Major Immigration Updates

On July 20, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to submit an additional “Bridge petition” while their initial F-1 COS application is pending. Under the previous policy, applicants needed to maintain status […]

UPDATED 07/21/2021: USDHS/USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an additional period (to August 21, 2021). This travel restriction has been in place since March 21, 2020. A copy of the Federal Register Notice on […]

On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an Extension of validity for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India. The extension applies to travelers subject to Presidential Proclamations restricting travel from or through China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the […]

UPDATED 06/21/2021: USDHS/USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an additional period (to July 21, 2021). This travel restriction has been in place since March 21, 2020. A copy of the Federal Register Notice on […]

Dated June 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of State updated its posting regarding the current COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and eligible exceptions/exemptions. To view the posting, click here. The June 1, 2021 is a follow-up to earlier postings to clarify eligibility for National Interest Exemptions (NIE) to the 14-day travel restrictions to the U.S. for individuals […]

On May 13, 2021 (and again updated on May 27, 2021), U.S. Department of State posted an update to its posting on April 26, 2021 eligibility for National Interest Exemption (NIE) to the 14-day travel restriction to the U.S. for certain travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland (including […]

UPDATED 05/24/2021: USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an additional period (to June 21, 2021). This travel restriction has been in place since March 21, 2020. A copy of the Federal Register Notice on […]

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia website indicates that routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services have been suspended. No date is given regarding the possible resumption of services. This follows a previous announcement that, effective May 12, 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow would reduce consular services including non-immigrant (F-1, J-1, H-1B) visa processing and many U.S. citizen […]

On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced that certain individuals (including those in F and M student visa status and certain J exchange visitor categories) traveling to the U.S. from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland may be eligible for a “National Interest Exemption” (NIE) […]

On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation/Executive Order adding India to the list of countries subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry to the U.S. within 14 days of being physically present in India. This Executive Order restricts/suspends entry to the U.S. for “noncitizens of the United States who were physically present within […]