As state, local and federal government offices seek ways to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, many agencies are scaling back public services. Of particular interest to clients with global workforce issues are the following:

  • USCIS has cancelled in-person services, including scheduled interviews, biometrics collection and naturalization services.
  • Embassies and Consulates worldwide are suspending visa services and limiting U.S. citizen services to emergency requests.
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended processing of visa requests along the U.S./Canada border.

These measures are, of course, in addition to the severe restrictions on international travel currently in place around the globe.

As a result of these closures and cancellations, many foreign nationals will need to reschedule their appointments with USCIS and/or U.S. consular facilities overseas. In most cases, replacement appointments are not yet available; in others, appointments are being opened starting approximately six weeks from now, in anticipation of a return to normal service levels.

The Immigration Group and Global Mobility Team at Pryor Cashman is actively monitoring developments in real-time, in order to provide you and your workforce with the most up-to-date information available, and to explore solutions to these challenges. We remain available to discuss your case-specific matters and move forward with all filings and applications.

Like so many of you, we have taken steps to protect our teams in order to ensure continuity of service, and we remain committed to providing the most accurate guidance and expeditious service possible in these difficult times.

Wishing you all health and safety as we weather this storm together.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.