Impacting foreign workers, immigrants, and international students, the suspension of consular services has been one of the most disruptive features of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report provides an update on the re-opening and continued closures of high-traffic U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa, Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Brazil While routine nonimmigrant visa services remain suspended, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil are processing student visa applications, visa applications for those who are exempted from Presidential Proclamation 10143, as well as National Interest Exceptions for qualified travelers. China Green card applicants will be relieved to hear that immigrant visa services are now operating normally at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. Limited appointments for certain nonimmigrant visa categories, including all F visas, certain J, M, C1/D visas, and emergency, mission-critical, travelers are available. Direct travel to the United States from Mainland China remains restricted under Presidential Proclamation 9984 for other travelers not covered by a National Interest Exception or exempted by a Presidential Proclamation. India The U.S. consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad remain closed, while operations in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata continue on a limited basis. To offset closures, consular sections across India are now accepting […]