must specify whether it 
seeks full or partial accreditation and establish eligibility for 
accreditation for the individual. To establish eligibility for 
accreditation, an organization must demonstrate that the individual for 
whom the organization seeks accreditation:
    (1) Has the character and fitness to represent clients before the 
Immigration Courts and the Board, or DHS, or before all three 
authorities. Character and fitness includes, but is not limited to, an 
examination of factors such as: Criminal background; prior acts 
involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; past history 
of neglecting professional, financial, or legal obligations; and current 
immigration status that presents an actual or perceived conflict of 
interest;
    (2) Is employed by or is a volunteer of the organization;
    (3) Is not an attorney as defined in 8 CFR 1001.1(f);
    (4) Has not resigned while a disciplinary investigation or 
proceeding is pending and is not subject to any order disbarring, 
suspending, enjoining, restraining, or otherwise restricting the 
individual in the practice of law or representation before a court or 
any administrative agency;
    (5) Has not been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty or nolo 
contendere to, a serious crime, as defined in 8 CFR 1003.102(h), in any 
court of the United States, or of any State, possession, territory, 
commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, or of a jurisdiction outside 
of the United States; and
    (6) Possesses broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration 
law and procedure. If an organization seeks full accreditation for an 
individual, it must establish that the individual also possesses skills 
essential for effective litigation.
    (b) Request for accreditation. To establish that an individual 
satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the 
organization must submit a request for accreditation (Form EOIR-31A and 
supporting documents). The request for accreditation must be signed by 
the authorized officer and the individual to be accredited, both 
attesting that the individual satisfies these requirements.
    (c) Proof of knowledge and experience. To establish that the 
individual satisfies the requirement in paragraph (a)(6) of this 
section, the organization must

[[Page 1214]]

submit with its request for accreditation, at minimum: A description of 
the individual's qualifications, including education and immigration law 
experience; letters of recommendation from at least two persons familiar 
with the individual's qualifications; and documentation of all relevant, 
formal immigration-related training, including a course on the 
fundamentals of immigration law, procedure, and practice. An 
organization must also submit documentation that an individual for whom 
the organization seeks full accreditation has formal training, 
education, or experience related to trial and appellate advocacy.
    (d) Validity period of accreditation. Accreditation is valid for a 
period of three years from the date of the Assistant Director for 
Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) approval of 
accreditation, unless the organization's recognition or the 
representative's accreditation is terminated pursuant to Sec.  1292.17 
or the organization or the representative is subject to disciplinary 
sanctions (termination, revocation, suspension, or disbarment) under 8 
CFR 1003.101 et seq.
    (e) Change in accreditation. An organization may request to change 
the accreditation of a representative from partial to full accreditation 
at any time during the validity period of accreditation or at renewal. 
Such a request will be treated as a new, initial request for full 
accreditation and must comply with this section.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.13  Applying for recognition of organizations or accreditation 
of representatives.

    (a) In general. An organization applying for recognition or 
accreditation of a representative must submit a request for recognition 
(Form EOIR-31) or a request for accreditation (Form EOIR-31A) to the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) with proof of service of a copy of the request on the 
appropriate USCIS office(s) in the jurisdictions where the organization 
offers or intends to offer immigration legal services. An organization 
must submit a separate request for accreditation (Form EOIR-31A) for 
each individual for whom it seeks accreditation. To determine whether an 
organization has established eligibility for recognition or 
accreditation of a representative, the Assistant Director for Policy (or 
the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) shall review all 
information contained in the request for recognition or accreditation 
and may review any publicly available information or any other 
information that the Office of Policy may obtain or possess about the 
organization, its authorized officer, or the proposed representative or 
may have received pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this 
section. Unfavorable information obtained by the Assistant Director for 
Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) that may be 
relied upon to disapprove a recognition or accreditation request, if not 
previously served on the organization, shall be disclosed to the 
organization, and the organization shall be given a reasonable 
opportunity to respond. Prior to determining whether to approve or 
disapprove a request for recognition or accreditation, the Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) 
may request additional information from the organization pertaining to 
the eligibility requirements for recognition or accreditation. The 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate), in writing, shall inform the organization and each USCIS 
office in the jurisdictions where the organization offers or intends to 
offer immigration legal services of the determination approving or 
disapproving the organization's request for recognition or accreditation 
of a representative. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) may, in the exercise of discretion, 
extend the deadlines provided in this section. The Assistant Director 
for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) is 
authorized to allow requests, notifications, recommendations, and 
determinations described in this section to be made electronically.
    (b) USCIS recommendation and investigation. Within 30 days from the 
date of service of the request for recognition or accreditation, the 
USCIS office

[[Page 1215]]

served with the request may submit to the Assistant Director for Policy 
(or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) a recommendation for 
approval or disapproval of the request for recognition or accreditation, 
including an explanation for the recommendation, or may request from the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) a specified period of additional time, generally no more than 
30 days, in which to conduct an investigation or otherwise obtain 
relevant information regarding the organization, its authorized officer, 
or any individual for whom the organization seeks accreditation. The 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) shall inform the organization if the Assistant Director for 
Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) grants a 
request from USCIS for additional time to conduct an investigation, or 
if, in the exercise of discretion, the Assistant Director for Policy (or 
the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) has requested that USCIS 
conduct an investigation of the organization, its authorized officer, or 
any individual for whom the organization seeks accreditation. USCIS must 
submit any recommendation with proof of service of a copy of the 
recommendation on the organization. Within 30 days of service of an 
unfavorable recommendation, the organization may file with the Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) a 
response to the unfavorable recommendation, along with proof of service 
of a copy of such response on the USCIS office that provided the 
recommendation.
    (c) ICE recommendation. Upon receipt of a request for recognition or 
accreditation, the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) may request a recommendation or 
information from ICE in the jurisdictions where the organization offers 
or intends to offer immigration legal services regarding the 
organization, its authorized officer, or any individual for whom the 
organization seeks accreditation. Within 30 days from the date of 
receipt of the Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate's) request, ICE may make a recommendation 
or disclose information regarding the organization, its authorized 
officer, or individuals for whom the organization seeks accreditation. 
ICE must submit any recommendation with proof of service of a copy of 
the recommendation on the organization. Within 30 days of service of an 
unfavorable recommendation, the organization may file with the Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) a 
response to the unfavorable recommendation, along with proof of service 
of a copy of such response on the ICE office that provided the 
recommendation. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate), in writing, shall inform ICE of the 
determination approving or disapproving the organization's request for 
recognition or accreditation of a representative.
    (d) EOIR investigation. Upon receipt of a request for recognition or 
accreditation, the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) may request that the EOIR disciplinary 
counsel or anti-fraud officer conduct an investigation into the 
organization, its authorized officer, or any individual for whom the 
organization seeks accreditation. Within 30 days from the date of 
receipt of the Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate's) request, the EOIR disciplinary counsel 
or anti-fraud officer may disclose to the Assistant Director for Policy 
(or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) information, including 
complaints, preliminary inquiries, warning letters, and admonitions, 
relating to the organization, its authorized officer, or any individual 
for whom the organization seeks accreditation.
    (e) Finality of decision. The Assistant Director for Policy's (or 
the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) determination to approve 
a request for recognition or accreditation is final. An organization 
whose request for recognition or accreditation was disapproved may make 
one request for reconsideration of the disapproval within 30 days of the 
determination. An organization whose request for recognition or 
accreditation was disapproved, or whose

[[Page 1216]]

request for reconsideration after disapproval and, if applicable, 
request for administrative review pursuant to Sec.  1292.18 was denied, 
may submit a new request for recognition or accreditation at any time 
unless otherwise prohibited.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.14  Reporting, recordkeeping, and posting requirements 
for recognized organizations.

    (a) Duty to report changes. A recognized organization has a duty to 
promptly notify the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) in writing or electronically of changes 
in the organization's contact information, changes to any material 
information the organization provided in Form EOIR-31, Form EOIR-31A, or 
the documents submitted in support thereof, or changes that otherwise 
materially relate to the organization's eligibility for recognition or 
the eligibility for accreditation of any of the organization's 
accredited representatives. These changes may include alterations to: 
The organization's name, address, telephone number, Web site address, 
email address, or the designation of the authorized officer of the 
organization; an accredited representative's name or employment or 
volunteer status with the organization; and the organization's 
structure, including a merger of organizations that have already been 
individually accorded recognition, or a change in non-profit or Federal 
tax-exempt status.
    (b) Recordkeeping. A recognized organization must compile each of 
the following records in a timely manner, and retain them for a period 
of six years from the date the record is created, as long as the 
organization remains recognized:
    (1) The organization's immigration legal services fee schedule, if 
the organization charges any fees for immigration legal services, for 
each office or location where such services are provided; and
    (2) An annual summary of immigration legal services provided by the 
organization, which includes: The total number of clients served 
(whether through client intakes, applications prepared and filed with 
DHS, cases in which its attorneys or accredited representatives appeared 
before the Immigration Courts or, if applicable, the Board, or referrals 
to attorneys or other organizations) and clients to whom it provided 
services at no cost; a general description of the immigration legal 
services and other immigration-related services (e.g., educational or 
outreach events) provided; a statement regarding whether services were 
provided pro bono or clients were charged in accordance with a fee 
schedule and organizational policies or guidance regarding fee waivers 
and reduced fees; and a list of the offices or locations where the 
immigration legal services were provided. The summary should not include 
any client-specific or client-identifying information. The Office of 
Policy may require the organization to submit such records to it or DHS 
upon request.
    (c) Posting. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) shall have the authority to issue public 
notices regarding recognition and accreditation and to require 
recognized organizations and accredited representatives to post such 
public notices. Information contained in the public notices shall be 
limited to: The names and validity periods of a recognized organization 
and its accredited representatives, the requirements for recognition and 
accreditation, and the means to complain about a recognized organization 
or accredited representative.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.15  Extension of recognition and accreditation to multiple offices 
or locations of an organization.

    Upon approving an initial request for recognition or a request for 
renewal of recognition, or at any other time, the Assistant Director for 
Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate), in the 
Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) discretion, may extend the recognition of an organization to 
any office or location where the organization offers services. To 
request extension of recognition, an organization

[[Page 1217]]

that is seeking or has received recognition must submit a Form EOIR-31 
that identifies the name and address of the organization's headquarters 
or designated office and the name and address of each other office or 
location for which the organization seeks extension of recognition. The 
organization must also provide a declaration from its authorized officer 
attesting that it periodically conducts inspections of each such office 
or location, exercises supervision and control over its accredited 
representatives at those offices and locations, and provides access to 
adequate legal resources at each such office or location. The Office of 
Policy may require an organization to seek separate recognition for an 
office or location of the organization, for example, when a subordinate 
office or location has distinct operations, management structure, or 
funding sources from the organization's headquarters. The Assistant 
Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) determination to extend recognition to the offices or 
locations identified in Form EOIR-31 permits the organization's 
accredited representatives to provide immigration legal services out of 
those offices or locations. The Office of Policy will post the address 
of each office or location to which recognition has been extended on the 
roster of recognized organizations and accredited representatives. The 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) is authorized to allow requests and determinations described 
in this section to be made electronically.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.16  Renewal of recognition and accreditation.

    (a) In general. To retain its recognition and the accreditation of 
its representatives after the conclusion of the validity period 
specified in Sec.  1292.11(f) or Sec.  1292.12(d), an organization must 
submit a request for renewal of its recognition or the accreditation of 
its representatives (Form EOIR-31, Form EOIR-31A, and supporting 
documents). In the exercise of discretion, as provided in paragraph (i) 
of this section, the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) may approve an organization's request 
for renewal of recognition without a currently approved accredited 
representative.
    (b) Timing of renewal--(1) Recognition. An organization requesting 
renewal of recognition must submit the request on or before the sixth 
anniversary date of the organization's last approval or renewal of 
recognition or, for a conditionally recognized organization, on or 
before the second anniversary of the approval date of the conditional 
recognition. Any request must include proof of service of a copy of the 
request on the appropriate USCIS office(s) in the jurisdictions where 
the organization offers or intends to offer immigration legal services.
    (2) Accreditation. An organization requesting renewal of 
accreditation of its representative must submit the request on or before 
the third anniversary date of the representative's last approval or 
renewal of accreditation, with proof of service of a copy of the request 
on the appropriate USCIS office(s) in the jurisdictions where the 
organization offers or intends to offer immigration legal services.
    (3) The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for 
Policy's delegate), in the Assistant Director for Policy's (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) discretion, may grant 
additional time to submit a request for renewal or accept a request for 
renewal filed out of time. The recognition of the organization and the 
accreditation of any representatives for whom the organization timely 
requests renewal shall remain valid pending the Assistant Director for 
Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) 
consideration of the renewal requests, except in the case of an interim 
suspension pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.111.
    (c) Renewal requirements--(1) Recognition. The request for renewal 
of recognition must establish that the organization remains eligible for 
recognition under Sec.  1292.11(a), include the records specified in 
Sec.  1292.14(b) regarding fee schedules and the summary of immigration 
legal services provided that the organization compiled since the last 
approval of recognition, and

[[Page 1218]]

describe any unreported changes that impact eligibility for recognition 
from the date of the last approval of recognition.
    (2) Accreditation. Each request for renewal of accreditation must 
establish that the individual remains eligible for accreditation under 
Sec.  1292.12(a) and has continued to receive formal training in 
immigration law and procedure commensurate with the services the 
organization provides and the duration of the representative's 
accreditation.
    (d) Recommendations and investigations. Each USCIS office served 
with a request for renewal of recognition or a request for renewal of 
accreditation may submit to the Assistant Director for Policy (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) a recommendation for approval 
or disapproval of that request pursuant to Sec.  1292.13(b). The 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) may request a recommendation from ICE or an investigation from 
the EOIR disciplinary counsel or anti-fraud officer, pursuant to Sec.  
1292.13(c) and (d).
    (e) Renewal process. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) shall review all information 
contained in the requests and may review any publicly available 
information or any other information that the Office of Policy may 
possess about the organization, its authorized officer, or any 
individual for whom the organization seeks accreditation or renewal of 
accreditation or that the Office of Policy may have received pursuant to 
Sec.  1292.13(b) through (d). Unfavorable information obtained by the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) that may be relied upon to disapprove a recognition or 
accreditation request, if not previously served on the organization, 
shall be disclosed to the organization, and the organization shall be 
given a reasonable opportunity to respond. Prior to determining whether 
to approve or disapprove a request for renewal of recognition or 
accreditation, the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) may request additional information from 
the organization pertaining to the eligibility requirements for 
recognition or accreditation. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate), in writing, shall inform the 
organization and the appropriate DHS office(s) in the jurisdictions 
where the organization offers or intends to offer immigration legal 
services of the determination to approve or disapprove a request for 
renewal of recognition. If the Assistant Director for Policy (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) renews recognition, the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) shall issue a written determination approving or disapproving 
each request for accreditation or renewal of accreditation. The 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) is authorized to allow requests, notifications, 
recommendations, and determinations described in this section to be made 
electronically.
    (f) Finality of decision. The Assistant Director for Policy's (or 
the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) determination to approve 
a request to renew recognition or accreditation is final. An 
organization whose request for renewal of recognition or accreditation 
of its representatives has been disapproved may make one request for 
reconsideration of the disapproval within 30 days of the determination. 
The recognition of the organization and the accreditation of any 
representatives for whom the organization timely requests 
reconsideration shall remain valid pending the Assistant Director for 
Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) 
consideration of the reconsideration request, except in the case of an 
interim suspension pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.111. An organization whose 
recognition or accreditation of its representatives is terminated 
because the organization's request to renew recognition or accreditation 
is disapproved or whose request for reconsideration after disapproval 
and, if applicable, request for administrative review pursuant to Sec.  
1292.18 was denied, may submit a new request for recognition and 
accreditation at any time unless otherwise prohibited.
    (g) Validity period of recognition and accreditation after renewal. 
After renewal of recognition, the recognition of the organization is 
valid for a period of

