Immigration Blog Luba Smal Attorney at Law - Smal Immigration Law Office

Global Visa Wait Times: How Long Does It Take to Receive a Visa Interview

1/30/2025

Global Visa Wait Times

Last updated: 1-7-2025

The estimated wait time to receive an interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate can change weekly and is based on actual incoming workload and staffing. These are estimates only and do not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Note: Embassies and Consulates may have a separate process for visa cases where the in-person interview requirement is waived. In general wait times for those cases are shorter, but they are not reflected in the table below.

Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

See more here.

List is here.

QandA: How a Lawful Permanent Resident Can Apply for a Green Card for Their Spouse Abroad?

12/4/2024

Q: I have been a permanent resident since 2023. What is the process for a green card holder to bring their new spouse from India to the USA after obtaining permanent residency?

A: Congratulations on your marriage!

1. File the I-130 petition for your spouse. It can be filed by mail, but it is better to file it online at myUSCIS (http://my.uscis.gov) website.
2. Wait until form I-130 is approved by USCIS.
3. Wait until your Priority date is current. NVC will notify you and create an online account before that.
4. Submit a visa application, form DS-260, online. Save a Confirmation Page (for the interview) and the application itself (for your records).
5. Prepare and submit form I-864, Affidavit of Support. Attach all required documents. Send some of them documents to your spouse.
6. Wait for a visa interview date to be scheduled. The NVC will email you.
7. Your spouse will attend a medical examination after the interview is scheduled.
8. Your spouse will attend an immigrant visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.
9. If/when a visa is issued, you will pay the final Green Card fee of $235 online to USCIS, and your spouse can travel to the USA. An immigrant visa is usually valid for 6 months or less.
10. Once arrived in the US, she/he becomes a permanent resident. A green card and a social security card will be mailed to your or your attorney’s address within 2–3 months.

P.S. If you obtained your residency (aka green card) through a marriage to a US citizen, you should consult an attorney before starting the process for your new spouse.

If you need legal advice or help, please email or schedule a consultation with an attorney, please email or use our online scheduler at Calendly.com/lubasmal

Who is Eligible for a Visa Interview Waiver in 2024

1/9/2024

On December 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that for 2024 it would continue to waive the requirement of consular interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa applications. However, the 2024 waiver requirements are very different from the 2023 requirements. The 2024 requirements, which took effect January 1, 2024, generally apply to the following:

First-time H-2 visa applicants (temporary agricultural and nonagricultural workers).
Others applying for any nonimmigrant visa classification who
- Were previously issued any nonimmigrant visa except a B visa, and
- Are applying within 48 months of the expiration date of their most recent nonimmigrant visa.

For 2023, more limited categories were eligible for interview waivers, including students, academic (J) Exchange Visitors, and employment-based and other categories. However, waivers were available for first-time applications as well as renewal applications, and the 48-month time limitation did not apply.
For 2024, all nonimmigrant visa applications except B (Business or Visitor) are eligible for the waiver, but they are limited to renewals unless in the H-2 category, and the visa application must have been made no more than 48 months after the expiration date of the most recent nonimmigrant visa. The current authorization will be reviewed annually and will remain in place until further notice.

Additional eligibility requirements for the interview waiverTo be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:

apply in their country of nationality or residence.
have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived).
have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular discretion remains
The State Department adds the caveat that consular officers have the discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. The announcement reminds applicants to check the websites of the applicable embassy or consulate for more detailed information about visa application requirements to be sure that interview waivers are available. Conclusion The interview waiver policy plays an important part of the State Department's efforts to expedite the visa application process. The interview requirement can take time and can delay adjudication. Again, applicants should check with the applicable U.S. embassy or consulate to determine whether, and to what extent, the interview waiver policy has been implemented.

Read more at the DOS website.

US Department of State Proposed New Rule to Allow Attorneys to Attend Interview at the US Embassies

8/15/2023

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is proposing a new rule that would allow third parties (including attorneys, interpreters, and others) to attend interviews at consulates, embassies, and passport agencies and centers for U.S. citizen services.
These services include but are not limited to appointments for passports, requests for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and Certificates of Loss of Nationality. The State Department wants to accommodate U.S. citizens who wish to have a third-party with them and believes that most consulates, embassies, and centers have the necessary physical capacity to handle this.
State Department guidance has permitted such third-party attendance in the past, but there have been no specific centralized regulations.
Some consulates, however, have issued detailed guidance. An example is the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand, which has the following parameters for passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad appointments:

Only one third-party per applicant;
An attorney cannot substitute for the applicant;
The consular official retains discretion to determine the scope and conduct of the interview;
Attorneys are expected to provide guidance before the interview – not during the interview;
Attorneys may not engage in legal argumentation during the interview;
Third-parties (other than the parent or guardian or a minor child) may not answer questions, summarize, clarify or otherwise interfere with an applicant’s responses;
No coaching is allowed;
Attendees may not object to questions or instruct the applicant not to answer;
Attendees may take written notes, but recording is not allowed; and, of course,
Attendees may not be disruptive.

The proposed rule was published in Federal Register, and the State Department will be accepting comments on the proposed new rule until September 25, 2023.

New Belarus Police Certificate for the USA Embassy

5/9/2023

All immigrant visa applicants aged 16 years or older must submit a police certificate from their current country of residence and/or nationality if they have lived there for six months or more. Police certificates are also required from all other countries where the applicant has resided for at least one year (except the U.S.).

Fiance visa applicants, in addition to supplying a police certificate from the present place of residence, must also present police certificates from any place or places of residence for 6 months or more since attaining the age of 16.

A police certificate must also be obtained from the police authorities of any place where the applicant has been arrested for any reason, regardless of how long he or she lived there. Police certificates must cover the entire period of the applicant’s residence in any area. A certificate issued by the police authorities where you now reside must be of recent date when presented to the consular officer. Currently, certificates are valid for 24 months (2 years) from the date of issuance.

Police certificates from certain countries are considered unobtainable. To determine which countries’ certificates are unobtainable, please check the State Department’s pages on Visa Reciprocity. If specific questions arise regarding police certificates, please consult our Immigrant Visa Unit.

