July 8, 2003

Visa Revalidation Delays at the Department of State

According to the Department of State, processing times for Visa Revalidations are currently taking 15 or more weeks to process. There is also a backlog in returning passports to visa revalidation applicants when the applicants request their passports be returned prior to processing of the application. It is taking between 7 and 10 days for passports to be returned under these circumstances. GT has noticed increased processing times for visa applications being made at U.S. Consulates as well, especially those in contiguous countries and those which accept third country nationals. Those who are considering summer travel should keep these times in mind.

The Department of State accepts applications for revalidation of E, H, I, L, O and P employment category visas from applicants who hold a visa of the same category when certain criteria are met. Visa revalidation is frequently used by applicants as an alternative to applying for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy of Consulate abroad.

For further information on visa revalidations or visa applications abroad please contact the GT Business Immigration Group at imminfo@gtlaw.com.