USCIS REACTS TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC, BY LAWMAKS
USCIS has announced it will be adopting “Flexibility” measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This approach which extends certain response timelines has been adopted in order to mitigate health concerns associated with COVID-19. USCIS has closed the field offices and Immigrants no longer have the ability to have their interviews or to address their immigration issues in-person. In addition the swearing-in ceremonies for would-be citizens are cancelled.
Although the “front” offices are now closed, USCIS continues to process and adjudicate cases. That said, in light of the pandemic USCIS has extended deadlines for certain due dates.
USCIS is granting an extension of 60-days from the response date stated in your Notice for RFE (Request for Evidence), NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny), NOIT (Notice of Intent to Terminate) as well as other, less common types of decisions: Notice of Intent to Rescind regional investment Centers & Continuations to Request Evidence.
Additionally, if an adverse decision is received and an Applicant is allowed the right to file an Appeal or a Motion to Reopen, said Applicant would normally have to file the form I-290B within 30-days of the decision date; the deadline for form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) has been extended by 30-days from the normal deadline, instead giving the Applicant a total of 60-days from the decision date, within which the form may be considered.
It is critical to note that said extensions are allowed, provided the Notice / Request / Decision is issued between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2020.
Contact LAWMAKS for an evaluation of your individual case.
Disclaimer:
The content in this newsletter should not be construed as legal advice. We encourage you to contact an Immigration Attorney for any immigration law questions you may have. Furthermore, the content herein is the work product of LAWMAKS and should not be copied or redistributed in any form or fashion by any individual or entity.
