Deadlines for responses to queries on H-1B to naturalization extended to January 31.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is giving more time to applicants and petitioners for H-1B visas to naturalization to respond to notices issued by it due to coronavirus pandemic.
The immigration agency said it’s extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30 for all requests, notices, or decisions issued between March 1, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021, inclusive.
The enhanced deadline of 60 days covers requests for evidence, which are typically sought for from sponsoring employers of H-1B visa applications. It also includes other notices, such as notice of intent to deny or revoke.
The extended time frame is also available for filing of an appeal to reopen an adverse USCIS decision, or request for a hearing on a decision passed relating to naturalization (citizenship) proceedings.
The flexibility applies to those responding to following documents:
- Requests for Evidence;
- Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
- Notices of Intent to Deny;
- Notices of Intent to Revoke;
- Notices of Intent to Rescind;
- Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers;
- Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant;
- Filing date requirements for Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA); or
- Filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion.
USCIS said it will consider a response to these requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice before taking any action.
Additionally, it will consider a Form N-336 or Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision before it takes any action.
USCIS said it was adopting several measures to protect its workforce and community and to minimize the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during the pandemic.