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For Foreign Visitors Who Are Unable to Depart the U.S. due to COVID-19
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A problem striking many foreign visitors during the current COVID-19 pandemic is the inability to depart the U.S. before the expiration of their authorized period of stay. Upon entry to the U.S. as a visitor for tourism or for business, the Customs and Border Protection Officers generally grant an authorized stay of 90 days, for those entering on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), or 6 months, for those using a B-1/B-2 visa. The exact expiration date of the authorized period of stay can vary, and it is the responsibility of the visitor to be compliant. If the visitor overstays this authorized period, they could be subject to strict consequences, including difficulty with future visa applications and be barred from entry for up to 10 years. The visitor can and should always check the details of their authorized stay here, by pulling their most recent Form I-94.
However, departing the U.S. in compliance with these requirements can be difficult if not impossible under this pandemic. Many flights are cancelled. Some borders here and abroad are closed. Moreover, the health risks of traveling with other potentially contagious members of the public are substantial.
For visitors who entered the U.S. on ESTA, Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have issued guidance clarifying that individuals who are unable to depart the U.S. due to the pandemic can request a form of relief called Satisfactory Departure. This request extends the visitor’s authorized period of stay in 30-day increments beyond their original expiration date. For visitors who entered the U.S. using a B-1/B-2 visa, an official application may be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, requesting an extension of stay up to six months in duration.
Ensuring that the required extension is filed prior to the visitor’s expiration of authorized stay is key to maintaining a lawful immigration status and avoiding future immigration and travel problems. Our offices are currently open, and we offer video conference and teleconference consultations. If you have any questions about extending your stay in the U.S. as a visitor on ESTA or B-1/B-2, please do not hesitate to reach out and make an appointment.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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