NEW

Police Certificate from Belarus
The procedure for providing information about offenses to individuals by submitting electronically an application
Request submission at: https://mvd.gov.by/ru/page/informacionnyj-centr/poryadok-predostavleniya-svedenij-o-pravonarusheniyah-fizicheskim-licam-posredstvom-elektronnoj-podachi-zayavleniya .
The procedure for providing information about offenses to individuals is held in accordance with the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated July 20, 2006 No. 909 “On Approval of the Regulations on the Procedure for the Functioning of the Unified State System for Registration and Accounting of Offenses”.
By submitting an application, an individual can request information about offenses in the form оf an extract from the Unified State Database on Offenses (hereinafter referred to as the UGBDP) only in relation to himself after registering in the personal account and paying for the service through the ERIP system (mobile Internet banking, postal office and banks).
If the information is incorrectly indicated in the application, the applicant is notified about the refusal of providing the requested information about the offenses.
The extract will contain information about the personal data of the individual specified while filling in the application, as well as the amount of information requested and information on the presence (absence) of information requested in relation to him about offenses committed on the territory of the Republic of Belarus:
– the presence (absence) of criminal record;
– the presence of criminal prosecution carried out against an individual;
– bringing to administrative responsibility, if, in accordance with Articles 4.9 and 9.6 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, a person is considered to have been subjected to an administrative penalty;
– or the absence of the information requested by the applicant is confirmed in the EGBDP.
Upon the request of the applicant, information may be indicated regardless of the cancellation (removal) of a criminal record, termination of criminal prosecution, expiration of the period provided for in Articles 4.9 and 9.6 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, about which appropriate marks are made in the application.
If an extract is needed to obtain a US visa, the application must contain the marks “on the presence (absence) of a criminal record, prosecution” and “including information, regardless of the cancellation (removal) of a criminal record, termination of criminal prosecution.”
Court and Prison Records
Persons who have been convicted of a crime must obtain a certified copy of each court record and any prison record, regardless of the fact that he or she may have subsequently benefited from an amnesty, pardon or other act of clemency.
Court records should include complete information regarding the circumstance surrounding the crime of which the applicant was convicted, and the disposition of the case, including sentence or other penalty or fine imposed. All court records, including Polish court records, should be translated into English.

Briefly in Russian:

Новая справка из милиции из Беларуси

С 20 января 2023 требуется справка об отсутствии судимостей из Беларуси нового образца. Немного изменились формулировки в тексте справки.

Важно получить справку в которой указано, что это ВСЕ СВЕДЕНИЯ О ПРЕСТУПЛЕНИЯХ.
В справке должно быть написано, что
СУДИМОСТЕЙ НЕ ИМЕЕТ.
СВЕДЕНИЙ О ПРЕСТУПЛЕНИЯХ НЕ СОДЕРЖИТСЯ.

Это включает в себя и те, которые были погашены.

Помните, что нужно указать все имена и фамилии, которыми вы пользовались (девичья фамилия, фамилии по предыдущим бракам и т.п).

Справка может быть заказана лично или онлайн. Обновленная информмация о получении справки из Беоаруси по линку тут.

Effective July 2022, Ukraine Immigrant Visa Applicants Can Have Medical Examination in Lviv, Ukraine

8/5/2022

Недавно что поменялись правила проведения медосмотра для иммиграционных виз для украинцев. Украинцы обращающиеся за иммиграционными визами, визами невесты, и грин картами через лотерею - теперь смогут пройти медосмотр во Львове на территории Украины. Это будет намного легче и быстрее!

МЕДИЦИНСКИЙ ОСМОТР В КИЕВЕ, УКРАИНА

Больница Шептицкого, ул. Озаркевича, 4, Львов, Украина
http://spital.org.ua/
Tel (044) 584 36 67 (044) 584 36 68 050 028 62 58 (Viber)
Email: [email protected]

Линк к посольству США в Варшаве.с этими новостями:

https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/medical-examination/

По линку по русски информация про медосмотр

https://pl.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/IV-F11-RUS-medical-exam-info-Jul-2022.pdf

Важная информация о требованиях вакцинации от COVID-19 для детей!
Согласно требованиям Центра по контролю и профилактике заболеваний, с 25 июля 2022 года все дети в возрасте 6 месяцев и старше должны быть полностью вакцинированы против COVID-19. Полный цикл состоит из 3 доз вакцины Pfizer или 2 доз вакцины Moderna. Полная вакцинация ребенка от COVID-19 может занять не менее 12 недель.
Жителям России и Белоруссии рекомендуем проходить медицинское обследование в Москве или Минске. As of September 8, 2021, applicants who are processing their immigrant visa case in Warsaw may visit a panel physician in Moscow for the required medical examination.
As of July 2022 visa applicants from Ukraine may now undergo medical examination at the Sheptytskyy Hospital in Lviv.

Briefly in English:

Recently, the US embassy in Warsaw, Poland designated a medical clinic in Lviv, Ukraine to administer medical exams (form I-693) required for Ukrainians applying for immigrant visas and fiancee visas.

Embassy posted updated information here.

It should speed up significantly process of preparing for an immigrant visa interview.

Who is eligible to file a I-130 at USA Embassy abroad for an Immediate Relative of a US citizen

3/25/2022

How to bring an immediate relative of a US citizen to the USA ASAP, if they are from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and you are with them abroad. Immediate relatives are: spouses of a US citizen, unmarried children under 21 and parents of a US citizen (and you are over 21). Other relatives are not falling under the "immediate relative" category.

Как привезти близкого родственика в США в порядке ускорения: если вы американский гражданин, находитесь вместе с ними за пределами США, и ваш близкий родственник (муж, жена, незамужний ребенок до 21 года, родитель и вы старше 21 года), и ваш родственник из Украины, Афганистана или Эфиопии. Если вы еще не подали на них петицию, теперь вы сможете это сделать в американском посольстве, что позволит съэкономить время.

Local Filing of Form I-130 Petitions Filed by U.S. Citizens on Behalf of Afghan, Ethiopian, and Ukrainian Immediate Relatives Fleeing Conflict

If you are a U.S. citizen who is physically present overseas with your Afghan, Ethiopian, or Ukrainian immediate family members and have not yet filed an immigrant visa petition with USCIS, you may request to locally file a Form I-130 petition at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate that processes immigrant visas. This applies only to U.S. citizens affected by the large-scale disruptive events in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Ukraine. Such citizens must be physically present in the country where they wish to file petitions. They can request to locally file on behalf of their spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents who fled Afghanistan after August 2, 2021; Ethiopia after November 1, 2020; or Ukraine after February 1, 2022.
Please email your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate’s Immigrant Visa Unit if you believe you may qualify to locally file a Form I-130 petition. You can find those email addresses at each individual embassy or consulate website.

A list of U.S. embassies and consulates is available at https://www.usembassy.gov.

If you have already filed a Form I-130 petition with USCIS for your immediate relative and it has not yet been approved, you may inquire with USCIS regarding expedition: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request.
Further information about the immigrant visa process is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html
For more information for nationals of Ukraine, please see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/information-for-nationals-of-Ukraine.html
Additional information for visa applicants from Ukraine is also available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-processing-posts-for-visa-applicants-from-Ukraine.html.

Clarification About a Passport Requirement for Ukrainians

3/14/2022

Recently, the US embassy in Warsaw posted on their website that they are accepting nonimmigrant visa applications from applicants from Ukraine "without a passport".

I contacted the US embassy in another EU country, and they advised:

"Please note, the guidance from Warsaw indicates that applicants may apply without a passport, not be issued a visa without one. Your client will need a passport in order to travel to the U.S. The best place to assist her in obtaining one is the nearest Ukrainian embassy."

You must have a passport for a visa to be issued.

You must have a passport in order to board the flight to the United States.

A Ukrainian biometrics "passport card" is not a passport needed for a visa to be issued. For a visa, you need a "passport book".

Embassy stressed out again that at this time the U.S. doesn't have a refugee program for Ukrainians, and advises people to apply in the EU country they are temporarily located.

Contact the nearest Ukraine embassy for advice and help with a passport.

Недавно посольство США в Варшаве объявило на их вебсайте, что они готовы принимать на интервью на гостевую визу украинцев "без паспортов".

