President Biden has let former President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation 10052, which temporarily suspended the entry of certain H-1B, H-2B, J (for certain categories within the Exchange Visitor Program), and L nonimmigrants, expire on March 31, 2021. In their announcement regarding the expiration of PP 10052, the Department of State (DOS) noted that “visa applicants who have not yet been interviewed or scheduled for an interview will have their applications prioritized and processed in accordance with existing Visa Services Operating Status Update guidance.” Additionally, DOS notes that visa applicants who were previously refused visas due to the restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 10052 may now reapply by submitting a new application along with a new fee.

The DOS also states that the resumption of routine visa services, prioritized after services to US citizens, is occurring on a post-by-post basis, to ensure the safety for workforce at Department facilities. Since March 2020, US Embassies/Consulates have continued to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services and will continue to as far as they are able. When post-specific conditions improve, DOS missions will begin providing additional services, leading to a complete resumption of routine visa services. Applicants should check the website of their nearest US Embassy/Consulate for updates on what services each post is providing.