While those who are already in the US with their families can rest ensured, thousands of households have been unable to reconnect with their enjoyed ones due to the inaccessibility of obtaining a visa. In March 2020, the Department of State briefly suspended regular visa services at all United States embassies and consulates throughout the globe. The stockpile of visa services has caused a major delay for thousands of individuals.
While there still stays a high variety of candidates waiting for the possibility of a visa, the Department of State has lastly taken action in an attempt to reduce the issue of long wait times. Beginning on December 13, 2021, the Department of State has executed the Temporary Final Rule (TFR), which briefly licenses consular officers to waive the requirement that an immigrant visa candidate should appear face to face for an interview if they have formerly been authorized for an immigrant visa in the same category on or after August 4, 2019. Individuals who have been issued an immigrant visa may need to seek a subsequent visa if, for example, they have previously been issued an immigrant visa but were unable to seek admission to the United States during the period of validity. In the past, all immigrant visa candidates needed to appear personally before a consular officer was spoken with under oath. This process was deemed beneficial for the consular officer, who can examine the reliability of the visa candidate, and the applicant is provided the opportunity to correct any information on their application.
The Department of State has concluded that requiring the recipient of a formerly approved immigrant visa to appear again personally would “substantially stress consular resources”. According to data obtained by the Department, nearly 49,000 individuals were released on immigrant visas between August 4, 2019, and September 30, 2021, and have not yet sought admission to the United States. The TFR will work until December 13, 2023.
To receive the discretionary in-person waiver, the candidate must:
Have been issued a US immigrant visa on or after August 4, 2019
Look for an immigrant visa in the same category and pursuant in the very same approved petition as the previously issued immigrant visa
Receive an immigrant visa in the same category
Have no altered scenario that could affect the applicant’s eligibility for the visa
The objective of the TFR is to further the Department of State’s dedication to health and wellness throughout the global pandemic. These measures should assist efforts to lower direct exposure to covid-19, in addition, to conserving time and travel costs for candidates who wish to request another immigrant visa after having been unable to use their initial visa.
We understand just how much effect the pandemic has had on everybody, and while every person has a unique situation, we are here to help you.