USCIS Further Extends Deadlines for Responses to Agency Requests

In light of COVID-19, USCIS has further extended the flexibilities it announced in March to assist applicants and petitioners responding to certain USCIS Requests.* On May 1, 2020, USCIS announced it would extend the response deadlines set forth in certain agency requests, notices, or decisions issued between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2020, inclusive.

The flexibility applies to certain USCIS requests, notices, or decisions, including:

• Requests for Evidence (RFE)
• Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID)
• Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR)
• Notices of Intent to Terminate (NOIT)
• Certain filing date requirements for Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion

According to USCIS, a response received within 60 calendar days after the response due date set forth in the request or notice will be considered by USCIS before taking any action. Applicants and petitioners must respond to USCIS requests issued before March 1, 2020 by the noted deadline. Any Form I-290B received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision will be considered by USCIS.

We will continue to provide our clients with updated guidance on this evolving situation as it develops.

*Footnote: On March 30, 2020, USCIS first announced it would expand flexibility in responding to certain USCIS Requests issued between March 1, 2020 and May 1, 2020, inclusive, as reported in the prior post, DHS Implements More Temporary Changes Due to COVID-19.