For much of thesecond half of 2016, the US Embassy at Manila has been delaying Visaappointments because of a bad interpretation of law. Through the combined effort of MU Law, AAIHR,and AILA, it appears that the Manila Post willno longer incorrectly interpret these visa applications, which should lead tospeedier visa issuance.
The Manila Post wasincorrectly readjudicating previously approved green card applications. In some instances, these applications wereseveral years’ old. The Post would oftenask for updated prevailing wage determinations, posting, and labor certifications. MU Law and the AAIHR, through AILA and other communicationchannels spent much of the second half of 2016 explaining in detail why these readjudicationswere contrary to law. Theseinterpretations were limited to the Manila Post. Other Posts were not readjudicating thesetypes of applications.
The Post has confirmedthat they agree with our legal position and will no longer readjudicate these applications. The Post has also set out a framework toprioritize these types of matters.
In the last week or two, MU Law has noticed that visa application delays have ceased, which likely is the result of this Manila Post policy change. MU Law commends the Manila Post on its willingness to dialogue on this issue.
In the last week or two, MU Law has noticed that visa application delays have ceased, which likely is the result of this Manila Post policy change. MU Law commends the Manila Post on its willingness to dialogue on this issue.