DOS Announces Packet 4 Review to Expand to AF Posts

R 252111Z JUL 01
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
USOFFICE PRISTINA
AMEMBASSY BELGRADE
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN

UNCLAS STATE 129082

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: Packet 4 Review to Expand to AF Posts
REF: State 17318

1. SUMMARY: CA plans to expand the AOS and Packet 4 review program to include AF immigrant visa posts beginning October 1. The goal of the program is to improve case preparation and customer service while relieving posts of much of the burden of this more complex caseload. END SUMMARY.

2. Effective October 1, 2001 CA proposes to include all AF immigrant visa posts in the Packet 4 program through the National Visa Center (NVC). Under this program, currentlyin effect in Freetown, Tirana and Montreal, all case processing up to and including mailing Packet 4 and scheduling the interview takes place at NVC. DV cases have been scheduled for interview by NVC (and now the Kentucky Consular Center) since the inception of that program. Currently, applicants respond to Packet 3 by
mailing to NVC photocopies of required civil documents and police clearances. Unfortunately, experience has shown that many applicants still neglect to bring the original documents to their IV interview. Therefore, NVC will begin requesting original documents, which will be sent to post with photocopies prepared at NVC so that the originals may be returned to the applicants at time of interview.

3. The Packet 4 program will include as well the AOS review which has been underway for some time now at 10 pilot posts. As posts are aware, in this program NVC requests the AOS directly from the petitioner and reviews the I-864 and attachments for completeness before forwarding the case to post. Establishing early contact with the petitioners in this way has proven an effective way of identifying cases in which the applicant is pursuing adjustment of status , allowing NVC to hold a significant number of non-active cases rather than send them to post. In addition, those cases that are forwarded to post will normally be much more complete than would otherwise be the case. NVC will collect the $50 AOS review fee for each case processed.

4. A primary goal of the Packet 4 program is to relieve posts of much of the more complex clerical processing involved in immigrant visa cases while facilitating communication with the petitioner and other U.S.-based relatives who are normally the source of funding, AOS and other documents. As posts are aware, all IV applicants are now sent Form DS-3032 (Choice of Address and Agent), which they must fill out and return before processing can continue. Our experience to date is that most applicants choose to designate the petitioner or an attorney as their agent. This maximizes our ability to use the U.S. mail and phone systems in communicating and goes a long way to make up for inadequate infrastructure in some countries.

5. Packet 4 processing at NVC should greatly improve the quality of IV cases seen at AF posts, reducing the 221(g) refusal rate and saving time for both officers and FSNs. VO welcomes comments from AF posts on how best to implement this program and would be happy to share experiences from pilot posts.

6. Minimize considered.

POWELL