Emami Litigation Class Member Notice
Arabic translation available
Farsi translation available
Notice of Class-Wide Relief
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has granted relief to certain visa applicants denied under Presidential Proclamation 9645 (P.P. 9645). This includes a one-time, non-transferable fee credit for a new visa application and, for eligible individuals, prioritized visa appointments. The fee credit applies to any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa at any U.S. embassy or consulate. Relief begins August 12, 2024.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you are a national of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, or Yemen; were denied a visa under P.P. 9645 between December 8, 2017, and January 20, 2021; and did not receive a waiver under P.P. 9645. The Department of State has identified approximately 24,560 eligible individuals. Attorneys will attempt to contact you using your previously provided contact information. They will NOT solicit money.
Steps to Claim Relief
1. Complete the DS-160 Form
Complete a DS-160 application form (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/). A previously completed, unused form may be used. Note your Application ID.
2. Obtain an Application Fee Credit and Schedule an Appointment
Beginning August 12, 2024, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply (https://www.usembassy.gov/) to verify eligibility, obtain a fee credit, and schedule an appointment. Use the "Contact Us" information for routine NIV/IV questions. Procedures vary by location. Use the subject line or body of your inquiry: "Emami Class Membership Verification Request."
Provide this information:
- Information from your previously denied application
Helpful additional information (if available):
- Additional information from your previously denied application
Confirmation will be provided within seven business days. If not verified, your case will be reviewed (see Section D).
3. Verified Emami Class Members
Upon verification, you'll receive a fee waiver/credit to schedule an interview. The credit must be used within 365 days. One rescheduling request is permitted within that timeframe. The consular officer will adjudicate your application without regard to your prior refusal under P.P. 9645.
4. Prioritization of Consular Interviews
Prioritized appointment scheduling will be available for one year at select embassies/consulates.
5. Smaller Posts
At some locations, fees are collected on the interview day. Contact these embassies/consulates by August 12, 2025. The list of locations is current as of the date this notice was posted and will not be actively updated.
6. Form DS-5535
Bring Form DS-5535 if required. Electronic submission after your interview is preferred for faster processing.
Additional Information for Specific Visa Types
1. Class Members Previously Refused Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visa applicants refused on or after January 20, 2020, could restart without paying a new fee. Those refused between December 8, 2017, and January 19, 2020, are eligible for a fee exemption (22 C.F.R. section 42.71(b)(3)). Contact the appropriate immigrant visa unit. The Department will expedite consideration of class members who were previously refused an immigrant visa application.
2. Class Members Previously Refused a Nonimmigrant Visa Now Seeking an Immigrant Visa
Eligible individuals may request a fee waiver via the National Visa Center (NVC) at https://nvc.state.gov/inquiry. Use the subject line or body of your inquiry: "Emami Class Membership Verification Request". Provide the same information as above.
Dispute Resolution
If your class membership is disputed or unverified, your case will be referred to the Department of State for review (within 21 business days). If you disagree with the Department's decision, contact class counsel at www.waiversettlement.com. For additional support, visit https://waiversettlement.com/.