As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread around the world, the U.S. government has suspended visa services and canceled interview appointments for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Applicants have been notified electronically, and embassies and consulates have posted notices of the suspension on their websites. \n\nAt the time of this alert, most U.S. embassies and consulates have suspended visa services, including but not limited to those in Austria, Denmark, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This information was first reported by
France ESTA. \n
Automatic cancellation of Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) authorizations due to COVID-19
\nIndividuals traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) but subject to restrictions limiting entry to Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, and Ireland have had their authorization preemptively canceled in the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). In the online FAQs published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the authorities explain that travelers whose ESTA is canceled solely due to COVID-19 restrictions will be able to reapply at a later date. \n
Extensions to the Visa Waiver Program
\nForeign nationals admitted under ESTA who, due to issues related to the COVID-19 crisis, find themselves unable to depart the United States before the end of their current admission period, may benefit from an extension of their stay. Normally, visitors holding an ESTA/VWP are admitted to the United States for a period of 90 days, without the possibility of modifying or extending their stay. \n\nHowever, under federal regulations, if an emergency prevents a VWP visitor from leaving the United States during the authorized period of stay, a "soft departure" period may be granted for up to 30 days (provided that the request is made during the admission period and that the person is still in an emergency situation at the time of the request). If the individual subsequently departs the United States within the approved flexible departure period, the individual is considered to have made a timely departure without exceeding the permitted time limit. \n\nFlexible Departure requests are generally processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, USCIS offices are closing until at least April 15, according to the agency's announcement. All physical appointments have been canceled and will be rescheduled. Note that the closures do not yet affect USCIS service centers, which process most immigration petitions and applications submitted by mail. \n\nUnder these extraordinary circumstances, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may adjudicate flexible departure requests. Some people admitted under ESTA may be stuck in US airports due to canceled flights. Where applicable, CBP has the authority to grant flexible departure if the individual is awaiting a canceled flight and the ESTA admission period expires before the traveler can depart. \n
Extensions for ESTA travelers stranded at JFK Airport
\nAt the time of this alert, only individuals who have been admitted to the United States through John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK), and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, may contact the Office of deferred CBP inspections at JFK and request a flexible departure for up to 30 days. \n\nIndividuals and their attorneys are permitted to request a flexible departure if the individual's period of stay expires in 14 days or less, from the day they contact the JFK Office of Deferred Inspections. If their VWP/ESTA admission period has expired, the decision to grant a flexible departure will be considered on a case-by-case basis.\n
