indica News Bureau-
In light of the enormous impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on U.S. employers, their workforces and the economy, the U.S. government agencies that adjudicate employment-based immigration matters have decided to modify some of their operations by relaxing some of their policies, procedures and filing requirements.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has closed its local field offices for in-person services to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), said USCIS press releases.
USCIS is readying offices to reopen on or after June 4. USCIS staff will continue to perform mission-critical duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations.
“While offices are temporarily closed, USCIS will continue to provide limited emergency in-person services. Please call the USCIS Contact Center for assistance with emergency services,” the release said.
USCIS will continue processing renewal applications for Employment Authorization Documents with previously taken biometrics. According to the information provided in a press release, USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and naturalization ceremonies impacted by the extended temporary closure.
USCIS has canceled I-485 adjustment of status green card interviews, but there are reports that in some cases USCIS has nonetheless adjudicated the application without an interview.
“USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date, and location of the interview. When USCIS again resumes operations for in-person services, USCIS will automatically reschedule ASC appointments due to the temporary office closure. Individuals will receive a new appointment letter in the mail.” The release said.
“Those who had InfoPass or other appointments must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public again. Please check to see if the respective office has been reopened before calling the Contact Center,” it added.
