State Department

Tourist Visa Processing Backlogs Persist at U.S. Consulates Gao ID: NSIAD-98-69 March 13, 1998

Visa processing backlogs are a problem for some U.S. consulates, including the one in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The visa backlogs at the consulates GAO reviewed ranged from eight to 52 days. The longest delays occurred during peak travel periods, such as the summer months and winter holiday season. Factors that affected the consulates' ability to process nonimmigrant visas promptly included inadequate staffing as well as poor computer systems and other equipment. An increased emphasis on preventing the entry of illegal immigrants, terrorists, and other criminals also led to delays. The State Department has initiatives under way to address staffing problems, upgrade equipment, and implement practices to improve visa processing at overseas posts. However, it does not systematically gather data on visa processing turnaround times and has not yet set specific timeliness standards to help guide its improvement program.

GAO noted that: (1) visa processing backlogs are a problem for some consulates, including the one in Sao Paulo; (2) the visa backlogs at the consulates GAO reviewed varied widely, ranging from 8 to 52 days; (3) the longest delays occurred during peak travel periods such as the summer months and winter holiday season; (4) factors that affected consulates' ability to process nonimmigrant visas in a timely manner included inadequate consular staffing and other staffing-related issues as well as inadequate computer systems, facilities, and other equipment; (5) an increased emphasis on preventing the entry of illegal immigrants, terrorists, and other criminals also contributed to delays; (6) State has initiatives under way to address staffing problems, upgrade equipment, and identify and implement practices that could improve visa processing at overseas posts; and (7) however, it does not systematically gather data on visa processing turnaround times and has not yet set specific timeliness standards to help guide its improvement program.

Recommendations

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