USCIS ANNOUNCES END OF COVID-RELATED FLEXIBILITIES

 On March 23, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the end of certain flexibilities initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to March 23, 2023, applicants and petitioners were granted an automatic 60-day extension when responding to certain notices and requests.

Effective immediately, notices and requests dated after March 23, 2023, must be responded to by the deadline listed in the notice or request. This includes:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

Applicants who wish to file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, must also comply with the deadlines stated on the form instructions.

Upon request, the USCIS will continue to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis if the petitioner or applicant is affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as such as natural catastrophes, national emergencies, or severe illness.

COVID TESTS NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

As of Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the CDC issued an order rescinding the requirement that inbound air travelers to the US from abroad present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than one day before departure or show documented recovery in the past 90 days.

The CDC still recommends that all travelers remain up to date with vaccinations and that travelers still test before, and after travel. Likewise, the CDC still encourages the usage of face masks in indoor public transportation settings.

The CDC will continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic and reserves the right to reassess the need for a testing requirement should the situation change.

MU will provide any updates should the CDC issue a new order, but for now, the requirement is no longer I place. Should you have any questions or require additional information regarding personal travel plans please reach out to your designed MU attorney.

US Travel Restrictions Lifted for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

President Biden has issued a new proclamation lifting travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals travelling by air to the US beginning November 8, 2021.

Travelers from 33 countries – including India, China, Great Britain, and the Schengen Zone – have faced strict travel restrictions since early 2020 that required a two-week quarantine period in a third country before the individual may enter the US. President Biden’s proclamation lifts all country-specific COVID-19 travel bans.

To travel directly to the US by air, travelers will have to (1) present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and (2) provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel. Only vaccines approved or authorized by either the Food and Drug Administration or World Health Organization will be accepted. This list includes vaccines created by:

-          Moderna;

-          Johnson & Johnson;

-          Pfizer-BioNTech;

-          Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covidshield;

-          Sinopharm; and

-          Sinovac.

The proclamation includes several exemptions from the vaccination requirement, including for children under 18, travelers with certain medical conditions, and non-tourists from countries identified by Center for Disease Control and Prevention as having limited availability of vaccination. However, some travelers who enter the US under one of the exemptions may be required to become vaccinated within 60 days of entry.

IMMIGRANTS REQUIRED TO HAVE COVID VACCINE STARTING OCT 1

Applicants for US permanent residency (green card) will be required to obtain the COVID vaccine as part of the medical examination starting October 1, 2021.  Both consular process and adjustment of status applicants will be required to be vaccinated.  Only age-appropriate applicants will be subject to the requirement.  Some children may have the requirement waived, depending on the US government guidelines that are applicable at the time of the immigrant visa medical exam. 

This new vaccine requirement is required by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulation.