USCIS Updates Policy Guidance On Self-Selecting A Gender Marker On Forms And Documents

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that, as of April 1, 2023, USCIS will accept the self-identified gender marker for individuals requesting immigration benefits. In other words, the gender marker an individual selects on required USCIS applications, petitions, and requests does not need to match the gender marker indicated on their supporting documentation (Birth Certificates, Passport, Driver's Licenses, etc.).

Neither an individual's initial selection nor any later change in gender selection requires supporting documentation, such as a physician's letter, a government-issued document reflecting the requested gender designation, or a court order recognizing a change of gender, regarding said individual's gender identity. In addition, the gender selected does not need to match the gender listed on other previously submitted immigration documents.