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2010 - 2009

  • DOS Letter Stating No More Visa Numbers Available Until October 1, 2010(644 KB - 9/24/2010)
    DOS letter to Section 245 Adjudications indicated that as of 9/16/10, visas were no longer available for all family cases or for certain employment based cases (EB-2, EB-3, Other workers, EB-4, and Certain Religious Workers). FY2011 numbers will be available on 10/01/10. AILA Doc. No. 10092140.
    AILA Doc. No. 10092140.
  • DOS Manual: Consular Notification and Access (Updated 9/14/10)(3214 KB - 9/14/2010)
    DOS guidance relating to the consular notification obligations of federal, state, and local officials when a foreign national is arrested and detained, requires a guardian, dies or is seriously injured, or is involved in a ship wreck or plane crash on U.S. territory. AILA Doc. No. 10091460.
    AILA Doc. No. 10091460.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update: Introduction of the ESTA Fee for Visa Waiver Travelers(60 KB - 8/23/2010)
    DOS visa policy cable providing additional information on implementation of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA) and fee collection for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). DOS provides talking points and requests that posts engage in outreach. AILA Doc. No. 10082361.
    AILA Doc. No. 10082361.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on Changes to Processing of Applications on Returning Resident Status(90 KB - 7/2/2010)
    In May 2010, DOS issued guidance on where applicants can file the DS-117 Application to Determine Resident Status, how post should process applications, and new procedures for the creation of a permanent refusal record for denied applications. AILA Doc. No. 10070234.
    AILA Doc. No. 10070234.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on 9 FAM Update for L Visa Annonation(76 KB - 7/2/2010)
    In May 2010, DOS issued a visa policy update on an FAM change to clarify that posts may annotate blanket L visas with the name of the actual employer on the I-129-S even if that subsidiary or affiliate employer name is not in PIMS. AILA Doc. No. 10070233.
    AILA Doc. No. 10070233.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on Biometric Signature and Affirmation of DS-160 NIV Application(85 KB - 7/2/2010)
    In May 2010, DOS issued a cable on biometric signature and affirmation of the DS-160 NIV Application. This cable includes an action request to all DS-160 posts, effective immediately. AILA Doc. No. 10070231.
    AILA Doc. No. 10070231.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on Revised TIs for Physical, Mental or Substance Related Disorders(125 KB - 7/1/2010)
    DOS issued a cable on updates to 9 FAM 40.11 on revised Technical Instructions for Physical, Mental or Substance Related Disorders. These changes are effective 6/1/10. AILA Doc. No. 10070165.
    AILA Doc. No. 10070165.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on Human Rights Ineligibilities(101 KB - 7/1/2010)
    DOS issued a cable also that includes instructions for entering the names of suspected human rights violators and abusers into the Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS). AILA Doc. No. 10070164.
    AILA Doc. No. 10070164.
  • Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Update April 2010(95 KB - 5/13/2010)
    This DOS cable from the Visa Office to US embassies and consulates provides an update to guidance provided for student and exchange visitor visa applications. This cable also provides clarification on flight training, study incidental to visits for pleasure, and SEVIS. AILA Doc. No. 10051363.
    AILA Doc. No. 10051363.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on U Nonimmigrant Visas for Victims of Criminal Activity(221 KB - 4/8/2010)
    DOS issued a visa policy update announcing that 9 FAM 41.85 has been updated to provide guidance about processing nonimmigrant visas in the U category. AILA Doc. No. 10040830.
    AILA Doc. No. 10040830.
  • DOS Visa Policy Update on New Criteria for Vaccinations(1006 KB - 2/16/2010)
    DOS issued a visa policy update that provides guidance to posts in handling cases affected by the HHS/CDC final notice amending criteria for vaccination requirements for U.S. immigration and provides questions and answers that posts can use with the public. AILA Doc. No. 10021690.
    AILA Doc. No. 10021690.
  • DOS Announces Worldwide Deployment of the DS-160(35 KB - 12/8/2009)
    DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs announced that it will deploy the DS-160 fully web-based nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application form worldwide. Complete global usage of DS-160 for all NIVS except K’s is expected by 04/30/10. DS-160 replaces the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF). AILA Doc. No. 09120861
    AILA Doc. No. 09120861.
  • DOS Cable on Updated Medical Examination Forms(28 KB - 8/3/2009)
    A June 2009 Cable informs posts of the updated medical examination forms now available. AILA Doc. No. 09080363.