Я получила такое разъяснение из американского посольства, что Варшава разрешила прийти на интервью без паспорта, но для получения визы и прилета в США все равно нужен действительный паспорт (книжка, а не карточка).

В настоящее время после начала войны, посольства Украины не выдавали паспорта. Если это изменится, свяжитесь с посольством Украины в той стране где вы находитесь напрямую.

Humanitarian Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens Update from the U.S. Embassy in Poland

3/10/2022

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Гуманитарная помощь украинским гражданам - информация от посольства США в Варшаве, Польше от 9 марта 2022.

США по прежнему не принимает беженцев из Украины. Если вы хотите получить статус беженца, вы должны обращаться в организации по расселению беженцев в Польше и других странах Европы.
Если вы подаете на гостевую визу - это не на статус беженца. У вас не будет пути на получение грин карты и гражданства, за некоторыми исключениями. Это только временное пребывание в США сроком до 6 месяцев.
Посольство США сообщило, что они могут выдать неиммиграционную гостевую визу ДАЖЕ ПРИ ОТСУТСТВИИ ПАСПОРТА! Консул сообщит детали во время интервью.
Вы можете подлать на визу жены или ребенка или родителя американского гражданина в посольстве США напрямую (this applies only to U.S. citizens filing petitions for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents), но не можете это сделать по визе невесты, K-1 visa, петиция на визу невесты по прежнему подается через USCIS.

If you are seeking information about immediate humanitarian assistance in Poland:

Almost all refugee cases in countries abroad are processed by local authorities, in this case the government of Poland.
Ukrainians should not contact the authorities of the United States or attempt to apply for visas in order to travel to the United States as refugees–such travel is not possible. They should contact the authorities of Poland. Contact information is below.
Almost all refugee cases in countries abroad are first processed by local authorities, in this case the government of Poland.
Please visit the government of Poland webpage for information about resources: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina-en. This website provides the locations of official reception points along Poland’s border with Ukraine.
Additional information is available from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR): https://help.unhcr.org/poland/, including information about non-governmental organizations that may be able to provide additional assistance.
In Warsaw, those seeking information on support from the Polish government can direct inquires to the Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców).
- Phone: +48 47 721 75 75,
- Web: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina

VISA SERVICES IN POLAND

IMMIGRANT VISAS
If you are a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident with a Ukrainian relative seeking to travel to the United States on an immigrant visa:

If you have an I-130 petition approved by USCIS pending processing at the National Visa Center (NVC) and want to transfer it to another Embassy, the designated processing post for Ukrainian Immigrant Visas is United States Consulate General Frankfurt, Germany: https://de.usembassy.gov/ukrainians-in-germany/. You may request expedition and transfer from the National Visa Center: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/national-visa-center/nvc-contact-information.html
If you have not yet filed a petition but wish to do so, you may contact U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt to inquire regarding possible local filing (this applies only to U.S. citizens filing petitions for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents). Both the petitioner and the applicant must be present in Germany.
If you have an immigrant visa case that has already been transferred from NVC to Kyiv for the appointment and processing and you would like it to be processed in Frankfurt, please send an email request with your case number (KEV+10 digits) to U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt.
If you are already in Poland, cannot travel to Frankfurt, and have an I-130 petition approved by USCIS pending processing at the National Visa Center and want to transfer it to U.S. Embassy Warsaw, you may request expedition and transfer from the National Visa Center: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/national-visa-center/nvc-contact-information.html.
If you have not yet filed a petition, wish to do so, cannot travel to Frankfurt, and wish to file at U.S. Embassy Warsaw, you may email [email protected] to inquire regarding possible local filing. (this applies only to U.S. citizens filing petitions for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents). Both the petitioner and the applicant must be present in Poland.
If you have a question about an immigrant visa case that is already in process at U.S. Embassy Warsaw, please email [email protected].

If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ukrainian fiancée/fiancé seeking to travel to the United States on a K1 visa:

If you have already filed a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that was not yet approved, U.S. law prohibits U.S. embassies from accepting K visa petitions (I-129F) for local filing abroad. USCIS must first approve K visa petitions. However, you can request an expedite for USCIS processing at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request

NONIMMIGRANT VISAS
Before applying for a nonimmigrant visa, consider carefully whether you are qualified for the visa you intend to apply for. Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays in the United States and are not for refugees. There are no nonimmigrant visas available for refugees. If you apply for a nonimmigrant visa but do not intend to leave the United States, your application will be refused.
There are no “walk-up” appointments available at U.S. Embassy Warsaw or U.S. Consulate General Krakow. You must have an appointment in advance in order to interview for a visa.
If you are not qualified for a nonimmigrant visa, you may wish to refer to the humanitarian assistance information above.
If you are a Ukrainian who wants to travel to the United States or a U.S. citizen who has friends, business associates, or NON-IMMEDIATE family who want to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa you should go to https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/nonimmigrant-visa and schedule your appointment:

Demand is extremely high, availability is low, and wait times and processing times are likely to be very lengthy. You may wish to refer to the humanitarian relief information above.
If you already have an appointment at U.S. Embassy Warsaw but wish to expedite it, you may request expedition via https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/expedited-appointment.
If you already began a nonimmigrant visa application process in Ukraine, you may send a request to [email protected]to ask for transfer of your “profile” to Warsaw or Krakow, after which you should be able to continue the process for an appointment in Poland. Please note that a visa fee paid in Ukraine cannot be transferred and that it is necessary to pay a new fee in Poland after a profile is transferred. If you are seeking but do not already have an appointment visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/step-4 and sign up for the first available appointment of the type you are eligible for.
If you do not have all your documents available, for example a passport, you may apply without these documents. A Consular Officer will inform you of any required next steps as part of the visa decision. (Edit 03/14/2022: as was explained by the US embassy in another EU country, a valid and unexpired "passport book" (not a biometric card) is still required for any US visa to be issued and for travel to the United States).

If you are a Ukrainian with a U.S. citizen/Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) spouse or parent and are seeking to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay please visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/nonimmigrant-visa to schedule an appointment.

Select the “Ukrainian with U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident immediate family” category in step 3 when scheduling your appointment.
- This category is only for a spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.
If you are unable to schedule an appointment via the methods described above, you may instead request a “group appointment” via https://ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/group-appointments and suggest a date convenient for you. Once you have submitted your request, please wait for a response from the Embassy, which will come via email and should permit you to schedule an appointment.
- The group appointment option is only available for a U.S. citizen or LPR with a Ukrainian spouse or child. Other applicants who apply for the group method will be declined.
Read at https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/humanitarian-assistance-and-visa-information-for-ukrainians/

Legal Immigration Options for Ukrainians March 2022

3/8/2022

What are legal immigration options for Ukrainian citizens trying to find a safe heaven in the United States during the war with Russia?

Since the beginning of the war on February 24, 2022, there are a few available options. These options may not apply to everyone. They may change. During the last week, there were many changes with consular processing of visas for Ukrainians. Situation is still very fluid. Here is a list of some possible options which should not be construed as legal advice.

As of March 10th, the US didn't announce any new refugee program for Ukrainians yet.
На сегодняшний день США не объявило программу помощи беженцам из Украины (нет программы куда обратиться за статусом беженца если вы за пределами США и хотите приехать по статусу беженца в США).

