US Embassies Prioritize Visa Applications to Remedy Backlog
The Covid-19 crisis has affected immigrant and nonimmigrant visas processing at U.S. Embassies and has created a backlog. The State Department is working to reduce this backlog by prioritizing visa categories.
The highest priority is given to immigrant visa applications for U.S. immediate relatives, fiancé applicants and other family-sponsored applicants.
Priority is given to nonimmigrant applications for travelers with urgent needs like foreign diplomats, mission-critical categories of travelers (such as those coming to assist with the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and workers who are essential to the American food supply), followed by students, exchange visitors, and some temporary employment visas. For information about nonimmigrant visa wait times go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html.
Also, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are prioritizing immigrant visa cases previously refused under the rescinded Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983. For more info about these Proclamations click on https://iblf.com/2021/03/30/presidential-proclamation-ends-discrimination-of-certain-foreign-nationals/
An embassy or consulate is open and operating as determined by the local conditions. Applicants should check the website of the desired embassy or consulate for the current operating status.
For more information contact us at [email protected] or 202 296 1111.
By Rosa Hernandez