Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
Last Updated
September 23, 2022
Topics
- Primary Source: Full information about EOIR’s response to COVID-19 can be found on its dedicated webpage.
- Updated In-Person Safety Guidelines: In Aug. 2022, EOIR updated its public health guidance. In areas of the country where community transmission is high, individuals are required to wear a NIOSH-approved respirator, well-fitting KN95, or surgical mask. Cloth masks are not permitted. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are permitted to enter EOIR spaces after their symptoms begin to improve and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. These individuals must wear the mask types indicated above.
- Webex and Openvoice Platforms: EOIR encourages parties to use these platforms to appear remotely and has issued guidance for immigration judges and parties. In addition to consulting this guidance, parties may also contact the local immigration court for further instructions.
- Recognition and Accreditation: Organizations filing R&A applications may file them electronically by email to R-A-Info@usdoj.gov. DOJ will accept digital and electronic signatures on all applications regardless of method of submission, as well as electronically reproduced digital, electronic, or wet signatures. The announcement defines digital and electronic signatures and lists requirements; please review the requirements to ensure compliance. Applicants must keep original copies of all documents submitted by email and be prepared to produce them for EOIR upon request.
- Signatures: An EOIR policy memo notes that it will accept digital and electronic signatures on all documents filed with immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals, or BIA. EOIR will also accept electronically-reproduced copies of documents containing digital, electronic or “wet” signatures.
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