I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolH1B Premium Processing Temporarily Suspended Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Updated on April 10, 2024
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Update: From the USCIS website – “As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily suspended in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). USCIS offices will reopen on April 7 unless the public closures are extended further. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment contact the USCIS Contact Center.”
USCIS (the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has announced a temporary halt on H1B premium processing for 2021. Though the suspension of service is temporary, at this point it is an indefinite stoppage.
H1B applications for 2021 will start being accepted on April 1, 2020, but employers will not be able to request premium processing.
Premium processing will resume in 2021 under a two-phase plan. The first phase will apply to cap-subject H1B visas which includes those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The second phase includes all other cap-subject H1B visas for 2021. More information regarding the roll out of these phases will be released in the coming months.
COVID-19 and Visa Holders
In addition to H1B premium processing being suspected, the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is affecting visa holders in many other ways.
COVID-19 and Travel Bans
The U.S. has implemented a number of travel bans to restrict the spread of COVID-19 within the U.S. Countries included under the various travel bans include, but are not limited to: China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, and most of the European Union.
U.S. ports of entry have also been limited as a measure to contain the spread of the virus. Presently, only 7 U.S. airports are receiving international flights.
As a result of these restrictive measures, many visa holders cannot travel to their home countries. You can read more about COVID-19 travel bans here.
COVID-19 and International Students
Like other visa holders, international students in the U.S. are being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. With travel bans preventing them from returning home and school closures leaving some of them without a roof over their heads, F1 visa holders in the U.S. are struggling right now. You can read more about their situation and the options available to them here.
Final Thoughts
The COVID-19 situation, and how it’s impacting visa holders in the U.S., is evolving on a day-to-day basis. Check back with Stilt for the most up-to-date information regarding the virus, how it’s affecting visa holders, and all of the other important information you should know.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.