On March 20 the Department of State announced on their website that due to the novel coronavirus outbreak the US visa interviews are cancelled at all US embassies and consulates worldwide.
How will coronavirus affect my routine immigrant visa appointment?
The Department of State is temporarily suspending all routine visa services which means that all routine immigrant visa appointments are cancelled as of March 20 due to the coronavirus spread. However, the Department of State assures that “as resources allow” embassies and consulates will still process emergency and mission critical US visa interviews and services.
How will coronavirus affect my routine nonimmigrant visa appointment?
The Department of State is temporarily suspending all routine visa services which means that all routine nonimmigrant visa appointments are cancelled as of March 20 due to the coronavirus spread. However, the Department of State assures that “as resources allow” embassies and consulates will still process emergency and mission critical US visa interviews and services.
Will coronavirus affect the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver program will not be affected by the US visa interviews suspension at embassies and consulates worldwide due to coronavirus pandemic. Please visit the government website for more information.
Is the MRV fee valid during coronavirus US visa interview suspension?
Even though all US visa interviews were cancelled due to the coronavirus, the Government assured that the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is valid and it can be used to make a visa appointment in the country where it was purchased within a year of the date of payment.
What if I have an emergency situation during coronavirus visa interviews suspension?
The Department of State advises all applicants who have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately during coronavirus pandemic to follow the guidance at the respective embassy’s website and to request an emergency appointment. According to the government, an “urgent matter include air and sea crew, and medical personnel, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19”.
When will the suspended routine visa services be resumed?
Currently, the Department of State is unable to determine a specific date when they will resume their US visa interviews that were suspended due to the coronavirus spread, but they assure it will be as soon as possible.
For a more day to day information on everything related to the coronavirus pandemic and specifically for updates on the US visa interviews that were suspended due to the coronavirus threat, please visit the government website or the respective embassy or consulate website.
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