Author: Frida Popik Glucoft
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on US immigration and the visa process. In addition to the recently announced negative COVID test requirements for US travelers, some embassies are issuing specific quarantine measures as well.
The U.S. Embassy in Paris has just announced that in order to protect its employees and visa applicants, anyone applying for a visa appointment will have to have been physically present in France for 10 days BEFORE they may enter the U.S. embassy for their scheduled appointment. Any visa applicants who have traveled outside of France in the prior 10 days will not be admitted for their appointment and will be asked to reschedule for a future date.
The announcement may be a trend with other US embassies and consulates around the globe. Every visa applicant should check the local rules and consult with counsel before making travel arrangements and relying on a particular visa interview date.
Similarly, the USCIS is asking all applicants who have an appointment for a green card interview whether the applicant has traveled outside the USA before their scheduled appointments. If yes, the USCIS is requesting that the applicant reschedule the interview appointment for at least another 14 days past the return date to the State where the appointment has been scheduled.
