DOS on MRVs for Children
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
To All Diplomatic and Consular Posts
Special Embassy Program
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UNCLAS State 111929
Visas---
E.O. 12958: N/A
Tags: CVIS
Subject: Full Validity MRVs for Children
Ref: 93 State 39971
1. Posts have brought to VA’s attention conflicting and ambiguous guidance on whether to issue full validity MRVs to children when the full validity exceeds 60 months.
VO advises posts that full validity visas and border crossing cards (BCC) up to the maximum period of 120 months may be issued to applicants of all ages. In general, the Department policy is to issue full validity visas whenever possible. In certain circumstances (discussed in 9 FAM 41.112 (c) and 9 FAM 41.112 N5) validity may be limited when the consular officer believes that the applicant will qualify for a nonimmigrant visa for only a limited amount of time.
3. Para 4 of REFTEL states that the validity for BCCS issued to children will be limited to 60 months. That guidance is superseded by this cable.
4. The reciprocity schedules for some countries in 9 FAM Appendix C (including Belgium, El Salvador, Greece, Guyana and Hong Kong) including notations on limiting issuance of MRVs to five years for minors. All such notations are superseded by this message and will be deleted in future editions.
5. Minimize considered.
Madeleine Albright
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