September 27, 1999

This is to inform you that effective October 1, 1999, the United States Information Agency will merge with the Department of State. The Waiver Review Branch of the Office of the General Counsel, which reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Immigration and Naturalization Service concerning waivers of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, will be transferred to the Visa Office in the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Our new mailing address will be:

U.S. Department of State
Waiver Review Division
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Visa Office
SA-1, Room L603
2401 E Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20522-0106

To inquire about pending waiver cases or advisory opinions as to whether an individual is subject to Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, please contact the Public Inquiries Division, at telephone number 202/663-1225, fax number 202/663-3899 or E-mail legalnet@state.gov. For general 212(e) waiver information, please visit our website at travel.state.gov or call our fax-on-demand at 202/647-3000.

During our transition period, we shall not be able to update or provide the automated status on waiver requests or advisory opinions. We estimate that this service will be available in early November.

However, we are using this period to establish and implement improvements in service to the exchange visitor community and to expedite the work of the Waiver Review Division. Please continue to check our website for the latest information on the automated status request system.

We hope this information will be helpful to you in responding to your members, and we look forward to working with you in our new home at the Department of State.

Sincerely,

/s/Marcia Pryce
Chief
Waiver Review Division