COVID-19

COVID-19

Update on USCIS Furlough of Employees

USCIS has issued furlough notices to 70% of its workforce at the end of June. USCIS is a for profit agency that uses application fees to fund the agency and its employees. At the current moment, there are approximately 20,000…

Jenny ZhanJuly 13, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Extends RFE and NOID Flexibility Dates until September

USCIS announced on March 27 that it is adopting measures to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to requests for evidence (RFE) or notices of intent to deny (NOID). This flexibility has been extended until September 11, 2020 and…

Jenny ZhanJuly 1, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: European Union Lifts Travel Ban for 15 Countries but the United States is not Included

The European Commission has advised European Union countries to allow entry to travelers from 15 countries starting July 1. These countries include the following: Algeria Andorra Australia Canada Georgia Japan Monaco Montenegro Morocco New Zealand Rwanda San Marino Serbia South…

Jenny ZhanJune 30, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Requirements for US Citizens or Residents Visiting Canada

On March 21, U.S., Canada, and Mexico announced that the land borders between the three countries will close to non-essential travel as response to the COVID 19 pandemic. The initial closure was to last through April 20 and has now…

Jenny ZhanJune 29, 2020

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COVID-19

USCIS to Resume Premium Processing for Applications in Phases

USCIS has announced today that they will resume premium processing for Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers in phases over the next month. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the concern…

Jenny ZhanMay 29, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Brazil

The White House issued another presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions and quarantines on travelers from Brazil starting on 11:59 on May 26 due to the coronavirus. This is after the travel ban imposed on travelers from Chin, Iran, European countries, and the United…

Jenny ZhanMay 29, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: United Kingdom Enforcing 14 Day Quarantine for International Arrivals Starting June 8

Starting on June 8, the United Kingdom will enforce a 14 day quarantine for all international arrivals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This does not apply for individuals entering from the Common Travel Area, including Ireland, the Channel Islands,…

Jenny ZhanMay 29, 2020

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COVID-19

USCIS Preparing to Resume In Person Services on June 4

USCIS is preparing some domestic offices to reopen and resume public services on or after June 4, 2020. Due to the social distancing rules that will still be in place, USCIS offices will schedule fewer appointments per day to ensure…

Jenny ZhanMay 27, 2020

COVID-19

Can I enter the U.S. on my E-2 visa? Can I enter the U.S. during Covid-19 with my E-2?

The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted all aspects of daily life. With both borders and Consulates closed, travel to and from the U.S. can be difficult. For those who already have an E-2 visa in their passports, the question arises as…

Jenny ZhanMay 22, 2020

COVID-19

Can I enter the U.S. on a TN visa during Covid-19? Processing TN Visas in Times of US Canada Border COVID-19 Restrictions.

On March 21, U.S., Canada, and Mexico announced that the land borders between the three countries will close to non-essential travel. The initial closure was to last through April 20 and has now been extended to June 22. The Customs…

Jenny ZhanMay 22, 2020

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COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on an O-1 visa that expires soon. Should my company file for an extension or should the company file a renewal application for 3 years? Which is better?

If you are currently in the U.S. on an O-1 visa and your visa is about to expire, you company may be considering 2 of the following options: (i) filing an extension for 1 year or renewing your O-1 for…

Jenny ZhanMay 20, 2020

COVID-19

Do I have to live in the U.S. if I have an E-1 visa? I am unable to enter the U.S. due to the Corona virus outbreak. Will this impact my E-1 visa renewal?

E-1 visa is a great visa for treaty traders who engage in international trade between the U.S. and their home treaty country. Is there a residency requirement for an E-1 visa? No, there is no residency requirement for an E-1 visa – there is…

Jenny ZhanMay 18, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Waives Certain Visa Restrictions for Certain Rural Foreign Doctors

USCIS has waived some visa restrictions so that foreign doctors assigned to rural communities can practice telehealth services outside of their approved locations during the COVID 19 pandemic. According to the Association of American Medical College, there are more than…

Jenny ZhanMay 15, 2020

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COVID-19

I am on an L-1 visa for a new office and had to lay off or furlough employees due to Corona virus. Am I eligible to renew my L-1 visa if the company does not have employees?

Covid-19 has changed the rules for travel, engagement and employment. Many companies have started to reduce wages and put staff on leave, and some companies have reduced hours or terminated employees. This situation can cause particular difficulties for people who are on…

Jenny ZhanMay 11, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on an O-1 visa. Can my employer ask me to work part-time? Can the employer reduce my salary? When do I have to leave the U.S. if I’m fired?

Covid-19 has changed the rules for travel, engagement and employment. Many companies have started to reduce wages and put staff on leave, and some companies have reduced hours or terminated employees. Employers are facing difficult questions about how to proceed in light…

Jenny ZhanMay 8, 2020

COVID-19

Bill Introduced in Congress to Allow 40,000 Doctor and Nurses Immigrant Visas

A group of Senators have introduced legislation in Congress that would allow 40,000 immigrant doctors and nurses to gain visas and work permits as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal would reallocate a limited number of unused visas…

Jenny ZhanMay 8, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on E-1 treaty trader/E-2 investor visa. Can I furlough my E-1/E-2 employees? Can I reduce working hours or reduce salaries of my E-1/E-2 employees?