The Biden administration previously said it would accept up to 125,000 refugees in the 2022 budget year. That annual cap had been cut to a record low 15,000 under President Donald Trump. In setting the annual target for refugees, the Biden administration set aside 10,000 refugee visas for people from Europe, but it could expand that number to take in more Ukrainians if needed. The White House has said it will work with the United Nations and European countries to determine whether people who have fled Europe will need permanent resettlement in the U.S. or elsewhere. The 125,000 does not include the 76,000 Afghans who came to the United States after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August.

(1) Если у вас есть действующая и неистекшая виза в США, вы можете приехать по этой визе. Затем уже находясь в США, если необходимо, вы можете подать на продление или смену статуса. В некоторых ситуациях вы можете подать на вид на жительство или на политическое убежище, если у вас есть лснования для этого (не у всех они есть). If you have a current valid and unexpired visa to the USA, you can use it to travel to USA, provided that the purpose of your trip meets the type of a visa. When in the USA, you can apply to extend or change status, adjust status to that of a permanent resident, or apply for political asylum, if you have legal basis for a particular application you are intending to submit The CDC and Department of State recently announced that the Covid-19 vaccination requirement was waived for Ukrainian nationals.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ukraine

(2) Если у вас нет визы в США, вы можете подать заявление на визу и попытаться ее получить в одном из американских посольств за пределами Украины (например, в Польше или Германии и в других). If you don’t have a visa to the U.S. you can apply for a visa at the US Consulate in the country outside of Ukraine. Проверьте информацию на момент подачи заявления на визу, т.к. изменения происходят почти каждый день. For example, in Warsaw, Poland, Krakow, Poland, Frankfurt, Germany, or other US embassies and consulates in other EU countries. You can submit a visa application online. Unfortunately, visa interviews are backlogged, and it might take a while to have one scheduled. Check the information current at the time you submit your visa application because information and advice changes almost daily.

(3) Вы можете попытаться въехать в США, пересекая границу с Мексикой или Канадой, попросив убежище и разрешение на въезд как пароль в США на границе в пропускном пункте. Это рисковано и обычно не рекомендуется. If you don’t have a valid visa to the U.S., but you can get into one of the neighboring countries and if have reasons to fear persecution in Ukraine (not merely escaping war), you can apply for asylum at a designated US Border Checkpoint and be paroled into the United States. It is a risky procedure and usually we don't recommend it. This option includes detention time at the border or in jail/detention center before being allowed to enter the U.S. It is advisable to consult an attorney who specializes in political asylum and this kind of cases in advance. It is important to show that you have family or friends or anyone in the United States willing to be your sponsor, and to have valid documentation of your identity, such as a passport and a birth certificate.

(4) Если вы находились на территории США 1 марта 2022, и у вас нет судимостей, вы cможете подать заявление на временный статус TPS и разрешение на работу, когда начнется период приема заявлений. Следите за носвостями или проконсультруйтесь у адвоката о ваших шансах и процедуре подачи заявления. If you are already in the USA, and have been physically in the U.S. on March 1, 2022, you will be able to apply for a TPS (temporary Protected Status) for 18 months and a work permit, which would allow you to get an SSN and a driver’s license, so you can live and work in the USA on a temporary basis. Follow the new and announcements at USCIS website to see when the application can be submitted and read the instructions or consult an attorney before applying.
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status

(5) Если вы находитесь за пределами США и у вас есть близкие родственники в США, вы можете подать заявление на гуманитарный пароль. If you are outside of the United States but have a close family in the U.S., you can apply for Humanitarian Parole. The application is filed in the U.S. with USCIS, form I-131 A relative must provide evidence of humanitarian reasons and financial support. It is not the fastest option and can take many months to be approved because it is currently backlogged since COVID-19 and Afghanistan crisis in summer of 2021. You can check the current processing times at USCIS website. https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/humanitarian-parole

(6) Если ваши родные в США подали на вас петицию на воссоединение семьи, I-130, то в некоторых категориях можно попросить ускорение. If you already have a pending petition, you can ask USCIS to expedite it, if a US citizen or permanent resident is petitioning for their spouse, children, or parents.
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request
You can contact the USCIS at (800) 375-5283 and request to expedite your case. Please note that expediting a petition for any relatives other than immediate family members of US citizens or permanent residents is not going to help to get them to the USA fast. At this time, if you have a petition for your sibling or a child over 21, an expedite request is not going to help, because the process for those relatives is not delayed due to a backlog but due to a congressionally annual limitations on the number of immigrant visas available and them waiting for a visa number to become available in their visa category.

(7) Если ваше дело на грин карту по воссоединению семьи находится в Национальном Визовом Центре или уже было утверждено и вы ждете интервью в посольстве, попросите ускорения. Дело нужно будет перевести в другое посольство США. В настоящее время это Франкфурт в Германии для украинских граждан. If your case is pending at the NVC or at the US embassy, you can ask to expedite it. To expedite a case which is at the consulate, you need to send an email directly to the US consulate and provide the case number you received from NVC, and ask the consulate to schedule a visa interview. You may need to request a transfer of the case from Kyiv to Frankfurt, Germany, if a case wasn’t transferred yet. The same limitation for relatives who are not immediate relatives applies.

(8) Если вы уже находитесь в США, вы можете подать заявление на политическое убежище, если у вас есть для этого основания (опасения преследований на основании одного их защищенных групп, а не только из-за войны). If you are already in the United States, you can apply for asylum or for relief from deportation if you fear persecution in your home country under one of the protected groups or categories. All deportations of the Ukrainian citizens were halted recently. Asylum procedures allow individuals, who have reasonable fear from returning to their home countries, to apply for asylum in the United States. To qualify for asylum the applicant must demonstrate that there is a reasonable possibility of persecution based on one of enumerated protected grounds.

(9) Если вы уже в США в статусе иностранного студента из Украины, вы можете подать заявление на разрешение на работу в связи с особыми обстоятельствами и попросить его ускорить. If you are already in the United States as a foreign student from Ukraine on a valid F-1 visa, you can apply for emergency work permit by filing a form I-765 with the USCIS and asking for emergency work permits due to unexpected financial hardships they are experiencing due to the situation in Ukraine. You can ask to expedite your application. https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/special-situations. https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

Каждая ситуация индивидуальна. Не все варианты подойдут каждому. Стоит посоветоваться с иммиграционным адвокатом перед тем как решать, что лучше сделать в вашей ситуации. Every situation is different. Not everything will fit you. It is advisable to consult an immigration attorney before deciding what is the best option for you.

Hope this information helps!

Ukraine Travel Advisory. Help for US Citizens in Ukraine.

3/7/2022

Do not travel to Ukraine due to armed conflict and COVID-19. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options. U.S. citizens remaining in Ukraine should carefully monitor government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those remaining in Ukraine should exercise increased caution due to the potential for active combat, crime, and civil unrest. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
The U.S. Department of State suspended operations at U.S. Embassy Kyiv, effective February 28, 2022. All in-person consular services in Ukraine are suspended until further notice. U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance and those who decide to remain in Ukraine should complete this online form and the State Department will respond. U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passport, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance and those who decide to remain in Ukraine should complete this online form and the State Department will respond.

