On September 11, 2020, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the flexibilities in responding to various requests raised by the agency. The flexibility was originally announced on March 30 in response measure to the coronavirus pandemic. This measure will help applicants, petitioners, and requestors who must respond to the following:

• Requests for Evidence
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14)
• Notices of Intent to Deny
• Notices of Intent to Revoke
• Notices of Intent to Rescind and Notices of Intent to Terminate Regional Investments Centers
• Motion 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)
• Filing Date Requirements for Form I-290 B, Notice of Appeal or Motion

Any requests, notices, or decisions issued between March 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021 (inclusive), can take advantage of the flexibility extended by the USCIS.

Before taking any action, the USCIS will consider any response to the above requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice. Additionally, before any action is taken, the USCIS will consider Forms N-336 or I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision.

The USCIS aims to adopt several measures to protect its workforce and community and to minimize any immigration consequences for people seeking immigration benefits in these unprecedented times. This flexibility was first announced by the USCIS on March 30; then extended on May 1; and subsequently extended on July 1. The extension announced on September 11 is the third.

To learn more about this blog post or if you have any other immigration concerns, please feel free to contact me at rglahoud@norris-law.com or (484) 544-0022. For other topics related to COVID-19, visit our Coronavirus Thought Leadership Connection.

The information contained in this post may not reflect the most current developments, as the subject matter is extremely fluid and constantly changing. Please continue to monitor this site for ongoing developments. Readers are also cautioned against taking any action based on information contained herein without first seeking advice from professional legal counsel.