Administrative Processing at the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul

Turkish Citizens and Residents who applied on or after 19 December 2012

When the administrative processing number appears on the internet, applicants must send their passports and/or required documents to the U.S. Consulate General Istanbul, Nonimmigrant Visa Unit via Turkish Post (PTT). Please visit www.usvisa-info.com or call 0850 252 6355 from Turkey or (703) 439-2348 from the U.S. to send your documents and select a passport pickup location.  Please make sure to attach the “Passport Pickup Registration Receipts” for each family member. Please send a copy of this receipt along with your passport and any other required documents to the Consulate, Nonimmigrant Visa Unit.

Turkish Citizens and Residents who applied before 19 December 2012

When the administrative processing number appears on the internet, applicants must send their passports and any other required documents via United Parcel Service (UPS) for final approval. The passport(s) will be delivered by UPS courier to a local address in most circumstances within 2-3 business days.

How to read the case status report:

Find your Batch No. in the case status report and note the case status. There are only three case status remarks: Pending; Email Sent (Date); Send Passport and/or additional documents. Each remark is explained below and instructions are given where applicable.

Pending: Your case is still pending administrative processing. The Consulate cannot issue you a visa before completion of this process. The Consulate cannot waive this processing or influence the amount of time this processing may take. Do not contact the Consulate while your application is being processed as we will not be able to assist you.

Email Sent: The Consulate needs additional information or documents from you in order to process your case to conclusion. The Consulate has emailed or telephoned you regarding this information. You must submit this information to the Consulate before your case can be completed.

Send Passport (PPT): You are required to submit your passport for issuance of the visa. If you have applied after December 19, 2012, submit your passport through the Consulate's contract courier service, PTT. If you have applied before 19^th of December 2012, you may send your passport via UPS.

Important note:  Please carefully mind the dates next to your Batch ID number. If you do not send your passport and/or requested documents until the stated date, you will be required to reapply for the visa.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I do if my number is not listed yet?

• Please check back in one week.  Check frequently to ensure you can complete the process once your number is posted.

How long does administrative processing take?

• Visa administrative processing usually takes a minimum of four (4) weeks and may last up to (6) months. Please bear in mind that it is not a process that the U.S. Consulate General can control or expedite. Do not contact the Visa Section to request information regarding your Administrative Process.

Visa Application Numbers

Last Updated: February 11, 2013