USCIS Gives Petitioners and Applicants More Time to Respond to Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny During COVID-19 Emergency
March 27, 2020
At a Glance
- Petitioners and applicants will have an additional 60 days to respond to requests for evidence and notices of intent to deny issued between March 1 and May 1, 2020, USCIS has announced.
- The agency has not made any accommodations for foreign nationals with expiring periods of stay or employment authorization documents; as such, applications for extensions and renewals must be filed timely.
The issue
In an effort to avoid negative immigration consequences stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS has agreed to extend response deadlines by 60 days for certain requests for evidence (RFEs) and notices of intent to deny (NOIDs). Where USCIS has issued an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, the agency will accept responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the original response deadline in the RFE or NOID.
The USCIS announcement does not affect applications for extensions of stay or employment authorization. These must continue to be filed timely, unless and until the agency provides interim relief.
What this means for employers and foreign nationals
The 60-day extension is expected to alleviate the pressure on employers and foreign nationals to immediately respond to USCIS as U.S. businesses temporarily close and move their workforce to remote locations. Today’s accommodation comes after extensive advocacy efforts by Fragomen and other stakeholder groups.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.