State Department technological problems result in worldwide “Visa Freeze”

The U.S. State Department has announced that due to a computer hardware failure, it is currently unable to issue most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. The technical problem impacts visas that were approved on or after June 8, 2015.

In addition, the State Department announced that due to the technical issue, visa applications filed on or after June 9, 2015 could not be scheduled for interview. Thus, in most cases, people who submitted their immigrant visa application (DS-260) or nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) on or after June 9, 2015 and have been scheduled for interview, will have their interviews re-scheduled.

The technical problem impacts both immigrant and non-immigrant visas and all consular posts worldwide.

On June 22, 2015, the State Department confirmed that although the agency has been working around the clock to resolve the issues, it is not yet able to issue visas. The State Department further confirmed that it did not anticipate that the technical issues would be resolved before next week.

Those with urgent humanitarian or business travel needs may be eligible to request an expedited interview and/or temporary travel permission to the United States. In order to receive an expedited interview appointment, applicants will need to provide evidence of urgency and the Agency will consider whether or not the evidence provided warrants an expedited interview. Urgent humanitarian needs will be prioritized over urgent business needs.

For more information on the visas, the visa freeze and other issues, please contact Kolko & Associates, P.C.