Updates & Events

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York enjoined the Department of Homeland Security from “enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective” the February 24, 2020, Public Charge Grounds Final Rule during any period in which there is a national health emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

DHS announced a final rule, published on August 3, 2020, to take effect 60 days later, that will increase many immigration and naturalization fees charged by USCIS and reduce some others.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that planned furloughs of more than 13,000 of its employees have been postponed for a month.

SEVP released new guidance on the Trump administration’s shifting policy on foreign students taking online coursework in the fall.

The Department of State released updated guidance stating that certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics and students may qualify for national interest exceptions to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

The Department of State announced that the CDC approved a one-month extension for medical examinations conducted between January 1 and June 30, 2020.

USCIS issued a policy alert regarding the deployment of investment capital, including further deployment after the job creation requirement is satisfied. USCIS said the clarifications apply to all Form I-526 and I-829 petitions pending on or after July 24, 2020.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation and several others sued the Trump administration on July 21, 2020, seeking an injunction to block President Trump’s recent proclamation suspending new nonimmigrant visas.

The Department of State provided a detailed list which includes exceptions for H-1B, H-2B, H-4, L-1, L-2, J-1 and J-2 visas.

Each individual U.S. embassy or consulate website should be consulted regarding Visa and Passport operating status and which services are currently offered.