USCIS Again Extends Flexibilities Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the response time flexibility, initially announced on March 20, 2020, is being extended. This extension applies to qualifying USCIS requests issued through January 24, 2023.

Response Time Flexibility

The USCIS has extended the response time flexibility for a variety of request types and notices. This flexibility applies to applicants and petitioners responding to any of the following, issued from March 1, 2020, through January 24, 2023:

• Requests for evidence (RFEs)
• Continuations to request evidence (N-14)
• Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
• Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIRs)
• Notices of Intent to Rescind
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional investment centers
• Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant

The USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice before making a final decision on the case.

In addition, the USCIS will consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), if BOTH:

• The form was filed up to 90 calendar days from the issuance of a decision
• The USCIS made that decision between November 1, 2021, and January 24, 2023, inclusive

Conclusion

As previously announced, the USCIS also has made permanent the policy to allow for electronically reproduced signatures. While there still is much that needs to be done to make the agency more “customer” friendly, it is encouraging to see the USCIS at least take certain steps to ease the burden on stakeholders, especially given the turmoil created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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