Visa Revalidations Could End by Sep 30, 2004
Posted May 07, 2004

As regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers are aware, it is possible in certain instances to obtain a visa reissued from within the United States without having to leave the U.S. to at a consulate abroad. This is done through the U.S. Department of State. More information is available in our January 16, 2004 article, Newest DS-156 Needed for Revalidation, available on MurthyDotCom. The processing times for revalidations run from ten to twelve weeks and sometimes longer. Therefore, persons planning late summer or early fall travel should be mindful of this timeframe. Additionally, it may be wise for those who qualify for revalidation to obtain new visas even if they are not planning travel. The reason for this is that the future of the revalidation unit after October 1, 2004 is uncertain.

Beginning October 1, 2004, all visas must include a biometric indicator. This means a fingerprint is needed. The revalidation unit is not equipped to fingerprint visa applicants. Therefore, unless some alternative solution can be worked out, such as the acceptance of fingerprinting at USCIS Support Centers, the revalidation unit will not be able to reissue visas on or after September 30, 2004 from within the United States. Efforts are being made to resolve this matter, but there is not yet any easy solution. Therefore, until further notice it should be assumed that the revalidation process will end on September 30, 2004.