U.S. Borders to re-open in November to Fully Vaccinated Travelers

Yesterday the Department of Homeland Security announced they would allow fully vaccinated non-essential foreign national travelers to enter the U.S. by land and ferry crossings from Canada and Mexico starting in early November.

In order for foreign nationals to travel from Canada or Mexico to the U.S. by land or ferry they must be fully vaccinated, 14 days from their final dose, and provide the correct documents.

This will not affect essential travelers who will still abide by the current rules in place. But starting January 2022 essential travelers will also need to be vaccinated to cross by land or ferry.

This is long awaited news as the U.S. borders have been closed since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Serotte Reich will continue to provide updates, as the status of the immigration systems continues to shift frequently. If you need assistance or advisement regarding an immigration matter, please contact us at 716-854-7525 or www.srwborderlawyers.com/contact to schedule a consultation.

Canada to Loosen Quarantine Restrictions for Vaccinated Travelers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has begun preparations to ease border restrictions for those travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including loosening the current 14-day quarantine period for fully vaccinated travelers. Travelers entering Canada would still be tested for the virus and may be required to quarantine for a shorter period.

It is expected that Trudeau will announce the new plan within days, but it remains unclear when exactly the changes would be implemented and whether or not the border would be opened to non-U.S. travelers at the same time. A pact that limits non-essential travel is due for renewal on June 21. However, pressure has been growing on the Canadian and U.S. governments to relax the travel restrictions that have been in place since the start of the pandemic, especially now since this may be the last opportunity to open the border in time for the summer season. Extending the travel restrictions for another month would be a huge blow for the tourism sector, as the July 1 national holiday in Canada and the July 4 weekend in the U.S. quickly approach.  

Officials have said that the loosening of travel restrictions for vaccinated individuals will be part of a gradual phased reopening that would be contingent on declining cases in both countries. Trudeau alluded to a step-by-step reopening Monday in a virtual appearance to a business audience in Newfoundland. Trudeau has mentioned a 75% vaccination rate as a key threshold when asked about potentially reopening the border. Active cases in both the U.S. and Canada have significantly decreased.

Serotte Reich will continue to provide updates, as new developments affecting immigration continue to occur frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need assistance or advisement regarding an immigration matter, please contact us at (716) 854-7525 or www.srwborderlawyers.com/contact to schedule a consultation.

USCIS Eases Visitor Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

On May 27, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an updated visitor policy to reflect new guidance from the CDC. The new USCIS guidance advises that because COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing the virus and reducing the risk of people spreading the virus, fully vaccinated individuals can now enter USCIS offices without a face covering. To be considered fully vaccinated, it must have been at least two weeks since receiving a second dose in a two-dose series or at least two weeks since receiving a dose of a single-dose vaccine. Individuals two years old and older who are not fully vaccinated must still wear a face covering that covers both the mouth and nose while in a USCIS office. In DHS-controlled spaces, the new USCIS guidance supersedes state, local, tribal, or territorial rules and regulations regarding face coverings.

USCIS has also eased other requirements for fully vaccinated individuals who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Those who have returned from domestic air, international air or cruise ship travel in the past 10 days may enter USCIS facilities if they are fully vaccinated. Individuals who have been in close contact (within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with anyone known to have COVID-19 in the previous 14 days may also enter USCIS facilities as long as they are fully vaccinated.

USCIS continues to reserve the right to deny entry to anyone who does not wear an acceptable face covering. The USCIS visitor policy reminds visitors to follow USCIS signs or instructions to maintain social distancing during screening and while in USCIS spaces. To limit the number of people in the waiting room, applicants with scheduled appointments may only be accompanied by: an attorney; an interpreter (if permitted); a parent, legal guardian, or trusted adult, if the applicant being interviewed is a minor; immediate family members listed as dependents on the application or interview notice; and an individual assisting a disabled person. Guests are also still not allowed at naturalization ceremonies.

Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates. For the latest information on the status of a USCIS office, you can visit https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings.

Serotte Reich will continue to provide updates, as new developments affecting immigration continue to occur frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need assistance or advisement regarding an immigration matter, please contact us at (716) 854-7525 or www.srwborderlawyers.com/contact to schedule a consultation.