Any chance US embassies would utilize video conferencing to clear backlogs?

[My Mzuri 20]

Hi. Does anyone have any news about US embassies potentially using video conferencing to clear backlogs on various Visa applications (e.g. K-1, spouse)? In light of the precautions necessary moving forward with COVID, this seems to be a strategy worth exploring to help clear backlogs. I am sure there are some instances of consular officers already knowing if they are going to approve or deny a case before the applicant appears in person. Many applicants only get asked a few questions and interviews lasting only a few minutes, but having to travel long distances for their consular interview. Cases that appear suspicious could be flagged for in-person interviews, while other clear legitimate cases be cleared remotely. Just thinking out loud.

[JFH 12,189]

I can’t see it happening. There’s no way to prove that the person on camera is the applicant. The whole point of the in-person interview is so that fingerprints can be taken and identity verified. I had my fingerprints taken twice at the embassy to make sure I hadn’t switched places with someone between handing in my documents and and being interviewed. 
 

We have been wondering if they would do this for N-400 naturalization interviews but the reasons against it were the same - no way to be certain that the person on camera is the applicant. 

[igoyougoduke 1,604]

Oddly the government is stuck in the 1950's in paper format and live in-person interview. Its like they ask for Biometrics every time during immigration case. They have each and every persons entire life history on file but they still ask for biometrics at Port of Entry, EAD, AOS , Naturalization etc. Dont expect that to change in this life time  

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

I also don't see them allowing the swearing of an oath over the phone/computer.

[millefleur 5,034]

7 minutes ago, James120383 said:

Oddly the government is stuck in the 1950's in paper format and live in-person interview. Its like they ask for Biometrics every time during immigration case. They have each and every persons entire life history on file but they still ask for biometrics at Port of Entry, EAD, AOS , Naturalization etc. Dont expect that to change in this life time  

It's not just the immigration side, it's also courts and anything related to law/legal matters where a person's identity has to be verified. Computers are just too easy to hack and misrep things with..I don't see this changing at all unless we somehow fundamentally change computer security or how to verify a person's identity. 

Edited June 23, 2020 by millefleur

[geowrian 22,335]

Virtually 0 chance IMO. The topic has been brought up previously regarding the COVID situation, and it's just not practical.

 

Some key points:

• This is something that requires an in-person visit.
• The consulates do not have the infrastructure or equipment to do so, and setup + training is not something that happens quickly.
• Security
  • Verifying identity
  • Security of the video call itself
  • Potential that applicants may be recording the interview
  • Potential for 3rd party assistance, or disturbance with interviews

3 minutes ago, James120383 said:

Oddly the government is stuck in the 1950's in paper format and live in-person interview. Its like they ask for Biometrics every time during immigration case. They have each and every persons entire life history on file but they still ask for biometrics at Port of Entry, EAD, AOS , Naturalization etc. Dont expect that to change in this life time  

They're slow to do so, but they are migrating more and more to electronic formats across the board in recent years. This is just a time + $$$ issue now.

 

Biometrics are often requested as a means of both verifying identity and for conducting background checks.

[igoyougoduke 1,604]

1 hour ago, geowrian said:

Virtually 0 chance IMO. The topic has been brought up previously regarding the COVID situation, and it's just not practical.

 

Some key points:

• This is something that requires an in-person visit.
• The consulates do not have the infrastructure or equipment to do so, and setup + training is not something that happens quickly.
• Security
  • Verifying identity
  • Security of the video call itself
  • Potential that applicants may be recording the interview
  • Potential for 3rd party assistance, or disturbance with interviews

They're slow to do so, but they are migrating more and more to electronic formats across the board in recent years. This is just a time + $$$ issue now.

 

Biometrics are often requested as a means of both verifying identity and for conducting background checks.

Well are you saying they dont keep the biometrics they collected everytime at port of entry and any EAD/GC processing. 

[JFH 12,189]

53 minutes ago, James120383 said:

Well are you saying they dont keep the biometrics they collected everytime at port of entry and any EAD/GC processing. 

For a K-1 visa interview (which is how the thread started), it is likely the applicant’s first encounter with any form of US immigration. And even if it’s not (by the time I had my interview in London I had passed through CBP at least 40 times and been fingerprinted every time) there’s no guarantee that the person on the video call is the applicant. 

[igoyougoduke 1,604]

Finger prints every time the immigrant applies for a benefit is the most ridiculous thing that USCIS wastes their time and effort on.  Its not like finger prints change for a person Considering they maintain records for the life time of an A- Number its just Bureaucracy and time wasting process.  

[Diane and Chris 651]

9 hours ago, James120383 said:

Oddly the government is stuck in the 1950's in paper format and live in-person interview. Its like they ask for Biometrics every time during immigration case. They have each and every persons entire life history on file but they still ask for biometrics at Port of Entry, EAD, AOS , Naturalization etc. Dont expect that to change in this life time  

However, we just applied for ROC on June 15th. We received notice today that fingerprints were applied. So, we’re assuming that means no biometrics. 

[ineedadisplayname 442]

16 hours ago, James120383 said:

Oddly the government is stuck in the 1950's in paper format and live in-person interview. Its like they ask for Biometrics every time during immigration case. They have each and every persons entire life history on file but they still ask for biometrics at Port of Entry, EAD, AOS , Naturalization etc. Dont expect that to change in this life time  

You would be surprised how many ppl try to cheat their way in at a simple job interview. I assume the number would be waaay higher for immigration.  It is still quite hard/ noticeable to fake your biometrics so I am not against that. 

[ineedadisplayname 442]

11 hours ago, James120383 said:

Finger prints every time the immigrant applies for a benefit is the most ridiculous thing that USCIS wastes their time and effort on.  Its not like finger prints change for a person Considering they maintain records for the life time of an A- Number its just Bureaucracy and time wasting process.  

It is not!!!! It ensures that nobody can steal your identity for immigration benefits. A similar looking person could take over your identity, or somebody's who passed away.

Edited June 24, 2020 by ineedadisplayname

[ineedadisplayname 442]

14 hours ago, James120383 said:

Well are you saying they dont keep the biometrics they collected everytime at port of entry and any EAD/GC processing. 

CBP keeps your fingerprints at least for five years.

[JeanneAdil 6,169]

Understand that if a rule is made to take fingerprints every time you interview or walk into a USICS office,  the reason is because someone abused the system by trying to pretend to be someone else in the past/  seems all rules and laws are made because people learn to circumvent the system 

[Unlockable 7,306]

13 hours ago, James120383 said:

Finger prints every time the immigrant applies for a benefit is the most ridiculous thing that USCIS wastes their time and effort on.  Its not like finger prints change for a person Considering they maintain records for the life time of an A- Number its just Bureaucracy and time wasting process.  

You also get your fingerprints every time you enter the country even if you are a US citizen. It is a routine security feature. Being that fraud happens at a high rate it is something that is not going away.