Immigration & COVID-19 Reference Guide
Has COVID-19 affected your U.S. Immigration plans? Are you confused or have questions?
We’ve organized our most recent and informative blog posts to help you find answers and continue on your journey to America even through this difficult period.
If you’re unable to find answers below, please contact one of our friendly team members to schedule a consultation to review your immigration plans.
Top Blog Posts
Our Most Popular Blog Posts Related to COVID-19 and U.S. Immigration
Top Blog Posts
Our Most Popular Blog Posts Related to COVID-19 and U.S. Immigration
Will U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Relevant categories: Immigrant visa
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (“CBP”) has not announced any special relief to a lawful permanent resident (“LPR’) who has remained outside the United States for more than one year because of COVID-19 travel and movement restrictions.
What Could Happen to My Green Card if I am Outside the United States for More than 180 Days Due to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
Relevant categories: Immigrant visa
There are many reasons why a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) would remain outside the United States for more than 180 days. However, staying outside the U.S. for a long period could result in the U.S. government taking the position that an LPR has abandoned his or her intent to live in the U.S. as a permanent resident and it could take steps to revoke the LPRs resident status.
What Happens to a Lawful Permanent Resident if They Have Been Outside the United States for More than One Year Because of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
Relevant categories: Immigrant visa
Due to significant travel and movement restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPR”’) have found themselves stranded abroad and thus unable to travel to the United States despite not having the intention of abandoning their LPR status. All permanent residents receive an identification called a Form I-551 but colloquially known as a “green card”. A green card serves as an immigrant visa if the LPR has been outside the United States for less than one year. If the LPR has been outside the United States for more than one year, there is a presumption that the LPR has abandoned his or her immigrant status and his or her green card may no longer be considered valid for entry into the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the U.S. government still processing visa applications?
Petition-based applications (i.e. spousal, fiancé, employment, investment) continue to be accepted and adjudicated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). However, most routine visa application appointments based on approved petitions at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the American Institute in Taiwan and around Asia remain suspended until further notice; although, emergency visa application appointments are available at many posts.
For a detailed list of current routine visa application processing, please contact us directly.
Is the processing time for petitions or visa applications delayed due to Covid-19?
For many petition-based filings submitted during the pandemic to USCIS, processing time remains the same, while petitions submitted and approved before the pandemic have unfortunately been substantially delayed.
How are interviews conducted?
All visa interviews are still conducted in-person with strict social distancing guidelines in place.
Are there any current limitations on travel to the U.S. for immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders?
Those with valid visas to the United States from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan are allowed to enter the United States; however, each departure country has its own set of departure regulations such as limited flight availability.
Should I submit my application now or wait until after the pandemic has finished?
Petition-based visa applicants are encouraged to apply through USCIS as soon as possible to minimize prolonged waiting times and move ahead of those who might wait. Persons applying for non-petition-based visas should contact us directly to determine if their intended visa category is eligible for an interview.
All COVID-19 Related Blog Posts
What is a Transportation Letter or Boarding Foil?
We have previously written about what lawful permanent residents can do if their Form I-551 “Green Card” has been [...]
Trump Extends Restrictions on Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Through March
United States President Donald Trump has extended an earlier Presidential Proclamation restricting certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories from [...]
Announcement – Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers Temporarily Extended to 24 Months
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has temporarily expanded the ability of DOS consular officers to waive in-person [...]
What do I need to show to reenter the U.S. after being outside for a long time because of COVID-19?
We have covered several issues in our series on how to protect your lawful permanent resident status and green card [...]
Are you a Conditional Permanent Resident outside the United States because of Covid-19: I-829 and I-751?
Are you a conditional permanent resident waiting for the approval of a Form I-829 Petition (for EB-5 immigrant investors) [...]
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Will U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic? GalleryWill U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Will U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (“CBP”) has not announced any special relief to a lawful permanent resident [...]
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What Happens to a Lawful Permanent Resident if They Have Been Outside the United States for More than One Year Because of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions? Gallery
What Happens to a Lawful Permanent Resident if They Have Been Outside the United States for More than One Year Because of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
What Happens to a Lawful Permanent Resident if They Have Been Outside the United States for More than One Year Because of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
Due to significant travel and movement restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPR”’) have found themselves [...]
What Could Happen to My Green Card if I am Outside the United States for More than 180 Days Due to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
There are many reasons why a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) would remain outside the United States for more than [...]
Federal Court to Allow Public Charge Inadmissibility to Resume
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit lifted an injunction issued by a federal judge allowing [...]
All COVID-19 Related Blog Posts
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Will U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic? Gallery
Will U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?