Why it’s important to improve the U.S. visa consular processing system

U.S. visas are highly coveted, granting visitors access to numerous countries. The significant visa backlogs at certain U.S. consulates underscore their value to recipients. The U.S. should investigate how current policies contribute to these backlogs and use this insight to improve consular processing.

Over the past ten years, U.S. B1 and B2 visa applications averaged over 8 million per year. These visas allow travelers to enter the country temporarily for business or tourism. To obtain a visitor visa, applicants must apply, pay a fee, and submit biometrics and digital fingerprints. They may also need to attend an interview in which a consular officer evaluates the applicants’ intentions and eligibility for the visa.  

The rigorous processing for U.S. visas, even for temporary ones, offers significant benefits beyond simply traveling to the U.S. In fact, over 35 countries and territories, including South Korea and Mexico, allow entry to foreign visitors holding a valid U.S. visa without requiring an additional visa (see chart below). This policy likely helps reduce their own visa processing volume.

By relying on U.S. screening, these countries avoid duplicating security measures and can welcome vetted tourists without adding to their visa-processing workload. Some countries and territories extend this benefit only to visitors of certain nationalities, such as Indian or Chinese citizens. Seventeen others, including Canada, Japan, and the UAE, offer simplified visa requirements for foreign visitors with U.S. visas, such as eVisas, visas-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations. This approach capitalizes on the security screening already conducted by the U.S., thereby reducing their own administrative burden.

Countries that adopt these policies demonstrate confidence in the quality of U.S. consular screening. This trust is diplomatically beneficial to the U.S., as it can be leveraged to promote U.S. interests and foreign policy goals. Nearly all these countries grant visa-free travel to U.S. citizens, with the U.S. maintaining reciprocal policies for those that don’t. Extending the use of U.S. visas to other countries could also promote tourism and business travel to the U.S., providing a significant economic boost. 

It is unclear if some U.S. visas are primarily obtained for travel to other countries. Publicly available data does not indicate how many visas issued each year are never used for entry into the U.S. or are primarily intended for travel elsewhere. While consular officers inquire about applicants’ travel plans during interviews and some countries require previous U.S. entry for U.S. visa holders, it is possible that some visa recipients may never use their visas to enter the U.S.

The Department of State should collect data on travelers who obtain U.S. visas but have yet to actually visit the country. This information can be used to assess their impact on visa processing times and the overall consular experiences of those with planned travel to the U.S.

If the data reveals a significant impact, consulates could implement a prioritization system for applicants who provide evidence of planned travel to the U.S. but do not qualify for emergency appointments. The Department of State could introduce a service similar to USCIS’s Premium Processing, which would expedite processing for applicants with U.S. travel plans in exchange for an additional fee. This approach aligns with the goals of the Visa Processing Improvement Act (VPIA), a proposed bill designed to enhance consular processing efficiency.

Administrative and legislative efforts like VPIA can improve consular staffing and processing by utilizing departmental wait time goals, interview waiver authorities, and personnel management strategies. By boosting the efficiency of consular operations, the U.S. can maximize the diplomatic and economic benefits of its visitor visa policies and improve the overall travel experience for foreign nationals.

Countries Offering Entry with a U.S. Visa