Effective August 19, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Havana is offering more visa services. Cuban citizens with a USCIS approved temporary employment petition, exchange visitor program participants with an approved Certificate of Eligibility can now schedule visa interviews at the embassy. Below are the visa categories included in the expanded visa services:
- H Visas: For temporary workers or trainees
- J Visas: For exchange visitors
- L Visas: For intracompany transferees
- O Visas: For workers with extraordinary skills
- P Visas: For athletes, artists, and entertainers
- Q Visas: For cultural exchange participants
- R Visas: For religious workers
However, the embassy will not process B-1 or B-2 visas for temporary visits. Cuban nationals needing these visas must go to another U.S. Embassy or consulate.
To schedule a visa appointment, you must show proof of your qualifications. Having an appointment does not guarantee a visa. For H, L, O, P, Q, and R visas, you need to provide the approved petition, Form I-797. For J visas, you need to show the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019, from your exchange program sponsor. Interviews can only be scheduled after the embassy receives the necessary forms. You also need to provide related applications, fees, a valid passport, and a recent photo.
If you have questions about the process or any other U.S. immigration-related issue, contact us. We work with our clients every step of the way throughout their immigration journeys.