Below is information you should know if your visa application has been placed under administrative processing.
Timeline and Steps
The timeline for AP is unpredictable. This is a helpful link: (https://pennstatelaw.psu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/pdfs/Immigrants/Administrative-Processing-FAQ.pdf) with FAQs to help you navigate next steps.
An excerpt from the link suggests the following next steps:
“If the consular post handling your application has a website, review the consular website to determine if there are any particular instructions to follow when making status inquiries. For example, the US consular post in Lima, Peru asks applicants to wait two months before contacting the office.
Also, the Department of State maintains a site that allows applicants to check the status of their visas. That information can be found here: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx.
Additionally, applicants may check the status of their case by calling the DOS visa office at 202-485-7600. Please provide all relevant information, including name, date of birth, passport number, where and when the applicant submitted the visa application.”
AP Inquiry
You or a representative typically cannot inquire about your case until at least 60 days have passed.
If a case has been pending more than 90 days, an attorney can inquire via email to the DOS LegalNet within the Visa Office or call DOS at 202-485-7600. The good news is that Tulane has an immigration attorney available for a free consultation through TULAP (Tulane University Legal Assistance Program). You can find more about that program and how to contact the attorney here.
Please compile the information below and email oiss@tulane.edu to let us know about your case:
Information about the inquiry:
- Nature of Inquiry (e.g. Delays, Communication Problems, Post Procedure Response to Inquiry, Advisory Opinion)
- Post Information
- Consular Office involved
- Whether the consulate has been contacted directly, and if so, when, how, and with whom (if known)
- Any correspondence exchanged
- Foreign National's Information
- Full Name(s) (as it appears on passport)
- Nationality
- Place of Birth
- Date of Birth
- Current Visa Status in U.S., if any
- Type of Visa (e.g. F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Category)
- NIV Appointment Number:
