What you need to know about obtaining a visa to the United States in 2021 [updating]

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the plans of all countries worldwide, prompting governments to impose additional restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals to slow the spread of COVID-19. The United States is no exception, as visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates have been suspended since March 2020. This has left several open questions regarding the processing of all types of visas.

If you wish to obtain information on obtaining visas in 2020-2021, let’s move on to specific facts.

Entry into the U.S. During the Pandemic

The Presidential Proclamation signed by D. Trump includes a list of countries whose citizens are prohibited from entering the country due to COVID-19. Ukraine is not on this list, which effectively means that Ukrainian citizens are not banned from entry. However, certain nuances regarding entry restrictions should be considered:

1. Foreign nationals who have visited countries in the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Brazil, Iran, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) cannot enter (apply for a visa) to the U.S. if they have been in these countries within 14 days prior to arriving at a U.S. border crossing point.
2. Foreign nationals flying (including transit) through the aforementioned countries are prohibited from entering the U.S. for 14 days.
3. Foreign nationals with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus.

Considering that it is impossible to reach the U.S. without transit, alternative airports such as Istanbul or Belgorod should be sought.

The White House is considering lifting the ban on foreigners who have visited the United Kingdom, Brazil, and 26 other European countries, but specific timelines and countries are not specified.

Conclusion. With a valid U.S. visa and compliance with all requirements, Ukrainian citizens can enter the country.

A logical question arises: “What about those who do not have a valid visa?”

Scheduling an Interview at the U.S. Embassy

According to official information from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, a phased resumption of visa services is beginning.

Starting November 16, 2020, visa services for Ukrainians (including K category fiancé visas) are not provided in the usual manner, and a limited number of interviews are being considered:

• for certain critically important visa categories, including C1/D,
• in cases of urgent medical or humanitarian necessity,

For emergency visa requests due to a compelling reason, such as the death or illness of a close relative, a request for an expedited interview should be made.

In this case, we recommend preparing the following information:

• purpose of the trip;
• documents confirming the necessity of an urgent visit to the U.S.
• a list of trips outside Ukraine in the last month.

As of November 25, 2020, the processing of K visas (fiancé) has resumed.

If you have an urgent need to apply for visas issued based on petitions, such as B1/B2, student F1, you should fill out an application for an expedited interview appointment on the website: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ua/ua-niv-expeditedappointment.asp. For K category visas (fiancé), you can send an electronic request to KyivIV@state.gov.

The official website also provides information on extending previously issued visas without an interview, provided the visa expired less than 24 months ago.

The epidemiological situation with the pandemic in the U.S. is changing daily. Those who need and wish to visit the country should check the latest information on the U.S. Embassy website.

According to preliminary information, interview appointments for 2021 are possible:

• for obtaining an initial B1/B2 tourist visa for Ukrainian citizens and non-residents starting January 19, 2021;
• for student visas F1 starting February 2021
• for work visas H1B, H2B, L1, but with reservations if your case falls under the U.S. Presidential Proclamation

Consular Fee

Theoretically, the consular fee can be paid, and you can wait for the interview appointment date, but if the epidemiological situation does not improve, your appointment is likely to be canceled.

The U.S. diplomatic mission in Ukraine reports that the paid consular fee will be valid until December 31, 2021, allowing applicants who missed their interview due to cancellations caused by the pandemic to reschedule and attend with the already paid fee.

Important! In the case of a previous U.S. visa denial (less than 1 year ago), interview appointments are not conducted.

Most importantly, to prevent the spread of the virus, adhere to quarantine measures when visiting the U.S. Embassy.