The Icelandic volcano last week has led to major disruptions in
international air travel and many international visitors may be
stranded in the U.S. due to cancelled flights and closures of European
airports. Some foreign nationals may find that they are forced to
exceed their authorized stay in the U.S. The U.S. government has been
working to provide solutions and has announced two methods for relief
for foreign nationals stranded in the U.S.
Foreign nationals at airports and traveling under the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) should contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office at the airport. They may also contact the local USCIS office.
Staff at both of these offices have been provided with clear guidance
on how they can help VWP travelers that are stranded in the U.S.
Foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. under a visa are asked to
contact the closest USCIS office to extend their stay in the U.S. While
USCIS recommends foreign nationals initiate the extension of stay
process 45 days in advance, they are providing guidance to their staff
on the best ways to handle cases affected by the Icelandic volcano.
