WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consular posts around the world have been suspended as of March 20, 2020. U.S. embassies and consulates continue to provide urgent and emergency visa services as resources allow. The Department of State (DOS) intends to continue to process visa applications for farm workers and medical professionals assisting with COVID-19.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily suspended in-person services through at least May 3, 2020, including in-person interviews and biometrics processing. USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public and will provide emergency services for limited in-person situations.
- The U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are closed for non-essential travel until at least May 20, 2020.
- With some exceptions, the entry of individuals who were present in China, Iran, the Schengen Area, the U.K., and Ireland, during the 14-day period before their attempted entry into the United States has also been suspended.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE EO:
- Immigrants who are outside the USA as of today
- Immigrants who do not have a valid immigrant visa on the effective date
- Who do not have an official travel document other than a visa such as an advance parole document on the effective date
- Parents and brothers of U.S. Citizen
- New employment-based immigration cases of aliens outside the U.S.
WHO IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE EO:
- Any lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
- Immigrant who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen and their children
- Those entering the country on a temporary basis
- EB-5 applicants
- Alien seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children
- Individuals whose entry would be in the national interest
- Individuals who would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives
- Asylum seekers, refugee status, withholding of removal or protection
under the Convention Against Torture.
Non immigrant visas such as Bs, Ls, Os, H1Bs, TNs are not included in the Executive Order, but Department of Labor will make recommendations on these categories and another order may come into effect soon.
The Executive Order expires within 60 days.
Please do not PANIC! There will NOT be a complete halt on immigration. Despite these limitations, USCIS continues to accept and process applications and petitions, including applications requesting an extension or change of status.
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will reach out to clients who might be affected by the President’s Immigration Executive Orders. In case of an emergency, please contact us at 734-453-7878 or [email protected]
