Frequently Asked Questions on Executive Order: “Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals”

A new U.S. Presidential Executive Order temporarily suspends the entry of nationals from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen into the United States.  As of January 27, 2017, nationals of these seven countries will not be permitted to enter the United States or be issued an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa for 90 days.

Q: Should I attend my interview?

At this time, applicants from one of these seven countries are advised NOT to attend their interview as appointments have been cancelled.  If you are an applicant from one of these seven countries scheduled for a non-immigrant visa interview during the next 90 days, please contact support-Egypt@ustraveldocs.com.

For updates, please visit:

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/news/executive-order-on-protecting-the-nation-from-terrorist-attacks-by-foreign-nationals.html

Q: I have a valid visa. Can I use it?

If you are a national of Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Libya, your visa has been effectively cancelled and is not valid for travel.  At this time, we do not know if and when your visa will be able to be renewed.

For updates please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

Q: I am a dual citizen. Can I travel to the United States?

This Executive Order does not restrict the travel of dual nationals, so long as they hold the passport of an unrestricted country and possess a valid U.S. visa.  They may resume travel to the United States.

Our Embassies and Consulates around the world will process visa applications and issue nonimmigrant and immigrant visas to otherwise eligible visa applicants who apply with a passport from an unrestricted country, even if they hold dual nationality from one of the seven restricted countries.

Q: Am I eligible to receive a waiver (an exemption to this ban)?

At this time, applicants and visa holders with Yemeni, Iranian, Iraqi, Somali, Sudanese, Syrian or Libyan are advised to contact DHS regarding waivers.

Q: Can LPRs who are also citizens of these nationalities travel to the United States?

Currently, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), i.e. U.S. green card holders, with one of these nationalities are exempt from this U.S. Presidential Executive Order. The Department of Homeland Security is working with airlines and airports to ensure that LPRs are not prevented from boarding international flights to the United States. We recommend that LPRs continue to monitor the DHS website for further updates: www.dhs.gov.

Q: I have not used my visa. Can I renew it?

If you are a national of Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Libya, your visa has been effectively cancelled and is not valid for travel.   At this time, we do not know if and when your visa will be able to be renewed.

Q: What is the status of Iraqi SIVs?

The U.S. Government has determined that it is in the national interest to allow Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders to continue to travel to the United States.

Iraqis who have already received valid Special Immigrant Visas may use them to travel to the United States, and our embassies and consulates overseas will continue to process and issue SIVs to applicants who are otherwise qualified.

Please continue to monitor travel.state.gov for further updates.