[[Page 1219]]

six years from the date of the Assistant Director for Policy's (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) determination to renew 
recognition, unless the organization's recognition is terminated 
pursuant to Sec.  1292.17 or the organization is subject to disciplinary 
sanctions (i.e., termination or revocation) under 8 CFR 1003.101 et seq. 
After renewal of accreditation, the accreditation of a representative is 
valid for a period of three years from the date of the Assistant 
Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) determination to renew accreditation, unless the 
organization's recognition or the representative's accreditation is 
terminated pursuant to Sec.  1292.17 or the organization or the 
representative is subject to disciplinary sanctions (termination, 
revocation, suspension, or disbarment) under 8 CFR 1003.101 et seq.
    (h) Organizations and representatives recognized and accredited 
prior to January 18, 2017--(1) Applicability. An organization or 
representative that received recognition or accreditation prior to 
January 18, 2017, through the Board under former Sec.  1292.2 is subject 
to the provisions of this part. Such an organization or representative 
shall continue to be recognized or accredited until the organization is 
required to request renewal of its recognition and accreditation of its 
representatives as required by paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of this section 
and pending the Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate's) determination on the organization's 
request for renewal if such a request is timely made, unless the 
organization's recognition or the representative's accreditation is 
terminated pursuant to Sec.  1292.17 or the organization or the 
representative is subject to disciplinary sanctions (termination, 
revocation, suspension, or disbarment) under 8 CFR 1003.101 et seq.
    (2) Renewal of recognition. To retain its recognition, an 
organization that received recognition prior to January 18, 2017, must 
request renewal of its recognition pursuant to this section on or before 
the following dates:
    (i) Within 1 year of January 18, 2017, if the organization does not 
have an accredited representative on the effective date of this 
regulation;
    (ii) Within 2 years of January 18, 2017, if the organization is not 
required to submit a request for renewal at an earlier date under 
paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, and the organization has been 
recognized for more than 10 years as of the effective date of this 
regulation; or
    (iii) Within 3 years of January 18, 2017, if the organization is not 
required to submit a request for renewal at an earlier date under 
paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section.
    (3) Renewal of accreditation. To retain the accreditation of its 
representatives who were accredited prior to January 18, 2017, an 
organization must request renewal of accreditation of its 
representatives on or before the date that the representative's 
accreditation would have expired under the prior rule.
    (i) Inactive status. An organization shall be placed on inactive 
status if it has no currently approved accredited representative, and it 
promptly notified the Office of Policy that it no longer has an 
accredited representative, as required by Sec.  1292.14(a). An 
organization on inactive status is precluded from providing immigration 
legal services unless it has an attorney on staff. An organization shall 
be on inactive status for two years from the date the organization is 
placed on inactive status in order for the organization to apply for and 
have approved the accreditation of one or more representatives. If an 
organization on inactive status is subject to renewal while on inactive 
status, the organization must request renewal of recognition at the time 
required for renewal. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the 
Assistant Director for Policy's delegate), in the Assistant Director for 
Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) discretion, 
may approve a request to renew an organization's recognition without a 
currently approved accredited representative, provided that the 
organization satisfies the renewal requirements under Sec.  
1292.16(c)(1) and attests that it intends to apply for and have approved 
the accreditation of one or more representatives within two

[[Page 1220]]

years from the date of renewal. An organization renewed under such 
circumstances shall be on inactive status for two years from the date of 
renewal in order for the organization to apply for and have approved the 
accreditation of one or more representatives. The Assistant Director for 
Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate), in the 
Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) discretion, may grant an organization additional time on 
inactive status beyond the time limits provided in this paragraph.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.17  Administrative termination of recognition and accreditation.

    (a) In general. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate) may administratively terminate an 
organization's recognition or a representative's accreditation and 
remove the organization or representative from the recognition and 
accreditation roster. Prior to issuing a determination to 
administratively terminate recognition or accreditation, the Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) 
may request, in writing or electronically, information from the 
organization, representative, DHS, or EOIR, regarding the bases for 
termination. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate), in writing or electronically, shall 
inform the organization or the representative, as applicable, of the 
determination to terminate the organization's recognition or the 
representative's accreditation, and the reasons for the determination.
    (b) Bases for administrative termination of recognition. The bases 
for termination of recognition under this section are:
    (1) An organization did not submit a request to renew its 
recognition at the time required for renewal;
    (2) An organization's request for renewal of recognition is 
disapproved or request for reconsideration after disapproval and if 
applicable, request for administrative review pursuant to Sec.  1292.18 
is denied;
    (3) All of the organization's accredited representatives have been 
terminated pursuant to this section or suspended or disbarred pursuant 
to 8 CFR 1003.101 et seq., and the organization is not on inactive 
status as described in Sec.  1292.16(i);
    (4) An organization submits a written request to the Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) 
for termination of its recognition;
    (5) An organization fails to comply with its reporting, 
recordkeeping, or posting requirements under Sec.  1292.14, after being 
notified of the deficiencies and having an opportunity to respond;
    (6) An organization fails to maintain eligibility for recognition 
under Sec.  1292.11, after being notified of the deficiencies and having 
an opportunity to respond; or
    (7) An organization on inactive status fails to have an individual 
approved as an accredited representative within the time provided under 
Sec.  1292.16(i).
    (c) Bases for administrative termination of accreditation. The bases 
for termination of accreditation under this section are:
    (1) An individual's organization has had its recognition terminated 
pursuant to this section or terminated or revoked pursuant to 8 CFR 
1003.101 et seq.;
    (2) An organization does not submit a request for renewal of the 
individual's accreditation at the time required for renewal;
    (3) An organization's request for renewal of an individual's 
accreditation is disapproved or request for reconsideration after 
disapproval and, if applicable, request for administrative review 
pursuant to Sec.  1292.18, is denied;
    (4) An accredited representative submits a written request to the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) for termination of the representative's accreditation;
    (5) An organization submits a written request to the Assistant 
Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) 
for termination of the accreditation of one or more of its 
representatives; or
    (6) An individual fails to maintain eligibility for accreditation 
under

[[Page 1221]]

Sec.  1292.12, after the individual's organization has been notified of 
the deficiencies and has had an opportunity to respond.
    (d) Request for reconsideration. An organization whose recognition 
is terminated pursuant to paragraph (b)(5) or (6) of this section or the 
accreditation of its representative(s) is terminated pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(6) of this section may make one request for 
reconsideration of the disapproval within 30 days of the determination. 
The recognition of the organization and the accreditation of any 
representatives for whom the organization timely requests 
reconsideration shall remain valid pending the Assistant Director for 
Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate's) 
consideration of the reconsideration request. The Assistant Director for 
Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) is authorized 
to allow requests and determinations described in this paragraph to be 
made electronically.
    (e) Effect of administrative termination of recognition. The 
Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) determination to terminate recognition is final as of the 
date of service of the administrative termination notice. Upon service 
or electronic delivery of an administrative termination of recognition 
notice to the organization's accredited representatives by the Office of 
Policy, the organization's representatives shall no longer be authorized 
to represent clients before the Immigration Courts, the Board, or DHS on 
behalf of that organization, but the notice shall not affect an 
individual's accreditation through another recognized organization 
unless otherwise specified. An organization whose recognition is 
terminated may submit a new request for recognition at any time after 
its termination unless otherwise prohibited.
    (f) Effect of administrative termination of accreditation. The 
Assistant Director for Policy's (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate's) determination to terminate accreditation is final as of the 
date of service of the administrative termination notice. Upon service 
or electronic delivery of an administrative termination of accreditation 
notice to an accredited representative by the Office of Policy, the 
individual shall no longer be authorized to represent clients before the 
Immigration Courts, the Board, or DHS on behalf of that organization, 
but the notice does not affect the individual's accreditation through 
another organization unless specified in the determination. An 
organization may submit a request for accreditation on behalf of any 
individual whose accreditation has been terminated unless otherwise 
prohibited.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]



Sec.  1292.18  Administrative review of denied requests for reconsideration.

    (a) Authority of the Director. The Director has the discretionary 
authority to review a request for reconsideration pursuant to Sec.  
1292.13(e), Sec.  1292.16(f), or Sec.  1292.17(d) that has been denied.
    (1) An organization whose request for reconsideration pursuant to 
Sec.  1292.13(e), Sec.  1292.16(f), or Sec.  1292.17(d) has been denied 
may request administrative review from the Director within ten (10) days 
of the denial, identifying the alleged factual or legal errors in the 
underlying determination. The request for administrative review shall be 
submitted to the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant 
Director for Policy's delegate), who will forward the request to the 
Director.
    (2) The Director may review a request for reconsideration pursuant 
to Sec.  1292.13(e), Sec.  1292.16(f), or Sec.  1292.17(d) that has been 
denied on the Director's own initiative by issuing a notification of 
administrative review within ten (10) days of the denial. This 
notification shall state the issues to be reviewed.
    (3) The recognition of the organization and the accreditation of any 
representatives that are subject to administrative review as described 
in this section shall remain valid pending the Director's consideration 
of the request, except in the case of an interim suspension pursuant to 
8 CFR 1003.111.
    (b) Review. The Director shall review the record before the Office 
of Policy and the organization's request for administrative review, and, 
in the Director's discretion, may request additional filings from the 
organization. The Director may affirm the denial of

[[Page 1222]]

the request for reconsideration or vacate the denial and return the 
matter to the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director 
for Policy's delegate) for further action consistent with the Director's 
determination. The Director may not approve a request for recognition or 
accreditation or renewal thereof.
    (c) Referral of cases to the Attorney General. The Director will 
refer to the Attorney General for review of decisions pursuant to this 
section in all cases that the Attorney General directs the Director to 
refer to him or that the Director believes should be referred to him.
    (d) Decisions as precedents. The Director, in his discretion, may 
cause reconsideration decisions by the OLAP Director pursuant to Sec.  
1292.13(e), Sec.  1292.16(f), or Sec.  1292.17(d), or decisions by the 
Director pursuant to this section to be published as precedents in the 
same manner as decisions of the Board and the Attorney General. Such 
decisions by the OLAP Director, except as overruled by the Director, and 
such decisions by the Director, except as overruled by the Attorney 
General, will serve as precedents in all proceedings under part 1292 
involving the same issue or issues.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019; 
84 FR 31470, July 2, 2019; 85 FR 69482, Nov. 3, 2020]



Sec.  1292.19  Complaints against recognized organizations 
and accredited representatives.

    (a) Filing complaints. Any individual may submit a complaint to EOIR 
or DHS that a recognized organization or accredited representative has 
engaged in behavior that is a ground of termination or otherwise 
contrary to the public interest. Complaints must be submitted in writing 
or on Form EOIR-44 to the EOIR disciplinary counsel or DHS disciplinary 
counsel and must state in detail the information that supports the basis 
for the complaint, including, but not limited to: The name and address 
of each complainant; the name and address of each recognized 
organization and accredited representative that is a subject of the 
complaint; the nature of the conduct or behavior; the individuals 
involved; and any other relevant information. EOIR disciplinary counsel 
and DHS disciplinary counsel shall notify each other of any complaint 
that pertains, in whole or in part, to a matter involving the other 
agency. EOIR may authorize that complaints submitted to the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel may be made electronically.
    (b) Preliminary inquiry. Upon receipt of the complaint, the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel shall initiate a preliminary inquiry. If a 
complaint is filed by a client or former client of a recognized 
organization or any of its accredited representatives, the complainant 
waives the attorney-client privilege and any other privilege relating to 
the representation to the extent necessary to conduct a preliminary 
inquiry and any subsequent proceedings based thereon. If the EOIR 
disciplinary counsel determines that a complaint is without merit, no 
further action will be taken. The EOIR disciplinary counsel may also, in 
the disciplinary counsel's discretion, dismiss a complaint if the 
complainant fails to comply with reasonable requests for information or 
documentation. If the EOIR disciplinary counsel determines that a 
complaint has merit, the EOIR disciplinary counsel may disclose 
information concerning the complaint or the preliminary inquiry to the 
Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's 
delegate) pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.108(a)(3) or initiate disciplinary 
proceedings through the filing of a Notice of Intent to Discipline 
pursuant to 8 CFR 1003.105. If a complaint involves allegations that a 
recognized organization or accredited representative engaged in criminal 
conduct, the EOIR disciplinary counsel shall refer the matter to DHS or 
the appropriate United States Attorney, and if appropriate, to the 
Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other law 
enforcement agency.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]

[[Page 1223]]



Sec.  1292.20  Roster of recognized organizations 
and accredited representatives.

    The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for 
Policy's delegate) shall maintain a roster of recognized organizations 
and their accredited representatives. An electronic copy of the roster 
shall be made available to the public and updated periodically.

[81 FR 92367, Dec. 19, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 44542, Aug. 26, 2019]

[[Page 1224]]



                  SUBCHAPTER C_NATIONALITY REGULATIONS





PART 1299_IMMIGRATION REVIEW FORMS--Table of Contents



Sec.
1299.1 Use of immigration forms.
1299.2 Specific immigration review forms.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1252, 1429, 1443; Homeland Security Act of 
2002, Pub. L. 107-296.

    Source: 68 FR 9845, Feb. 28, 2003, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  1299.1  Use of immigration forms.

    In addition to forms prepared by the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, 
immigration judges, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and administrative 
law judges use forms listed under 8 CFR chapter I, part 299.



Sec.  1299.2  Specific immigration review forms.

    The Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review may 
designate the specific version of a form listed in 8 CFR chapter I, part 
299, which shall be utilized in filings before the immigration judges, 
the Board of Immigration Appeals, and administrative law judges.



PART 1337_OATH OF ALLEGIANCE--Table of Contents



Sec.
1337.1 Oath of allegiance.
1337.2 Oath administered by the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
          or an Immigration Judge.
1337.3 Expedited administration of oath of allegiance.
1337.4 When requests for change of name granted.
1337.5-1337.6 [Reserved]
1337.7 Information and assignment of individuals under exclusive 
          jurisdiction.
1337.8 Oath administered by the courts.
1337.9 Effective date of naturalization.
1337.10 Failure to appear for oath administration ceremony.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1443, 1448; 8 CFR part 2.

    Source: Duplicated from part 337 at 68 FR 9845, Feb. 28, 2003.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1337 appear at 68 FR 
9846, Feb. 28, 2003, and 68 FR 10360, Mar. 5, 2003.



Sec.  1337.1  Oath of allegiance.

    (a) Form of oath. Except as otherwise provided in the Act and after 
receiving notice from the district director that such applicant is 
eligible for naturalization pursuant to Sec.  335.3 of 8 CFR chapter I, 
an applicant for naturalization shall, before being admitted to 
citizenship, take in a public ceremony held within the United States the 
following oath of allegiance, to a copy of which the applicant shall 
affix his or her signature:

    I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce 
and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, 
state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject 
or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of 
the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; 
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear 
arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I 
will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United 
States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national 
importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I 
take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose 
of evasion; so help me God.

    (b) Alteration of form of oath; affirmation in lieu of oath. In 
those cases in which a petitioner or applicant for naturalization is 
exempt from taking the oath prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section 
in its entirety, the inapplicable clauses shall be deleted and the oath 
shall be taken in such altered form. When a petitioner or applicant for 
naturalization, by reason of religious training and belief (or 
individual interpretation thereof), or for other reasons of good 
conscience, cannot take the oath prescribed in paragraph (a) of this 
section with the words ``on oath'' and ``so help me God'' included, the 
words ``and solemnly affirm'' shall be substituted for the words ``on 
oath,'' the words ``so help me God'' shall be deleted, and the oath 
shall be taken in such modified form. Any reference to

[[Page 1225]]

`oath of allegiance' in 8 CFR chapter I is understood to mean equally 
`affirmation of allegiance' as described in this paragraph.
    (c) Obligations of oath. A petitioner or applicant for 
naturalization shall, before being naturalized, establish that it is his 
or her intention, in good faith, to assume and discharge the obligations 
of the oath of allegiance, and that his or her attitude toward the 
Constitution and laws of the United States renders him or her capable of 
fulfilling the obligations of such oath.
    (d) Renunciation of title or order of nobility. A petitioner or 
applicant for naturalization who has borne any hereditary title or has 
been of any of the orders of nobility in any foreign state shall, in 
addition to taking the oath of allegiance prescribed in paragraph (a) of 
this section, make under oath or affirmation in public an express 
renunciation of such title or order of nobility, in the following form:
    (1) I further renounce the title of (give title or titles) which I 
have heretofore held; or
    (2) I further renounce the order of nobility (give the order of 
nobility) to which I have heretofore belonged.

[22 FR 9824, Dec. 6, 1957, as amended at 24 FR 2584, Apr. 3, 1959; 32 FR 
13756, Oct. 3, 1967; 56 FR 50499, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec.  1337.2  Oath administered by the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
or an Immigration Judge.

