The United States will suspend issuing visas to citizens of the Russian Federation and 74 other countries!

Starting January 21, US embassies in 75 countries will reject applications for US immigrant visas. 

The U.S. Department of State has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to suspend processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

It is reported that the decision will be in effect indefinitely and is related to a strengthened approach to checks based on the so-called “public charge” criterion — the risk that the applicant may become a “burden” on the US social support system.



What visas are restricted?

This is specifically about immigrant visas (i.e. those leading to permanent residency/green card, family reunification, etc.). According to media reports, consular officers are required to deny such cases if the visa has not yet been issued/finalized while the review process is ongoing.

   
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US Embassies Will Reject Applications

This decision by the US State Department was made as part of increased control over applicants. In it, the leadership of the foreign policy department explains the decision as a desire to “terminate the activities of applicants who are considered to be a burden on society” while receiving social security and government benefits.

Embassies in the countries concerned will be required to deny immigrant visa applications based on current laws. During this time, the State Department will review its immigration procedures. It is not clear how long this decision will be in effect.

Earlier, the mass media reported on the plans of the White House to refuse to issue immigration visas to foreigners suffering from obesity, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Donald Trump's administration believes that such people can stay in the United States and use social security programs or can be placed in specialized institutions. In November, the United States suspended decision-making on all asylum requests.

What is important for tourists and cruise travelers
This decision is not equal to a general ban on travel to the USA and does not apply to all types of visas. Reuters notes that visitor visas (tourist/business) are not included in this stop, although checks may remain strict.
If you have a planned trip/cruise with a port call in the USA and you are preparing the documents, check the type of visa and the current requirements for your route.

>>>All visas are from visa managers 4 Gates


Need help with travel, cruise or transit routes across the US?
Write to our managers - we will tell you what documents are usually needed for your destination and what route options may be more convenient.

   
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