COVID-19

COVID-19

USCIS Extends RFE and NOID Flexibility to Regional Center Notice of Intent to Terminate

USCIS has 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) dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020. Any…

Jenny ZhanApril 2, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS to Reuse Previously Submitted Biometrics to Process Work Permit Applications

USCIS has announced that they will reuse previously submitted biometrics in order to process valid work permit application extension requests due to the closure of Application Support Centers (ASC). Biometrics appointments are appointments where the applicant’s fingerprints, photo, and information…

Jenny ZhanApril 1, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at least May 3

On March 17, 2020, USCIS temporarily suspended in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers (ASC) to help slow the spread of the COVID-19. The initial suspension was until April 1, this date has now been…

Jenny ZhanApril 1, 2020

COVID-19

What is the impact of the Stimulus bill on my Immigration Status? Can I receive a Stimulus Check if I am on a Visa? Is there a Public Charge Impact to receiving a Stimulus Check?

As a result of the unprecedented Corona Virus pandemic, Congress has passed bipartisan economic relief legislation. The components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits and coverage, student loan modifications, changes to retirement rules, help to small businesses, and…

Jenny ZhanMarch 31, 2020

COVID-19

I am on a TN visa and was furloughed because of Corona Virus. I want to change employers on my TN. What if I lose my TN Job?

A TN visa is a visa that is available for nationals from Canada and Mexico. The applicant must have a job offer and must also have a degree in a designated profession or field. You can find out more about…

IanScottMarch 29, 2020

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COVID-19

USCIS to Accept Scanned/Reproduced Signatures During COVID-19 Crisis

For many immigration petitions and forms (Eg. I-129, G-28, I-140), USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) normally only accepts “wet” signatures. As both lawyers and applicants have to sign many forms, this creates logistical issues when freedom of movement has…

IanScottMarch 29, 2020

COVID-19

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

USCIS has announced today 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) dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020. Any applicants who…

Jenny ZhanMarch 27, 2020

COVID-19

Does Covid-19 impact my obligations as an H-1B or E-3 Employer? What things should I keep in mind? Is Part-Time Work Possible? Is furlough possible for an H-1B employee?

Covid-19 has changed the rules for travel, engagement and employment. Many companies have already started to reduce wages and put staff on leave. Some companies have terminated employees. For companies that have employees in E-3 or H-1B status, they must…

Jenny ZhanMarch 26, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Additional U.S. Embassies and Consulates Cancel Visa Appointments

Additional U.S. Embassies and Consulates that cancelled and rescheduled their nonimmigrant and immigrant visa appointments due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These consulates have stopped routine procedure for most except for emergency U.S. citizen service. These are the latest updates: The…

Jenny ZhanMarch 26, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Department of Homeland Security Issues Guidelines on Remote I-9 Verification during COVID-19

Due to many companies moving operations to remote working or working from home, the Department of Homeland Security has issued interim guidelines on remote I-9 verification during this emergency. In normal times, when an employee starts at a company, companies…

Jenny ZhanMarch 26, 2020

COVID-19

USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at Least April 7

Jenny ZhanMarch 26, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on E-2 employee visa. Can I apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus? Can my spouse apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus?

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many of our clients ask us the following question: Can I apply for unemployment benefits? If I apply for unemployment benefits, will the government determine that I am likely to become a public charge? Let’s…

Jenny ZhanMarch 25, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Temporarily Closes Offices in Rome and Nairobi to the Public

USCIS has announced on March 25, 2020 that it has temporarily closed its offices in Rome, Italy and Nairobi, Kenya to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows the March 12 announcement that the U.S. embassies were closed…

Jenny ZhanMarch 25, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Canada, United States, and Mexico Closed Border to Tourism and Recreational Travel For 30 Days (Updated)

Starting on March 21 and continuing to at least April 20, the land borders between Canada, the United States, and Mexico will be restricted to essential travel only. This does not apply to air, rail, or sea travel at this…

Jenny ZhanMarch 23, 2020

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COVID-19

How will the Covid-19 impact my Visa? Will the Corona (Covid -19) Virus impact my visa? Immigration issues Associated with the Corona Virus.

