This post was originally published on March 27, 2020 and was updated on May 1, 2020 to reflect an announcement from USCIS.

UPDATE:On Friday, May 1, 2020, USCIS said that it willextend the flexibilitiespublished on March 27 to assist petitioners who are responding to the following agency requestsand noticesdated between March 1 and July 1, 2020:

  • Requests forEvidence;
  • Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
  • Notices of Intent toDeny;
  • Notices of Intent toRevoke;
  • Notices of Intent to Rescind and Notices of Intent to Terminate regional investment centers; and
  • Filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion.

The agency indicated that itwouldconsider a response to these requestsand noticesreceived within 60 calendar daysafter the deadlinelisted in the request or notice beforetaking action.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)announced that it is adopting a measure to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to requests for evidence (RFEs) and notices of intent to deny (NOIDs) dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020.

Whathappened?

Due to the impact of COVID-19, USCIS announcedthat forapplicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and  May 1, 2020, any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken.

Whodoesthisimpact?

This impacts applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020.

HowareEnvoy and GIA responding?

GIA willstill file responses to RFEs and NOIDs within the timeframe listed given that all material can be provided.Should some required information not be attainable at this time due to the impacts of COVID-19, pleasereach out via the Communication Center.

What do I need to do next?

We are monitoring USCIS announcements and will publish information about any updatesas they develop.Should you have any questions regarding this update, please reach out via the Communication Center.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.