This past week the US Department of State announced, through its Bureau of Consular Affairs, that Embassies and Consulates are experiencing technical problems with the passport and visa system. While the system is supposedly operational, the Bureau reports that posts are issuing documents at a reduced capacity. This issue is worldwide and is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or visa category.
Many visa applicants have been waiting several days to receive their passport and visa after notification that their visa application was approved. Despite the outage, consulates are still conducting visa appointments. Furthermore, the online systems for completing visa application forms and making interview appointments remain in operation.
For further updates regarding this situation please consult travel.state.gov and follow this blog. For assistance with urgent situations, please contact your principal Squire Patton Boggs professional.