The US State Department has temporarily suspended visa services to Haiti. This concerns people who wish to settle permanently in the United States.

According to the State Department, a family member or employer usually sponsors them by applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In a recent statement, the Department also outlined the steps to follow for individuals applying for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince :

Contact another U.S. embassy or consulate where they process immigrant visas (contact information at usembassy.gov }

Applicants must provide proof that they are located or can travel to the country where they wish their file to be transferred. If the file is in progress at the National Visa Center (NVC) : Access the NVC website at : nvc.state.gov/inquiry

Ask to transfer the file to another visa processing location.

Applicants must prove that they can enter and stay in the country where they wish to process their visa.

Expedited processing :

For faster case processing, email NVC at NVCExpedite@state.gov Explain the need for expedited processing.

This only applies to family preference visas if the case is up to date.

The Department of State continues to communicate with U.S. adoptive families participating in the international adoption process and with adoption service providers regarding recent developments in Haiti and is evaluating the situation as it evolves. The Department responds to individual requests from adoption service providers and prospective adoptive parents.

Currently, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince does not schedule regular appointments for nonimmigrant visas. They will only schedule urgent appointments for serious medical emergencies (with proof of travel) or for children with a USCIS N-600K interview scheduled.

HL/ HaitiLibre