United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Attracting International Students and the
Changing U.S. Visa Process
International Student and Exchange Visitors and
Advisors Boston University, March 2005
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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
TWO MISSIONS
SECURE BORDERS / OPEN DOORS Enhance national
security while fostering legitimate travel to the
United States
PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL STUDY AND SCHOLARSHIP IN
AMERICA Attract the international
students/scholars essential for a vibrant U.S.
academic, scientific community
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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
CHANGES SINCE 9/11/2001 IN VISA POLICY AND
PROCESSING

• Improved U.S. national security, but -
• Without increased resources, led to delays in
  student visa processing
• Criticized for discouraging international
  students and exchange visitors from studying in
  America

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
OTHER FACTORS THAN VISA POLICIES AT WORK

• International Education market more competitive
  globally, competitor nations more aggressive
• U.S. universities reduce financial support to
  foreign students
• Some parts of world see the U.S. as less
  welcoming

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
PROGRESS

• State Department has made significant progress in
  processing student visas more rapidly
• Now, 97 of visa applications processed in one
  or two days
• Recent Government Accounting Office report
  recognizes improvements in processing Mantis SAOs

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
PROGRESS ON SENSITIVE TECHNOLOGY CASES

• Only 2 of all applications need further review
• Many VISA MANTIS cases used to take weeks or
  months
• Department improves MANTIS process
• One year ago average MANTIS took 75 days
• Today average MANTIS takes less than 14 days

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Avg. Time to Clear Mantis SAOs Falls Under 14 days
13.12 days
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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
EXTENSION OF VISAS MANTIS VALIDITY

• If applying to return to a previous study or
  work program, another Visas Mantis may not be
  required
• Students (F visas) Mantis valid up to length
  of approved academic program, to maximum of 4
  years
• Exchange Visitors (J visas) Mantis valid up to
  duration of approved activity, to maximum of 2
  years

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
INVESTMENTS

• 1 million to automate interagency clearance
  process
• Every visa post converted to electronic system

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
INCREASED DATA SHARING

• Terrorist Screening Center provides systematic
  method for maintaining terrorist watchlists
• Visa information moves automatically from
  consular post to immigration inspectors,
  facilitates entry of legitimate travelers by
  quickly resolving fraud concerns
• New systems like SEVIS help facilitate
  legitimate travel consular officers can put
  more faith in the I-20

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
CONSULAR TRAINING EXPANDED

• Longer, more intensive training for consular
  officers, with enhanced emphasis
• Interviewing techniques
• Counter-terrorism
• Importance of international education exchanges

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
BIOMETRICS

• Congressional mandate
• Fingerprint scans, digitized photos for visas
• Confirms visa holders identity fewer
  difficulties at immigration inspection in U.S.

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
IMPROVEMENTS IN INFORMATION www.travel.state.gov
- More visa information, continuously-updated
visa appointment, wait times
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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
PROMPT SCHEDULING OF VISA INTERVIEWS

• Priority treatment for student, exchange visitor
  applicants
• Most student applicants get appointments in days

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
INCREASED STAFFING

• State Department adds over 2,000 employees above
  attrition in last three years
• More than 350 consular positions added since
  9/2001

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
ENCOURAGING RESULTS

• Arrivals Jan-Nov 2004 up 11 over same period in
  2003
• 14 successive months of growth in international
  visitors
• Thanks in part to SEVIS, student issuances are up

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
SECTION 214(b) INA

• Applies to all visitor visa applicants,
  including students
• Applicant must show he has an established
  residence abroad to which he intends to return
  after a temporary stay in the U.S.
• Great majority of student applicants are
  approved
• Student issuance rate slightly higher than
  pre-9/11

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
SECURE BORDERS/OPEN DOORS

• Protect the borders AND encourage legitimate
  visitors
• Build visitors confidence America still a
  welcoming nation and still a safe destination
• Seek a solid partnership with business and
  academia
• Attract international students and scholars

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United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
America welcomes international students and
scholars!
QUESTIONS?