Romania + the Visa Waiver Program: A Swift Reversal
Just as globetrotters and business travelers from Romania were gearing up for visa-free travel to the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) swiftly rescinded Romania's participation in the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”). Initially effective from January 9, 2025, Romania’s VWP status was abruptly paused on March 25, 2025 and officially revoked as of May 2, 2025. The DHS cited safeguarding the VWP’s integrity and bolstering border security as the primary reasons for this decision. This unexpected policy reversal has left Romanian citizens with the task of applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas at U.S. consulates, which come with stricter requirements and longer processing times.
New DS-160 Submission Rule: Consular Interviews + “Working” Hours
Several U.S. consulates have instituted a critical procedural change affecting nonimmigrant visa applicants. Effective immediately, applicants must ensure their Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is fully submitted at least 48 “working hours” prior to their scheduled interview. “Working hours” refers to regular business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For instance, if your interview is on a Monday morning, submitting one’s DS-160 by Friday afternoon may cut it too close. This new rule applies universally, regardless of the visa category being sought.
In addition, a growing number of U.S. embassies and consulates are enforcing stricter guidelines regarding the DS-160 confirmation number. The barcode confirmation number from a visa applicant’s DS-160 must match exactly with the one used to schedule an interview. Any discrepancies could cause delays or issues on the day of the interview or even outright denials. Consult your immigration legal counsel to ensure proper completion and timely submission of Form DS-160 in accordance with consular-specific requirements.
SEVIS Status Reinstatement: A Cautionary Tale
In an unusual turn of events, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) mistakenly revoked SEVIS status for numerous international students. While the error was later corrected with a blanket reinstatement effective April 24, 2025, ICE did not retroactively restore the SEVIS status to the date of original termination. Affected students may now have compliance gaps in their immigration status between the initial termination and reinstatement dates.
For students who remained in the U.S. during the interim, this non-retroactive fix could have significant implications. Unfortunately, individuals in this situation may be required to depart the U.S. and re-enter with their reinstated SEVIS status to ensure full compliance with immigration regulations. Foreign students should contact their SEVIS officers to address potential compliance issues.