    (a) Public ceremony. An applicant for naturalization who has elected 
to have his or her oath of allegiance administered by the Service or an 
Immigration Judge and is not subject to the exclusive oath 
administration authority of an eligible court pursuant to section 310(b) 
of the Act shall appear in person in a public ceremony, unless such 
appearance is specifically excused under the terms and conditions set 
forth in this part. Such ceremony shall be held at a time and place 
designated by the Service or the Executive Office for Immigration Review 
within the United States and within the jurisdiction where the 
application for naturalization was filed, or into which the application 
for naturalization was transferred pursuant to Sec.  335.9 of 8 CFR 
chapter I. Such ceremonies shall be conducted at regular intervals as 
frequently as necessary to ensure timely naturalization, but in all 
events at least once monthly where it is required to minimize 
unreasonable delays. Such ceremonies shall be presented in such a manner 
as to preserve the dignity and significance of the occasion. District 
directors shall ensure that ceremonies conducted by the Service in their 
districts, inclusive of those held by suboffice managers, are in keeping 
with the Model Plan for Naturalization Ceremonies. Organizations 
traditionally involved in activities surrounding the ceremony should be 
encouraged to participate in Service-administered ceremonies by local 
arrangement.
    (b) Authority to administer oath of allegiance. The authority of the 
Attorney General to administer the oath of allegiance shall be delegated 
to Immigration Judges and to the following officers of the Service: The 
Commissioner; district directors; deputy district directors; officers-
in-charge; assistant officers-in-charge; or persons acting in behalf of 
such officers due to their absence or because their positions are 
vacant. In exceptional cases where the district director or officer-in-
charge determines that it is appropriate for employees of a different 
rank to conduct ceremonies, the district director or officer-in-charge 
may make a request through the Commissioner to the Assistant 
Commissioner, Adjudications, for permission to delegate such authority. 
The request shall furnish the reasons for seeking exemption from the 
requirements of this paragraph. The Commissioner may delegate such 
authority to such other officers of the Service or the Department of 
Justice as he or she may deem appropriate.
    (c) Execution of questionnaire. Immediately prior to being 
administered the oath of allegiance, each applicant shall complete the 
questionnaire on Form N-445. Each completed Form N-445 shall be reviewed 
by an officer of the Service who may question the applicant regarding 
the information thereon. If derogatory information is revealed, the 
applicant's name shall be removed from the list of eligible persons as 
provided in Sec.  335.5 of 8 CFR chapter I and

[[Page 1226]]

he or she shall not be administered the oath.

[60 FR 37803, July 24, 1995]



Sec.  1337.3  Expedited administration of oath of allegiance.

    (a) An applicant may be granted an expedited oath administration 
ceremony by either the court or the Service upon demonstrating 
sufficient cause. In determining whether to grant an expedited oath 
administration ceremony, the court or the district director shall 
consider special circumstances of a compelling or humanitarian nature. 
Special circumstances may include but are not limited to:
    (1) The serious illness of the applicant or a member of the 
applicant's family;
    (2) Permanent disability of the applicant sufficiently 
incapacitating as to prevent the applicant's personal appearance at a 
scheduled ceremony;
    (3) The developmental disability or advanced age of the applicant 
which would make appearance at a scheduled ceremony inappropriate; or
    (4) Urgent or compelling circumstances relating to travel or 
employment determined by the court or the Service to be sufficiently 
meritorious to warrant special consideration.
    (b) Courts exercising exclusive authority may either hold an 
expedited oath administration ceremony or refer the applicant to the 
Service in order for either the Immigration Judge or the Service to 
conduct an oath administration ceremony, if an expedited judicial oath 
administration ceremony is impractical. The court shall inform the 
district director in writing of its decision to grant the applicant an 
expedited oath administration ceremony and that the court has 
relinquished exclusive jurisdiction as to that applicant.
    (c) All requests for expedited administration of the oath of 
allegiance shall be made in writing to either the court or the Service. 
Such requests shall contain sufficient information to substantiate the 
claim of special circumstances to permit either the court or the Service 
to properly exercise the discretionary authority to grant the relief 
sought. The court or the Service may seek verification of the validity 
of the information provided in the request. If the applicant submits a 
written request to the Service, but is awaiting an oath administration 
ceremony by a court pursuant to Sec.  1337.8, the Service promptly shall 
provide the court with a copy of the request without reaching a decision 
on whether to grant or deny the request.

[60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995]



Sec.  1337.4  When requests for change of name granted.

    When the court has granted the petitioner's change of name request, 
the petitioner shall subscribe his or her new name to the written oath 
of allegiance.

[56 FR 50500, Oct. 7, 1991]



Sec. Sec.  1337.5-1337.6  [Reserved]



Sec.  1337.7  Information and assignment of individuals under 
exclusive jurisdiction.

    (a) No later than at the time of the examination on the application 
pursuant to Sec.  335.2 of 8 CFR chapter I, an employee of the Service 
shall advise the applicant of his or her right to elect the site for the 
administration of the oath of allegiance, subject to the exclusive 
jurisdiction provision of Sec.  310.3(d) of 8 CFR chapter I. In order to 
assist the applicant in making an informed decision, the Service shall 
advise the applicant of the upcoming Immigration Judge or Service 
conducted and judicial ceremonies at which the applicant may appear, if 
found eligible for naturalization.
    (b) An applicant whose application has been approved by the Service 
who is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of a court pursuant to 
Sec.  310.2(d) of 8 CFR chapter I, shall be advised of the next 
available court ceremony and provided with a written notice to appear at 
that ceremony. If the applicant is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction 
of more than one court exercising exclusive jurisdiction, the applicant 
will be informed of the upcoming ceremonies in each affected court. The 
applicant shall decide which court he or she

[[Page 1227]]

wishes to administer the oath of allegiance.

[58 FR 49915, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995]



Sec.  1337.8  Oath administered by the courts.

    (a) Notification of election. An applicant for naturalization not 
subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Sec.  310.2(d) of 8 CFR chapter 
I shall notify the Service at the time of the filing of, or no later 
than at the examination on, the application of his or her election to 
have the oath of allegiance administered in an appropriate court having 
jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence.
    (b) Certification of eligibility--(1) Exclusive jurisdiction. In 
those instances falling within the exclusive jurisdiction provision of 
section 310(b)(1)(B) of the Act, the Service shall notify the court of 
the applicant's eligibility for admission to United States citizenship 
by submitting to the clerk of court Form N-646 within ten (10) days of 
the approval of the application.
    (2) Non-exclusive jurisdiction. In those instances in which the 
applicant has elected to have the oath administered in a court ceremony, 
the Service shall notify the clerk of court, in writing, using Form N-
646, that the applicant has been determined by the Attorney General to 
be eligible for admission to United States citizenship upon taking the 
requisite oath of allegiance and renunciation in a public ceremony. If a 
scheduled hearing date is not available at the time of the notification, 
Form N-646 shall indicate that the applicant has not been scheduled for 
a ceremony and the applicant shall be informed in writing that the 
application has been approved but no ceremony date is yet available.
    (c) Preparation of lists. (1) At or prior to the oath administration 
ceremony the representative attending the ceremony shall submit to the 
court on Form N-647, in duplicate, lists of persons to be administered 
the oath of allegiance and renunciation. After the ceremony, and after 
any required amendments and notations have been made therein, the clerk 
of court shall sign the lists.
    (2) The originals of all court lists specified in this section shall 
be filed permanently in the court, and the duplicates returned by the 
clerk of court to the appropriate Service office for retention by such 
office. The same disposition shall be made of any list presented to, but 
not approved by, the court.
    (d) Personal representation of the government at oath administration 
ceremonies. An oath administration ceremony shall be attended by a 
representative of the Service, who shall review each applicant's 
completed questionnaire Form N-445. If necessary, the Service 
representative shall question the applicant regarding the information 
thereon. If the questioning reveals derogatory information, the 
applicant's name shall be removed from the list of eligible persons as 
provided in Sec.  335.5 of 8 CFR chapter I and the court shall not 
administer the oath to such applicant.
    (e) Written report in lieu of personal representation. If it is 
impracticable for a Service representative to be present at a judicial 
oath administration ceremony, written notice of that fact shall be given 
by the Service to the court. The applicants to be administered the oath 
shall be listed on the appropriate forms prescribed in paragraph (d) of 
this section. The forms, memoranda, and certificates of naturalization 
shall be transmitted to the clerk of court, who shall submit the 
appropriate lists to the court.
    (f) Withdrawal from court. An applicant for naturalization not 
subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Sec.  310.3(d) of 8 CFR chapter 
I, who has elected to have the oath administered in a court oath 
ceremony, may, for good cause shown, request that his or her name be 
removed from the list of persons eligible to be administered the oath at 
a court oath ceremony and request that the oath be administered in a 
ceremony conducted by an Immigration Judge or the Service. Such request 
shall be in writing to the Service office which granted the application 
and shall cite the reasons for the request. The district director or 
officer-in-charge shall consider the good cause

[[Page 1228]]

shown and the best interests of the applicant in making a decision. If 
it is determined that the applicant shall be permitted to withdraw his 
or her name from the court ceremony, the Service shall give written 
notice to the court of the applicant's withdrawal, and the applicant 
shall be scheduled for the next available oath ceremony, conducted by an 
Immigration Judge or the Service, as if he or she had never elected the 
court ceremony.

[58 FR 49915, Sept. 24, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995]



Sec.  1337.9  Effective date of naturalization.

    (a) An applicant for naturalization shall be deemed a citizen of the 
United States as of the date on which the applicant takes the prescribed 
oath of allegiance, administered either by the Service or an Immigration 
Judge in an administrative ceremony or in a ceremony conducted by an 
appropriate court under Sec.  1337.8 of 8 CFR chapter I.
    (b) [Reserved]

[56 FR 50500, Oct. 7, 1991, as amended at 60 FR 37804, July 24, 1995; 66 
FR 32147, June 13, 2001]



Sec.  1337.10  Failure to appear for oath administration ceremony.

    An applicant who fails to appear without good cause for more than 
one oath administration ceremony for which he or she was duly notified 
shall be presumed to have abandoned his or her intent to be naturalized. 
Such presumption shall be regarded as the receipt of derogatory 
information, and the procedures contained in Sec.  335.5 of 8 CFR 
chapter I shall be followed.

[58 FR 49916, Sept. 24, 1993]

                       PARTS 1338	1399 [RESERVED]

[[Page 1229]]



                              FINDING AIDS




  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and 
an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in 
the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations 
which is published separately and revised annually.

  Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
  Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
  List of CFR Sections Affected

[[Page 1231]]



                    Table of CFR Titles and Chapters




                     (Revised as of January 1, 2024)

                      Title 1--General Provisions

         I  Administrative Committee of the Federal Register 
                (Parts 1--49)
        II  Office of the Federal Register (Parts 50--299)
       III  Administrative Conference of the United States (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Miscellaneous Agencies (Parts 400--599)
        VI  National Capital Planning Commission (Parts 600--699)

                    Title 2--Grants and Agreements

            Subtitle A--Office of Management and Budget Guidance 
                for Grants and Agreements
         I  Office of Management and Budget Governmentwide 
                Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Parts 2--199)
        II  Office of Management and Budget Guidance (Parts 200--
                299)
            Subtitle B--Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and 
                Agreements
       III  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
        IV  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
         X  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Department of Defense (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
     XVIII  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        XX  United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 
                2000--2099)
      XXII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2200--2299)
     XXIII  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                2600--2699)

[[Page 1232]]

     XXVII  Small Business Administration (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
      XXIX  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 3100--
                3199)
     XXXII  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 3300--
                3399)
     XXXIV  Department of Education (Parts 3400--3499)
      XXXV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 3500--
                3599)
     XXXVI  Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive 
                Office of the President (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Peace Corps (Parts 3700--3799)
     LVIII  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
       LIX  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 5900--
                5999)
        LX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 6000--6099)

                        Title 3--The President

         I  Executive Office of the President (Parts 100--199)

                           Title 4--Accounts

         I  Government Accountability Office (Parts 1--199)

                   Title 5--Administrative Personnel

         I  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1--1199)
        II  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 1300--1399)
        IV  Office of Personnel Management and Office of the 
                Director of National Intelligence (Parts 1400--
                1499)
         V  The International Organizations Employees Loyalty 
                Board (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      VIII  Office of Special Counsel (Parts 1800--1899)
        IX  Appalachian Regional Commission (Parts 1900--1999)
        XI  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 2100--2199)
       XIV  Federal Labor Relations Authority, General Counsel of 
                the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Federal 
                Service Impasses Panel (Parts 2400--2499)
       XVI  Office of Government Ethics (Parts 2600--2699)
       XXI  Department of the Treasury (Parts 3100--3199)
      XXII  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 3200--
                3299)
     XXIII  Department of Energy (Parts 3300--3399)
      XXIV  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Parts 3400--
                3499)
       XXV  Department of the Interior (Parts 3500--3599)

[[Page 1233]]

      XXVI  Department of Defense (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 3800--3899)
      XXIX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 3900--3999)
       XXX  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4099)
      XXXI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 4100--4199)
    XXXIII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 4300--4399)
     XXXIV  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 4400--4499)
      XXXV  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 4500--4599)
     XXXVI  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 4600--4699)
    XXXVII  Federal Election Commission (Parts 4700--4799)
        XL  Interstate Commerce Commission (Parts 5000--5099)
       XLI  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 5100--
                5199)
      XLII  Department of Labor (Parts 5200--5299)
     XLIII  National Science Foundation (Parts 5300--5399)
       XLV  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 5500--
                5599)
      XLVI  Postal Rate Commission (Parts 5600--5699)
     XLVII  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 5700--5799)
    XLVIII  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
      XLIX  Federal Labor Relations Authority (Parts 5900--5999)
         L  Department of Transportation (Parts 6000--6099)
       LII  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 6200--
                6299)
      LIII  Department of Education (Parts 6300--6399)
       LIV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 6400--6499)
        LV  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 6500--6599)
       LVI  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 6600--
                6699)
      LVII  General Services Administration (Parts 6700--6799)
     LVIII  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
                (Parts 6800--6899)
       LIX  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                6900--6999)
        LX  United States Postal Service (Parts 7000--7099)
       LXI  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 7100--7199)
      LXII  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 7200--
                7299)
     LXIII  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 7300--7399)
      LXIV  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 7400--7499)
       LXV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                7500--7599)
      LXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                7600--7699)
     LXVII  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 7700--
                7799)
    LXVIII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 7800--7899)
      LXIX  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 7900--7999)
       LXX  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 8000--8099)
      LXXI  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 8100--8199)

[[Page 1234]]

    LXXIII  Department of Agriculture (Parts 8300--8399)
     LXXIV  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 8400--8499)
     LXXVI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                8600--8699)
    LXXVII  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 8700--8799)
      LXXX  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 9000--9099)
   LXXXIII  Special Inspector General for Afghanistan 
                Reconstruction (Parts 9300--9399)
    LXXXIV  Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 9400--
                9499)
    LXXXVI  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 9600--
                9699)
     XCVII  Department of Homeland Security Human Resources 
                Management System (Department of Homeland 
                Security--Office of Personnel Management) (Parts 
                9700--9799)
    XCVIII  Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 
                Efficiency (Parts 9800--9899)
      XCIX  Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
                Commission (Parts 9900--9999)
         C  National Council on Disability (Parts 10000--10049)
        CI  National Mediation Board (Parts 10100--10199)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10200--10299)
       CII  U.S. Office of Special Counsel (Parts 10300--10399)
       CIV  Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement 
                Coordinator (Part 10400--10499)

                      Title 6--Domestic Security

         I  Department of Homeland Security, Office of the 
                Secretary (Parts 1--199)
         X  Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Parts 
                1000--1099)

                         Title 7--Agriculture

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Agriculture 
                (Parts 0--26)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of 
                Agriculture
         I  Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, 
                Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 27--209)
        II  Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 210--299)
       III  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         V  Agricultural Research Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                700--799)

[[Page 1235]]

