DOS Announces Visa Processing Delays
Posted Sep 06, 2002

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced at the end of August 2002, that all Nonimmigrant Visa applications are experiencing "substantial delays of six to eight weeks or more." The DOS notice repeatedly cites security concerns and additional required procedures as the cause of the delays. This statement notice coincides with a similar update we reported in the August 30, 2002 MurthyBulletin regarding delays at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai, Chennai on Security Requirements and Visa Issuance, available on MurthyDotCom. The notice states that DOS, along with other government agencies, has been extensively reviewing visa issuance practices in light of post-9/11 security concerns.

Visa applications now undergo added security measures and greater scrutiny, resulting in longer processing times. DOS states that it is "doing everything possible to meet the legitimate needs of prospective travelers consistent with the priority we must attach to our security and legal responsibilities." DOS' main priority is to ensure that persons who receive visas do not pose a security threat and the notice advises that this responsibility takes precedence over all other considerations. DOS suggests that applicants build in sufficient time to allow for the expected processing delays.

Delays in processing will be a fact of life for some time, as DOS continues to implement the new security systems. Congress required some of the additional security measures to be put into place on or before September 11, 2002. The DOS states that it cannot predict the precise visa processing timeframes, as the new procedures will need refining. However, those applicants specifically subject to additional levels of screening can expect delays of at least six to eight weeks prior to final decisions regarding visa issuance.