Travel Delays Due to Icelandic Volcano Eruption - Maintaining U.S. Immigration Status While Waiting for a Flight

As has been reported extensively in the press, the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano has caused significant international travel delays, stranding numerous passengers around the world. Travelers who must remain in the United States longer than planned should ensure that they continue to maintain valid immigration status for the duration of their stay.

Foreign nationals present in the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) whose status is about to expire may contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office at the airport or the closest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. Both agencies have provided staff with guidance on extending authorized stay as appropriate.

Those whose status in another visa classification will expire prior to their departure should contact the nearest USCIS office to obtain information regarding extending their authorized period of stay in the United States. USCIS has published additional information about the extension process that is available at its website.

Travelers in the above categories should take action now as the potential penalties for overstaying a period of authorized stay can be severe. Foreign nationals who remain in the United States beyond the expiration date of their authorized period of stay may be removed (deported) or barred from entering the United States in the future.

The Immigration Group of Seyfarth Shaw LLP is ready to assist with any immigration issues that may arise as a result of these international travel delays.

For more information, please contact the Seyfarth immigration attorney with whom you work, or any Business Immigration attorney on our website.