The COVID-19 pandemic caused a suspension of U.S. visa services worldwide. As restrictions have eased, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain appointments for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Here’s the current status of visa services in different countries:
COUNTRY | VISA SERVICES
Philippines
The U.S. Embassy in Manila has resumed all routine visa services. Some visa types may have longer wait times for interviews compared to before the pandemic. Priority is given to applicants with urgent travel needs and those with specific visa types. Learn more about immigrating from the Philippines.
Mexico
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are processing nonimmigrant visas, though wait times may be longer. Applicants may apply for an interview waiver if their visa expired within the last 48 months. Limited routine appointments are available for non-residents. Fees increased as of June 2023. K-1 visa appointments are scheduled in Ciudad Juarez by document completion order. Learn more about immigrating from Mexico.
United Kingdom
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K. have resumed routine visa services, but appointment availability remains limited, with a backlog of applicants. The Embassy cannot respond to queries by email or phone. Check for updates here.
Israel
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv branch offer limited services for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Those needing emergency travel can request an expedited nonimmigrant visa. Applicants may also apply at other U.S. embassies if urgent. Visit the Embassy’s website for more details.
Dominican Republic
On September 23, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo introduced a new visa appointment system that includes features for visa fee payments, interview scheduling, and document delivery. Visa Application Center (VAC) appointments are now at the SAMBIL Shopping Center. Interviews for all immigrant visa categories and limited work and student visas have resumed, prioritizing tourist visa applicants whose appointments were canceled in 2020. Find out more here.
Thailand
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Thailand have resumed routine visa services. Backlogs may result in longer wait times. Visa renewal by mail is available. Starting November 29, 2023, the CDC requires immigrant visa applicants to receive a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of their medical exam. More details are here.
Sudan
Due to ongoing violence, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum remains closed. Follow State Department guidance if you need to leave Sudan.
Brazil
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil have resumed routine nonimmigrant visa appointments, and the Consulate in Rio de Janeiro processes all immigrant visas. Wait times remain high for some services. Read more about immigrating from Brazil.
Cuba
The U.S. Embassy in Havana resumed full immigrant visa services in 2023, with some temporary work and exchange program visas available as of August 19, 2024. Certain visa types, such as B-1 and B-2, still require Cubans to visit other embassies. More details are here.
Nigeria
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria offers all immigrant visa types, with priority for certain cases, such as family members of U.S. citizens. Nonimmigrant visa renewals may be processed without an interview in some cases. Learn more about immigrating from Nigeria.
Colombia
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has resumed all routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services.
India
The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai has reopened immigrant visa services, while routine nonimmigrant services remain limited across India. Learn more about immigrating from India.
China
Routine consular services have resumed at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and Consulates in Guangzhou and Shenyang. The Shanghai Consulate only offers emergency services for now.
Ukraine
As of March 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv resumed immigrant visa services for certain cases, including K-1 and DV visas. Some nonimmigrant visas are also being processed.
Russia
Due to staffing issues, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow suspended immigrant visa services, and appointments are handled at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and the Consulate General in Almaty process certain Russian immigrant visas. Visit the official site for more details.
Canada
The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Canada have resumed most nonimmigrant visa services. Learn about immigrating to the U.S. from Canada.
Vietnam
The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi has resumed all visa services, with a new system in place for visa applications as of September 28, 2024.
Indonesia
The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta offers immigrant visas across categories, and nonimmigrant services have resumed. New security measures implemented on November 1, 2024, restrict large bags, and certain applicants may need prior approval for translator services. Find more details here.
Lebanon
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is now processing all immigrant visas for Lebanese family members of U.S. citizens. Routine nonimmigrant services are not currently available, but applicants may reapply at other embassies. More information is available here.
