¿Qué sucede cuando un solicitante presenta una extensión de estatus y solicitudes subsiguientes?

Angelica Rice • Jan 19, 2023

Click here to read this article in Portuguese and English

     Todo el mundo sabe que el gobierno exige que todas y cada una de las solicitudes presentadas se presenten “a tiempo”.


     Sin embargo, ¿qué significa exactamente “a tiempo” o “presentación en el tiempo apropiado”? Esta redacción y terminología pueden resultar confusas para muchos solicitantes, ya que no todas las solicitudes tienen una fecha límite de presentación clara y no todas las circunstancias de presentación son uniformes.


     A menudo, existe la necesidad de presentar más de una solicitud para un solicitante. A veces, estas solicitudes se presentarán al mismo tiempo, pero otras veces, ocurren circunstancias espontáneas que requieren una segunda presentación o una subsiguiente de una solicitud adicional.


      Por ejemplo, un solicitante está aquí en los Estados Unidos con una visa B-2. Estas visas tienen una fecha de vencimiento determinada y, para extender su estatus, debe presentar una solicitud para extender el estatus (Formulario I-539) antes de esa fecha de vencimiento. Digamos que el solicitante presenta “en el tiempo apropiado” (antes de la fecha de vencimiento de su visa actual y el I-94) su I-539, solicitud de extensión de estatus. Sin embargo, aproximadamente un mes después, después de que su visa B-2 y I-94 hayan expirado y mientras la solicitud de extensión aún está pendiente, tiene una nueva oportunidad y decide presentar una petición I-129, para una visa E-2. Además, tiene que presentar una solicitud I-539 adicional para cambiar de estatus porque ahora cambiará de su estatus B-2 actual a su nuevo estatus E-2, una vez que se apruebe la visa E-2.


*Nota: la solicitud de extensión de estatus (EOS) y cambio de estatus (COS) son el mismo formulario, I-539*


     Ahora, el solicitante hipotético tiene tres (3) solicitudes pendientes con USCIS, dos de las cuales se presentaron después de que expiró su estado actual. ¿Aceptará USCIS estas solicitudes, ya que no se presentaron "en el tiempo apropiado"?


     La respuesta es que una solicitud pendiente
no confiere un estatus migratorio legal al solicitante. Sin embargo, debido a la solicitud I-539 pendiente que se presentó oportunamente antes del vencimiento del I-94, el solicitante se encuentra en un "período autorizado de estadía" y puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos hasta que se adjudique su solicitud.


*Tenga en cuenta la diferencia entre "estatus legal" y "período de estadía autorizado", uno solo obtiene "estatus legal" una vez que se le ha otorgado un beneficio de inmigración (es decir, una vez que su solicitud ha sido aprobada). *


     Un solicitante puede presentar una solicitud adicional después de la expiración de su estatus de no inmigrante mientras la solicitud EOS o COS presentada en el tiempo apropiado del solicitante está pendiente. En tales casos, el oficial debe diferir la adjudicación de la solicitud adicional hasta que USCIS adjudique la solicitud EOS o COS. Si USCIS finalmente aprueba la solicitud EOS o COS, se considera que el solicitante tiene un estatus migratorio legal en la fecha en que se presenta la solicitud adicional. Si USCIS niega la solicitud de EOS o COS, entonces generalmente se considera que el solicitante se encuentra en un estado de inmigración ilegal a partir de la expiración del estado actual de no inmigrante del solicitante y, de la misma manera, en la fecha en que se presenta la solicitud de ajuste.


     Básicamente, USCIS adjudicará primero la solicitud de extensión y pospondrá la adjudicación de las solicitudes posteriores, ya que no se "presentaron en el tiempo apropiado". No será hasta que se tome una decisión sobre la solicitud de extensión, que USCIS determinará si puede seguir adelante con la adjudicación de las solicitudes posteriores.



Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que lea aquí.