Эта форма для контакта с американским правительством для американских граждан, оставшихся на территории Украины. Подайте онлайн форму и с вами свяжутся. В тоже время, американское правительство не может оказать помощь по вашей эвакуации с Украины, так как посольство США было эвакуировано из страны и все консульские услуги прекращены 28 февраля 2022.

The U.S. government will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas. U.S. citizens may seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passport, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries.

Travel advisory is here.

CONTACT and ASSISTANCE form for US citizens is here.

Ukraine Update: Refugees, Asylum, US Embassy in Kiev

2/25/2022

UKRAINE Update: 02/25/2022

Новости из Белого Дома. Пресс секретарь объявил, что США готовы принять беженцев (refugees) с Украины.

Вначале им нужно покинуть страну и стать беженцами - например, уехать с Украины в Европу, и затем подавать на статус беженца.

Если украинцы находятся на территории США, то они могут подавать на политическое убежище (political asylum), статус asylee.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, it's estimated that up to 5 million Ukrainians may flee their country. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters the United States is ready to accept some of those refugees.

Since the invasion began early Thursday, Ukrainians fleeing the fighting have entered Poland, Romania, and Moldova, and there are centers set up at the borders to provide assistance.

In December 2021, Ukraine's defense minister estimated that between 3 and 5 million Ukrainians might be forced to leave their homes if Russia invaded. In comparison, about 1 million refugees entered Europe between 2015 and 2016 from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and nearly 1.5 million people were displaced in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea.

Read here.

https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-u-prepared-accept-030505583.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

UKRAINE UPDATE: 02/24/2022

UKRAINE UPDATE:

The US embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine evacuated and all consular services were suspended.

If you have a immigrant visa case assigned to Ukraine, consult your attorney to decide what to do, and if your case can be transferred to another US embassy in another country.

In Russian: с 12 февраля 2022 все консульские сервисы и выдача виз (даже без интервью, как вейвер) были приостановлены в посольстве США в Киеве в Украине. Более того, посольство было эвакуировано. По последним данным многие сотрудники выехали в Польшу после Львова.
Если у вас есть дело на иммиграционную визу (грин карту) по воссоединению семьи в посольстве в Киеве, обсудите с вашим адвокатом ваши шаги по переводу дела в доугое посольство США в другой стране, возможно ли это, что для этого нужно сделать.
В настоящее время невозможно предсказать когда ситуация вернется в норму.
Желаем вам мира!

Official announcement is here.

On February 12, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of most U.S. direct hire employees from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. The Department previously authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. direct hire employees and ordered the departure of eligible family members on January 23, 2022.
On Sunday, February 13, 2022, the Department of State suspended consular services to include interview waiver services at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas may apply in any country in which they are physically present and where there are appointments available. As each U.S. Embassy has specific application procedures, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you wish to apply directly. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates is available at www.travel.state.gov.
If you have an immigrant visa case currently pending with U.S. Embassy Kyiv and would like to transfer processing of an immigration case to another U.S. Embassy, you must contact the receiving U.S Embassy in that country to authorize and initiate transfer. The Embassy will have a list of requirements which must be satisfied in order to begin the transfer process.

https://ua.usembassy.gov/visas/

Fiancee K-1 K-2 Visa Statistics for FY 2020 and K-3 K-4

12/13/2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, US embassies and consulates were instructed to suspend routine visa services and provide only mission critical and emergency services in late March 2020. This had a significant impact on the provision of Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa-related services. Posts were only able to resume limited services on a post-by-post basis beginning in July, as local conditions allowed.

In FY 2020, all US embassies approved 16,849 K-1 fiancee visas, and denied 5,143 K-1 fiancee visas (total number of K-1 visas adjudicated in FY2020 was 21,992). In FY2020 denial rate for K-1 visa was 23%.

K-2 visas are visas for K-1 dependent children. In FY 2020, 2,460 K-2 dependent of a fiancee visas were approved and issued, and 55 K-2 visas were denied (total of 2,515 K-2 visas were adjudicated in FY2020).

We often hear questions about K-3 and K-4 visas. In FY 2020, only 2 K-3 visas were approved and 6 K-3 visas were denied (total of 8 visas adjudicated).

In FY2020, 4 K-4 visas were approved and 1 K-4 visa was denied (total of 5 visas worldwide).

This most recent statistics shows that K-3 and K-4 visas are obsolete.

To be approved for a K-1 fiancee visa, it is important to prove that the relationship is real and in good faith.

Before we can accept and give you a quote for a K-1 fiancee visa case, we usually ask our prospective clients to complete a questionnaire, answer a few questions, send us copies of the ID documents and some proof of an ongoing good faith fiancee relationship.

NIV non-immigrant visas FY2020 workload can be seen here:

Summary of all IV and NIV issued by posts around the world in FY2020 in here . and here .

To schedule a consultation with immigration attorney, please email us. We can't give a quote over the phone until after we received your questionnaire and reviewed your information.

Russian Citizens Designated Homeless Nationals and Immigrant Visas to be Processed in Poland

10/21/2021

9 FAM 504.4 (b) (U) was updated on 10/21/2021 to state that all Immigrant Visa cases designated for Moscow, Russia will be transferred to Warsaw, Poland for consular processing.

Along with Somalians, Yemenis, Cubans, Iranians and a few others - Russian citizens were designated as homeless nationality. Immigrant visa cases for Russia designated as homeless cases.

Now, all those IV cases pending interview will be scheduled for a visa interview at the US embassy in Warsaw, Poland.

More details and clarifications from the Department of State and USCIS to follow this announcement.

Briefly in Russian:

21 октября 2021 закон был изменен и российские граждане ожидающие интервью на визу в США были квалифицированы как "лица без гражданства", и дела по иммиграционным визам россиян как дела лиц без гражданства.

Наравне с гражданами таких стран как Сомалия, Иран, Куба и некоторые другие, которые также признаны лицами без гражданства в целях получения иммиграционных виз в США - дела по выдаче иммиграционных виз граждан России будут рассматриваться за пределами России, а именно в американском посольстве в Варшаве Польше.

Детали и инструкции должны быть опубликованы скоро.

9 FAM 504.4-8(E)(1)  (U) Definition of Homeless Cases
(CT:VISA-1398;   10-21-2021)
a. (U) Generally, a homeless visa applicant is one who is a national of a country in which the United States has no consular representation or in which the political or security situation is tenuous or uncertain enough that the limited consular staff is not authorized to process IV applications. Countries whose nationals are considered homeless are listed in paragraph b below.
b. (U) List of Homeless Nationalities:
HOMELESS NATIONALITIES
SELECTED IV PROCESSING POSTS
Cubans - Georgetown
Eritreans - Addis Ababa and Nairobi
Iranians - Abu Dhabi, Ankara, and Yerevan
Russians - Warsaw
Libyans - Tunis
Somalis - Nairobi
South Sudanese - Nairobi
Syrians - Amman, Beirut (For Palestinians with Syrian Travel Documents)
Venezuelans - Bogota
Yemenis - Djibouti

