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UNCLASSIFIED (U)

9 FAM 403.9

(U) NIV Issuances

(CT:VISA-2171;   07-31-2025)
(Office of Origin:  CA/VO)

9 FAM 403.9-1  (U) Statutory and REgulatory Authorities

9 FAM 403.9-1(A)  (U) Immigration and Nationality Act

(CT:VISA-184;   09-22-2016)

INA 101(a)(30) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(30)); INA 212(d)(4) (8U.S.C. 1182(d)(4)); INA 212(a)(7)(B); INA 221(a) (8 U.S.C. 1201(a)); INA 221(c)(8 U.S.C. 1201(c)).

9 FAM 403.9-1(B)  (U) Code of Federal Regulations

(CT:VISA-184;   09-22-2016)

22 CFR 41.104; 22 CFR 41.111; 22 CFR 41.112; 22 CFR41.113.

9 FAM 403.9-2  (U) NIV Issuance Procedures

9 FAM 403.9-2(A)  (U) Data Entry

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U) Entering Information in theMachine Readable Visa (MRV) Data Field:

(1) (U)You must ensure entryof the following information in the MRV data field before issuing a visa:

(a) (U)Full name of applicant;

(b) (U)Visa type;

(c) (U)Visa class;

(d) (U)Passport information,including passport number, passport issuance date, passport issuance city,passport country, and passport expiration date;

(e) (U)Sex, as indicated in thepassport;

(f)  (U)Date of birth;

(g) (U)Nationality;

(h) (U)Number of entriesallowed;

(i)  (U)Date of visa issuance;

(j)  (U)Date of expiration;

(k) (U)Applicant’s localaddress and telephone information; and

(l)  (U)SEVIS ID for all F, M,and J visa applicants.

(m) (U) Absent any of thisinformation, the system will not accept the visa application.  You should checkpersonal data on Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, against thebiographical data page in the passport to ensure accuracybefore entering this information in the system.

(2) (U)The name of the visaissuing post and the control number are automatically printed on the MRV.

(3) (U)The data fields do notaccept special characters:  comma, hyphen, asterisk, foreign-languagediacritical marks, etc.

(4) (U)In certain countrieswhere many nationals have only a surname, the applicant’s first nameshould be entered as FNU.  For example, “Smith, FNU”, the“FNU” stands for “First Name Unknown.”

b.(U) Entering Information in the MRVAnnotation Field:  You must place annotations on MRVs in the88-character field beneath the word “Annotation.”  (There is alimit of 44 characters per line.)  You may use abbreviations as necessary inthe annotation field.  (For example: P.A. vice Principal Applicant).  Unlikethe data field, you may employ various forms of punctuation (hyphen, period,etc.) in the annotation field, when appropriate.

c. (U) Use of Titles:  You maynot enter titles such as “Dr.”, “Sr.”,“Mr.”, “Mrs.”, etc. in the data field on an MRV. However, you may use such titles in the annotation field, as appropriate.

d.(U) Altering Data on an MRV: You may not make handwritten annotations or alterations on an MRV.  In theevent of a data-entry error, you must re-enter information electronically toreissue the visa.

9 FAM 403.9-2(B)  (U) Visa Issuance Case Notes

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)You are stronglyencouraged to enter case notes documenting all visa issuances.  Case notes forvisa issuances should clearly state the fact pattern that led to the decisionto issue the visa.  Even cases that appear to be routine (official travel,prior visas, history of good travel, etc.) may later develop certain aspectsthat invite further attention.  Factual, concise case notes provide usefulcontext.  Officers'case notes should beespecially detailed in borderline, unusual, or high-profile cases.

b.(U)You are not required toenter issuance notes in the comment field of the Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant VisaApplication, and you should not duplicate your efforts by doing so.

c. (U)As case notes are replicatedin the CCD, issuance notes may assist travelers at POE.  In the event CBPrefers a traveler for secondary inspection, the issuance notes may provide CBPwith an understanding of why the traveler was found to be eligible for a visa. Clear notes also assist VO's Outreach and Inquiries Division (CA/VO/F/OI) toassist with inquiries into cases that attract outside attention.  Good casenotes facilitate consular managers’ online NIV adjudication review.

9 FAM 403.9-2(C)  (U) Issuing More Than One ConcurrentlyValid Visa to an Applicant

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

a.(U) Applicant Not to Possess MoreThan One Concurrently Valid Visa of the Same Type: An applicant is notpermitted to possess more than one valid visa of the same classification in thesame type of passport (i.e., tourist, official, or diplomatic) at the sametime.  You should physically cancel such visas whenever you encounter them.  Youmay defer to the applicant’s choice of which visa you cancel whencircumstances permit.

b.(U) Visas of Different Types forApplicants Proceeding to the United States for Different Purposes on DifferentOccasions: If an applicant desires to travel to the United States ondifferent occasions and the principal purpose of entry will not be the sameeach time, you should issue the applicant separate visas suitable to eachpurpose of entry.  (For example, C-1 and D and B-2 and F.)  Except in the caseof a crewmember as described in paragraph c, below, two visas may not be issuedconcurrently to an applicant who contemplates changing the principal activityafter admission without departing from the United States and making a new entryfor a different purpose.

