Frequently Asked Questions

• Premium Processing:  If you have any applications pending under regular processing, strongly consider upgrading to premium processing.  This service is currently available but was suspended during the peak of the pandemic.  This suggests that premium processing might not be around if/when the next wave hits.
• Strongly Advise Your Foreign Employees to Remain in the U.S.:  The work visa ban prohibits the issuance of visas abroad in a wide variety of categories.   If your employee has a valid approved petition (such as an I-129), they can continue working for you but will be prevented from re-entering the country without a current visa.
• Extend, extend, extend:  If you have employees eligible for an extension of their current status, file as soon as possible.  Many immigration statuses allow the petition to be filed as early as 6 months before expiration of status.
• Start exploring permanent status:  If you haven't started the process for lawful permanent status for a valuable employee, now is the time!  An approved I-140 will allow extension of H-1B status, for instance, beyond the six year maximum.  
• Consider a cap exempt H-1B:  Many medical practices may be eligible to apply as a third party cap exempt petitioner based on affiliation with a institute.  Contact us to see whether your medical group qualifies.
• Don't delay seeking immigration options:  Without a thorough review of your unique situation, we cannot know all the solutions.  Immigration restrictions will likely worsen so timely action is the best recourse.

Appointments have been rescheduled automatically if during closed USCIS times. As of June 4th, the USCIS has opened up again for non-emergent appointments and services. One must have an appointment to visit as they are not accepting walk-ins and must be wearing a mask. 

Appointments have been rescheduled automatically if during closed USCIS times. As of June 4th, the USCIS has opened up again for non-emergent appointments and services. 

As of June 4th, 2020 the USCIS has opened up again for non-emergent appointments and services. One must have an appointment to visit as they are not accepting walk-ins and must be wearing a mask. One is restricted from any USCIS buildings if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive case within the last 14 days.

Non-essential travel restrictions have been extended until further notice by the Canadian government. Essential travel is limited to travel for work and study purposes, immediate medical care, safety, and security. The US Dept of State has also issued a “Do Not Travel” Global Health Advisory. 

The following countries are still deemed a level-4 (Do Not Travel) for the month of June: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, China, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen. The following countries are deemed a level-3 (Reconsider Travel) for the month of June: Azerbaijan, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, El-Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Korea, Sudan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.