Expedite for Humanitarian Reasons

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

@jrs see here, not sure if this helps in your situation (on phone, admittedly didn’t read everything in full)... this seems to count as part of the emergency work the embassies are doing, each embassy website will have contact details as far as I understand:

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-h-and-j-visas-for-medical-professionals.html

 

Update on Visas for Medical Professionals

Last Updated: March 26, 2020

 

We encourage medical professionals with an approved U.S. non-immigrant or immigrant visa petition (I-129 or I-140 with a current priority date, or similar) or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange visitor program (DS-2019), particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to review the website of their nearest embassy or consulate for procedures to request a visa appointment.

For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States:

J-1 Alien Physicians (medical residents) may consult with their program sponsor, ECFMG, to extend their programs in the United States.  Generally, a J-1 program for a foreign medical resident can be extended one year at a time for up to seven years.

Note that the expiration date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long one can be in the United States.  The way to confirm one’s required departure date is here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home.

Those who need to extend their stay or adjust their visa status must apply with USCIS.  Their website is here:  https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/extend-your-stay

 

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by SusieQQQ

[Sweiki2019 2]

We tried this route and were rejected. I think this IS a humanitarian crisis. However, it is so widespread that to have a unique case rising above everyone else is your only chance and is likely a very difficult task. We decided to wait and are hopeful we will get approved soon. We have been waiting about a year, which from what I gather is standard. 

 

Good luck to you and patience to all!