Wednesday, March 18, 2020

IMMIGRATION CLOSURES AND UPDATES AS A RESULT OF COVID-19


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a variety of closures and suspensions of immigration services.  Below is a summary of all closures and suspensions at this time.  This list is subject to change as new updates become available. 

US Citizenship and Immigration Service: As of March 18, 2020 the USCIS has suspended all in-person services until at least April 1, 2020.  This cancellation includes interviews for green card cases and biometrics appointments. USCIS will send notices to all applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by this closure and all appointments will be automatically rescheduled when services resume.

USCIS will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public.  Petitions will continue to be accepted for filing and adjudicated by the USCIS.

Emergency appointments and services will be provided by the USCIS in limited situations. 

Department of State: Most US Embassies have also suspended interviews in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19.  You can find country specific information from the US Department of State about Covid-19 here.

Travel Restrictions:  Travel bans have been issued restricting travel to the US for individuals who have traveled to: Austria, Belgium, Mainland China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, United Kingdom, within in the last 14 days.

The following individuals are exempt from the travel ban:
  • US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents;
  • Spouses of US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents;
  • Parents or legal guardians of US Citizens of Lawful Permanent Residents, provided that the child is unmarried and under the age of 21;
  • Siblings of US Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, provided both are unmarried and under the age of 21;
  • Children who are under the legal custody of US Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents; and
  • Other certain foreign government and health officials. 

On April 11, 2020 officials will reassess COVID-19 travel bans.

Stay Safe and Healthy and Please Remember to Wash Your Hands Regularly.

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