My Visa Source Statement on C-19 » Tackling This Together
Together we are all stronger.
As you know, the global community is facing a pandemic together. Having assisted clients from over 120 countries around the world, stories of the virus spread hits home as we are all going head on with the virus together.
Aligned with US and Canadian Government guidelines, My Visa Source has set policies to ensure we are focusing on the safety of our dedicated staff and clients.
As Canadian and United States Immigration remains open our offices across North America are set up to ensure there is no disruption in services.
My Visa Source is on the list of designated services, therefore authorized to remain open as our firm provides an essential service to those interested in immigration.
Given the unfortunate spread of the virus, this has created a decrease in the number of applications being submitted.
This sequence of events has created an unprecedented opening to apply for immigrating now.
Due to the number of people and businesses making applications dropping, there is a higher probability of an increase in submissions after the virus subsides.
"For every adversity contains within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."
To optimize your odds of an approval and faster internal processing, this is an ideal time to start your application.
At My Visa Source, we are doing a number of things to assist clients looking to speed up your immigration journey. Introducing the...
2020-2021 Immigration Together Assistance Plan
Effective immediately, we are rolling this plan out. It consists of the following:
Free video and telephone consultations 7 days a week,
Expedited internal immigration processing time,
Reduced immigration professional fees, and
Flexible payment plans
Hello Everyone,
At My Visa Source, we’re committed to provide access to legal services in an efficient and safe manner. We’ve doubled down over the past number of months to ensure there is no disruption to services, by expanding our teams capabilities to service clients both inside and outside of North America. We’re now staffed 7 days per week, around the clock to ensure that we meet this commitment.
We look forward to continuing to service the global community as we fill critical spots for both temporary and permanent residency in North America. Wish you and your loved ones all the best.
To prevent the spread of the novel Covid-19, Canadian authorities require anyone older than 5 years old will be required to present a negative Covid test result if traveling by air.
Anyone entering Canada will also be required to have a plan for quarantining and provide travel and contact information.
You will require a quarantine plan even if you have a negative report. Only essential workers like long haul truck drivers are exempt from quarantine requirements.
Since immigration processes are still open, Canadian authorities will give priority to applications for travel documents required by Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are currently abroad.
Applications by vulnerable groups and essential workers for work permits will also be processed on priority.
Express Entry applications will be given 90 days to submit a completed application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
If your application for permanent residence has been approved and you have a valid confirmation of permanent residence (COPR), then you are exempt from the current travel restrictions.
The COPR must have been issued before March 18, 2020, or if it was issued after March 18, 2020, then you must be a sponsored family member of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
You are also exempt from travel restrictions if you are traveling directly to Canada from the United States.
For all applications for temporary residence including work and study permit, applicants are required to apply online. If you are unable to submit an electronic application due to a disability, then you are exempt from this requirement.
If you are applying from outside Canada, then you are exempt from this requirement if:
You have a travel document issued to foreign nationals, refugees, or stateless persons in case they can not apply for a passport for valid reasons
You are an applicant under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Since these applications are made by the government of the applicant’s country, some countries can not apply online.
Coronavirus has affected the processing prioritization of visitor visa applications. However, you can still apply for a visitor visa if you are eligible.
If your application is approved, then you must adhere to the travel restrictions based on the country where you are visiting from.
You will be required to provide travel and contact details, a quarantine plan and a negative Covid test result if you are entering Canada.
Foreign nationals and US citizens must only travel to Canada if they are eligible to provide the above information.
If you are eligible to travel and have already applied for a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTa), then you can contact the authorities to give prioritization to your application.
Canadian authorities have issued Ministerial Instructions (MIs) that while applications for temporary resident visas will still be accepted and processed, the intake has been limited.
Applicants will be prioritized based on if they meet the requirements based on the travel restrictions in place.
If you have applied before the travel restrictions were placed, then you must contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to inform them of how you meet the travel restrictions requirements.
You will be required to establish that you meet the exemption requirements and are traveling for a non-discretionary purpose.
