Last Updated on March 2, 2023
Recent information published by AILA indicates that there has been an increase in reports of petition-based cases put into Administrative Processing [221 (g)] because the petition/approval notice is not entered into the Petition Information Management System (PIMS) – a computer database that U.S consulates around the world can access to see details of visa applications – even several weeks after the petition has been approved.
Due to the unprecedented volume of EOS/COS cases in the USCIS backlog, there were delays entering approved petitions into the PIMS system from April through July; however, those delays have now been eliminated with new service standards that were recently introduced. Approved petitions for O, P, T and U visas are now processed into PIMS within one business day of arrival and all other categories are being processed within three business days.
According to AILA, “If a beneficiary will interview before the petition would normally be in PIMS, you can alert the interviewing post who can in turn request that KCC [Kentucky Consular Center] expedite processing. Keep in mind that the standard processing times apply ONLY if a Department of State copy of the petition was filed with USCIS.” As a general rule, AILA recommends submitting a Department of State copy with all petition filings, even if you do not anticipate an immediate need for consular processing.
The reason for administrative processing is not always clear but can sometimes occur if there are circumstances that require further internal consultation within the DOS; however, applicants are advised of this requirement when they apply. According to the DOS, most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview, but the timing does vary on a case by case basis.
If you have further questions administrative processing times, please reach out to your attorney or Customer Relationship Manager.
