TERMINATION OF 20 DAY HOLD PROCEDURE FOR CERTAIN NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATIONS
UNCLAS STATE 205630
FOR CONSULAR SECTION CHIEFS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS
SUBJECT: TERMINATION OF 20-DAY HOLD PROCEDURE FOR CERTAIN
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATIONS
REF: A) 01STATE 196355 B) 01STATE 109933 C) STATE 15702
1. Effective immediately, the interim 20-day hold
procedure for certain nonimmigrant visa applications, as
described in Ref A, is terminated. This applies to all
future applications as well as to those now at any point in
the 20-day hold queue. All such cases may immediately be
processed to conclusion, provided the case is not subject
to any other special clearance procedures.
2. All other special clearance procedures, as described
in Ref B, remain in effect and unchanged. Cases subject to
Visas Condor clearance procedures, as described in Ref C,
also are not affected by this change and must continue to
be processed in accordance with Ref C instructions.
3. As stated in Ref A, the 20-day hold was an interim
measure, implemented in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist
attacks. Enhanced interagency data sharing and additional
clearance procedures implemented since then have obviated
the need for continuing this interim measure.
4. Department is continually reviewing and evaluating
security related clearance procedures. We recognize these
measures have increased posts' workloads. We are making
every effort to design and as necessary revise these
procedures in a way that maximizes border security with the
least possible impact on posts. Your efforts to implement
these measures and enhance border security are greatly
appreciated.
5. Minimize considered.
POWELL
