Tag: coronavirus
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Apply for Status: Do You Need a COVID Test?
Are you applying for status at the U.S.-Canada border? Immigration attorney Gabriella Agostinelli has some vital information you need to know before you head to the border crossing to apply for status. Remember, if you have any questions about applying for status at a U.S. port of entry, contact Berardi Immigration Law today. We’d be […]
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What’s Going On At The Canadian Border?
This week, the Canadian government announced the first step towards re-opening its international borders. Through a positive lens this is the first steps towards easing the restrictions that have been in place since March 2020. Through a more pointed lens, no plan or targets were announced which has led to outcries of frustration on both sides of […]
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A Path Forward for the Canadian Border?
The Canadian border has been restricted since March 2020. For the last 16 months or so, all inbound travellers (essential travellers or returning citizens/permanent residents) to Canada have been subject to a mandatory 14 day isolation period, in addition to testing requirements. In February 2021, the Federal Government introduced the mandatory “hotel quarantine” which required […]
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Phased Reopening to the US-Canadian Border
On Wednesday, Canadian authorities announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Canadian border. No official schedule or start date has been released, but once implemented, this will represent the first opportunity for non-essential travel across the border in over a year. It is anticipated that the first phase will loosen the 14-day mandatory quarantine period for […]
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Update: Current COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Travel to the U.S. & National Interest Exceptions
The U.S. continues to limit travel into the U.S. due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. As many are aware, India is experiencing the world’s worst Covid-19 outbreak. The country is facing a new wave of COVID-19 due to the widespread, on-going transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and now accounts for over one-third […]
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Visa Operations Update: DOS Announces Immigrant Visa Prioritization
On April 30, 2021, U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced U.S. embassies and consulates are using a tiered approach to triage immigrant visa applications as DOS works to reduce the backlog of such applications resulting from travel restrictions and operational constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tiered approach focuses on family reunification, prioritizing immediate relative […]
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USCIS Announces New Policy Suspending Biometrics Requirement for H-4, L-2, E Applications
On May 3, 2021, Acting Associate Director of Service Center Operations (SCOPS) for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Connie Nolan signed a Declaration announcing the biometrics requirement will be suspended for H-4, L-2 and certain E Applications. USCIS has the authority to require and collect biometrics, which include fingerprints, photographs, and digital […]
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President Biden’s Immigration Initiatives during his First 100 Days in Office
When he took office in January, President Biden pledged to take several actions within his first 100 days in office to expand, improve, and transform U.S. Immigration policy and law. Specifically, he promised to roll back his predecessor’s hard-line agenda, legalize undocumented immigrants, expand legal immigration, and reassert America’s commitment to refugees. Now that the […]
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Guidance for Lawful Permanent Residents having issues returning to the U.S. due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented and deterred many individuals from traveling, including U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). As such, many LPRs who traveled abroad before last March may find that their status as a LPR has expired or that they have “abandoned” their residency from being out of the U.S. for too long. This has […]
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The Biden Administration Allows Nonimmigrant Visa Ban to Expire
On March 31, 2021, the Presidential Proclamation restricting the entry of certain nonimmigrants, including H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and certain J-1 travelers, into the United States, has been allowed to expire by President Biden. It has been widely reported that President Biden will not renew this June 2020 Presidential Proclamation, put in place by the Trump […]
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