The U.S. Embassy in Havana is expanding select visa services, effective August 19, 2024. Cuban nationals with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved temporary employment petitions, exchange visitor program participants with an approved Certificate of Eligibility can schedule a visa interview at the Havana embassy. Below are the visa categories included in the expanded visa services at the U.S. embassy in Havana:
H – Temporary workers or trainees
J – Exchange visitors
L – Intracompany transferees
O – Workers with extraordinary ability or achievement
P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers
Q – International cultural exchange participants
R – Members of a religious denomination performing religious work
Interview slots for nonimmigrant visas for those wanting to enter the U.S. temporarily are not available. This includes the B-1 and B-2 visas. Cuban nationals wishing to travel to the U.S. are required to travel to another U.S. Embassy or consulate for routing B1/B2 interviews.
Visa appointments must provide proof of their qualifications. The appointment itself is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued. Individuals requesting H, L, O, P, Q, and R visas are required to provide evidence of their approved petition, Form I-797 Notice of Action, from USCIS. Individuals applying for a J visa must submit a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019, issued by the sponsor of the exchange program. Interview are only available for scheduling after an approved Form I-797 or Form DS-2019 is received by the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. All related applications, fees, valid passport, and a current photo are also required.
If you have questions about the process or any other U.S. immigration related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We work with our clients to ensure they get the right advice for their particular situations.
