9 FAM 601.6
(U) Maintaining Visa Files, Records, and Information
(CT:VISA-1968; 04-04-2024)
(Office of Origin: CA/VO)
9 FAM 601.6-1 (U) visa-related files, records and information
(CT:VISA-360; 05-02-2017)
(U) See 7 FAH-1 H-450 for additional information on consular files and records.
9 FAM 601.6-1(A) (U) Visa Case Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Case Files: Case files contain material relating to specific individual cases. Material in a case file should be arranged in chronological order, with the most recent item on top.
b. (U) Case files are indexed through the NIV and IV automated applications.
c. (U) Paperless Files:
(1) (U) The introduction of the Form DS-160, Electronic Application for Nonimmigrant Visa, and the Form DS-260, Online Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, has significantly reduced the requirement for visa sections to maintain paper files of visa records. Some sections will continue to maintain some historic paper files, although the trend is towards more efficiently stored and retrieved “paperless” files. Implementation of the Modernized Immigrant Visa (MIV) program began the transition to fully electronic processing of IVs.
(2) (U) The large size of many visa records, particularly IV cases, makes it important that visa sections adhere strictly to records disposition guidelines.
(a) (U) NIV Files: For NIV cases, return to the applicant all documents submitted by the applicant which were not pertinent to the refusal or indicative of possible ineligibility. Letters and other documents addressed to an officer or the post should be retained and either scanned into CCD or destroyed with the refusal file in accordance with the Foreign Records Disposition Schedule for Visa Service. See 9 FAM 601.6-2 below for additional guidance on handling NIV case files and records.
(b) (U) IV and DV Files: Visa sections retain no paper record of IVs issued. All records for issued cases are retained in CCD. Documents retained in pending, inactive, and refused cases should be pared to the minimum necessary under regulation, and case files should be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as provided for in the Records Disposition Schedule. See 9 FAM 601.6-3 below for guidance on handling IV and DV case files and records.
(3) (U) Scanning Records: Instructions on scanning NIV and IV records are provided in 9 FAM 601.6-4 below.
d. (U) Paper Files:
(1) (U) Case files are generally organized and located by function and type. In a small consular section, all active cases might be filed together while in a larger one they might be separated by function (NIV, IV or DV; issuance; type of refusal; etc.).
(a) (U) NIV Files: Issued NIV application files and 214(b) and 221(g) refusal files are generally batched in chronological order. See 9 FAM 601.6-2 for additional guidance on handling NIV case files and records.
(b) (U) IV and DV Files: Most visa sections now file IV cases sequentially using the National Visa Center (NVC) assigned case number. See 9 FAM 601.6-3 below for guidance on handling IV and DV case files and records.
(2) (U) Employees responsible for filing must be thoroughly familiar with the English alphabet to avoid misfiling and the consequential loss of case records.
9 FAM 601.6-1(B) A-Z Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Visa Sections must establish an A-Z case file for papers related to a visa applicant that arrive before the creation of the electronic file and which cannot be given or returned to the applicant for personal retention. These cases are usually filed in alphabetical order and therefore sometimes referred to as A-Z files.
b. (U) See 9 FAM 303.2 for guidance on how to properly alphabetize A-Z files (naming conventions).
9 FAM 601.6-1(C) (U) Visa Subject Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Visa Subject Files - Introduction:
(1) (U) Each visa-issuing office should maintain subject files (CVIS files) relating to general visa operations, programs, policies, procedures, or concepts. The subject files must conform to the instructions provided in 5 FAH-3, TAGS/Terms Handbook and should be arranged alphabetically as stated in 5 FAH-3 (see also paragraph b below).
(2) (U) Subject files are important references for policy, precedent, and procedural information that are not codified in the Foreign Affairs Manual. Subject files are used to store information that is general in application rather than specific to an individual case. This may include ALDACs and other cables about laws, regulations, procedures, and reporting requirements; correspondence with local authorities; and internal memoranda about policy and procedures. Copies or extracts of information regarding individual cases that contain useful policy or precedent information of general application may also be filed in a subject file.
