The United States Department of State has declared the suspension of routine visa services at the U.S. Embassy situated in Port-au-Prince on April 15.
Key Points:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has halted routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments until further notice. Only expedited nonimmigrant visa appointments are being entertained, specifically for:
Life-or-death medical emergencies (supported by proof of travel plans).
Facilitating travel for a child with a confirmed USCIS naturalization interview appointment based on a Form N-600K. Detailed instructions for requesting an expedited NIV appointment can be accessed here.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants are encouraged to apply at any embassy or consulate where they are physically present and appointments are available. A comprehensive list of embassies and consulates can be accessed here. Applicants can request an expedited appointment after scheduling an interview but must provide a detailed explanation of the unique circumstances justifying the request.
Routine immigrant visa appointments are also on hold until further notice. Officials advise immigrant visa applicants who can travel to another U.S. embassy or consulate that processes immigrant visas to stay in that country throughout their visa processing and consider requesting a transfer of their case from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince. Instructions for this process can be found here.
The American Citizen Services Unit in the Consular Section continues to offer services for U.S. citizens in Haiti.
Additional Information:
Haitian nationals residing in the U.S. are reminded of the extended Temporary Protected Status re-registration period for existing beneficiaries, which runs until August 3, 2024. This extension allows for the submission of Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, at any time before August 3.
The suspension of visa services comes amid escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, triggered by a series of coordinated attacks that commenced on February 29, leading to civil unrest and a breakdown of government. The airport remains closed. Continued monitoring of the situation will be undertaken, with updates provided as information becomes available.
