USCIS Extends COVID-19 Flexibilities a Final Time: Through 23.Mar.2023

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended certain flexibilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic through 23.Mar.2023. The USCIS anticipates that this will be the final extension of these measures.

Flexible Deadlines Applicable through 23.Mar.2023

Under the extension, applicants and petitioners will continue to have an additional 60 days beyond the due date to respond to the following requests and notices issued by the USCIS if the issuance date of such documents was between 01.Mar.2020, and 23.Mar.2023, inclusive:

• Requests for Evidence (RFE)
• Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID)
• Notices of Intent to Revoke or Rescind (NOIR)
• Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
• Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status
• 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 01.Nov.2021 and 23.Mar.2023, inclusive

Conclusion

As the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect U.S. businesses & workforces, this policy extension should aid in reducing the pressure on foreign nationals and employers to meet certain deadlines.

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