B1 visa and Covid-19

[ihaveablackcloud 2]

How long do you think routine visa suspension will go on? I keep reading articles that say tourism won’t resume until 2021, which is quite upsetting. I suppose I should stay away from most media sources as they’re only speculation, but one can’t help but worry. Do you think it’s possible that non immigrant visas will be banned for that long? The National Visa Center website says it’ll resume “as soon as possible” but who even knows what that means. My boyfriend plans on coming for a visit in December. Do you think visa processing would be back to normal by then? 

[Just Paul 4,595]

2 minutes ago, ihaveablackcloud said:

How long do you think routine visa suspension will go on? I keep reading articles that say tourism won’t resume until 2021, which is quite upsetting. I suppose I should stay away from most media sources as they’re only speculation, but one can’t help but worry. Do you think it’s possible that non immigrant visas will be banned for that long? The National Visa Center website says it’ll resume “as soon as possible” but who even knows what that means. My boyfriend plans on coming for a visit in December. Do you think visa processing would be back to normal by then? 

Depends on where he is coming from.   The US most likely will allow tourism, in and out, especially now with the ability to test quickly.  Some countries like the Philippines won't allow its citizens to leave for probably the next year.  Other countries are hinting at in between.   I got an offer last week for Italy where they will discount airfare and hotel.

 

What is most likely is that US work visas and certain family visas will  continue to be halted temporarily.

[ihaveablackcloud 2]

13 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

Depends on where he is coming from.   The US most likely will allow tourism, in and out, especially now with the ability to test quickly.  Some countries like the Philippines won't allow its citizens to leave for probably the next year.  Other countries are hinting at in between.   I got an offer last week for Italy where they will discount airfare and hotel.

 

What is most likely is that US work visas and certain family visas will  continue to be halted temporarily.

Thank you for your response! This has given me hope. I know the restrictions in his country will start being lifted in a couple of weeks. He’s only visiting temporarily so he probably won’t be affected by the work and family visa suspension? 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, ihaveablackcloud said:

How long do you think routine visa suspension will go on? I keep reading articles that say tourism won’t resume until 2021, which is quite upsetting. I suppose I should stay away from most media sources as they’re only speculation, but one can’t help but worry. Do you think it’s possible that non immigrant visas will be banned for that long? The National Visa Center website says it’ll resume “as soon as possible” but who even knows what that means. My boyfriend plans on coming for a visit in December. Do you think visa processing would be back to normal by then? 

Non immigrant visas are not “banned”, the embassies are closed for routine visa issuance. It’s not the same thing.

I’d be surprised if embassies are still closed as late as December, but part of that is likely to be country specific too - some countries will probably be safer to open earlier than others.

Edited May 9, 2020 by SusieQQQ

[geowrian 22,337]

1 hour ago, ihaveablackcloud said:

I suppose I should stay away from most media sources as they’re only speculation, but one can’t help but worry.

Anything you get from any source - including VJ - will be speculation until official word is announced when they will resume operations.

 

Quote

Do you think it’s possible that non immigrant visas will be banned for that long? The National Visa Center website says it’ll resume “as soon as possible” but who even knows what that means. My boyfriend plans on coming for a visit in December. Do you think visa processing would be back to normal by then? 

They aren't banned. They just aren't taking appointments.

The NVC has nothing to do with a B-1 visa. The NVC coordinates between USCIS (DHS) and the consualtes (DOS) for processing of certain visas (namely those with a petition, such as immigrant visas and work visas). They have no role in the process for a B-1 visa.

Edit: Note that B-1 is a business visa. If he wants to visit you, that's a B-2 visa for tourism.

Edited May 9, 2020 by geowrian