COVID-19

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: CPB and Ports of Entries Allowing Second Satisfactory Departure Application

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 ZhanApril 21, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: U.S. and Canada Border Closure Likely to be Extended

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, with options to extend if necessary. Canadian Prime Minister Justin…

Jenny ZhanApril 17, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: California Announces Access to Disaster Relief Funds for Undocumented Immigrants

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom announced on April 15 that the State is granting undocumented immigrants access to the State’s $125 million disaster assistance program. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the criteria for state unemployment insurance or the stimulus checks the…

Jenny ZhanApril 17, 2020

COVID-19

I am on an L-1 visa and my employment was terminated because of Corona virus/COVID-19. What are my options? Do I have to depart the U.S. right away?

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 terminated employees. If you are in the U.S. on an L-1 visa and you have been…

Jenny ZhanApril 16, 2020

COVID-19 News

Kelly R. LeGrand Weiner Moderates COVID-19 related Non-immigrant visa updates and strategies Question and Answer for Immigration Lawyers

Kelly R. LeGrand Weiner will moderate the Q&A for a Corporate Practice Committee event for AILA’s New York chapter as part of a panel with expert business immigration practitioners on COVID-19 related Non-immigrant visa updates and strategies. This committee focuses…

Jenny ZhanApril 16, 2020

COVID-19

My status is running out and I cannot leave because of Corona Virus. Can I file a Change of Status application in the U.S.? What are the Implications of filing this application?

When you enter the U.S. on a visa, your I-94 date governs the amount of time that you are permitted to stay in the U.S. Normally, when status is about to expire, there is an option to either extend status,…

Jenny ZhanApril 15, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: FY 2021 H-1B Cap Petition Processing Will be Delayed Due to the Coronavirus

USCIS has announced on April 13 that due to the Coronavirus outbreak and for health and safety reasons, they will not begin to perform intake processing on selected FY 2021 H-1B cap cases until May 1, 2020. Only applicants who…

Jenny ZhanApril 14, 2020

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COVID-19

I had to terminate the employment of an H-1B employee due to the Corona virus outbreak. What are my obligations as an H-1B Employer? Do I have to pay for the employee’s flight?

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 terminated employees. If your company had to terminate employment of an H-1B employee, here is a…

Jenny ZhanApril 14, 2020

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COVID-19

My employer is sponsoring me for a green card & I am concerned about being laid off or furloughed. If I get laid off or furloughed am I still eligible to get a green card?

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 terminated employees. What is the impact on my pending green card case if I have been…

Jenny ZhanApril 14, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: No Special COVID Relief for Nonimmigrants Seeking Change or Extension of Stay

At the moment, USCIS is not offering flexibility to nonimmigrant who are unable to depart the U.S. because of the COVID outbreak. Foreign nationals who are soon out of status may seek a change or extension of status to stay…

Jenny ZhanApril 14, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Florida Imposes Checkpoints for Out of State Travelers

The U.S. State of Florida has imposed checkpoints on their borders with Alabama and Georgia. Police checkpoints are set up on the I-95 and I-10 when crossing into the state. Drivers and their passengers coming from Louisiana, New York, New…

Jenny ZhanApril 13, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: CDC Public Health Measure Used to Expedite Removal Processes

On March 21, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a public charge measure that border officials are using to override immigration laws and expedite the removal process. The order is known as the Order Suspending Introduction…

Jenny ZhanApril 13, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: ICE Sued by Immigration Group for Release of High-Risk Individuals in Virginia

On Thursday, three immigration groups filed a lawsuit against Immigration and Citizenship Enforcement (ICE) on behalf of nine people being held in Virginia detention facilities. This is one of many lawsuits being filed around the country. The immigration groups are…

Jenny ZhanApril 10, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: European Union Countries Expected to Extend Entry Bans until May 15

The European Commission has recommended to European Union countries to extend their entry bans until May 15. Currently, most of the non-European Union nationals are banned from entering the Schengen countries. For a list of countries that are currently restricting…

Jenny ZhanApril 10, 2020

COVID-19

I am on an E-2 visa but cannot go back to my Consulate to Renew, what can I do? My E-2 visa is about to expire and Covid-19 is preventing me from going to my Consulate.

Covid-19 has caused havoc in our daily lives and the immigration scenario is no different. Unfortunately, the Government has not yet offered a blanket extension of visa or status termination dates and each applicant is left to sort out how…

Jenny ZhanApril 10, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: British Columbia Requiring all U.S. Travelers to Self-Isolate for Two weeks

Canadian province British Columbia is requiring all travelers from the U.S. to self-isolate for two weeks. This will apply to everyone coming in from air and land border, including Canadian and U.S. citizens. Anyone crossing the border will be required…

Jenny ZhanApril 9, 2020

COVID-19

I want to decrease the salary of my H-1B employee. Do I have to file a new LCA? Do I have to file an amended H-1B petition if the salary is higher than the actual or prevailing wage?