However, it is strongly recommended that you do not travel to Canada currently.
Canada is still accepting applications for a visitor record if you are already in Canada and want to extend your stay. You will be required to provide a note on the purpose of your extended stay.
Applications for Permanent Resident Travel Documents (PRTD) will be processed on priority to help Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are overseas.
Anyone traveling to Canada must present a negative Covid-19 test result and must have a 14-day quarantine plan.
The Covid-19 restrictions have caused the closures and limited operations of some of the visa application centers because of which study permit applicants would not be able to:
Provide Biometrics
Undertake Medical examinations
Submit original travel documents
However, your study permit application will only be processed if the above information is provided.
If additional documents are requested, then you must respond within 90 days with the required documents.
There are no special measures available to expedite the processing time that will take longer due to Covid-19 restrictions.
International students coming to Canada with an approved study permit will be required to adhere to the travel restrictions. This includes providing a negative Covid-19 test result and a 14-day quarantine plan.
Canada allowed international students to work in the summer and spring of 2020 even if they were forced to become part-time students or taking a break due to Covid-19.
If you are residing in Canada and have applied for a co-op work permit, then you can begin working with their on-campus and off-campus work authorization.
If you are residing abroad and your application for a study permit and co-op work permit is under process, then you can start working with the approval of your school and employer.
Currently, international students must be enrolled in a full-time study program in a designated learning institution (DLI) to be authorized to work on-campus or off-campus.
While Canada is still allowing applications for the Student Direct Stream, applicants will be required to submit complete information regarding their applications.
Regular study permits are being allowed to be processed with missing documentation due to the Covid-19 restrictions. However, no such concession has been granted to the Student Direct Stream.
If you can not provide all the required documentation, then you can consider applying for a regular study permit.
You can apply for an extension of your study permit as usual if it is about to expire. You must submit the required documents and the documents of your dependent family members if any for an extension.
If your study permit expires while your application is under process, then you will have ‘implied status.’
If your study permit has expired, then you must apply for restoration. You can not resume studying even if all your classes have moved online.
International Students working in essential services or functions were allowed to work more than their authorized 20-hour per week limit till August 31, 2020. However, this exception has now expired.
International Students will be allowed to work as per the conditions in their study permit.
Immediate family members will be allowed to accompany international students if they have an approved study permit and adhere to the travel restrictions.
Travel restrictions include providing a negative Covid-19 test result and presenting a 14-day quarantine plan for yourself and your accompanying family members.
Accompanying family members must also demonstrate that they are traveling for a non-optional, non-discretionary reason.
Immediate family members, including parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, are allowed to travel to Canada provided they adhere to the travel restrictions and are eligible for the visa.
The travel restrictions include providing a negative Covid 19 result and a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan.
To apply for extensions during the Covid 19 restrictions period can be complicated. However, it is more important to maintain legal status while residing in Canada.
Visas are allowed to stay for a period of only 6 months. Therefore, an extension must be applied keeping that in mind. A clear reason for an extension must be provided with the application.
For study permits, international students must apply within the authorized period and give a clear reason for the requirement of authorization to continue their studies in Canada.
If you are applying for an extension, then the extension must be consistent with your study program.
Work Permit renewals must be applied in the same way as before.
Business visitors will be subjected to similar Covid-19 regulations as visitor visa applicants. Foreign nationals traveling to Canada will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result and a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan.
If you are a temporary foreign worker in an occupation that does not require a work permit and are exempt from travel restrictions, then you will be required to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions applied to temporary resident visas.
That is, you will be required to apply electronically. You will be exempt from travel restrictions and 14 day quarantine period if you are working as:
Emergency service provider
Working as a student in the medical field
Visiting Canada to deliver, maintain, or repairing medically necessary equipment or devices
Visiting Canada to donate cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs or other body parts that are required for patient care in Canada
The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has determined that you will be providing an essential service in Canada
You will be required to provide appropriate documentation at the Port of Entry (POE) to self attest your exemption to travel restrictions.
