Extra Time to Respond to USCIS Requests: In light of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the USCIS is granting an additional 60 days to respond to requests for evidence, notices of an intent to deny or revoke, or filing motions and appeals for requests issued between March 1, and September 11, 2020. Click here for more details.
Consulates Closed For Routine Services: U.S. Consulates around the world are closed for routine visa services due to the COVID19 pandemic. Fallon Bixby Cheng & Lee strongly advises delaying travel plans if you will need a visa to return to the United States. Click here for more details.
Bars to Entry to the United States for New Immigrants, Temporary Workers: In reaction to the unprecedented high unemployment rate resulting from the COVID19 pandemic and shelter in place ordinances, the Trump administration has issued orders in April and June 2020 prohibiting U.S. entry of certain immigrants and temporary workers. These orders impact the following (with some exceptions):
- (1) Temporary visitors: Individuals seeking to enter in H-1B, H-2B, L or J-1 status and their spouses who were outside the United States and did not already hold a valid H, L or J visa on June 24, 2020
- (2) New Immigrants: Individuals outside the United States seeking to immigrate permanently to the U.S. and did not already hold an immigrant visa on April 22nd, the effective date of the initial proclamation. You are NOT impacted by the government’s order if you were in the U.S. or already held an H/L/J visa on the effective date of the proclamation or if you hold another visa status. The government also clarified that Canadian citizens are not impacted by this order since they do not require a visa.
For details see: April 22nd Proclamation and June 22, Proclamation