In a huge relief for all H1B visa holders, and Green Card applicants, US Govt has relaxed some rules related to their visa validity.
A grace period of 60 days has been provided.
How will this help the visa holders in the US?
US Govt Gives 60 Days Grace Period
In a positive development, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is the nodal agency for all work visa and immigration-related activities, has provided a 60 day grace period.
This grace period will help all H1B visa holders and Green Card applicants who are in the US.
We had already reported how 200,000 H1B visa holders in the US can lose their right to stay in the US by June, due to the complications arising from the visa extensions and job permits. Millions of jobs are being axed, all over the US.
Under these circumstances, President Trump was requested to extend the visa validity due to the coronavirus outbreak.
And now, some concrete steps are finally being taken.
USCIS said, “USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community and to minimise the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during this time,”
How Will This Grace Period Help H1B Visa Holders?
As per the statements issued by USCIS, US Govt now gives 60 days grace period to all H1B visa holders and Green Card holders from submission of various documents.
These documents cover:
- Requests for evidence
- Continuations to request evidence (N-14)
- Notices of intent to deny
- Notices of intent to revoke
- Notices of intent to rescind
- Notices of intent to terminate regional investment centres
- Filing date requirements for Form I-290B
- Notice of Appeal or Motion.
Hence, even if any H1B visa holder is not able to submit these documents now, they can do so in the next 60 days, and no action will be taken against them.
USCIS said in a statement: “USCIS will consider a response to the above requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request or notice before taking action,”
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.