      VIII  Agricultural Marketing Service (Federal Grain 
                Inspection Service, Fair Trade Practices Program), 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 900--999)
         X  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Milk), Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1000--1199)
        XI  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Miscellaneous Commodities), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1200--1299)
       XIV  Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  [Reserved]
      XVII  Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
                Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service 
                Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1800--
                2099)
        XX  [Reserved]
       XXV  Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 2600--2699)
     XXVII  Office of Information Resources Management, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of Operations, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                2800--2899)
      XXIX  Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Office of Environmental Quality, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3100--3199)
     XXXII  Office of Procurement and Property Management, 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  Office of Transportation, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3300--3399)
     XXXIV  National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Parts 
                3400--3499)
      XXXV  Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3500--3599)
     XXXVI  National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3700--3799)
   XXXVIII  World Agricultural Outlook Board, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3800--3899)
       XLI  [Reserved]

[[Page 1236]]

      XLII  Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities 
                Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 4200--
                4299)
         L  Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural 
                Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 5000--5099)

                    Title 8--Aliens and Nationality

         I  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--499)
         V  Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1000--1399)

                 Title 9--Animals and Animal Products

         I  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade Practices 
                Program), Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 300--599)

                           Title 10--Energy

         I  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Department of Energy (Parts 200--699)
       III  Department of Energy (Parts 700--999)
         X  Department of Energy (General Provisions) (Parts 
                1000--1099)
      XIII  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Parts 1300--
                1399)
      XVII  Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Parts 1700--
                1799)
     XVIII  Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste 
                Commission (Parts 1800--1899)

                      Title 11--Federal Elections

         I  Federal Election Commission (Parts 1--9099)
        II  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 9400--9499)

                      Title 12--Banks and Banking

         I  Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1--199)
        II  Federal Reserve System (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 400--
                499)
         V  [Reserved]
        VI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Federal Financing Bank (Parts 800--899)
        IX  (Parts 900--999)[Reserved]

[[Page 1237]]

         X  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Parts 1000--
                1099)
        XI  Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Financial Stability Oversight Council (Parts 1300--
                1399)
       XIV  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Office of Financial Research, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, 
                Department of the Treasury (Parts 1800--1899)

               Title 13--Business Credit and Assistance

         I  Small Business Administration (Parts 1--199)
       III  Economic Development Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (Parts 400--499)
         V  Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board (Parts 
                500--599)

                    Title 14--Aeronautics and Space

         I  Federal Aviation Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--199)
        II  Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation 
                (Aviation Proceedings) (Parts 200--399)
       III  Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 400--1199)
         V  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        VI  Air Transportation System Stabilization (Parts 1300--
                1399)

                 Title 15--Commerce and Foreign Trade

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Commerce (Parts 
                0--29)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Commerce and 
                Foreign Trade
         I  Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                30--199)
        II  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 400--499)
       VII  Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 700--799)

[[Page 1238]]

      VIII  Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 900--999)
        XI  National Technical Information Service, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 1100--1199)
      XIII  East-West Foreign Trade Board (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Minority Business Development Agency (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Office of the Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 1500--1599)
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Foreign Trade 
                Agreements
        XX  Office of the United States Trade Representative 
                (Parts 2000--2099)
            Subtitle D--Regulations Relating to Telecommunications 
                and Information
     XXIII  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                2300--2399) [Reserved]

                    Title 16--Commercial Practices

         I  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 0--999)
        II  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 1000--1799)

             Title 17--Commodity and Securities Exchanges

         I  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 1--199)
        II  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499)

          Title 18--Conservation of Power and Water Resources

         I  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of 
                Energy (Parts 1--399)
       III  Delaware River Basin Commission (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Water Resources Council (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Parts 800--899)
      XIII  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 1300--1399)

                       Title 19--Customs Duties

         I  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of 
                Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--199)
        II  United States International Trade Commission (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department 
                of Homeland Security (Parts 400--599) [Reserved]

[[Page 1239]]

                     Title 20--Employees' Benefits

         I  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200--399)
       III  Social Security Administration (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 500--599)
         V  Employment and Training Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 600--699)
        VI  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 
                800--899)
      VIII  Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 
                900--999)
        IX  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1000--1099)

                       Title 21--Food and Drugs

         I  Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1--1299)
        II  Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 1300--1399)
       III  Office of National Drug Control Policy (Parts 1400--
                1499)

                      Title 22--Foreign Relations

         I  Department of State (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agency for International Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Peace Corps (Parts 300--399)
        IV  International Joint Commission, United States and 
                Canada (Parts 400--499)
         V  United States Agency for Global Media (Parts 500--599)
       VII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 700--799)
        IX  Foreign Service Grievance Board (Parts 900--999)
         X  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  International Boundary and Water Commission, United 
                States and Mexico, United States Section (Parts 
                1100--1199)
       XII  United States International Development Cooperation 
                Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Millennium Challenge Corporation (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Foreign Service Labor Relations Board; Federal Labor 
                Relations Authority; General Counsel of the 
                Federal Labor Relations Authority; and the Foreign 
                Service Impasse Disputes Panel (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  African Development Foundation (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      XVII  United States Institute of Peace (Parts 1700--1799)

[[Page 1240]]

                          Title 23--Highways

         I  Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--999)
        II  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 
                Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1300--1399)

                Title 24--Housing and Urban Development

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Housing and Urban Development (Parts 0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban 
                Development
         I  Office of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                100--199)
        II  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Government National Mortgage Association, Department 
                of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Housing and Office of Multifamily Housing 
                Assistance Restructuring, Department of Housing 
                and Urban Development (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 600--699) [Reserved]
       VII  Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Housing Assistance Programs and 
                Public and Indian Housing Programs) (Parts 700--
                799)
      VIII  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Section 8 Housing Assistance 
                Programs, Section 202 Direct Loan Program, Section 
                202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and 
                Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With 
                Disabilities Program) (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
                Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 900--1699)
         X  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Interstate Land Sales 
                Registration Program) (Parts 1700--1799) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 2000--2099)
        XV  Emergency Mortgage Insurance and Loan Programs, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2700--2799) [Reserved]

[[Page 1241]]

        XX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 3200--3899)
      XXIV  Board of Directors of the HOPE for Homeowners Program 
                (Parts 4000--4099) [Reserved]
       XXV  Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Parts 4100--
                4199)

                           Title 25--Indians

         I  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--299)
        II  Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 300--399)
       III  National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
        IV  Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Parts 
                700--899)
         V  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 
                and Indian Health Service, Department of Health 
                and Human Services (Part 900--999)
        VI  Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--1199)
       VII  Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                      Title 26--Internal Revenue

         I  Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 1--End)

           Title 27--Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms

         I  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department 
                of the Treasury (Parts 1--399)
        II  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 
                Department of Justice (Parts 400--799)

                   Title 28--Judicial Administration

         I  Department of Justice (Parts 0--299)
       III  Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice 
                (Parts 300--399)
         V  Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice (Parts 500--
                599)
        VI  Offices of Independent Counsel, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Independent Counsel (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council 
                (Parts 900--999)

[[Page 1242]]

        XI  Department of Justice and Department of State (Parts 
                1100--1199)

                            Title 29--Labor

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Labor (Parts 
                0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor
         I  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Railroad Adjustment Board (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 400--499)
         V  Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (Parts 
                500--899)
        IX  Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission 
                (Parts 900--999)
         X  National Mediation Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       XII  Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Parts 
                1400--1499)
       XIV  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 1600--
                1699)
      XVII  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
                Department of Labor (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2200--2499)
       XXV  Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 2500--2599)
     XXVII  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2700--2799)
        XL  Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4999)

                      Title 30--Mineral Resources

         I  Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 200--299)
        IV  Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
       VII  Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 700--999)
       XII  Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                 Title 31--Money and Finance: Treasury

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--50)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Money and Finance

[[Page 1243]]

         I  Monetary Offices, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                51--199)
        II  Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                200--399)
        IV  Secret Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Investment Security, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Federal Claims Collection Standards (Department of the 
                Treasury--Department of Justice) (Parts 900--999)
         X  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)

                      Title 32--National Defense

            Subtitle A--Department of Defense
         I  Office of the Secretary of Defense (Parts 1--399)
         V  Department of the Army (Parts 400--699)
        VI  Department of the Navy (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Department of the Air Force (Parts 800--1099)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National 
                Defense
       XII  Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (Parts 
                1200--1299)
       XVI  Selective Service System (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of the Director of National Intelligence (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  National Counterintelligence Center (Parts 1800--1899)
       XIX  Central Intelligence Agency (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Information Security Oversight Office, National 
                Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2000--
                2099)
       XXI  National Security Council (Parts 2100--2199)
      XXIV  Office of Science and Technology Policy (Parts 2400--
                2499)
     XXVII  Office for Micronesian Status Negotiations (Parts 
                2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of the Vice President of the United States 
                (Parts 2800--2899)

               Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department 
                of Defense (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development 
                Corporation, Department of Transportation (Parts 
                400--499)

[[Page 1244]]

                          Title 34--Education

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Education (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Offices of the 
                Department of Education
         I  Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 200--299)
       III  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
                Services, Department of Education (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 
                Affairs, Department of Education (Parts 500--599) 
                [Reserved]
        VI  Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of 
                Education (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 
                Department of Education (Parts 700--799) 
                [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Education
        XI  [Reserved]
       XII  National Council on Disability (Parts 1200--1299)

                          Title 35 [Reserved]

             Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property

         I  National Park Service, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
        II  Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  American Battle Monuments Commission (Parts 400--499)
         V  Smithsonian Institution (Parts 500--599)
        VI  [Reserved]
       VII  Library of Congress (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Parts 800--
                899)
        IX  Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (Parts 
                900--999)
         X  Presidio Trust (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance 
                Board (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        XV  Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust (Parts 1500--
                1599)
       XVI  Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
                Environmental Policy Foundation (Parts 1600--1699)

             Title 37--Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

         I  United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department 
                of Commerce (Parts 1--199)
        II  U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Parts 
                200--299)

[[Page 1245]]

       III  Copyright Royalty Board, Library of Congress (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 400--599)

           Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief

         I  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 0--199)
        II  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 200--299)

                       Title 39--Postal Service

         I  United States Postal Service (Parts 1--999)
       III  Postal Regulatory Commission (Parts 3000--3099)

                  Title 40--Protection of Environment

         I  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1--1099)
        IV  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1400--1499)
         V  Council on Environmental Quality (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
       VII  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Defense; Uniform National Discharge Standards for 
                Vessels of the Armed Forces (Parts 1700--1799)
      VIII  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 1800--
                1899)
        IX  Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Part 
                1900)

          Title 41--Public Contracts and Property Management

            Subtitle A--Federal Procurement Regulations System 
                [Note]
            Subtitle B--Other Provisions Relating to Public 
                Contracts
        50  Public Contracts, Department of Labor (Parts 50-1--50-
                999)
        51  Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or 
                Severely Disabled (Parts 51-1--51-99)
        60  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal 
                Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor (Parts 
                60-1--60-999)
        61  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 61-1--61-999)
 Chapters 
   62--100  [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Federal Property Management Regulations 
                System
       101  Federal Property Management Regulations (Parts 101-1--
                101-99)
       102  Federal Management Regulation (Parts 102-1--102-299)
 Chapters 
  103--104  (Parts 103-001--104-099) [Reserved]

[[Page 1246]]

       105  General Services Administration (Parts 105-1--105-999)
       109  Department of Energy Property Management Regulations 
                (Parts 109-1--109-99)
       114  Department of the Interior (Parts 114-1--114-99)
       115  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 115-1--115-99)
       128  Department of Justice (Parts 128-1--128-99)
 Chapters 
  129--200  [Reserved]
            Subtitle D--Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security
       201  Federal Acquisition Security Council (Parts 201-1--
                201-99).
            Subtitle E [Reserved]
            Subtitle F--Federal Travel Regulation System
       300  General (Parts 300-1--300-99)
       301  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances (Parts 301-1--
                301-99)
       302  Relocation Allowances (Parts 302-1--302-99)
       303  Payment of Expenses Connected with the Death of 
                Certain Employees (Part 303-1--303-99)
       304  Payment of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source 
                (Parts 304-1--304-99)

                        Title 42--Public Health

         I  Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 1--199)
 Chapters 
   II--III  [Reserved]
        IV  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--699)
         V  Office of Inspector General-Health Care, Department of 
                Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)

                   Title 43--Public Lands: Interior

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Lands
         I  Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 400--999)
        II  Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1000--9999)
       III  Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 
                Commission (Parts 10000--10099)

             Title 44--Emergency Management and Assistance

         I  Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 0--399)

[[Page 1247]]

        IV  Department of Commerce and Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 400--499)

                       Title 45--Public Welfare

            Subtitle A--Department of Health and Human Services 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Welfare
        II  Office of Family Assistance (Assistance Programs), 
                Administration for Children and Families, 
                Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  Office of Child Support Enforcement (Child Support 
                Enforcement Program), Administration for Children 
                and Families, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 400--499)
         V  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United 
                States, Department of Justice (Parts 500--599)
        VI  National Science Foundation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Denali Commission (Parts 900--999)
         X  Office of Community Services, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                1200--1299)
      XIII  Administration for Children and Families, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 1300--1399)
       XVI  Legal Services Corporation (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  National Commission on Libraries and Information 
                Science (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (Parts 1800--
                1899)
       XXI  Commission of Fine Arts (Parts 2100--2199)
     XXIII  Arctic Research Commission (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2500--2599)

                          Title 46--Shipping

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 200--399)

[[Page 1248]]

       III  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage), Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Federal Maritime Commission (Parts 500--599)

                      Title 47--Telecommunication

         I  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Office of Science and Technology Policy and National 
                Security Council (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce, and 
                National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499)
         V  The First Responder Network Authority (Parts 500--599)

           Title 48--Federal Acquisition Regulations System

         1  Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1--99)
         2  Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of 
                Defense (Parts 200--299)
         3  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
         4  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         5  General Services Administration (Parts 500--599)
         6  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
         7  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
         8  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
         9  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
        10  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        12  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
        13  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
        14  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        15  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
        16  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                1600--1699)
        17  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1700--1799)
        18  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        19  Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 1900--1999)
        20  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099)
        21  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation (Parts 2100--2199)
        23  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
        24  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
        25  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)

[[Page 1249]]

        28  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
        29  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
        30  Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security 
                Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) (Parts 3000--3099)
        34  Department of Education Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                3400--3499)
        51  Department of the Army Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5100--5199) [Reserved]
        52  Department of the Navy Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5200--5299)
        53  Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation Supplement (Parts 5300--5399) 
                [Reserved]
        54  Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense (Parts 
                5400--5499)
        57  African Development Foundation (Parts 5700--5799)
        61  Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services 
                Administration (Parts 6100--6199)
        99  Cost Accounting Standards Board, Office of Federal 
                Procurement Policy, Office of Management and 
                Budget (Parts 9900--9999)

                       Title 49--Transportation

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
                (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to 
                Transportation
         I  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Federal Railroad Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Federal Transit Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 
                (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  National Transportation Safety Board (Parts 800--999)
         X  Surface Transportation Board (Parts 1000--1399)
        XI  Research and Innovative Technology Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1400--1499) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Transportation Security Administration, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 1500--1699)

[[Page 1250]]

                   Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries

         I  United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of 
                the Interior (Parts 1--199)
        II  National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Fishing and Related Activities (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife 
                Service, Department of the Interior and National 
                Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce); Endangered Species Committee 
                Regulations (Parts 400--499)
         V  Marine Mammal Commission (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 600--699)

[[Page 1251]]





           Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR




                     (Revised as of January 1, 2024)

                                                  CFR Title, Subtitle or 
                     Agency                               Chapter

Administrative Conference of the United States    1, III
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation         36, VIII
Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                  7, XXV
Afghanistan Reconstruction, Special Inspector     5, LXXXIII
     General for
African Development Foundation                    22, XV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 57
Agency for International Development              2, VII; 22, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
Agricultural Marketing Service                    7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
Agricultural Research Service                     7, V
Agriculture, Department of                        2, IV; 5, LXXIII
  Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                7, XXV
  Agricultural Marketing Service                  7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
  Agricultural Research Service                   7, V
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service      7, III; 9, I
  Chief Financial Officer, Office of              7, XXX
  Commodity Credit Corporation                    7, XIV
  Economic Research Service                       7, XXXVII
  Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of           2, IX; 7, XXIX
  Environmental Quality, Office of                7, XXXI
  Farm Service Agency                             7, VII, XVIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 4
  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation              7, IV
  Food and Nutrition Service                      7, II
  Food Safety and Inspection Service              9, III
  Foreign Agricultural Service                    7, XV
  Forest Service                                  36, II
  Information Resources Management, Office of     7, XXVII
  Inspector General, Office of                    7, XXVI
  National Agricultural Library                   7, XLI
  National Agricultural Statistics Service        7, XXXVI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture      7, XXXIV
  Natural Resources Conservation Service          7, VI
  Operations, Office of                           7, XXVIII
  Procurement and Property Management, Office of  7, XXXII
  Rural Business-Cooperative Service              7, XVIII, XLII
  Rural Development Administration                7, XLII
  Rural Housing Service                           7, XVIII, XXXV
  Rural Utilities Service                         7, XVII, XVIII, XLII
  Secretary of Agriculture, Office of             7, Subtitle A
  Transportation, Office of                       7, XXXIII
  World Agricultural Outlook Board                7, XXXVIII
Air Force, Department of                          32, VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement       48, 53
Air Transportation Stabilization Board            14, VI
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau          27, I
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,       27, II
     Bureau of
AMTRAK                                            49, VII
American Battle Monuments Commission              36, IV
American Indians, Office of the Special Trustee   25, VII
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service        7, III; 9, I
Appalachian Regional Commission                   5, IX
Architectural and Transportation Barriers         36, XI
   Compliance Board
[[Page 1252]]

