Talk about U.S. Immigration

Bad Weather Accommodation

September 25, 2008 on 2:48 pm | In statements | No Comments

Nonimmigrants and some other foreign nationals receive natural disaster consideration following the recent severe weather in the Caribbean. In a reminder, the U.S. government announces that those affected may apply for extension or change of status, student employment authorization and expedited processing of immigration applications and benefits.

These immigration benefits do require filing the appropriate forms and the government reminder notes that the services are availale to an applicant who is in compliance with the various provisions of the U.S. immigration law.

As a general rule, visitors for pleasure or business, B visa holders, may seek extension of stay if unexpected events in their home country delay their return. The extension could be granted if inability to travel is caused by the disturbing event, sort of a cause and effect analysis. The foreign national should be able to give details about length of stay in U.S. and also how (s)/he would support himself/ herself during the extended stay as these visitors could not be gainfully employed during such stay in U.S. Another possibility is where the foreign national could no longer extend their nonimmigrant visa may be able to seek B1 or B2 visa through change of status.

Parolees, could also apply for extension of parole.

Foreign students holding F1 or M1 visa (for academic or vocational education) are permitted to request off-campus employment, if, affected by the unexpected event in their home country. Generally, these students are expected to bear the cost of their education and be able to support themselves during their study in U.S, without seeking outside employment. The college may allow limited hours of employment within the campus. However, if the unexpectable event in their country influences their ability to fend for themselves or to pay the college tuition fee, a foreign student could seek off-campus employment.

So much for the natural disaster, be safe.