As part of the visa application process at Embassies, applicants are subject to a background screening process. In accordance with Department of State (“DOS”) procedures the consular officer may determine that “additional information from sources other than the applicant may help establish an applicant’s eligibility for a visa” requiring “administrative processing.”
The catch all “administrative processing” is a term that encompasses a variety of reasons for the delay in issuance of the visa. Having an application fall into the “administrative processing” category brings the visa processing clock to a standstill. The term may mean that there is a need for DOS to conduct additional background checks or security clearances. It could also mean that the applicant must obtain a waiver, or there is a need for further examination of an applicant’s educational or professional credentials. Or it could simply mean that DOS has not received the paperwork it needs from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Unfortunately, the applicant is rarely provided details or how it can be resolved in a timely manner. As such administrative processing could stretch to six months and in some cases, even years.
Fortunately, on May 19, 2023, DOS announced its latest effort to streamline the security screening of visa applicants. DOS will now be using new technology and enhanced coordination between the agencies to “reduce the number of visa applications that require administrative processing on security grounds”, whilst upholding “strict national security protections.” DOS reports it has reduced dramatically, the number of visa applicants who wait for administrative processing by coordinating with other federal agencies through the National Vetting Center.
Given extensive security screenings are a regular part of the visa application process, DOS notes that since adopting the new vetting process in October 2022 most cases that would have required additional administrative processing by consular officers were able to be “resolved immediately without additional, time-consuming handling.” This is exciting news as international summer travel gears up and many must obtain new visa stamps to travel to the US.