COVID-19 VISA/ESTA FAQ

Q. My passport is at the Embassy following a visa application. Will it be returned to me?
A. The U.S. Embassy Paris is currently returning the passports for all visa applications that were in process with our consular section. You may track the return on your account on https://ais.usvisa-info.com. For questions about document delivery, please contact our delivery support team by email at fae_contactus+fr+courier+en@visaops.net.

GENERAL VISA QUESTIONS

Q. My appointment or my trip to the United States was cancelled, can I get a refund of my visa application fee?

A. The MRV fee, while not refundable, remains valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. When visa operations resume, you may schedule a new appointment at Embassy Paris without paying a new fee following the steps at: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-fr/niv/facilities

Q. What happens if my visa expires while in the United States and I am not able to return home due to illness or inability to fly? Am I allowed to stay?A. French nationals in the United States with questions about their status should follow guidance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found at: https://www.ice.gov/covid19

Q. I am a French citizen abroad trying to come home but my only option is a flight with a connection in the United States. Is this still possible ?
A. The restrictions in place apply to travelers who wish to transit the United States.

STUDENT VISA QUESTIONS

Q. Can I stay in the U.S. if my university has closed?
A. French students in the United States with questions about their status should follow guidance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found at: https://www.ice.gov/covid19

Q. Will remote learning from outside of the U.S. affect my visa status for the coming school year?
A. French students in the United States with questions about their status should follow guidance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement found at: https://www.ice.gov/covid19

Q. Is the U.S. Embassy’s consular service processing student visas now for next year? What should I expect if I was admitted to a U.S. university for next fall?
A. As of March 16, 2020, the United States Embassy in Paris, France is cancelling routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Student and Exchange visa applicants may schedule an appointment now for an interview later in the year, within 120 days of the start date on their DS-2019 or I-20. Do not start this process until you have a valid and current original DS-2019 or I-20 form. For application instructions, please see: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-fr/niv/facilities

ESTA QUESTIONS

Q. Will my ESTA be cancelled if I am scheduled to travel after March 13, 2020?
A. In accordance with Proclamation—Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020, the entry into the United States is suspended for most individuals, other than United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, who have been physically present within a Schengen Area country within 14 days of travel to the United States. Any traveler with a valid ESTA who attempts to travel the United States in violation of this Proclamation will have their ESTA canceled. ESTA will not refund applications that are canceled due to this Proclamation. Travelers who are subject to the Proclamation should cancel or postpone any travel until no longer subject to the Proclamation, or the Proclamation is rescinded.

Q. If my ESTA is cancelled will I get a refund?
A. No, any traveler with a valid ESTA who attempts to travel the United States in violation of the Proclamations will have their ESTA canceled. ESTA will not refund applications that are canceled due to this Proclamation.

For other ESTA related questions, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s FAQ and their Schengen Travel Proclamation section: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=fr