U.S. Mission in Turkey Resumes Processing of Nonimmigrant Visas on Limited Basis
November 7, 2017
Executive Summary
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The United States Mission to Turkey has resumed issuing nonimmigrant visas.
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Interviews will resume on a limited basis at the Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General in Istanbul.
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If an applicant’s appointment was cancelled during the suspension, they can go online and schedule a new appointment.
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Existing appointments can be rescheduled to an earlier date, if available.
The situation
The U.S. Mission in Turkey is now accepting appointments for nonimmigrant visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General in Istanbul. Visa issuance had been suspended since October 9 following a diplomatic dispute between the United States and Turkey. Nonimmigrant visa processing has resumed on a limited basis, so there will be reduced appointment availability.
Scheduling an interview
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Applicants whose appointment was cancelled during the suspension can reschedule using the online system.
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If a previously scheduled appointment was not cancelled, no further action is required, but existing appointments can be rescheduled to an earlier date, if available.
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Applicants with visa appointments at U.S. consulates in other countries may reschedule their interview in Turkey, but must pay all visa fees a second time. Fees are not transferable or refundable between consulates.
Urgent travel needs
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Applicants with an urgent travel need may request an expedited appointment, although approval of the request is not guaranteed.
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If an expedite request is denied, applicants may choose to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in another country. If they previously paid for visa processing in Turkey, they must pay all visa fees a second time, as noted above.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.