c. (U) Issuing Concurrently ValidVisas of Different Types:  You should collect a separate MRV fee foreach visa issued, except when issuing any combination of NIVs on one MRV foil(e.g., B-1/B-2 or C-1/D) or a B-1/B-2 and a C-1/D when issued simultaneously tofacilitate the entry of crewmembers.  This includes crewmembers of both sea andair vessels.  You should place separate visas in the passport and collect theprescribed reciprocity fee, if applicable, for each visa issued.  (Forreciprocity fees, see the country specific Reciprocity Scheduleson travel.state.gov.)  If appropriate, you mayplace the visas in separate travel documents.  For example, a crewmember mightdesire, upon arrival, to apply for admission as a temporary visitor while onleave from the vessel, and not as a member of the crew requesting shore leave. In such a case, the crewmember would receive a D visa as a member of the crewin their seaman's book, which would be valid only for use in connection withservice on a vessel.  To be admitted as a temporary visitor, the crewmember wouldneed to obtain another travel document in which you would place a B visa.  Oneadditional exception to charging separate MRV fees for each visa type issued isfor Cuban nationals who apply for a B1 and a B2 visa at the same time.  See9 FAM 403.4for more details on NIV fees.

d.(U) Dual Nationals:  A dual(or multiple) nationalapplicant whopossesses a passport for each country of nationality is permitted to have avisa issued in each passport, if the visas are of different classification. E-1 and E-2 visas must be issued in the passport of the treaty country unlessthe applicant is a derivative and does not possess treaty country nationality. For a list of countries with which the United States has E-1/E-2 treatyagreements, see9 FAM 402.9.  Validity of “E” visas may be found inthe country specific Reciprocity Schedules.  In cases in which the UnitedStates has formalized a treaty agreement with another country and has not yetestablished a permanent reciprocity schedule, you should use the temporaryreciprocity schedule.

9 FAM 403.9-3  (U) Passport Requirements

9 FAM 403.9-3(A)  (U) Passport Must be Issued by aCompetent Authority

9 FAM 403.9-3(A)(1)  (U) Interpreting "CompetentAuthority"

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)The term“competent authority” as used in INA 101(a)(30) means an officialwho is duly authorized to issue passports by the government of the country ofissuance.  The term is not linked with the maintenance of diplomatic relationswith, or recognition by, the United States.  Accordingly, the Department willdetermine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a passport-issuing authority is a“competent authority” within the meaning of INA 101(a)(30).

b.(U)World Service AuthorityPassports arenot acceptable as “passports” for visaissuing purposes.  The World Service Authority is a private organization andnot a “competent authority” within the meaning of INA 101(a)(30). The document is a 40-page, passport-size document with a bright blue cover withgold lettering.

c. (U) Travel Documents Presented byNationals of Entities Not Having Formal Diplomatic Relations with the UnitedStates:

(1) (U)You may place NIVs intravel documents issued by the following entities with which the United Statesdoes not have formal diplomatic relations, if the travel documents otherwisemeet the definition of the term “passport” as contained in INA 101(a)(30)and 22 CFR 41.104(a):

(a) (U)Bhutan;

(b) (U)Iran;

(c) (U)West Bank and Gaza; and

(d) (U)Taiwan (exceptdiplomatic and official passports).

(2) (U)You may not place NIVsin travel documents issued by the Government of North Korea, with which theUnited States does not have formal diplomatic relations, unless specificallyauthorized by L/CA.

d.(U)Refer to the reciprocityschedules under the country of issuance, to this section and9 FAM 403.9-3(A)(2) below, for descriptions of certain documents which do not fulfillthe requirements of a passport as defined in INA 101(a)(30).

9 FAM 403.9-3(A)(2)  (U) Travel Documents Issued byInternational Organizations

(CT:VISA-1395;   10-19-2021)

a.(U) United Nations Laissez-Passer: See9 FAM 402.3-7(D)(6)for informationabout placing G-4 visas in a UN Laissez-Passer.

b.(U) Organization of American StatesOfficial Travel Document:  The official travel document of theOrganization of American States (OAS) is issued to an employee of the OASGeneral Secretariat or other agency of the OAS.  The purpose of the document isto identify the holder as an official or employee of an agency of the OAS andto facilitate travel compatible with the interests of the OAS.  The document isnot a “passport” as defined in INA 101(a)(30) therefore, visas mustnot be placed in this document.

9 FAM 403.9-3(A)(3)  (U) Travel Documents Issued by theEuropean Union

(CT:VISA-368;   05-30-2017)

(U)Only official type A-1, A-2, andG-3 visas may be placed in a European Union Laissez-Passer (EULP).  See9 FAM 402.3-4for information about placingvisas in an EULP.

9 FAM 403.9-3(B)  (U) Passport Validity

9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(1)  (U) Passport Must Be Valid SixMonths Beyond Initial Period of Stay

(CT:VISA-1762;   04-27-2023)

(U)An NIV is only to be issued inpassports that are valid for at least six months beyond the initial period ofcontemplated stay in the United States, except in the following circumstances:

(1) (U)The applicant iswithin the purview of 22 CFR 41.21(b) exceptions from passport validityrequirements for certain A, G, and NATO travelers;

(2) (U)The passportrequirement has been waived in the applicant’s case pursuant to INA212(d)(4);

(3) (U)The individual has F(student) classification and is granted admission for the period required tocomplete the course of study indicated on Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibilityfor Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status.  The student’s passport should maintaina validity of at least six months beyond the anticipated departure date; or

(4) (U)The applicant’spassport was issued by a country which has entered into an agreement orarrangement with the United States for the extension of the validity of theirpassports for six months beyond the expiration date specified in the passport. The countries listed in9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(2) paragraph f below have an agreementor arrangement with the United States whereby their passports are recognized asvalid for return to the country concerned for six months beyond the expirationdate specified in the passport.

