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Introduction to the Adjudicator's Field Manual
The USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) details USCIS policies and procedures for administering immigration benefits. USCIS also publishes its policies in the USCIS Policy Manual and the USCIS Policy Memoranda page.
USCIS has undertaken a comprehensive review of its policies to improve quality, transparency, and efficiency. As a result of this extensive and ongoing review, USCIS created the USCIS Policy Manual, which is USCIS’ centralized online repository for its immigration policies.
The USCIS Policy Manual will ultimately replace the AFM, the USCIS Policy Memoranda page, and other policy repositories. When the Policy Manual supersedes an AFM section, USCIS replaces the section with language directing readers to the Policy Manual for the current guidance. Until the transition to the Policy Manual is complete, USCIS officers will use those current policies stated in the AFM, policy memoranda, and Policy Manual in guiding their determinations and performing their duties.
As permitted under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S. Code 552, the AFM as displayed on USCIS’ public website is a redacted version of the complete manual. All redactions were made under the following exemption:
The abbreviations "(b)(2)" and "(b)(7)(E)" in the manual indicate where data has been redacted.
- 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(2) to prevent the disclosure of records that are related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency; and
- 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7)(E) to prevent the disclosure of techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure that could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law.
Important Notice: Nothing in the AFM shall be construed to create any substantive or procedural right or benefit that is legally enforceable by any party against the United States or its agencies or officers or any other person. Also, see USCIS’ website policies for additional disclaimers.
If you have any questions about the AFM, email USCISPolicyManual@uscis.dhs.gov (write “AFM Question” in the subject line of the email). When sending an email to us, provide your full name and, if you are an attorney or representative, the name of the firm or organization you represent. We will only consider emails related to AFM content and format. For specific case information, see our Contact Us page. For general immigration information, visit www.uscis.gov.
\ afm \ Adjudicator's Field Manual - Redacted Public Version
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