Temporary Limits this Summer on Visa Stamp Interviews at U.S. Consulates in Canada
June 4, 2014 | Tags: DOS
Foreign national employees who travel outside the U.S. after obtaining a new H-1B or other nonimmigrant visa petition approval while here in the U.S., or after their visa stamps expire, must visit a U.S. embassy abroad and acquire a new visa stamp in their passport before being allowed reentry. U.S. consulates worldwide often face high demand during the summer and holiday seasons of increased international travel.
For quite some time, we have been able to advise that eligible foreign national employees may be able to save significant travel and lost productivity costs by visiting a U.S. Consulate in Canada, rather than a U.S. Consulate in their home countries in Europe or Asia, in order to acquire a visa stamp through a consular interview. On June 3, however, the Department of State alerted American Immigration Lawyers Association liaison members that the DOS is placing a temporary suspension on any nonCanadian citizens who don't reside in Canada (referred to as "TCNs", or, "Third Country Nationals") applying for H-1B and other nonimmigrant visas at U.S. Consulates in Canada for the months of June, July and August. The DOS cited peak demand.
DOS noted:
- Those TCNs who already have secured consular interview appointments will be able to continue with the visa stamping process.
- Applicants with emergency cases may visit canada.usembassy.gov to seek consideration to schedule an interview.
