USCIS updates its relief criteria for those affected by hurricane sandy

Where appropriate, USCIS may exercise its discretion to allow for delays in filing resulting from the hurricane. This may include, for example:

• Assistance to those who have not appeared for an interview or submitted required forms of evidence. You may show how the disrupting event affected your connection to USCIS and your ability to appear or submit documents as required; and
• Assistance to those who have not been able to respond to Requests For Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID). USCIS will extend the deadline for individuals to respond to RFEs or NOIDs by 30 days. This will apply to all RFEs and NOIDs with a deadline of October 26 through November 26, 2012. During this time, USCIS will not issue denials based on abandonment of an application or petition.

For the complete full text of Latest temporary relief announcement, please click here. 

Update: USCIS has just posted additional information for these immigrant victims, illustrating the kinds of relief or help the USCIS can potentially extend to them and what and how they have to seek such help. Please read the following links:

• "Special Situations"
• USCIS Reminds Japanese Nationals Impacted by Recent Disaster Questions and Answers (Nuclear Plant Incident)