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COVID-19: USCIS announces flexibility for nonimmigrants who cannot depart U.S. before their authorized stay expires

  1. Original Date Announced

    April 13, 2020

    COVID-19: USCIS will exercise discretion to excuse nonimmigrants' delays caused by COVID-19 in filing for extensions of stay, change in status. [ID #784]

    COVID-19 Delays in Extension/Change of Status Filings
  2. Effective Date

    April 13, 2020

Current Status

Fully in Effect

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
Agencies Affected: USCIS

Pre Trump-Era Policies

  • October 25, 2019

    Natural catastrophes and other extreme situations can sometimes affect the processing of one's USCIS application, petition, or immigration request. At various times in the past USCIS has exercised discretion regarding special situations to grant extensions and changes of status on a case-by-case basis upon request, for those who have been affected by a natural catastrophe or other extreme situation.

    USCIS Special Situations info page

Documents

Trump-Era Policy Documents

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