The U.S. Department of State posted an update on their website April 6, 2021, with the headline “Visa Services Operating Status Update.” Some key information from this posting:
- “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely affect the ability of embassies and consulates around the world to be able to resume routine visa services.”
- The various “restrictions have reduced appointment capacity during the pandemic, which has created a significant backlog of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants awaiting a visa interview.”
- Priorities: (1) “immigrant and fiancée visas;” (2) “nonimmigrant visas for travelers with urgent needs, foreign diplomats, and mission-critical categories of travelers (such as those coming to assist with the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and workers who are essential to the American food supply);” (3) nonimmigrant visas for “students, exchange visitors, and some temporary employment visas.” (F-1, J-1, and H-1B nonimmigrants)
- “Applicants should check the website of the nearest embassy or consulate for the current operating status.”
The status quo: COVID-19-related Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143, which suspend entry into the United States of foreign nationals who have been physically present in the following countries in the 14-day period before seeking entry into the United States, remain in effect:
- People’s Republic of China
- Islamic Republic of Iran
- Schengen Area of Europe
- United Kingdom
- Republic of Ireland
- Brazil
- South Africa
A reminder: Pending the implementation of the SVPP’s proposed Visiting Scholar Policy ( https://www.policy.iastate.edu/policy/visitingscholars ) we can only accept J-1 Cystart requests for individuals who will be ISU employees. The new J-1 Paid Application is available for this purpose.