9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(2)  (U) Countries That Extend PassportValidity for an Additional Six Months After Expiration

(CT:VISA-2143;   03-26-2025)

a.(U)Some countries haveagreements or arrangements with the United States whereby their passports arerecognized as valid for return to the country concerned for six months beyondthe expiration date specified in the passport.  The effect of these agreementsor arrangements is to extend the validity of the passport for six months beyondthe expiration date appearing on the face of the document, for the INA212(a)(7)(B)(i)(I).

b.(U)As passports issued bythe countries listed in paragraph f below meet the requirements of INA212(a)(7)(B)(i)(I) until the date shown for expiration, you could issue a visaat any time before that date.  However, such action might not be practical whenonly a very narrow margin of time remains.

c. (U)You should inform thevisa recipient that admission into the United States will not be granted by theimmigration authorities for a period extending beyond the actual expirationdate shown in the passport, and that their stay in the United States cannot beextended beyond that date until an extension of the validity of the passporthas been obtained.

d.(U)You must not issue avisa in an expired passport unless the applicant is able to present collateraldocumentation, which together with the expired passport, meets the requirementsof INA 101(a)(30) and INA 212(a)(7)(B)(i)(I).

e.(U) Diplomatic DiscussionsRegarding Extended Passport Validity:  If you are in a country that doesnot extend passport validity for 6 months beyond the expiration date on thepassport and you are interested in beginning discussions with the receivingstate, you should contact L/CA before beginning discussions.

f. (U) Countries That Extend PassportValidity for an Additional Six Months After Expiration:

(U)* These countries extendpassport validity reciprocity to U.S. citizens.

(U)** Extension of passportvalidity reciprocity to U.S. citizens does not apply to U.S. citizens enteringSingapore; it only applies to U.S. citizens already in the country.  Singaporewill allow a U.S. citizen, already in Singapore, who holds a U.S. passport,which has expired within the six (6) months beyond the expiry date, to returnto the United States.  This is on the assumption that the bearer of thepassport is still a U.S. citizen.

9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(3)  (U) Passport Validity Insufficientto Cover U.S. Visit

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

(U)If an applicant presents apassport valid for more than six months but not sufficient to permit admissionfor the entire stay contemplated, you should urge the applicant to have thepassport extended, renewed, or replaced before visa issuance.  If this is notfeasible until after their arrival in the United States, you may issue thevisa.  You should then advise the applicant that the initial period of stay maybe limitedby CBP because of the limitedvalidity of the passport.  You should also explain the procedures for seekingan extension of stay from DHS.  Except for individuals covered by theprovisions of9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(2) above, the passport must be valid for morethan six months because an individual presenting a passport valid for sixmonths or less would be inadmissible at POE.

9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(4)  (U) Visa Valid in Expired Passport

(CT:VISA-1395;   10-19-2021)

a.(U)When a passportcontaining a valid visa expires, the expiration of the passport has no effecton the validity of that visa.  The holder, however, should be informed, at thetime of application for admission, of the need for a new or renewed passport.

b.(U)The passport should bevalid for a minimum of 6 months from the expiration date of the initial periodof admission or contemplated length of stay in the United States.  The passportmay be either the one in which the visa stamp has been placed, or a new passport. Thus, an individual can present two passports; one which fulfills the visarequirement and the other the passport requirement.  The nationality, asindicated in the new passport, must be the same as that shown in the passportbearing the visa foil.

9 FAM 403.9-3(C)  (U) Restrictions on Passports

(CT:VISA-1395;   10-19-2021)

a.(U) Applying Within Country ofIssuance:  If an applicant for an NIV presents a valid passport in thecountry whose authorities have issued that passport, and if the passportcontains an endorsement as not being valid for travel to the United States, youmust not issue a visa until the endorsement has been removed by the appropriateauthorities.  The reason for this is twofold:

(1) (U)No useful purposewould be served in issuing a visa to an applicant who would, in effect, beforbidden to use that visa; and

(2) (U)Issuance of a visa insuch circumstances could be regarded as an attempt to circumvent the laws orregulations of the country in which the post is located.

b.(U) Applying Outside Country ofIssuance:  If an applicant is applying for a visa in a country otherthan the one which issued the passport containing a restriction on travel tothe United States, but the passport is otherwise valid and the applicant isotherwise eligible, you may issue a visa without regard to such restriction.

c. (U) No Effect on Validity of NIVs: Limitations on the validity of a passport do not affect the validity of theNIV.  For example, the fact that a passport has been limited by the issuingauthority to a single trip to the United States would not preclude issuance ofa visa valid for unlimited applications for admission, if prescribed in theappropriate reciprocity schedule.

9 FAM 403.9-3(D)  (U) Using Form DS-232, UnrecognizedPassport or Waiver Cases, When Visa is Not Placed in Passport

(CT:VISA-2140;   03-25-2025)

(U)All visa-issuing officesshould use Form DS-232, Unrecognized Passport or Waiver Cases, in complyingwith the provisions of 22 CFR 41.113(b).  In all cases, except those listed in22 CFR 41.113(b)(1) through (3), you must obtain the Department’s specificauthorization from the CA/VO/F portfolio holder before issuing an NIV on FormDS-232.  See9 FAM 403.9-6(B) below for information about placing an MRV on aForm DS-232.  See9 FAM 303.8-6and9 FAM 303.8-7forfurther information on processing a Form DS-232 case in NIV.

9 FAM 403.9-3(E)  (U) Samples of Foreign Passports

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

(U)The Department (as well asother U.S. Government agencies) requires up-to-date information regarding thetypes of passports issued by foreign governments for temporary travel purposes,the criteria for their issuance, the qualifications of the persons to whom theyare issued, the validity of such passports, whether more than one person may beincluded in a single passport, and whether the photograph requirements of 22CFR 41.105(a)(3) can be met.  The Department also requires informationregarding other pertinent foreign passport regulations to determine, forexample, whether a passport may be considered the “equivalent” of adiplomatic passport.  Accordingly, the Department requests all posts dealingwith a central government authority to report on the types of passportscurrently issued by the governments to which they are accredited and theclasses of persons to whom such documents are issued.  Posts should alsoprovide two samples of new passports and other similar documents which may havebeen issued since the previous report (if the regulations of the governmentconcerned permit this).