Arctic Research Commission                        45, XXIII
Armed Forces Retirement Home                      5, XI; 38, II
Army, Department of                               32, V
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 51
Benefits Review Board                             20, VII
Bilingual Education and Minority Languages        34, V
     Affairs, Office of
Blind or Severely Disabled, Committee for         41, 51
     Purchase from People Who Are
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 19
Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office    34, IV
     of
Census Bureau                                     15, I
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services          42, IV
Central Intelligence Agency                       32, XIX
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board    40, VI
Chief Financial Officer, Office of                7, XXX
Child Support Enforcement, Office of              45, III
Children and Families, Administration for         45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
Civil Rights, Commission on                       5, LXVIII; 45, VII
Civil Rights, Office for                          34, I
Coast Guard                                       33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)                46, III
Commerce, Department of                           2, XIII; 44, IV; 50, VI
  Census Bureau                                   15, I
  Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-          15, XV
       Secretary for
  Economic Analysis, Bureau of                    15, VIII
  Economic Development Administration             13, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 13
  Foreign-Trade Zones Board                       15, IV
  Industry and Security, Bureau of                15, VII
  International Trade Administration              15, III; 19, III
  National Institute of Standards and Technology  15, II; 37, IV
  National Marine Fisheries Service               50, II, IV
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
       Administration                             VI
  National Technical Information Service          15, XI
  National Telecommunications and Information     15, XXIII; 47, III, IV
       Administration
  National Weather Service                        15, IX
  Patent and Trademark Office, United States      37, I
  Secretary of Commerce, Office of                15, Subtitle A
Commercial Space Transportation                   14, III
Commodity Credit Corporation                      7, XIV
Commodity Futures Trading Commission              5, XLI; 17, I
Community Planning and Development, Office of     24, V, VI
     Assistant Secretary for
Community Services, Office of                     45, X
Comptroller of the Currency                       12, I
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining       29, IX
     Commission
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau              5, LXXXIV; 12, X
Consumer Product Safety Commission                5, LXXI; 16, II
Copyright Royalty Board                           37, III
Corporation for National and Community Service    2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
Cost Accounting Standards Board                   48, 99
Council on Environmental Quality                  40, V
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity    5, XCVIII
     and Efficiency
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency    5, LXX; 28, VIII
     for the District of Columbia
Customs and Border Protection                     19, I
Defense, Department of                            2, XI; 5, XXVI; 32, 
                                                  Subtitle A; 40, VII
  Advanced Research Projects Agency               32, I
  Air Force Department                            32, VII
  Army Department                                 32, V; 33, II; 36, III; 
                                                  48, 51
  Defense Acquisition Regulations System          48, 2
  Defense Intelligence Agency                     32, I

[[Page 1253]]

  Defense Logistics Agency                        32, I, XII; 48, 54
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  National Imagery and Mapping Agency             32, I
  Navy, Department of                             32, VI; 48, 52
  Secretary of Defense, Office of                 2, XI; 32, I
Defense Contract Audit Agency                     32, I
Defense Intelligence Agency                       32, I
Defense Logistics Agency                          32, XII; 48, 54
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board           10, XVII
Delaware River Basin Commission                   18, III
Denali Commission                                 45, IX
Disability, National Council on                   5, C; 34, XII
District of Columbia, Court Services and          5, LXX; 28, VIII
     Offender Supervision Agency for the
Drug Enforcement Administration                   21, II
East-West Foreign Trade Board                     15, XIII
Economic Affairs, Office of the Under-Secretary   15, XV
     for
Economic Analysis, Bureau of                      15, VIII
Economic Development Administration               13, III
Economic Research Service                         7, XXXVII
Education, Department of                          2, XXXIV; 5, LIII
  Bilingual Education and Minority Languages      34, V
       Affairs, Office of
  Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office  34, IV
       of
  Civil Rights, Office for                        34, I
  Educational Research and Improvement, Office    34, VII
       of
  Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of   34, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 34
  Postsecondary Education, Office of              34, VI
  Secretary of Education, Office of               34, Subtitle A
  Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,  34, III
       Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, Office of   34, VII
Election Assistance Commission                    2, LVIII; 11, II
Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of     34, II
Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board       13, V
Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board              13, IV
Employee Benefits Security Administration         29, XXV
Employees' Compensation Appeals Board             20, IV
Employees Loyalty Board                           5, V
Employment and Training Administration            20, V
Employment Policy, National Commission for        1, IV
Employment Standards Administration               20, VI
Endangered Species Committee                      50, IV
Energy, Department of                             2, IX; 5, XXIII; 10, II, 
                                                  III, X
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 9
  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission            5, XXIV; 18, I
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 109
Energy, Office of                                 7, XXIX
Engineers, Corps of                               33, II; 36, III
Engraving and Printing, Bureau of                 31, VI
Environmental Protection Agency                   2, XV; 5, LIV; 40, I, IV, 
                                                  VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 15
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 115
Environmental Quality, Office of                  7, XXXI
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission           5, LXII; 29, XIV
Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant Secretary  24, I
     for
Executive Office of the President                 3, I
  Environmental Quality, Council on               40, V
  Management and Budget, Office of                2, Subtitle A; 5, III, 
                                                  LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99
  National Drug Control Policy, Office of         2, XXXVI; 21, III
  National Security Council                       32, XXI; 47, II
  Presidential Documents                          3
  Science and Technology Policy, Office of        32, XXIV; 47, II
  Trade Representative, Office of the United      15, XX
     States
[[Page 1254]]

Export-Import Bank of the United States           2, XXXV; 5, LII; 12, IV
Family Assistance, Office of                      45, II
Farm Credit Administration                        5, XXXI; 12, VI
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation          5, XXX; 12, XIV
Farm Service Agency                               7, VII, XVIII
Federal Acquisition Regulation                    48, 1
Federal Acquisition Security Council              41, 201
Federal Aviation Administration                   14, I
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
Federal Claims Collection Standards               31, IX
Federal Communications Commission                 2, LX; 5, XXIX; 47, I
Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of   41, 60
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation                7, IV
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation             5, XXII; 12, III
Federal Election Commission                       5, XXXVII; 11, I
Federal Emergency Management Agency               44, I
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal    48, 21
     Acquisition Regulation
Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition     48, 16
     Regulation
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission              5, XXIV; 18, I
Federal Financial Institutions Examination        12, XI
     Council
Federal Financing Bank                            12, VIII
Federal Highway Administration                    23, I, II
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation            1, IV
Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office       12, XVII
Federal Housing Finance Agency                    5, LXXX; 12, XII
Federal Labor Relations Authority                 5, XIV, XLIX; 22, XIV
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center           31, VII
Federal Management Regulation                     41, 102
Federal Maritime Commission                       46, IV
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service        5, CIII; 29, XII
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission  5, LXXIV; 29, XXVII
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration       49, III
Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council   40, IX
Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                   28, III
Federal Procurement Policy Office                 48, 99
Federal Property Management Regulations           41, 101
Federal Railroad Administration                   49, II
Federal Register, Administrative Committee of     1, I
Federal Register, Office of                       1, II
Federal Reserve System                            12, II
  Board of Governors                              5, LVIII
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board        5, VI, LXXVI
Federal Service Impasses Panel                    5, XIV
Federal Trade Commission                          5, XLVII; 16, I
Federal Transit Administration                    49, VI
Federal Travel Regulation System                  41, Subtitle F
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network              31, X
Financial Research Office                         12, XVI
Financial Stability Oversight Council             12, XIII
Fine Arts, Commission of                          45, XXI
Fiscal Service                                    31, II
Fish and Wildlife Service, United States          50, I, IV
Food and Drug Administration                      21, I
Food and Nutrition Service                        7, II
Food Safety and Inspection Service                9, III
Foreign Agricultural Service                      7, XV
Foreign Assets Control, Office of                 31, V
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the       45, V
     United States
Foreign Service Grievance Board                   22, IX
Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel            22, XIV
Foreign Service Labor Relations Board             22, XIV
Foreign-Trade Zones Board                         15, IV
Forest Service                                    36, II
General Services Administration                   5, LVII; 41, 105
  Contract Appeals, Board of                      48, 61
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 5

[[Page 1255]]

  Federal Management Regulation                   41, 102
  Federal Property Management Regulations         41, 101
  Federal Travel Regulation System                41, Subtitle F
  General                                         41, 300
  Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel    41, 304
       Expenses
  Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death    41, 303
       of Certain Employees
  Relocation Allowances                           41, 302
  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances          41, 301
Geological Survey                                 30, IV
Government Accountability Office                  4, I
Government Ethics, Office of                      5, XVI
Government National Mortgage Association          24, III
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards          7, VIII; 9, II
     Administration
Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development       33, IV
     Corporation
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council          2, LIX; 40, VIII
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation            45, XVIII
Health and Human Services, Department of          2, III; 5, XLV; 45, 
                                                  Subtitle A
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services        42, IV
  Child Support Enforcement, Office of            45, III
  Children and Families, Administration for       45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
  Community Services, Office of                   45, X
  Family Assistance, Office of                    45, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 3
  Food and Drug Administration                    21, I
  Indian Health Service                           25, V
  Inspector General (Health Care), Office of      42, V
  Public Health Service                           42, I
  Refugee Resettlement, Office of                 45, IV
Homeland Security, Department of                  2, XXX; 5, XXXVI; 6, I; 8, 
                                                  I
  Coast Guard                                     33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)              46, III
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Federal Emergency Management Agency             44, I
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems
  Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau      19, IV
  Transportation Security Administration          49, XII
HOPE for Homeowners Program, Board of Directors   24, XXIV
     of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of      2, XXIV; 5, LXV; 24, 
                                                  Subtitle B
  Community Planning and Development, Office of   24, V, VI
       Assistant Secretary for
  Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant          24, I
       Secretary for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 24
  Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office    12, XVII
       of
  Government National Mortgage Association        24, III
  Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office   24, II, VIII, X, XX
       of Assistant Secretary for
  Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing     24, IV
       Assistance Restructuring, Office of
  Inspector General, Office of                    24, XII
  Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant  24, IX
       Secretary for
  Secretary, Office of                            24, Subtitle A, VII
Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office of  24, II, VIII, X, XX
     Assistant Secretary for
Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing       24, IV
     Assistance Restructuring, Office of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau        19, IV
Immigration Review, Executive Office for          8, V
Independent Counsel, Office of                    28, VII
Independent Counsel, Offices of                   28, VI
Indian Affairs, Bureau of                         25, I, V
Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant           25, VI
     Secretary
Indian Arts and Crafts Board                      25, II

[[Page 1256]]

Indian Health Service                             25, V
Industry and Security, Bureau of                  15, VII
Information Resources Management, Office of       7, XXVII
Information Security Oversight Office, National   32, XX
     Archives and Records Administration
Inspector General
  Agriculture Department                          7, XXVI
  Health and Human Services Department            42, V
  Housing and Urban Development Department        24, XII, XV
Institute of Peace, United States                 22, XVII
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator,    5, CIV
     Office of
Inter-American Foundation                         5, LXIII; 22, X
Interior, Department of                           2, XIV
  American Indians, Office of the Special         25, VII
       Trustee
  Endangered Species Committee                    50, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 14
  Federal Property Management Regulations System  41, 114
  Fish and Wildlife Service, United States        50, I, IV
  Geological Survey                               30, IV
  Indian Affairs, Bureau of                       25, I, V
  Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant         25, VI
       Secretary
  Indian Arts and Crafts Board                    25, II
  Land Management, Bureau of                      43, II
  National Indian Gaming Commission               25, III
  National Park Service                           36, I
  Natural Resource Revenue, Office of             30, XII
  Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of              30, V
  Reclamation, Bureau of                          43, I
  Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau    30, II
       of
  Secretary of the Interior, Office of            2, XIV; 43, Subtitle A
  Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,     30, VII
       Office of
Internal Revenue Service                          26, I
International Boundary and Water Commission,      22, XI
     United States and Mexico, United States 
     Section
International Development, United States Agency   22, II
     for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
International Development Cooperation Agency,     22, XII
     United States
International Development Finance Corporation,    5, XXXIII; 22, VII
     U.S.
International Joint Commission, United States     22, IV
     and Canada
International Organizations Employees Loyalty     5, V
     Board
International Trade Administration                15, III; 19, III
International Trade Commission, United States     19, II
Interstate Commerce Commission                    5, XL
Investment Security, Office of                    31, VIII
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation      45, XXIV
Japan-United States Friendship Commission         22, XVI
Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries       20, VIII
Justice, Department of                            2, XXVIII; 5, XXVIII; 28, 
                                                  I, XI; 40, IV
  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,     27, II
       Bureau of
  Drug Enforcement Administration                 21, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 28
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                 28, III
  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the     45, V
       United States
  Immigration Review, Executive Office for        8, V
  Independent Counsel, Offices of                 28, VI
  Prisons, Bureau of                              28, V
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 128
Labor, Department of                              2, XXIX; 5, XLII
  Benefits Review Board                           20, VII
  Employee Benefits Security Administration       29, XXV
  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board           20, IV
  Employment and Training Administration          20, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 29

[[Page 1257]]

  Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office    41, 60
       of
  Federal Procurement Regulations System          41, 50
  Labor-Management Standards, Office of           29, II, IV
  Mine Safety and Health Administration           30, I
  Occupational Safety and Health Administration   29, XVII
  Public Contracts                                41, 50
  Secretary of Labor, Office of                   29, Subtitle A
  Veterans' Employment and Training Service,      41, 61; 20, IX
       Office of the Assistant Secretary for
  Wage and Hour Division                          29, V
  Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of       20, I, VI
Labor-Management Standards, Office of             29, II, IV
Land Management, Bureau of                        43, II
Legal Services Corporation                        45, XVI
Libraries and Information Science, National       45, XVII
     Commission on
Library of Congress                               36, VII
  Copyright Royalty Board                         37, III
  U.S. Copyright Office                           37, II
Management and Budget, Office of                  5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 
                                                  48, 99
Marine Mammal Commission                          50, V
Maritime Administration                           46, II
Merit Systems Protection Board                    5, II, LXIV
Micronesian Status Negotiations, Office for       32, XXVII
Military Compensation and Retirement              5, XCIX
     Modernization Commission
Millennium Challenge Corporation                  22, XIII
Mine Safety and Health Administration             30, I
Minority Business Development Agency              15, XIV
Miscellaneous Agencies                            1, IV
Monetary Offices                                  31, I
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in     36, XVI
     National Environmental Policy Foundation
Museum and Library Services, Institute of         2, XXXI
National Aeronautics and Space Administration     2, XVIII; 5, LIX; 14, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 18
National Agricultural Library                     7, XLI
National Agricultural Statistics Service          7, XXXVI
National and Community Service, Corporation for   2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
National Archives and Records Administration      2, XXVI; 5, LXVI; 36, XII
  Information Security Oversight Office           32, XX
National Capital Planning Commission              1, IV, VI
National Counterintelligence Center               32, XVIII
National Credit Union Administration              5, LXXXVI; 12, VII
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact     28, IX
     Council
National Drug Control Policy, Office of           2, XXXVI; 21, III
National Endowment for the Arts                   2, XXXII
National Endowment for the Humanities             2, XXXIII
National Foundation on the Arts and the           45, XI
     Humanities
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency           32, I
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration    23, II, III; 47, VI; 49, V
National Imagery and Mapping Agency               32, I
National Indian Gaming Commission                 25, III
National Institute of Food and Agriculture        7, XXXIV
National Institute of Standards and Technology    15, II; 37, IV
National Intelligence, Office of Director of      5, IV; 32, XVII
National Labor Relations Board                    5, LXI; 29, I
National Marine Fisheries Service                 50, II, IV
National Mediation Board                          5, CI; 29, X
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
                                                  VI
National Park Service                             36, I
National Railroad Adjustment Board                29, III
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK)  49, VII
National Science Foundation                       2, XXV; 5, XLIII; 45, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 25
National Security Council                         32, XXI; 47, II

