The latest policy on U.S. visa usage. How to renew a U.S. visa when it expires in 2021?

Due to the epidemic, many people’s visas will definitely expire, but they still stay abroad and have no way to return to their country. However, don't worry. Currently, the information regarding U.S. visa renewal is as follows. You can try following the following methods.

Currently, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the US Immigration Service Guangzhou office has been temporarily closed, and all operations have not yet been fully restored. According to the notice issued by the State Council on December 30, 2020, visa services at embassies and consulates abroad will resume on the 31st.

Although the opening hours of the embassy and consulates in China were not stated, it is still good news. At this time, USCIS will continue to respond to email inquiries.

What to do if your visa expires

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has the authority to determine whether a person’s documents are sufficient to enter the United States. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is currently no process to extend travel outside the United States.

If your green card or entry permit has expired but you have been away from the United States for less than a year (without a return permit), you can apply for an I-131A letter of carriage from the airline, allowing you to fly to the United States. . As of November 1, 2019, the processing of Form I-131A by the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou will be transferred to the Department of State.

If you leave the United States for more than one year, you will be deemed to have abandoned your legal permanent resident status. If you are unable to return home to the United States for reasons beyond your control, you may apply for an SB-1 visa, which will likely qualify you for a return resident visa and restoration of resident status if you have been absent from the United States for more than one year. If you do not meet the conditions for the SB-1 visa, you can reapply for a new immigrant or non-immigrant visa.

Finally, in order to maintain the validity of the U.S. green card, Xiao Dajun recommends that all U.S. green card holders should apply before leaving the United States. Apply for proof of return in time. Always pay attention to the departure time after leaving the country, and try to avoid leaving the country for more than one year. After all, it is not easy to get a green card.

The above key points involve three types of visas, including I-131A and SB-1. Visa and re-entry permit. See below, you can "prescribe the right medicine" according to your current situation.

I-131A

If your green card or entry permit has expired or you are in the United States. If it is lost overseas, you can only reissue it at the U.S. Immigration Bureau, but U.S. embassies and consulates abroad cannot reissue your green card. If you have not left the United States for more than 364 days and do not have a valid return permit, you can apply for travel through I-131A. Documents that allow you to enter the United States.

Apply for a travel document authorizing an airline to take you to the United States without penalty. Travel documents are in the form of a transportation letter and boarding foil.

< p>It should be emphasized that travel documents do not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security has the final decision on entry.

Hui Mei Zheng

< p>A visa replacement document used by green card holders who have stayed outside the United States for more than six months, and when they return to the United States, they can stay outside the United States for no more than two years.

Note: When submitting the application. The applicant must be in the United States.

B-1 Visa

If a legal green card holder has been away from the United States for more than one year, USCIS considers that you have given up your legal permanent resident status. If you are unable to return to the United States due to uncontrollable reasons, you can apply for an SB-1 visa.

Note: Applications for SB-1 visas are subject to strict review and require reasonable proof that the applicant is unable to return to the United States due to force majeure. Application and approval will be decided by the visa department.