Technical problems plaguing US Embassies worldwide

U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world are experiencing technical problems in sending and receiving communications, resulting in possible delays in visa processing.

The problem has been confirmed by U.S. Embassies globally. U.S. Embassies in Australia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia and South Africa, among others, have all posted notices about “technical difficulties.”

Some embassies, including those in Indonesia and Russia, are not able to accept credit card payments. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is alerting applicants that if they sent an email to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate between 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 and 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, the message was not received and should be resent if the applicant does not receive a response within 72 hours.

Student and exchange visitor visa applicants who have scheduled interviews this week are advised to bring proof that they paid their fee through the online Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.

U.S. citizens may also experience delays in sending and receiving emails, and Americans needing emergency services are asked to contact the closest embassy or consulate by telephone while the technical problems are sorted out.

The State Department has confirmed that its external email inquiry systems are operating again, but is requesting that applicants who sent email inquiries during the outage which began Friday evening, Nov. 14, resend emails if they have not yet received a response.

BAL Analysis: Visa applicants should plan for delays if the technical difficulties persist and work with their BAL attorney to confirm that the U.S. Consular Services received their communication, and in some cases resend communications. Student and exchange visitor applicants (F, M and J visas) with interviews this week should be aware that they should bring proof of their online payment to the interview.

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