Visa and Travel Incident Reporting

Immigration regulations may change with little notice, potentially affecting visa eligibility, processing times, and admission at U.S. ports of entry. Scholars are encouraged to review iUpdates.ucsd.edu, monitor their email for important messages from ISEO, and stay informed through reliable resources.

• ISEO Updates: Visit iUpdates.ucsd.edu for UC San Diego-specific updates and messages from our office. 
• UC Federal Updates: The University of California Federal Government Relations page shares systemwide statements and updates on federal policy developments impacting the UC community. 
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Offers updates, advocacy efforts, and legal perspectives on immigration and civil rights issues. Visit aclu.org and explore their Immigrants’ Rights section. 
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): A great resource for policy updates, community education materials, and immigrant advocacy tools. Visit ilrc.org. 
• National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Provides policy updates, research, and public education materials related to immigration and immigrant rights. Visit nilc.org to explore their resources. 

U.S. visa appointments are managed by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Availability can vary by location and time of year. We recommend scheduling your visa appointment well in advance and reviewing the U.S. embassy website in your country for wait times and required documentation.

• Find embassy information: U.S. visa appointments are managed by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It’s important to first check the embassy or consulate in your home country for information regarding visa appointments. Each embassy may have different processes and requirements.
• Visa appointment wait times: Visa appointment wait times can vary depending on the location, time of year, and the specific visa category you are applying for. Wait times listed on the embassy or consulate website are estimates and may change. Some locations may have shorter wait times, while others could take longer, especially during peak application periods. It's essential to regularly monitor the embassy’s website for the most up-to-date information on wait times. Make sure to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for scheduling your appointment and completing any required documentation.
• ISEO Visa Application tips: While we provide general guidance and resources to help you prepare for your visa application, it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions outlined by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will submit your application. Each consulate may have its own set of guidelines, including required documents, and processing times. Ensure you carefully review the embassy’s website and follow their instructions precisely to avoid delays or complications. 

Visa appointments are just one step in the process, and even after securing an appointment, additional delays can still occur. High volumes of applications, required security checks, or incomplete documentation can all contribute to delays. These factors often result in scholars being placed in administrative processing, which involves further review before a final decision can be made. It’s important to keep in mind that such delays are common and may extend the overall visa processing time.

What is Administrative Processing? 

After your visa interview, the consular officer may inform you that your application is in “Administrative Processing” under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means your visa application requires additional review by the U.S. Department of State before a decision can be made. Administrative processing is also known as a "visa refusal". The review may involve a security or background check related to security or criminal history, national security concerns, technology or sensitive research fields subject to export controls, or previous visa or immigration issues. The length of time the review may take place can vary from a few weeks to various months. In most cases, you will receive a 221(g) notice indicating your case is pending further review. 

For more information on administrative processing, please review the U.S. Department of State website: Administrative Processing Information.

Common Reasons for Administrative Processing

• Security-Related Checks
  • Your name or background triggers a security or law enforcement database check.
  • Certain nationalities or travel histories may prompt additional reviews.
• Research in Sensitive Topics
  • Scholars conducting research in sensitive technologies may need export control or security clearance.
• Incomplete Documentation
  • Missing or inconsistent information in your DS-160 and DS-2019/H-1B request, lack of clear ties to your home country, or financial proof.
• Previous Immigration or Visa Issues
  • Prior overstays, visa denials, violation of status, or complicated travel histories.
• Random or Discretionary Checks
  • Sometimes cases are flagged randomly for extra screening.

What is a Visa Denial? 

A visa denial occurs when a U.S. consular officer determines during the visa process that the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law and refuses to issue the visa. If your visa is denied, you will be informed of the reason for the denial. You have the opportunity to reapply if you can provide additional evidence to support your case. Before reapplying, ensure you fully understand the grounds for your denial and complete the Visa Delay or Denial eform in iServices to notify your ISEO scholar advisor. This will help your ISEO scholar advisor review your plan and ensure you don't overlook any important details.

Common Reasons for Visa Denial 

• Section 214(b) – Nonimmigrant Intent for J-1 Visa Application
  • This is the most common reason for J-1 visa denials. The scholar does not provide the consular officer with sufficient evidence that they will return to their home country after completing their program. This can be due to weak ties to home country (e.g., family, property, job prospects) or the scholar not communicating long term goals (proving no intent to immigrate to the U.S. permanently).
• Section 221(g) - Failure to Overcome Administrative Processing 
  • If you failed to overcome the consular's reasons for placing your visa in administrative processing. This may include missing or inconsistent information in your DS-160 and DS-2019/H-1B request, lack of clear ties to your home country, documents required, or financial proof. 
• Previous Immigration or Visa Issues
  • Prior overstays, visa denials, violation of status, or complicated travel histories.
• Security-Related Checks
  • Your name or background triggers a security or law enforcement database check. Certain nationalities or travel histories may prompt additional reviews.

