Administrative Processing
Visa applicants will undergo administrative processing. Administrative processing can result in delay of the issuance of a visa. Therefore, you should apply well in advance of the date you wish to travel to or return to the US. There is no way to predict with certainty who will be subject to delays or how long they will take. If you are subject to a delay, be sure to notify your lab and Immigration Services.
You may be more likely to be subject to lengthy administrative processing if any of the following criteria apply to you:
- You are applying for a visa as a third country national (i.e., you are applying outside of your home country).
- You are coming from or have traveled in certain countries, including countries on the US Department of State’s list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
- You are engaged either professionally or academically in any of the fields listed on the US Department of State’s Technology Alert List (“TAL”). These fields include, but are not limited to: engineering, chemistry, biology, physics.
A letter from your Principal Investigator for the US Consulate or Embassy may be helpful.
