October 1, 2026
Mr. Subramanyam introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress regarding staffing levels and wait times related to visa applications, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Reducing Visa Delays Act
.
Sec. 2. Report and authorization regarding embassy staffing levels and visa wait times
(a) Report to Congress
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report regarding—
(1)
the adequacy of staffing levels at United States embassies and consulates to reduce visa processing wait times and visa appointment delays;
(2)
whether each embassy and consulate is equipped with the technology and resources necessary to efficiently carry out the consular duties of such embassy or consulate;
(3)
the effects of the social media vetting policies for visa applicants instituted by the Secretary after January 20, 2025, on visa processing wait times and visa appointment delays; and
(4)
the number of security flags that were identified through such social media vetting.
(b) Publication of wait times
The Secretary shall publish monthly on a publically accessible website of the Department of State—
(1)
information regarding the previous average and current estimated time between an interview for a visa and the adjudication of the application for such visa, in aggregate and disaggregated by diplomatic or consular post and visa category; and
(2)
a justification for such average and estimated times.
(c) Strategic plan for increased staffing
The Secretary shall develop a strategic plan—
(1)
to increase staffing levels at consular offices and embassies to reduce visa appointment wait times and processing delays; and
(2)
that includes any other solutions found to reduce appointment wait times and processing delays with respect to visa processing.