The travel bans necessitated by the COVID pandemic have created much flux and uncertainty. Synthesizing the information now finally available from various US government sources, it is clearer now that many intending travelers can seek and obtain an exemption from the ban under a series of provisions for a National Interest Exception (NIE).
Note that the “A” Visa, G Visa, and NATO Visa are similar diplomatic visas. The “A” Visa applies to diplomats and foreign government officials, and their assistants; the G Visa applies to national representatives to international organizations; the NATO Visa applies to NATO representatives, staff, and families. Anyone in the diplomatic field may wish to review the descriptions for all three of these visas.
We are usually called upon by A visa holders for consultations. Click here to consult us.
The provision establishing the S visa in the INA was originally due to expire on September 13, 1999, but Congress had extended it until September 13, 2001. Aliens admitted through the S visa categories are designated as S-5 and S-6 nonimmigrants. Request for these visas must be filed by a state or federal law enforcement agency, and the filing agency must assume responsibility for the alien from their time of entry until their departure, or until they adjust status.
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2. Options after layoff on approved EB-1 - Compelling circumstances EAD and GC EAD conversion
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