USCIS Again Extends Flexibilities Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Covid-19 Pandemic: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the response time flexibility, at first declared on 20th March 2020, is being extended. This extension applies to qualifying USCIS requests given through 24th January 2023.
Response Time Flexibility to the Covid-19 Pandemic
The USCIS has extended the response time flexibility related to the covid-19 pandemic for an assortment of request types and notices. This flexibility applies to candidates and petitioners responding to any of the following, given from March 1, 2020, through 24th January 2023:
- Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
- Requests for evidence (RFEs)
- Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIRs)
- Continuations to request evidence (N-14)
- Notices of Intent to Rescind
- Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant
- Notices of Intent to Terminate regional investment centers
The USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notification received within 60 scheduled days after the response due date set in the request or notice before making a final decision on the case.
In addition, the USCIS will consider a 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), if BOTH:
- The form was filed up to 90 scheduled days from the issuance of a decision
- The USCIS made that decision between 1st November 2021, and 24th January 2023, inclusive
[Nearly 65K Temporary Nonagricultural Visas Added to FY 2023 Allocation]
Conclusion
As recently reported, the USCIS also made the policy permanent to allow for electronically reproduced signatures. While there still is much that needs to be done to make the agency more “customer” friendly. Also, it is empowering to see the USCIS at least take specific steps to ease the burden on stakeholders. Particularly given the turmoil made by the Covid-19 pandemic.
