US VISA: IMMIGRATION CORNER- USCIS announces ‘flexibility’ for non-immigrants during COVID-19

IMMIGRATION CORNER
-Michael J. Gurfinkel
On April 13, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will exercise more flexibility for non-immigrants who must depart the US by a certain date, but are now facing “immigration-related challenges as a direct result of the COVID-pandemic.”.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

DHS is aware that certain nonimmigrants must depart the US before their authorized period of admission expires. This would include visitors or temporary workers who were allowed to remain in the US until a date certain. However, these nonimmigrants may unexpectedly be forced to remain in the US beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19, especially where there are travel bans, difficulty in obtaining an international flight, and quarantines, lockdowns, or “shelter in place” requirements in the US or abroad. (For example, there is a quarantine for travel in and outside of Manila).

.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

Where a non-immigrant was allowed to remain in the US to a date certain (the date on their I-94), USCIS recommends the following:

.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

1. Apply for an extension or change of status. USCIS continues to accept and process applications and petitions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many forms are available online for filing.

.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

2. If the extension or change of status request is filed timely (before your period of authorized stay expires), then the person does not accrue “unlawful presence.” In some cases involving work authorization with the same employer, it’s possible to receive an automatic extension for up to 240 days after the I-94 expired when an extension of status is timely filed.

.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

3. If the extension or change of status request is NOT timely filed, USCIS stated it would exercise flexibility or discretion. In other words, USCIS may be more lenient with late filings based on delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In those cases, USCIS has the discretion to excuse delays or late filings based on “extraordinary circumstances” which are beyond the control of the alien, “such as those that may be caused by COVID-19.” However, the length of delay in filing must be reasonable under the circumstances. For example, if a person, five years from now, files an extension on a visitor visa, that may be unreasonable.

.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many rules, regulations, procedures, and filings with USCIS and immigration courts are constantly changing. I realize these changes can be confusing and complex. My office continues to remain open (remotely), and continues to accept phone consultations and processing our existing clients’ cases. We will continue to keep you updated as developments arise.

.

 Ads by: Memento Maxima Digital Marketing @ [email protected]
SPACE RESERVE FOR  ADVERTISEMENT
.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com

Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw

Four offices to serve you: PHILIPPINES: 88940258 or 88940239; LOS ANGELES; SAN FRANCISCO; NEW YORK: TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-866-GURFINKEL (1-866-487-3465)

 All photographs, news, editorials, opinions, information, data, others have been taken from the Internet ..aseanews.net | [email protected] | For COMMENTS- Eagle Rock
.
.
TRIVIA: ASEAN
10 States ― Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someonePrint this page