What Can You Do? 

Scholars may reapply for a visa after denial. There is no mandatory waiting period, but scholars should only reapply if they have new or stronger information that addresses the reason for the previous denial. 

• Submit the Visa Delay or Denial eform in iServices: Keep your ISEO Scholar Advisor informed on the status of your visa issuance so we can provide guidance on next steps. By logging into iServices.ucsd.edu and submitting the Visa Delay or Denial eform, your advisor will begin communicating with you to ensure your response plan aligns with the next steps, provide resources on how to proceed, and advise on any additional documentation or information you may need. Prompt responses are important, but having your advisor review your plan helps ensure you don't miss any critical details.
• Schedule a new Visa Appointment: Ensure you review your denial letter or reasons you were denied a visa and make improvements to address these concerns. Complete steps to submit a new Form DS-160 and pay all required fees. Schedule a new interview date. 
• Keep your Department Updated: If you are subject to a visa denial and plan to reapply, it’s important to keep your department informed to plan for any additional delays. Departments may need to make HR updates, adjust the onboarding date, revise the appointment letter, and for J-1 scholars, submit a date amendment to ISEO.
• Adjust Travel Plans: ISEO recommends that scholars carefully review the terms and conditions when purchasing airline tickets. Departure and arrival plans may need to be adjusted depending on the timelines for visa issuance. It is advisable to purchase a ticket that can be changed or refunded in case your travel plans are affected. To avoid complications, refrain from finalizing travel arrangements until your visa has been issued.
• Request Updated to Form DS-2019 (if in J-1 Status): If you will be unable to arrive within 30 days after the current DS-2019 start date, the record will automatically inactivate. To prevent this, your department can submit a date amendment to ISEO via iServices to update the start date, allowing for a more realistic start date based on visa processing delays.

Some scholars may face additional questioning, scrutiny, or even be taken to secondary inspections upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. If you experience any issues, delays, or extended questioning during this process, it is important to notify your ISEO Scholar Advisor as soon as possible, even if you are ultimately admitted. While you may be cleared to enter the U.S., these incidents could affect future travel. Your advisor can help you navigate any potential concerns. Keeping your ISEO advisor informed will ensure that any necessary follow-up actions are taken and that your status is properly monitored for future entries.

Reasons for Port of Entry Incidents

• Secondary Inspection: Secondary inspection is an additional screening process conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a U.S. port of entry when an officer determines they need more time or information to decide whether to admit a traveler.
• I-515A Issuance: In some cases, if you are missing required documents, such as your DS-2019, or your documents are incomplete, the CBP officer may issue an I-515A form. This allows you to enter the U.S. temporarily, but you must submit the missing documentation to USCIS within a specified period (usually 30 days) to avoid any future issues with your status. If you are issued an I-515A please contact your ISEO advisor.
• Inconsistent or Insufficient Documentation: If the documentation you present does not clearly support the purpose of your visit, or if there are missing or incomplete documents, CBP officers may question your entry. This can include discrepancies between your visa type and your intended activities or missing supporting materials.
• Unclear Intent or Purpose: If there is confusion about the purpose of your visit, such as discrepancies between your visa type and your stated intentions (e.g., entering on a tourist visa when the intent is to study or work), it may lead to additional questioning.
• Travel History or Previous Immigration Violations: If you have a complex travel history, prior visa denials, or previous violations of U.S. immigration law, it may trigger further scrutiny during the entry process.
• Social Media Vetting or Online Activity: CBP may review social media accounts and online activity as part of their security checks. If information found online raises concerns or contradicts your travel intentions, this may lead to further questioning.
• Suspicion of Fraud or Misrepresentation: If a CBP officer suspects that you have provided false or misleading information during the visa application process or at the port of entry, it may result in additional questioning or delays.
• Security or Law Enforcement Concerns: CBP officers may conduct additional checks based on security concerns, including information shared by other government agencies or international law enforcement. This may result in delays or further questioning.
• Random Security Procedures: Occasionally, CBP officers may conduct random checks, which can lead to delays and extended questioning, even if no issues are identified.

What to Do if You Experience a Port of Entry Incident

• Request Clarification: If you don’t understand why you are being questioned or delayed, politely ask the CBP officer to clarify the reason for the extra scrutiny. This can help you understand the situation better and ensure you're providing the necessary information.
• Contact Your ISEO Scholar Advisor: If you experience any issues, even if you are ultimately admitted, it’s crucial to inform your ISEO Scholar Advisor with as many details as possible about the incident. Your advisor can help assess the situation and guide you on any necessary follow-up actions., this will be important for any future travel and visa applications.

