Extension for VWP

It is evident that the Coronavirus generated multiple repercussions in almost all areas of our society and the world we know has changed dramatically.

Governments around the world are trying to make the best decisions to be able to continue with our daily duties and try to save the economy and cultural development.

At the same time, they try to counter the impact of the virus and save as many lives as possible.

One of the main decisions has been to close the borders of almost all countries. This means that travelers are stranded outside their homeland.

That is the case of thousands of foreigners stranded in the US. Many of them are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

What is the VWP?

The VWP is an option offered by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) that grants a legal permit to reside in the country for up to 2 years.

This program allows foreigners to travel to the US for tourism or business. People who want to apply must meet certain requirements and have financial solvency for the petition to be approved.

Only 36 countries can currently apply to VWP.

What happened to VWP after the COVID-19 outbreak?

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus in the world, the majority of travelers returned to their countries or decided to stay in the US during the health crisis.

The VWP is temporary and the foreigner must leave the country before their permit expires. Thus, thousands of foreigners stranded in the US have been unable to return to their countries due to the massive COVID-19 outbreak.

This is a great concern because foreign travelers might be barred from entering the country if they do not leave before the expiration of their VWP.

USCIS’ reaction to the pandemic

The US government and border/immigration entities understand that current circumstances demand changes and temporary adjustments to avoid “unlawful presence” in the country.

Therefore, USCIS stated in May 2020 that foreigners holding a VWP permit can extend it for 30 days.

However, most sanitary measures have already exceeded 30 days and that is the concern of thousands of foreigners.

The new option for VWP

USCIS implemented a new measure that allows foreigners with VWP to extend their travel permit for another 30 days.

This means that foreigners can extend their permit for up to 60 days. This option is definitely a relief for any foreigner currently residing in the US with the VWP.

If they leave the US before the expiration of their permit, they may reapply to the VWP in the future.

It is important to note that everything is uncertain due to the Coronavirus and these measures can change or even be extended if necessary.

There are also many possibilities to extend your residence permit in the US with programs other than the VWP. That is why finding the right guide for your immigration process is the best option during the current health crisis.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.