USCIS Announcement on COVID-19 Delays in Extension and Change of Status Filings
USCIS issued a press release with options for nonimmigrants who may unexpectedly remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19. Per USCIS, most nonimmigrants can mitigate the immigration consequences of COVID-19 by timely filing an application for extension of stay (EOS) or change in status (COS). USCIS may excuse a nonimmigrant’s failure to timely file an extension/change of status request if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances.
USCIS also provided information for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) entrants who, if unable to depart the United States, can request a 30-day period of satisfactory departure from USCIS. For those VWP entrants already granted satisfactory departure and unable to depart within this 30-day period because of COVID-19 related issues, USCIS has the authority to temporarily provide an additional 30-day period of satisfactory departure.