The U.S. Embassy is all set to begin scheduling a limited number of appointments for students (F-1, M-1, and certain J-1) and temporary employment visas (consistent with Presidential Proclamation 10052). Ishwar Dev Khanal of Khabarhub talked with Anna Richey-Allen, Spokesperson of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu on the resumption of visa services. Excerpts:

Has the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu opened visa services for Nepali citizens?

The U.S. Embassy is still closed for most routine services in order to maintain the safety of our staff and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, we are able to process a very limited number of immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

One can continue to monitor our website for current information about visa services.  https://np.usembassy.gov/visas/

Who falls on the priority list while issuing the visa?

Like all U.S. embassies and consulates, U.S. Embassy Kathmandu is prioritizing services based on the guidelines established by the Department of State.

The Embassy is providing a limited number of Immigrant Visa appointments for Immediate Relative family members of U.S. citizens including fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, and Returning Residents.

For nonimmigrant visa applicants, the Embassy is continuing to prioritize travelers with urgent travel needs, diplomats, and certain mission-critical categories of travelers, such as those coming to assist with the U.S. response to the pandemic.

Next week, the U.S. Embassy will begin scheduling a limited number of appointments for students (F-1, M-1, and certain J-1) and temporary employment visas (consistent with Presidential Proclamation 10052).

Additional information on the Department of State guidelines for resuming visa services is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/phased-resumption-routine-visa-services.html.

Do visitors need to produce special documents for this?

Visitors should review our website and any requirements specific to the type of visa for which they are applying.

It is possible for Nepali students to apply for visas now? If not now, when?

Next week, the U.S. Embassy will begin scheduling a limited number of appointments for students (F-1, M-1, and certain J-1) and temporary employment visas.

The number of appointments available will be limited in number in order to continue to protect the health and safety of our staff and the public.

What about visitors? Can they obtain a visitor visa now?

At this time, we are not able to process new applications for B1/B2 tourist visas except in emergency situations.

Information on which limited circumstances may qualify for an expedited appointment can be found online at https://np.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ and instructions can be accessed at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/np/np-niv-visaapply.asp.

Travelers who previously held a valid visa may qualify for our interview waiver program, and information can be found at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/np/np-niv-visarenew.asp.

We are currently able to process B1/B2 renewals for applicants qualified for this program.

Is there a possibility for an individual who has already received a visa through the DV lottery to fly to the United States?

Presidential Proclamation (P.P.) 10014, entitled “Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak,” was rescinded on February 24, 2021.

Those holding diversity visas issued in 2020 that are still valid may seek entry to the United States immediately, despite the visa annotation, “Entry Subject to PP 10014.”

For detailed information and additional instructions, please visit travel.state.gov’s “Rescission of Presidential Proclamation 10014” information page.

What about people whose interview was already fixed but postponed due to coronavirus pandemic? What are the chances of getting a visa now?

We encourage immigrant visa applicants, including DV2021 applicants and applicants whose previously scheduled interviews were canceled, to remain patient and wait until they receive notification that an appointment has been scheduled.

Immigrant visa applicants who were previously interviewed but refused visas because of Presidential Proclamation 10014 should wait for instructions from the Embassy regarding next steps.

Is DropBox still available? Can people apply through DropBox?

Travelers who previously held a valid visa may qualify for our interview waiver program.

Applicants can find out if they may be eligible for this program at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/np/np-niv-visarenew.asp.

We are currently able to process B1/B2 renewals for applicants qualified for this program.

How should people understand the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad.

STEP allows you to enter information about trips abroad so that the Department of State, via our embassies and consulates, can better assist you in an emergency.

One can also subscribe to receive email updates with travel advisories and other information for a particular country by visiting step.state.gov for more information.