Immigration help available for individuals impacted by the flooding in Pakistan, Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reminded the public of special services made available to those affected by natural disasters such as the flooding in Pakistan and Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico.

On a case-by-case basis, individuals impacted by natural disasters and certain other unforeseen circumstances may request:

• To change nonimmigrant status or extend nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the U.S.
• Re-parole for those who have previously received parole by USCIS.
• Expedited processing of advanced parole requests.
• Expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing economic hardship.
• Expedited adjudication of petitions or applications, including employment authorization applications.
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS.
• Consideration of fee waiver requests because the individual cannot pay.
• Flexibility for those unable to submit evidence or respond in a timely manner to a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny and for those unable to attend a scheduled interview with USCIS.
• To reschedule a biometrics appointment.

Additional Information: Individuals who are making a request listed above should explain how the flooding in Pakistan or Hurricane Fiona in Puerto rico created the need for such a request. Those who lost evidence should include an explanation and a copy of a police report, insurance claim or other report to support a request.

Employers and individuals are reminded that all Form I-9 requirements remain in place and should review instructions on how to verify employment eligibility of employees whose documents are lost or damaged. Individuals are reminded to update their addresses with USCIS to avoid possible delays in processing. More information regarding the special measures is available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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