If you have an approved work permit to work for a Canadian employer in an athletic profession, then you must adhere to the travel restrictions and have a non-discretionary reason for traveling to Canada.
If you are visiting to participate in a sporting event, then you must adhere to the Covid-19 regulations applied to Visitor visas.
Foreign workers coming to Canada on a work permit will be exempt from the Covid 19 travel restrictions if:
You are traveling for a non-discretionary purpose and have a valid work permit
You have a letter of introduction from the government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for your work permit application and you are traveling for a non-discretionary purpose
Short-term temporary workers in essential occupations will be exempt from the Covid 19 travel restrictions and would not be subjected to a 14-day quarantine period.
These occupations include:
Emergency Service providers like firefighters and medical professionals
Working as a student in the medical field for training
Entering Canada to deliver, maintain, repair medically necessary equipment
Employed in the marine transportation sector
Visiting Canada to donate or deliver cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs or other body parts that are required for patient care
The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has determined that you will be providing an essential service in Canada
As a spouse or dependent child of a foreign national, you must be exempt from the travel restrictions in your own right and be traveling for a non-discretionary purpose.
IT workers will be subject to the same Covid-19 restrictions as the work permit applicants.
IT workers applying through the Global Talent Stream (GTS) or the Intra-Company Transfer Program must adhere to the travel restrictions.
All temporary workers entering the country will be required to present a negative Covid 19 test result, have a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan and be traveling for a non-discretionary purpose.
Canada has also made it easier for employers to hire temporary foreign workers by waiving the requirement to report minor administrative changes and fast-tracking the process to swap foreign workers.
Open work permit applicants will be subjected to the same Covid-19 regulations as the work permit program.
You must have a valid work permit and be traveling for a non-discretionary purpose or have a letter of introduction from the IRCC to be exempt from the travel restrictions.
No Covid Update
Canada is still accepting applications for the Post-Graduate Work Permit if the applicants are eligible. You can apply for the PGWP if:
Your institution has moved your classes online due to Covid-19 and you have will continue or begin your course online
You were forced to study part-time or put your study on hold because of Covid-19 during the winter, spring or summer 2020 semesters
If you are still abroad, then you can still apply for the PGWP if:
You have a valid study permit
Your study permit application was approved
You started your study program in the spring, summer or fall 2020 semester and applied for a work permit before that
You are starting your semester in January 2021 and will apply for a study permit before you
No Covid 19 Update
Canada is still accepting applications for permanent residence. Completed applications will be processed in the usual procedure. However, if you are unable to submit your application with completed documents due to service inability during the Covid-19, then you must inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The application will be promoted and reviewed in 90 days.
If your application for permanent residence was approved before March 18, 2020, and is still valid, then:
You are exempted from Covid-19 travel restrictions
You can come to Canada to settle permanently
You will be required to have a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan
If your application was approved before March 18, 2020, but is now expired then the IRCC will contact you to review your availability to travel to Canada.
Once you are approved, you will be issued the required documentation to travel. However, you must not contact the IRCC.
Canada is still accepting spousal sponsorship applications. However, if you are traveling by air to Canada, then you will be required to adhere to the Covid 19 travel restrictions.
You will only be allowed to enter Canada if you present a negative Covid-19 result and have a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan.
No Covid 19 update
Applicants will be subjected to the same travel restrictions as anyone entering Canada. You will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test result and have a 14-day quarantine plan.
Even if you are not showing symptoms, you will be required to quarantine after coming to Canada.
Canada is accepting applications for Family Class Sponsorship. Immediate family members of permanent residents and Canadian citizens can travel to Canada if they are eligible to be exempt from the travel restrictions.
The exemption is provided based on a negative Covid 19 test result and mandatory 14-day quarantine plan.
Canada has also provided some flexibility regarding the processing of incomplete applications.
Minimum Income Level requirements have also been eased for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Earlier, sponsors were supposed to make 30 times more the minimum income requirement for their region.
Now, they can add Employment Insurance benefits to their total income.