(3) (U) A separate similar subject file must be maintained for classified materials. See 9 FAM 601.6-1(F) below. A cross-reference to the existence of a classified file must be prominently placed in the corresponding unclassified subject or case file to ensure that classified information is not overlooked.
b. (U) Subject File Divisions and Subdivisions:
(1) (U) Organization of Subject Files: Subject files are organized using TAGS and TERMS, as outlined in 5 FAH-3, the TAGS/Terms Handbook. The seven consular TAGS (see 5 FAH-3 H-111.3) provide the broad classification while primary subdivisions are identified using TERMS. Further subdivisions under TERMS are made using secondary or tertiary terms. Persons responsible for filing policy, precedent, and procedural information need to be thoroughly familiar with the TAGS/TERMS system to ensure information is identified and filed effectively; in other words, so that it can be found when needed. Copies of some ALDACS or other records covering more than one subject may need to be filed in more than one place (or clearly cross-referenced) to ensure that the information is readily available as needed.
(2) (U) Use of File Dividers: Visa sections should use file dividers to set apart subjects that require subdivisions, such as IMMIGRANT, INELIGIBILITY, and NONIMMIGRANT. A breakdown of folders might consist of the following subject areas:
(a) (U) IMMIGRANT, with secondary terms such as CONDITIONAL, SPECIAL, EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIRST PREFERENCE, etc.;
(b) (U) INELIGIBILITY, with separate folders for the individual grounds, - (1), (2), (3), etc., - or generic grounds, - CRIMINAL, MEDICAL, SECURITY, etc.; and
(c) (U) NONIMMIGRANT, with a breakdown of business, student, visitor, etc.
(3) (U) Secondary Terms: Using more than one secondary term may be necessary to refine the files further. As stated above, the dividers would be marked IMMIGRANT, INELIGIBILITY, and NONIMMIGRANT. The folders within those areas of the files would bear both the primary term and the secondary term or terms, making it easier to return guidance material folders to the files.
c. (U) Creating Visa Subject File Folders:
(1) (U) No Empty Folders: The subject file should not have any empty folders. Folders should be set up only when guidance material in some form is received (for example, a guidance telegram or an SOP memo written for the files by a supervising officer).
(2) (U) Limiting Subject Files to Guidance Materials: The Department emphasizes that, while communications concerning individual cases will use the same primary and secondary terms, only communications containing guidance for general use in the CVIS subject file should be filed in subject files.
d. (U) Retention of Material in Subject Files:
(1) (U) The material in the general visa subject file should be retained if it serves a useful purpose. Although some cables technically expire 30 days from date of issuance, visa sections should retain such materials until they are superseded by Change Transmittals (formerly Transmittal Letters or TLs) incorporating the guidance material into 9 FAM as appropriate. You may remove cancelled communications from their subject folders either at that time or during the next annual review of files material.
(2) (U) Retain copies of treaties and reciprocal agreements and all communications amending or interpreting them if the treaty or agreement is in effect.
9 FAM 601.6-1(D) (U) Chronological (Chron) Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) A chronological file, commonly known as a chron file, is a temporary file of copies of documents in chronological order that are retained in addition to the originals filed in the subject or case files. For maximum utility, cross-reference the subject file with these chronological copies.
(1) (U) Every post should maintain a chron file of all incoming ALDAC telegrams on consular affairs as well as all current local SOPs.
(2) (U) Maintaining chron files for copies of other communications is optional and may help in locating information when the exact subject file is uncertain. Avoid routinely keeping chron files for all types of correspondence as maintaining them can be more labor intensive.
(3) (U) You may wish to keep your own chron files of unclassified items (cables, memos, letters, etc.) which they have drafted. This practice is a useful reference tool at EER time.
b. (U) Visa sections should maintain their own chron files, in addition to the chron files kept in post’s Central Records Unit.
9 FAM 601.6-1(E) (U) Administrative Files
(CT:VISA-360; 05-02-2017)
(U) Administrative files containing operational housekeeping records, such as management controls and consular fee records, operational reports on consular activities, personnel actions, etc., should be filed as Consular Management (CMGT) files rather than CVIS in many cases.
