Gradual Reopening of US Consulates for Visa Services Announced
The Department of State (DOS) has announced that U.S. Embassies and Consulates will begin a phased resumption of routine visa services, which have been suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When, where and how remains unclear.
Gradual resumption of visa services will occur on a post-by-post basis depending on local conditions. The DOS is unable to provide specific dates for when certain visa services will resume at individual embassies and consulates at this time, and recommends checking each U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for current information on reopening and offered services.
Little information has been provided as to what services will be phased back in first; however, the DOS has given the following routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa cases as examples of what may soon be processed:
Individuals with urgent travel needs
Students (F-1, M-1, and certain J-1)
Some family members of U.S. citizens consistent with Presidential Proclamation 10014
The DOS also confirmed that the travel restrictions for individuals who have been in Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area (comprised of 26 countries) and the United Kingdom in the last 14 days are still in place. However, the DOS announced today (July 17) that students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK and Ireland could travel to the United States.
Foreign nationals with an urgent matter who need to travel immediately are advised by the DOS to contact their nearest embassy or consulate and request an emergency appointment.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as possible.
This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this development further.