Delays in Visa Revalidation Cases : March 2003
Posted Jun 06, 2003

Many passports submitted for visa revalidation to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) in March 2003 are being delayed due to a software problem. The software did not detect the data on portions of the Form DS-156. The problem has been resolved and the cases are undergoing reprocessing. Once the data is accurately entered, the particular cases will be taken in order based on the date of filing. They will be delayed, however. Regular processing will continue while the March 2003 cases are being redone. Cases filed after March 2003, therefore, may be processed before the March cases. At present, the timeframe for revalidation is 10-12 weeks.

Revalidation is available for certain employment-based, nonimmigrant visas like the H1B and the L-1. The term "revalidation" relates to the issuance of a new, extended visa in the same category as a visa previously issued to an individual. It is not possible to get a visa in a new category via revalidation. New visa categories must be processed at the consulate. More information on revalidation is available on the DOS WebSite. If "revalidation" is entered as a search term, resulting links provide instructions in each of the permitted visa categories.

In the event that an applicant cannot wait until processing is complete, it is possible to withdraw the revalidation request. The instructions and fax number for withdrawals are also available on the DOS WebSite. In the event of request withdrawal, the passport will be returned prior to issuance of the revalidated visa. No timeframe is given for return of the passport following the withdrawal request, though, generally, it takes a week or two in cases of emergency travel.