December 6, 2001 - As of December 3, 2001, Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are again eligible to schedule nonimmigrant visa appointments with U.S. posts in Canada or Mexico through the MINACS system by calling 900-443-3131 or accessing the web site www.nvars.com.

Nevertheless, these consular sections are likely to cancel appointments for people whom they deem require additional security checks (which probably includes men ages 16 to 45 from the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) and TCNs are advised to wait five business days after scheduling their nonimmigrant visa interviews with posts in Canada and Mexico before making travel plans in case they are contacted by phone or e-mail during this period that the appointment has been cancelled.

If the applicant’s appointment has not been cancelled within five business days, it can be assumed that the interview will proceed.

Madeline Fain Ellis, Attorney
Berry, Appleman & Leiden LLP
Northern Virginia Office