Search Results for: United States

January 10, 2022

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, China has required visa applicants to possess a Foreign Affairs Office Invitation, sometimes known as the ‘PU’ letter. Companies seeking these letters are encountering extended delays, high-rejections, and difficulties with dependents. Newland Chase, through our sister company CIBTvisas, offers a simpler, faster solution. If your organization qualifies, we can secure your PU letter in as few as 10-12 business days.

December 29, 2021

Effective through December 31, 2022, the U.S. State Department has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for select groups of visa applicants.

December 21, 2021

On Dec. 15, 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) extended the flexibility previously afforded to the Form I-9 compliance rules regarding physical document inspection through April 30, 2022.

December 10, 2021

On 9 December 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will temporarily waive the requirement that the civil surgeon sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record within 60 days of filing an application for the underlying immigration benefit. This temporary waiver is effective immediately and will continue until 30 September 2022.

November 24, 2021

To seek relief from immigration application delays, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and its partners filed a lawsuit, which was settled with the Department of Homeland Security.

October 29, 2021

To advance the safe resumption of global travel during the COVID-⁠19 pandemic, on 25 October President Biden issued a Proclamation emphasizing the continued enhanced measures against the spread of the virus. Travel restrictions for foreign nationals traveling from China, Iran, the Schengen Area, the U.K., Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, and India, are to be relaxed and new travel requirements for travelers from all other countries imposed. The Proclamation applies to all travelers aboard flights scheduled to arrive in the United States that depart after 12:01 a.m. EST on 8 November, 2021.

October 20, 2021

The announcement regarding relaxation of the ban on travel to the U.S. from early November will bring relief to many travelers. The U.S. authorities have confirmed that regionally-based COVID-19 travel bans will be repealed and replaced by individual-based vaccination requirements as of 8 November 2021.

October 14, 2021

The White House has confirmed that the regionally-based COVID-19 travel bans will be repealed and replaced by individual-based COVID-19 vaccination requirements as of 8 November. Additionally, Department of Homeland Security has announced that “non-essential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation” will be allowed to enter the country via land and ferry ports of entry.

August 27, 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that, effective 1 October, the COVID-19 vaccine is included in the list of vaccines required for applicants to obtain permanent residence and refugee status.

August 20, 2021

On 12 August 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will extend the validity period of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, to four years.