Covid-19 has changed the rules for travel, engagement and employment. Many companies have started to reduce wages and put staff on leave, and some companies have reduced hours or terminated employees. Employers are facing difficult questions about how to proceed in light…

Jenny ZhanMay 6, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Extends Flexibility for Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny

USCIS has extended the flexibility for applicants and petitioners who are responding to requests for evidence (RFE), or notices of intent to deny (NOID), or notice of intent to revoke for regional center. This applies to notices dated between March…

Jenny ZhanMay 1, 2020

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COVID-19

FY 2021 Diversity Visa Lottery Results Delayed Until June 6

The U.S. State Department has announced today that it has postponed the diversity visa lottery result date from May 5, 2020 to June 5, 2020. The State Department has also announced that this delay will not impact the process of…

Jenny ZhanApril 28, 2020

COVID-19

I am an employer and may need to furlough, reduce the working hours, or reduce salaries of my staff. Can my L-1 employees work part-time? Can they be furloughed?

Covid-19 has changed the rules for travel, engagement and employment. Many companies have started to reduce wages and put staff on leave, and some companies have reduced hours or terminated employees. Employers are facing difficult questions about how to proceed in light…

Jenny ZhanApril 28, 2020

COVID-19

Lawsuit Filed against White House Blocking Stimulus Check for U.S. Citizens Married to Immigrants without Social Security Numbers

A lawsuit has been filed again President Trump over the federal government declining to make the $1200 stimulus checks to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without social security numbers and filed joint taxes in the most recent year.…

Jenny ZhanApril 28, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Office Preparing to Reopen on June 4

USCIS has announced today that it is planning to reopen local offices on June 4. On March 18, USCIS temporarily suspended all in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers as a response to COVID-19. USCIS…

Jenny ZhanApril 24, 2020

COVID-19

Presidential Proclamation Suspends Some Immigrants from Entering the US for 60 Days but will have very limited Impact

Starting on 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 2020, President Trump has suspended the entry of certain employment and family-based green cards for 60 days. Although the date has now been set at 60 days, it could be extended. Below…

Jenny ZhanApril 23, 2020

COVID-19

Trump Administration Announces Suspension of Green Card Issuance

President Trump announced on Tuesday that he will sign an executive order that will suspend the processing of permanent residence applications for 60 days. The announcement stated that there may be exemptions to the rule, however what these exemptions are…

Jenny ZhanApril 22, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: President Trump Promises to Temporarily Suspend Immigration into the US

President Trump tweeted on Monday that he will sign an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the U.S. The purpose of the order is to protect American jobs and a means of combating the coronavirus outbreak. At this time,…

Jenny ZhanApril 21, 2020

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Update on USCIS Furlough of Employees

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Extends RFE and NOID Flexibility Dates until September

Coronavirus Update: European Union Lifts Travel Ban for 15 Countries but the United States is not Included

Coronavirus Update: Requirements for US Citizens or Residents Visiting Canada

USCIS to Resume Premium Processing for Applications in Phases

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Brazil

Coronavirus Update: United Kingdom Enforcing 14 Day Quarantine for International Arrivals Starting June 8

USCIS Preparing to Resume In Person Services on June 4

Can I enter the U.S. on my E-2 visa? Can I enter the U.S. during Covid-19 with my E-2?

Can I enter the U.S. on a TN visa during Covid-19? Processing TN Visas in Times of US Canada Border COVID-19 Restrictions.

I am in the U.S. on an O-1 visa that expires soon. Should my company file for an extension or should the company file a renewal application for 3 years? Which is better?

Do I have to live in the U.S. if I have an E-1 visa? I am unable to enter the U.S. due to the Corona virus outbreak. Will this impact my E-1 visa renewal?

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Waives Certain Visa Restrictions for Certain Rural Foreign Doctors

I am on an L-1 visa for a new office and had to lay off or furlough employees due to Corona virus. Am I eligible to renew my L-1 visa if the company does not have employees?

I am in the U.S. on an O-1 visa. Can my employer ask me to work part-time? Can the employer reduce my salary? When do I have to leave the U.S. if I’m fired?

Bill Introduced in Congress to Allow 40,000 Doctor and Nurses Immigrant Visas

I am in the U.S. on E-1 treaty trader/E-2 investor visa. Can I furlough my E-1/E-2 employees? Can I reduce working hours or reduce salaries of my E-1/E-2 employees?

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Extends Flexibility for Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny

FY 2021 Diversity Visa Lottery Results Delayed Until June 6

I am an employer and may need to furlough, reduce the working hours, or reduce salaries of my staff. Can my L-1 employees work part-time? Can they be furloughed?

Lawsuit Filed against White House Blocking Stimulus Check for U.S. Citizens Married to Immigrants without Social Security Numbers

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Office Preparing to Reopen on June 4

Presidential Proclamation Suspends Some Immigrants from Entering the US for 60 Days but will have very limited Impact

Trump Administration Announces Suspension of Green Card Issuance

Coronavirus Update: President Trump Promises to Temporarily Suspend Immigration into the US

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