The restrictions are similar to Family Sponsorship
Similar restrictions as the Family Sponsorship
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
Similar restrictions as Permanent Residence
Similar restrictions as Permanent Residence
Similar restrictions as Permanent Residence
Similar restrictions as Permanent Residence
The program is closed- No Update
Similar restrictions as Canadian Immigration
Program Terminated- No Update
Similar travel restrictions as Permanent Residence
Express Entry applicants will have 90 days to submit a completed application for permanent residence after receiving an Invitation to Apply.
If you are traveling to Canada, then you must adhere to the travel restrictions by presenting a negative Covid-19 test result and a 14-day quarantine plan.
Same as the Express Entry
Same as the Express Entry
Same as the Express Entry
No Covid Update
The EEBC has made some changes to its program to facilitate foreign nationals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The EEBC will not accept material changes in employment like layoffs, termination without cause, new job offers with a new employer, etc.
You will be responsible for maintaining your eligibility to the program while your application is being processed. If you are working from home but with the same employer, then your nomination will be maintained.
However, if you are working for an employer outside British Columbia, then you will not be eligible. You will be required to withdraw your application in this case. You can apply again when you meet the program requirements.
Same as EEBC
Same as EEBC
Same as EEBC
Same as EEBC
No covid updates
No covid updates
No covid updates
No covid updates
Alberta Express Entry Stream applications will be submitted only through the AINP online portal.
If you have lost your job or there is a change in employment due to material reasons, then you have up to 6 months from the time your application is assessed to find employment that meets the program’s eligibility criteria.
There is some flexibility to submitting incomplete applications if missing documents can not be submitted because of Covid 19.
You must write a detailed explanation on why you can not submit the required supporting documents and provide evidence to back up your statement.
Applications will be held for a maximum period of 60 days to provide sufficient time to the applicants to submit complete documents if:
You were working in Alberta before Covid 19 but are currently working part-time or are unemployed
You are working in a regulated occupation but can not obtain the appropriate license and certification
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream is closed, otherwise no update
As of Aug 20, 2020, the PEI Office of Immigration is moving to an online application form for all streams of the Workforce Category.
No Covid Update
If you have made a paper-based application, provincial and territorial can request your application be put on hold if you have lost your job due to Covid 19. This measure was effective from September 17, 2020, to November 17, 2020.
These applications will be put on hold until March 17, 2021, until the province maintains that they support your nomination or you get a new job offer.
This applies to applicants to business, self-employed and entrepreneur PNP streams.
From October 1, 2020, applicants for all streams except the Self-Employed Farmer Stream will be able to apply through AINP online portal.
If you are working from home in a location that is not zoned for commercial or industrial use due to government social distancing directives, then you are eligible to apply for this program.
If you have changed employers due to Covid 19 to maintain employment and are working from home, then your application will be put on hold for 60 days.
Same as the AINP
Applicants applying for streams that require a job offer would require a verification by the OINP to ensure that employment conditions outlined in the job offer are still the same.
If there is any change, then your application will be kept on hold for 90 days so you can change your employment status.
No Covid Update
Same as OINP
If you are applying for the Entrepreneur Stream, then you will be granted 90 days to submit your application. You can also request an extension based on your case.
Same as BC PNP - Express Entry (EEBC)
Same as BC PNP - Express Entry (EEBC)
International Graduates who have lost their employment due to COVID 19 can make a new registration under this category provided they apply within the 3-year timeline.
Applicants who have lost their employment due to material reasons must withdraw their application. They can apply again once they meet the 9-month work experience requirement with the new employer for this program.
Same as Skills immigration
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
Since making an exploratory visit is a mandatory requirement for the Regional Pilot, you must adhere to the travel restrictions. You must inform the BC PNP if your application is being delayed for some reason or you are unable to submit completed documentation. You could be granted an extension based on the case.
You can also ask for an extension for the business establishment period and/or work permit support if you are having trouble meeting the requirements in the Business Performance Agreement due to Covid-19.
