PP 9984, 9992, and 10143

[neto-66 42]

K-1 visa applicants have not been receiving interviews for the regional travel ban countries since March 2020 (with the exception of the lawsuit plaintiffs), with the presidential proclamations being the reason given.

 

However, this update was released today:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/updates-to-national-interest-exceptions-for-regional-covid-proclamations.html

 

Am I understanding this correctly? Does this mean K-1 visa holders are now exempt from the regional travel bans? Meaning interviews for K-1 visas can resume, if the embassy is open?

[StellaGB1 29]

Yes, it does!

[powerpuff 5,897]

Yes, it means consulates cannot use travel bans as an excuse to not issue K-1 visas. That’s really great news, I hope all of those waiting for so long can finally get their visas in the near future. 

[tenaces 0]

This is awesome!!!! Fingers crossed that embassies start moving soon

[jamieh21173 0]

Hi! My fiance (who is Portuguese) had his K1 visa interview in Paris this week (after over a year of waiting due to COVID and the travel bans!). We're still waiting for his passport with the visa to be mailed, but does anyone know if this NIE allowing for resumption of K visa processing also means that he is able to travel directly from the EU (specifically the Schengen area) to the US with the K visa? He had previously travelled to the US with an ESTA in the winter, but spent 14 days in Croatia (non-Schengen space) before to get around the travel ban, so we're wondering if he has to do so again?

 

Thanks! 

 

[payxibka 10,044]

31 minutes ago, jamieh21173 said:

Hi! My fiance (who is Portuguese) had his K1 visa interview in Paris this week (after over a year of waiting due to COVID and the travel bans!). We're still waiting for his passport with the visa to be mailed, but does anyone know if this NIE allowing for resumption of K visa processing also means that he is able to travel directly from the EU (specifically the Schengen area) to the US with the K visa? He had previously travelled to the US with an ESTA in the winter, but spent 14 days in Croatia (non-Schengen space) before to get around the travel ban, so we're wondering if he has to do so again?

 

Thanks! 

 

No

[Chancy 6,233]

15 hours ago, jamieh21173 said:

does anyone know if this NIE allowing for resumption of K visa processing also means that he is able to travel directly from the EU (specifically the Schengen area) to the US with the K visa?

 

K1 visa holders may now travel to the US directly from the Schengen area.

 

[jamieh21173 0]

4 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

K1 visa holders may now travel to the US directly from the Schengen area.

 

Thank you!