Rule eased for surviving spouse - for now

Ianus · 09-08-2009, 03:58 PM

I don't know if this is a legalization option for some here or their parents,but it looks like USCIS has eased up on the mandatory 2 year rule for VAWA concerning spouses who prematurely died.Here is what Allen Wernick had to say !

Quote:

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced rules that allow surviving spouses of United States citizens to remain here pending changes in the law.

Current law allows a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen to self-petition for permanent residence only if the couple had been married for at least two years. The rule has been challenged in federal court, and Congress is considering changing it.

Meanwhile, the USCIS will let spouses of U.S. citizens and their unmarried children younger than 21 get deferred action status. That status allows the widow/widower and children to live legally in the U.S., work and get travel permission no matter how long the couple had been married. However, the surviving spouse must not now be married.

To apply for benefits under this program, a surviving spouse files Forms I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (filing fee $365) with the USCIS Vermont Service Center, 75 Lower Welden St., St. Albans, Vt. 05479. If you plan to work, include I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (filing fee is $340). For travel, include form I-131, Application for Travel Document (filing fee is $305). For more information, visit the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.

Vinter · 09-09-2009, 05:49 PM

I am covered. What a relief!

Ianus · 09-09-2009, 06:14 PM

Nice,I am glad that your covered.Let us know how the process goes.

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31

They need you!

Forum links

Resources

Join our list

National calendar of events

August

Rule eased for surviving spouse - for now