Since March 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Embassy has canceled interviews for all types of non-immigrant visas. The opportunity to file documents was only allowed for urgent cases. Nevertheless, those Ukrainians who received visas before the pandemic could enter the United States without hindrance.
In August 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine renewed the process for getting the visa interviews for certain categories of non-immigrant visas, such as student visa, F-1, visa for crew members С1/D, J-1 exchange program visa, etc.
Also, those applicants who paid the consular fee during or before quarantine but could not use it to register for an interview at the U.S. Embassy will be able to use it until December 31, 2021.
From September 2020, the U.S. Embassy has published information about the possibility of extending a visa to the U.S. without being interviewed. This extension is for those with a visa which ended less than 24 months ago. Previously, those whose visas ended less than 12 months ago could benefit from the procedure of renewing visas to the United States.
From 16.11.2020, the Embassy has ceased to conduct interviews for all categories of non-immigrant visas including K visas (U.S. bride visa).Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy is not yet able to state when the exact date the embassy visa services for all categories of non-immigrant visas will be renewed in full.
We hope that soon all who are waiting for the end of the quarantine and all who will plan to visit the U.S. will be able to do so in 2021.
What is the procedure of obtaining a visa in the U.S. 2021?
Fundamentally, nothing will change in the procedure of obtaining a visa to the United States. All applicants will need to:
- Pay the consular fee.
- Schedule fora visa interview.
- Fill out a DS-160 visa application.
- Collect a package of documents.
- Have an interview with a visa officer.
The U.S. Embassy will take all precautions because of Covid-19, so everyone present at the interview will be required to wear masks, as well as cancel the interview in case of respiratory symptoms.
Getting a visa to the U.S. is a laborious process and to start it you need to decide on what category of visa you should apply for. The visa category should be chosen based on the purpose of your trip.
Because the most popular purpose of a visit to the U.S. is tourism, respectively, you need to apply for a visa category B-2. A U.S. 2021 tourist visa is opened for 10 years. Also, such purposes as visiting relatives/friends, short-term treatment in the United States are suitable for this category of visas.
When a person has a goal to visit the U.S. for business purposes or negotiations with partners, attending exhibitions, conferences, seminars, etc., choose the category of visa B-1.
Typically, applying for the category B-1 or B-2, the embassy opens a combined visa in the U.S. B-1/B-2, which can be used for 10 years for different purposes of visiting as described above.
The F-1 visa category is issued to international students who intend to study in the United States or take language courses. A student visa in the United States for 2021 is issued for the duration of the student's studies. The period of study is specified in the form of I-20, which the institution sends to the student to apply for a visa.
If a person's purpose of the visit is transit through the U.S., then the person should apply for a visa C. Transit visa in the U.S. is opened for up to 29 days, however, if you already have a B-1/B-2 visa is not necessary to apply for a transit visa.
The C1/D visa category can also be used for transit, but it is intended for crew members of a ship or aircraft.
The K1 visa is for those who intend to marry in the United States. The fiancée’s visa in the U.S. 2021 is issued exclusively for entry into the U.S. Within 90 days of the visa being issued, the couple must marry.
Notice that the correct category of visa is determined by the purpose of the visit or other factors. In this article we can`t describe all existing categories of visas and nuances, so if you do not know which category of visa to choose, please contact our company Avisa for advice from a visa specialist.
Getting a visa to the USA for Ukrainians 2021 will be difficult, however, our company Avisa, which constantly monitors all updates and events in the visa field will help you understand this complex process. We will, consult with you on all issues and prepare for a visa interview, which together will lead to a successful visa to the United States.
