In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS is making temporary adjustments to some of their rules and regulations in the interest of public safety. USCIS will be reusing previously submitted biometrics to process pending EAD applications due to the provisional suspension of routine in-person services at Application Support Centers. This is a one-time exception and only applies to applicants who meet the following criteria: for extensions only (no initial EAD applications); those who have already filed for an extension of work authorization (Form I-765); those who had biometrics appointments scheduled on or following March 18, 2020.

At this time, USCIS will not be reusing previously captured biometrics for other applications or waiving the requirement for a new appointment. Field offices are currently closed to the public through May 3.

USCIS has also announced that deadlines will be extended for responses to Requests for Evidence (RFE), Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID); Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR); and Notice of Intent to Terminate. Documents may be submitted up to 60 days after the previously determined deadline in response to the above-listed notices issued between March 1 and May 1, 2020.

As the spread of COVID-19 continues, USCIS has continued to modify its policies on a temporary basis. Serotte Reich will continue to report updates as the situation develops. Those with questions about the impact of these changes on the processing of their applications may contact Serotte Reich at 716-854-7525 or www.srwborderlawyers.com/contact.