Visa issuance dropped because of the pandemic

4years ago

US news, US news.

According to monthly statistics released by the State Department, nearly 47,000 non-immigrant visas were issued in April, which is an extreme decrease from the more than 400,000 visa issuances a month before.

Since late March, the State Department temporarily suspended routine visa services at US embassies and consulates, to face the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department changed its guidance to announce that foreign medical professionals with approved visa petitions, or who are eligible for an approved exchange visitor program, can request an appointment at an embassy or consulate.

The department said that embassies and consulates will continue to provide urgent and emergency visa services only. Officials announced that overseas visa services will resume as soon as possible.

In April 2019, more than 800,000 non-immigrant visas had been issued. There are more than 20 major categories of nonimmigrant visas, covering different reasons for travel such as business travel/tourism visas, student visas, exchange visitor visas, crew member/transit visas, and specialty worker visas.