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Plain-English explainers on PM-602-0199
Direct answers to the questions applicants are actually asking since USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 on May 21, 2026. Start with the canonical explainer for the full background, then drill into the topic that matches your situation.
Two Naturalization Fraud Indictments Signal Tighter USCIS Post-Approval Review, Yes
USCIS announced two criminal indictments on September 22, 2026 involving alleged naturalization fraud, a sign the agency is scrutinizing citizenship applications more closely after approval.
Published September 23, 2026
New Form I-485 Edition Takes Effect September 18, 2026, Yes, Here's What Changed
USCIS released a revised Form I-485 edition effective September 18, 2026, with new public-charge screening questions and expanded background checks.
Published September 18, 2026
Will USCIS Reject My I-765 or I-539 After September 15? Yes, Older Editions Are No Longer Accepted
USCIS will reject Form I-765 and Form I-539 filings that use editions dated before September 15, 2026, starting on that date.
Published September 7, 2026
Will USCIS Accept My Old Form I-485 After September 18? No, Here's the New Edition Rule
USCIS replaces Form I-485 (edition 09/10/19) with a new edition effective September 18, 2026, and will reject filings on the old form after that date.
Published August 21, 2026
Are USCIS Immigration Forms Changing in September 2026? Yes, Here's the No-Grace-Period Update
USCIS will release new editions of key immigration forms on September 15, 2026, with no grace period for older versions.
Published August 19, 2026
Will USCIS Change Immigration Forms in September 2026? Yes, Here's What's Revised
USCIS introduces updated visa and extension forms starting September 15, 2026, affecting H-1B, L-1, and other nonimmigrant status holders.
Published August 17, 2026
Can USCIS Now Deny My Incomplete Application Without Asking for More Evidence, Yes Here's What Changed
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers gained authority in August 2026 to deny incomplete benefit applications without issuing a Request for Evidence first.
Published August 7, 2026
What Does the July 2026 Asylum Rule Change Mean for Adjustment of Status Applicants?
USCIS announced a rule change to the asylum system on July 27, 2026 to reduce the backlog, alongside ongoing enforcement actions and employment-based updates.
Published August 5, 2026
Did USCIS Revise the Employer I-9 Handbook? Yes, Here's What Changed for TPS EAD Extensions
USCIS updated the M-274 Employer Handbook on July 8, 2026 to reflect automatic TPS-based work authorization extensions.
Published July 15, 2026
What Does the July 2026 Visa Bulletin Mean for My Adjustment of Status Case?
The Department of State published the July 2026 Visa Bulletin on July 1, 2026, with forward signals for employment-based categories.
Published July 13, 2026
Will USCIS Raise the Citizenship Fee by $570? Yes, Here's What the Proposed Rule Changes
The Department of Homeland Security proposed on June 23, 2026 to raise Form N-400 citizenship fees to $1,330, a $570 increase, and eliminate fee waivers.
Published June 26, 2026
Will EB-5 Investors Be Exempt From the New Consular Processing Push? Questions Remain
USCIS has not yet clarified whether EB-5 investors fall outside PM-602-0199's consular processing preference announced June 2026.
Published June 5, 2026
Homeland Security: Most Legal Immigrants Won't Need to Leave US to Get Green Card, Yes Here's What Changed
DHS clarified on June 3, 2026 that most legal immigrants can still adjust status inside the U.S. despite earlier confusion over PM-602-0199.
Published June 3, 2026
Did USCIS Make Adjustment of Status Harder? Yes, Here's What the May 2026 Memo Changed
USCIS policy memo PM-602-0199, issued May 21, 2026, instructs officers to treat Form I-485 adjustment of status as discretionary and to weigh negative factors more heavily.
Published May 30, 2026