What to Do if You Are a Nonimmigrant Stuck in the US Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing hardship for most people, but can create unique challenges for foreign nationals in the US. You may have entered the US on a nonimmigrant visa, and your authorized time has already expired or will be expiring soon. You can not make it home due to travel restrictions or health concerns. What are your options?

You may be able to:

1. Apply to extend your current status

2. Apply to change to a new status

3. If you entered under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), apply for a 30 day extension 

Generally these applications must be filed before your current authorized period of stay is over. It is always best to file in a timely manner. However, the US government has put out a statement acknowledging that COVID-19 is an extraordinary circumstance, and that they can take that into account when there is a delay in filing an application:

https://www.uscis.gov/archive/covid-19-delays-in-extensionchange-of-status-filingsYou likely have options. Please contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-413-8760 to learn more - we are here for you!