Q: What is the status of Immigrant Visa Processing at the US Embassy?
A: Abolishing the Presidential Announcement 10014 allows us to process all categories of immigrant visas; however, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our operations. At this time, we are still operating at reduced capacity to provide normal visa services, so appointment waiting times will continue to be significantly longer than pre-pandemic levels. Immigrant visa applicants who have not yet been interviewed or scheduled for interview will be processed in accordance with our current phased resume framework of visa services.
Q: What if the President’s Announcement delays my case?
A: Candidates whose cases were previously sent to the Georgetown Embassy but could not be processed due to the now-canceled Presidential Announcement, will receive instructions to self-book new appointments online through their registered accounts at https: // ais.usvisa-info.com/ cy-iv / iv Applicants should ensure that their cases are registered so that they can receive these instructions.
Due to the backlog of pending cases at the Embassy, and our current lower processing capacity, it can take months before you receive scheduling instructions. Applicants will receive appointment notices or scheduling instructions once their case reaches the head of the scheduling queue.
Q: What if my application is refused?
A: Immigrant visa applicants whose petitions remain valid and who were previously interviewed but who were refused visas ONLY because of PP 10014 will receive an email advising when they may appear for visa issuance . This only applies to applicants whose case was fully qualified but who was suspended due to the Publication. This does not apply if you have been refused under Section 221G for additional documents.
Immigrant visa applicants whose case is pending must upload additional documents at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/ (if previously instructed to do so) and then schedule a follow-up appointment online through their registered account as appointments become available. Appointments are limited so you must continue to monitor the scheduling calendar through your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/iv. IMPORTANT: Medical Reports are valid for 6 months and Police Certificates for one year. In addition to the documents requested at the end of your initial interview, you will need to bring updated versions of the medical and police clearances, if those documents have now expired.
Q: What if my case is still at the National Visa Center (NVC)?
A: Once we have completed the processing of the eligible candidates whose appointments were canceled as a result of the now-canceled Presidential Announcement, we will begin receiving additional cases from NVC. If your case is still an NVC, DO NOT contact the Embassy for an appointment. You must wait for notification from NVC.
Q: What about Diversity Visas?
A: More information on Diversity Visas is available here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/rescission-of-presidential-proclamation-10014.html
Q: Will my case move faster if I pay a third party?
A: DO NOT pay any visa processing fees to third parties. There is no additional fee to make an appointment. Visa processing fees are paid to NVC (Immigrant Visas), Scotiabank Guyana (NIV and Fiancé Visas) or in limited cases, directly to the Embassy cashier. Please email us at [email protected] if you are asked to pay any additional fees for an appointment.
Q: Does the embassy currently take applicants for Immigrant Visas?
A: Appointments for most categories of normal immigrant visas, including visitor visas for vacation travel (B1 / B2), have been suspended pending further notice. If your appointment was previously canceled, there is no fee to reschedule that appointment and the validity of visa application fees has been extended to September 30, 2022. For questions about rescheduling, please call our Visa Information Center at 1 -877-246-6788 (local) or 703-988-5765 (US). If traveling is urgent, follow the procedure to request a quick appointment at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy.
Q: What specific categories of Immigrant Visas are processed?
A: We provide appointments for the following categories of immigrant visas:
• Students (F-1, M-1, and J-1)
• C-1 / D Crew Visas.
• Work visas for frontline medical personnel assisting with COVID-19 response in the United States
• B1 / B2 travelers with medical or emergency business travel
• Diplomatic / Official Visas
“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the US Embassy that answers questions about US immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information on visas and travel can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.gov/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third party advice. US consular rules change frequently, and government advisers outside the US often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Contact our Visa Information Service Center at toll-free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.