KATHMANDU: The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has been issuing a limited number of visas to DV winners. As many as 16 DV winners received visas from the US Embassy here in June.

Visas had not been issued to DV winners until May 2021 due to several reasons such as COVID-19 restrictions and halt of services.

A limited number of DV winners received visas in July as well but details of how many visas were issued is yet to be known. Visa interviews for DV winners have also been scheduled for August and September.

According to the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, 23 Nepalis from around the world received diversity visas last month.

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu issued immigrant visas to a total of 329 people last month, of which 195 were parents of American citizens. The embassy also issued immigrant visas to the spouses and children of 16 green card holders. However, many spouses and children of American green card holders have been waiting for visas.

Number of diversity visas received so far around the world

According to documents submitted to the court by the US State Department, a decision has been made on the diversity visa applications of 4,305 people across the world for the fiscal year 2021 till July 8. Of these, 3,506 have received visas, according to a statement submitted to the court by officials from the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office of Domestic Operations Visa.