There are only two possible outcomes for complete and executed U.S. visa applications (absent a visa sanction against a country under Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, in accordance with Department procedures, a consular officer may determine that additional information from sources other than the applicant may help establish an applicant’s eligibility for a visa.  In such cases, refused visa applications warrant further administrative processing.   Upon completion of the case-specific administrative processing, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. Alternatively, the officer may conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa.  When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.

Individuals who undergo Administrative Processing (a security check) when applying for a US nonimmigrant visa must wait for the US Department of State to issue the visa. ISSS has been informed by Temple’s Governmental Affairs office that members of Congress will not intervene with matters of National Security such as Administration Processing.

Departments should consider developing a backup plan in the event that an individual is expected to teach classes and does not return in time.