Blue Ink Now Accepted by National Visa Center

Immigration law is full of complex legal and procedural concerns. At times, however, simple matters and small details can create disruptions within the system. Such is the case with a recent problem, which has since been resolved, at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) National Visa Center (NVC), related to the color of the ink used to sign certain forms.

Forms Signed in Blue Rejected by NVC

During several sessions of the 2013 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference in June, concern was raised over the NVC’s new practice of rejecting certain types of forms signed by applicants and/or attorneys using blue ink. This was apparently connected to a strict interpretation of instructions that referenced using black ink to fill out forms. While this problem may seem minor, such rejections create delays and general frustration, because signatures must often be obtained from overseas.

DOS / NVC Quickly Resolve Problem

DOS officials in attendance at the AILA conference quickly confirmed that DOS had rectified the matter, once it was brought to their attention. Within a few days, the DOS announced that the NVC would return to its practice of accepting documents signed in either blue or black ink. Forms previously rejected for being signed in blue may be resubmitted.

Conclusion

Murthy Law Firm attorneys, other leaders in the field, and senior government officials were invited to speak at the AILA conference to address many far-weightier concerns, but concern over ink color is a real-world example of the types of seemingly minor, clerical-type matters that must be attended to in all immigration cases. The Murthy Law Firm is pleased that this was quickly resolved with minimal disruption.

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific or particular circumstance. It is not to be construed as legal advice nor presumed indefinitely up to date.