Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Brasilia, Brazil (May 4, 2020)
Location: Brazil
Event: Update on Immigrant Visa Appointments and Lawful Permanent Resident Status during COVID-19
Pursuant to U.S. Presidential Proclamation 11014, issued April 22, 2020, the entry into the United States of foreign nationals as immigrants was suspended as of 11:59 PM on April 23, 2020, for 60 days except for certain excepted categories.
Unless covered by an exception, the Presidential Proclamation prevents the issuance of immigrant visas: (1) to parents, siblings (and their families), and adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens or (2) to spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. The Presidential Proclamation is in effect until June 22, 2020, unless renewed by the President.
In response to public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro has suspended all non-emergency immigrant visa appointments at this time. Emergency appointments are available only in extremely limited cases. Immigrant visa applicants with scheduled appointments may submit a request for an emergency appointment through our YATRI scheduling service. We will resume routine immigrant visa services as soon as possible, but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.
Regarding Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not modified any regular USCIS policies regarding LPR regulations. Those that remain outside the U.S. for more than a year would be subject to loss of their LPR status. For any questions related to LPR status, please go to the USCIS website.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep all of our applicants and employees safe during this global health crisis.
Actions to Take:
- Review the Presidential Proclamation here.
- Visit Consulate General Rio de Janeiro’s Immigrant Visa webpage for more information and to check back for updates on when operations will return to normal.
- For any questions related to LPR status, please go to the USCIS website.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and Messages from the U.S. Embassy.
