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

Angelica Rice • January 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.

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Angelica Rice

Navigating the Surge in Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Terminations and Litigation: What You Need to Know

By Juliana LaMendola • February 19, 2026
In recent weeks, the U.S. government has moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for multiple countries, sparking a wave of last-minute litigation and creating significant uncertainty for beneficiaries. This shift is having a profound impact on those who rely on TPS for lawful presence and work authorization in the United States. Across the country, federal courts have intervened to pause or block scheduled TPS terminations for several countries, including Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan, and Syria. In response to these court orders, USCIS has updated its webpages to indicate that TPS status and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are extended for these populations. However, USCIS is intentionally not providing specific new end dates for EAD validity while the litigation remains in flux. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prominently noted that it "vehemently disagrees" with these court orders and is actively working with the Department of Justice on next steps. This legal landscape remains highly unpredictable and varies drastically depending on the country of origin. For example, on February 9, 2026, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay allowing the government to proceed with the termination of TPS for Nicaragua, Honduras, and Nepal while the underlying legal challenges continue. Because of this ruling, the automatic extension of work authorization for these individuals has ended, and employers are now required to reverify the work authorization of affected employees, who must present alternative valid documentation to continue their employment. These rapid changes and the lack of clear end dates are causing complications beyond the workplace. Because driver's licenses often track the length of an individual's authorized stay, many DMVs are currently declining to issue or renew driver's licenses for impacted TPS populations. For employers, managing internal communications, avoiding onboarding errors, and navigating Form I-9 compliance has become increasingly complex. It is more important than ever to be well-prepared and proactive in monitoring these rapid changes. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our immigration attorneys are ready to guide you through this evolving process and ensure you are informed, and supported. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Increase in issuance of EB-1A RFEs

By April Perez • January 9, 2026
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence.  If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
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