DOS Cable with Service Hours and Phone Numbers for Consular Services
Fm AmEmbassy Islamabad
To NVC Portsmouth 0192
SecState WashDC 7870
Info AmConsul Lahore
AmConsul Karachi
AmConsul Peshawar
AmConsul Hong Kong
Unclas Islamabad 001316
Department for CA/VO/P and CA/VO/F/P
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CASC, PK
Subject: Service Hours and Telephone Numbers for Consular Services
1. Action request for NVC Portmouth: Post requests that NVC add the IV information telephone numbers to the address on Packet 3 to reduce the number of misdirected phone calls and provide better customer service. The numbers are: 823-480, 823-486 and 823-489 between 2:00 and 4:00 PM.
Assistance very much appreciated.
2. After a period of adjustment, post now has a schedule for providing consular services with the greatest efficiency and courtesy we can muster with our current personnel and equipment. Post continues to seek improvements through the use of helpful form letters, handouts, additional recorded information and improved distribution of information to registered USCS. The following information should be helpful to attorneys, petitioners and congressional staffers.
3. Guidelines
Consular staff will speak with applicants, petition beneficiaries, petitioners, congressional staff or attorneys of record. We will not discuss cases with third parties for reasons of confidentially, accuracy of information and most effective use of limited resources.
Attorneys may not accompany clients to interviews.
U.S. citizens relatives may not accompany applicants to visa interviews.
Where the post does not have the petition in a case, an original I-797 approval notice is required to open a case.
Documents required for or intended to support visa applications should be sent to applicants to present in person to prevent loss or delays. The NIV does not hold any documents for intending applicants except INS-approved petitions and A and G visa related notes.
Critical missionwide budget restrictions make it impossible for post to return long distance telephone calls or send reply faxes in cases other than the protection of American citizens in acute distress abroad. (Overseas and in-country long distance telephone services from Pakistan are unusually expensive.)
4. Citizen Services
U.S. citizens may come between 1:00 and 3:00 PM for notaries, passport applications, tax forms, routine information and assistance.
Citizens in distress may call at any time and speak to an FSN or officer to obtain help by calling 826-161 X2515 or 2544.
(Guards will not admit U.S. citizens to accompany visa applicants during visa hours, but will call inside to authorize admission of a U.S. citizen who has a non-visa emergency requiring immediate attention.)
5. NIVs
Nonimmigrant visa applicants should have an appointment for an interview by calling:
821-663 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Students and international exchange visitors may apply on a walk-in basis any day at 8:00 AM or may make an appointment.
Applicants who have had visas in the past five years and who are otherwise eligible for the drop box may use TCS courier service or walk-in between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to drop off their passports for visa renewal.
Fiance visa applications and visas 92 and 93 cases are handled by the NIV unit. Applicants who have received call-in instruction letters and have the necessary documents may come in at 11:00.
(Visaed passports are returned the same day at 4:00 PM)
6. IVs
Applicants with appointments should appear at 8:00 AM Applicants with OF-194s and additional required evidence should appear at 8:00 to submit documents for review that day
Applicants or petitioners who need additional assistance or the rescheduling of an appointment may call the following numbers between 2:00 and 4:00 PM any workday:
823-480, 823-486, 823-489
(Post had hoped to be able to expand IV telephone information hours, but continuing staff vacancies due to budget-related restrictions accompanied by the DV workload and furlough-related case delays made that impossible.)
Applicants and petitioners with questions about their cases may come at 1:00 PM for information.
7. General Information
Callers who need information on services other than immigrant visas may call 826-161 X2515 or 2544.
8. Petitions/Other INS Services
INS now has its main office in Pakistan at the Consulate General in Lahore. Petitions, verifications of LPR status and other INS services are provided there. For information call 042-636-5530
9. Priority Dates
Applicants may check on the current month’s family preference priority dates by calling 826-161, X2543.
10. Phone lines remain very busy and unsolicited correspondence will remain our lowest priority in favor or expediting the adjudication of visas and replying to excessive numbers of congressionals generated by furlough consequences.
Simons
27MM6D04