US visa security checks continue even after issuance – Embassy

The United States (US) Embassy in Guyana is reminding persons applying for US visas that all applicants are subject to security screening as part of the visa process. In a social media advisory, the Embassy said that US national security remains a priority and that every traveler undergoes checks against law enforcement and counterterrorism databases. According to the Embassy, a visa will not be issued until any security concerns identified during the screening process have been fully resolved. The Embassy also advised applicants who have been arrested in the past that they may bring documents to their visa interview showing the disposition of their case. These documents may include a police certificate or court records, such as a Certificate of Summary Jurisdiction. The Embassy noted however, that such documents are reviewed at the discretion of the interviewing Consular Officer.

A poster accompanying the advisory further reminded applicants that security screening does not necessarily end once a visa has been issued. “Every US visa applicant undergoes extensive security screening, including checks against law enforcement and counterterrorism databases,” the Embassy stated. It added that visas may be revoked if a visa holder breaks the law or misuses the visa.