Update for individuals admitted under the Visa Waiver Program through JFK or Newark

Individuals admitted under the Visa Waiver Program / Electronic System for Travel Authorization who find themselves unable to leave the U.S because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and admitted to the U.S. through JFK or Newark airports can contact (or have their attorneys contact) the Deferred Inspections office at JFK, starting Monday, March 16, 2020 to request Satisfactory Departure for up to 30 days.

Satisfactory departure is an extension of admission period and is granted only in limited cases and for serious emergencies, such as hospitalization, or conditions that cause flights to be delayed or cancelled for more than 24 hours (weather, worker strikes, etc.). Otherwise, people visiting under the Visa Waiver Program may not stay beyond their initial 90-days.

Requests for Satisfactory Departure are generally adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, in extraordinary circumstances, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may adjudicate requests for Satisfactory Departure.

To contact JFK Deferred Inspection to make the Satisfactory Departure Request use the these numbers: (718) 553-3683 or (718) 553-3684 (Monday – Friday, 9am to 2pm ET).

To contact Newark Deferred Inspection to make the Satisfactory Departure Request use the number: (973) 565-8000, ext. 8010 or 8011 (Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm ET).