March - 2020

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Expedited Processing Considerations: F-1 Student Visas & Work Permits During the COVID-19 Pandemic

International students throughout the US are deeply concerned about the coronavirus outbreak and the effects on their nonimmigrant status. In the event you have been affected financially by the COVID-19 crisis you may be able to request that United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) expedite the adjudication of an already pending application or petition, such as an emergency work permit or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Individuals on nonimmigrant vis

Expedited Processing Considerations: F-1 Student Visas & Work Permits During the COVID-19 Pandem

Can I apply for Unemployment Insurance if I'm not a US Citizen?

Unemployment benefits are a right of a worker and benefits paid into through paychecks etc. It is not considered as part of public charge: see USCIS Policy Manual: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-10 Public Benefits Not Considered 1. Unenumerated Public Benefits The following is a non-exhaustive list of public benefits that USCIS does not consider in the public charge inadmissibility determination as they are considered earned benefits: Federal Old-

Coronavirus Travel Restriction: My visa is about to expire and I can’t go back home. What should I d

It is important to remember that If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States. To confirm what day your visa will expire please check the date in the lower right-hand corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record. We recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. The admissions stamp in your travel document or the

Coronavirus Travel Restrictions: My visa is about to expire and I can’t go back home

US Consulate at Ciudad Juarez: CLOSED Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COV

In response to the global pandemic COVID-19 the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will suspend routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice. American Citizens Services Routine passport (including consular reports of birth abroad) and notarial services will be limited and appointments after March 18 may be asked to reschedule their appointments for a later date. To check for appointment availabi

Coronavirus (COVID-19) & USCIS Updates

If You Feel Sick, Please Consider Canceling and Rescheduling Your USCIS Appointment. On Friday, March 13, 2020 USCIS released an alert note to ensure the safety and the step by step to reschedule your interview if need it. USCIS will help you reschedule your appointment without penalty when you are healthy. If you become ill for any reason, regardless of whether you were exposed to COVID-19, please do not go to appointments with any USCIS office. Please follow the instruction

EXPLAINED: I-944 Form, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, and the Green Card Process

Starting February 24, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new form titled "Declaration on Self-Sufficiency" nationwide. USCIS is requiring all applicants to submit this new form for Adjustment of Status, applications and petitions for Extension of Non-immigrant Stay or Change of Non-immigrant Status. U.S. law has long required that immigrants demonstrate financial self-reliance. Under the current Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an appl