U.S. State Department To Suspend All Routine Visa Services

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

The U.S. State Department announced on March 20th, 2020 that it will temporarily suspend routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and consulates in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

What happened?

Embassies and consulates will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 20th, 2020. The department has not specified a date for resuming routine visa services at this time. Embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services as resources allow. Services to U.S. citizens continue to be available, and applicants with an urgent matter and need to travel immediately should follow the guidance provided at the Embassy’s website to request an emergency appointment.

Who does it impact?

Global Immigration Associates (GIA) has advised that this announcement will impact foreign nationals who are currently outside the U.S. and are waiting to apply for their visa to enter the U.S.

What do I need to do next?

Envoy and GIA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.


Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Sara Herbek, who is a Managing Partner at Global Immigration Associates, P.C. (www.giafirm.com), Envoy’s affiliated law firm.

Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-affiliated attorney or another qualified professional.