U.S. to resume limited visa processing in Havana, Cuba

The State Department announced last week that it would resume limited immigrant visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba.

Key Points:

• Once the change takes effect, the Embassy in Havana will resume some immigrant visa processing and will schedule a limited number of immigrant visa appointments for applicants whose information is documentarily complete.
• The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana, will remain the primary processing location for Cuban immigrant visa applications. During a transition period, the National Visa Center will schedule applicants for appointments at either the U.S. Embassy in Havana or at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown depending on operational needs.
• The Embassy in Havana will continue to provide essential American Citizens Services and limited emergency nonimmigrant visa processing.

Background: In 2015, the U.S. opened the Embassy in Havana, marking the return of formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Under former President Donald Trump, the State Department reduced staff and services at the Embassy amid a spate of unexplained health incidents termed “Havana Syndrome.” The Embassy said the resumption of limited services is “part of the broader expansion of the Embassy’s functions to facilitate diplomatic and civil society engagement and to expand the provision of consular services.” Officials are expected to post more information on the Embassy website in the coming weeks.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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