All visa Application and Issuance process in Israel has come to a full stop. To put the current security situation in perspective, there are 2 or 3 waves of incoming missiles every evening. The American Embassy has ordered its personnel to shelter in place until further notice and yesterday authorized the voluntary departure of family members and others in Mission Israel. If the situation does not change soon, we may expect to see a more comprehensive ordered departure of U.S. government personnel.
The Tel Aviv E Visa Unit wrote that they were “Currently, cancelling E interviews scheduled for this week. If the security situation continues, we will most likely cancel interviews scheduled for next week.”
The Tel Aviv Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) section wrote the following about upcoming visa appointments: “Due to the ongoing current security situation in Israel, the Embassy will be closed to the public this week. We will notify applicants whether their appointment scheduled for next week will take place closer to the appointment day.”
U.S. Ambassador Huckabee reported on some minor damage to the Embassy Branch Office building in Tel Aviv from concussions of an Iranian missile that hit nearby.
Useful FAQs on Visa and Status Matters:
Q: I entered the U.S. under ESTA and am scheduled to fly back to Israel in the next few days. There are currently no flights in or out of Israel. What should I do to avoid being considered an overstay?
A: It is possible to request “satisfactory departure,” a form of relief that USCIS can grant due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstance preventing timely departure. Satisfactory departure can provide an additional 30-day period of authorized stay beyond the 90-day ESTA limit. More information here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/immigration-relief-in-emergencies-or-unforeseen-circumstances
Q: I am an American citizen in Israel and am now urgently looking at options for getting back asap. What evacuation or departure options do I have?
A: The U.S. Embassy published a notice on June 15th, indicating that evacuation plans for U.S. citizens are not being considered. It also confirmed that Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and that there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there. The Embassy notice gives detailed information on how U.S. citizens can use the 3 land crossings into Jordan.
https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-jerusalem-29/
Q: If I am outside of Israel, can I apply for my visa at the U.S. Embassy in the country other than Israel?
A: Yes. As a third country national your appointment wait times may be longer than for nationals of the specific country, but you are entitled to apply for a visa at any U.S. consular section in any country. The State Department publishes Global Visa Wait times here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html
Q: I interviewed for a visa a few days before the war broke out. My application was approved, but my passport is still with the Embassy. How can I try to get it back?
A: The Consular Section is still monitoring its various communications portals so you can try contacting them through the online communication form (link at the end of this response). In an emergency you might try calling the Embassy’s switchboard and leaving a message for the Consular Duty Officer, with your contact details.
Embassy Jerusalem: Phone # 02-630-4000
Tel Aviv Branch Office Phone# 03-519-7575
Q: I was issued an immigrant visa but will be unable to travel to the U.S. before its expiration date. Will I be able to extend the validity because of the current security situation?
A: The U.S. Consular Section in Jerusalem is authorized to issue a replacement immigrant visa if the applicant is unable to use it during its validity because of reasons beyond the applicant’s control and for which the applicant is not responsible. The current security situation will likely be considered a solid basis for a replacement visa.
Our firm stands ready to assist. If you have any questions, please email: michael@wildeslaw.com