English
English
English
Updated on 11.01.2022
Share article:
Simplified application procedure for visa applications enacted
In a late December 2021 announcement by the U.S. Department of State, all U.S. consulates were authorized to waive the otherwise required in-person interviews with applicants of work visas provided that they meet certain requirements. This regulation applies specifically to applicants for temporary work visas in the following categories H-1,H-3, H-4, L, O, P and Q. The new regulation is intended to ease the consular appointment situation and is initially valid until December 31, 2022.
Generally, all visa applicants between the ages of 14-79 are required to appear in person at the US consulate. The new rule now allows certain work visas to be issued without a personal interview. These applications can be submitted by mail.
regardless of nationality:
one onVisa Waiver Programparticipating country (e.g. Germany, Austria, Switzerland):
Also, the existing provision for the possibility of applying by mail (without interview) for students in categories F and M, as well as certain J-1 visas (Secondary and University Students, Professors, Research or Short-term Scholars, and Specialists) has been extended until the end of 2022.
The previous entry requirements continue to exist and apply analogously to the provisions for US work visas discussed above.
What is new in this context is that F, M, J Academics Applicant of a Visa Waiver Program country must have already successfully entered the US once with ESTA in order to bypass the in-person appointment. Until the end of the year, a present ESTA authorization (without entry).
As part of this, the existing interview exemption for certain visa applicants in categories H-2A and H-2B was also extended through the end of the year.
In addition, the general and now extended interview waiver regulation continues to apply to all other applicants who wish to renew a U.S. visa and whose old visa has not yet expired for more than 48 months. This regulation has now been extended until further notice.
I.e., here persons applying for the same visa category may also qualify for the postal submission procedure under certain conditions. Theoretically, this exemption applies to all visa categories (except for L-Blanket and E visas), however, there are differences depending on the responsible US consulate.
For those who currently qualify for an interview exemption at the German US consulates in connection with a visa renewal and thus for the postal procedure, please see here.
Due to the pandemic-related closures, reduced appointment capacity and staff restrictions at the U.S. consulates, there have been repeated waiting times for visa appointments over the past 2 years, sometimes lasting weeks. Even at the end of 2021, the available interview appointments at the U.S. consulates in Germany were booked up for weeks, so that many applicants had to postpone their planned trips to the United States.
Theschedule availabilitiesare also very different in 2022 and change almost daily. In principle, the extended regulations for postal submission are a positive sign and will hopefully contribute to easing the interview deadline situation.
Currently, visa application procedures by mail in the German US consulates require about 2-3 weeks until the receipt of the passport including visa. However, it cannot be ruled out that processing times will increase due to higher access rates to this simplified procedure. Applicants can still make a regular interview appointment (subject to availability) if desired. The postal procedure is only an option and does not have to be used.
Notice: Please note that persons who use the postal procedure may also be subsequently invited for an interview by the US Consulate. In addition, the mailing procedure does not, of course, automatically guarantee receipt of the US visa. Please inform yourself on the website of the respectiveU.S. Embassy or the U.S. consulate about the appointment offer and the guidelines to their visa application.
Date:
We and our partners use cookies to store and retrieve personally identifiable information, such as browsing data, to provide and personalize content and advertising, and to analyze website usage and improve the user experience. You can learn more about the purposes for which we and our partners use cookies by clicking on the "Cookie Settings" button below. All settings can also be changed here. Subsequently, you can reconsider your cookie selection or revoke your consent at any time by clicking on the cookie settings link in the footer of our website. Please note that blocking some cookie types may have our ability to provide content tailored to your interests or may limit the availability of some website features.
By clicking "Accept All Cookies" you consent to our use and sharing of your information with our partners.