covid | Scott Legal, P.C.

COVID-19 Immigration

State Department Expands COVID Travel Ban Exceptions

On April 28, The State Department expanded National Interest Exception to students, journalists, and those providing vital support for critical infrastructure. This expansion will apply to the following countries and regions: • Brazil • China • Iran • Ireland •…

Khadija DerrickJune 15, 2021

COVID-19 E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

Are Consulates Issuing E-2 Visas or are they Paused for Covid-19?

In light of the consular uncertainty and delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a common question we receive is whether consulates are again processing E-2 visas. Fortunately, the answer is yes -- consulates have generally returned to processing E-2 visas,…

Khadija DerrickMarch 12, 2021

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

I need an earlier visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate. Can I request an expedite appointment?

If you recently submitted a non-immigrant visa application to a U.S. Consulate abroad (e.g. an E-2 investor application), you may be wondering when your visa interview will be scheduled. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 global pandemic and always changing situation at…

Jenny ZhanFebruary 1, 2021

COVID-19

My extension of status petition has been pending for a long time. What can I do to speed up the process? Can I file an expedite request?

Due to Covid-19 global pandemic, the USCIS Service Centers are taking longer than usual to make a decision on all types of visa petitions. If you filed an extension of status petition long time ago and USCIS still has not…

Jenny ZhanJanuary 27, 2021

COVID-19 Immigration

Can I apply for a National Interest Exception at a CBP office at the airport? Do I need to apply through a U.S. Consulate abroad first? What is the procedure?

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers coming from Schengen countries or the U.K. (such as B-1 business visitors), treaty traders, or treaty investors may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such…

Jenny ZhanJanuary 5, 2021

COVID-19 E-1 Visa E-2 Visa Immigration White House & President Immigration News

How will the Second Stimulus Bill Impact E-2 visa holders? Is there a Second round of PPP for E-2 visa holders? Can I get a PPP Loan on an E-2?

The first Corona virus stimulus bill provided much needed relief for E-2 visa holders. Many E-2 visa companies were struggling and both the PPP loans and the EIDL grant kept many E-2 businesses afloat. You can find out more about…

IanScottDecember 23, 2020

COVID-19 White House & President Immigration News

What impact will the presidential election have on immigration? Will the new president terminate the Covid-19 presidential proclamations?

On Saturday November 7, 2020 Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became the president elect and vice-president elect of the U.S. In 2020, president Trump signed multiple presidential proclamations related to the Covid-19 global pandemic & entry of foreign nationals to…

Jenny ZhanNovember 9, 2020

COVID-19

I am a green card holder and have not returned to the U.S. due to COVID-19. Will this impact my green card? How can I preserve my permanent resident status?

The Covid-19 crisis has caused large disruptions in daily life and created significant difficulties for international travel. Many green card holders were outside the U.S. when the crisis hit and may be reluctant to travel back to the U.S. for…

Jenny ZhanAugust 19, 2020

COVID-19

Canadians travelling to the U.S. during Covid: Q&A

I am a Canadian national. Can I cross the U.S./Canada land border? No. The joint U.S.-Canada initiative that was first implemented on March 21, 2020 for 30 days and has since been extended (most recently to August 20) restricts all…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: ICE Extends Form I-9 Compliance Procedures during COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated)

ICE has announced today that it is extending its relaxed I-9 employment verification procedures for another 30 days, or until November 19, 2020. In normal times, when an employee starts at a company, companies are obligated to completes the I-9…

Jenny ZhanJuly 20, 2020

Questions & Answers

Can I have an unpaid internship if I am in the U.S. on an OPT status?

If you studied in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and you are currently in the U.S. on a post completion OPT, you may be wondering if you can get an unpaid internship given that many companies stopped their hiring…

Jenny ZhanJuly 6, 2020

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

covid | Scott Legal, P.C.

State Department Expands COVID Travel Ban Exceptions

Are Consulates Issuing E-2 Visas or are they Paused for Covid-19?

I need an earlier visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate. Can I request an expedite appointment?

My extension of status petition has been pending for a long time. What can I do to speed up the process? Can I file an expedite request?

Can I apply for a National Interest Exception at a CBP office at the airport? Do I need to apply through a U.S. Consulate abroad first? What is the procedure?

How will the Second Stimulus Bill Impact E-2 visa holders? Is there a Second round of PPP for E-2 visa holders? Can I get a PPP Loan on an E-2?

What impact will the presidential election have on immigration? Will the new president terminate the Covid-19 presidential proclamations?

I am a green card holder and have not returned to the U.S. due to COVID-19. Will this impact my green card? How can I preserve my permanent resident status?

Canadians travelling to the U.S. during Covid: Q&A

Coronavirus Update: ICE Extends Form I-9 Compliance Procedures during COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated)

Can I have an unpaid internship if I am in the U.S. on an OPT status?

USCIS to Resume Premium Processing for Applications in Phases

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

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?

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

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?

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

Updates on Travels Restrictions and Visa Delays Caused by the Coronavirus

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