I am an Indian and applied for renewal of F-1 visa on 8th May from U.S. embassy in Montreal, Canada.
They sent me away returning my passport and I-20 (you can go to any other country but not U.S for now) and a letter saying my application needs an administrative (security check) reveiw at washington due to area of my research and it might take 10 days or longer... (I have it taking upto 2-3 months in some cases). I have full support of my university and advisor and have NO funding problems.
My visa has not been rejected - it has only been subjected to an extended review -- something which they are doing with some students these days... It is called Security clearance delay due to technology alert updates:
http://www.binghamton.edu/isss/new/sensitiveAOS.htm
My area of Ph.D. research involves the words biotechnology, isotope, microbiology and plasma --- all of which probably ring a bell for people at the embassy. So this delay......
My questions:
1. Can other in similar situation (F-1 renewal from Canada) tell me how long did it take for them to get security clearance?
2. I have only one name - my first name has been made my last name in U.S and the first name section says FNU (First name unknown) - can this cause more delay?
3. Can calling State department visa inquiry (202-663-1225) again and again help? Or will it irritate anyone? Does anyone know any better number to call. I have to wait a lot to get someone on this line.
They sent me away returning my passport and I-20 (you can go to any other country but not U.S for now) and a letter saying my application needs an administrative (security check) reveiw at washington due to area of my research and it might take 10 days or longer... (I have it taking upto 2-3 months in some cases). I have full support of my university and advisor and have NO funding problems.
My visa has not been rejected - it has only been subjected to an extended review -- something which they are doing with some students these days... It is called Security clearance delay due to technology alert updates:
http://www.binghamton.edu/isss/new/sensitiveAOS.htm
My area of Ph.D. research involves the words biotechnology, isotope, microbiology and plasma --- all of which probably ring a bell for people at the embassy. So this delay......
My questions:
1. Can other in similar situation (F-1 renewal from Canada) tell me how long did it take for them to get security clearance?
2. I have only one name - my first name has been made my last name in U.S and the first name section says FNU (First name unknown) - can this cause more delay?
3. Can calling State department visa inquiry (202-663-1225) again and again help? Or will it irritate anyone? Does anyone know any better number to call. I have to wait a lot to get someone on this line.
