The State Department has suspended visa services at the US Embassy in Kabul.
- All appointments for nonimmigrant visas, immigrant visas, and Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) at the US Embassy in Kabul are canceled.
- In an update posted on Friday, August 20, the State Department said all efforts are currently dedicated to evacuations out of Afghanistan, prioritizing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States, along with eligible family members, followed by State Department locally employed staff; personnel from partner nations and international organizations; Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders and applicants; certain immigrant visa applicants; Afghans who would be eligible for P1/P2 refugee programs; and certain Afghans at risk.
- The State Department has and will provide eligible immigrant visa applicants and Special Immigrant Visa applicants with further instructions regarding evacuation and relocation.
- Immigrant visa applicants outside of Afghanistan may request their case be transferred to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete processing.
- Afghan nationals who are eligible for the SIV program who have not yet done so, are encouraged to submit one complete application package to the National Visa Center (AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov) to facilitate processing in an expeditious manner.
Erickson Insights
The security situation in Kabul and across Afghanistan continues to change. The State Department will continue to provide updates via their travel advisories.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.