Impact of Reversion of Macau to Chinese Authority on Visa Applications
Posted Jan 17, 2000

The Department of State announced that the reversion of Macau to Chinese authority on December 20, 1999, will result in only slight changes to NIV processing for its residents. The prior rules for the non-immigrant visa (NIV) reciprocity schedule for Macau will continue in effect and new travel documents for Macau residents have been approved for U.S. visa issuance.

The impact on immigrant processing (IV) for nationals of Macau will however be substantial, since the U.S. Congress recessed without taking action to accord Macau nationals a separate chargeability under the DV Program. Effective from December 20, Macau residents would have to be chargeable to the PRC for IV purposes and will no longer be eligible for the diversity visa program. INS was required to complete all DV cases of Macau nationals on or before December 20, 1999. It is not clear if Congress will accord some retroactive rights after its recess in January 2000.