USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act

On September 25, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced significant updates to its Policy Manual regarding the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). These changes, outlined in Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7 of the Policy Manual, address the process of calculating a CSPA applicant’s age, particularly for those demonstrating extraordinary circumstances. Enacted in 2002, the Child Status Protection Act is a critical safeguard to protect certain noncitizen children from “aging out” of eligibility for immigration benefits due to long processing times. The new guidance aims to clarify scenarios where age calculations under CSPA may be impacted, ensuring fair treatment for eligible applicants.

Key Updates to CSPA Guidance

The updated guidance offers several important clarifications aimed at standardizing the CSPA age calculation process. Here are the primary updates:

CSPA Age Calculation in Extraordinary Circumstances

Under the new guidance, USCIS clarifies that for applicants who demonstrate *extraordinary circumstances*, thus qualifying for an exemption from the “sought to acquire” requirement, their CSPA age calculation will be based on the date the immigrant visa first became available—*provided the visa remains continuously available for a 1-year period without lapses*. This adjustment ensures that noncitizen children retain a fair opportunity to benefit from CSPA protections, even when faced with challenges during the adjustment process.

Circumstances of Visa Availability and Unavailability

The guidance also addresses cases in which a visa becomes available and then subsequently unavailable. If an applicant can demonstrate *extraordinary circumstances* that prevented them from filing for adjustment of status before the visa became unavailable, the CSPA age calculation may use the date that the visa first became available. This aims to reduce the risk of qualified noncitizen children losing their protection due to temporary visa unavailability, particularly when unforeseen factors prevented timely action.

Policy Update: Context and Consequence

Prior to these revisions, USCIS policy did not specify how to handle CSPA age calculations for applicants excused from the “sought to acquire” requirement due to extraordinary circumstances. This ambiguity often led to inconsistent outcomes and a lack of clarity, especially for applicants facing unique challenges in their immigration journey. The new guidance will help USCIS implement a more efficient and consistent approach in these cases, reducing uncertainties for noncitizens and their families.

The revised guidance reflects USCIS’s commitment to fairness and efficiency within the immigration system, and reinforces its goal of protecting immigration benefits for noncitizen children. Effective immediately, these clarifications will apply to all pending and future CSPA applications, providing a standardized approach that prevents eligible applicants from being unfairly impacted by procedural complexities.

Book Your Strategy Session with OnlineVisas Today

The U.S. immigration system is complex, and navigating important updates—such as those in the Child Status Protection Act can be daunting. The experienced professionals at OnlineVisas are here to guide you through each step, helping you understand how these changes may impact your case and identifying the best strategies for your unique needs.

Do you have questions about how the CSPA updates affect you, or need guidance on other immigration matters?* OnlineVisas can provide personalized assistance tailored to your situation. Book your Strategy Session today to gain insight into your options and make the most of your immigration opportunities.

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