subject: Uscis Advisory For Foreign Nationals Stranded Due To The Icelandic Volcano Eruption [print this page] According to the USCIS, foreign nationals under special situations affected by natural catastrophes and other extreme situations are eligible for extension of stay & change of status, and employment authorization. The USCIS has recently issued an advisory for foreign nationals who have been stranded in the U.S due to the Icelandic volcanic eruptions. Due to closures of the European airports, foreign nationals are allowed up to 30 days for their departure in case they have surpassed or about to go over their authorized stay period.
Those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program can contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in case they are at the airport; otherwise they must report at the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. The non-immigrant visa travelers are requested to contact the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office along with their passport, itinerary for the cancelled flight, and their I-94 departure record.
If the USCIS application, petition, or immigration status of the travelers has been directly affected at times of natural calamities, then their application to extend the stay or change the status will be considered by the USCIS on demonstration of evidence.
For students who are unable to self support due to the disaster and require working off campus, a demonstration of such a situation along with the recommendation for an off-campus employment by the Designated School Official (DSO), might entitle them to receive an employment authorization when filing the Application for Employment Authorization (I-765).
A concern may be raised with the USICS if you have lost your Green Card, Form I-94, or Employment Authorization Document. Submitting the required forms to the USICS will allow you to get back your lost documents. A fee waiver may be requested if you are unable to pay the fee for a USCIS service.
