Effective today, August 19, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Havana has expanded its consular services. This now includes the granting of certain visa categories that had been suspended.
It is important to note that obtaining a visa appointment does not guarantee approval. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet all requirements established by U.S. law in order to obtain their visa.
To request an interview for the new categories (H, L, O, P, Q, and R), applicants must submit a Notice of Action (Form I-797) approved by USCIS. Those applying for a J visa must have Form DS-2019 issued by the sponsor of the exchange program. Interviews will only be scheduled once the duly approved Forms I-797 or DS-2019 have been submitted to the embassy.
In addition to these documents, applicants must submit the required application, pay the applicable fees, and provide a valid passport and a recent photo.
The new measure will allow Cuban citizens to schedule visa interviews at the embassy. Those who benefit primarily are those who with temporary work petitions approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Participants in exchange visitor programs who have an approved Certificate of Eligibility are also eligible.
The expansion covers visas for temporary workers, trainees, exchange visitors, intra-company transferees, workers with extraordinary abilities or achievements, athletes, artists, entertainers, as well as participants in international cultural exchange programs and members of religious denominations who perform work related to their faith.
Tourist visa to the United States
However, this change does not affect B1/B2 nonimmigrant visas, intended for business and tourism travel, which remain suspended in Havana, forcing applicants to go to other U.S. embassies or consulates to obtain these visas.
For more details, interested parties may visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Havana or the USCIS portal for specific information on processing temporary worker petitions.
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