Effects of COVID-19 on the Immigration Process

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States faced significant setbacks in the immigration process. At the onset of the pandemic, the U.S. enacted travel bans for international visitors from over 30 countries. In addition to these travel bans, a backlog in immigration processing occurred due to the closure of government agency offices.

Once government offices reintegrated into the office setting, the backlog led to extended processing times for both:

• Labor certification processes
• USCIS processes

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BDV’s Success Through the COVID-19 Pandemic & Major Changes in Immigration Policy

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, BDV Solutions has experienced notable success:

• Increased green card approvals
• Fewer Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Fewer Notice of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
• Fewer in-person interviews

In November 2021, the U.S. lifted pandemic travel restrictions, which had previously barred many immigrants, noncitizens, and nonimmigrants from traveling to the United States. This policy change marks a positive shift and fuels optimism for BDV’s future.

Furthermore, a significant change in immigration policy occurred with the Public Charge Final Rule. As of March 9, 2021, USCIS stopped applying the Public Charge Final Rule to all pending applications and petitions. This change allows BDV Solutions to assist a broader group of immigrants seeking to go through the EB-3 process, leading to positive momentum in the immigration landscape.

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Conclusion

Despite the numerous changes and challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, BDV Solutions continues to see success in green card approvals. The positive changes emerging in immigration policy bring hope for even greater success in the upcoming year.