Current Issues & Updates Office of Visa Services February, 2017

Agenda Introducing the Visa Office Visa statistics Updates

The Visa Office and Our Mission

The Visa Office

Our Mission To protect America’s borders, while facilitating legitimate travel to the United States.

Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Statistics

Issued Visas Statistics F1 Visas J1 Visas M1 Visas FY 2016 – 471,712 FY 2016 – 339,704 FY 2015 – 332,534 FY-2014 – 331,060 FY-2013 – 312,514 FY 2016 – 10,304 FY 2015 – 644,204 FY 2015 – 11,056 FY-2013 – 534,297 FY-2014 – 595,545 FY-2014 – 11,703 FY-2013 – 11,316

Top Ten F-1 Visa Countries – FY 2016 China-mainland India South Korea Japan Saudi Arabia Vietnam Mexico Brazil Taiwan Germany 148,014 62,537 25,355 16,666 16,474 15,579 11,678 10,978 9,730  7,307

Updates

Embassies and Consulates New consulate – Porto Alegre, Brazil Consular Services – Wuhan, China New Consulate – Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Visa Appointment and Processing Wait Times Travel.state.gov: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html

Interview Waiver Program (IWP) U.S. Missions tailor IWP to their specific circumstances Three categories may qualify: Diplomats/officials Age-exempt (under 14 and over 79 Renewals within 12 months of visa expiration For Students – only if returning to same school or program

The Interview What is a consular officer looking for? Who you are What you want to do How you’re going to fund it 4. What you intend to do when you’ve completed your approved activity

Possible Outcomes Visa Issued Visa Refused Most Common Refusals 214(b) 221(g) 212(a)

Administrative Processing “Administrative Processing” is the term we use to encompass any further review of a case beyond the interview. It may include confirmation of the petition, clarification of legalities, or any number of other questions a consular officer must resolve before a visa can be issued. Administrative processing is unique to the circumstances of each application. Applicants receive specific instructions on what to do/expect.

DUIs and Visa Revocations DUI arrest = visa revocation Visa applicants must see the panel physician if 1 alcohol-related arrest in the last 5 years, or 2 in the last 10 years. Public safety issue and possible visa ineligibility

Resources and Contact Information

Resources Department of State: travel.state.gov educationusa.state.gov J1visa.state.gov Department of Homeland Security: studyinthestates.dhs.gov

Visas Homepage - usvisas.state.gov https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

Study and Exchange https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange.html

J-1 Waiver https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student/residency-waiver.html.html

Contact Us Contact the Consular Section Check the embassy/consulate website for contact information Contact the National Visa Center 603-334-0888 https://secureforms.travel.state.gov/ask-nvc.php

Questions?