If you have lost your job in Manitoba because of Covid 19, then you must calculate your work experience to determine if you are eligible for the MPNP.
The MPNP has also relaxed the processing of incomplete applications. Therefore, if you can not provide complete information due to Covid 19, then you can submit an explanation letter and get an extension.
Same as MPNP
Same as MPNP
Same as MPNP
No Covid 19 Update
The NLPNP will accept applications through the online portal and no paper-based applications will be accepted.
Temporary foreign workers and employers are required to inform the NLPNP regarding any change in the employment status.
Applications to all immigration streams are accepted and are functional.
If you are having trouble obtaining all the required documents for the application, then you can inform the NLPNP through an email and all your requests will be taken into consideration.
Anyone traveling to Canada will be required to adhere to the travel restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Same as NLPNP
Same as NLPNP
Same as NLPNP
Same as NLPNP
Newfoundland and Labrador, much like other provinces in Canada are committed to fulfilling their immigration targets even during the pandemic.
This is being done by shifting focus on Express Entry aligned immigration streams. Also, the province has increased its immigration target to 2,500 new permanent residents annually.
Nova Scotia has not declared any special response to Covid-19 or made any changes to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. There have been no changes made to any programs.
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has made certain changes in the view of the Covid-19 pandemic. The program will no longer require foreign workers to meet the full-time work requirement.
If you have experienced employment loss due to layoffs or reduced work hours, then you will no longer be issued a 90-day notice to change employment.
Same as the Yukon PNP
Same as the Yukon PNP
Same as the Yukon PNP
The NBPNP is still accepting applications from foreign nationals for all programs including the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP).
However, the Covid 19 response includes no changes to the eligibility criteria for applicants living and working in the province.
If you are traveling to New Brunswick, then you will be required to have a mandatory 14-day quarantine plan.
Only commercial traffic and essential workers are exempt from this requirement.
Same as NB PNP
Same as NB PNP
Same as NB PNP
No Covid 19 update
No Covid 19 update
No Covid 19 update
There have been no changes in the programs offered by the PEI PNP. However, all nonessential travel to the province has been prohibited.
So, you would be required to get a pre-travel approval if you want to travel to the province.
Same as PEI PNP
Same as PEI PNP
The SINP has put temporary measures in place to help applicants during the Covid 19 pandemic.
If you have received the provincial nomination, then you can request a 6-month extension to apply for permanent residency.
If for some reason you no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the program you applied for, then you will receive the conditional nomination. You would be required to meet the criteria to apply for permanent residency.
You are required to notify the SINP immediately if there is any change in your employment status due to material reasons.
You will be granted an additional 6 months to find a new employment offer if you lose your initial employment.
If you receive an employment offer from an allowable business that provides essential services, then the occupation need not match your past study program.
Your nomination will also be considered conditional if your working hours have been reduced. You need to have full-time employment to meet the eligibility requirements.
If you access short term income support, then it will not be penalized due to the Covid-19.
There could be a delay in processing your permanent residency applications during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, if it is already approved, then you can travel to Canada if you adhere to the exemptions required because of travel restrictions.
Temporary foreign workers working in occupations including truck drivers, in health-care, or agriculture and agri-food sectors are exempt from biometric requirements.
Foreign entrepreneurs will still be required to meet the conditions set out in their Business Performance Agreement. However, they can request an extension if they have to close business operations due to Covid-19.
International students who got their approved study permit before March 18, 2020, are exempted from the travel restrictions provided they adhere to the exemptions.
Same as the SINP
Same as the SINP
Same as the SINP
Same as the PNP
Applicants to the AIPP will only be allowed to submit their applications electronically. No paper-based applications will be accepted.
Due to Covid-19, applications will be put on hold in case of incomplete documentation. Applicants will be granted 90 days to get the necessary documents.
No Covid update
No Covid update
As a response to the Covid 19 pandemic, this pilot program does not require applicants to accumulate continuous work experience over a period of time.
