COVID-19 Immigration Alert Update

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread across the globe, U.S. government agencies are implementing measures that impact U.S. immigration policies. Below is a summary of the temporary actions taken by U.S. government agencies, to date, in response to the Covid-19 outbreak:

• Many U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide have announced suspension of certain visa operations, particularly in-person nonimmigrant visa appointments. However, certain consulates allow mail-in visa applications. Consequently, for applicants who wish to travel to apply for a new visa or require a new visa prior to returning to the U.S., they can check to see if they meet the criteria for mail-in visa processing, and apply using the mail-in criteria. Visa processing of mailed in visa applications is generally longer than regular processing. Consequently, applicants need to anticipate longer than usual wait times for visa issuance. Please note that the U.S. consular posts in Japan require