9 FAM 601.6-1(F) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
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9 FAM 601.6-2 (U) storing issued and refused niv records
9 FAM 601.6-2(A) (U) NIV Files – General Guidance
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) CCD and NIV Files: Under the retention schedule (Records Disposition Schedule), electronic Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) records are the equivalent to hard copy case files. The introduction of the Form DS-160 and the replication of NIV case records into the CCD, has significantly reduced the requirement for visa sections to maintain paper files of visa records.
b. (U) NIV Issuance and Refusal Files: See 9 FAM 601.6-2(C) for information on CAT I NIV refusal files, and 9 FAM 601.6-2(D) below for information on CAT II (including 214(b) and 221(g)) NIV refusal files.
c. (U) NIV Fee-Related Documents: Visa sections should retain their copies of applicants’ receipts and DS-160 barcode printouts until they have performed the MRV periodic comparison of fees collected with services provided. After a monthly, periodic comparison, they may destroy the receipts. The barcode printouts may be destroyed after the receipt has been properly reconciled.
d. (U) Scanning NIV Records: See 9 FAM 601.6-4 below.
9 FAM 601.6-2(B) (U) Issued NIV Case Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) For visa applications submitted using the DS-160, do not store the related NIV issuance records as paper files.
b. (U) Any older (pre-DS-160) issued NIV paper applications, and their relevant supporting documents, should be scanned into the associated application record in the NIV software (see 9 FAM 601.6-4 below for scanning instructions). Once a cleared American has verified that the paper version is not necessary for legal or audit purposes, posts should then destroy the records. If post is unable to meet the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) scanning standard, then the files should be sent to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) only after an officer has determined that the paper versions of the files are not needed for legal or audit purposes (see 9 FAM 601.6-3(E) below for shipping instructions).
9 FAM 601.6-2(C) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
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9 FAM 601.6-2(D) (U) Category Two NIV Refusal Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) 214(b) and 221(g) NIV Refusals:
(1) (U) For visa applications submitted using the DS-160, do not store the related NIV INA 214(b) and INA 221(g) refusal records as paper files.
(2) (U) For older (pre-DS-160) paper 214(b) and 221(g) files presently stored at post, the visa section should retain the case files for one year, and then either scan the file into the associated application record in the NIV software or contact KCC at KCCpostliaison@state.gov to coordinate shipment of the files to Kentucky (see 9 FAM 601.6-2(E) below for shipping instructions). KCC will prepare the files for transfer to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
b. (U) Other NIV CAT II Refusals: All other NIV Category II ("CAT II") refusal records should be scanned and destroyed at post, as the electronic version of the case will become the sole official version (see B-09-002-06b of the Records Disposition Schedules). A cleared American must verify that the file has been uploaded and is no longer necessary for audit or legal purposes (see the Records Disposition Schedule).
9 FAM 601.6-2(E) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1968; 04-04-2024)
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9 FAM 601.6-2(F) (U) NIV Paper Record Retrieval From NARA
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Paper record retrieval is an extraordinary step reserved (in most cases) for response to other agency requests relating to ongoing criminal or terrorist investigations or legal proceedings. Due to the high cost of paper record retrieval, exercise discretion and not request file retrieval for routine fraud program purposes (investigations connected with formal criminal prosecutions are an exception). Paper DS-156 records are maintained for eleven years from the date of last action. Older paper records are not available.
b. (U) Send record retrieval requests to 222fClearances@state.gov and identify yourself by title and post. Additionally, the request should include the specific reason why the CCD record is inadequate and why the original paper file is necessary. To facilitate processing, you should provide either the applicant's full name and date of birth or the Visa Control Number and place of visa application, or the issued Visa Foil Number. You should specify where to send the copy of the file or request that older paper files be retrieved or scanned into the CCD for quicker access.
c. (U) When requests are made on behalf of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) or other agencies, in addition to the required information listed above, clearly identify the originator of the request in the email. Specify whether the retrieved documents need to be certified for submission in a legal proceeding.
