USCIS Extends Existing COVID-19 Accommodations on RFEs, NOIDs, Appeals, and Other Responses Through September 30, 2021
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In its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS is further extending its 60-day deadline extension policy for responses to different agency actions to 30th September 2021. The Covid-19 accommodations will continue to be available to stakeholders responding to or filing the following:
- Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID),
- Requests for Evidence (RFE),
- Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR),
- Form I-290B appeal/motion filing requirements to reopen an adverse USCIS decision,
- Notices of Intent to Terminate EB-5 Regional Investment Centers (NOIT), as well as Notices of Intent to Rescind, and
- Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings filing date requirements.
The accommodations, which were at first declared in March 2020 as a means of minimizing the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Were originally set to end in September 2020 and has been extended a few times.
Details about the extension | Covid-19 Accommodations
Applicants and petitioners who receive(d) an RFE, NOID, NOIR, NOT, or Notice of Intent to Rescind dated between 1st March 2020, and 30th September 2021 (inclusive) will get an extra 60 calendar days beyond the original response deadline in order to file a response with USCIS.
For adverse USCIS decisions dated between 1st March 2020, and 30th September 2021 (inclusive). USCIS will allow 60 days from the date of the decision (rather than 30 days in most cases under current rules). To file a Form I-290B appeal or motion or a Form N-336 hearing request.
What this means for employers and foreign nationals
The extended deadlines are expected to continue to alleviate the pressure on employers and foreign nationals. To react to inquiries or file appeals with USCIS while U.S. businesses remain temporarily interrupted and U.S. workforces continue to work remotely.
[H-2B Visas Increase And Portability]
As an update, this accommodation doesn’t influence applications for extensions of stay or employment authorization. These applications should continue to be timely filed.
