Navigating visa-related inquiries can be challenging. Understanding how to communicate effectively with U.S. consular posts is essential for resolving case-specific questions and addressing potential issues. Here’s a practical approach to the process:
1. Contact the Post Directly
For most questions, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the case. Visit the specific post’s website for contact information and follow these key steps:
Common Inquiry Topics:
- Reviewing factual determinations, such as refusals under INA §214(b).
- Legal questions before eligibility decisions (excluding T, U, diversity visa, adoption, CSPA, and VAWA cases).
- Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) status requests.
- Refusal, revocation, or cancellation explanations.
- Priority date adjustments or assignments.
Required Information for Inquiries:
Include the following in your communication:
- Applicant’s full name and date of birth.
- Passport number and country of nationality.
- Visa application barcode number or CEAC ID.
- A brief description of the issue.
Tip: Some posts may request a signed Form G-28 to confirm attorney representation. Secure this in advance to avoid delays.
2. Use the Visa Navigator
Many posts now use Visa Navigators to streamline responses. Follow the form’s instructions carefully for document submissions under INA §221(g). The email addresses of these contacts often differ from the standard Visa Navigator contacts.
Response Times:
- Posts typically respond within a week for non-urgent inquiries.
- Mark urgent inquiries clearly in the subject line. If no response is received overnight, follow up the next business day.
3. Follow Up on Unanswered Inquiries
If you don’t receive a response within two weeks:
- Submit a follow-up email with “SECOND REQUEST” in the subject line.
- For immigrant and nonimmigrant visas handled by the National Visa Center (NVC), use their Public Inquiry Form.
- For Diversity Visas, contact the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).
Continue regular follow-ups (e.g., once a month) if the issue remains unresolved.
4. Legal Questions: When to Use LegalNet
LegalNet provides guidance on case-specific legal questions but only after:
- Two unanswered attempts to contact the post with a 30-day waiting period since the second inquiry.
- Receiving a final response from the post that may be legally incorrect.
Cases Handled by LegalNet Include:
- T, U, diversity, and adoption visas.
- Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) or Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) cases.
- Misinterpretation of law in certain INA §214(b) refusals.
LegalNet Submission Guidelines:
For LegalNet inquiries, provide:
- A detailed subject line with applicant details and relevant statutes (e.g., “SMITH, John; POST; CDJ2019000000; INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i)”).
- Key facts and a concise legal argument in the email body.
- Attach previous correspondence and a signed Form G-28 (attachments under 1 MB).
Response Times: LegalNet aims to acknowledge inquiries within seven business days. If no substantive response is received, follow up after 30 days.
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