On June 12, 2015, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) reported delays in visa issuance at U.S. embassies and consular posts worldwide due to technical issues impacting the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD).

Hardware Failure Caused System Outage that Prevents Completion of Background Checks

Subsequent DOS updates have revealed that the problem is due to a hardware failure at a State Department facility in the United States on June 9th. Because the failure is preventing the completion of biometric data checks (background checks) for applications filed at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, visas cannot be issued until the system is back online.

System Outage Likely at Least until Next Week

The DOS has reported that more than 100 computer experts are working on the issue around the clock, but that the system is not expected to be back online before next week.

Until the system is back online, applicants will continue to see delays in issuance of U.S. passports overseas, the completion of background and security checks, and the issuance of U.S. visas. Based on the most recent DOS updates, applicants should expect that interviews will not be available until at least Monday, June 22nd, and possibly even later in the week.

Slower Visa Issuance Times Are Likely Even after System is Back Online

Once the system is back online, applicants may expect slower processing and visa issuance, as DOS systems and personnel clear the accumulated backlog of applications and begin to catch up with the volume of new applications from applicants who have been unable to submit their DS-160 visa applications online for the past several days.

As always, Foster will continue to monitor visa issuance delays and system outages and will provide additional information in future Immigration Updates^© and on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.