A port of entry denial occurs when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines that a traveler is inadmissible to the United States upon arrival, despite having a valid visa. CBP officers have significant discretion when deciding who to admit into the U.S., and the denial may be based on various factors, such as discrepancies in documentation, previous immigration violations, or failure to meet the requirements for entry. Additionally, USCIS may determine that the traveler’s intent does not align with the status they seek to enter on, further contributing to the denial. If you are denied entry at a U.S. port of entry, the CBP officer will provide an explanation for the denial.

Reasons for Denial at Port of Entry

• Status Inconsistent with Intent of Visit: If a CBP officer determines that the traveler’s intent does not align with the status they are seeking to enter on, such as entering on a B-1 visa when the intent aligns with the J-1 visa.
• Documentation Discrepancies: Discrepancies in the traveler’s documents, such as a mismatch between the visa type and the purpose of the trip, or the absence of required documentation for entry, can lead to denial. This includes missing forms, letters, or other essential documents needed to verify the purpose of the visit or meet the entry requirements.
• Previous Immigration Issues: Prior overstays, visa denials, violations of status, or complicated travel histories.
• Suspicion of Fraud or Misrepresentation: If the CBP officer suspects that the traveler provided false information or misrepresented facts during their visa application or entry process.
• Security Concerns: Any security-related issues may lead to denial of entry.
• Social Media Vetting: CBP may review social media accounts and online activity as part of their vetting process. If information found on social media contradicts the traveler’s stated intentions or raises security concerns, it can contribute to a denial of entry.

What to Do if Denied Entry

• Seek Clarification: Understand the reason for the denial and ask for details regarding what led to the decision.
• Contact your ISEO Scholar Advisor: For immediate assistance, contact our emergency line at 858-534-3730. We will take down your contact information and ensure that an ISEO advisor reaches out to you. You can also email your ISEO Scholar Advisor with the subject line "Port of Entry Denial." Please include as many details as possible regarding your interaction and the reason for the denial, as well as the best way to contact you.
• Keep your Department Updated: If not admitted into the U.S., scholars should keep their department informed. Departments may need to make HR updates, adjust the onboarding date, and revise the appointment letter.

Travel bans and entry restrictions may impact your ability to enter the United States, even if you have a valid visa. These restrictions can change quickly and may apply to specific countries, regions, or individuals based on national security concerns, health risks, or other factors. 

Reasons for Travel Bans

Travel bans may be imposed for various reasons, including:

• National Security: The U.S. government may restrict travel from countries or regions deemed a security risk.
• Health Concerns: Travel bans may be implemented in response to public health threats, such as during pandemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Visa Violations or Immigration History: Individuals with a history of immigration violations may face restrictions or bans from entering the U.S.

Impact of Travel Bans

Travel bans can affect:

• Individuals from Specific Countries: Some countries may be subject to complete or partial travel restrictions, affecting various visa types.
• Temporary Restrictions: Some bans may be temporary but can have significant impacts on your ability to enter the U.S. or apply for a visa.
• Enhanced Vetting: Travelers from countries affected by bans may be subject to additional security checks or delays when applying for a visa or entering the U.S.

What to Do if Affected by a Travel Ban

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) websites for updates on travel bans and restrictions.
• Consult Your ISEO Scholar Advisor: If you are from a country affected by a travel ban, or if you believe you may be subject to a restriction, reach out to your ISEO Scholar Advisor for guidance on your specific situation.
• Prepare for Potential Delays: Travel bans may lead to delays in visa processing or difficulty in obtaining visa appointments. Monitor appointment availability regularly and plan ahead.

Keep ISEO informed on the status of your visa issuance so that we can advise on potential adjustments necessary to your DS-2019. ISEO may ask for additional information regarding your current situation to assess what resources you may need in navigating next steps. 

• Visa Delays or Denials: Submit the Visa Delay or Denial eform in iServices to Keep your ISEO Scholar Advisor informed on the status of your visa issuance so we can provide guidance on next steps. By logging into iServices.ucsd.edu and submitting the Visa Delay or Denial eform, your advisor will begin communicating with you to ensure your response plan aligns with the next steps, provide resources on how to proceed, and advise on any additional documentation or information you may need. Prompt responses are important, but having your advisor review your plan helps ensure you don't miss any critical details.
• Port of Entry Incidents:  If you experience any issues, even if you are ultimately admitted, it’s crucial to inform your ISEO Scholar Advisor with as many details as possible about the incident. Your advisor can help assess the situation and guide you on any necessary follow-up actions., this will be important for any future travel and visa applications.
• Port of Entry Denials: For immediate assistance, contact our emergency line at 858-534-3730. We will take down your contact information and ensure that an ISEO advisor reaches out to you. You can also email your ISEO Scholar Advisor with the subject line "Port of Entry Denial." Please include as many details as possible regarding your interaction and the reason for the denial, as well as the best way to contact you.