The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has extended the authority of consular officers to waive certain in-person non-immigrant visa interviews through the end of 2022.
Along with B-1/ B-2 interview waivers, F, M, and J Academic visa applicant waivers have been extended to the end of 2022 under the same conditions as the previous interview waiver authorization.
In addition, DOS consular officers may now waive H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O P, or Q temporary visas under the following conditions:
- The non-immigrant visa applicant is applying for either an H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P or Q temporary visa;
- The non-immigrant visa applicant is applying in their country of residence or nationality;
- The non-immigrant visa applicant has been previously issued the same temporary visa category;
- The non-immigrant visa applicant has never been refused a visa unless the refusal was either overcome or waived;
- The non-immigrant visa applicant has no apparent or potential ineligibility to receive a temporary visa.
The decision by DOS to extend existing policies is in continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As consular resources and local government restrictions vary widely by location, DOS emphasizes the ability to adjudicate visa applications may change with little notice.
For more information, contact us at info@enterimmi.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, and Taipei.
Copyright 2022. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline Immigration only.