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Delays Persist at U.S. Consulates Worldwide, Even in Wake of Biden Administration’s Lifting of Various Visa Suspensions
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
On March 31, 2021, the Trump administration’s Proclamation 10052, which had suspended the entry of certain H-1B, H-2B, J, and L nonimmigrant visa holders and their dependents to the United States, expired. In addition, on February 24, 2021, the Biden administration lifted Proclamation 10014, which had suspended the entry of certain immigrant visa holders through March 31, 2021. Despite these policy developments, applicants for nonimmigrant work visas and immigrant visas can still expect continued delays in obtaining visas due to COVID-19–related issues. U.S. consular posts around the globe continue to suspend routine nonimmigrant visa services in light of regional and local conditions. Further, COVID-19 travel bans are still in effect in the United States for certain travelers coming from various parts of the world, and applicants continue to face backlogs in appointment scheduling due to the growing number of people applying for appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide.