The coronavirus pandemic led to the suspension of U.S. visa services worldwide. As restrictions have eased, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. Here is the current status of visa services in various countries:
Philippines: The U.S. Embassy in Manila has resumed all routine visa services. For some visa classes, wait times for interviews are longer than before the pandemic. The embassy is prioritizing applicants with urgent travel needs and those with certain types of visas. See also our Guide to Emigrating from the Philippines.
Mexico: Nonimmigrant visas are being processed by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, although applicants should expect longer wait times. Non-resident applicants cannot make regular appointments at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. The U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez has initiated thousands of visa interviews since normal visa operations resumed. See also our guide to immigrating from Mexico.
United Kingdom: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the UK have resumed routine visa services, but appointments remain limited and there is a backlog of applicants. Check for updates.
Israel: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the branch in Tel Aviv have reduced services for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Those who need to travel to the U.S. due to an emergency can apply for an expedited nonimmigrant visa. The embassy in Israel has also noted that those seeking emergency services can apply at any U.S. embassy or consulate in other countries.
Dominican Republic: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo is interviewing all categories of immigrant visas. Limited routine work and student visa services have resumed. The embassy has resumed in-person interviews for tourist visa applicants, prioritizing those whose interviews were canceled in 2020.
Thailand: The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Thailand have resumed routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services.
Sudan: The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum remains closed as violence continues in Sudan.
Brazil: The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Brazil have resumed routine appointments for nonimmigrant visas. The U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro processes all immigrant visas.
Cuba: The U.S. Embassy in Havana resumed full immigrant visa processing and consular services in 2023 for the first time since 2017, though it will only accept a limited number of emergency nonimmigrant visas.
Nigeria: The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria is offering immigrant visa services for all types, but is prioritizing certain cases. These include spouses and children of U.S. citizens, and those affected by 2020 cancellations.
Colombia: The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has resumed routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services.
India: The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai has reopened all immigrant visa services.
China: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the Consulates in Guangzhou and Shenyang have resumed routine consular services. The U.S. Consulate in Shanghai will only offer emergency services until further notice.
Ukraine: In March 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv opened immigrant visa services to certain cases, although K-1 visas and DV cases will be handled by the embassy in Frankfurt.
Russia: The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has suspended all immigrant visa services “due to the Russian government prohibiting the embassy from employing foreign nationals in any capacity.”
Canada: The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Canada have resumed services for U.S. citizens and most nonimmigrant visa services.
Vietnam: The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi has resumed all visa services.
Indonesia: The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta offers immigrant visa services in all categories. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate General in Surabaya have resumed limited appointments for all categories of nonimmigrant visas.
Get Legal Assistance from an Expert Lawyer!
The situation with U.S. visa services can be complex and ever-changing. To ensure that your visa application process goes as smoothly as possible, it is crucial to have the assistance of an immigration law expert. Jorge Munoz Law Firm offers a team of professionals dedicated to providing the best legal advice for your immigration needs.
Our team is up-to-date with the latest updates and requirements from U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Whether you need help with an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
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