9 FAM 504.4-8(E)(2)  (U) Location of Homeless Applicant
(CT:VISA-1;   11-18-2015)
a. (U) Homeless Physically Present in the United States: Applicants residing in the United States may elect to apply for adjustment of status with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the provisions of INA 245(i), and thus rarely require visa processing abroad.
b. (U) Homeless Physically Present in a Third Country: Homeless applicants residing in a third country are processed at the same IV processing post as are nationals of that country. Posts must accept for processing any IV applicant who is physically present in their consular district, provided the applicant has the permission of the host government to remain there legally for a period sufficient to complete processing of the application. This does not include persons who have been determined not to be refugees, and who are subject to return to their country of origin.
c. (U) Homeless Physically Present in Home Country: The Visa Office (VO) has designated specific posts to process IV applications from these homeless applicants. (See 9 FAM 504.4-8(E)(1) above for a list of nationalities considered homeless and the posts selected to process such cases.)
9 FAM 504.4-8(E)(3)  (U) Processing Homeless Cases
(CT:VISA-986;   12-18-2019)
(U) The National Visa Center (NVC) will screen and assign all petitions for homeless beneficiaries to the appropriate post for processing. The original post code will be maintained in instances where that benefits operations at NVC and post.

https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050404.html

Help and Resources for People Evacuating from Afghanistan August 2021

8/24/2021

Update from the USA embassy in Afghanistan.
"U.S. government-provided flights are departing Kabul and will continue until the evacuation operation is complete. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and their spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) should consider travelling to Hamid Karzai International Airport when you judge it is safe to do so. The U.S. government cannot ensure safe passage to the airport.
We are processing people at multiple gates. Due to large crowds and security concerns, gates may open or close without notice. Please use your best judgment and attempt to enter the airport at any gate that is open."
"U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents:
U.S. citizens seeking assistance to depart Afghanistan should utilize this link: Repatriation Assistance Request (https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx... )or in an emergency, call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S. Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (overseas). Legal permanent residents (LPRs) and spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form.
Non-U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents:
The United States is also taking every available measure to assist Afghans who are at risk, particularly those who worked for or with the United States or have supported international efforts, and has established mechanisms to help Afghans at risk receive protection from potential retaliation or harm.
The two key mechanisms to support Afghans who are at risk because of their affiliation with the United States are the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and priority referrals to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
Special Immigrant Visa Applicants:
Afghan SIV Program Update
The Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021, as enacted on July 30, 2021, authorized 8,000 additional Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan principal applicants, for a total of 34,500 visas allocated since December 19, 2014. The Department of State’s authority to issue SIVs to Afghan nationals under section 602(b) of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, as amended, will continue until all visa numbers allocated under the Act are issued.
Additional information on the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program is available at https://travel.state.gov/.../special-immg-visa-afghans....
For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, please contact [email protected].
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program:.. read more at
https://af.usembassy.gov/afghanistan-inquiries/
https://www.state.gov/afghanistan-inquiries/

Additional resources:

Here are some useful resources assembled by several groups assisting in evacuations from Afghanistan. August 2021.

1) Find help by country:
https://www.helpafghansnow.info/i-need-help/
2) Leaving Afghanistan by-country resources.
For example, for those with SIV to the USA:
https://seirmprod.servicenowservices.com/kra
[email protected]
1-603-334-0828
For emergencies, call +1-202-501-4444 [email protected]
+1-888-407-4747
+1-703-693-0799
3) Exit SOS Afghanistan:
http://exitsos.com/
4) Visas information by-country: https://visasforafghans.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
5) Google Drive resources:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1G4IZPBNMgb4ybmAtqThWyWRcu2XPRZ0-?fbclid=IwAR3cF2Pj53Nqgp7F6jQZwqzKlCBSRxU_7il7SXwlmo9ETALFuvQVG6rlfS4

Nonimmigrant visa interview wait times at the US embassies around the world

2/19/2021

Current wait times for nonimmigrant visas at the USA embassies around the world can be viewed here.

You can see here the most current information about B1/B2 visitor, F1 student and other non-immigrant visas.

Время ожидания интервью на визу США для резидентов. Визы туристические или гостевые, студенческие и другие неиммиграционные визы.

USCIS Office at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia to Close Down on March 29 2019

2/5/2019

USCIS will permanently close its field office in Moscow, Russia, on March 29, 2019. The last day the office will be open to the public and accepting applications is February 28, 2019.

The USCIS field office in Athens, Greece, will assume jurisdiction over immigration matters in the Russian Federation, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow will assume responsibility for certain limited services previously provided by USCIS to individuals residing in Russia (see table below). The USCIS Refugee Affairs Division will assume primary responsibility for adjudicating refugee cases presented for interview in the region.
Beginning on March 1, 2019, individuals who live in the aforementioned countries must follow these filing instructions:
Service/Form Filing Instructions

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Petition for Alien Relative
File your petition by mail with the USCIS lockbox facility in Chicago. You can find additional filing information on the Form I-130 Web page.
USCIS may authorize the Department of State to accept a petition filed with a U.S. embassy in some limited circumstances (PDF, 61 KB).

Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has lost your LPR card and/or re-entry permit and you need travel documentation to return to the U.S., you can file your Form I-131A with any U.S. embassy consular section or USCIS international field office.

Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident StatusForm I-407 may be submitted by mail to the nearest USCIS international field office.
In rare circumstances, a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate without a USCIS international field office may allow you to submit a Form I-407 in person if you need immediate proof that you have abandoned your lawful permanent resident status.

Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative PetitionYou must file your petition with the Nebraska or Texas Service Center, depending on where you live in the United States.
For beneficiary interviews/processing, contact the U.S. embassy consular section in the country where the beneficiary resides.

Form N-400, Application for NaturalizationIf you are a member of the U.S. military and are stationed overseas, please see the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization page or call 800-375-5283 for the most current filing instructions. USCIS will forward the application to the appropriate international field office for processing. For qualified children of active-duty service members stationed abroad, the proper form to file is the N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
General information about the U.S. Embassy Moscow is available on the embassy website.

You may also contact the embassy by calling 011-7 (495) 728-5000 or by mailing:
U.S. Embassy Moscow
Bolshoy Deviatinksy Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099
Russian Federation
For more information on the services USCIS provides in the region, please contact the USCIS field office in Athens, Greece.

Briefly in Russian:
29 марта 2019 закрывается офис USCIS при посольстве США в Москве России. Принятие заявлений продолжается включительно до 28 февраля 2019. После этого все заявления от граждан России, Беларуси, Армении, Латвии, Литвы, Молдовы, Узбекистана и т.п., которые раньше рассматривались в офисе USCIS в Москве, будут рассматриваться в офисе USCIS в Афинах в Греции.
Это не касается обычной процедуры выдачи иммиграционных и неиммиграционных виз, а только юрисдикции USCIS.

Rights and Protections for Foreign-Citizen Fiancés and Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents

1/17/2019

This information and the pamphlet below inform applicants applying for K-1 visas as fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, K-3 visas as spouses of U.S. citizens, IR-1/CR-1 immigrant visas as spouses of U.S. citizens, and F2A immigrant visas as spouses of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of their legal rights relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

In addition, K-1 and K-3 visa applicants are provided with any existing criminal background information on their U.S. citizen fiancé(e)s or spouses that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), received from other government agencies during processing of I-129F petitions filed for them.

