Please be aware that there is a very small chance of a 3-8 week delay between your visa appointment at the U.S. Consulate and the time you receive your visa.
This delay for “administrative processing” occurs randomly. While administrative processing is not common, several members of UCSB’s international community have experienced this unpredictable and frustrating delay. In extreme cases, it can take weeks or months to enter the U.S.
Who could be delayed? Anyone who enters the U.S. on a visa could be selected for administrative processing. Those in STEM fields seem to be selected more frequently.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Unfortunately, there is no way to know in advance if you will be selected for administrative processing.
Unfortunately, OISS has no way of knowing who will be delayed and has no influence over immigration agencies if you are delayed.
We recommend that international students and scholars who leave the U.S. and plan to re-enter on a new visa be aware that a delay is possible (though unlikely) and make arrangements for things in the U.S. to be taken care of if you are delayed. For example, you may want to notify your supervisor and roommates that there is a small possibility that your return could be delayed. If you have pets, make sure you have made contingency plans for their care, just in case you are delayed for any reason. It is a good idea to have contact information for neighbors or roommates in case of delay.