Update on Consular Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has resumed limited appointments for work visas, student visas, and some immigrant visa categories, considering local conditions. Routine interviews for tourist and immigrant visas remain suspended currently.
Appointments are scheduled for nonimmigrant visas only for those who qualify for an emergency interview or are eligible for renewal with an interview waiver. Applicants should visit https://ustraveldocs.com/sv/ to schedule any of the above visa appointments.
Due to limited capacity and security precautions due to COVID-19, applicants will experience delays in appointment availability. If applicants have an urgent reason for travel, they may request an emergency appointment by following the guide found at https://ustraveldocs.com/sv/sv-niv-expeditedappointment.asp.
To protect the health and safety of our employees and the public, we follow strict social distancing practices at our facilities. All applicants are required to wear masks in the waiting rooms of our visa unit while at the Embassy. Any applicant with symptoms such as cough, sore throat or fever should reschedule their interview by contacting us at: https://ustraveldocs.com/sv/sv-niv-appointmentschedule.asp
Renewal process B1/B2
B1/B2 visa renewal applications are currently being processed for individuals who qualify for a B1/B2 visa interview waiver. Currently, the waiting time for this renewal process is longer than normal and we recommend planning your trip until you have received your visa. Applicants can use the mailbox renewal process here: https://ustraveldocs.com/sv/sv-niv-visarenew.asp
Applicants who wish to renew their B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa may be exempted from the in-person interview requirement if they meet all the requirements. Previously, only those applicants whose non-immigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver. However, the U.S. Secretary of State has temporarily extended the expiration period to 24 months. This policy is in effect until March 31, 2021.
Validity of the MRV Fee Receipt
We are working diligently to restore all routine visa operations as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, rest assured that the U.S. Embassy will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until September 30, 2022, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the fee already paid.
