Adjudicators Field Manual: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated 10/02/2026)
This manual, updated as of today’s date, serves as a vital resource for USCIS personnel, detailing procedures and aligning with the USCIS Policy Manual.
The USCIS Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) is a cornerstone document for officers tasked with evaluating immigration petitions and applications. This manual provides detailed guidance, ensuring consistent and accurate adjudication nationwide. It’s designed to supplement, not replace, the USCIS Policy Manual, offering practical application of established policies.
The AFM encompasses a broad range of topics, from core adjudication principles (Chapter 10) to specific case types like employment-based petitions (Chapter 22) and adjustment of status (Chapter 23). It’s a dynamic resource, regularly updated to reflect evolving laws, regulations, and policy changes.
Officers are directed to verify information within the AFM against the USCIS Policy Manual and relevant policy memoranda for the most current guidance. This manual aims to streamline processes and promote informed decision-making throughout the adjudication lifecycle.
Purpose and Scope of the Manual
The primary purpose of the Adjudicators Field Manual is to standardize adjudication processes across all USCIS locations. It aims to ensure fair, consistent, and legally sound decisions on immigration benefits. The manual’s scope is comprehensive, covering a wide spectrum of adjudication tasks, from initial evidence review to conducting interviews and issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
It details procedures for various petition and application types, including those related to employment, family sponsorship, and humanitarian relief. The AFM also provides guidance on utilizing tools like SupportAssist for PCs, aiding in efficient case processing.
Crucially, the manual clarifies the relationship between itself and the USCIS Policy Manual, emphasizing the importance of cross-referencing for complete and up-to-date information.
Historical Context and Evolution
The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) has undergone significant evolution alongside changes in U.S. immigration law and USCIS policies. Initially, guidance was dispersed across various memoranda and internal directives. Over time, the need for a centralized, readily accessible resource became apparent, leading to the creation of the AFM.
Early versions focused on core adjudication principles, gradually expanding to encompass new legislation and evolving interpretations. Updates, like the one dated October 2, 2026, reflect ongoing refinements and integration with the USCIS Policy Manual.
The manual’s development mirrors USCIS’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, aiming to provide adjudicators with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of immigration law.
Key Chapters and Sections
This manual is logically structured, featuring crucial chapters like 10, 22, and 23, with detailed sections such as 23.2(j) for focused guidance.
Chapter 10: Core Adjudication Principles
Chapter 10 establishes the foundational principles guiding all USCIS adjudication processes. It emphasizes consistent application of immigration law and policy, ensuring fairness and accuracy in every decision.
Adjudicators must adhere to established legal precedents and agency policy, documented within the USCIS Policy Manual. This chapter details the importance of unbiased evaluation of evidence, focusing on the applicant’s eligibility based on submitted documentation.
Furthermore, it stresses the need for thorough record-keeping and clear articulation of reasoning for approvals or denials. Understanding and implementing these core principles is paramount for maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and upholding due process.
Chapter 22: Employment-Based Petitions
Chapter 22 provides detailed guidance on adjudicating employment-based immigration petitions. It covers various visa categories, including those for skilled workers, professionals, and investors, outlining specific eligibility requirements for each.
Adjudicators will find comprehensive instructions on evaluating labor certifications, assessing the petitioner’s ability to employ the beneficiary, and verifying the job offer’s legitimacy. This chapter emphasizes scrutiny of the employer’s financial capacity and adherence to Department of Labor regulations.
Proper application of these guidelines ensures that only qualified beneficiaries receive employment-based visas, contributing to the U.S. economy while protecting domestic workers.
Chapter 23: Adjustment of Status
Chapter 23 focuses on the process by which foreign nationals already in the United States can obtain lawful permanent resident status – Adjustment of Status. It details eligibility criteria, required forms, and supporting documentation needed for a successful application.
Adjudicators will find guidance on verifying the applicant’s admissibility, examining their continuous physical presence, and assessing any potential grounds for denial. This chapter also addresses issues related to waivers, portability, and advance parole.
