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

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