Immigration 101
Immigrants late applications, extensions & change of status in America
Flexibility for Late Applications. USCIS reminds petitioners and applicants that it may excuse a nonimmigrant’s failure to timely file an extension/change of status request if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances.
Under current regulations, and as noted on Special Situations page, if a petitioner or applicant files an extension of stay or change of status request (on Forms I-129 or I-539) after the authorized period of admission expires, USCIS may excuse the failure to timely file if it was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as those that may be caused by COVID-19.
These special situations have been used at various times in the past, including for natural disasters and similar crises. learn more about delays in Extension/change of status fillings.