When Will U.S. Visa Processing Resume?

Since March routine visa services worldwide have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A question I get frequently is when will routine visa processing resume.

Every U.S. embassy and consulate is different and is determining when it can resume routine services based on their particular circumstances and based on the situation in their district. So making a global prediction is very difficult. However, here are four things you can do to get a sense of whether the embassy or consulate you will be using is getting close to reopening.

1.) Check Appointment Wait Times

The Bureau of Consular Affairs has a tool on its website that allows you to check wait times at all embassies and consulates worldwide. During the pandemic a search using this tool would return “Emergency Appointment Only”, indicating that routine services were suspended. However, this has started to change. Do a quick check on the wait time at the embassy or consulate you will use for your specific category to see if appointment slots may be coming up in the near term.

2.) Monitor Social Media

Embassies and consulates have generally not been good about updating their public websites in real time regarding visa services. However, some have provided up to date information via their social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). The reason for this is that embassies and consulates have direct control over their social media accounts, making posting there much faster and easier. Monitor these channels for updates on visa processing.

3.) Monitor Country Threat Levels

Part of what determines if an embassy or consulate can reopen is staffing levels. When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, posts withdrew staff back to the United States to wait out the crisis. They will not return until the State Department determines that the local circumstances are safe enough to permit sending staff and their families back. You can benefit from this. The Department cannot share information on local conditions with just its staff and not tell the public about it as well. On the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website is information on local conditions for every country. Check these pages to see if threat levels have been reduced or if the Department has announced that staff are returning to post.

4.) Ask Them

Many embassies and consulates take public inquiries either through phone or email. Consider just asking them when they predict routine services will resume. While it’s possible you will only receive a form response, you could also get some valuable information.

BONUS: Avoid Venue Shopping

You may be tempted to try and apply for your visa at a post that is opening up rather than wait for the post where you live to resume routine services. You should avoid this tactic. For non-immigrant visas third country nationals applying outside of their home districts often face a very difficult time getting approved for visas. This could cost you a lot of money and get you a visa refusal on your record. With immigrant visas transfers are generally only allowed when someone living in a country is moving to a different country to live there. As difficult as it may be, waiting for your home post will be your safest bet.

Ultimately every situation is different and only you can decide how best to approach your visa situation. If you are unsure about how to evaluate your case, need help navigating information, or want assistance in corresponding with the government consider Requesting a Service. I will be happy to use my experience working inside the system to help you get the best result for your case.