Call for Examples: Biometrics Availability and Consular Interview Challenges for U Petitioners and U and T Derivatives Abroad
In response to a request from USCIS’s Office of Policy & Strategy during a September 2022 Stakeholder Engagement, AILA’s VAWA, Us, & Ts National Committee (AILA VAWA/U/T Committee) began collecting case examples involving challenges related to biometrics for U petitioners and U or T derivatives abroad. Additionally, the AILA VAWA/U/T Committee collected case examples where U petitioners or U or T derivatives abroad were unable to secure consular interviews after a I-918/I-918A/I-914A was approved by USCIS.
On February 14, 2023, AILA, along with fellow nonprofit stakeholders, sent a letter to USCIS and to DOS with examples to help flag ongoing challenges with the scheduling of consular interviews and biometrics appointments at certain DOS posts and the detrimental impact this had on USCIS adjudications of U visa and T visa benefits. On April 12, 2024, USCIS and DOS issued a joint response, which included a commitment to reducing backlogs for visa appointments and confirmation that all posts are accepting biometrics appointment requests.
An AILA VAWA/U/T Committee provided a practice alert addressing the joint response: Practice Alert: Challenges in Biometrics Availability and Consular Interviews Abroad for 918/918A/914A Petitioners/Derivatives
Notwithstanding this response, AILA is continuing to gather information on any ongoing challenges with biometrics availability and consular interviews for U petitioners and U and T derivatives abroad including issues in communicating with posts and receiving accurate information to help identify any further advocacy that may be needed with USCIS and/or DOS on this front. Additionally, AILA is seeking information about the timing of USCIS biometrics requests in connection with the filing of a 918, 918A, or 914A application or petition for an individual abroad.
AILA requests that practitioners provide recent, country-specific information by completing either form below by June 15th at the latest. Although this call for examples will remain open thereafter, the committee hopes to be able to share relevant examples during upcoming agency liaison meetings to help maximize advocacy efforts. Updated information for previously submitted examples is also welcome to determine whether an issue was resolved or persists. Please submit more than one response if you have experience with more than one consular post.
Please note that submitting a report will not result in individual case liaison assistance. If you’re in need of individual case liaison assistance, please review the Case Liaison Assistance page.
Online Form - Call for Examples: Biometrics Availability for U and T