[[Page 1258]]

National Technical Information Service            15, XI
National Telecommunications and Information       15, XXIII; 47, III, IV, V
     Administration
National Transportation Safety Board              49, VIII
Natural Resource Revenue, Office of               30, XII
Natural Resources Conservation Service            7, VI
Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Office of      25, IV
Navy, Department of                               32, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 52
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation             24, XXV
Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste  10, XVIII
     Commission
Nuclear Regulatory Commission                     2, XX; 5, XLVIII; 10, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration     29, XVII
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission  29, XX
Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of                30, V
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust             36, XV
Operations Office                                 7, XXVIII
Patent and Trademark Office, United States        37, I
Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel      41, 304
     Expenses
Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death of   41, 303
     Certain Employees
Peace Corps                                       2, XXXVII; 22, III
Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation       36, IX
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation              29, XL
Personnel Management, Office of                   5, I, IV, XXXV; 45, VIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 17
  Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal  48, 21
       Acquisition Regulation
  Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition   48, 16
       Regulation
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems, Department of Homeland Security
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety           49, I
     Administration
Postal Regulatory Commission                      5, XLVI; 39, III
Postal Service, United States                     5, LX; 39, I
Postsecondary Education, Office of                34, VI
President's Commission on White House             1, IV
     Fellowships
Presidential Documents                            3
Presidio Trust                                    36, X
Prisons, Bureau of                                28, V
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board       6, X
Procurement and Property Management, Office of    7, XXXII
Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant    24, IX
     Secretary for
Public Contracts, Department of Labor             41, 50
Public Health Service                             42, I
Railroad Retirement Board                         20, II
Reclamation, Bureau of                            43, I
Refugee Resettlement, Office of                   45, IV
Relocation Allowances                             41, 302
Research and Innovative Technology                49, XI
     Administration
Rural Business-Cooperative Service                7, XVIII, XLII, L
Rural Development Administration                  7, XLII
Rural Housing Service                             7, XVIII, XXXV, L
Rural Utilities Service                           7, XVII, XVIII, XLII, L
Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau of   30, II
Science and Technology Policy, Office of          32, XXIV; 47, II
Secret Service                                    31, IV
Securities and Exchange Commission                5, XXXIV; 17, II
Selective Service System                          32, XVI
Small Business Administration                     2, XXVII; 13, I
Smithsonian Institution                           36, V
Social Security Administration                    2, XXIII; 20, III; 48, 23
Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, United States        5, XI
Special Counsel, Office of                        5, VIII
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,    34, III
     Office of
State, Department of                              2, VI; 22, I; 28, XI

[[Page 1259]]

  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 6
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,       30, VII
     Office of
Surface Transportation Board                      49, X
Susquehanna River Basin Commission                18, VIII
Tennessee Valley Authority                        5, LXIX; 18, XIII
Trade Representative, United States, Office of    15, XX
Transportation, Department of                     2, XII; 5, L
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 12
  Federal Aviation Administration                 14, I
  Federal Highway Administration                  23, I, II
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration     49, III
  Federal Railroad Administration                 49, II
  Federal Transit Administration                  49, VI
  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development     33, IV
       Corporation
  Maritime Administration                         46, II
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  23, II, III; 47, IV; 49, V
  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety         49, I
       Administration
  Secretary of Transportation, Office of          14, II; 49, Subtitle A
  Transportation Statistics Bureau                49, XI
Transportation, Office of                         7, XXXIII
Transportation Security Administration            49, XII
Transportation Statistics Bureau                  49, XI
Travel Allowances, Temporary Duty (TDY)           41, 301
Treasury, Department of the                       2, X; 5, XXI; 12, XV; 17, 
                                                  IV; 31, IX
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau        27, I
  Community Development Financial Institutions    12, XVIII
       Fund
  Comptroller of the Currency                     12, I
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Engraving and Printing, Bureau of               31, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 10
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center         31, VII
  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network            31, X
  Fiscal Service                                  31, II
  Foreign Assets Control, Office of               31, V
  Internal Revenue Service                        26, I
  Investment Security, Office of                  31, VIII
  Monetary Offices                                31, I
  Secret Service                                  31, IV
  Secretary of the Treasury, Office of            31, Subtitle A
Truman, Harry S. Scholarship Foundation           45, XVIII
United States Agency for Global Media             22, V
United States and Canada, International Joint     22, IV
     Commission
United States and Mexico, International Boundary  22, XI
     and Water Commission, United States Section
U.S. Copyright Office                             37, II
U.S. Office of Special Counsel                    5, CII
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation      43, III
     Commission
Veterans Affairs, Department of                   2, VIII; 38, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 8
Veterans' Employment and Training Service,        41, 61; 20, IX
     Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Vice President of the United States, Office of    32, XXVIII
Wage and Hour Division                            29, V
Water Resources Council                           18, VI
Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of         20, I, VII
World Agricultural Outlook Board                  7, XXXVIII

[[Page 1261]]



List of CFR Sections Affected



All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that 
were made by documents published in the Federal Register since January 
1, 2019 are enumerated in the following list. Entries indicate the 
nature of the changes effected. Page numbers refer to Federal Register 
pages. The user should consult the entries for chapters, parts and 
subparts as well as sections for revisions.
For changes to this volume of the CFR prior to this listing, consult the 
annual edition of the monthly List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). The 
LSA is available at www.govinfo.gov. For changes to this volume of the 
CFR prior to 2001, see the ``List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 
1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000'' published in 11 separate volumes. 
The ``List of CFR Sections Affected 1986-2000'' is available at 
www.govinfo.gov.

                                  2019

8 CFR
                                                                   84 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
103 Authority citation revised.....................................23978
103.6 (a)(1), (2)(i), (c)(1), and (e) revised; (d)(3) added........41500
103.7 (b)(1)(ii)(B) and (H) revised; (b)(1)(ii)(O) added...........23978
103.7 (b)(1)(i)(LLL) and (MMM) added...............................41500
103.7 (b)(1)(i)(SS) introductory text amended......................58304
103.7 (b)(1)(i)(NNN) added.........................................60316
204.6 Heading, (a), (c), (d), (f)(1), (2), (3), (g)(2), (i), 
        (j)(2)(iii), (5) introductory text, (iii), (6)(i), (ii), 
        and (k) revised; (e) and (g)(1) amended; (n) added.........35808
208.4 (a)(6) revised; interim......................................64008
208.13 (c)(4) and (5) added; interim...............................33843
208.30 Heading, (e)(3), and (5) revised; (e)(2) amended; interim 
                                                                   33843
208.30 (e)(7) revised; (e)(8) added; interim.......................64008
212.5 (b) introductory text, (3) introductory text, (i), and (ii) 
        revised....................................................44525
212.18 (b)(2) and (3) revised......................................41501
212.20 Added.......................................................41501
212.21 Added.......................................................41501
212.21 Correction: (b)(4), (5)(iii), (iv), (8), (9) introductory 
        text, (d)(1), (iii), and (2)(vii) amended; (b)(7) and 
        (d)(1)(iv) revised.........................................52362
212.22 Added.......................................................41501
212.22 Correction: (a), (b)(4)(i)(D), (ii)(A)(2), (F), (5)(ii)(C), 
        (D), (6)(i), and (c)(1)(ii) amended; (b)(7)(A)(1), (2), 
        and (3) redesignated as (b)(7)(ii)(A), (B), and (C)........52362
212.23 Added.......................................................41501
212.23 Correction: (a)(19)(ii) amended.............................52363
213 Heading and authority citation revised.........................41505
213.1 Revised......................................................41505
213.1 Correction: (b), (c), (d), and (h)(2)(i) amended.............52363
214 Authority citation revised.....................................23978
214.1 (a)(3)(iv) added; (c)(4)(iii) amended........................41507

[[Page 1262]]

214.2 (h)(8)(ii)(B) removed; (h)(9)(i)(B), (8)(ii)(F), (C), (D), 
        (E) introductory text, and (1) through (6) redesignated as 
        (h)(2)(i)(l), (8)(iii)(F), (ii)(B), (C), (vi) introductory 
        text, and (A) through (F); new (h)(2)(i)(l), 
        (8)(iii)(F)(6)(i), (ii), and (9)(i) revised; (h)(8)(iii) 
        through (vi) and (vii) heading added; (h)(8)(vi)(A) and 
        (B) amended..................................................954
214.2 (h)(6)(x) added (temporary)..................................20020
214.2 Correction: (h)(20) amended..................................52363
214.3 (h)(2) introductory text revised.............................23978
214.4 Heading, (a)(1), and (h) revised.............................23979
214.13 (a) revised.................................................23979
216.6 Heading, (a)(1), (5), (6), (b), (c)(2), and (d) revised; 
        (a)(4)(i) and (c)(1)(i) removed; (a)(4)(iv) amended........35809
217 Policy statement...............................................13795
217.2 (a) amended..................................................60318
234.2 Regulation at 81 FR 14953 confirmed..........................29795
235 Authority citation revised.....................................27707
235.13 (b)(1)(ii) revised; (g) introductory text and (1) amended; 
        (h) removed................................................27707
236 Authority citation revised.....................................44525
236.3 Revised......................................................44525
245.4 Undesignated text designated as (a); (b) added...............41507
245.23 (c)(3) revised..............................................41507
248.1 (b) through (e) redesignated as (c) through (f); (b) added; 
        (a) and (c)(4) revised.....................................41508
248.1 Correction: (a) and (c)(4) amended...........................52363
270.3 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) revised............................13508
274a.8 (b) revised.................................................13508
274a.10 (b)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) revised; (b)(2) amended........13508
280.53 (b)(1) through (15) revised.................................13509
Chapter V
1001.1 (x) and (y) removed; interim................................44541
1003.0 (d) amended; (f) removed; (e) redesignated as new (f); new 
        (e) added; (a), (b)(1) introductory text, (iii), (2), (c), 
        new (f) introductory text, and new (1) revised; interim....44541
1003.1 (e)(6)(iii), (v), and (vi) amended; (e)(6)(vii) and (9) 
        added; (g) revised.........................................31470
1003.1 (a)(1), (2) introductory text, and (4) amended; (e)(8)(ii) 
        revised; interim...........................................44542
1003.42 (d) revised; interim.......................................33844
1003.42 (h) revised; interim.......................................64009
1003.108 (a)(3) and (b) amended; interim...........................44542
1208.4 (a)(6) revised; interim.....................................64010
1208.13 (c)(4) and (5) added; interim..............................33844
1208.30 Heading and (g)(1) revised; interim........................33844
1240.11 (g) heading, (1), and (4) revised; (h) added; interim......64010
1292.6 Amended; interim............................................44542
1292.11 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.12 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.13 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.14 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.15 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.16 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.17 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.18 (c) and (d) added..........................................31470
1292.18 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.19 Amended; interim...........................................44542
1292.20 Amended; interim...........................................44542

                                  2020

8 CFR
                                                                   85 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
Chapter I Notification......................................59651, 75223
Chapter I Policy statement.........................................65653
103 Authority citation revised..............................29309, 45989
103 Heading revised................................................46914
103 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
103.2 (a)(1) and (b)(9) introductory text amended; (a)(7)(ii)(D) 
        and (b)(19)(iii) revised...................................46914
103.3 (a)(2)(i) amended............................................46914
103.5 (a)(1)(iii)(B) amended.......................................46914
103.6 Heading and (b) revised; (f) added...........................45989
103.7 (b)(1)(i)(J) revised; interim................................29309

[[Page 1263]]

103.7 Revised......................................................46914
103.17 Revised.....................................................46915
103.40 Revised.....................................................46915
103.41 Removed.....................................................46916
106 Added..........................................................46916
106 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
204 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
204.3 Heading, (h)(3)(i), (ii), (7), and (13) revised; (b) and (d) 
        introductory text amended..................................46921
204.5 (m)(5) amended; (p)(4) revised...............................46922
204.6 (m)(6)(i)(C) amended.........................................46922
204.310 (a)(3)(i) amended; (a)(3)(ii) removed......................46922
204.311 (u)(4) amended.............................................46922
204.312 (e)(3) revised.............................................46922
204.313 (a) amended................................................46922
208 Authority citation revised.....................................29310
208.1 (a)(2) amended; interim......................................29310
208.1 (c) through (g) added; eff. 1-11-21..........................80385
208.2 (c)(1)(iii), (iv), (vii), and (viii) revised; interim........29310
208.2 (c)(1)(ix) added; eff. 1-11-21...............................80386
208.3 (c)(3) revised...............................................38626
208.4 (a)(2)(ii) amended; interim..................................29310
208.4 (c) revised..................................................38626
208.5 (a) and (b)(1)(iii) amended; interim.........................29310
208.5 (a) amended; eff. 1-11-21....................................80386
208.6 (a) and (b) revised; (d) and (e) added; eff. 1-11-21.........80386
208.7 (a)(1) and (c)(3) amended; (d) removed.......................37545
208.7 Revised......................................................38626
208.9 (d) and (e) revised..........................................38627
208.9 (h) added (temporary)........................................59660
208.10 Revised.....................................................38627
208.13 (c)(6) through (9) added....................................67258
208.13 (b)(3) introductory text and (ii) revised; (b)(3)(iii), 
        (iv), and (d) added; eff. 1-11-21..........................80387
208.13 (c)(4)(i) and (iii) revised; eff. 1-19-21...................82289
208.13 (c)(10) added; eff. 1-22-21.................................84193
208.15 Revised; eff. 1-11-21.......................................80388
208.16 (e) removed.................................................67259
208.16 (b)(3) introductory text and (ii) revised; (b)(3)(iii) and 
        (iv) added; eff. 1-11-21...................................80388
208.16 (d)(2) and (f) revised; eff. 1-22-21........................84193
208.18 (a)(1) and (7) revised; eff. 1-11-21........................80389
208.20 Revised; eff. 1-11-21.......................................80389
208.25 Added; eff. 1-11-21.........................................80389
208.30 (a) and (e)(2) amended; interim.............................29310
208.30 Heading, (a) through (c), (d) introductory text, (1), (2), 
        (5), (6), (e) introductory text, (1) through (5), (6) 
        introductory text, (ii), (iii) introductory text, (iv), 
        (7)(ii), (f), and (g) revised; (e)(7) introductory text 
        amended; eff. 1-11-21......................................80389
208.30 (e)(4), (5)(i)(A), (B), (5)(iii), (f) introductory text, 
        (1), and (g)(1) revised; (e)(5)(iv) added; eff 1-22-21.....84194
208.31 (f) and (g) revised; eff. 1-11-21...........................80392
209 Authority citation revised.....................................29310
209.2 (a)(3) revised; interim......................................29310
211 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
211.1 (b)(3) amended...............................................46922
211.2 (b) amended..................................................46922
212 Authority citation revised.....................................29311
212 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
212.1 (q)(8)(i)(A) and (ii)(A) amended; interim....................29311
212.2 (b)(1), (c)(1)(ii), (d), and (g)(1) amended..................46922
212.3 (a) amended..................................................46922
212.4 (b) amended..................................................46923
212.7 (a)(1), (e)(1), and (5)(i) amended...........................46923
212.15 (j)(2)(ii) amended..........................................46923
212.18 (a)(2) amended..............................................46923
212.19 (b)(1), (c)(1), (e), (h)(1), and (j) revised................46923
214 Authority citation revised.....................................29311
214 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
214.1 (c)(1), (2), and (j) introductory text amended; (c)(5) 
        revised....................................................46923
214.1 Correction: amended..........................................53645
214.2 (h)(21) added (temporary)....................................21744
214.2 (i) revised..................................................27649
214.2 (h)(23) added (temporary)....................................28850

[[Page 1264]]

