Please see our updated post here: https://www.jspvisa.com/blog/2020/4/24/covid-19-related-us-travel-restrictions-amp-government-closures
Updated April 3, 2020
U.S. Department of State Global Level 4 Health Advisory:
Issued March 19, 2020: “The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. “
Canada: The U.S.-Canada border is closed to non-essential travel for at least 30 days starting March 20, 2020. Certain exceptions for work-related travel may apply.
Mexico: The U.S.-Mexico border is closed to non-essential travel for at least 30 days starting the weekend of March 21-22, 2020.
Europe: Presidential Proclamation Banning Travel from Europe (Schengen Area, including U.K. and Ireland) for 30 Days.
https://www.jspvisa.com/blog/2020/3/11/travel-to-be-banned-from-europe-for-30-days
China: Presidential Proclamation on Suspension of Entry issued January 31, 2020
Iran: Presidential Proclamation Suspension of Entry issued February 29, 2020
Italy: U.S. Embassy Rome Health Alert and enhanced screening measures for boarding U.S.-bound flights issued March 4, 2020 https://it.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-rome-italy-march-4-2020/; U.S. Embassies and Consulates have reduced staffing, so only emergency services will be available: https://it.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
South Korea: U.S. Embassy Seoul Health Alert and enhanced screening measures for boarding U.S.-bound flights issued March 3, 2020 https://kr.usembassy.gov/022420-covid-19-information/
U.S. Embassy Visa Appointment Wait Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html (note that as of March 18, 2020, routine visa services are suspended worldwide)
Status of Visa Services at U.S. Embassies and Consulates: On March 18, 2020, the U.S. State Department announced the following:
“Department of State is suspending routine visa services in most countries worldwide. Embassies and consulates in these countries will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 18, 2020. These embassies and consulates will resume routine visa services as soon as possible, but we are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Check the website of the embassy or consulate for its current operating status: usembassy.gov
Services to U.S. citizens will continue at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, but the availability of these services may be limited. Check the website of an individual embassy or consulate to determine their operating status and find emergency contact information”.
Check individual Embassy websites for information: https://www.usembassy.gov/
Country-Specific Information as Reported by U.S. Embassies Worldwide: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
Visa Waiver Program / ESTA: Effect on Visa Waiver Program travelers of government action related to COVID-19 pandemic https://www.jspvisa.com/blog/2020/3/15/effect-on-visa-waiver-program-travelers-of-government-action-related-to-covid-19-pandemic
F-1 and J-1 visa holders: Collection of U.S. government guidance for students, schools, and exchange visitors: https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/coronavirus-critical-resources
Employers of H-1B & E-3 visa holders and office closures: Seek legal advice for how to maintain LCA compliance.
https://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/DOL-OFLC_COVID-19_FAQs_Round%201_03.20.2020.pdf
I-9 Compliance: Seek legal advice for how to conduct I-9 onboarding when offices are closed.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/dhs-announces-flexibility-requirements-related-form-i-9-compliance
Status of USCIS Appointments, including interviews, biometrics appointments at Application Support Centers, and naturalization oath ceremonies:
On March 17, 2020, USCIS announced the following:
“Effective March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is suspending in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices and Application Support Centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This suspension of services will be effective until at least April 1. In the meantime, USCIS will provide limited emergency services.”
https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-temporarily-closing-offices-public-march-18-april-1
On April 1, 2020, USCIS announced that the temporary closure of local offices (thus affecting in-person interviews, biometrics, and naturalization oath ceremonies, is extended until at least May 3, 2020.
USCIS Appointment Rescheduling Resources: (N/A as of the USCIS office closure - USCIS will automatically reschedule appointments when it re-opens its local offices.)
Suspension of USCIS Premium Process Service:
As of March 23, 2020, PPS is suspended for all I-140 and I-1-129 petitions not already pending with USCIS.
USCIS Accepting Scanned Signatures:
USCIS is temporarily accepting scans of original signatures on applications and petitions; signers must retain the originally signed document in case of audit.
U.S. Passport Offices:
On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced the following:
“Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, 2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours.”
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/
Disclaimer: Changes are rapidly evolving and may not be immediately posted here.
© Jewell Stewart & Pratt PC 2020