9 FAM 601.6-3 (U) storing issued and refused iv/dv files
9 FAM 601.6-3(A) (U) IV/DV Files – General Guidance
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Record Disposition at Post: The large size of many IV records makes it particularly important that visa sections adhere strictly to records disposition guidelines for these cases. Retain no paper record of IV issued (see 9 FAM 601.6-3(B) below). Documents retained in pending, inactive and refused cases should be pared to the minimum necessary under regulation, and case files should be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as provided for in the Records Disposition Schedule (see 9 FAM 601.6-3(C) and 9 FAM 601.6-3(D) below).
b. (U) Reduction in Paper Files: The introduction of the Form DS-260 has significantly reduced the requirement for visa sections to maintain paper files of visa records. Implementation of the Modernized Immigrant Visa (MIV) program began the transition to fully electronic processing of IVs. All pertinent paper records for these cases should be scanned to become part of the electronic file.
9 FAM 601.6-3(B) (U) Issued IV/DV Case Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
(U) Do not maintain any paper record of issued IVs, including DVs. All records for issued cases are retained in either IVO or INK and are replicated in CCD.
9 FAM 601.6-3(C) Unavailable
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
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9 FAM 601.6-3(D) (U) Category Two IV/DV Refusal Files
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Category Two (CAT II) IV Refusal Files:
(1) (U) 221(g) IV Files:
(a) (U) Retain CAT II IV refusals under INA 221(g) for the duration of the case termination process. Scan case documents into the record in the IVO software, which replicates to the CCD record. After case termination, the paper file, including petitions, may be shredded or destroyed in the same manner as other controlled and/or classified items.
(b) (U) Return adoption-related petitions in terminated cases to NVC – see 9 FAM 601.6-3(E) below for instructions.
(2) (U) Other CAT II IV Files: All other CAT II IV case files should be scanned into the associated application record in the IVO system, which will replicate to the case record in the CCD. The case files should then be destroyed one year after the refusal.
b. (U) Category Two (CAT II) DV Refusal Files:
(1) (U) CAT II DV refusals should be destroyed after one year after the date of refusal, in the same manner as other controlled and/or classified items.
(2) (U) At the end of the DV year on September 30, all registered DV files that were not processed may be destroyed in the same manner as other controlled and/or classified items once scanned into the CCD case file.
9 FAM 601.6-3(E) (U) Shipping IV Records to NVC
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) What to Send to NVC: Send terminated adoption-related petitions to NVC, and, with Visa Office approval, INA 212(a)(4) IV refusals may be sent to NVC. See also 9 FAM 601.6-5 below for information on sending CAT I IV/DV files to KCC.
b. (U) Preparing IV/DV Files for Shipment:
(1) (U) Only original petitions (no photocopies), critical evidence supporting the basis of the return and post-created documents should be returned to NVC. Thoroughly inspect files and cull any documents that do not belong in the case file before shipping.
(2) (U) Include a cover memo on each file specifying the reason the underlying documents are being returned, the requested disposition, and the A file number for record identification purposes.
(3) (U) Each box must contain an inventory list describing the contents of the shipment.
(4) (U) Refer to consular training and job aid materials specific to Petition Electronic Routing Tool (PERT) when returning electronic cases.
c. (U) Terminated Adoption Petitions (Revocation under INA 203(g)): Return the original petition, along with all supporting documents and a memorandum supporting the recommendation for revocation. See 9 FAM 504.2-8(B)(2). I-600A, I-600, I-800A, and I-800s must include a cover memo on each document specifying the reason the underlying documents are being returned, and as well as the A file number for record identification purposes.
9 FAM 601.6-4 (U) Scanning Visa Records
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Scanning Standards: Scanned visa records must meet NARA’s minimum resolution requirements for scanning permanent records, which is 300 DPI (dots per inch), and is available to DHS colleagues, who have access to the CCD. In addition, the higher resolution enhances the images to ensure greater clarity. More information regarding record scanning requirements can be found in 5 FAM 450.
b. (U) Requirement to Verify Scan, Need for Paper File: Before destroying the case file a cleared American must verify that the paper version has been properly uploaded and is not necessary for legal or audit purposes.
c. (U) Visa Records Requiring Scanning:
(1) (U) Electronically scan the following visa records:
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(b) (U) All new CAT I refusals (see paragraph d below); and
(c) (U) All cases involving visa referrals. Consular chiefs should ensure that all officers at post understand that a copy of their referral will remain available through the CCD indefinitely.
