USCIS Covid-19 Immigration Update
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic that is expected to continue well into 2022, domestic and international offices are continuing to remain open with precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. While visa processing and interviews had been delayed earlier in the pandemic, it is expected that these delays will be minimal moving forward into 2022. For those who’s applications are underway or will be beginning the immigrating process, you will be required to wear a mask and will not be able to enter a USCIS facility if you have:
Covid-19 or symptoms of Covid-19;
Been in close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with anyone known to have Covid-19 in the past 14 days (unless you are a fully vaccinated health care worker who wore proper PPE during the close contact at work);
Returned from travel (domestic, international, or a cruise) within the past 10 days unless you are fully vaccinated;
Been instructed by a health care provider, authority, or government entity to self-isolate or self-quarantine in the past 14 days (unless you have been cleared to end isolation or quarantine)
What To Expect After Your I-140 Is Approved
After your I-140 petition is approved you will receive notice from USCIS to complete a scheduled biometrics appointment at a USCIS office. After the biometrics screening has been completed an Employment Authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) travel authorization card will be issued. You will then be scheduled for an interview in the following months if your priority date remains current.
While there have been short-term delays with Green Card processing, long-term delays are not yet expected to take place due to increased efforts of USCIS to process immigration applications.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) expects that a record number of employment-based Green Card Visas will be available for the 2022 Fiscal Year (October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022). The number of unused family-based Green Card Visas will become available to be used under the employment-based Green Card Visa categories. It is expected that an additional 150,000 employment-based Green Card Visas will be allocated in 2022 to allow more than 290,000 applicants to immigrate to the USA under this category.
