A March 17, 2017 Department of State cable [17 State 25814] directs U.S. consulates on implementing Section 2 of a November 6, 2017 Presidential Memorandum, which provides: "The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, as permitted by law, implement protocols and procedures as soon as practicable that in their judgment will … [Read more...]
Immigration Executive Order
January 25, 2017 by ·
President Trump is scheduled to sign a number of Executive Orders today and tomorrow relating to US immigration and visas. At this point, the official text of the orders has not yet been released. One of the orders prohibits the issuance of some or all visas (and entry to US) to citizens of the following countries for at least 30 days from the date the order is … [Read more...]
First-Time Third-Country H-1B Applicants May Apply in Vancouver
September 19, 2016 by ·
The U.S. Consulate General at Vancouver, B.C., Canada has confirmed that it will accept applications filed by third-country nationals applying for their first H-1B visa, even if the application is based on a university degree issued outside the United States or Canada. Previously, these applicants were discouraged from applying at the post. Applicants should regularly monitor the appointment … [Read more...]
US Visa Issuing Posts Are Back Online
June 29, 2015 by ·
The State Department’s Consular Consolidated Database problems that affected travelers globally is now back online at all 220 visa issuance posts worldwide. … [Read more...]
Passport and Visa Systems Issues
June 20, 2015 by ·
The Bureau of Consular Affairs is currently experiencing technical problems with its overseas passport and visa systems. The issue is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or visa category. On June 15, 2015, DOS issued an update alert stating that: “The Bureau of Consular Affairs is currently experiencing technical problems with our visa systems. These issues have … [Read more...]