9 FAM 403.9-4  (U) Validity of Nonimmigrant Visas

9 FAM 403.9-4(A)  (U) Visa Validity Versus Period ofAdmission

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)A visa is not the sameas immigration status.  Many travelers confuse the two.  A visa does notentitle the bearer to enter or remain in the United States.

b.(U)The validity of a visarefers to the time in which an applicant may make application to an immigrationofficer at POE for admittance into the United States.  It has no bearing on thelength of time for which the individual may be admitted.  For example, atraveler whose B-1 visa may expire a month after entry into the United States,could be admitted by a DHS officer at POE for a stay of up to one year.  On theother hand, a traveler whose B-1 visa has a validity of one year may be granteda stay of only one month, as may be determined by a DHS official atPOE.

c. (U) Expired NIV:  An"expired NIV" means a visa which is no longer valid due to thepassage of time or because the maximum number of entries for which the visa isvalid has been reached.

9 FAM 403.9-4(B)  (U) Validity of Nonimmigrant Visas

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)MaximumValidity: The maximum validity of any NIV is 10 years but may belimited to less than 10 years based on reciprocity.  See9 FAM 403.8 and VisaReciprocity and Country Documents Finder. 

b.(U)Department regulationsat 22 CFR 41.112(c) authorize you to issue an NIV valid for a shorter period orfewer applications for admission than that prescribed by reciprocity, ifwarranted in an individual case.  Case notes should clearly indicate the basisof the decision to limit an NIV to less than that prescribed by reciprocity.

c. (U)The fact that anapplication is made away from the applicant's normal place of residence is not,by itself, reason to limit visa validity.  Pre-clearances with another post onout-of-district applicants need be done only when required by the Department'sregulations or instructions, or when you consider it necessary to establish theapplicant's eligibility.  Such a clearance is not required, for example, in thecase of an applicant from a traditionally low-risk country whose bona fides areevident to the officer.  Postchecks (after visa issuance) are of limited useand may be dispensed with, unless specifically required by regulations orinstructions.

d.(U) Reasons Behind Visa Validity,as Set Out in Reciprocity Schedules: The validity of, and authorizednumber of entries permitted by, a U.S. visa, as listed in reciprocityschedules, are based on the principle of reciprocity.  (See9 FAM 403.8.)  Theschedules reflect the visa policy of the government of that country towardsU.S. citizens.  When you adjudicate an applicant'squalifications for a visa at the time of application, that decisionshould apply to future trips as well, if you will issue a multiple entry visa. If you are not convinced the applicant would fulfill the terms of their visa inthe future, you should refuse the visa under INA 214(b).

9 FAM 403.9-4(C)  (U) Limitations on Visa Validity

(CT:VISA-2143;   03-26-2025)

a.(U) When Visa Validity May beLimited:Visa validity may only be limited in accordance with 22 CFR41.112(c), which allows you, if warranted in an individual case, to issue anNIV for:

(1) (U)validity that is lessthan that prescribed on a basis of reciprocity;

(2) (U)a number ofapplications for admission within the validity of the visa that is less thanprescribed on a basis of reciprocity;

(3) (U)application foradmission at one or more specified POEs; or

(4) (U)use on and after agiven date after the date of issuance.

b.(U) Limitations Should be UsedJudiciously:  You should use the discretionary authority accorded by 22CFR 41.112(c)(1) and (2) cautiously when limiting the validity of visas.  Theroutine practice of limiting visa validity may lead to complaints by the governmentof the receiving state that you are biased and that the United States hasfailed to accord reciprocal treatment to the nationals of the receiving state. Such a practice may also result in an unnecessary increase in workload.  Thereapplication rate of applicants with limited visas is relatively high at manyposts.  Therefore, visa validity must not be restricted to less than thatpermitted by the reciprocity schedules without due cause and only with theconcurrence of a consular manager.  If there is no reason to limit the NIV, youshould issue a full-validity visa.  Limiting visa validity may also impact theequities of other parts of the United States government.

c. (U) Validity/Entries Limitations:

(1) (U)You can restrict avisa to less than full validity only if you believe the applicant qualifies asa nonimmigrant for a limited period or a limited number of visits.

(2) (U)You cannot limit visaswhen you have doubts of the applicant’s bona fides or believe thatissuing a less than full validity visa would better facilitate travel, unlessotherwise allowed by law, regulation, or FAM guidance or are directed by theDepartment.   When an applicant's bona fides are in question, such applicationsshould rightly be refused under INA 214(b).

(3) (U)Limitations of visavalidity may be appropriate when the applicant’s bona fides in the nearterm are not in question, but the stability of the applicant’slonger-term ties to their residence abroad are in doubt.  (See9 FAM 403.9-5belowfor procedures on annotating visaswhen limiting validity in accordance with this guidance.)  For example, in acountry with 10-year visa reciprocity, this could apply in the case of a17-year-old high school senior who has not yet been accepted to university andseeks to travel on a family trip with their family, when you believe theapplicant overcomes 214(b) at the time of the interview but would wish tore-interview the applicant in the future.  That could constitute reason toissue a visa with less than the full 10-year validity permitted by theReciprocity Schedule.  In contrast, in the same country, a 17-year-oldapplicant accepted to the country's most competitive university and who plansto later attend medical school may be an applicant to whom you would approve afull validity visa.  These examples illustrate that, as with all visaadjudications, you must make a case-by-case determination concerning visavalidity based on the applicant's specific circumstances.

