Tag: us visas

Yesterday, the Department of State (DOS) announced that the technological visa system issues experienced by U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe have been corrected. All visa-issuing embassies and consulates are now back online. Visa interviews are again being scheduled and nonimmigrant and immigrant visas are once again being issued. More than 300,000 nonimmigrant visas […]

As we reported last week, the Bureau of Consular Affairs continues to face technological issues with its visa systems. The Department of State (DOS) posted a statement yesterday that it endeavors to have the system fully reconnected this week. As of noon yesterday, 22 posts around the world have been reconnected. This represents approximately half […]

A systemic technological issue within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has globally halted U.S. passport and visa issuance. The issue originates within the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD), a data platform operated by the Bureau to store information on applicants for immigrant visas, non-immigrant visas, and U.S. passports at consular posts abroad. […]

Foreign nationals applying for status in the United States with USCIS have likely seen the term, “A-Number.” Many people wonder what this term refers to as it appears on virtually every USCIS form. The “A-Number” stands for Alien Registration Number. It may also be referred to as an “Alien Number” or “USCIS Number.” This number […]

On Nov. 12, the U.S. and China began increasing the length of short-term business and tourist visas as well as student and exchange visas issued to each others’ citizens. Chinese applicants who qualify for the B visa may now be issued multiple-entry visas for up to 10 years for business and tourist travel. This is […]

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs has recently answered some questions regarding the worldwide Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) problems that have delayed many from receiving their U.S. passports and visas. Consular Affairs is reporting that significant progress has been made in addressing the problem and most of the backlogged nonimmigrant visas have been issued. However, […]

The U.S. Department of State’s Consular Consolidated Database (CCD), a system critical to visa issuance, is experiencing technical problems. This has limited the State Department’s visa processing capacity. In turn, there have been worldwide delays in nonimmigrant visa issuance all across the globe. In order to assist individuals affected by these problems, U.S. Customs and […]

In a transcript from the Jan. 29, 2014, web chat with U.S. Embassy London, it was noted that the Department of State is clarifying its policy regarding criminal cautions in the United Kingdom as they relate to visa issuance. “Currently, U.S. government policy is under review regarding criminal cautions in the United Kingdom. Applicants having a caution […]

When preparing for your U.S. visa interview abroad, there are a number of key questions that you should ask yourself well in advance of your anticipated interview date.  Arrests, convictions or cautions impact U.S. visa eligibility: Have you ever been arrested, convicted, or cautioned for a crime anywhere in the world, including drunk driving or […]

The nonimmigrant and immigrant visa sections at U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions across the globe will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1 for the upcoming holidays. Additionally, many locations will also close or have very limited appointment availability on December 24 and January 2. Please keep in mind that due to […]