The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has acknowledged a recent US policy temporarily suspending immigrant visa processing for several countries, including Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Following engagement with the United States Embassy in Barbados, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis confirmed it has received official clarification on the scope and application of this measure and how the changes will impact citizens.
Based on the information provided:
- The directive applies only to immigrant visas, which relate to long-term residency.
- Non-immigrant visas, including those for tourism, business, study, and short-term travel, are not affected by this measure.
- US authorities have indicated that immigrant visa applications will continue to be accepted and processed; however, all such applications are currently being refused under Section 221(g) of US immigration law. This is a procedural refusal issued where additional information or guidance is required to complete adjudication.
- These refusals are administrative in nature and will be applied with further guidance from US authorities on enhanced vetting and screening procedures, including considerations related to public charge assessments.
- The directive does not apply to dual nationals who are travelling on passports of countries not included in the list.
- Exceptions may also apply on a case-by-case basis.
“Acknowledging the fact that the US Government has a right to implement national security measures, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is also committed to protecting the interests of its people,” it said.
What is the US Visa suspension?
On Wednesday (14 January), the US government announced that it will suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, a sweeping measure that effectively blocks several key pathways to permanent residency in the United States.
While immigrant visas are frozen, US authorities have indicated that applications may still be submitted, though they will not be finalised under the current directive.