The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) has set out its directives to offer immigration relief measures for those persons affected by unforeseen circumstances, including natural disasters, such as Hurricane Matthew.
Those measures are listed below and are handled on a case-by-case basis:
- Change of nonimmigrant status or extension of nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States, even if the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
- Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
- Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
- Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
- Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
- Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
- Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to appear for an interview, submit evidence or respond in a timely manner;
- Replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);
- Rescheduling of a biometrics appointment.
Persons needing assistance should contact immigration counsel for any questions.