The U.S. Embassy has announced new procedures for Zimbabweans applying for nonimmigrant visas. Applicants are now required to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. For Zimbabwean citizens living in Zimbabwe, this means applying at the United States Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zimbabweans not residing in Zimbabwe must apply for a visa in their current country of residence and provide proof of residency there. The embassy also clarified that fees paid for applications outside an applicant’s country of residence will not be refunded.
There is an update regarding C1/D (transit/crew member) visas: “The validity of C1/D (transit/crew member) visas for Zimbabwean applicants has been extended to 24 months with multiple entry. Applications for C1/D visas may be submitted at the U.S. Embassy in Johannesburg at this time.” The U.S. Embassy in Harare continues its pause on routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services.
Routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Harare remain paused except for most diplomatic and official visas. As stated, “The U.S. Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, continues its pause on all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services except for most diplomatic and official visas. Zimbabwean applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas currently resident in Zimbabwe should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S Embassy in Johannesburg unless their residence is elsewhere.”
Applicants seeking F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas are now asked to adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts to ‘public’ so officials can verify identity and admissibility as required by law.
Those with scheduled interviews will be contacted when rescheduling becomes possible. Wait times vary by location, but those applying outside their home country or place of residence should expect longer waits and possibly greater difficulty qualifying; application fees will not be refunded under these circumstances.
Despite these changes, routine and emergency American Citizens Services will continue as normal.
The Department of State said it remains dedicated to maintaining national security through strict visa processes aimed at preventing overstays and misuse: “The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa processes, preventing overstay and visa misuse.”