214.2 (e)(8)(iii), (iv)(B), (v), (23)(viii), (h)(2)(i)(A), (ii), 
        (5)(i)(B), (19)(i), (m)(14)(ii) introductory text, 
        (o)(2)(iv)(F), (p)(2)(iv)(F), (r)(3) introductory text, 
        (5), (w)(5), (15)(iii), and (16) revised; (e)(8)(iv) 
        introductory text, (20) introductory text, (21)(i), 
        (f)(9)(ii)(F)(1), (h)(2)(i)(B), (D), (5)(i)(A), 
        (6)(iii)(E), (vii), (11)(i)(A), (14), (15)(i), 
        (19)(vi)(A), (l)(2)(i), (ii), (3) introductory text, 
        (4)(iv) introductory text, (5)(ii)(F), (14)(ii) 
        introductory text, (17)(i), (o)(2)(i), (iv)(D), (G), (11), 
        (12)(i), (p)(2)(i), (iv)(C)(2), (H), (13), (14)(i), 
        (q)(3)(i), (4)(i), (iii), (5)(i), (6), (r)(3), and (13) 
        amended; (e)(23)(xv) removed...............................46923
214.2 (e)(23)(ii)(F), (xiv), and (w) revised; interim..............29311
214.2 (h)(21) added (temporary)....................................51311
214.2 Correction: (h)(19)(i) introductory text, (vi)(A), and 
        (p)(2)(iv)(H) amended......................................53645
214.2 (h)(2)(i)(B), (4)(iii)(A), and (9)(iii)(A)(1) revised; 
        (h)(4)(i)(B)(7), (iv)(C), (9)(i)(B), and (24) added; 
        (h)(4)(ii) amended; (h)(9)(i) introductory text 
        redesignated as (h)(9)(i)(A); interim......................63963
214.2 (h)(22) added (temporary)....................................82298
214.3 (h)(1)(i) and (2) introductory text amended..................46925
214.6 (g)(1), (h)(1)(i), (2), and (i)(2) amended...................46925
214.11 (d)(2)(iii) and (k)(1) amended..............................46925
214.11 Correction: (d)(2)(iii) and (k)(10) amended.................49941
214.14 (c)(1) introductory text revised............................46925
216 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
216.4 (a)(1) amended...............................................46925
216.5 (b) amended..................................................46925
216.6 (a)(1)(i) amended............................................46925
217 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
217.2 (c)(2) amended...............................................46925
223 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
223.2 (a) amended..................................................46926
235 Authority citation revised.....................................29316
235 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
235.1 (g)(1)(iii) and (2) amended..................................46926
235.6 (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) revised; interim........................29316
235.6 (a)(1)(ii), (2)(i), and (iii) revised; (c) added; eff. 1-11-
        21.........................................................80393
235.6 (a)(2)(i) revised; eff. 1-22-21..............................84196
235.7 (a)(4)(v) amended............................................46926
235.12 (d)(2) amended..............................................46926
235.13 (c)(5) amended..............................................46926
236 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
236.14 (a) amended.................................................46926
236.15 (e) amended.................................................46926
240 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
240.63 (a) revised.................................................46926
244 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
244.6 Revised......................................................46926
244.17 (a) revised.................................................46926
245 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
245.7 (a) amended..................................................46926
245.10 (c) introductory text amended...............................46926
245.15 (c)(2)(iv)(A), (g)(1), (h)(1), (n)(1), (t)(1), and (2)(i) 
        amended; (c)(2)(iv)(B), (h)(2) removed.....................46926
245.18 (d)(1) and (k) amended......................................46927
245.21 (b), (f), (h), and (i) amended..............................46927
245.23 (e)(1)(ii) amended; (e)(1)(iii) removed.....................46927
245.24 (d)(2), (h)(1)(ii), and (i)(1)(iii) amended; (d)(3) and 
        (i)(1)(iv) removed.........................................46927
245a Technical correction to 85 FR 46788...........................49941
245a.2 (e)(3) revised..............................................46927
245a.3 (d)(3) revised..............................................46927
245a.4 (b)(5)(iii) revised.........................................46927
245a.12 (b) introductory text, (c), and (d)(1) amended; (d) 
        introductory text revised; (d)(2), (4), and (6) removed....46927
245a.13 (d)(1), (e) introductory text, and (1) amended.............46927
245a.18 (c)(1) amended.............................................46927
245a.19 (a) amended................................................46927
245a.20 (a)(2) amended.............................................46927
245a.33 (a) and (b) amended........................................46927

[[Page 1265]]

248 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
248.3 Introductory text and (h) introductory text amended..........46927
264 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
264.2 (c)(1)(i) and (2)(i) amended.................................46927
264.5 (a) amended..................................................46927
264.6 (b) amended..................................................46927
270.3 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) revised............................36478
274a Authority citation revised.............................29317, 38628
274a Technical correction to 85 FR 46788...........................49941
274a.2 (a)(2) revised; interim.....................................29317
274a.8 (b) revised.................................................36478
274a.10 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (C) revised; (b)(2) amended..........36479
274a.12 (b)(26) added (temporary)..................................21745
274a.12 (b)(27) added (temporary)..................................28851
274a.12 (b)(23) revised; (b)(24) removed; interim..................29317
274a.12 (c) introductory text amended; (c)(8) and (11) revised.....38628
274a.12 (b)(9), (13), and (14) revised.............................46928
274a.12 (b)(26) added (temporary)..................................51312
274a.12 (b)(28) added (temporary)..................................82298
274a.13 (a)(1), (2), and (d)(3) revised............................38628
274a.14 (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) amended; (a)(1)(iv) added.............38628
280.53 (b)(1) through (15) revised.................................36479
286 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
286.9 (a) amended..................................................46928
286.9 Correction: (a) amended......................................53645
301 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
301.1 (a)(1) amended...............................................46928
319 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
319.11 (a) introductory text amended...............................46928
320 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
320.5 (b) and (c) amended..........................................46928
322 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
322.3 (a) and (b)(1) introductory text amended.....................46928
322.5 (b) and (c) amended..........................................46928
324 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
324.2 (b) amended..................................................46928
334 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
334.2 (a) amended..................................................46929
341 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
341.1 Amended......................................................46929
341.5 (e) amended..................................................46929
343a Technical correction to 85 FR 46788...........................49941
343a.1 (a) amended.................................................46929
343b Technical correction to 85 FR 46788...........................49941
343b.1 Amended.....................................................46929
392 Technical correction to 85 FR 46788............................49941
392.4 (e) amended..................................................46929
Chapter V
1003.0 (b)(2) and (c) revised......................................69482
1003.1 (a)(1) amended; interim.....................................18107
1003.1 (c), (d)(1)(ii), (3)(iv), (6)(ii), (iii), (iv), (7), 
        (e)(1), (8) introductory text, (i), and (iii) revised; 
        (d)(3)(v), (e)(8)(v)(A) through (F), and (k) added; (e) 
        introductory text and (8)(v) amended; (e)(8)(iv) removed; 
        eff. 1-15-21...............................................81651
1003.1 (b)(9) revised; eff. 1-11-21................................80393
1003.2 (a), (c)(3)(iii), and (iv) amended; (b)(1) revised; 
        (c)(3)(v), (vi), and (vii) added; (c)(4) removed; eff. 1-
        15-21......................................................81654
1003.3 (a)(2), (c)(1), and (2) revised; eff. 1-15-21...............81654
1003.5 Revised; eff. 1-15-21.......................................81654
1003.7 Amended; eff. 1-15-21.......................................81655
1003.8 (a)(1) revised; eff. 1-15-21................................81750
1003.8 (a)(4)(ii) amended; eff. 1-19-21............................82793
1003.10 (b) amended; eff. 1-15-21...........................81655, 81750
1003.23 (b)(1) introductory text amended; (b)(4)(v) and (vi) 
        added; eff. 1-15-21........................................81655
1003.24 (c)(1) revised; eff. 1-15-21...............................81750
1003.24 (a) and (c)(1) amended; eff. 1-19-21.......................82793

[[Page 1266]]

1003.29 Revised; eff. 1-15-21......................................81750
1003.31 (b) and (c) revised; eff. 1-15-21..........................81750
1003.42 Heading, (a), (b), (d) through (g), and (h)(1) revised; 
        (i) added; (h)(3) amended; eff. 1-11-21....................80393
1003.42 (d)(1) revised; eff. 1-22-21...............................84196
1103.7 (a)(3) revised; eff. 1-15-21................................81750
1103.7 (a)(3) and (b)(4)(ii) amended; (b)(1), (2), (4), and (d) 
        revised; eff. 1-19-21......................................82793
1208 Authority citation revised....................................23904
1208.1 (a)(2) amended..............................................23904
1208.1 (c) through (g) added; eff. 1-11-21.........................80394
1208.2 (c)(1)(iii), (iv), (vii), and (viii) amended................23904
1208.2 (c)(1)(ix) added; eff. 1-11-21..............................80395
1208.3 (c)(3) revised; eff. 1-15-21................................81750
1208.4 (a)(2)(ii) amended..........................................23904
1208.4 (d) added; eff. 1-15-21.....................................81751
1208.5 (a) and (b)(1)(iii) amended.................................23904
1208.5 (a) amended; eff. 1-11-21...................................80395
1208.6 (a) and (b) revised; (d) and (e) added; eff. 1-11-21........80395
1208.7 Removed; eff. 1-15-21.......................................81751
1208.7 (c) introductory text amended; eff. 1-19-21.................82794
1208.9 Removed; eff. 1-15-21.......................................81751
1208.12 (a) revised; eff. 1-15-21..................................81751
1208.13 (c)(6) through (9) added...................................67259
1208.13 (b)(3) introductory text and (ii) revised; (b)(3)(iii), 
        (iv), (d), and (e) added; eff. 1-11-21.....................80396
1208.13 (c)(4), (c)(4)(i), and (c)(4)(iii) revised; eff. 1-19-21 
                                                                   82289
1208.13 (c)(10) added; eff. 1-22-21................................84196
1208.14 (c)(4)(ii) introductory text and (A) amended; eff. 1-11-21
                                                                   80397
1208.15 Revised; eff. 1-11-21......................................80397
1208.16 (e) removed................................................67260
1208.16 (b)(3) introductory text and (ii) revised; (b)(3)(iii) and 
        (iv) added; eff. 1-11-21...................................80398
1208.16 (d)(2) and (f) revised; eff. 1-22-21.......................84197
1208.18 (a)(1) and (7) revised; eff. 1-11-21.......................80398
1208.20 Revised; eff. 1-11-21......................................80398
1208.25 Added; eff. 1-11-21........................................80399
1208.30 (a) amended................................................23904
1208.30 Heading, (a), (b) introductory text, (2), (e), and (g) 
        revised; eff. 1-11-21......................................80399
1208.30 (e), (g)(1)(ii), (2)(i), (iv)(A), and (B) revised; eff. 1-
        22-21......................................................84197
1208.31 (f) and (g) revised; eff. 1-11-21..........................80400
1209 Authority citation revised....................................23904
1209.2 (a)(3) amended..............................................23904
1212 Authority citation revised....................................23904
1212.1 (q)(8)(i)(A) and (ii)(A) amended............................23904
1212.13 Added; eff. 1-11-21........................................80400
1212.14 (a)(1)(vii) amended; eff. 1-11-21..........................80400
1216.4 (a)(1) amended; eff. 1-19-21................................82794
1216.5 (b) amended; eff. 1-19-21...................................82794
1216.6 (a)(1) amended; eff. 1-19-21................................82794
1235 Authority citation revised....................................23904
1235.1 Removed; eff. 1-11-21.......................................80400
1235.2 Removed; eff. 1-11-21.......................................80400
1235.3 Removed; eff. 1-11-21.......................................80400
1235.5 Removed; eff. 1-11-21.......................................80400
1235.6 (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) amended................................23904
1235.6 (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) removed; (a)(1)(iv) redesignated as 
        new (a)(1)(ii); new (a)(1)(ii), (2)(ii), and (iii) 
        revised; (c) added; eff. 1-11-21...........................80400
1235.6 (a)(2)(i) revised; eff. 1-22-21.............................84198
1240.6 Revised; eff. 1-15-21.......................................81751
1240.11 (f) amended; eff. 1-19-21..................................82794
1240.20 (a) amended; eff. 1-19-21..................................82794
1240.26 (j) redesignated as (l); (k) added; eff. 1-15-21...........81655
1244.4 (b) revised; eff. 1-11-21...................................80401
1244.6 Amended; eff. 1-19-21.......................................82794
1244.20 (a) amended; eff. 1-19-21..................................82794
1245.7 (a) amended; eff. 1-19-21...................................82794
1245.10 (c) introductory text amended; eff. 1-19-21................82794
1245.13 (e)(1), (2), (g), (j)(1), and (k)(1) amended; eff. 1-19-21
                                                                   82794
1245.15 (c)(2)(iv)(A), (B), (h)(1), (2), (n)(1), and (t)(1) 
        amended; eff. 1-19-21......................................82794
1245.20 (d)(1), (f), and (g) amended; eff. 1-19-21.................82795

[[Page 1267]]

1245.21 (h) and (i) amended; eff. 1-19-21..........................82795
1292.6 Amended.....................................................69482
1292.18 (a) introductory text amended..............................69482

                                  2021

8 CFR
                                                                   86 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
103 Notification....................................................7493
103.6 (a)(1), (2)(i), (c)(1), and (e) revised; (d)(3) removed......14227
106 Notification....................................................7493
106.2 (a)(15) and (51) removed.....................................14227
204 Notification....................................................7493
208 Notification...................................................73615
208.9 (h) introductory text revised (temporary)....................15076
208.9 (h) introductory text and (1)(i) revised (temporary).........51788
208.9 Regulation at 85 FR 59660 further extended to 3-16-22........51781
208.13 Regulation at 85 FR 84193 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21.......6847
208.13 Regulation at 85 FR 84193 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21.....15069
208.16 Regulation at 85 FR 84193 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21.......6847
208.16 Regulation at 85 FR 84193 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21.....15069
208.30 Regulation at 85 FR 84194 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21.......6847
208.30 Regulation at 85 FR 84194 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21.....15069
211 Notification....................................................7493
212 Authority citation revised.....................................14227
212 Notification....................................................7493
212 Regulation at 81 FR 92304 comment period reopened..............37670
212.1 Regulation at 81 FR 92304 comment period extended to 9-14-21
                                                                   44593
212.16 Regulation at 81 FR 92304 comment period extended to 9-14-
        21.........................................................44593
212.18 (b)(2) and (3) revised......................................14227
212.19 (a)(5)(i), (ii), (b)(2)(ii)(B)(1), (2), (c)(2)(ii)(B)(1), 
        and (3) revised............................................50841
212.20 Removed.....................................................14227
212.21 Removed.....................................................14227
212.22 Removed.....................................................14227
212.23 Removed.....................................................14227
213 Authority citation and heading revised.........................14227
213.1 Revised......................................................14227
214 Notification....................................................7493
214 Authority citation revised (temporary).........................28230
214 Regulation at 81 FR 92304 comment period reopened..............37670
214.1 (a)(3)(iv) removed; (c)(4)(iii) amended......................14228
214.1 Regulation at 81 FR 92304 comment period extended to 9-14-21
                                                                   44593
214.2 (h)(8)(iii)(A)(1) introductory text, (5)(i), (ii), (6)(i), 
        (ii), (7), (D)(1), (iv)(B)(1), and (2) amended; (h)(8)(v) 
        removed; (h)(10)(ii) and (11)(iii)(A)(2) revised; 
        (h)(11)(iii)(A)(3) through (5) redesignated as 
        (h)(11)(iii)(A)(4) through (6); (h)(8)(iii)(A)(1)(i), 
        (ii), (3), and (24)(i) added................................1732
214.2 Regulation at 86 FR 1732 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21........8543
214.2 (h)(20) amended..............................................14228
214.2 (h)(9)(i)(A) redesignated as (h)(9)(i); (h)(2)(i)(B), 
        (4)(iii)(A), and (9)(iii)(A)(i) revised; (h)(4)(ii) 
        amended; (h)(4)(i)(B)(7), (iv)(C), (9)(i)(B), and (24)(ii) 
        removed....................................................27027
214.2 (h)(6)(x), (25), and (26) added (temporary)..................28230
214.2 Regulation at 86 FR 1676 withdrawn...........................72517
214.11 Regulation at 81 FR 92304 comment period extended to 9-14-
        21.........................................................44593
216 Notification....................................................7493
217 Notification....................................................7493
217.2 (a) amended..................................................54031
223 Notification....................................................7493
235 Notification....................................................7493
235.6 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21........6847
236 Notification....................................................7493
240 Notification....................................................7493
244 Notification....................................................7493
245 Notification....................................................7493
245 Regulation at 81 FR 92312 comment period reopened..............37670
245.4 (a) amended; (b) removed.....................................14228
245.23 (c)(3) revised..............................................14228
245.23 Regulation at 81 FR 92312 comment period extended to 9-14-
        21.........................................................44593
245a Notification...................................................7493
248 Notification....................................................7493

