Tag: coronavirus

On October 8, 2020, Canada officially released the details regarding individuals exempt from the Canadian border restrictions and options for obtaining limited release from the 14-day mandatory quarantine in Canada for compassionate reasons.  Under the new rules, the following individuals are now eligible to enter Canada if they obtain the proper authorization: An immediate family member […]

Last Friday, Canada announced that it will share new procedures on Thursday that will allow some extended family members, international students, and individuals with compassionate reasons to cross the border. All individuals will need pre-approval from the Canadian government in order to cross the border.  Canada has stated that there will be a “robust process” […]

On September 24, 2020, the Department of State (DOS) released the highly-anticipated October 2020 Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin, released monthly by the DOS, provides updated dates on when a foreign national can submit their Adjustment of Status (AOS) application or have their AOS case adjudicated. The submission of an AOS application is the final step […]

On September 24, 2020, the Department of State (DOS) released the October 2020 Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin, released monthly by the DOS, provides updated dates on when a foreign national can submit his/her Adjustment of Status (AOS) application or have his/her AOS case adjudicated. The submission and adjudication of the AOS application are the final steps […]

In this video, Senior Associate Attorney Gabriella Agostinelli discusses what impact the COVID-19 pandemic and associated border closure may have on individuals applying for the TN designation of attorney, particularly attorneys who may have recently graduated from law school but have not yet had the chance to take the bar exam. The good news is […]

In this video, Associate Attorney Zach Ahlstrom details the current process for applying for an L-1 or TN visa at the U.S./Canadian northern border given the recurring closures for non-essential travel. Essentially, the process remains largely the same. As is normally the case, the applicant will drive up to U.S Customs and Border Protection and […]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 30, 2020, USCIS announced that it would allow flexibility in responding to certain agency requests. USCIS has recently announced that they are extending this courtesy to cases in which notices were issued between March 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021.  This flexibility applies to the following: Requests for […]

On July 31, 2020, USCIS announced a final rule adjusting fees for many immigration and naturalization benefits. USCIS conducted a comprehensive biennial fee review and determined that current fees do not recover the cost of providing adjudication and naturalization services. This final rule will apply to all applications and petitions postmarked on or after October 2.  One […]

The U.S.-Canada Border has been closed since March 21, 2020. Initially, the border was closed for 30 days, subject to reevaluation and further extension, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On August 14, 2020, the closure was extended for the fifth time since March, leaving the border closed through September 21, 2020.  What You Need […]

A B-2 visa allows for a foreign national to travel to the U.S. for recreational purposes. Typically, the maximum period allowed for admission to the U.S. as a B-2 nonimmigrant is six months. However, in light of Covid-19, visitors on a B-2 visa may apply to extend their status in the U.S.  The Covid-19 Impact […]