Technical Problems Causing Delays for Visa Applicants

The U.S. State Department has announced that it is experiencing technical problems with the primary computer system used to print and issue U.S. visas and other critical documents.

The problems related to the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) has resulted in delays in printing visas, emergency U.S. passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and other documents. The issues are widespread and are not limited to any particular country or visa type.

With regard to visa processing, a hardware failure has prevented consular posts from receiving biometrics and other security clearances required for visa issuance since June 9.  Any person who submits a visa application or attends a visa interview on or after June 9 should expect a delay while posts are unable to print visas.

The Department experienced similar but unrelated issues with the CCD last summer that affected visa issuance for several weeks, and visa applicants should expect the same now while the Department works to resolve the problem and clear out the backlog of visas to be processed.

As always, please contact us with any questions.