Compliance Management

DOS Discontinues Use of Application Received StampA January 13, 2007 DOS cable notified consular posts to discontinue the practice of indicating nonimmigrant visa refusals with an "Application Received" stamp placed in the passport. This stamp was used to alert other

June 7, 2007 DOS cable guidance subsquently updated by 9 FAM, on how consular officers should handle cases where an applicant's record shows an arrest or conviction for drunk driving or other alcohol-related offense.

DOS cable states that before issuing an H, L, O, P, or Q visa, consular posts must first verify the approval of the underlying petition in PIMS.

Read the meeting summary. Topics discussed in this call: Questions related to PIMS Security Advisory Opinions DS-7002 being erroneously requested for exchange visitors other than trainees/interns Real ID Implementation Questions submitted for the DOS Outreach Meeting in Atlanta 12/12/2007

INS memo on restrictions on study in B statusAn April 12, 2002 INS field memo provides guidance on how the term "course of study" will be interpreted by INS for purposes of the regulatory restriction created by a rule published

INS issues rule restricting study for B visitorsThis rule prohibits a B nonimmigrant (both B 1 visitors for business and B 2 visitors for pleasure) from "enrolling in a course of study or taking other actions inconsistent with B nonimmigrant

The new DS 160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, is a fully integrated online application form that will be used to collect the necessary application information from persons seeking a nonimmigrant visa.

DOS Final Rule Establishes Online DS 160 Visa ApplicationOn April 29, 2008, the Department of State published a final rule at 73 Fed. Reg. 23067 establishing the new DS 160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, a fully integrated online application form

DHS Rule on ESTA Travel Authorization for Visa Waiver Program73 Fed. Reg. 32440 (June 9, 2008) This DHS interim final rule established the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

DHS Notice on Mandatory Use of ESTA by VWP EntrantsThe electronic pre screening system called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) becomes mandatory for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) air and sea travelers on January 12, 2009. ESTA requires VWP passengers