Adjustment of Status During COVID-19
Change of Status Filings During COVID-19
Travel to the United States
With the Presidential Proclamation 9993, foreign nationals present in 26 countries that compromise the Schengen Area have suspended entry. Foreign nationals cannot travel to the United States with Presidential Proclamation 9993 is in effect, unless you meet an exception. The travel restriction doesn’t apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, some immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals identified explicitly in the proclamation.
Applying for a U.S. visa during the COVID-19 pandemic
On June 22, 2020, the Department of State announced that they won’t be issuing immigrant visas, with certain exceptions, until December 31, 2020. This proclamation suspends entry into the United States of certain immigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those with a valid visa issued before April 23, 2020, won’t be affected.
Exceptions to the recent immigration ban
Exceptions include immigrants seeking to enter as healthcare professionals, spouses, children, prospective adoptive children of U.S. citizens, and certain Special Immigrant Visa applicants
Having an immigrant visa is not the same as being a Legal Permanent Resident
Having a U.S. visa is not the same as being an LPR. To obtain a green card and become a permanent resident, you need to apply for an adjustment of status once you are in the United States. You can’t apply for a Permanent Resident Card outside the U.S.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) outside the United States lose a green card
Thankfully, the recent immigration ban doesn’t apply to lawful permanent residents. However, green card holders who remain outside the United States for more than 12 months may lose their lawful permanent resident status. If you’re worried about losing your green card, you should contact us to learn more about the application process to extend your stay.