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Nonimmigrant Visa
Processing in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Embassy Riyadh


NIV Workload - Riyadh & Jeddah

100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
No. of D Jeddah
50,000
Applications H Riyadh
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
FY 1999 FY 2000 FY2001
Saudi Arabia NIV Workload

100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000 -
60,000 -
No. of Refusals
50,000 9/11 Closed by Statute
Applications Issuances
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
FY1999 FY2000 FY2001
Workload - Saudis Vs. TCNs

100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
No. of TCNs
50,000
Applications Saudis
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
FY 1999 FY 2000 FY 2001
VISA EXPRESS
In Saudi Arabia

American Embassy - Riyadh


U.S. Consulates General
-Dhahran & Jeddah
Benefits of U.S. Visa Express
Reduces number of applicants coming to Embassy

Out-sources data-entry function

Easier processing procedure for qualified applicants


Travel Agent/ Couriers
Eligibility
Temporary MOU
One year renewable contract

Qualification standards

•Highly mechanized & computerized


•Sufficient staff to dedicate at least one person to program
•Strong-reputation for reliability
•Office security systems in place
Applicant Eligibility

Mandatory for all applicants, Saudi and resident TCNs

• All types of nonimmigrant visas


• Resident in Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah consular districts
• Exceptions: diplomats, members of the royal family, and
government officials using known expeditors, and
Embassy referrals
Travel Agencies Are Responsible for
Ensuring That Applications Are Complete
• Visa application (DS-156)(DS-157 if applicable)
• Photo
• Valid passport
• Other mandatory supporting documents (e.G., 1-20,
approved H1B petition, cvs, medical affidavit of
support and diagnosis, etc.)
• For non-Saudis: exit-re-entry permit, letter of
employment
• MRV fee
• As applicable according to reciprocity schedules,
issuance fee
Travel Agencies Do Remote Data-Entry for
Each Applicant

• Name
• Passport number
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Gender
• Visa category (B1/B2, F, M, J, etc)
This data is then downloaded onto a diskette
and presented to the nonimmigrant visa unit
along with the application forms, passports
and supporting documents.
Travel Agency Package for Delivery to
Embassy

Master list (manifest) of applicants


Passports with supporting documentation
Fees (MRV & issuance)
Diskette with applicants' biographical data
Drop Off & Pick-up

Travel agent/ courier service representative drops off


package and picks up previous day work
Turn-around time is "next-day"
Passports of applicants who are not clearly qualified
contain a letter advising that the applicant needs to appear
in person for an interview. This is currently about 45% of
all applicants.
Visa Express Safeguards

Regular travel agency/courier service performance review


including tracking system in MRV program
Policies & procedures in writing
Manual for travel agency/courier staff
Periodic updates and upgraded training
Periodic on-site visits
Visa Express
Post 9/11
Although all nonimmigrant visa applications are still presented
by travel agencies, the reviewing process by consular officials
is more rigorous
All clearance cases are called in for interviews - approximately
45% of all cases are now interviewed
Applications are not accepted if any question is not answered
completely or photograph is not in compliance with regulations
Any ambiguity in answering application questions will result
in a personal interview
If ambiguity continues during interview, application will be
denied
Regulatory Changes in Nonimmigrant Visa
Procedures Since 9/11
• DS 157 - supplemental visa application sheet
introduced
• New photograph requirements for both men and women
• Two new clearance procedures put into place
1. 20 day clearance
2. Visas condor clearance
• Tighter clearance waiver procedures
Top 10 Nationalities - All Saudi Arabia
12,000

10,000 V f

8,000 |
No. of DSep. 11, 2000-Feb. 4, 2001
6,000 -
Applications DSep. 11,2001 -Feb. 4, 2002
4,000 -

2,000 J.

0 i \ i r i r r
Riyadh Applications by Month

12 000
?$•' jj
i

10 000
PI
8 000

6 000 — B Feb 2000-Jan 2001


D Feb 2001-Jan 2002

4 000 '

,- n n
2 000 Pi - _
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n _ I b 1 • i',r._. „ *> ..1-,, I?f t.',.' .,, L;-.,;,>,sij_
Riyadh
Applications Interviews Interview Issuances Refusals Refusal Rate
Rate
Saudis

9/11/01-2/4/02 2,041 699 34.2%

9/11/00-2/4/01 6,793 [153] [2.2%]

9/11 Closed by Statute


TCNs
9/11/01-2/4/02 3,235 1,637 50.6%

9/11/00-2/4/01 5,712 [4,284] [75%]

[ ] = estimate
Jeddah
Applications Interviews Interview Issuances Refusals Refusal Rate
Rate
Saudis

9/11/01-2/4/02 1,170 230 19.6%

9/11/00-2/4/01 4,046 [101] [2.5%]

9/11 Closed by Statute

TCNs
9/11/01-2/4/02 978 541 55.3%

9/11/00-2/4/01 2,970 [2,228] [75%]

[ ] = estimate
All Saudi Arabia
Applications Interviews Interview Issuances Refusals Refusal Rate
Rate
Saudis

9/11/01-2/4/02 3,211 929 28.9%

9/11/00-2/4/01 10,839 [254] [2.3%]

9/11 Closed by Statute

TCNs
9/11/01-2/4/02 4,213 2178 51.7%

9/11/00-2/4/01 8,682 [6,512] [75%]

[ ] = estimate

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