    AILA Doc. No. 09080363.
  • DOS Cable on Revised J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor(30 KB - 8/3/2009)
    A June 2009 Cable informs posts of the revised J-1 visa exchange visitor skills list. AILA Doc. No. 09080362.
    AILA Doc. No. 09080362.
  • DOS Cable on Ending E-Passport Emergency Exemption(31 KB - 8/3/2009)
    A June 2009 Cable informs posts of further guidance and talking points on ending the E-Passport exemption for emergency and temporary passports. AILA Doc. No. 09080361.
    AILA Doc. No. 09080361.
  • DOS Cable on DS-160 Online Application(41 KB - 8/3/2009)
    A May 2009 Cable informs posts of the DS-160 online application. Twelve posts currently use this form, and no posts will be added until server capacity is increased. AILA Doc. No. 09080360.
    AILA Doc. No. 09080360.
  • DOS Cable Instructing Posts to Hold WWTVPRA Training Before June 15(16 KB - 7/21/2009)
    A June 2009 DOS cable (State 056784) instructs consular section chiefs to conduct a training session for their sections on the implementation of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and the associated 9 FAM changes prior to June 15, 2009. AILA Doc. No. 09072170.
    AILA Doc. No. 09072170.
  • DOS Cable on WWTVPRA of 2008 Training and Pamphlet(24 KB - 7/21/2009)
    A June 2009 DOS cable (State 067921) provides guidance to consular posts on the use of an informational pamphlet, required by the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPRA) of 2008, on the legal rights and resources available to foreign nationals applying for employment- or education-based nonimmigrant visas. AILA Doc. No. 09072169.
    AILA Doc. No. 09072169.
  • DOS Cable Outlines Changes to Visa Processing and the INA to Reflect the WWTVPRA of 2008(34 KB - 7/21/2009)
    A June 2009 DOS cable (STATE 056534) notifies consular posts of changes to nonimmigrant visa classification criteria, visa processing requirements, and the grounds for inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(2)(H) as a result of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPRA) of 2008. AILA Doc. No. 09072168.
    AILA Doc. No. 09072168.
  • DOS Cable on Changes to 9 FAM to Reflect WWTVPA of 2008(57 KB - 7/21/2009)
    A June 2009 DOS Cable (State 056532) notifies consular posts of modifications to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) to reflect changes to nonimmigrant visa classification criteria and visa processing requirements made by the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPA) of 2008. AILA Doc. No. 09072167.
    AILA Doc. No. 09072167.
  • DOS Cable on Student and Exchange Visitor Updates(27 KB - 5/19/2009)
    DOS released a February 2009 cable that advises consular posts of updates to the FAM regarding student and exchange visitors, provides a reminder of the continued use of forms until the launch of the new version of SEVIS program, and more. AILA Doc. No. 09051963.
    AILA Doc. No. 09051963.
  • DOS Checklist for NIV HIV Waiver Certification(207 KB - 4/20/2009)
    Recently, DOS released a checklist for individuals applying for a NIV HIV Waiver. The checklist is used in DOS’ new streamlined NIV waiver process, which allows individuals to certify to the list of conditions for obtaining the waiver as opposed to having to bring independent evidence to the consulate. AILA Doc. No. 09042069.
    AILA Doc. No. 09042069.
  • DOS Comparison Chart of Adoptions from Convention and Non-Convention Countries(30 KB - 4/3/2009)
    This DOS chart outlines the differences between the Hague Convention Adoption Process and the “orphan adoption process” (adoptions from non-convention countries). AILA Doc. No. 09040366.
    AILA Doc. No. 09040366.
  • DOS Cable Regarding 2009 Poverty Guidelines(24 KB - 3/5/2009)
    A February 2009 DOS cable instructs consular posts to begin using the 2009 poverty guidelines in calculating levels of income and assets that immigrant visa petitioners and joint sponsors must demonstrate on Forms I-864 or Forms I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support submitted, on or after 3/1/09. AILA Doc. No. 09030564.
    AILA Doc. No. 09030564.
  • DOS Cable Discusses Option of B-1 Visa for Religious Missionaries (Updated 2/17/09)(209 KB - 2/17/2009)
    The State Department has provided AILA liaison with the text of a cable discussing the B-1 visa as an option for religious missionaries. The cable is posted on the State Department website. AILA Doc. No. 09021363.
    AILA Doc. No. 09021363.