(4) (U) Validity of A-3 and G-5, andNATO-7 Visas:

(a) (U)As a matter of policy,the standard and customary practice is to issue A-3, G-5, and NATO-7 visas fora maximum period provided for in the Reciprocity Schedule of the countryconcerned.

(b) (U)The validity of an A-3,G-5, or NATO-7 visa may not exceed the validity of the visa held by theemployer, who would be the bearer of an A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, or NATO-1through NATO-6 visa.

(c) (U)The validity of NATO-7visas for personal employees from non-member NATO countries is based on the A-3data provided in the reciprocity schedule of the respective country of theNATO-7 applicant (see9 FAM 402.3-9(B)(7)).

(5) (U) Validity of B-1 Visa Issuedto Personal or Domestic Employees:  The validity of a B-1 visa issued toa personal employee who is accompanying a nonimmigrant employer must not exceedthe validity of the visa issued to the employer.  See9 FAM 402.2-5(D) forcases in which the B-1 classification is authorized for personal employees ofnonimmigrant employers.

d.UNAVAILABLE.

e.  UNAVAILABLE.

f. (U) Validity of G-4 Visa Issued inU.N. Laissez-Passer:  See9 FAM 402.3-7(D)(6).  The Secretary General,all undersecretaries, and all assistant secretaries general of the UnitedNations may be issued G-4 diplomatic visas valid for 60 months with multipleentries.  The visas, however, must be placed in the national passport ratherthan in the Laissez-Passer.  For all others at the United Nations or UnitedNations Secretariat, refer to the reciprocity schedule of the countryconcerned.

9 FAM 403.9-4(D)  (U) Single-Entry Versus Multiple-EntryVisas

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)You may not routinelyissue single-entry visas when the Reciprocity Schedule allows the issuance ofmultiple-entry visas.  Such a practice increases workload for visa sections andcould cause problems for travelersatPOEs; for example, Caribbean cruise ships often stop at several foreign andU.S. ports (including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) during a singletrip, requiring multiple-entry visas.  Passengers with single entry visas maybe denied boarding by a cruise line that may be subject to a fine for carryingnon-admissible passengers. Similarly,passengers transiting the United States or traveling to Mexico or Canada beforereturning home can be stranded during their trip without a multiple-entryvisa.  Even when limiting visa validity, you should generally issue amultiple-entry visa if multiple entries are permitted per the ReciprocitySchedule.  However, consular managers have the discretion to issue single-entryvisas when the applicant's itinerary indicates that only a single entry isneeded and unusual circumstances surrounding the application argue for such arestriction.

b.(U) Issuance of Two-Entry Visa inLieu of Reciprocal Single-Entry Visa:

(1) (U) Same Purpose Required forEach Entry in Two-Entry Visa:

(a) (U)An applicant who wishesto make more than one application for admission during a single journey may beissued a two-entry visa, even though the appropriate Reciprocity Schedulelimits the validity of the visa to a single application.  They must, on each occasion,be seeking admission for the same principal purpose, and the visa may not bevalid for more than two applications for admission.  This provision isapplicable to all categories of NIVs, except K visas.

(b) (U)A single journey meansthe applicant will not travel back to their country of residence before makinga new application for admission to the United States.  The applicant's travelplans will require them to enter the United States twice before returning home.

(2) (U) Double Reciprocity FeePrescribed:  When a reciprocity fee is prescribed in the ReciprocitySchedule for a single-entry visa, then that fee must be doubled when a visa isissued for two applications for admission.  In addition to the reciprocity feeprescribed in the Reciprocity Schedule, the MRV fee listed in the Schedule ofFees in 22 CFR 22.1 must also be paid, but the MRV fee is not to be doubled. Only one MRV fee listed in the Schedule of Fees in 22 CFR 22.1 is collectedeven when a visa is issued for two applications for admission.

9 FAM 403.9-4(E)  (U) Maximum Initial Periods ofAdmission and Extension of Stay

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

(U)DHS regulations and OperationsInstructions permit a maximum initial period of admission for nonimmigrants asfollows:

9 FAM 403.9-5  (U) Annotations

9 FAM 403.9-5(A)  (U) Annotating Visas

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)Annotating visas is auseful tool that can help both the visa holder and immigration inspectors atPOEs.  In many circumstances, the FAMrequires you to annotate visas. Annotations also provide CA and others (throughthe CCD) with information, both current and historical.  It may be the only wayin which certain information is collected in an electronic format. Understanding when to annotate and when not to annotate a visa, and whatinformation should or must be included, is important in making annotationseffective.

b.(U)A visa annotation is asimple and useful method to convey information about a visa applicant and thecircumstances under which a visa was issued, explain the circumstances orassumptions on which the visa decision was based, or clarify key factors which wereconsidered at the time of adjudication.  The information contained in a visaannotation should help facilitate an immigration inspector’s decision onwhether to admit the visa holder to the United States, and, if to admit, forhow long.  See9 FAM 402.3-4(H).

c. (U)Annotations should beconcise and should be understandable to persons outside the Department. Abbreviations may be used, but they must be clear and self-evident.  You shouldnot use jargon or shorthand.  Annotations should always be constructive and informative. You should carefully review annotations to avoid conveying a negative tone.

