On August 19, 2024, the US Embassy in Havana will expand visa services to include certain categories of temporary work and exchange program visas. Cubans with temporary work petitions approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and participants in exchange visitor programs with an approved Certificate of Eligibility will be able to schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy in Havana.
This change does not include nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa) or for tourism (B-2 visa). Cubans must still travel to another US Embassy or consulate for routine B1/B2 visa interviews.
The expanded visa services at the US Embassy in Havana will include the following categories:
| H | Temporary workers or trainees |
| J | Exchange visitors |
| L | Intracompany transferees |
| O | Workers with extraordinary ability or achievement |
| P | Athletes, artists, and entertainers |
| Q | International cultural exchange participants |
| R | Members of a religious denomination performing religious work |
What to Expect
- A visa appointment is not a guarantee of visa issuance. Applicants must demonstrate their qualifications for the visa under U.S. law and regulations.
- To be scheduled for an interview appointment for categories H, L, O, P, Q, and R, applicants will be required to submit evidence of their approved petition (Form I-797 Notice of Action) from USCIS.
- To apply for an interview for a J visa, applicants must submit a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019, issued by the exchange program sponsor.
- Interviews will be scheduled only after an approved Form I-797 or Form DS-2019 have been submitted to the Embassy.
- Applicants also need to provide the required application, fees, a valid passport, and a current photo.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.