17/01/2023
Our Consulates are providing limited immigrant visa services and limited non-immigrant visa services at this time. For detailed guidance and next steps please visit https://za.usembassy.gov/visas
Limited immigrant visa services are available for IR-1, IR-2, CR-1, CR-2, IR5, and K visa applicants. Your case will be prioritized in accordance with the U.S. Department of State’s guidance on the phased resumption of visa services. The Consulate General Johannesburg’s immigrant visa unit will contact you when your case is ready to continue processing.
Limited non-immigrant visa services are available for crew members, certain student and exchange visitors categories, journalists, and limited petition-based workers who qualify for an exception to current travel restrictions.
Students with a valid F-1 and M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact the 🇺🇸 Consulate to seek an exception to travel, and may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. First-time student visa applicants, please visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv and follow instructions to request an expedited appointment. If you are renewing your student visa, you may be able to submit your application without needing to appear for an interview if your student visa expired no more than 48 months ago and has the same SEVIS number.
H-2A visa applicants who have not yet submitted a visa application, do not need to submit a request for a National Interest Exception. Go to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv to apply for your visa. If you’ve already submitted your H-2A visa application via the Interview Waiver Program, but not yet received your visa, your National Interest Exception is being already adjudicated with your application.
If you have an urgent need to travel, or work/study in a critical medical field, and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv, and include in your expedite request detailed information on the nature of the emergency and dates of travel. Routine travel requests, for example, to resume or begin work in the United States will not be considered for expediting.
