On May 15, the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) updated their Covid-19 information page FAQ regarding the continuing suspension of routine visa services by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), originally announced on the DOS travel.state.gov website. Below is the full entry:
FUTURE PROGRAMS (Updated 5/15/2020)
In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State has temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Our overseas missions will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but we are unable to provide a specific date at this time.
Visas that are currently valid will remain valid. Travelers may be subject to entry restrictions or quarantined if they choose to travel to the United States.
Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) sponsors are reminded to continue to follow guidance that ECA/EC has posted at j1visas.state.gov, e.g., reconfirming summer placements, ensuring exchange visitors not take positions U.S. workers might fill, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of any participants and the Americans with whom they may interact. ECA/EC thanks sponsors for their continued support of the EVP through these unprecedented times.