Understanding Security Advisory Opinions in U.S. Visa Processing
By Former U.S. State Department Consular Officers
Security Advisory Opinions are administrative holds placed on visa applications when consular officers require additional vetting before making final adjudication decisions. Understanding how SAOs work is critical for applicants experiencing extended processing delays.
Key Insights:
- SAO timelines are controlled by Washington agencies, not consular officers
- Processing can take weeks to months depending on security concerns
- Complete documentation before interview prevents further delays
- Employment letters and travel history must be forensically accurate