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 they will renew any expiration date.  This problem is exacerbated as Consulates are closed making visa renewals impossible.  What are the E-2 visa options if you cannot renew a visa at a Consulate?  If you are an E-2 visa holder and your visa is expiring, you could consider the following:

• The guiding date related to expiration is your I-94 date and not your visa. For example, if your visa expires in May, 2020 but you have a valid I-94 until February of 2022, you can stay and work in the U.S. without doing anything.  You can find out more about this by clicking here.
• When some Consulates open over time, you could consider applying at a Consulate that might accept you. (rather than your home country)
• If you cannot go to a consulate and your I-94 will expire, you can file an extension of status in the U.S. This application can be made to extend status for 2 years at a time.  It requires that you submit a complete E-2 visa application to USCIS.
• You can include the Covid-19 impact on your business in your renewal documentation. Consular officers should understand the gravity of this situation and lower employee numbers during a period of time may be acceptable.
• Status violations can impact your future visa renewals so you should take them seriously and try to avoid them.

You can find out more about renewing an e-2 visa by clicking here.

You can find out more about E-2 visa by clicking here.

You can find more Covid-19 Immigration articles on our resource page by clicking here.

You can find key immigration information related to the Corona Virus below.

• Top 10 Covid-19 Immigration Questions
• Implications of Layoffs for employers who have employees on H-1B and/or E-3 Visas
• USCIS announces flexibility for request for evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
• Information on Consular closures during Covid-19
• USCIS issues guidance on Remote 1-9 verification during Covid-19
• USCIS office closures due to Covid-19
• Can I apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits while on a Visa?
• Canada/U.S. Border Closures
• USCIS announces temporary suspension of premium processing
• What can you do if your ESTA is running out? 
• Travel Ban for Europe
• Stimulus Bill (All 800 pages)
• Information on Small Business Loans related to the Stimulus package
• USCIS to accept scanned/reproduced signatures instead of “wet” signatures on immigration petitions and forms
• Implications of furlough or termination if you are on a TN visa
• Does the Stimulus Bill impact my immigration status? Is there a public charge concern?
• Understanding the Stimulus Package for Small Businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program
• Small Business Administration COVID-19 Loans
• USCIS to Reuse Previously Submitted Biometrics to Process Work Permit Applications
• USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until at least May 3
• SBA Loans and Public Charge Rules – Paychecks Loan Program and Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loan Program
• I am in the U.S. on H-1B visa and my employment was terminated due to the Corona virus outbreak. 
• I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa, can I apply for loans under the Stimulus Bill?
• Does Covid-19 impact my obligations as an H-1B or E-3 Employer?
• I am in the U.S. on E-2 employee visa. Can I apply for unemployment benefits due to the Coronavirus?