The U.S. State Department has provided updated information regarding its recently announced fee exemption for some immigrant visa applicants denied visas under Trump-era travel bans.

Under the terms of the exemption, immigrant visa applicants do not need to pay fees if:

  • The applicant was previously denied an immigrant visa on or between Dec. 8, 2017, and Jan. 19, 2020.
  • The sole ground of ineligibility was based on Presidential Proclamation 9645 or presidential Proclamation 9983.
  • The applicant is applying again for an immigrant visa.

In an FAQ posted this week, the State Department provided additional details about who qualifies for the exemption and who does not. Applicants who had a visa denied under the Trump-era entry bans are encouraged to review the FAQ and contact BAL if they believe they qualify for the exemption.

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

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