May 7, 2002

Visa Revalidation Through the Department of State & Security Concerns

Due to additional security checks being conducted by the Department of State (DOS), the Revalidation Unit at the DOS Visa Office has been rejecting applications for visa revalidation. The Revalidation Unit has advised that the DS-157 form responses sometimes trigger a "Visa Condor" check. The Condor is a 30-day background check, which is not triggered solely by identity. When the Condor is triggered, the Revalidation Unit will not issue the visa and the application is returned.

The State Department will not divulge what triggers the security concerns. If the application is returned, the foreign national must apply for the visa outside of the U.S. The individual will be subject to the Condor check at that time. If there is no response when the application is made from the Condor check, then the visa can be issued.

Individuals who are subject to the additional security checks should consider the extended timeframes for visa issuance (see November 19, 2001 News Flash, Update on Security Clearances). In these cases, visa issuance can take anywhere from 20 days to 60 days or more. During this time, the foreign national will not be able to return to the U.S.

To avoid unexpected delays and to address issues that may arise, immigration counsel should be contacted prior to any travel outside of the U.S.

Courtesy of Immigration Lawyers Association