Careful adherence to the procedures outlined in Chapter 23 is crucial for ensuring fair and accurate adjudication of Adjustment of Status applications.
23.2(j): General Adjustment of Status Issues
Section 23.2(j) specifically addresses the complex implications of an applicant’s departure from the United States while their Adjustment of Status application is pending. It clarifies the general rule that departure may be considered abandonment of the application.
Adjudicators must carefully evaluate whether an applicant intended to abandon their application, considering factors like the duration of the absence, the reason for travel, and any prior communication with USCIS.
This section provides guidance on documenting the analysis and making a reasoned determination regarding the impact of departure on the pending application.
Relationship to the USCIS Policy Manual
The Adjudicators Field Manual works in tandem with the USCIS Policy Manual, offering detailed guidance and ensuring consistent application of immigration policies.
Crosswalk Between the Adjudicators Field Manual and the Policy Manual
A crucial component of utilizing both resources effectively is understanding the crosswalk between the Adjudicators Field Manual and the USCIS Policy Manual. This crosswalk, established on May 21, 2020, provides a direct correlation between sections within each document.
It allows adjudicators to quickly locate the corresponding policy guidance for specific procedures outlined in the Field Manual, and vice versa; This ensures consistency and accuracy in decision-making. Chapter 10 serves as an example of this alignment.
Adjudicators are encouraged to regularly consult this crosswalk to maintain a comprehensive understanding of current USCIS policies and procedures, supplementing their knowledge with the Policy Manual as needed.
Using the Policy Manual for Verification
The USCIS Policy Manual functions as the centralized, authoritative source for all immigration policies. Adjudicators should routinely verify information found within the Adjudicators Field Manual against the Policy Manual to ensure adherence to the most current guidance.
Given the dynamic nature of immigration law and policy, regular verification is paramount. The USCIS is actively transferring material from the Field Manual to the Policy Manual, making it the primary reference point.
Always check the Policy Memoranda page alongside the Policy Manual for any recent updates or clarifications that may impact adjudication procedures.
Adjudication Procedures and Guidelines
This section details essential evidence evaluation, interview techniques, and proper documentation for Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and their responses.
Evidence Requirements and Evaluation
Adjudicators must meticulously assess submitted evidence, ensuring it directly supports the applicant’s claims and meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. Thorough evaluation involves verifying authenticity, relevance, and credibility of each document.
Insufficient or conflicting evidence necessitates a Request for Evidence (RFE), clearly outlining the missing information or discrepancies. Proper documentation of the evaluation process is crucial, including detailed notes on evidence reviewed and the rationale behind any decisions.
Remember to consult the USCIS Policy Manual for specific evidentiary standards related to each benefit type. Always prioritize a fair and consistent application of these standards across all cases.
Interview Techniques and Documentation
Effective interviewing is paramount in the adjudication process. Adjudicators should employ open-ended questions, actively listen to responses, and observe non-verbal cues to assess credibility. Maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor is essential throughout the interview.
Comprehensive documentation of each interview is critical, including a detailed summary of questions asked, answers provided, and any observations made. This documentation serves as a vital record for decision-making and potential appeals.
Adhering to established interview protocols and utilizing standardized forms ensures consistency and accuracy in the documentation process.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Responses
When evidence is insufficient or unclear, Adjudicators issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs). These must be meticulously detailed, specifying precisely what additional documentation is required to establish eligibility. RFEs should clearly articulate the reasons for the request and provide a reasonable timeframe for response;
Upon receiving a response, adjudicators must thoroughly review the submitted evidence to determine if it adequately addresses the initial concerns. Incomplete or insufficient responses may necessitate further RFEs or ultimately lead to a denial of the petition.
Proper documentation of all RFE issuances and responses is crucial for maintaining a clear audit trail.
Tools and Resources for Adjudicators
Dell’s SupportAssist, for both home and business PCs, proactively monitors system health, performance, and security, aiding efficient troubleshooting and fleetwide visibility.
