Due to growing concerns about the surge in COVID-19, the United States temporarily cancelled the face-to-face interview requirements for certain work visa categories (H-1B, L-1, and O-1) on Thursday (local time).
The department announced that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into the third year, the State Council will temporarily abolish the face-to-face interview requirements for certain work visa categories in 2022 to ease visa issuance.
Applicants applying for H-1B, L-1 and O-1 visas from abroad do not need to have a face-to-face interview at the US consulate, which is usually the last step before visa issuance. These categories represent the most common visa types used by companies to attract highly skilled overseas talent.
Consular officials are now temporarily authorized until December 31, 2022, to exempt certain non-immigrant work visas based on personal petitions and their qualified derivatives from face-to-face interviews in the following categories: Special professionals (H-1B visa), interns Or special education visitors (H-3 visa), internal transfer personnel (L visa), individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements (O visa), athletes, artists and entertainers (P visa), and participation in international cultural exchange programs (Q visa), add the release of the US Department of State.
In addition, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has extended the current ability of consular officials to exempt face-to-face interviews until December 31, 2022, which applies to the following other categories of non-immigrant visas: temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers (H -2) Visas), students (F and M visas) and student exchange visitors (academic J visas).
We recognize the many contributions that international tourists make to our community and campus. Finally, the press release added that for applicants who renewed the same visa category within 48 months after the expiration of the previous visa, the authorization to exempt face-to-face interviews has been extended indefinitely.
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