DOS Provides Update on the Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services
/On April 6th, the Department of State provided the following update on the phased resumption of visa services:
The combined impact of local, national, and international COVID-19 related work and travel restrictions has resulted in a continuing backlog at all embassies and consulates abroad. DOS is working to reduce this backlog while ensuring the safety of staff and applicants.
DOS is prioritizing services provided to U.S. citizens abroad. Immigrant and finance visas, as well as visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and other family-sponsored cases are also being given high priority.
Embassies and consulates that provide nonimmigrant visa services are prioritizing “travelers with urgent needs, 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.”
DOS will continue to provide updates on this situation as they become available.