(2) (U) The following visa records must also be scanned either at post, KCC or NVC (see 9 FAM 601.6-2 and 9 FAM 601.6-3 above):
(a) (U) Older (pre-DS-160) NIV issuance files - done by visa section or KCC;
(b) (U) Older (pre-DS-160) NIV 214(b) and 221(g) files - done by visa section or KCC (after records are retained for one year);
(c) (U) Older unclassified CAT I NIV and IV refusal files - done by visa section or KCC; and
(d) (U) Older IV (but not DV 221(g)) and NIV (except 214(b) and 221(g) files) CAT II records - done by visa section, KCC or NVC.
(3) (U) As time allows, scan older files via the Independent Namecheck System (INK) into the CCD, culling files before scanning.
d. (U) CAT I Cases:
(1) (U) Scan All Cases: Scan all CAT I refusal files and maintain them electronically. This applies to both new cases, which must be scanned as the refusal is entered, and historic cases. The original paper refusal file should be destroyed, except in cases of IV/DV cases likely to be overcome or waived within one year (see 9 FAM 601.6-3(C) above and B-09-002-02b in the Records Disposition Schedule).
(2) (U) OF-194 Forms: The OF-194 form is now available in the NIV software so you are no longer required to sign and scan the OF-194 into the CCD. Any historic paper OF-194 Forms, if found not to be reflected in the NIV cases, should be scanned into the record.
e. (U) Labeling Documents in the Electronic System: Utilize the wide range of electronic labels available in the INK system to improve the efficiency of accessing scanned files. Careful labeling makes a tremendous difference when documents are later retrieved. For multi-page documents, it is helpful to identify the page number of the document in the electronic labeling.
f. (U) Color Versus Black-and-White: Text documents should be scanned in black and white, unless color enhances the quality or usefulness of the image. Documents containing seals, photographs, and travel documents should typically be scanned in color.
9 FAM 601.6-5 (U) Shipping Unclassified CAT I Records to KCC
(CT:VISA-1874; 11-30-2023)
a. (U) Visa Sections Not Required to Send CAT I Files to KCC: Visa sections that have sufficient resources should scan their own CAT I file holdings at post. The Department has no objection to visa sections back scanning their own files if a cleared American oversees the process. While it would normally be appropriate to contract an American family member to complete this task as a short-term project, many of the decisions on what to retain will likely fall to an officer. The destruction of the original paper files should be witnessed by an American employee (direct hire or contractor).
b. (U) KCC Scanning of Unclassified CAT I Files: KCC is prepared to perform back-scanning of every visa section's unclassified CAT I refusal files. Visa sections that choose to have KCC back-scan their files should send an e-mail to KCCPostLiaison@state.gov with a detailed description of how many files it expects to ship for scanning. KCC will coordinate with each visa section to set an appropriate delivery schedule.
c. (U) Culling CAT I Files for KCC: Send only unclassified files to KCC, as there is no classified storage capability at the facility. Cull CAT I files carefully before shipping them to KCC for back-scanning. It is imperative that files are "scrubbed" since KCC’s contract personnel are not authorized to remove extraneous documentation from the files before scanning and storing them.
d. (U) Shipping CAT I Files to KCC:
(1) (U) Organizing CAT I Files: Each CAT I record should be placed into an individual file folder to clearly distinguish individuals’ records. CAT 1 records should be organized alphabetically by surname for shipment to KCC.
(2) (U) Shipping Instructions: For all CAT I records shipped to KCC, include a packing list or inventory for each box. The packing list should include the post code and applicant names and dates of birth for all records included in the box. Boxes in each shipment should be numbered and a packing list for the entire shipment should be placed in Box 1.
e. (U) Shipment of CAT I Microfiche Records to KCC: All microfiche CAT I visa refusal records currently retained at post should be shipped to KCC. After KCC receives the shipments, they will index the files and store for the remainder of the statutory storage requirement. Visa sections can contact KCC to request retrieval of any records contained on microfiche.