Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 09:26:17 
Subject: Visa Issues

The situation for some foreign scientists conducting research at Fermilab
has been strained recently due to delays and other difficulties in
obtaining valid entry visas to the United States.  Much has been said
recently (most of it anecdotal through various e-mail lists) regarding
this issue.  While some of these stories serve to warn us about the plight
of our colleagues, they do not necessarily inform us as to proper action
when faced with immigration problems.  Furthermore, we believe that some
of the information may in fact be damaging to others seeking or renewing
visas.  For example, the situation changed dramatically around July 2002.
Methods employed prior to July may not apply any longer.

There are several resources available to help you with many of your
questions.  Current information on visas can be found at the State
Departments Website at www.state.gov or
http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html and the websites of the
individual Embassies or Consulates that can be found via
http://usembassy.state.gov.  There is also current visa information at the
Fermilab Human Resources Services Website at fnalpubs.fnal.gov/hrs and in
the Guide for Newcomers at fnalpubs.fnal.gov/users/newcomers.

Detailed questions concerning specific rules and procedures should be
directed to experts.  In this regard, the Visa Office of Fermilab
(visaoffice@fnal.gov) can serve as an information source for Fermilab
Users interested in learning about current procedures and problems for
their visa application.  Note that procedures have recently changed and
may change again at any time.  Don't rely on hearsay or word of mouth,
please seek authentic information for your individual situation.  A
response for one situation may not apply to every situation.  Also note
that if you are a student or employee of a US University, the appropriate
office there should be contacted.  While the Fermilab visa office is
willing to offer information, they cannot intervene in most situations.

We are all frustrated by the current situation, and there is some evidence
that the situation has started to improve.  We will continue to do what we
can behind the scene.  One thing that might help is a detailed database of
Fermilab Users that have been affected by these difficulties.  We are
sometimes asked for statistics and usually have none to give.  Therefore,
we ask that anyone who has recently applied for a visa contact the UEC.
Please provide your name and a brief explanation of your situation.
While we can often do little other than compile a list of affected users,
this list may be valuable in highlighting the extent of the problem to
those interested in listening.  Please send your experiences to
usersoffice@fnal.gov.  Your e-mails will be forwarded to the UEC.

Best Regards

Christopher White
Chair, FNAL UEC

Robert Plunkett
Chair, Non-US Users' Issues
FNAL UEC