The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) serves as a comprehensive guide for USCIS officers, detailing immigration policies and procedures. It is currently being transitioned into the USCIS Policy Manual, streamlining processes and ensuring consistency across all adjudications.

1.1 Overview of the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM)

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) is a detailed guide for USCIS officers, outlining policies and procedures for adjudicating immigration applications and petitions. It provides comprehensive instructions on various immigration processes, including adjustment of status, employment-based petitions, and naturalization. The AFM is divided into multiple chapters, each addressing specific areas of immigration law. For example, Chapter 16 focuses on adjustment of status, while Chapter 22 covers employment-based petitions. The manual also includes appendices and supplements for additional guidance. However, USCIS is transitioning the AFM content into the USCIS Policy Manual, streamlining immigration policies and removing obsolete information. This consolidation aims to enhance clarity and consistency in adjudications across all USCIS offices.

1.2 Purpose and Scope of the AFM

The purpose of the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) is to provide USCIS officers with clear, standardized guidance for adjudicating immigration applications and petitions. Its scope covers a wide range of immigration processes, including adjustment of status, employment-based petitions, naturalization, and specialized adjudications under specific laws like the Cuban Adjustment Act. The AFM ensures consistency and fairness in decision-making by outlining legal standards, evidence requirements, and procedural steps. It serves as a critical resource for officers to interpret and apply immigration laws accurately. While the AFM is being transitioned into the USCIS Policy Manual, it remains a vital tool for ensuring adherence to agency policies and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

History and Development of the AFM

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) traces its origins to the INS Examinations Manual. It evolved over time through updates, consolidating legacy policies in 2009 and transitioning to the USCIS Policy Manual.

2.1 Evolution of Immigration Policies

The evolution of immigration policies has shaped the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM), reflecting changes in U.S. immigration laws and procedures. Originally derived from the INS Examinations Manual, the AFM has undergone significant updates to align with modern immigration practices. Key developments include the consolidation of legacy policies in 2009 and the gradual transition of AFM content into the USCIS Policy Manual. This shift aims to streamline immigration policies, enhance accessibility, and ensure consistency across all adjudications. The AFM has historically served as a binding guide for USCIS officers, providing detailed procedures for processing applications and petitions. Its evolution underscores the agency’s commitment to adapting to legal and procedural changes, ensuring fair and efficient adjudications. Ongoing updates continue to refine the manual, keeping it aligned with current laws and operational needs.

2.2 Key Milestones in AFM Updates

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) has undergone several key updates, reflecting significant changes in immigration policies and procedures. A major milestone occurred in 2013 when Chapters 71-76 were superseded by the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12. Additionally, in 2020, USCIS announced the retirement of the AFM website, transitioning remaining content to the Policy Manual as PDFs. Another notable update was the 2009 consolidation of legacy INS policies into the AFM, streamlining guidance for adjudicators. These updates ensure alignment with current immigration laws and operational needs, maintaining the AFM’s role as a critical resource for USCIS officers. The transition to the Policy Manual continues, with ongoing efforts to update and incorporate AFM content, ensuring consistency and accessibility for all adjudication processes.

Structure of the Adjudicators Field Manual

The Adjudicators Field Manual is organized into volumes and chapters, with detailed sections covering specific immigration topics. Appendices and supplements provide additional resources for adjudicators.

3.1 Volume Organization

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) is structured into multiple volumes, each focusing on specific areas of immigration law and procedures. These volumes are designed to provide clear guidance to adjudicators, ensuring consistency in decision-making; The AFM’s volume organization reflects the complexity of immigration policies, with dedicated sections for topics such as citizenship, adjustment of status, and employment-based petitions. As USCIS transitions content to the Policy Manual, the AFM’s volumes are being retired. For instance, Chapters 71-76 have been superseded by the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12. Remaining AFM content is available as PDFs until fully incorporated into the new system. This organized approach ensures that adjudicators have access to up-to-date and consolidated guidance.

3.2 Chapter Breakdown

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) is divided into chapters, each addressing specific aspects of immigration adjudication. Key chapters include those on adjustment of status, employment-based petitions, and naturalization. Chapter 16 focuses on adjustment of status, providing detailed guidance on eligibility criteria and procedures. Chapter 22 covers employment-based petitions, outlining requirements for various visa categories. Chapters 71-76 have been superseded by the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, which addresses citizenship and naturalization. The AFM also includes appendices and supplements that offer additional resources and clarifications. As USCIS transitions content to the Policy Manual, chapters are being updated or retired, ensuring a streamlined approach to immigration policies. This structured breakdown ensures adjudicators can quickly access relevant guidance, enhancing efficiency and consistency in decision-making.

3.4 Appendices and Supplements

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) includes appendices and supplements that provide additional resources and clarifications to support adjudication processes. These sections often contain forms, checklists, and detailed procedural guidance to ensure consistency and accuracy. Appendices may address specific topics such as evidence requirements, document verification, and interview procedures. Supplements offer updates or expansions to existing chapters, reflecting new policies or legal changes. As USCIS transitions content to the Policy Manual, appendices and supplements are being reviewed and incorporated into the new format. Some materials have been preserved as PDFs to maintain access during the transition. These resources remain critical for officers needing detailed guidance, ensuring that adjudications align with current policies and legal standards. The structured approach of appendices and supplements enhances the usability of the AFM for immigration officers.

Key Chapters and Sections

Key chapters cover essential procedures, including adjustment of status, employment-based petitions, and naturalization. Chapters 71-76 have been superseded, with content moved to the USCIS Policy Manual.