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 terminated employees. For companies with H-1B employees that are taking the approach of decreasing…

Jenny ZhanApril 9, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. Do I have to leave the U.S. immediately? How Many Days Do I have?

I am in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. Do I have to leave the U.S. immediately? How many days can I stay after my employment was terminated? Covid-19…

Jenny ZhanApril 9, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Attorneys file Emergency Motion to Halt in-person Immigration Hearings

On Wednesday, immigration advocates and attorneys filed an emergency motion to a federal judge to temporarily halt in-person court hearings for detained immigrants. The motion argued that continuing to hold in person court hearings during the coronavirus pandemic is unnecessarily…

Jenny ZhanApril 9, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Chicago Signs Executive Order Allowing Undocumented immigrants and Refugees to Access Relief Benefits

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued an executive order on Tuesday to grant undocumented immigrants and refugees access to the city’s Coronavirus relief funds. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the criteria for state unemployment insurance or the stimulus checks the federal…

Jenny ZhanApril 9, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on H-1B visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. Can I stay in the U.S. if I find a new job? How long do I have to find a new job?

Jenny ZhanApril 8, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Countries Currently Restricting Travel from U.S. Citizens

The State Department has issued travel warnings for all Americans, recommending against international travel for the foreseeable future. Below is the current list of countries that have banned travel from foreigners. Please note that unless otherwise specified, these countries have…

Jenny ZhanApril 7, 2020

COVID-19

Some Additional Covid-19 Small business relief packages

As a result of the unprecedented Corona Virus pandemic, Congress 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 more. You…

IanScottApril 4, 2020

COVID-19

I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa, can I apply for loans under the Stimulus Bill? Is there a Public Charge impact to applying for loans under the Stimulus Bill if I am on a Visa?

As a result of the unprecedented Corona Virus pandemic, Congress passed bipartisan economic relief legislation. The components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits and coverage, help to small businesses, and more. The bill is a complex one (over 800…

IanScottApril 4, 2020

COVID-19 Immigration

Summary of the Changes to U.S. Immigration as a result of the Coronavirus Outbreak

USCIS, ICE, DOJ, DHS, and CPB have enacted many changes in the last months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below summarizes the major changes that have happened to the immigration system. Border Control and Limit on Travel Starting…

Jenny ZhanApril 3, 2020

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Coronavirus Update: CPB and Ports of Entries Allowing Second Satisfactory Departure Application

Coronavirus Update: U.S. and Canada Border Closure Likely to be Extended

Coronavirus Update: California Announces Access to Disaster Relief Funds for Undocumented Immigrants

I am on an L-1 visa and my employment was terminated because of Corona virus/COVID-19. What are my options? Do I have to depart the U.S. right away?

Kelly R. LeGrand Weiner Moderates COVID-19 related Non-immigrant visa updates and strategies Question and Answer for Immigration Lawyers

My status is running out and I cannot leave because of Corona Virus. Can I file a Change of Status application in the U.S.? What are the Implications of filing this application?

Coronavirus Update: FY 2021 H-1B Cap Petition Processing Will be Delayed Due to the Coronavirus

I had to terminate the employment of an H-1B employee due to the Corona virus outbreak. What are my obligations as an H-1B Employer? Do I have to pay for the employee’s flight?

My employer is sponsoring me for a green card & I am concerned about being laid off or furloughed. If I get laid off or furloughed am I still eligible to get a green card?

Coronavirus Update: No Special COVID Relief for Nonimmigrants Seeking Change or Extension of Stay

Coronavirus Update: Florida Imposes Checkpoints for Out of State Travelers

Coronavirus Update: CDC Public Health Measure Used to Expedite Removal Processes

Coronavirus Update: ICE Sued by Immigration Group for Release of High-Risk Individuals in Virginia

Coronavirus Update: European Union Countries Expected to Extend Entry Bans until May 15

I am on an E-2 visa but cannot go back to my Consulate to Renew, what can I do? My E-2 visa is about to expire and Covid-19 is preventing me from going to my Consulate.

Coronavirus Update: British Columbia Requiring all U.S. Travelers to Self-Isolate for Two weeks

I want to decrease the salary of my H-1B employee. Do I have to file a new LCA? Do I have to file an amended H-1B petition if the salary is higher than the actual or prevailing wage?

I am in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. Do I have to leave the U.S. immediately? How Many Days Do I have?

Coronavirus Update: Attorneys file Emergency Motion to Halt in-person Immigration Hearings

Coronavirus Update: Chicago Signs Executive Order Allowing Undocumented immigrants and Refugees to Access Relief Benefits

I am in the U.S. on H-1B visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. Can I stay in the U.S. if I find a new job? How long do I have to find a new job?

Coronavirus Update: Countries Currently Restricting Travel from U.S. Citizens

Some Additional Covid-19 Small business relief packages

I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa, can I apply for loans under the Stimulus Bill? Is there a Public Charge impact to applying for loans under the Stimulus Bill if I am on a Visa?

Summary of the Changes to U.S. Immigration as a result of the Coronavirus Outbreak

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