Department of State "Spot Checks" of Approved Visa Applications

A Department of State June 8, 2002 cable was released this week announcing a new official policy requiring spot checks of approved nonimmigrant visa applications. The new policy is effective immediately.

The cable reinforces a policy that has been in effect for quite some time even though it was not directly included in the Foreign Affairs Manual. The cable notes the official addition of the policy. Pursuant to the cable and the updated Foreign Affairs Manual, the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Chief, the Visa Chief or the Consular Section Chief must spot check approved nonimmigrant visa applications (H-1B, H-4, B-1, O, etc.). The purpose of such spot checks is to maintain the highest professional standards of adjudication and to ensure uniform and correct application of the law and regulations. The cable specifically references performing spot checks generally of issued visas. This could mean that a visa may be revoked if issues arise as a result of the random check.

Return to GT Immigration Observer Table of Contents