Europe | | Scott Legal, P.C.

Covid 19

DHS Lifts Airport Restrictions for Travelers Exempt from COVID Travel Bans

Back in January, the Department of Homeland Security restricted airplane travel from countries that are on the restricted travel list to one of 15 airports in the United States. Starting on September 14, 2020, travelers that are exempt from the…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 17, 2020

Covid 19

I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa and I need to travel to Europe. Do the travel restrictions apply to me? Will I be able to enter the U.S. if I leave?

An E-2 visa is a great option if you want to start a business in the U.S., you have invested or are in the process of investing a substantial amount of money in the U.S., and you plan to hire U.S. workers.…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 1, 2020

Covid 19

National Interest Exceptions to Travel Ban Expended to H-1B and L-1 Employees

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such travelers to travel to the United States even with the travel bans remaining in effect.…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

Covid 19

Will my ESTA be cancelled if I try to enter the U.S. while the European travel ban is in place?

When you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can come to the United States without obtaining a visa from a U.S. Consulate. However, you still have to apply for authorization to travel to…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

Covid 19

Travelling to the U.S. from Europe during Corona Virus: Questions and Answers

Are the Presidential proclamations banning entry from the Schengen countries and the UK and Ireland still in effect? Yes. The Presidential proclamations imposing travel restrictions on visitors who were present in Schengen area countries, the UK, or Ireland within 14…

Jenny ZhanAugust 11, 2020

Covid 19

Coronavirus Update: Department of State Announces Certain Exceptions to Travel Ban

The Department of State announced on July 16, 2020 travel ban exceptions to certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students. These travel ban exceptions apply to residents from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Due to the…

Jenny ZhanJuly 21, 2020

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 Visa Waivers

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

Covid 19 E-1 Visa E-2 Visa EB-5 Visa Extraordinary Ability Family Immigration H-1B Visa Immigration Investor Visas L-1 Visa TN Visa

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

Family Immigration Immigration

USCIS to Close International Immigration Offices

Politico.com reported on March 12 that USCIS had plans to close all international field offices. The agency is currently in preliminary discussions to transfer the workload of the international offices to the domestic offices and the State Department. The reasoning…

Jenny ZhanMarch 18, 2019