Will the Coronavirus Pandemic Affect Your Nonimmigrant Status?

Nonimmigrants are admitted into the United States for a temporary period and for a particular purpose. The coronavirus pandemic has significant implications for this classification of people.

As of the time of writing, the United States government has not announced that it will extend the status of nonimmigrants nor has it announced whether nonimmigrant workers that are laid off will be given an additional grace period to change status, find a new employer, or leave the country. 

Do not wait for such announcements because they are unlikely to happen. You can be proactive and take matters into your own hands by consulting with an experienced immigration attorney. 

Nonimmigrants in the following situations find themselves potentially affected by the pandemic:

1. Visitors whose status will expire in the upcoming months and who are unable to return to their home country due to the pandemic. Visa Waiver Program (VWP/ESTA) visitors are particularly at risk because there are very limited exceptions in which they can extend their period of authorized admission.
2. Workers who have been fired from their jobs or who have had their hours reduced.
3. Executives or managers who experienced a significant reduction in their workforce. 
4. Investors experiencing significant losses and layoffs in their business. 
5. Students who are considering part-time opportunities to make ends meet or who can no longer afford tuition.
6. Fiancées of U.S. citizens who are unable to afford the application to adjust status and who are approaching ninety (90) days from their date of entry into the United States. 

If you are a nonimmigrant who has fallen out of status or has questions regarding your immigration status during these uncertain times, please contact an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you contact an attorney, the likelier the chances are that he or she will be able to help you.