As reported on December 7, 2017, the U.S. State Department has experienced a technical problem affecting its visa processing systems worldwide, which will cause delays in visa issuance globally. According to a State Department source, 15-20% of approved visa applicants are affected. These applications might appear to be in administrative processing, but this does not Read More »
Travel
Nonimmigrant visa suspension and reduction in Russia
*Update*: Beginning December 11, 2017, U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok will offer nonimmigrant visa interviews on a limited basis. These interviews had been suspended at these three locations since late August. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow continues to offer limited immigrant, diversity and nonimmigrant visa services. Visa services are not expected to Read More »
Electronic Device Restrictions on Certain Flights to the U.S.
*Update* On July 5, 2017, the U.S. government lifted the electronics ban (on devices larger than smartphones in the main passenger cabin) on flights to the U.S. from Dubai and Istanbul after airlines in those countries implemented additional security measures. Last week DHS lifted the ban for flights from Abu Dhabi for the same reason. Read More »
Stricter Scrutiny for all Visa Applicants
*UPDATE* In early May, 2017, the U.S. Department of State created a new form (DS-5535), as part of the President’s “extreme vetting” directive, that is now in use to collect additional information not already captured on the basic DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. Only certain applicants for U.S. visas who have been chosen for Read More »
General Guidance for International Travel
The following are general recommendations for foreign national faculty, staff, students and postdocs: International Employment (IE) continues to recommend that individuals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen avoid international travel. NC State-sponsored foreign national students and exchange visitors are encouraged to consult with the Office of International Services (OIS) before making any Read More »
Inspection of Electronic Devices upon Entering the U.S.
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unit within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a fact sheet in 2015 regarding the inspection of electronic devices when entering the U.S. from abroad. This fact sheet can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/inspection-electronic-devices-tearsheet.pdf. NC State University has its own guidance on cybersecurity and international travel, which can be Read More »