The pandemic has made international travel a lot harder and in some cases, even impossible. This has been a difficult time for foreign nationals applying for US Visas. Currently, US Embassies and Consulates around the world are either completely closed or operational on a partial capacity. The US government has also placed travel bans on certain countries depending on the Covid-19 situation there. Travelers from certain countries require a “National Interest Exception” to travel to the US.
What You Should Know About Applying for US Visas During the Pandemic?
US Consulates and embassies around the world have either suspended operations or are selectively processing certain applications. This is the case for more US Consulates in Europe. It is especially harder to apply for the E-2 Nonimmigrant Visa, with the process taking up to 8 months due to the present conditions. The US Consulate in Istanbul is completely non-operational.
Many US Consulates are also limiting applications from third-country nationals unless they are a resident of their residential country. The US Consulate in Japan is fully operational, allowing all Work Visa applications and renewals. The E-2 Nonimmigrant Visa application is being processed within 3-4 weeks by the US Consulate in Japan.
