On January 20, President Biden took bold action by revoking Proclamations 9645 and 9983, which had restricted issuance of visas to individuals from many Muslim and African countries.
As President Biden said: "We will not turn our backs on our values with discriminatory bans on entry to the United States." Pursuant to President Biden’s Proclamation, the visa restrictions under Proclamations 9645 and 9983 are no longer applicable.
The restrictions under those proclamations had applied to certain applicants from the following countries: Burma, Eritrea, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Over the coming weeks, pursuant to the Proclamation issued by President Biden, the Department will develop a proposal to ensure that individuals whose immigrant visa applications were denied on the basis of the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by Proclamation 9645 or 9983 may have their applications reconsidered. More details will be forthcoming.
· The State Department will also develop a plan to ensure that visa applicants are not prejudiced as a result of a previous visa denial due to the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by Proclamation 9645 or 9983 if they choose to re‑apply for a visa.
· The State Department is committed to ensuring that the highest security standards are met in adjudication of visa applications and pursuant to direction from President Biden, will develop a plan to strengthen international partnerships to help improve our screening and vetting process.
· Interview wait times vary by location and have been severely affected by COVID‑related limitations. In the United Kingdom, following the UK national lockdown effective January 5, 2021, visa appointments remain limited for all applicants. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. COVID travel restrictions for those physically present in the UK remain in place.
