Nicole Abramowitz Weber 4/14/20 Nicole Abramowitz Weber 4/14/20

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.

Nonimmigrants Can Navigate the U.S. During 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!

Nicole Abramowitz Weber 4/7/20 Nicole Abramowitz Weber 4/7/20

US Immigration in the Time of COVID-19

This is a challenging time for all of us, living in a COVID-19 world. For immigrants with an application in process, or ready to begin an application, it can be especially unsettling. We are here to help.

We are keeping current on legal and policy changes so you don't have to. Below is an update on where we are today:

Our government is still processing immigration applications and accepting new filings.

However all USCIS offices within the U.S. remain closed to the public until at least early May, so upcoming biometrics and interview appointments are being automatically rescheduled for a later date. U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are closed or offering reduced services to the public, so visa interviews abroad are being rescheduled.

Travel restrictions are being enforced regarding travel to and from many countries. If you have a relative who is currently stuck in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, they may be able to apply to extend or change their status.

Premium processing remains suspended for all employment-based immigration applications, such as H-1b, L-1, and O-1 visas.

In other (good) news, USCIS is extending the deadline for responding to a request for evidence in certain cases. They are also now accepting scanned signatures for all applications.

If you need assistance with a green card sponsored by a family member, naturalization, or an employment-based visa or green card, contact us today to get started: theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040.

Nicole Abramowitz Weber 3/27/20 Nicole Abramowitz Weber 3/27/20

How Hurtubise Weber Law Immigration Can Support You During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We know that this is a stressful time for families and many businesses around the world. Our Team is at home with our families, staying safe and doing our part to flatten the curve. However we remain fully operational and virtually engaged with our clients, helping them to meet current and future challenges.

Government services are currently in flux, but immigration cases are still being processed. Here are some things we can help you do now:

Apply for a green card for a spouse. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident with a spouse or fiance currently lawfully in the US, you may be eligible to sponsor them for a green card without them having to leave the country. You can also begin the process of sponsoring a spouse who is currently residing abroad.

Apply for a green card for a parent. If you are a US citizen with a parent currently lawfully in the US, you may be eligible to sponsor them for a green card without them having to leave the country. You can also begin the process of sponsoring a parent who is currently residing abroad.

Apply to extend or change your current immigration status. Many foreign nationals have entered the US in a nonimmigrant status, such as B1/B2 visitor, and can not return home before the date they are required to leave. If you are stuck in the US in a nonimmigrant status that will expire soon, you may be able to apply to extend your current status or change to a different one.

Apply for an employment visa or visa extension for a current or prospective employee. We can assist with O-1, L-1, E-2, and E-3 visas.

Apply for an employment-based green card for a current or prospective employee.

Please contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 to learn more. We are here for you.

Nicole Abramowitz Weber 3/18/20 Nicole Abramowitz Weber 3/18/20

U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for April 2020

You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for April 2020 to see if your priority date will be current next month.

Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?

You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for April 2020 to see if your priority date will be current next month.

Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in April.

To view the full Bulletin, please visit:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2020/visa-bulletin-for-april-2020.html

Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.