Dept. of State Suspends Routine Visa Services in Most Countries
On March 18, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that in response to worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak, DOS is suspending routine visa services at the U.S. embassies and consulates in most countries until further notice. DOS advised that all routine immigrant (permanent residency/green card) and nonimmigrant (temporary) visa appointments will be cancelled as of March 18, 2020 and to check the website of the embassy or consulate in question for its current operating status. Urgent and emergency visa service requests will continue to be provided as resources allow.
DOS has further advised:
The consulates and embassies will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Although all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments are cancelled, the paid Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee remains valid and may be used for a visa appointment in the country where it was paid within one year of the date of payment.
This does not affect the 90-day Visa Waiver Program (sometimes referred to as "ESTA"), although keep in mind the current travel bans in place for China, Iran, the Schengen Area countries, UK, and Ireland.
Applicants with an urgent matter and need to travel immediately should follow the guidance provided on the U.S. consulate or embassy’s website to request an emergency appointment.
USCIS Suspends All In-Person, Face-to-Face Services Until April 1
Also in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as of March 18, 2020, USCIS has suspended all routine in-person, face-to-face services with applicants at USCIS field offices, Application Support Centers (ASCs), and asylum offices until at least April 1, 2020. The suspension includes interviews, naturalization ceremonies and biometrics/fingerprint appointments. USCIS will continue to provide emergency services during this time. If you have an emergency service request, USCIS has advised that you contact the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283). USCIS will automatically reschedule ASC biometrics appointments; applicants should receive a new biometrics appointment notice by mail. When USCIS field offices resume normal operations, all applicants will be rescheduled for a new interview date and mailed a new interview notice.
Please note, USCIS has advised that if you scheduled an InfoPass appointment to appear in person at a USCIS field office, you will be required to reschedule that InfoPass appointment through the USCIS Contact Center once the USCIS field offices reopen to the public again.
ImLaw will continue to provide key updates from USCIS as the COVID-19 situation evolves. As always, please contact the ImLaw team with any questions.