Angelica Rice

By Kyle Huffman 09 May, 2024
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program has long stood as a beacon of opportunity for those seeking to establish roots in the United States. However, in recent years, its allure dimmed due to concerns surrounding integrity, program abuse, and uncertainties regarding its future. Yet, with the passage of the EB-5 Reform & Integrity Act of 2022 , the EB-5 program finds itself on the brink of a renaissance, once again capturing the attention of investors worldwide. For those unfamiliar, t he EB-5 program offers foreign investors and their families a pathway to permanent residency in the United States by investing a minimum amount in a qualifying U.S. business venture . This investment must create or preserve a certain number of jobs for American workers. Historically, the program has been popular among affluent individuals seeking not only residency but also the opportunity to contribute to the U.S. economy. However, in recent years, the program faced criticism and scrutiny due to allegations of fraud, abuse, and inefficiencies. Investors became wary, and the program's popularity waned. Prospective applicants were hesitant to commit significant funds to a program plagued by uncertainties and bureaucratic hurdles. Enter the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act . This landmark legislation addresses many of the concerns that have plagued the program in recent years. Among its key provisions are increased investment thresholds, stricter oversight measures, and reforms aimed at promoting integrity and transparency within the program. One of the most significant changes introduced by the reform act is empowering the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to more effectively monitor and investigate potential instances of fraud or abuse. Additionally, the act introduces measures to streamline the application process, reducing bureaucratic red tape and expediting the adjudication of EB-5 petitions, resulting in faster processing for legitimate investments. The passage of the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act has injected new life into the EB-5 program, reigniting interest among investors and immigration stakeholders alike. With its enhanced integrity measures and streamlined processes, the program once again represents a compelling opportunity for those seeking to pursue the American dream. Already, we are witnessing a resurgence of interest in the EB-5 program from investors worldwide. Developers and regional centers are seizing the opportunity to capitalize on the renewed enthusiasm, presenting a diverse array of investment opportunities across various industries and regions. Moreover, the EB-5 program's revitalization holds significant implications for the U.S. economy. By attracting foreign investment, the program has the potential to create jobs, spur economic growth, and facilitate the development of communities in need. Furthermore, it underscores the United States' commitment to welcoming and harnessing the talents and resources of immigrant investors. The passage of the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act marks a pivotal moment in the history of the EB-5 program. By addressing longstanding concerns and implementing comprehensive reforms, the act has restored confidence in the program and positioned it for a prosperous future. As investors and developers alike embrace the opportunities presented by the revitalized EB-5 program, we anticipate a resurgence in interest and activity, reaffirming the program's status as a cornerstone of American immigration policy and economic development. I encourage any prospective investors to meet with one of our skilled attorneys to discuss the possibility of securing permanent residency, and eventually citizenship, through a qualifying investment under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program. We look forward to working with you!
By Denice Flores 02 May, 2024
The U.S. Constitution protects all immigrants, including undocumented immigrants while participating in protests in the U.S. Here is a list of some of the rights covered in the U.S. constitution to consider when you are participating in protests: Right to free speech. The First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting your right to free speech. People have the right to participate in protests, marches, and demonstrations. Right to be free from retaliation. The First Amendment prohibits the government from retaliating against you for exercising your rights such as your right to free speech. Right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment protects you from self-incrimination and provides the right to remain silent. Right against unreasonable search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Right to speak to a lawyer. If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to speak to a lawyer. Keep in mind, if you are undocumented and you are participating in protests, you are at higher risk of being detained by immigration officials if they are present at the protest. If you are undocumented make sure you have a plan in place if you are arrested or detained by law enforcement or immigration officials. It is important to take precautions and if you are arrested or detained you should contact an attorney immediately. If you have questions, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and we will be more than happy to assist you.
By Kris Quadros-Ragar 18 Apr, 2024
The latest policy alert, PA-2024-05, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on March 21, 2024, brings revisions to the USCIS Policy Manual, specifically focusing on expediting requests. These updates aim to simplify and elucidate the process for applicants, particularly those facing emergencies or urgent humanitarian needs. The primary goal is to make it easier for applicants to understand how to request expedited processing for their various submissions, including applications, petitions, appeals, or motions, especially in cases concerning government interests or urgent situations. While USCIS has historically permitted immigration benefit seekers to request expedited application processing in specific circumstances, the process has frequently been perceived as unclear, with decisions made arbitrarily on a case-by-case basis. The recent update seeks to rectify this by providing clarity and uniformity to the process and establishing explicit criteria and documentation standards. In order to request expedited processing, applicants need to adhere to a more defined procedure. This involves submitting thorough documentation and illustrating the urgency or government relevance of their case. The recent update also explains how USCIS reviews these requests, offering applicants a better grasp of the process. The update introduces special measures for speeding up the processing of Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) in emergency situations. This acknowledges the urgent need for certain applicants to travel. The policy also acknowledges that expedited requests may be evaluated if there is evident USCIS error, aiming to uphold fairness and accountability within the processing system. These changes aim to make the expedited request process more transparent and understandable for applicants and their representatives. In summary, USCIS's revision regarding expedited requests signifies a notable advancement in rendering the immigration process more transparent and attentive to applicants' requirements. By comprehending these updated guidelines, applicants and their representatives can more effectively navigate the expedited request procedure, ensuring that urgent cases receive due consideration. If you believe you qualify for expedited processing under the recent USCIS policy updates, feel free to contact our office, and we will be more than happy to assist you. FONT : https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-a-chapter-5
Show More
Share by: