Effective Jan 26, 2021, all air travelers entering the U.S. will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The Department of State (DOS) has updated its guidance. This new travel requirement is based upon a CDC ruling.
Tag: COVID-19
USCIS Extends COVID-19 Related Deadlines
The USCIS announced on Fri that it is extending the additional 60 day extension for responding to RFE’s, NOID’s, NOIR’s and other notices. The new extension is valid until Jan 1. 2021. The USCIS has a web-page dedicated to accommodations they have made due to COVID-19.
USCIS Extends COVID-19 Accommodations
The USCIS has announced an extension of its accommodations for responding to RFE’s, NOID, etc during this time of COVID-19. As a practical matter, most deadlines have been extended by 60 days. The USCIS has been extremely generous in steps it has taken to serve its customers during this pandemic and they should be saluted… Continue reading USCIS Extends COVID-19 Accommodations
Will the Facts Matter ?
As the White House is contemplating placing a moratorium on the issuance of H-1b visas and the issuance of OPT STEM work permits, it may be helpful for the WH to check DOL data. If they do, they will learn that the unemployment rate of IT professionals, which make up a large percentage of H-1b… Continue reading Will the Facts Matter ?
USCIS Running Out of Money
The USCIS has pleaded to Congress for additional funding due to the implications of COVID-19. Guess they figure everyone else’s hand is out, why not theirs. They have stated that if they do not receive the additional funding, they will add a 10% service charge to applications. Maybe they should consider restoring the premium processing… Continue reading USCIS Running Out of Money
Delays to H-1B CAP Notices due to COVID-19
In a recent stakeholder message, a copy of which can be found here, USCIS has confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic will cause delays in data entry and notice generation for CAP cases. Even though cases could be filed starting April 1, 2020, USCIS does not expect to be able to get notices out for cases… Continue reading Delays to H-1B CAP Notices due to COVID-19
Borders Closed Due to COVID-19
The US has announced agreements with both Mexico and Canada to close the border for all but essential travel. Read the Fact Sheet and announcements here. All non-essential travel has been prohibited. We believe this prohibits the issuance of new TN’s for Canadians. For Mexican nationals, a new TN requires a visa issued from a… Continue reading Borders Closed Due to COVID-19
USCIS Cancels Interviews Due to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing in the U.S., the USCIS has closed its offices to the public until at least April 1, 2020. For legal immigrants, the major impacts are the cancellation of I-485 interviews and I-539 biometric appointments for family members. Until the offices are reopened to… Continue reading USCIS Cancels Interviews Due to COVID-19
US Consulate Closures
In response to the COVID-19 virus, many US Consulates have closed for visa services and are not conducting interviews or issuing non-immigrant or immigrant visas. The press release from the US Consulate in India can be found here and from the US Consulate in Mexico here. This is a very fluid situation so please check… Continue reading US Consulate Closures
Stuck in Europe
On March 12th, President Trump imposed a ban on any person with a visa from traveling into the U.S. if they are from or have been in a Schengen country in the 14 days prior to their attempted entry to the U.S. Schengen countries include 26 European countries. There are a number of exceptions to… Continue reading Stuck in Europe