Haitian nationals who are in need of services for US visas face a significant challenge due to the suspension of visa services in Haiti. As the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has ceased routine immigrant visa appointments, individuals seeking to live or work permanently in the U.S. must look for alternative options.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas cater to those looking to establish a permanent residence and/or employment in the United States. For this, an individual generally requires sponsorship from a relative or employer, who must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). More information about immigrant visas can be explored at the official website.
Transferring Your Visa Case from Port-au-Prince
If you have your visa appointment set up at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, it is crucial to know that your case can be transferred to another consulate or embassy that is processing immigrant visas. However, it involves certain steps:
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Transferring When Case is at U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince:
To initiate the transfer, you are required to write to another U.S. embassy or consulate and request the shift of your case. It’s important to include evidence of your presence or the ability to remain in the country where you wish your visa process to be continued.
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Transferring When Case is Pending at National Visa Center:
For cases yet to be assigned an appointment and pending at NVC, you may contact them directly with your transfer request. Proof must be provided that shows your eligibility to stay in the proposed country throughout the visa process.
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Seeking Expedited Processing:
Applicants can also reach out for expedited handling of their application by contacting on this email NVCExpedite@state.gov with a substantive reason supporting their request.
It would help if you were mindful that expedited processing isn’t available for all categories, particularly family preference visas that are not current.
Intercountry Adoption Processing and Departure Options
The Department of State recognizes the complexities facing U.S. adoptive families amidst the recent developments in Haiti. We are dedicated to expediting the process while abiding by U.S. requirements and international obligations. Efforts are being coordinated closely with Haiti’s Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR) to facilitate exit permissions for adoptive children. It is crucial for prospective adoptive parents to maintain communication with their U.S. adoption service providers for updates.
Domestic Haitian Adoptions and Legal Naturalization Procedures
U.S. citizens, who have completed Haitian domestic adoption processes and have a scheduled interview with USCIS for an N-600K, may apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to enable their child’s attendance at the interview. This visa category, however, is intended for those children who do not plan to reside in the United States permanently.
Suspension of Non-immigrant Visa Appointments and Expedited Interviews
Noticeably, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has temporarily ceased normal non-immigrant visa services. Only specific cases, including life-or-death situations or children awaiting confirmed USCIS naturalization interviews (pertaining to an N-600K form), will be considered for expedited appointments. For instructions to request an expedited appointment, visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ht/en/nonimmigrant-visa.
Alternative Non-immigrant Visa Application Locations
Applicants seeking non-immigrant visas can look to apply at other embassies or consulates where they are physically present, assuming appointment availability exists. The complete directory can be browsed at https://www.usembassy.gov/. Additional information on appointment waiting periods can be checked on U.S. Visas (state.gov), and there exists an option to request an accelerated interview provided that adequate justification is presented by the applicant.
