The U.S. Division of State (DOS) introduced that each one nonimmigrant visa (NIV) candidates should now schedule their visa interview appointments at a U.S. embassy or consulate of their nation of nationality or residence.
Beforehand, candidates had the flexibleness to schedule interviews in third nations with shorter wait occasions. The up to date coverage standardizes the place NIV interviews might happen, decreasing this flexibility. The change follows the same DOS announcement final week relating to immigrant visa interview places and is a part of ongoing efforts to tighten the U.S. visa course of.
The coverage applies to just about all NIV candidates, together with these searching for non permanent work visas (H, L), scholar visas (F, M, J), and tourism/enterprise visas (B-1/B-2). Sure visa classes, together with diplomatic, official, and UN-related visas, are exempt. Candidates from nations the place routine NIV operations are unavailable should apply at designated embassies or consulates.
For Caribbean candidates, the designated posts underneath the brand new coverage are:
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Cuba: Georgetown
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Haiti: Nassau
Candidates who schedule interviews exterior their nation of residence or nationality might face larger problem qualifying for a visa. Charges won’t be refunded or transferred if appointments happen exterior the required location. Exceptions for humanitarian, medical, or overseas coverage causes could also be granted on the DOS’s discretion. Present appointments usually won’t be modified or canceled.
The DOS warned that vacationers from nations with out routine NIV operations might face longer wait occasions and better journey prices underneath the brand new guidelines.
