Current Status of U.S. Visa Services by Country – September 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread suspensions of U.S. visa services, impacting embassies and consulates globally. As restrictions eased, U.S. embassies and consulates began gradually resuming services, prioritizing immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. However, the status of visa services varies by country. Here’s an update on where U.S. visa services currently stand in various countries as of September 2024:
1. Philippines
- Current Status: The U.S. Embassy in Manila has resumed routine visa services. However, wait times for visa interview appointments are generally longer than pre-pandemic levels, especially for certain visa categories.
- Prioritization: The embassy is currently prioritizing urgent travel and specific visa types.
- Additional Info: Applicants may experience delays, and it’s recommended to visit the U.S. Embassy Manila website for the latest updates.
Also Read: Apply Now for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery: Your Chance to Win a U.S. Green Card!
2. Mexico
- Non-immigrant Visas: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are processing non-immigrant visas, although longer wait times should be anticipated.
- Interview Waivers: Eligible applicants with visas expired within the last 48 months may qualify for an interview waiver.
- Key Changes: Non-residents are currently restricted from scheduling standard appointments, and visa application fees increased in June 2023. Find more information on U.S. Embassy Mexico.
3. United Kingdom
- Service Resumption: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K. have resumed routine services, but due to high demand, there’s a backlog.
- Communication: The Embassy is not taking email or phone queries, so it’s best to check U.S. Embassy London’s website for updates.
Also Read: U.S. Mission to India Opens Floodgates for Indian Travelers
4. Israel
- Visa Services: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv branch have limited visa services.
- Emergency Requests: Non-immigrant applicants with emergencies can apply for expedited processing. For more details, visit the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s website.
5. Dominican Republic
- Upcoming Changes: On September 23, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo will switch to a new online appointment scheduling tool, and the Visa Application Center (VAC) will move to a new location.
- Visa Categories: The embassy has resumed in-person interviews for tourist visas, prioritizing those whose appointments were canceled in 2020.
- Update Frequency: New tourist visa appointments open every Wednesday. Check the U.S. Embassy Dominican Republic for the latest.
Also Read: Important UK Immigration Work Visa Changes – UK Skilled Worker Visa Significant Updates for 2024
6. Thailand
- Service Update: Routine nonimmigrant and immigrant services have resumed at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, with extended wait times due to backlogs.
- Document Requirements: Immigrant visa applicants must ensure all documents are uploaded to the CEAC system before attending their interview.
7. Brazil
- Service Resumption: The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Brazil have resumed routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa appointments.
- Wait Times: Expect longer wait times for interviews. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy Brazil’s website.
Also Read: Kuwait Relaxes Family Residence Visa Sponsorship Rules for Foreign Nationals in 2024
8. Cuba
- Expanded Visa Services: In August, the Embassy in Havana added specific visa categories, including temporary work and exchange program visas.
- Current Limitations: Business (B-1) and tourism (B-2) visas must still be processed outside of Cuba. Find additional information on the U.S. Embassy Havana website.
9. Nigeria
- Priority Cases: The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria is processing all immigrant visa types, prioritizing cases affected by 2020 cancellations and specific family categories.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals: Certain renewals are available without an interview. More information is available on the U.S. Embassy Nigeria’s website.
Also Read: Crack an Egg-cellent Opportunity in Canada: Visa-Sponsored Egg Packing Jobs!
10. China
- Limited Services: Routine consular services are ongoing at U.S. Embassy Beijing and Consulates in Guangzhou and Shenyang. Emergency services are available in Shanghai.
- Appointment Availability: Services and appointment numbers are subject to staffing levels. For the latest updates, visit the U.S. Embassy China website.
Also Read: Canada’s Open Doors: 40,000 Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs Await
11. Ukraine
- Immigrant Visas: The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has resumed limited immigrant visa services for certain cases, with some services handled by the U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt.
- Nonimmigrant Visas: Certain nonimmigrant visa services are now available. Check U.S. Embassy Kyiv for updates.
12. Russia
- Suspended Services: Due to staffing restrictions, U.S. visa services remain suspended in Moscow. Russian applicants can access visa services in other countries, such as Poland and Uzbekistan, for specific visa categories.
- Alternative Locations: Visit the U.S. Embassy Russia’s website for a list of alternative processing locations.
13. Canada
- Varied Services: U.S. visa services in Canada vary by city. Most nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories are being processed.
- Additional Information: See the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada website for more detailed information.
14. Vietnam
Also Read: Medical Technologist Jobs in the USA with Sponsorship: A Guide for 2024
- Resumed Services: Nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services have fully resumed at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, although interviews are gradually being scheduled.
- Service Details: Visit the U.S. Embassy Vietnam website for more updates.
For the most current updates on U.S. visa services in other countries, please visit the official website of your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you need assistance, consult your local U.S. embassy website for guidance on emergency appointments, document requirements, and visa processing timelines.