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On March 23, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that COVID-19-related flexibilities will end on March 23, 2023. This marks an end to the flexibility USCIS provided due to the impact of COVID-19. Read the full update here.
On January 24, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued another extension to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors respond to agency requests through March 23, 2023. USCIS anticipates that this will be the final extension of these accommodations, and requesters must comply with the response requirements set forth in any request or notice dated after March 23, 2023.
On December 28, 2022. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it will implement a requirement for a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery for air passengers boarding flights to the United States originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
As part of the process of obtaining a green card while inside the United States, the intending immigrant must submit USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. One of the many requirements is proof of vaccination against COVID-19. We discuss the required medical examination and the COVID-19 vaccination requirement here.
On September 26, 2022, the Government of Canada announced that starting Oct. 1, 2022, international travelers will be able to enter Canada without providing proof of vaccination, taking a pre-arrival test, or undergoing quarantine. This includes an end to mask requirements on domestic planes and trains, as well as ArriveCAN application prior to entry to Canada.
On June 10, 2022, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rescinded the requirement for a negative pre-departure COVID-19 Test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 for all airlines or other aircraft passengers arriving in the United States from any Foreign Country.
On April 21, 2022, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that they will continue to require non-US travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.
Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast – Episode 16 – In the most recent episode of the Arrive Podcast, we discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on business immigration.
Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast – Episode 4 – In the most recent episode of the Arrive Podcast, we discuss Immigrant Visa Processing (Green card and Fiance Visas) and how this process has been impacted by COVID.
Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast – Episode 3 – In the most recent episode of the Arrive Podcast, we clarify what changes COVID has caused when traveling to the United States for vacation, to visit family, and business. Clarifying some of the confusion around what you can and can’t do during COVID.