USA allows H-1B Visa extension to non-immigrants amid COVID-19

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are stuck outside India. In this view, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) passed on immigration-related news. IT engineers who are staying in the USA with the H-1B or B1/B2 Visas can now get a visa extension.

India had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country. So, the US immigration authority may provide special consideration. It may even expedite the processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis.

The United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government cancelled all flights to India in early March which left a lot of Indians stranded in the country.

What can you do?

Non-immigrants could apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) or Change of Status (COS) permit. They can file an application to the USCIC along with "credible evidence" as to the delay. Subject to the same terms and conditions of the prior approval, the Visa will get automatically extended for up to 240 days.

The USCIS has taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals and employers in the US. The body is currently analysing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges. It will also consider the public’s recommendations.

“Nonimmigrants generally do not accrue unlawful presence while the timely-filed, non-frivolous EOS/COS application is pending. Where applicable, employment authorization with the same employer, subject to the same terms and conditions of the prior approval, is automatically extended for up to 240 days after I-94 expiration when an extension of stay request is filed on time,” said the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in a media release on Monday.

This would also come as a relief to immigrants in the US who may have recently lost their jobs as it buys them additional time to look for alternative employment in the US.

Currently, Indians account for two-thirds of the H-1B visa holders in the US.