Dueto the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a variety of closures and suspensions ofimmigration services.  Below is a summaryof all closures and suspensions at this time. This list is subject to change as new updates become available. 
US Citizenship and Immigration Service:
ImmigrationFilings: The USCISrecently announced that it may excusesome delays in filing immigration cases in a timely manner. USCIS, in itsdiscretion, may excuse the failure to file on time if it was due toextraordinary circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, such as those thatmay be caused by COVID-19.
EffectiveMarch 20, 2020 the USCIS has announced the immediateand temporary suspension of premium processing on all I-129s (L-1s, H-1Bs,TNs) and I-140s.
Forall cases where an RFE (Request for Evidence) or NOID (Notice of Intent toDeny) was issued between March 1, 2020 and May 1, 2020, the USCIS will allow anautomatic 60-day extension to the due date. 
Interviewsand In-Person Appointments:The USCIS has suspendedall in-person services until at least May 3, 2020.  The USCIS has also announced that it will re-usebiometric information already on file in order to process applications forEmployment Authorization Documents (EADs). 
ElectronicSignatures: Due tothe National Emergency, USCIS will accept scanned,faxed, or photocopied, original signatures. 
Department of State:
USEmbassies: Effective March 20, 2020 the Department of States has also suspendedinterviews in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19.  If you are a medical professional, please seeour previous blogpost about interviews for medical professionals. 
Travel Restrictions: 
Outof the US: On March 19, 2020, the Department of State has issued a Level4 warning, advising all US Citizens to avoid all international travel. 
Intothe US: Travel bans have been issued restricting travel to the US forindividuals who have traveled to severalcountries within in the last 14 days.
Thefollowing individuals are exempt from the travel ban:
  • USCitizens and Lawful Permanent Residents;
  • Spousesof US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents;
  • Parentsor legal guardians of US Citizens of Lawful Permanent Residents, provided thatthe child is unmarried and under the age of 21;
  • Siblingsof US Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, provided both are unmarried andunder the age of 21;
  • Childrenwho are under the legal custody of US Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents;and
  • Other certain foreigngovernment and health officials.
StaySafe and Healthy and Please Remember to Wash Your Hands Regularly.