Covid-19 has changed the rules for travel, engagement and employment. We hope all are staying safe and coping with this crisis. Over the last several days, we have had a flurry of questions from both current and prospective clients regarding…

IanScottMarch 21, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Announced Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing for All I-129 and I-140 Petitions

USCIS has announced today, March 20, the immediate and temporary suspension of premium processing service for all Form I-129 and Form I-140 petitions until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak. Premium processing costs $1410 and guarantees that USCIS will…

Jenny ZhanMarch 20, 2020

COVID-19 News

Update on Firm Operations During Coronavirus Outbreak

To our Clients, Colleagues and Friends, Our hope is that this email finds you, your colleagues, and your families and friends in the best of health at this time of worldwide pandemic. We know that many of you are experiencing challenges,…

Jenny ZhanMarch 20, 2020

COVID-19

U.S. and Canada to Close Border from Non-Essential Traffic

The leaders of Canada and the United States have announced on March 18, 2020 that the border between the two countries will soon close to non-essential traffic as response to the Coronavirus outbreak. No other details of the closure including…

Jenny ZhanMarch 19, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the United States on Visa Waiver or ESTA and my Period of Admission is Expiring. What is Satisfactory Departure and how can I request this during the Coronavirus?

The Visa Waiver Program or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a program that allows citizens from certain countries (38 countries) to apply for admission to the U.S. using a simplified process. The applicant can use a web interface…

Jenny ZhanMarch 16, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to UK and Ireland

The White House issued another presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions and quarantines on travelers from countries in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting on 11:59 PM EST on March 16 due to the coronavirus. This does not apply to flights…

Jenny ZhanMarch 16, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: U.S. Embassies in Rome and Kingston Closed to Routine Services

Announced on March 11 and March 12, the U.S. Embassies in Rome, Italy and Kingston, Jamaica are closed to visa and other routine services. Only emergency American citizen services and emergency visa services will be available. Emergency American citizen services…

Jenny ZhanMarch 12, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Europe

The White House issued another presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions and quarantines on travelers from countries in the European Schengen Area starting on 5 PM EST March 13 due to the coronavirus. This is after the travel ban imposed on travelers…

Jenny ZhanMarch 12, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: New York and New Jersey Asylum Offices Cancel Interview Decision Pick-Up Appointments

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the New York Asylum Office and the Newark Asylum Office has, effective March 12 until further notice, cancelled decision pick-up appointments. Instead the decisions will be mailed to the applicant instead. This decision comes…

Jenny ZhanMarch 11, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Recent Iran Travel

The White House issued another presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions and quarantines on travelers from Iran starting on 5 PM EST March 2, 2020 due to the coronavirus. This does not apply to flights that have taken off before this…

Jenny ZhanMarch 2, 2020

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COVID-19

Updates on Travels Restrictions and Visa Delays Caused by the Coronavirus

On top of travel restrictions of travelers from China starting on February 2, 2020, U.S. Consulates are also delaying visa issues to foreign nationals from other countries if they have visited or traveled to China within 14 days. U.S. Consulates…

Jenny ZhanFebruary 7, 2020

USCIS Extends RFE and NOID Flexibility to Regional Center Notice of Intent to Terminate

Coronavirus Update: USCIS to Reuse Previously Submitted Biometrics to Process Work Permit Applications

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at least May 3

What is the impact of the Stimulus bill on my Immigration Status? Can I receive a Stimulus Check if I am on a Visa? Is there a Public Charge Impact to receiving a Stimulus Check?

I am on a TN visa and was furloughed because of Corona Virus. I want to change employers on my TN. What if I lose my TN Job?

USCIS to Accept Scanned/Reproduced Signatures During COVID-19 Crisis

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

Does Covid-19 impact my obligations as an H-1B or E-3 Employer? What things should I keep in mind? Is Part-Time Work Possible? Is furlough possible for an H-1B employee?

Coronavirus Update: Additional U.S. Embassies and Consulates Cancel Visa Appointments

Coronavirus Update: Department of Homeland Security Issues Guidelines on Remote I-9 Verification during COVID-19

USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at Least April 7

I am in the U.S. on E-2 employee visa. Can I apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus? Can my spouse apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus?

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Temporarily Closes Offices in Rome and Nairobi to the Public

Coronavirus Update: Canada, United States, and Mexico Closed Border to Tourism and Recreational Travel For 30 Days (Updated)

How will the Covid-19 impact my Visa? Will the Corona (Covid -19) Virus impact my visa? Immigration issues Associated with the Corona Virus.

Coronavirus Update: USCIS Announced Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing for All I-129 and I-140 Petitions

Update on Firm Operations During Coronavirus Outbreak

U.S. and Canada to Close Border from Non-Essential Traffic

I am in the United States on Visa Waiver or ESTA and my Period of Admission is Expiring. What is Satisfactory Departure and how can I request this during the Coronavirus?

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to UK and Ireland

Coronavirus Update: U.S. Embassies in Rome and Kingston Closed to Routine Services

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Europe

Coronavirus Update: New York and New Jersey Asylum Offices Cancel Interview Decision Pick-Up Appointments

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Recent Iran Travel

Updates on Travels Restrictions and Visa Delays Caused by the Coronavirus

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