In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, USCIS advised that those affected by the storm may avail themselves of certain U.S. immigration benefits or relief; specifically, eligible individuals may request or apply for:
• Change or extension of nonimmigrant status even when the individual request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
• Extension or re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization applications for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
• Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications; and
• Assistance to legal permanent residents (LPRs) stranded overseas without their green cards or travel documents.
Applicants are advised to explain their specific circumstances with the late filing.
USCIS also announced that it may allow for delays in filing or submitting required forms of evidence, and it has extended for 30 days the deadline for individuals who received an RFE or NOID with a deadline of October 26 through November 26, 2012.