Effective Mar. 10, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has rescinded the order requiring a negative COVID-19 test result for all travelers to the United States on flights originating in China. Effective January 5, at 12:01 ET, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require a negative COVID-19 test result (taken… Continue reading CDC Rescinds COVID Test Requriement for Air Travelers from China
Category: COVID-19
U.S. Consular Services in China Resuming in Part
The U.S. Mission in China announced on Dec. 27 that Consular Sections at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, and Consulates Guangzhou and Shenyang will resume routine consular services on January 3. Consulate General Wuhan has resumed providing limited U.S. citizen services. Shanghai will continue operating in emergency operations status until further notice. Please note that… Continue reading U.S. Consular Services in China Resuming in Part
COVID Vaccination Requirements for Nonimmigrants
Persons seeking to enter the U.S. by air as nonimmigrants are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
U.S. Drops COVID Testing for Incoming Air Travelers
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is canceling the requirement that incoming air travelers to the U.S. (both citizens and foreign nationals) must present to the airlines evidence of completion of a COVID test taken within 1 day. That requirement was initially put into place Jan. 26, 2021, and revised Dec. 7, 2021. Read more… Continue reading U.S. Drops COVID Testing for Incoming Air Travelers
Pre-Flight COVID Test Temporarily Waived for Shanghai Departures
In recognition of the fact that current lockdowns in Shanghai may prevent individuals from getting a pre-departure COVID-19 test, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that effective immediately the test requirement is waived for U.S. citizens; U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (LPRs); noncitizens in possession of a valid U.S. immigrant visa;… Continue reading Pre-Flight COVID Test Temporarily Waived for Shanghai Departures
Updated COVID Testing Requirement for Travelers to U.S.
On December 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States.
COVID Vaccination Requirements for Immigrant Visa Applicants
Effective Oct. 1, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requires applicants to receive a full COVID-19 vaccine series prior to being issued an immigrant visa.
COVID-Related Entry Bans to Be Lifted by U.S.; Vaccination to Be Required
On Sept. 20, the U.S. government announced it will lift COVID-related entry bans on foreign travelers from European Union, China, Iran, South Africa, Brazil and India beginning November 2021. Instead, foreign travelers from all countries will need to show: proof they are fully vaccinated and a negative coronavirus test taken within 3 days of boarding… Continue reading COVID-Related Entry Bans to Be Lifted by U.S.; Vaccination to Be Required
Green Card Holders Staying Abroad Over 6 Months Risk Abandonment
What do you need to do to preserve your status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR)? This question is critical now more than ever for persons unable to travel due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or related travel restrictions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided any special guidance related to readmission to the… Continue reading Green Card Holders Staying Abroad Over 6 Months Risk Abandonment
Students and Academics in China Exempted from COVID-Related U.S. Visa and Entry Ban
The State Department has just announced an exception to the COVID-related visa and entry ban for persons present in China. Namely, applicants for F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas for academic programs will qualify for a “national interest exception” (NIE) to the ban, so they may be issued visas and enter the United… Continue reading Students and Academics in China Exempted from COVID-Related U.S. Visa and Entry Ban
State Dep’t Creates National Interest Exceptions for Regional COVID Entry Bans
The Secretary of State has opened up cracks in the the entry bans for foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, or South Africa within 14 days of applying for a visa or seeking entry to the United States. These entry bans were created by Presidential Proclamations 9984… Continue reading State Dep’t Creates National Interest Exceptions for Regional COVID Entry Bans
USCIS Lockbox Delays
USCIS lockbox delays are the topic of a Mar. 10 update to the agency’s COVID-19 webpage: “As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, an increase in filings, current postal service volume and other external factors, you may experience a delay of four to six weeks in receiving your receipt notice after properly filing an application or… Continue reading USCIS Lockbox Delays
Biden Rescinds Presidential Proclamation 10014, Which Prohibited Entry of Immigrants Who Are “Risk” to Labor Market
On February 24, 2021, President Biden rescinded Presidential Proclamation 10014, which prohibited the entry of certain immigrants into the United States due to possible harm to economic interests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden asserts that the ban “harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from… Continue reading Biden Rescinds Presidential Proclamation 10014, Which Prohibited Entry of Immigrants Who Are “Risk” to Labor Market
Biden Proclamation Continues COVID-Related Entry Suspensions
On January 25, 2021, President Biden signed a proclamation continuing the suspension of entry of certain travelers from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Brazil, China, and Iran, and expanding restrictions to include travelers from South Africa. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are not subject to the proclamations. The full… Continue reading Biden Proclamation Continues COVID-Related Entry Suspensions
USCIS Update: Biometrics Appointment Delays
In a December 29, 2020 Stakeholder Message, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided an update on biometrics appointment delays at Application Support Centers (ASCs) due to COVID-19. USCIS collects biometrics for certain kinds of applications, including but not limited to: Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (including reentry permit)… Continue reading USCIS Update: Biometrics Appointment Delays
Can USCIS Reuse Biometrics Submitted Previously?
If an individual previously submitted biometrics in connection with a prior application, can USCIS reuse those biometrics in connection with a new application? USCIS requires biometrics appointments in connection with various types of applications, such as for adjustment of status (Form I-485), reentry permits (Form I-131), employment authorization (Form I-765), and naturalization (Form N-400). Once… Continue reading Can USCIS Reuse Biometrics Submitted Previously?
Consular Posts May Prioritize K-1 Visas
On Aug. 31 the State Department announced that consular posts may give high priority to K-1 (fiancée) visas: Effective August 28, as it becomes safe to resume more consular operations at each U.S. mission, posts are authorized to give K visa cases high priority. Applicants should check the website of their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate… Continue reading Consular Posts May Prioritize K-1 Visas
Update: USCIS Cancels Employee Furlough, But Processing Delays Loom
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on Aug. 25 that the agency will abandon plans for administrative furlough of more than 13,000 employees, scheduled to begin Aug. 30. USCIS expects to cover budget shortfalls, which were the announced reason for the furloughs, through spending cuts and increased revenue. USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow… Continue reading Update: USCIS Cancels Employee Furlough, But Processing Delays Loom
National Interest Exceptions to Travel Bans for Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Presenting a “Risk” to the Labor Market
The President’s travel bans are causing chaos for international travel. On July 22, the State Department announced the following about national interest exceptions to the travel bans: On June 22, the President signed Presidential Proclamation (P.P.) 10052, which extends P.P. 10014, which suspends the entry to the United States of certain immigrant visa applicants, through… Continue reading National Interest Exceptions to Travel Bans for Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Presenting a “Risk” to the Labor Market
July 14 Update: U.S. State Dep’t Announces Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services Worldwide
On July 14, the U.S. State Department announced that U.S. Embassies and Consulates are beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services that have been suspended due to COVID-19. This will occur on a post-by-post basis. This is in addition to emergency and mission-critical visa services that posts have been providing since March. The State… Continue reading July 14 Update: U.S. State Dep’t Announces Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services Worldwide