Reports & Testimonies
Recommendations Database
GAO’s recommendations database contains report recommendations that still need to be addressed. GAO’s priority recommendations are those that we believe warrant priority attention. We sent letters to the heads of key departments and agencies, urging them to continue focusing on these issues. Below you can search only priority recommendations, or search all recommendations.
Our recommendations help congressional and agency leaders prepare for appropriations and oversight activities, as well as help improve government operations. Moreover, when implemented, some of our priority recommendations can save large amounts of money, help Congress make decisions on major issues, and substantially improve or transform major government programs or agencies, among other benefits.
As of October 25, 2020, there are 4812 open recommendations, of which 473 are priority recommendations. Recommendations remain open until they are designated as Closed-implemented or Closed-not implemented.
Browse or Search Open Recommendations
Have a Question about a Recommendation?
- For questions about a specific recommendation, contact the person or office listed with the recommendation.
- For general information about recommendations, contact GAO's Audit Policy and Quality Assurance office at (202) 512-6100 or apqa@gao.gov.
Results:
Subject Term: "Visa adjudication"
GAO-19-547, Jul 17, 2019
Phone: (202) 512-8777
Agency: Department of State
Status: Open
Comments: Department of State officials stated in January 2020 that the department plans to address this recommendation by increasing the frequency and specificity of E-2 content through webinars, workshops, and cables. The Department of State also plans to develop subject matter experts on business and tax related documents that can provide consultative services on an as-needed basis. As of July 2020, Department of State officials said that they had not yet implemented these actions. We will continue to monitor the status of this recommendation.
Agency: Department of State
Status: Open
Comments: Department of State officials stated in January 2020 that the department plans to address this recommendation by incorporating into policy a 5-year mandatory review of companies registered at any post using a company registration program. As of July 2020, Department of State officials said that they had not yet implemented these actions. We will continue to monitor the status of this recommendation.
Agency: Department of State
Status: Open
Comments: Department of State officials stated in January 2020 that the department plans to communicate a reminder to posts abroad that there is a requirement to scan required E-2 documentation into each visa applicant's record. Department of State also plans to provide regular policy guidance to consular managers at posts that adjudicate E-2 visa applications. Further, Department of State officials stated in July 2020 that the department plans to incorporate the supplemental E-2 visa application (DS-156E) into the standard online application for all nonimmigrant visa applicants (DS-160). However, the officials stated that they experienced technical challenges in doing so, and was still working to resolve the challenges as of July 2020. We will continue to monitor the status of this recommendation as the Department of State works to address the technical challenges.