When did State Department suspend routine visa services worldwide due to COVID-19?

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State Department suspended routine visa services worldwide on March 20, 2020, as COVID-19 spread globally. The department cancelled all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments at embassies and consulates. On April 23, 2020, Trump issued a proclamation suspending immigrant visa entry for 60 days, claiming it protected Americans from job competition during economic recovery. On June 22, 2020, Trump extended the immigrant visa ban through December 31, 2020, and expanded it to suspend H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and certain J-1 nonimmigrant workers. Geographic travel bans had started earlier: China (January 31, 2020), Iran (February 29, 2020), Schengen Area/UK/Ireland (March 2020), and Brazil (May 2020). Biden lifted most COVID restrictions in October 2021.

When did State Department suspend routine visa services worldwide due to COVID-19?

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