USCIS – Covid-19 Update
May 4, 2020
As I told you in an earlier posting, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) has closed its doors to the general public until at least June 4th. I expect that date to be extended even further.
That means there are no interviews, no oath ceremonies and not much is getting done.
I keep getting calls and emails from clients asking “is this COVID-19 shutdown going to affect my case?” The simple answer is YES. You are in a line that is not moving. It is going to take you longer to get to the front of that line to get the immigration benefit you are entitled to.
Simply put — you need to be patient.
Earlier today, USCIS announced it is giving applicants and petitioners more time to respond to some USCIS requests. Here is the press release issued earlier today by USCIS.
Stay home. Stay safe.
Thanks,
John Foley
Foley Law Offices, P.C.
—————–USCIS Press Release——————–
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30 to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to certain:
Requests for Evidence;
Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
Notices of Intent to Deny;
Notices of Intent to Revoke;
Notices of Intent to Rescind and Notices of Intent to Terminate regional investment centers; and
Filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion.
Notice/Request/Decision Issuance Date
This flexibility applies to the above documents if the issuance date listed on the request, notice, or decision is between March 1 and July 1, 2020, inclusive.
Response Due Date
USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice before taking action. USCIS will consider a Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision before it takes any action.
USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community and to minimize the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during this time.
USCIS will provide further updates as the situation develops and will continue to follow CDC guidance. Education and precautions are the strongest tools against COVID-19 infection. Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for the latest facts and other USCIS updates.