Now, 1 year of full-time work experience can be accumulated over a noncontinuous period in the last 3 years.
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No program changes due to Covid 19. Travel restrictions apply to anyone entering Canada.
No Covid Update
As a response to the Covid 19 pandemic, employers no longer are required to report minor administrative changes that do not affect the terms and conditions of their LMIA.
If you are working in essential services, then your LMIA application will be prioritized.
Advertising requirements for employers have also been waived until December 31, 2020.
The period of employment has also been increased for employers hiring foreign workers to 1 to 2 years in the low wage stream for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
Approved LMIAs will be valid for up to 9 months or until December 15, 2020. Name change and addition requests will be expedited if they are due to Covid-19 related reasons for eligible or foreign workers already in Canada.
No Covid 19 update
It same as Work without a work permit
The GTS stream is still operating. LMIA Requirements are similar to Labour Market Impact Assessment - Covid 19 Update
No Covid Update
Quebec Immigration is still accepting applications for permanent residency for all immigration programs. The 1 year of full-time work experience required for the eligibility criteria can be accumulated over the period of 2 years. However, foreign workers are required to be employed at the time of application.
The federal government has made certain changes regarding the LMIA requirements for the agriculture and food processing sectors and low-wage positions.
International students who have completed their study program and have a valid study permit that will expire before December 31, 2020, are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.
They can do so even if they do not have the complete documents. They will be required to submit an explanation letter specifying why they were unable to obtain the required documents due to Covid-19.
Starting January 26, 2021, international students could apply for an application for temporary study or a renewal of the same application through the online Arrima platform.
If you were issued a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) for a study program starting in the summer of 2020, then it will still be valid to start the semester during the fall of 2020.
Quebec immigration has also extended the validity period of CAQs to December 31, 2020, issued to international students that were supposed to expire as of April 30, 2020.
Same as Quebec Immigration
Same as Quebec Immigration
Same as Quebec Immigration
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
No Covid Update
Due to Covid 19, Canadian authorities have canceled all in person citizenship tests and interviews. The authorities will schedule an online test and interview if you qualify for urgent processing.
All in-person oath-taking citizenship ceremonies are also canceled. However, Canadian authorities are inviting applications for taking the Oath of Citizenship through video calls from April 1, 2020.
Applications for citizenship are still being processed. However, it can take longer than usual due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
You can apply for Canadian citizenship during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, if you are not able to obtain all the required documents, then your application will automatically be put on hold. You will be granted 90 days to submit all the required documents.
You will still be required to meet the residency obligations. Any extra time spent abroad due to Covid-19 will not be adjusted.
The United States has had to make several changes to its immigration programs to keep them functioning throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The below mentioned are some of the Covid-19 updates to different immigration processes and programs offered by US immigration.
You will not be allowed to enter the United States if you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or are deemed a nonessential traveler.
As of January 26, 2021, anyone entering the US by air (including citizens and legal permanent residents) will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test.
This test must be taken at least 3 days before the day of departure. If you have already been infected with Covid-19 once and have recovered, then you must present proof of recovery obtained within the last 90 days.
Airlines can deny you entry if you do not provide the required documentation.
Applications for family sponsorship are still being accepted and processed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a family member of a US citizen or permanent resident, you can enter the US if you are showing no symptoms of Covid-19.
However, you must not travel if you are sick or have been around someone who has tested positive in the last 14 days.
You must also avoid traveling with someone who is sick. You will be required to quarantine for 14 days after arriving in the US.
These updates apply to all kinds of visas under the Family Sponsorship.
There have been no changes to this visa because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
No Covid-19 Update for this visa program.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still processing applications for permanent residency during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the immigration officials announced a ‘public charge’ rule that states that any immigrant who tests positive or gets treated for coronavirus will not be impacted negatively on their immigration application.
If you are currently overseas or your visa has expired as you are overseas or your visa will expire before your study program will restart, then you must contact the US Department of State for guidance.
International students will be allowed to take online or remote classes as determined by the university.
