Yale Bulletin and Calendar

September 17, 2004|Volume 33, Number 3

Levin reports improvements
in U.S. visa procedures

In a letter to members of Yale's international community on Sept. 1, President Richard C. Levin reported improvements in U.S. policies and procedures regarding the issuance of visas for international students and scholars.

He noted that the U.S. State Department is now giving students and scholars priority in scheduling mandatory visa interviews, thereby reducing waiting times, and said that he was informed by the State Department that 80% of visa background checks are now being completed within three weeks.

Levin joined with other university presidents and academic leaders last spring in a campaign for more efficient screening processes by the federal government for international students and scholars. He and other educational leaders have discussed the issue with federal officials and agencies, and Levin has had personal meetings with senior officials in the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. State Department.

"As this screening process is the principal cause of visa delays, this greater efficiency is welcome," wrote Levin. "We are continuing to urge the State Department to complete all background checks with equal dispatch. I am particularly pleased that, compared to recent years, far fewer Yale students and postdoctoral fellows have had trouble obtaining visas."

Levin noted that he and his colleagues continue to be engaged in discussions regarding U.S. visas, seeking "further improvements in policies for international students and scholars who have obtained an initial visa.

"I was glad to learn that Washington may extend the length of security clearances, which would ease the burden on those who are required to renew their visas during the course of their time at Yale," he continued.

Levin also outlined in his letter further proposals for improvements in visa and security clearance policies, noting that he and other academic leaders have urged that visas granted to international students and scholars should remain valid for the length of their academic program and permit travel to and from the United States during this time. He has also encouraged a reciprocity agreement between the U.S. and China that would extend the length of visas for Chinese students and scholars. The State Department, he said in his letter, has "welcomed Yale's efforts" on this issue and is currently in negotiations with China on this matter.

Levin's update on student visas can be found on the Office of Public Affairs website at www.yale.edu/opa/intl/news/20040901.html.

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