Administrative Processing

In some cases - for example, applicants with technical and scientific backgrounds, students and scholars in scientific fields, or applicants who are not from Taiwan - additional administrative processing is required.  Applicants are advised of this requirement when they apply.  Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview.  When administrative processing is required, applicants will be able to check the status of their cases on our website.  Administrative processing time will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.  Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Applicants can help make this process go faster by being prepared for their visa interviews. They should bring a copy of their resume or curriculum vitae (CV); a list of their publications (if any); a summary of their past and future research; information on their advisor or sponsor in the United States, including an invitation letter detailing the applicant's planned activities or specific study in the US; sponsor's mailing address and telephone number (for example, a copy of his/her webpage); and a list of references.  Applicants who will be attending conferences in the US should also bring information about the conference, including abstracts of any presentation, if applicable.  This information should be in English.  Applicants should also be ready to answer specific questions about their research plans in the United States.

Applicants who do not bring complete information to the interview (e.g., a resume and research summary) may have their applications delayed even further, or may be refused a visa and asked to apply again.  The more information and documentation an applicant provides during the visa interview, the better the application can be evaluated.  If you are unsure about whether or not to bring a particular document, please bring it with you in case the interviewing officer wishes to review it.

If you have submitted your application to AIT and have been provided an administrative processing case number, you can check the status of your case any time on the Visa Administrative Processing Case Status page. You will need to enter the administrative processing case number and the verification code on the screen.  Please check the online status regularly as this will be the only means by which you will be notified about the status of your case.  Once administrative processing is complete, you must return your passport to AIT within 120 days.

Important Notice: Before contacting AIT to inquire about the status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.