[[Page 1268]]

248.1 Revised......................................................14228
251.1 (a)(1) and (2) introductory text revised; (a)(2)(i), (ii) 
        introductory text, (iii)(A), (B), (iv) introductory text, 
        (v), (3)(i) introductory text, (ii), (iii), (4), (5), (b), 
        and (c) amended; (a)(6) added; interim; eff. 2-28-22.......73629
251.3 (a) revised; (c) added; interim; eff. 2-28-22................73630
251.5 Heading revised; section amended; interim; eff. 2-28-22......73630
258.2 Introductory text, (a)(2), (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii)(A), (B), 
        (iv), (3), (4), and (e) amended; interim; eff. 2-28-22.....73630
264 Notification....................................................7493
270.3 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) revised............................57539
274a Notification...................................................7493
274a.8 (b) revised.................................................57540
274a.10 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (C) revised; (b)(2) introductory 
        text amended...............................................57540
274a Regulation at 81 FR 92312 comment period reopened.............37670
274a.12 (b)(30) added (temporary)..................................28232
274a.12 Regulation at 81 FR 92312 comment period extended to 9-14-
        21.........................................................44593
280.53 (b)(1) through (15) revised.................................57540
286 Notification....................................................7493
301 Notification....................................................7493
319 Notification....................................................7493
320 Notification....................................................7493
322 Notification....................................................7493
324 Notification....................................................7493
334 Notification....................................................7493
341 Notification....................................................7493
343a Notification...................................................7493
343b Notification...................................................7493
392 Notification....................................................7493
Chapter V
1001.1 (s) revised; (cc) through (ee) added; eff. 2-11-22..........70719
1003.1 (f) revised; eff. 2-11-22...................................70719
1003.2 (g) introductory text, (1), and (2)(i) through (iii) 
        revised; (g)(4) through (9) added; eff. 2-11-22............70719
1003.3 (a)(2), (3), and (c)(2) revised; (g) added; eff. 2-11-22....70720
1003.8 (a)(3) amended; eff. 2-11-22................................70721
1003.13 Amended; eff. 2-11-22......................................70722
1003.17 (a) revised; eff. 2-11-22..................................70722
1003.23 (b)(1)(ii) revised; eff. 2-11-22...........................70722
1003.24 (d) amended; eff. 2-11-22..................................70722
1003.31 Revised; eff. 2-11-22......................................70722
1003.32 Revised; eff. 2-11-22......................................70723
1003.37 (a) revised; eff. 2-11-22..................................70723
1003.38 (b) revised; eff. 2-11-22..................................70723
1003.42 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21......6847
1003.63 (f)(1) and (2) amended; eff. 2-11-22.......................70723
1003.64 (b) introductory text amended; eff. 2-11-22................70723
1003.65 (d)(3) amended; eff. 2-11-22...............................70723
1003.106 (a)(2)(ii) and (b) amended; eff. 2-11-22..................70723
1103.7 (a)(3) revised; eff. 2-11-22................................70723
1208 Notification..................................................73615
1208.4 (a)(2)(ii) amended; eff. 2-11-22............................70724
1208.13 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21......6847
1208.13 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21....15069
1208.16 Regulation at 85 FR 84197 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21......6847
1208.16 Regulation at 85 FR 84197 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21....15069
1208.30 Regulation at 85 FR 84197 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21......6847
1208.30 Regulation at 85 FR 84197 eff. date delayed to 12-31-21....15069
1214.2 Nomenclature change; (a) amended; eff. 2-11-22..............70724
1235.6 Correction: 85 FR 80400 instruction amended..................1737
1235.6 Regulation at 85 FR 84198 eff. date delayed to 3-22-21.......6847
1240.2 Nomenclature change; heading revised; (a) and (b) amended; 
        eff. 2-11-22...............................................70724
1240.10 (d) and (e) amended; eff. 2-11-22..........................70724
1240.11 (c)(3)(iv), (4), and (e) amended; eff. 2-11-22.............70724
1240.13 (a) through (c) amended; eff. 2-11-22......................70724
1240.26 (a), (b)(2), (3)(i) introductory text, (B), (ii), and 
        (c)(2) amended; eff. 2-11-22...............................70724
1240.32 (c) amended; eff. 2-11-22..................................70724

[[Page 1269]]

1240.33 (c)(4) and (d) amended; eff. 2-11-22.......................70724
1240.48 Nomenclature change; eff. 2-11-22..........................70724
1240.49 (c)(4)(iv), (5), and (e) amended; eff. 2-11-22.............70724
1240.51 (a) and (b) amended; eff. 2-11-22..........................70725
1240.53 (a) revised; eff. 2-11-22..................................70725
1245.21 (a) introductory text, (b)(1) introductory text, (i), (c), 
        (d) introductory text, (2), (4), (g)(3), (h) through (l), 
        (m)(2), and (4) amended; eff. 2-11-22......................70725
1246.5 (a) amended; eff. 2-11-22...................................70725
1292.1 (a)(2)(ii) through (iv) revised; (a)(2)(v) added; eff. 2-
        11-22......................................................70725

                                  2022

8 CFR
                                                                   87 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
103.6 (c) heading and (1) revised..................................55636
103.7 (d)(5) revised; interim......................................18980
103.7 (d)(11) amended..............................................41029
106 Authority citation revised.....................................18260
106.2 (a)(38) revised..............................................53297
106.4 Revised......................................................18260
204.11 Revised.....................................................13111
205 Authority citation revised.....................................13112
205.1 (a)(3)(iv) revised...........................................13112
208.2 (a) revised; (c)(1)(vii) and (viii) amended; (c)(1)(ix) 
        removed; interim...........................................18215
208.3 (a) and (c)(3) revised; interim..............................18216
208.3 (c)(3) revised...............................................57797
208.4 (c) redesignated as (b) and revised; interim.................18216
208.7 Revised......................................................57797
208.9 Regulation at 85 FR 59660 eff. date extended; (h) 
        introductory text revised (temporary)......................14763
208.9 (a) through (g) revised; (i) added; interim..................18216
208.10 Revised.....................................................57798
208.13 Regulation at 85 FR 84193 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24.....79789
208.14 (b), (c) introductory text, and (1) revised; interim........18217
208.16 (a) and (c)(4) revised; interim.............................18218
208.16 Regulation at 85 FR 84193 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24.....79789
208.30 Heading, (b), (c), (d) introductory text, (e) heading, (1) 
        through (4), (5)(1), (6) introductory text (ii), (f), and 
        (g) revised; interim.......................................18218
208.30 Regulation at 85 FR 84194 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24.....79789
212.1 (i) amended; interim.........................................18980
212.1 (l) amended..................................................41029
212.5 (b) introductory text revised; interim.......................18220
212.18 (b)(2) and (3) revised......................................55636
212.20 Added.......................................................55636
212.21 Added.......................................................55636
212.22 Added.......................................................55636
212.23 Added.......................................................55636
213 Authority citation revised.....................................55639
213.1 Revised......................................................55639
214 Technical correction.....................................6017, 34067
214 Authority citation revised..............................61963, 62722
214.1 (a)(2) table amended.........................................41029
214.1 (b)(1) introductory text, (iv) introductory text, (A), (B), 
        (2) introductory text, (iv), (3) introductory text, (iv), 
        and (h) amended; interim...................................75902
214.2 (h)(6)(xi) and (27) added (temporary).........................4758
214.2 (h)(6)(xii) and (28) added; eff. through 5-18-25.............30375
214.2 (b)(4) revised; (e)(22)(i) introductory text and (l)(17) 
        heading amended............................................41029
214.2 (i)(1)(ii) and (4) revised; (i)(2) introductory text, (ii), 
        and (3) amended............................................61963
214.2 Table 1, (f) Table 2, (h) Table 3, (m) Table 4, and (w) 
        Table 5 added; (h)(21) heading, (22) heading, (26) 
        heading, (27) heading, and (28) heading revised............62722

[[Page 1270]]

214.2 (f)(1)(i)(A) through (C), (ii), (iii), (2), (3), (4), 
        (5)(i), (v), (6)(i) introductory text, (B), (C), (E), (F), 
        (f)(6)(iii)(B), (E), (iv), (7), (8)(i), (ii), (9)(i), 
        (ii)(A), (D) introductory text, (F)(1), (iii), (10) 
        introductory text, (i), (16)(i) introductory text, (B), 
        (C), (F) introductory text, (ii), (17), (m)(1)(i)(A) 
        through (C), (iii), (2), (3), (4)(i)(A), (B), (ii), (9) 
        introductory text, (i), (ii), (vi), (10)(ii), (iv), 
        (11)(ii), (14)(ii) introductory text, (iii) through (v), 
        (16)(i) introductory text, (B), (C), (F) introductory 
        text, (ii), (18), (19)(i) introductory text, (A), and (ii) 
        revised; (f)(6)(iii)(D), and (m)(1)(ii) removed; 
        (f)(13)(i), (14), (15), (18)(i) introductory text, (A), 
        (ii), (19), (m)(5), (15), (17) introductory text, and (20) 
        amended; interim...........................................75902
214.2 (h) Table 3 amended; (h)(6)(xiii) and (29) added (temporary)
                                                                   76874
214.2 (h)(6)(xiii)(C)(1) and (2) amended (temporary)...............77979
214.3 Heading, (a)(1) introductory text, (ii), (2) heading, (i) 
        introductory text, (A), (F), (ii) introductory text, 
        (iii), (iv), (v) introductory text, (B), (C), (b), (c), 
        (e)(4)(ii), (8), (g)(1) introductory text, (h)(1) 
        introductory text, (i), (ii), (2)(i) introductory text, 
        and (l)(2) heading revised; (a)(3)(ii)(A), (b), (c), 
        (e)(5), (j), (l)(1) introductory text, (ii), (2), and (3) 
        amended; interim...........................................75908
214.4 (a)(2) introductory text, (iv), (viii), (x) through (xix), 
        (3) introductory text, (iii), (c), (e), (f)(1), (2), (h), 
        (i)(1), and (2) amended; (a)(4) removed; (d) revised; 
        interim....................................................75911
214.6 Heading and (c) revised; (a), (b), and (d) heading amended 
                                                                   41030
214.12 Removed; interim............................................75911
214.13 (a)(1), (d)(1), (2), (4), (g)(1)(i), and (4) amended; 
        (b)(3) removed; interim....................................75911
217.1 Amended; interim.............................................18980
217.2 Amended; (b)(1) and (c) revised; interim.....................18980
217.3 (b) amended; interim.........................................18980
217.5 (a) through (c) revised; (g) removed; interim................18980
217.5 (h) revised..................................................30773
235 Authority citation revised.....................................18220
235.3 (b)(2)(iii), (4)(ii), and (c) revised; interim...............18220
235.6 (a)(1)(iii) and (iv) removed; (a)(2)(i) and (iii) revised; 
        (a)(2)(ii) amended; interim................................18220
235.6 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24......79789
236 Authority citation revised.....................................53297
236.21--236.25 (Subpart C) Added...................................53297
245.1 (e)(3) revised...............................................13112
245.23 (c)(3) revised..............................................55639
270.3 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) revised.............................1326
274a Technical correction....................................6017, 34067
274a Authority citation revised....................................57798
274a.8 (b) revised..................................................1326
274a.10 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (C) revised; (b)(2) introductory 
        text amended................................................1326
274a.12 (b)(31) added (temporary)...................................4760
274a.12 Correction: (b)(32) added (temporary)......................31095
274a.12 (b)(19) amended............................................41031
274a.12 (c)(14) revised; (c)(33) added.............................53300
274a.12 (c) introductory text amended; (c)(8) and (11) revised.....57798
274a.12 (b)(33) added (temporary)..................................76876
274a.13 (d)(5) added (temporary)...................................26651
274a.13 (a)(1), (2), and (d)(3) revised............................57799
274a.14 (a)(1)(ii) and (iii) amended; (a)(1)(iv) removed...........57799
280.53 (b)(1) through (15) revised..................................1327
286.9 (b)(2) amended; interim......................................18981
Chapter V
1001.1 (i) and (k) revised; (ff) added.............................56257
1003.2 (g)(1) revised..............................................56257
1003.3 (a)(3) revised..............................................56258
1003.17 Revised....................................................56258
1003.38 (g) revised................................................56258

[[Page 1271]]

1003.42 Heading and (d)(1) revised; interim........................18220
1003.42 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24....79789
1003.101 (b) revised...............................................56259
1003.102 (d), (f)(2)(i), and (j) amended; (t) and (u) revised; (w) 
        added......................................................56259
1208.2 (a) revised; (c)(1)(ix) removed; (c)(3)(i) amended; interim
                                                                   18221
1208.3 (a) revised; (a)(1) and (c)(3) amended; interim.............18221
1208.4 (b)(3)(i) amended; interim..................................18221
1208.5 (b)(2) amended; interim.....................................18221
1208.13 Regulation at 85 FR 84196 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24....79789
1208.14 (b), (c) introductory text, and (1) revised; interim.......18221
1208.16 (a) revised; interim.......................................18222
1208.16 Regulation at 85 FR 84197 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24....79789
1208.18 (b)(1) revised; interim....................................18222
1208.19 Removed; interim...........................................18222
1208.22 Revised; interim...........................................18222
1208.30 Heading, (a), (e), and (g)(2) revised; interim.............18222
1208.30 Regulation at 85 FR 84197 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24....79789
1235.6 (a)(2)(i) and (iii) revised; (a)(2)(ii) amended; interim....18223
1235.6 Regulation at 85 FR 84198 eff. date delayed to 12-31-24.....79789
1240.17 Added; interim.............................................18223

                                  2023

8 CFR
                                                                   88 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter I
103.6 (g) and (h) added; interim...................................53371
106.4 (c) revised; eff. 2-26-24....................................89550
208.9 Regulation at 85 FR 59660 eff. date delayed until 9-12-23; 
        (h) introductory text revised..............................16378
208.13 (c)(3), (4), and (5) removed; (f) added.....................31449
208.30 (e)(6) introductory text, (i) through (iii), and (7) 
        revised....................................................18239
208.30 Correction: (e)(7)(i) through (iv) added....................23330
208.30 (e)(5)(i) amended; (e)(5)(ii) and (iii) removed; (e)(5)(i) 
        redesignated as (e)(5).....................................31449
208.33 (Subpart C) Added...........................................31449
214.1 Correction: (b)(3)(iv) amended...............................53761
214.2 Correction: (f)(9)(i), (13)(i), and (m)(14)(vi) amended......53761
214.2 (h) Table 3 amended; (h)(6)(xiv) and (31) added (temporary) 
                                                                   80456
214.2 Correction: (h)(6)(xiv)(C)(1) heading and introductory text 
        revised....................................................81341
214.3 Correction: (c)(1) amended...................................53761
214.4 Correction: (a)(2)(x), (xi), (xviii), (xix), and (i)(1) 
        amended....................................................53761
217 Notification............................................43051, 50759
217.2 (a) amended..................................................67065
235 Policy statement...............................................59439
270.3 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (D) revised.............................2182
274a Policy statement..............................................47749
274a.2 (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (c)(1)(ii) revised; (b)(1)(vii) amended; 
        (b)(1)(ix) added...........................................48022
274a.8 (b) revised..................................................2183
274a.10 (b)(1)(ii)(A) through (C) revised; (b)(2) introductory 
        text amended................................................2183
274a.12 (b)(34) added (temporary)..................................80458
280.53 (b)(1) through (15) revised..................................2183
Chapter V
1003.42 (h)(1) and (2) revised.....................................18240
1003.42 (d)(2) and (3) removed; (d)(1) redesignated as (d).........31451
1208.13 (c)(3), (4), and (5) removed; (f) added....................31451
1208.30 (g)(1) removed.............................................31451
1208.33 (Subpart C) Added..........................................31451
1240.11 (g) and (h)(1) revised.....................................18240


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