U.S. Consulates to Begin Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services

Maggio Kattar

We previously announced that on March 20, 2020 the United States Department of State (DOS) suspended routine visa services at the U.S. consular posts worldwide.  Since that time, DOS has only been operating on an emergency basis with regard to U.S. citizen and visa services. 

 DOS has just announced via Twitter that “Beginning July 15, US Embassies and Consulates may begin the phased resumption of routine visa services depending on local conditions. Please monitor the embassy/consulate website for the status of their services.” 

 It is very important to note that this resumption of visa services will be on a post-by-post basis depending on country conditions.  Thus, not all U.S. consular posts will resume the processing of routine visa services immediately. 

 While some U.S. consular posts will begin to schedule appointments for visa applications, other travel restrictions still remain in place.  Specifically, the COVID-19 travel restrictions on travel into the U.S. via specific countries remains in place. Additional restrictions on entry into the U.S. by individuals in H-1B, H-2B, L-1 and J-1 status were implemented via Presidential Proclamations in June and still remain in effect through December 31, 2020.  Please see our Alert on these restrictions.

 Please contact your Maggio Kattar attorney with any questions.