New rules coming for US visas and green cards

Bangla Press Desk: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a change in the rules for calculating submission deadlines for U.S. visa and green card applications, effective October 23. Under these new guidelines, if the deadline for an application falls on a weekend or a public holiday, it will not automatically be extended to the next business day in all cases.

A policy memorandum issued on September 23 clarifies the distinction between standard administrative deadlines and the final dates required to meet eligibility criteria for immigration benefits. According to this policy, for certain paper-based applications, if the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a public holiday, it may be permissible to submit the application on the following business day. However, since online applications can be submitted at any time—including weekends and holidays—this provision does not apply to online submissions; applicants must strictly follow the instructions provided for their specific forms.

The new rules are particularly stringent regarding age-based eligibility. For family-based immigration and certain categories involving minors, applications must generally be filed before a child reaches the age of 21. If the deadline for such an application falls on a holiday or weekend, no automatic extension will be granted. Consequently, if the age limit is exceeded, the applicant may permanently lose their eligibility for the immigration benefit.

Furthermore, H-1B visa holders working in the U.S. and their employers are advised to remain vigilant regarding the authorized period of stay as noted on their Form I-94. If the expiration date of this authorized stay falls on a holiday or weekend, it will not automatically be extended to the next business day. Therefore, applications for renewal must be completed on time to avoid potential legal complications.

Given these changes, applicants are advised to verify whether their submission deadline is a standard administrative deadline or a critical date for meeting eligibility requirements. Additionally, it is essential to confirm whether the application must be submitted online or via paper-based (offline) filing. Individuals have been urged to complete all necessary preparations before reaching the age limit or the expiration of their authorized stay in the United States, ensuring they do not miss any opportunities by mistakenly relying on extra time granted during holidays. Source: Hindustan Times
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