9 FAM 403.9-5(B)  (U) Annotating B-1 Visas

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)Employeesof Foreign Airlines:  When issuing a B-1 visa to an employee of aforeign airline who is precluded from E-1 classification pursuant to9 FAM 402.2-5(E)(2),you must place the following notation in the annotation field of the MRV:

EMPLOYEE OF (Name of Airline)

b.(U)DomesticEmployees:  When issuing a B-1 visa to a domestic employee of anonimmigrant or of a U.S. citizen pursuant to9 FAM 402.2-5(D), you must placethe following notation in the annotation field of the MRV:

PERSONAL OR DOMESTIC EMPLOYEE OF NONIMMIGRANTAPPLICANT (EMPLOYER’S NAME)

    or

PERSONAL OR DOMESTIC EMPLOYEE OF U.S. CITIZEN
(EMPLOYER’S NAME)

c. (U)Visitingfor a Religious Tour:  When issuing a B-1 visa to a religious leader,member of a religious group or denomination, or missionary proceeding to theUnited States to engage in a religious tour who does not plan to take anappointment with any one place of worship, and who will be supported byofferings contributed at each religious meeting pursuant to9 FAM 402.2-5(C)(1),you must place the following notation in the annotation field of the MRV:

MINISTER OF RELIGION ON RELIGIOUS TOUR

d.(U)PeaceCorps:  You must insert the designation “PEACE CORPS” in theannotation field of the MRV issued to an applicant who is proceeding to theUnited States under the Peace Corps Act (75 Statute 612).

e.(U)PersonsWho Present a Letter Indicating They Need a Transportation WorkerIdentification Credential (TWIC):

(1) (U)You must annotate thevisas of persons who present letters indicating they require TransportationWorker Identification Credentials (TWIC) with “TWIC letterreceived” to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) toadjudicate TWIC applications.  This annotation allows the bearer to apply for aTWIC in the United States, but it does not have any bearing on whether TSA willprovide the applicant a TWIC.  TSA conducts a full security threat assessmenton each individual applicant, adjudicates the results, and makes an informeddecision to grant or deny a TWIC based on a comprehensive enrollment. Additionally, once presented with a TWIC, Maritime Transportation SecurityAct-regulated ports and facilities determine all access.  You should scan theTWIC letter into the CCD as part of the case record.  See9 FAM 403.9-5(B)paragraph e(2) below.

(2) (U)Transportation WorkerIdentification Credential (TWIC) Request Letter:

[Company Letter Head]

[Date]

United States Consulate

[Address]

RE:  Transportation Worker Identification Credential(TWIC) Annotated B-1 Visa

Dear Sir or Madam:

This letter is to confirm that [First & LastName] is currently employed by [Company Name].  [His/Her] employment with usbegan on [Month, Day, Year].  [He/She] holds the position of [Position Name]. [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Last Name] is a citizen of [name of country].

[Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Last Name] intends to performservice in secure port areas and is requesting a B-1 visa.  [His/Her] jobinvolves tasks that require access to secure areas of a Maritime TransportationSecurity Act (MTSA) regulated vessel, facility, or outer continental shelffacility.  The duration of this work assignment is expected to be [number ofdays/weeks/months].  The specific port areas and/or vessels at whichMr./Mrs./Ms. [Last Name] will be working are [name of facility(ies)/vessel(s),City(ies), and State(s)].  Therefore, a “TWIC LETTER RECEIVED”annotated B-1 visa is requested.

Please contact me at [Phone Number] directly shouldyour office require any further information.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Company Name]

[Signature]

9 FAM 403.9-5(C)  (U) Annotating Academic(“F”) and Nonacademic (“M”) Student Visas

(CT:VISA-1762;   04-27-2023)

a.(U)SchoolNot Yet Selected:  If an applicant is undecided about which school theywill attend (see9 FAM 402.5-5(R)(3)), you must issue a B-2 visa with anotation reading:

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT
SCHOOL NOT YET SELECTED

b.(U)Admissionfor School Entrance Examination or Interview:  If a prospective studentis entering the United States for an admission interview or entranceexamination (see9 FAM 402.5-5(R)(3)), you must issue a B-2 visa with anannotation reading:

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT
ADMISSION INTERVIEW
          or
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT
SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

c. (U)TouristsEngaging in Short Study Course:

(1) (U)For applicants whoseprimary purpose of travel is tourism, who, during their visits willincidentally engage in a short course of study, you must annotate the visa toread:

STUDY INCIDENTAL TO VISIT - FORM I-20NOT REQUIRED

(2) (U)You must limit thenumber of entries to those required for participation in the specifictour-study program.  See9 FAM 402.2-4(A)paragraph(6).

9 FAM 403.9-5(D)  (U) Annotating “J” ExchangeVisitor Visas

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)U.S. Agency forInternational Development (USAID) Grantees:  On visasissued underUSAID Program G-2-0263, including visas forfamily members of the principal applicant, you must place the followingnotation in the annotation field of the MRV:

SPONSORED BY AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT(AID),
DEPARTMENT OF STATE

b.(U)AnnotationRegarding Foreign Residence Requirement:

(1) (U)You must place thefollowing notation on each “J” visa issued:

BEARER IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 212(e).
TWO YEAR RULE DOES APPLY (Name of country)

      or

BEARER IS NOT SUBJECT TO SECTION 212(e).
TWO YEAR RULE DOES NOT APPLY (Name of country)

(2) (U)After the word“apply,” you must annotate the name of the country that wouldsatisfy the two-year residence and physical presence requirement ifapplicable.  The country will in most instances be that which issued theapplicant’s passport.

9 FAM 403.9-5(E)  (U) Annotations of Visas RequiringPetitions

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

a.(U)BaseRequirements:

(1) (U)For petition-basedvisas except for K visas, you must enter the following in the petition screen:

(a) (U)Petitioner’s name;

(b) (U)Approved petitionnumber;

(c) (U)Visa classification; and

(d) (U)Expiration date of thepetition.

