Consular Corner & Travel Tips

Visa Applications Abroad

Administrative processing on visa applications can be lengthy and processing times can be unpredictable. The type of administrative check conducted on a visa applicant at a U.S. Embassy or Consular post varies depending on the type of security clearance required for the individual visa applicant. Administrative processing and security checks can only be initiated after an applicant leaves the U.S. and applies for his or her visa. Many clients are now experiencing administrative processing delays for nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirate, and Yemen.

In addition to administrative processing, U.S. Embassies and Consulates in China, India and the Philippines have heightened the scrutiny of visa applications in response to high fraud rates. Blanket L and L-1B applications are reviewed closely and applicants must provide thorough evidence regarding the nature of their specialized knowledge. B-1 applications must contain sufficient documentation outlining the proposed meeting/program in the U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has recently speared efforts to investigate potential fraud within the B-1 category.

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