PRESS RELEASE
April 15, 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes that there are immigration-related challenges as a direct result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We continue to carefully analyze these issues and to leverage our resources to effectively address these challenges within our existing authorities. DHS also continues to take action to protect the American people and our communities and is considering a number of policies and procedures to improve the employment opportunities of U.S. workers during this pandemic.
Generally, non-immigrants must depart the United States before their authorized period of admission expires. However, we recognize that non-immigrants may unexpectedly remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19. Should this occur, the following options are available for non-immigrants:
Non-immigrants must apply for an extension. Most non-immigrants can mitigate the immigration consequences of COVID-19 by timely filing an application for extension of stay (EOS) or change in status (COS). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services continues to accept and process applications and petitions, and many of our forms are available for online filing.
If You File in a Timely Manner. Non-immigrants generally do not accrue unlawful presence while the timely-filed, non-frivolous EOS/COS application is pending. Where applicable, employment authorization with the same employer, subject to the same terms and conditions of the prior approval, is automatically extended for up to 240 days after I-94 expiration when an extension of stay request is filed on time.
There is flexibility for late applications. USCIS reminds petitioners and applicants that it can consider delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when deciding whether to excuse delays in filing documents based on extraordinary circumstances.
Under current regulations and as noted on our Special Situations page, if a petitioner or applicant files an extension of stay or change of status request (on Forms I-129 or I-539) after the authorized period of admission expires, USCIS, in its discretion, may excuse the failure to file on time if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as those that may be caused by COVID-19. The length of delay must be commensurate with the circumstances. The petitioner or applicant must submit credible evidence to support their request, which USCIS will evaluate on a case-by-case basis. These special situations have been used at various times in the past, including for natural disasters and similar crises.
Please see 8 CFR 214.1(c)(4) and 8 CFR 248.1(c) for additional information on late requests to extend or change status. In addition, please see our Form I-129 and Form I-539 pages for specific filing and eligibility requirements for extensions of stay and changes of status.
Everyone who is in danger of overstaying MUST apply for the Extension of Stay, in order to avoid the loss/cancellation of your US visa. The Consulate General in NY also asks that all nationals who remain in the US due to the closure of the ports in Saint Lucia please contact the Consulate directly by calling 646-465-1815.
For those applying for the Extension of Stay and the Fee Waiver, please note that you will not be able to file the applications online together but will have to mail them in. I would recommend that you do so via courier e.g. Fed Ex or UPS, or via Registered Postal mail with tracking and signature of receipt. If you choose to pay the application fee for the Extension of Stay, then you may file online.
For more information visit the links below:
I- 539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status
https://www.uscis.gov/i-539
A humanitarian fee waiver: Form I-912
https://www.uscis.gov/humanita