An immigrant visa is generally valid for a period of up to 6 months. You must enter the U.S. within this 6-month period.[1] Consular officers do not have the authority to extend the validity of an immigrant visa (IV). But, as explained below, it may be possible to apply for a replacement or new IV.…
Category: COVID-19
COVID-19 and the Public Charge Rule
Here are key points on COVID-19 and the public charge rule: 1. Will getting tested, treatment or preventative care for COVID-19 impact my client’s immigration application under the public charge rule? On March 13, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the agency will not consider “testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines,…
Emergency Visa Appointments for Medical Professionals
On Mar. 26, 2020, the U.S. State Department announced: We encourage medical professionals with an approved U.S. non-immigrant or immigrant visa petition (I-129, I-140, or similar) or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange visitor program (DS-2019), particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to review the website of their…
China: Temporary Suspension of Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Visas
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China National Immigration Administration Announcement on the Temporary Suspension of Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Visas or Residence Permits March 26, 2020 In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, China has decided to…
U.S. State Department Compiles Country-Specific Information on COVID-19
In response to the concerns brought on by the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, certain U.S. consular posts have begun alerting applicants of reduced or temporarily suspended visa services. In an attempt to keep stakeholders apprised, the Department of State has compiled a list of embassy websites for country-specific information concerning…
Regular U.S. Visa Services in China Suspended Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak; Emergency Appointments Available
The U.S. Mission in China states on its website that: Regular visa services at the U.S Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenyang are suspended. Due to the ongoing situation relating to the novel coronavirus, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates have very limited staffing and may be unable…
Feb. 4 Update: Trump Bans Entry of Noncitizens Present in China During Prior 2 Weeks
President Trump has issued a Jan. 31 proclamation barring entry to the U.S. of noncitizens present in China during the two weeks prior to attempting to enter the U.S. CBP has issued a Feb. 4 Notification of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons Who Have Recently Traveled from or Were Otherwise Present Within the…
U.S. Airports to Screen Wuhan Flights for Coronavirus
The CDC has announced: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement enhanced health screenings to detect ill travelers traveling to the United States on direct or connecting flights from Wuhan, China. This activity is in response to an outbreak in China…