Some visa applicants may be subject to additional security checks and visa application processing delays before the visa is issued. Visa officers routinely refer it simply as "administrative processing." Read more about Administrative processing and visa wait times >>

Most delays are resolved within 30-60 days. The Department of State has stated that requests to expedite processing will not be considered. Each consulate has its own process for handling inquiries. Visa applicants should refer to the written notice provided by the US consulate for information about the inquiry process.

What you can do

There's not much anyone can do to expedite the process. If your field of study or work involves sensitive technologies, before you apply for a visa, obtain a letter from your department about your research in layman's terms. If your research has a public benefit, an explanation should be included in the letter. A letter from your department may help the US consulate to make an informed decision about your program in the US.  

If you have been waiting for more than 30 days for a visa decision, please let ISSS know by completing the US Visa Application Delay eform in ISSS Link.