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
Travel Issues for Permanent Residents in Pandemic Times
Relevant categories: Immigrant visa
Travel restrictions can change quickly for both lawful permanent residents (“LPR”) and others seeking to enter or return to the United States. If at all possible, traveling outside the United States should be avoided except in the most urgent situations.
If you are an LPR, you should consider the following when traveling outside the United States.
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
USCIS Once Again Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is again extending the time period within [...]
Department of State Waives Personal Appearances and In-Person Oath Requirement for Certain Immigrant Visa Applicants Due to COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has implemented a Temporary Final Rule (“TFR”) providing flexibility for [...]
International Air Travelers to the U.S. Now Require a Negative COVID-19 Test within 24 Hours of Departure
Effective December 6, 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) has established new rules requiring international air [...]
Nonimmigrant Travelers Required to Present Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Beginning November 8 2021
Beginning November 8, 2021, nonimmigrants arriving in the United States by air will be required to present proof that [...]
Potential Waivers for COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Immigrants
All immigrants to the U.S. must pass a medical examination prior to their visa interview. One of the criteria [...]
Why is Your Case Taking So Long? USCIS Processing Delays Remain at Crisis Levels
Why Hasn’t Your Case Been Decided Yet? Nationwide, you and millions of families, businesses, and individuals applying for immigration [...]
DOS Updates on Immigrant Visa Processing Delays
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has announced updates to the tiered approach to remove backlogs and resume [...]
U.S. Consulate Operations in Vietnam Reduced until September 15th
The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has announced a full lockdown of the city until at least [...]
COVID-19 Vaccinations Required for Immigrant Visa Applicants Beginning October 1st, 2021
Beginning October 1, 2021, all immigrant visa applicants will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a medical [...]