USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023. You must respond to any notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request. This includes:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
• Notices of Intent to Deny;
• Notices of Intent to Revoke;
• Notices of Intent to Rescind;
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status; and
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

Additionally, if you wish to file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), regarding a decision dated after March 23, 2023, you must comply with the deadlines in the form instructions.

USCIS retains discretion to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis upon request, for applicants or petitioners affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness (including COVID-19). 

As a reminder, the flexibilities regarding reproduced signatures first announced on March 20, 2020, became policy as announced on July 25, 2022, and are still in effect.

If you have any questions, contact our office to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys today!