4.1 Chapter 16: Adjustment of Status

Chapter 16 of the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) focuses on adjustment of status, a process allowing individuals to transition from nonimmigrant to permanent resident status. It outlines eligibility criteria, required documentation, and procedures for adjudicating these cases. The chapter also addresses special provisions, such as 245(i) and the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA). Recent updates have consolidated this guidance into Volume 1 of the USCIS Policy Manual, ensuring streamlined policies and removing obsolete information. Officers rely on this section to apply the preponderance of evidence standard and issue Requests for Evidence (RFE) when necessary. The chapter provides detailed instructions for conducting interviews and making final determinations, ensuring consistency in adjudications across USCIS offices.

4.2 Chapter 22: Employment-Based Petitions

Chapter 22 of the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) provides detailed guidance on employment-based petitions, outlining the procedures for adjudicating cases under various visa categories, such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3. It covers eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the evaluation of qualifications for foreign workers. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the preponderance of evidence standard in determining petition approval. Officers are instructed to thoroughly review labor certifications, educational credentials, and evidence of extraordinary ability or national interest. Recent updates have transitioned this guidance into the USCIS Policy Manual, ensuring alignment with current policies and streamlining adjudication processes. This section is critical for ensuring consistent and fair evaluation of employment-based immigration benefits across all USCIS offices.

4.3 Chapter 71-76: Superseded Sections

Chapters 71-76 of the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) have been superseded by the USCIS Policy Manual, specifically Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, as of January 22, 2013. These chapters previously covered specific aspects of naturalization and citizenship adjudications but are now considered obsolete. The transition to the Policy Manual has streamlined immigration policies, removing redundant and outdated guidance. Officers are instructed to refer to the USCIS Policy Manual for current and authoritative guidance on these topics. The supersession of these chapters reflects USCIS’s effort to consolidate and modernize its policy resources, ensuring clarity and consistency in adjudication processes across all offices. Users are advised to consult the USCIS Policy Manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Updates and Revisions

USCIS is retiring the AFM, transitioning its content to the Policy Manual. Recent updates streamline policies, remove obsolete information, and ensure consistency in immigration adjudications. Updates are ongoing.

5.1 Recent Policy Changes

Recent updates to the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) reflect USCIS’s commitment to modernizing immigration policies. Key changes include the consolidation of guidance into the USCIS Policy Manual, ensuring streamlined processes and removing outdated information. Chapters 71-76 have been superseded, with content now integrated into Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, focusing on citizenship and naturalization. Additionally, USCIS has introduced measures to enhance clarity in adjudication procedures, particularly for employment-based petitions and adjustment of status under the Cuban Adjustment Act. These revisions aim to improve consistency and efficiency in immigration processing. The transition to the Policy Manual is ongoing, with remaining AFM content archived in PDF format to maintain accessibility during the update period.

5.2 Transition to the USCIS Policy Manual

The USCIS Policy Manual is progressively replacing the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM), creating a centralized repository for immigration policies. This transition aims to streamline processes, eliminate redundancies, and enhance accessibility. Key updates include the integration of AFM chapters into the Policy Manual, with chapters 71-76 already superseded. The Policy Manual is structured into thematic volumes, such as Volume 12 for citizenship and naturalization. USCIS is ensuring a seamless shift by archiving remaining AFM content as PDFs until full incorporation. This consolidation promotes consistency and efficiency in immigration adjudications, aligning with USCIS’s goal of modernizing its policy framework. Officers and stakeholders are encouraged to rely on the Policy Manual for the most current guidance, as it becomes the authoritative source for all immigration-related policies.

Training and Adjudicator Guidance

USCIS provides training programs for officers to ensure consistency in adjudications. Guidance is updated regularly, reflecting policy changes and best practices to maintain procedural accuracy and efficiency.

6.1 Training Programs for Officers

USCIS provides comprehensive training programs for adjudicators to ensure consistency and accuracy in immigration proceedings. These programs cover key topics such as adjustment of status, employment-based petitions, and naturalization processes. Officers are trained to interpret and apply policies outlined in the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) and the USCIS Policy Manual. The training emphasizes the importance of adhering to the preponderance of evidence standard and properly issuing Requests for Evidence (RFE) when necessary. Additionally, officers receive guidance on specialized adjudications, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) and superseded sections of the AFM. Regular updates to the training curriculum ensure officers are informed about the latest policy changes and procedural updates, fostering a uniform approach to adjudications across all USCIS offices.

• Coverage of AFM chapters and updates.
• Focus on RFE requirements and evidence standards.
• Training on transitioning to the USCIS Policy Manual.

These programs are essential for maintaining procedural accuracy and efficiency in immigration adjudications.

6.2 Guidance on Specific Policies

The Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) offers detailed guidance on specific immigration policies, ensuring officers consistently apply legal standards. It provides clear instructions for handling cases under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) and superseded sections, such as Chapters 71-76, which have been incorporated into the USCIS Policy Manual. The AFM also outlines procedures for employment-based petitions and adjustment of status, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the preponderance of evidence standard. Officers are instructed on proper Request for Evidence (RFE) issuance and the significance of updated policy memoranda. This guidance ensures that adjudications align with current regulations and promote fairness and transparency in immigration proceedings.

• Clear instructions for CAA and superseded sections.
• Procedures for employment-based petitions and adjustment of status.
• Emphasis on evidence standards and RFE requirements.

Legal Standards and Evidence

The Adjudicators Field Manual emphasizes the preponderance of evidence standard, requiring officers to thoroughly evaluate submitted documentation to ensure decisions are based on credible and sufficient evidence.