ALLAN WERNICK: With consulates closed, only “urgent” applications for visa being considered
After American consulates in China suspended visa processing amid the coronavirus outbreak, hundreds of Chinese citizens applying for U.S. work visas have been stuck in limbo, fretting as crucial deadlines loom and their jobs in America look increasingly at risk. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)(Ng Han Guan/AP)
Q. When will U.S. consulates open for visa applicants?
Nolol Kassem, New York City
A. The U.S. Department of State has yet to announce a reopening date. For now, only applicants who can claim an “urgent” need for a visa can get assistance. Urgent matters include “air and sea crew, and medical personnel, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19.”
Others with exceptional need to come to the United States — for instance those requiring medical treatment or to care for an ill relative — should apply for “urgent” services as well. It can’t hurt to try. You apply through the website of the U.S. consulate in your country.
Q. I married a citizen on March 1, 2017. USCIS granted me conditional permanent residence in November 2017. I filed USCIS form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, but I have yet to get a decision. Can I apply to naturalize now or must I wait for a decision on form I-751?
Rene, Reno, Nev.
A. You can apply to naturalize. A conditional permanent resident who qualifies for U.S. citizenship can apply while his or her form I-751 is pending. You became a conditional resident because USCIS granted you permanent residence within two years of your marriage.
A conditional permanent resident has all the rights and benefits of a permanent resident, including qualifying to naturalize under the three-year rule. To qualify under the three-year rule, you must have been married and living with a U.S. citizen while a permanent resident.
USCIS officers can adjudicate pending I-751 applications at naturalization interviews. If the officer approves the I-751, he or she can then consider a naturalization application at the same interview. Include your I-751 filing receipt when you submit your naturalization application.
No comments: