As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Department of State (“DOS”) has authorized consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates to expand the categories of H-2 visa applicants whose application can be adjudicated without an in-person interview. The new policy allows interviewing consular officers the ability to waive in-person interviews for both first-time and returning H-2 applicants provided the applicant has no apparent or potential ineligibility.
An H-2 visa allows a foreign national to work in the United States temporarily or seasonally. Examples of H-2 visa employment areas include nurses or physical therapists working in a public school, hospitality workers, landscapers, farming, and construction workers.
The DOS notes that consular resources and local government restrictions vary widely and individual consular sections are reviewing overall capacity to adjudicate visa applications during the global pandemic.
Enterline Immigration U.S. immigration lawyers can help applicants across Asia through one of our offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei and are happy to assist H-2 visa applicants who are seeking to immediately return to the United States. Contact us at info@enterimmi.com.