US visa system unable to process visas [1]
Monday, June 22, 2015 - 21:49. Updated on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 - 14:10.
The visa system that performs national security checks of the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is experiencing technical problems.
On 16 June, the United States Embassy in Fiji said this issue is not specific to any particular country or visa category.
"Currently the system is unable to print most immigrant and non-immigrant visas approved after June 8, 2015. In addition, U.S embassies and consulates are unable to process new applications submitted on or after June 9, 2015."
Security measures prevent consular officers from printing a visa until the case completes the required national security checks.
“Individuals with visa interview appointments scheduled for June 14-20, 2015 are to reschedule their appointments if they submitted a DS-160 online application after June 9, 2015.”
The technical issue has also affected the Department of State’s ability to adjudicate applications for U.S passports accepted overseas between May 26 and June 14, 2015.
“The Bureau is working urgently to rectify the problem and restore full operability. There is no evidence the problem is related to cyber security,” stated the Embassy.