VVA Chapter PI 887

U.S. EMBASSY CONSULAR UPDATE: Routine visa services have been suspended at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. As resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency visa services (such as age-out cases) for applicants who are not subject to the following presidential proclamation.

On April 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 23 and expires in 60 days, unless continued by the President. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain non-immigrant visas (including K visa), and those holding valid immigrant visas on the effective date of the Proclamation, are not subject to the proclamation. No valid visas will be revoked under this Proclamation.

Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the following list of countries within 14 days preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, and the subsequent proclamation issued March 14, 2020:

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe; • The Republic of Ireland; • The 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland) • The Islamic Republic of Iran; • The People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau • Brazil

There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for U.S. lawful permanent residents and certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.

If you reside in, have traveled recently to, or intend to transit or travel through any of the above listed countries prior to your planned trip to the United States, we recommend you postpone your visa interview appointment until 14 days subsequent to your departure from the subject country/countries.#COVID19PH#coronavirushttps://ph.usembassy.gov/visa-update-immigrant-visa-operations/