US consulates in Canada to limit visa appointments

Due to a planned system upgrade starting in mid-February and an anticipated service interruption, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Canada will begin taking fewer visa appointments from applicants applying for nonimmigrant visas to enter the U.S.

Applicants are encouraged to schedule appointments as early as possible before the temporary disruption. Currently, the consulates are not booking appointments after the first week of February.

Third-country foreign nationals in the U.S. who are planning to travel to Canada to renew their American visas should be mindful of longer wait times for appointments before making travel plans.

The service interruption, which could last a few weeks, is caused by an upgrade to the online appointment-scheduling system used by the embassy and consulates. Once the upgrade is complete, additional time slots will be open for visa appointments.

BAL Analysis: It is unclear how long the disruption to visa appointments will last, but it could extend through spring break, making it difficult for families to travel to Canada to renew their visas. Foreign nationals should schedule their appointments as early as possible to mitigate delays in the renewal process and disruptions to work and travel schedules. They may also contact their BAL attorney, who may be able to assist.

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