The U.S. Government created the pamphlet below based on a U.S. law, the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (Title D of Public Law 109-162), which reaffirms and strengthens the U.S. Government’s commitment to fight domestic violence and abuse in all forms.
Learn and Know - Your Rights, Protections, and Resources
For Visa Applicants in the marriage-based categories: K-1, K-3, IR-1/CR-1, and F2A categories: Before your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, it is important that you carefully read the pamphlet below. In doing so, you will learn about your rights and protections, as well as resources available to you, if help is needed when you come to the United States. During your visa interview, the consular officer will summarize the information in the pamphlet. After reading the pamphlet, keep it handy for quick reference later, as needed.
Note: In preparing for your visa interview, you will also need to make sure you have all required documentation ready including your completed visa application. For more information about these visa categories, check the K-1 Fiancé(e), K-3 Spouse of a U.S. Citizen, IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of a U.S. Citizen, or F category Family-Based Immigrants webpages on this website. For detailed application instructions, check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply for your visa.
Pamphlet in English: Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States and Facts about Immigrating on a Marriage-Based Visa (All versions are in .pdf format)

English (PDF - 52.3 KB)

Additional Languages: Pamphlet Translations

Arabic (PDF - 137 KB)
Chinese (PDF - 212 KB)
Español (PDF - 105 KB)
Farsi/Dari (PDF - 257 KB)
French (PDF - 159 KB)
German (PDF - 205 KB)
Hindi (PDF - 548 KB)
Japanese (PDF - 239 KB)
Korean (PDF - 260 KB)
Polish (PDF - 165 KB)
Portuguese (PDF - 105 KB)
Romanian (PDF - 183 KB)
Russian (PDF - 176 KB)
Tagalog (PDF - 120 KB)
Thai (PDF - 151 KB)
Ukrainian (PDF - 169 KB)
Uzbek (PDF - 227 KB)
Vietnamese (PDF - 182 KB)

Trafficking Information – Department of State

Effective February 1, 2019, US Embassy in Belarus resumes all visa services

1/13/2019

On February 1, 2019, full visa services returning to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus.

Belarus lifted a cap on the number of U.S. diplomats allowed in the country. Visa services have been significantly restricted at the U.S. Embassy in Belarus for the past decade.

The lifting of the cap means that starting February 1, 2019, Belarusian citizens and residents of any age may apply for any category of nonimmigrant U.S. visa at the Embassy in Minsk.

Embassy announcement: https://by.usembassy.gov/visas/

How to Check a Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment Wait Times at U.S. Embassies and Consulates?

1/10/2019

How to Check a Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment Wait Times at Different U.S. Embassies and Consulates Around the World?

If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool at the link below. Examples of nonimmigrant visas: student F-1, visitor B-1/B-2, exchange visitor J-1, H-1B, L visa, etc.

Please note that K-1 fiancee visa is a nonimmigrant visa which has its own scheduling system because it is processed at the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Click here for visa appointment times.

To schedule a consultation with an attorney, please email.

Updated USCIS and Consular Procedures for Cuba

12/22/2017

On December 22, 2017, USCIS announced that due to staff reductions at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, USCIS will temporarily suspend operations at its field office in Havana, effective immediately.

During this time, the USCIS field office in Mexico City, Mexico, will assume Havana, Cuba jurisdiction.

Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) Program - remains in place, and USCIS is working with the U.S. Department of State to ensure that the CFRP Program continues to operate and will announce arrangements for interview/travel document processing for CFRP beneficiaries soon.

More information is here.

Cuban Medical Professional Parole (CMPP) Following-to-Join Spouse or Child - remains in place (agreement signed by the previous Administration on January 12, 2017), and USCIS is working with the U.S. Department of State to ensure that CMPP following-to-join cases continue for spouses and children to be processed and will announce arrangements for interview/travel document processing soon.

More information is here.

General information about the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba is available on the embassy website. You may also contact the embassy by calling 011(53)(7)839-4100 or by mailing to:
U.S. Embassy Havana, Calzada between L & M, Vedado Havana, Cuba.

For emergency inquiries, you can continue contacting the USCIS Havana Field Office at [email protected]. For any other information on the services we provide, please contact the USCIS field office in Mexico City.

Holiday Travel Advisory

12/13/2017

Before making international travel plans, foreign nationals (with the exception of Canadians) must have a valid visa in their passports (preferably multiple-entry) to re-enter the United States. People who did not previously obtain a visa in connection with their current nonimmigrant status (had "change of status"), or whose visa has expired, will need to apply for an appropriate visa at the U.S. Consulate in their home country (and may need to submit a visa application and schedule a visa appointment before they depart the USA). The only exception is for visits to Mexico or Canada for less than 30 days under the visa revalidation rule. People traveling internationally must also have a valid and unexpired passport (or other travel document).

U.S. Consulates' visa processing procedures and times vary. Visa applicants should check the website of the Consulate where they plan to apply for their visa to obtain the most accurate information. Due to the increased security and mandatory interviews at most Consulates, visa issuance processing times are unpredictable and could be delayed.

Please visit the U.S. Department of State for information regarding current visa appointment and processing wait times for each Consulate. We recommend a minimum of three to four weeks for the visa process.
Foreign nationals in the United States, who have a pending “change of status” or "extension of status" petition (from one nonimmigrant classification to another, or extension of the status in the same visa category) must remain in the United States until adjudication on their petition is complete. Foreign nationals who travel abroad while an application for change of nonimmigrant status is pending are considered to have abandoned their change of status portion of the petition.

Similarly, a pending advance parole application could be deemed abandoned and denied under recent policy changes. Please keep this in mind because in the past the situation was very different.

Foreign national employees should inform their U.S. employers regarding their plans to travel outside of the United States, and provide their departure and return dates and the countries to which they plan to travel. If possible, employers should provide employees with an employment verification letter that confirms the employee’s continued/current employment based on an approved nonimmigrant visa petition. This letter should be provided before employees depart the United States.

It is important to remember that the I-94 record expiration date governs the foreign national employee’s period of authorized stay in the United States. If an employee’s passport expires before the end date of the work authorization, status may be limited to the expiration date of the passport. If that occurs, the employee will need to renew the passport and travel outside of the country with a valid visa (prior to the expiration date noted on the I-94 record) to obtain a new I-94 record for the full period of stay authorized by the I-797 approval notice. Upon re-entry to the U.S., employees should obtain a copy of their admission record at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site to ensure the entry information is correct.

Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President's third travel ban, impacting eight countries, is to be fully enforced, effective December 8 2017, while legal challenges in lower courts are pending. While this ban exempts certain individuals, caution should be taken by nationals of the following countries before traveling: Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Chad, Somalia, North Korea and Venezuela.

Decline of International Foreign F1 Students Enrollment in US Universities: 7 Percent in 2017

11/13/2017

The 2016-2017 report revealed that first-time international students dropped 3 percent, indicating that the decline had begun before current president took office. The number of newly arriving international students declined an average 7 percent in fall 2017, with 45 percent of campuses reporting drops in new international enrollment, according to a survey of nearly 500 campuses across the country by the Institute of International Education.

The decline is much more serious in some Midwestern colleges and universities. At the University of Iowa, overall international enrollment this fall (2017) was 3,564, down from 4,100 in fall of 2015. Iowa primarily lost Chinese students.

