Consular officers at the embassies

[a&o 4]

Over on the sub-Saharan Africa board we've been talking about the trouble people have had with the consular officers, specifically in the Accra, Ghana consulate. I've already seen the way they operate and it's in line with the trouble other people have had, so I'm terrified of what's to come. I'm sure there are particular problems with every embassy, but it seems like Accra is one of the worst. (Ghana is a high fraud country, of course, but they seem to be rough on rock-solid cases as well as the flimsy ones.)

On othe VJers who has had a particularly hard time went through a Congresswoman who told her that the consular officers really don't have any oversight so there's no one to write to or call on to help. Someone else said they don't get taken to task for denying visas, so even if they deny one wrongly it doesn't matter to them, career-wise. And, the ambassador side of the embassy has nothing to do with the consular side, so appealing to an ambassador's office is of no help.

People have written to the Inspector General, too, without getting any feedback.

Does anyone know the chain of command?

[Yodrak 7]

a&o,

I'm curious - what makes a case "rock-solid" to your way of thinking?

I do not know the 'chain of command'. Perhaps William does.

Yodrak

Over on the sub-Saharan Africa board we've been talking about the trouble people have had with the consular officers, specifically in the Accra, Ghana consulate. I've already seen the way they operate and it's in line with the trouble other people have had, so I'm terrified of what's to come. I'm sure there are particular problems with every embassy, but it seems like Accra is one of the worst. (Ghana is a high fraud country, of course, but they seem to be rough on rock-solid cases as well as the flimsy ones.)

......

Does anyone know the chain of command?

[William33 110]

a&o,

The Consular Officer's chain of command resides within the Consular Section. The next level is in Washington. Unless your case involves an Advisory Opinion or a Security Advisory opinion, the decision will be made locally.

Although all Embassy and Consulate functions fall under the U.S. Ambassador's purview, visa activity is not considered outside of the Consular Section, with the exception of security checks.

An Inspector General does not get involved in independent cases. Their function is more of an internal oversight function, without fear of retribution by the Agency that they "police".

Apparently, they found your case not "rock solid". I suggest you contact them and learn what issues you need to overcome.

This process is unlike any other, you cannot just "dismiss" the Consular Officer on your case and go over their head. I would strongly believe that every rejection is reviewed, by the most senior Consular Officer at each post.

Over on the sub-Saharan Africa board we've been talking about the trouble people have had with the consular officers, specifically in the Accra, Ghana consulate. I've already seen the way they operate and it's in line with the trouble other people have had, so I'm terrified of what's to come. I'm sure there are particular problems with every embassy, but it seems like Accra is one of the worst. (Ghana is a high fraud country, of course, but they seem to be rough on rock-solid cases as well as the flimsy ones.)

On othe VJers who has had a particularly hard time went through a Congresswoman who told her that the consular officers really don't have any oversight so there's no one to write to or call on to help. Someone else said they don't get taken to task for denying visas, so even if they deny one wrongly it doesn't matter to them, career-wise. And, the ambassador side of the embassy has nothing to do with the consular side, so appealing to an ambassador's office is of no help.

People have written to the Inspector General, too, without getting any feedback.

Does anyone know the chain of command?

[desert_fox 32]

Do believe that they work for the Consulate General at a particular post. After that its theu the State Dept in Wash right up to Condie Rice

[William33 110]

desert_fox,

A US Consulate General is a building, in a major foreign city.

Some posts have a "Consul General" depending on the size of the operation.

Do believe that they work for the Consulate General at a particular post. After that its theu the State Dept in Wash right up to Condie Rice

Edited October 18, 2006 by William33

[E&K 0]

This process is unlike any other, you cannot just "dismiss" the Consular Officer on your case and go over their head. I would strongly believe that every rejection is reviewed, by the most senior Consular Officer at each post.

Hi William,

Just curious, does this mean that they generally would not reject a case right away during the interview? would they do some sort of "review" process where they may "change their minds" before they give you the final resolution?

Thanks!

[William33 110]

E&K,

Let me start by saying that I have worked in many Embassies and Consulates, yet not in the Consular Section. I have friends that are Consular Officers and have learned some things from casual conversation.

With that said, I believe the process works like this:

They review your paperwork and evidence submissions, developing a pre-designated "notion" about the merits of the case; or lack thereof. The interview will either "sink or swim" your petition.

If your case is weak, the interview would really need to be incredibly convincing, with additional supporting evidence.

In a nutshell, they generally have a pretty good idea about the outcome, prior to the interview.

This process is unlike any other, you cannot just "dismiss" the Consular Officer on your case and go over their head. I would strongly believe that every rejection is reviewed, by the most senior Consular Officer at each post.

Hi William,

Just curious, does this mean that they generally would not reject a case right away during the interview? would they do some sort of "review" process where they may "change their minds" before they give you the final resolution?

Thanks!

[a&o 4]

Thanks, William33. Actually we haven't had the interview yet, and I don't see any reason why we should be denied, but after hearing so many couples' experiences with the Accra consular officers I'm very worried that the decision could rest in the hands of someone who simply doesn't want to issue visas to interracial couples and uses any excuse (or none) and doesn't have to answer to anyone.

Normally I would call my anxiety a bad case of paranoia, but after I've heard so many cases out of Accra become nightmares at the consulate stage, I can't help but worry. Also, the paperwork they issue in packets 3 & 4 have conflicting information, misinformation, and expired forms. Not a good sign.

Anyway, thanks for your insights!

Yodrack: what I meant by "rock solid" is that all the forms and documents are in order, the evidence of an ongoing relationship is there, the support requirement is met, the medical and police reports are clear, and the fiance is eligible for the visa by stating his/her intention to marry.