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An estimated 2.3 million Hispanics of Cuban origin live in the United States, with 66% of those living in Florida. For those hoping that their relatives still in Cuba may have a way to join them things just got a bit easier. 

For the last five years the U.S. Embassy services in Havana, Cuba have been fairly limited. In 2017 a series of mysterious illnesses of numerous U.S. embassy staff in Cuba caused the Trump Administration to extremely limit embassy operations, and since then Cubans wanting a U.S. visa have had to take a trip to Guyana to consular process. From Cuba to Guyana is a 4.5 hour flight, with a high price tag for the air travel. 

This spring the State Department announced that limited immigrant visa services will resume at the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba. This means that some of those seeking immigrant visas will no longer have to fly to Guyana. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba stated that “The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana, remains the primary site to process immigrant visas for residents of Cuba.  Only applicants who have received an email from the National Visa Center (NVC) notifying them that their immigrant visa appointment has been scheduled in Havana will interview in Havana.  All other immigrant visa applicants will be interviewed at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana.” 

Although processing types may change, you can check which consular services are available in Havana by clicking here. 

I Already Applied for an Immigrant Visa but Haven't had my Interview Yet - What Do I Do?

Unfortunately if you are still waiting for your consular interview, you will likely still have to fly to Guyana, but please follow whatever the instructions say on your appointment letter. If you haven't yet received an appointment notice you can check the status of your application here: Ask NVC online contact form. 

The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 is still in effect in the United States. This means that Cubans who meet certain eligibility requirements — usually being inspected or paroled after January 1, 1959, having a Cuban passport or birth certificate, and having lived in the U.S. for at least one year — may file for permanent residence (green card) by filing Form I-485 with USCIS. 

If you or your loved ones need help with an immigration petition please reach out to us at (757) 422-8472, or send us a message on our website. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys by clicking on this link.