However, if classes can not be conducted remotely, then you can stay in the US until the next session starts or until the situation returns to normal, whichever comes first.
You must contact the USCIS if you want to extend your status; in case your study program will not be completed before your Admit Until Date as listed on their Form I-94.
The United States is still accepting applications for the J1 visas or InterExchange programs.
You will be provided with all the required documents by the InterExchange if you are exempt from entry restrictions.
However, due to Covid-19, consular sections at US embassies and consulates are not fully-operational.
You must stay in contact with the US embassy to monitor any updates on appointments and policies.
If you are currently in the US participating in this program, then these changes do not affect your status. If you plan to travel outside the country, then you will be subjected to travel restrictions.
USCIS is still processing the applications for Form I-129 and I-140.
Form I-129 is used by a lawful nonimmigrant in the US to request a change of status to E-1 classification.
This form can also be submitted by a qualifying employer on the behalf of an employee.
Form I-140 is used by foreign workers to apply for permanent residence in the United States.
There was no Covid-19 update for this visa program.
No Covid-19 update
The June 2020 and April 2020 travel ban on the new H1-B and L-1 visas was extended till March 31, 2021, by former President Trump.
However, on October 1, 2020, a US federal court exempted several employers from the June 2020 travel ban based on the membership of organizations.
In the NAM judgment (National Association of Manufacturers v. DHS), H1-B and L-1B applicants sponsored as an exchange visitor or sponsored by or petitioned by a member of 1 of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are exempt from the travel ban.
The plaintiffs of the lawsuit include the National Retail Federation, TechNet, and Intrax, Inc.
No new H1-B or L-1B visas will be issued to any applicant not covered by the NAM judgment.
However, foreign workers present in the US with a valid H1-B visa will be exempt from this ban and are allowed to procure a visa.
On May 14, 2020, Homeland Security allowed a rule change to certain H-2B requirements to ensure that the US food chain supply is not impacted by the pandemic.
This temporary rule change states that an H-2B petitioner can start hiring H-2B foreign workers currently in the United States with approved temporary labor certification.
The employees must be hired for a position critical to the US food supply chain.
The employer can start hiring immediately after submitting the H2-B petition and new attestation to the USCIS and not before the date of employment mentioned in the petition.
Along with this, DHS is temporarily changing its rule to allow certain H-2B workers to stay more than the predetermined period of 3 years.
However, only H-2B workers already present in the United States can take advantage of these changes.
Besides, if employers have filed their petitions on or after May 14, 2020, then they can request some flexibility by submitting the new Form ATT-H2B attestation to the appropriate center before USCIS decides on their petition.
Same as the H-1B visa update
Same as E-1 Visa update
Same as E-1 Visa Update
There is no Covid-19 update for this visa program.
There have been no major changes made to the TN Visas because of the pandemic.
However, TN Visas will only be processed at some port of entry or service centers due to temporary closures.
Normally, foreign nationals are required to leave the United States before their visa expires.
US visas are granted for a period between 1 to 6 months. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows visitors on the visa waiver program to stay up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
However, because of the pandemic, foreign nationals might be forced to overstay their visa due to travel restrictions or canceled flights,
You must apply for an extension of your visa or change of status before your current visa expires by contacting the USCIS.
You will be allowed to stay in the country if your current visa expires while your application is under process.
If you were unable to file for an extension on time, then the USCIS may grant you an allowable extension based on your case.
If you are in the US on the visa waiver program, then you will be granted an additional 30 days to leave the country. You should contact USCIS for more information.
Since August 28 as more consular operations have become functional at the US Embassies, priority will be given to K visa cases.
The I-129F petition for Alien Fiancé(e) is usually for 4 months.
However, you can be granted a 4-month extension by the consular. If your case was affected by the suspension of services due to the Covid-19, then you will not be required to file a new I-129F petition.
The US Secretary of State has extended the period of expiration of in-person interview waiver to 24 months as opposed to 12 months previously.
If you meet the requirements, then you will be exempted from the in-person interview requirement to renew your B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa.