SupportAssist for PCs: Monitoring and Troubleshooting
SupportAssist for Home PCs is a powerful, pre-installed application designed to proactively avoid troubleshooting and minimize disruptions for adjudicators. This intelligent tool continuously monitors your PC’s health, performance, and security, providing real-time insights into potential issues.
It automatically detects and resolves common problems, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. SupportAssist goes beyond basic monitoring; it offers predictive failure analysis, identifying components at risk before they impact your work. This allows for preventative maintenance and reduces downtime.
Furthermore, it streamlines driver and software updates, keeping your system optimized and secure. By leveraging Dell’s AI-driven technology, SupportAssist empowers adjudicators to focus on their core responsibilities, rather than technical difficulties.
SupportAssist for Business PCs: Fleetwide Visibility
Deploying SupportAssist for Business PCs provides USCIS IT departments with unprecedented fleetwide visibility and control. This solution leverages Dell’s AI-driven connectivity technology to offer actionable intelligence across all agency PCs.
Administrators gain a centralized dashboard to monitor the health, performance, and security posture of every machine, enabling proactive issue resolution and optimized resource allocation. SupportAssist facilitates remote troubleshooting, reducing the need for on-site visits and minimizing disruption to adjudicators’ workflows.
It also automates patch deployment and software updates, ensuring consistent security standards across the entire fleet. By providing comprehensive insights and streamlined management capabilities, SupportAssist for Business PCs empowers USCIS to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment.
Understanding Companion Features and Functionalities
The Adjudicators Field Manual’s companion features are designed to enhance user experience and streamline workflows. A key functionality is seamless email account integration, allowing adjudicators to connect Gmail, AOL, Microsoft, or other accounts for unified access to all correspondence.
The integrated attachment view provides a centralized location to view and manage all attachments, simplifying document organization and retrieval. This eliminates the need to navigate multiple email clients or folders, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of missed information.
These features are intended to improve efficiency and ensure adjudicators have quick access to essential resources, ultimately supporting informed decision-making.
Email Account Integration and Attachment View
The Adjudicators Field Manual’s companion features boast robust email integration, supporting connections to popular providers like Gmail, AOL, and Microsoft. This consolidation streamlines communication, presenting all relevant emails within a single, unified interface.
Complementing this is the comprehensive attachment view, a centralized hub for all received attachments. Users can effortlessly filter attachments, enhancing organization and accelerating document retrieval. This eliminates the cumbersome process of searching through disparate email threads and folders.
These functionalities are designed to boost adjudicator productivity and ensure no critical document is overlooked during the review process.
Manual Updates and Revisions
Regular updates reflect evolving policies; check resources and Policy Memoranda for verification. Staying current ensures accurate adjudication practices are consistently applied.
Staying Current with Policy Changes
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of USCIS policies is paramount for accurate and consistent adjudication. Policy changes are frequently communicated through various channels, including the USCIS Policy Manual, which serves as the centralized online repository for all immigration policies.
Adjudicators are strongly encouraged to routinely consult the Policy Manual and the dedicated Policy Memoranda page to verify information found within the Adjudicators Field Manual. This cross-referencing ensures alignment with the latest guidance and prevents the application of outdated procedures.
Proactive engagement with these resources minimizes errors and promotes fair and equitable treatment of all applicants. Timely awareness of policy shifts is crucial for effective decision-making and upholding the integrity of the immigration system.
Accessing the Latest Version of the Manual
The Adjudicators Field Manual is a dynamic document, subject to regular updates and revisions to reflect evolving policies and procedures. Ensuring access to the most current version is critical for all USCIS personnel involved in adjudication processes.
While specific access methods aren’t detailed in the provided information, it’s implied that the manual is digitally distributed. Adjudicators should consult internal USCIS resources and communication channels for instructions on locating and downloading the latest iteration.
Regularly checking for updates and utilizing the current version guarantees adherence to the most recent guidance, minimizing errors and promoting consistency in decision-making across the agency.
