U.S. immigration experts advise the country’s non-immigrant visa holders not to travel abroad because the crisis in the Middle East and ongoing travel restrictions could cause delays that could lead to people losing their visa status or jobs. But those already stuck outside the U.S. with the deadline approaching should not sit idly by. In their weekly chat on visa issues, immigration attorneys Rahul Reddy and Emily Neumann advised such visa holders to take immediate action and apply for an extension online to stay legal. If there are no other options, H-1Bs can apply to change status to B2. Even if the application is not approved, the visa holder must present documentation proving that he or she is not in the United States illegally and apply for an extension of change of status. Reddy said people who would lose their jobs if they don’t return to the U.S. immediately and have to travel through the Middle East should talk to their human resources department. Reddy suggested that, given the war situation, USCIS should also take this into consideration. But Neumann explains that doing nothing is not the answer. Visa holders from Middle Eastern countries who must return to their home countries to renew their visa stamps but are unable to do so due to travel bans and the closure of US embassies should apply for an online B2 extension. Neumann said that given the current situation, visas are not a priority for the U.S. government and they are unlikely to make any temporary provisions for these people to travel to a third country to renew their stamps.
What is Form I-539?
Form I-539 is a request to change status in the United States. People can submit this form to change their status to a tourist or visitor (B2) in order to remain legally in the United States. But it must be done while the person has legal status in the United States, not after the current visa expires. Furthermore, only those who have not violated any existing visa terms can apply for a change of status if they can provide valid reasons.
List of countries currently suspending U.S. visa services
Pakistan: All visa appointments and consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Lahore and Karachi have been suspended.United Arab Emirates: Due to regional security threats, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai are closed until further notice.Saudi Arabia: The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh is reportedly closed.Kuwait: The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City has suspended all consular services, including visa interviews, until normal conditions are restored.
