AP Handled By Embassy vs. DOS

[JULIAFERNO 0]

I have a friend whose husband is currently undergoing administrative processing and was told that the AP is being done by the embassy and not by DOS. Does anyone know the difference between the two, why some AP would be done by the embassy and some by DOS and if there is a general difference in wait times between the two?

Thanks!

[payxibka 10,047]

The embassy is a part of the Department of State (DOS)

[anitacastillo 0]

AP/AR can be for a variety of reasons -- most fall into one of two categories.

Sometimes a name is being checked out by the FBI and other agencies to confirm the proposed immigrant isn't a criminal/terrorist. That is done in the US and the embassy waits for the clearance from Washington prior to visa issuance.

Sometimes the embassy wants to further confirm the relationship. They will do home visits and request additional documentation. Once the embassy official is satisfied, the visa will be issued.

Both are stressful!!!

[JULIAFERNO 0]

AP/AR can be for a variety of reasons -- most fall into one of two categories.

Sometimes a name is being checked out by the FBI and other agencies to confirm the proposed immigrant isn't a criminal/terrorist. That is done in the US and the embassy waits for the clearance from Washington prior to visa issuance.

Sometimes the embassy wants to further confirm the relationship. They will do home visits and request additional documentation. Once the embassy official is satisfied, the visa will be issued.

Both are stressful!!!

If the embassy wanted to further confirm the relationship, would they inform the beneficiary and petitioner of that reason? My friend has been in AP for 5 weeks and hasn't experienced any home visits and hasn't been requested to provide additional evidence, but the visa specialist who she spoke to when calling DOS told her that her husband's AP was being performed by the embassy and not by DOS. It's all so mysterious!

P.S. Are these "home visits" generally to the petitioner's home or the beneficiary's home or both? Should I prepare myself to potentially come home to some government official waiting at my door?

Edited August 1, 2008 by JULIAFERNO

[emt103c 10]

Home visits are generally to the "alien's" home. . .the consulate can handle document verification and validity of relationship questions. . .those don't have to be sent to Washington or through any other govt. agency.