(2) (U)For K visa annotationrequirements see9 FAM 502.7-3(C)(7).

b.(U)The name of theprincipal applicant should appear in the annotation field on the visa of eachfamily member who is deriving status from the principal.  For example:

P.A.:  JOHN DOE
PET. NAME:  HEALTHY LIFE, INC.  PET. NO. LIN9517750446
PET. EXP. DATE:  04 MAY 1996

c. (U)For the annotationrequirements for Individual L visas see9 FAM 402.12-6(C) and9 FAM 402.12-7(E)for Blanket L visas.

d.(U)If you limit thevalidity of an H, L, O, P, or Q visa to less than the validity on the petitionor authorized extension of stay, you must also enter the following in theannotation field:

(PETITION VALID/STAY AUTHORIZED) (as applicable)

TO:  DATE

        (U) See9 FAM 402.10-11(B),9 FAM 402.12-15(B) and9 FAM 402.13-9(F).

9 FAM 403.9-5(F)  (U) Annotations Related to Grounds ofIneligibility Overcome and Waivers of Ineligibility

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

a.(U)Overcominga Ground of Ineligibility:

(1) (U)When issuing a visa toan applicant who has overcome a refusal or quasi-refusal under an INA 212(a)ground of ineligibility, you must enter the following notation in theannotation field:

CLASS (code for specific ground of refusal)OVERCOME;
Clearance received (date):  Reference CCD Notes

(2) UNAVAILABLE.

b.(U)222(G)Exemption:  You should annotate NIVs issued to an individual exemptedfrom INA 222(g):

“INA Section 222(g) overcome underextraordinary circumstances”.

c. (U) Annotation inINA212(d)(3)(A) Waiver Cases:

(1) UNAVAILABLE.

(2) (U)When DHS waives aground of exclusion under INA 212(d)(3)(A), you must enter the notation“212(d)(3)(A)” in the annotation field followed by the number ofthe paragraph of INA 212(a) that has been waived.  You should annotate theduration of stay authorized, the POE (if applicable), and an indication of thepurpose of the visit, as follows:

212(D)(3)(A):  (6)(C) 4 WEEKS-N.Y., N.Y.
CONFERENCE:  HAPPY MOTORING COMPANY

(3) (U)If DHS grants a waiverfor multiple entries, a notation of the initial POE is sufficient, if specifiedin the waiver order.  In addition, you must ensure that the visa’svalidity does not exceed that of the waiver.

d.(U)PermissionRequired by DHS Washington District Office for Itinerary Changes or Extensionof Stay:

   If DHS or the Departmentnotifies you that the Washington District Office must grant permission for anychange in itinerary or extension of stay, you must insert the abbreviation“WAS” in the annotation field on the MRV regarding the INA 212(d)(3)(A)authorization.  For example:

212(3)(A):(9)(6)(C) WAS-4 MONTHS NEW YORK, N.Y.
CONFERENCE HAPPY MOTORING COMPANY

e.(U)Numberof Entries and/or Validity of Waiver Exceeds Reciprocity: If DHS grantsa waiver for more entries or a longer period than the appropriate visareciprocity schedule specifies, issue the visa based on the number of entriesand validity listed in the reciprocity schedule on travel.state.gov.

f. (U)PreviouslyDeported or Removed: If DHS has granted consent to reapply foradmission after exclusion or deportation, you must insert the followingnotations in the annotation field:

          INA 212(a)(9)(A) or INA 212(a)(9)(C)

      as applicable, and

PERMISSION TO REAPPLY FOR ADMISSION GRANTED.

g.(U)AnnotatingVisas for Medical Reasons:

(1) (U)ForAll NIVs Except V Visas:  In the following cases, you should annotatethe NIV as indicated when the medical examination discloses a:

(a) (U)Class A tubercular orother condition and an INA 212(d)(3)(A) waiver has been granted:

“MED:  Class A:  212(d)(3)(A)”; or

(b) (U)Class B tubercularconditions or Class B leprosy, non-infectious:

“MED:  Class B”.

(2) (U)For VVisas - Tubercular Cases: In the following cases, you should annotatethe NIV as indicated when the medical examination discloses a:

(a) (U)Class A tubercular orother condition and an INA 212(d)(3)(A) waiver has been granted:

“MED:  Class A:  DD-MM-YY (date of visaissuance)

212(d)(3)(A):  (a)(1)(A)(i)

___________________ (port of entry)”; or

(b) (U)Class B tubercularconditions (but not for any other Class B conditions):

“MED:  Class B (TB):  DD-MM-YY (date of visaissuance)”

9 FAM 403.9-5(G)  (U) Annotations Related to ConsularLookout and Support System (CLASS) Hits and Grounds of Ineligibility Overcome

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

a.(U)CLASSHits:  You may annotate visas for persons whom the Department hascleared of exact matches for a CLASS hit, “NOT SAME AS CLASS ENTRY– see case notes.”  This annotation is optional and is based onyour judgment.  You should not specify the CLASS lookout code.  You shouldenter any notes that would help clarify the annotation into the CCD.

b.(U)Overcominga Ground of Ineligibility:

(1) (U)When issuing a visa toan applicant who has overcome a refusal or quasi-refusal under an INA 212(a)ground of ineligibility, you must enter the following notation in theannotation field:

      CLASS (code for specific ground of refusal)OVERCOME;
Clearance received (date):  Reference CCD Notes

(2) UNAVAILABLE.

(3) UNAVAILABLE.

c. (U)Purposeand Duration of Stay When Validity is Limited:

(1) (U)In general, you shouldissue maximum-validity visas.  See9 FAM 403.9-4(B) above.

