On Monday, October 23, USCIS announced an update to its policy guidance that it will no longer give deference to previously approved petitions when reviewing extension requests. The legal burden of proof for visa approvals has not changed, as USCIS has always had the authority to re-examine every petition on its merits. USCIS officers will now review extensions without deference to the previous approval, which may increase adjudication timelines and Requests for Evidence on visa petitions.
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