The University of Central Missouri experienced a sharp decline this year in students from India. In the fall of 2016, the Warrensburg, Missouri, university had 2,638 international students. This fall (2017) it has only 944 international student. It's a big financial impact on the university.It’s a mix of factors. Concerns around the travel ban had a lot to do with concerns around personal safety based on a few incidents involving international students, raise in hate crimes, crimes against foreigners, and a generalized concern about whether they’re safe. Another reason for the decline is increasing competition from colleges and universities in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada, Britain and Australia. Read more here.

On a separate note, it became increasingly difficult to get approval of the Change of Status from B2 visitor to F1 foreign student through USCIS (for those prospective student who arrived in the United States as visitors or tourists). Processing times increased by many months, which results in students being too late to start the semester, losing their status and wasting time and money.

Since September 1, 2017, a new 90-day rule took effect (90 days fraud or misrepresentation rule), which also affected those applying for a change of status: with long waiting time, students are expected to wait at least 90 days before they file an application for a change of status. (We posted about 90-day rule here and here ).

In summer 2017, DHS announced their intention to change the rules to require foreign students to re-register with USCIS every year, which will make study in the USA more expensive, cumbersome, and unnecessarily complicated.

As a result, the best option for many students is to apply for a F-1 student visa abroad at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. There is always a risk of denial and no visa can be guaranteed, however, at present time (2017-2018), a bona fide student with sufficient funds and ties to his home country stands a better chance of approval through consular processing rather than applying for a change of status through USCIS Department of Homeland Security.

Effect of DUI, DWI and other alcohol related crimes, arrests, convictions on admissibility to USA

10/26/2017

Alcohol-related crimes, charges, convictions are a health-related ground of inadmissibility to the United States.

USCIS, DHS, ICE, Department of State and other immigration authorities are now following the new policy regarding the individuals who have alcohol-related charges, arrests or offenses. Immigrants should keep in mind the consequences of having even one alcohol related criminal charge or offense, which means that USCIS possibly can find them ineligible for an extension of status, change of status, adjustment of status request.

In some cases (not always) it could be possible to leave the U.S.A. and apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad. However, U.S. Consulates abroad can require applicants to be evaluated by a designated panel physician who will evaluate whether the visa applicant has a physical or mental disorder associated with alcohol use that may pose a threat to the property, safety or welfare of others in the United States.

It should be noted that the U.S. Consulates are now often revoking already issued and valid visas of affected foreign nationals when they receive a law enforcement report of a DUI-related arrest or conviction regardless of whether individuals are in the United States or abroad at the time. A person can receive a phone call or email asking him or her to come to the U.S. Consulate with a passport (no explanations given), so a visa can be physically revoked (cancelled). Most people are unaware that their visas are revoked until they try to return to the United States after travel abroad. Some people with alcohol-related charges receive letters from the U.S. Department of State notifying them of their visa revocation.

Because these negative consequences are result of the health-related ground of inadmissibility, it means that no conviction is necessary (arrest and charged are enough).

Until recently, the only affected groups of people were the visa holders with a single alcohol-related arrest or conviction within the last five years, or two or more alcohol-related arrests or convictions.

Under the current policy, it only takes a single alcohol-related charge to trigger action by U.S. authorities. USCIS is now identifying alcohol-related offenses and denying requests for an extension of status in any visa classification.

Until recently and before this policy change, U.S. Consulates only referred visa holders to a panel physician for evaluation when a new visa application was made. Now, U.S. Consulates are responding to law enforcement reports proactively by revoking the already approved and issued visas of anyone who has an alcohol-related charge even in situations where an individual hasn’t made a new visa application.

If USCIS denied an application for extension or change of status, the applicant will have to leave the country and apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad, in his home country. “Every nonimmigrant alien who applies for admission to, or an extension of stay in, the United States must establish that he or she is admissible to the United States, or that any ground of inadmissibility has been waived.” In other words, it is an applicant's burden to prove that he/she is not inadmissible.

An alcohol-related charge is a health ground of inadmissibility, which means that a conviction is not required and charges alone can trigger inadmissibility. Visa holders affected by this rule are not removable (not deportable on this ground) from the United States.

If a visa is denied, can a visa applicant file an appeal of denial of a Visa Application at the U.S. Consulate abroad? No, you can't appeal a visa denial. There is no appeal process to challenge a consular officer’s decision to deny a visa application. The doctrine of "nonreviewability of consular decisions" was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 in the case Kerry v. Din .

Another important moment to keep in mind is that neither the visa applicant nor the attorney can review the panel physician’s medical report.

What else can be done? People can ask for an Advisory Opinion from the Department of State’s Visa Office. Also, visa applicants can dispute the findings of the panel physician by asking the consular officer to request an Advisory Opinion from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which the consular officer can refuse to do without recourse. Both of these options take a lot of time. As a result, most of the nonimmigrant visa applicants have to obtain a nonimmigrant waiver of inadmissibility through the DHS, which could take six months or longer to process, and during this time the visa applicant has to wait abroad. Approval of any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa waiver is not guaranteed.

During October 19, 2017 meeting, AILA asked the US Department of State Liaison Committee and the Visa Office the following question:

"AILA has received reports of visa holders whose visas were prudentially revoked for DUI arrests while they are in the United States being charged by ICE as removable under INA §237(a)(1)(B), for being physically present in the United States with a revoked nonimmigrant visa. Based on our previous conversations, it is our understanding that a prudential revocation only becomes effective once the alien departs the United States. Has VO discussed this issue with DHS? If prudential revocations are now leading to the initiation of removal proceedings, would VO be willing to revisit the issue to ensure that the prudential revocation only precludes future travel to the United States?"

DoS answer: "We’ve discussed this with ICE, and there has not been a policy change."

New USCIS waiver policy memorandum (08/23/2017).

Updated USCIS Policy Manual, Chapter 7, Physical or Mental Disorders.

Nonimmigrant waiver application.

Immigrant waiver application.

Do not drink and drive.

US Embassy in Russia Suspended Issuance of Nonimmigrant Visitor Visas

8/21/2017

Effective August 23, 2017, the U.S. Embassy suspended issuing nonimmigrant visas for eight days until September 1, 2017 in response to the Russian decision to cut embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755, or by two-thirds.

The embassy would resume issuing visas in Moscow consulate only on September 1 2017, but will no longer issue any visas at the U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok indefinitely.

It's expected that visitor visa appointment wait time could be as long as six months!

Nearly a quarter of a million Russian tourists visited the U.S. last year, according to Russian tourism officials.

In August 2017, Russia ordered the U.S. to cut its embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755. Congress approved sanctions against Russia for meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and for its aggression in Ukraine and Syria.

Read more here.

Briefly in Russian:

С 23 августа по 1 сенбября 2017 США временно приостановили выдачу гостевых и других неиммиграционных виз в России.

После 1 сентября 2017 только консульство США в Москве будет выдавать визы. Три оставшиеся консульства прекратят выдачу виз на неопределенное время.

Ожидается, что сроки выдачи виз затянулся до 6 месяцев. Эта мера - последствие августовских санкций и выдворения 755 сотрудников американского посольства из России.