State Department System Problems Cause Visa Issuance Delays

United States

Because of technical problems affecting the State Department’s consular systems, U.S. consulates are temporarily unable to issue visas or other travel documents.  Foreign nationals who filed nonimmigrant visa applications or had visa interviews on or after June 9 will not be able to receive their visas until the problems are resolved.  

Some may need to resubmit their applications or reschedule their appointments. The technical problems are also delaying immigrant visa processing and the issuance of passports to U.S. citizens abroad.

The State Department has not estimated when consular systems will be back in operation, but may be able to assist those with an urgent humanitarian need to travel in the interim. 

What This Means for Visa Applicants

Foreign nationals with pending visa applications may have their U.S. travel plans delayed because of the system issues. Those with an urgent need to travel should contact their Fragomen team for assistance. 

Applicants who have been interviewed and are awaiting visa issuance can ask to have their passports returned, but will need to go back to the consulate for visa stamping once the State Department resolves its system problems.

Fragomen is closely monitoring the visa issuance delays and will provide updates as the State Department releases new information.

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