The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has designated Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) in response to the Russian invasion and resultant humanitarian crisis. TPS provides eligible individuals with permission to remain and work in the United States for the duration of the designation. Although the current Ukraine designation is only 18 months, DHS may eventually elect to extend it should country conditions warrant.

Biden Administration rescinds travel ban for Southern African countries. COVID testing/proof of recent recovery still required for all U.S.-bound air travelers, regardless of citizenship.

All U.S.-bound international air travelers must obtain a negative one-day COVID-19 test result, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status, prior to embarkation

In response to the COVID-19 “Omicron” variant outbreak unfolding in several southern African regions, President Biden has issued a Proclamation that, effective November 29, 2021, suspends entry into the U.S. for certain nonimmigrants who were physically present in Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe during the fourteen (14) day period preceding their entry or attempted entry.

DHS to implement 1st phase of land border vaccination requirement on November 8, 2021

In a Proclamation effective November 8, 2021 at 12:01am, President Biden revoked U.S. bans against nonimmigrant travelers from several countries and created a new global vaccination requirement for all U.S. nonimmigrants arrivals by air. A synopsis of the Proclamation and related travel requirements follows:

In response to the tragic COVID-19 outbreak unfolding in the Republic of India (“India”), President Biden has issued a Proclamation that, effective May 4, 2021, suspends entry into the U.S. for certain noncitizens who were physically present in India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry. This new restriction largely mirrors those already in effect for travel from Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Iran, Ireland, countries in the European Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization Document Can Now File Form I-765 Online