(2) (U)When the validity of avisa is limited, you must annotate the visa indicating the applicant’spurpose of travel and length of intended stay in the United States.  Forexample:

VISIT UNCLE IN SAN FRANCISCO - 3 WEEKS

(3) (U)A visa may beannotated in any case when you determine that the applicant is only anonimmigrant for the visit for which the visa is issued.  You may limit thevisa validity in accordance with the guidelines in9 FAM 403.9-4(C) above. Such notations will materially assist DHS inspectors at POEs as well as at thedomestic offices of DHS and are encouraged.  However, you may not enternegative notations such as:

      “NO ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS or EXTENSION OFSTAY RECOMMENDED.”

      which question the visa recipient’sveracity and/or tend to tell DHS what to do or what not to do in a case.  Underno circumstances should an annotation prohibit activity in the United Stateswhich would be permitted under the visa category or prohibit the individualfrom seeking an extension of stay or adjustment of status.  These are theresponsibility of immigration inspectors and DHS.

d.(U)Nationalsof Certain Countries Restricted to Designated POEs:  If a visa recipientis restricted to one or more designated POEs, you should indicate the port(s)in the 88-character field under the “Annotation section” on theMRV.  If there is insufficient space to list the POEs, you should annotate thevisa to reflect the page on the reciprocity schedule that lists the POEs forentry/exit for that country.  (See the relevant country on the Visa ReciprocitySchedule.)

e.UNAVAILABLE.

9 FAM 403.9-6  (U) The Machine Readable Visa (MRV)

9 FAM 403.9-6(A)  (U) Information About the Machine ReadableVisa (MRV)

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)Theinformation on the MRV is printed on an adhesive foil and consists of fivesections that:

(1) (U)Reflect theapplicant’s biographic data;

(2) (U)Contain informationabout the visa itself (visa type, number of entries, date of issuance, and dateof expiration);

(3) (U)Show the 88-characterfield used for annotating additional information about the recipient, whennecessary; (e.g., annotation of a petition number, SEVIS number, etc.);

(4) (U)Display a digitizedphoto of the visa recipient; and

(5) (U)Contain amachine-readable zone (MRZ) consisting of two lines of highly sensitive codeddata.  Scanners connected to authorized computer networks can read the datalocated in the MRZ and instantly recall records associated with the MRV. Damage to either line may prevent the scanner from reading the data, requiringmanual data-entry before processing, which could lead to delays at POEs.  Youshould instruct MRV recipients to take care with their MRVs, avoid folding thefoil, and prevent contact between the foil and objects that could damage it,such as paper clips, staples, etc.

b.(U)SeparateMRV for Each Applicant: You must issue a separate MRV to each qualifiedapplicant, even when the same passport includes multiple applicants. Therefore, a passport must contain at least one unmarked page for each visaissued.  When possible, the page opposite the visa-ed page should also remainunmarked.  This will provide space for the CBP officer at the POE to annotateand/or stamp the applicant’s passport at the time CBP admits theapplicant into the United States.

c.(U) Exampleof an MRV:

9 FAM 403.9-6(B)  (U) Placement of a Machine ReadableVisa (MRV) in a Passport or on a Form DS-232

(CT:VISA-1835;   09-20-2023)

a.(U)Placementof an MRV in a Passport: You must place an MRV as close as possible tothe bottom and left sides of the passport page to optimize MRV readerperformance.

b.(U)Placingan MRV on FormDS-232:  Unrecognized Passport or WaiverCases:

(1) (U)You must place the MRVon Form DS-232(see paragraph c below) inthose instances in which the applicant does not possess and cannot readilyobtain a valid passport;

(2) (U)The bottom part of theMRV should be placed as close as possible to the lower right corner on the FormDS-232, Unrecognized Passport or Waiver Cases (see9 FAM 403.9-3(D) above). Placing the MRV at this location will help optimize MRV reader performance. You should carefully fold the Form DS-232 before you insert it into a passport,to prevent the MRV itself from being creased or folded; and

(3) (U)Since the MRV containsa photograph of the visa recipient, you do not have to place an additionalphoto of the applicant on Form DS-232.

c. (U)SampleForm DS-232 can be found at MyData.   

d.(U)Scanningthe MRV:

(1) (U)After the MRV has beenplaced in the travel document, you must perform quality assurance (QA) on thevisa to ensure that the coded data are error-free.  Take the following steps inscanning an MRV:

(a) (U)Place the visa-ed pageface down on the left side of the QA reader with the coded data lined upagainst the border guide;

(b) (U)Pass only the pagecontaining the visa through the reader; and

(c) (U)Swipe the passportmanually toward the reader’s opening, from left to right;

(2) (U)The QA reader willfeed the passport through the reader while you hold the passport.  If the codeddata are error-free, the reader will display a green light.  If a red lightappears, this indicates an error in the visa that you must correct before returningthe passport to its owner; and

(3) (U) You must only performmanual QA of a visawhena travel documentreader is not available.

9 FAM 403.9-7  (U) Reporting Issued Visas as Lost orStolen

(CT:VISA-1991;   05-24-2024)

a.UNAVAILABLE

b.UNAVAILABLE.

c. UNAVAILABLE.

d.UNAVAILABLE.

e.UNAVAILABLE.

f. UNAVAILABLE.

g.UNAVAILABLE.

h.UNAVAILABLE.

i. UNAVAILABLE

j. (U)If there are fraudindicators, the case should also be referred totheconsular section's FPU.

k.(U)Refer to9 FAM 504.10-6for additional information on reporting lost or stolen IVs and boarding foils.

9 FAM 403.9-8 RESERVED

(CT:VISA-2171;   07-31-2025)

UNCLASSIFIED (U)