First, let me share the good news this week regarding the K visa process before I talk about the bad.

The Department of State announced they will extend the MRV fee (interview fee, $265) up to December 31, 2021. Normally, the MRV fee is valid for 1 year but due to COVID-19 shutdowns, they will honor your payment up to 12/31/2021. This applies to all US consulates and K visas worldwide. An example of the Philippines can be seen here:

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/index.html 

Secondly, regarding visa processing — it’s apparent that MOST embassies have not even come close to resuming operations, but some have. Let’s take a look at some selected consulates and see how they’re doing.

Asia

The Philippines (the #1 recipient of K visas worldwide) – is still not providing any word from the US Embassy on when they’ll restart processing K visas. They are doing emergency interviews only, but nothing regarding K visas. When we ask them via email, their responses are filled with generic language that they’re unable to determine a timeline. In addition, they’ve cancelled most non-immigrant visa interviews (such as tourist and others) through October 30th of this year.

Vietnam (#2 recipient of K visas worldwide) – is also providing no real news about when they’ll resume processing. All routine visa processing is suspended until further notice.

Thailand – Starting October 2nd, Bangkok’s US consulate is allowing applicants to schedule K visa interviews only if they were cancelled due to COVID-19 shutdowns (mid March 2020). Cancelled interviews are their first priority. Interviewees who have not yet scheduled interviews must wait until “regular” appointments are available.

China or HK – This is a complicated region of the world right now. There are currently political frictions, Presidential Proclamations, “travel bans” due to COVID, and also a US Embassy shutdown due to political tensions. I believe the US Embassy in Guangzhou or Beijing will not be processing immigrant visas until the political climate improves. In addition, anyone who stepped foot in China or Hong Kong must quarantine for 14 days before being admitted into the US (regardless of your visa situation).

North and South America

Mexico (#3 recipient of K visas worldwide) – No official news on resumption of K visa interviews. They have resumed limited visa processing for Student visas, but nothing regarding fiance or spousal.

Canada – Montreal has presumably resumed processing (at a reduced schedule) right when the news came out that K visas would be prioritized (8/31). Montreal’s US consulate made some social media posts regarding resumption. If you’re applying in Canada, you may want to check them out for further details.

Dominican Republic – The US Embassy has not resumed normal processing of visas and is unable to provide a date. Travel to the country is allowed for US citizens, however curfews are in place.

Colombia – The US Consulate is unable to determine when they’ll resume routine processing. International travel in and out of Colombia seems to be allowed as long as you present certification of being negative to COVID-19. Contact tracing apps are required when inside the country.

Brazil – The US Consulate is unable to determine when they’ll resume routine processing. Brazil is also under a Presidential Proclamation, “travel ban”. People going in or out of Brazil must be quarantined outside the country for 14+ days before being admitted into the US regardless of the visa type.

Europe

The UK (one of the world’s top recipients of K visas) – Still no official word on when they’ll resume routine processing. In addition, a 14-day quarantine out of the SCHENGEN area is required including the UK and Ireland.

Ukraine – The US Embassy has resumed operations at a limited capacity. The US embassy’s website confirms they have reopened for K visas. I believe they operate on a 2-day week schedule for K visas. You must check with the embassy for details and confirmation.

Middle East

Morocco – The Embassy has not resumed normal operations and is unable to provide a time. Travel in and out of Morocco is limited with certain restrictions.

Egypt – The embassy is only open for limited emergencies. There is no routine processing of visa services. Travel in and out of the country is allowed with restrictions.

UAE – The US Embassy has resumed limited processing of K visas. Travel in and out of the country is allowed with certain restrictions.

Africa

Nigeria – The Embassy in Lagos has still suspended routine visa processing without a timeline of when they’ll resume.

Note something important for all Embassies worldwide: Resuming visa operations is a combined effort which depends on the Embassy and also the local government. Both parties have to assume “normalcy” before visa processing can resume. For instance, the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines cannot resume operations unless the Filipino government permits people to travel and opens government offices where applicants can process their paperwork.

Also note that several Embassies may not allow K visas to process if the country is under some Presidential Proclamation or travel ban. It’s up to each individual Consulate to make this determination.

Finally, forgive me if I left your country out, but I hope you understand there’s not enough room to list everyone. So if you’d like to know about your particular consulate’s information, head on over to usembassy.gov. Sometimes you’ll see generic responses, other times you’ll see a helpful embassy which gives better information.

If you hear any further updates, please share them below.