The US Department of State sent the following email out this morning (March 17,2020) with an update on H2A visa processing:
Notice to H-2 Petitioners/Aviso a los peticionarios H-2
Notice to H-2 Petitioners: In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will cancel routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020. This includes both visa interviews at the consulate as well as processing at The Centros de Atención a Solicitantes (CAS).
We intend to continue processing H2 cases but will need to modify our procedures in order to facilitate the social distancing recommended by health authorities. The U.S. Consulate General Monterrey will prioritize the processing of returning H-2 workers who are eligible for an interview waiver. Because limited interview appointments will be available, we may cancel some first-time applicant appointments that have already been scheduled. If circumstances change, we will contact you with additional information.
As a reminder, “returning H-2 workers (IW)” are applicants whose H-2A or H-2B visas have expired in the last twelve months and are now applying for the same visa classification and did not require a waiver the last time they applied for a visa. Please do not make IW appointments for first-time applicants or applicants who require an interview every year due to law enforcement or immigration violations. First-time applications will not be processed if they are submitted as returning applicants. “
Please contact me with any questions.
Respectfully,
Laura Kilian
Legislative Director
NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Cell: (252) 425-1889
