Clarification on current validity periods of Visas Mantis clearances

The current Visas Mantis clearance validity periods are as follows:

a) Students (F visas) can receive a clearance valid for the length of the approved academic program to a maximum of four years. The clearance will cease to be valid if the student changes academic programs.

b) Temporary workers (H visas), exchange visitors (J visas) and intracompany transferees (L visas) can receive a clearance valid for the duration of their approved activity to a maximum of two years. The clearance will cease to be valid if the nature of the activity changes.

c) Business visitors (B-1 visas) and visitors for pleasure (B-2 visas) can receive a clearance valid for one year provided the purpose of the visit to the United States has not changed.

The above validity periods are permissive but not mandatory. Consular Officers may request an additional Mantis check during the period of clearance validity if they believe one is warranted. In addition, other agencies, with appropriate justification, may request that a limited entry visa be granted to a particular applicant.

The above Visas Mantis clearance validity periods do not apply to nationals of state sponsors of terrorism who fall within the Visas Mantis requirement. Such applicants continue to be subject to a Visas Mantis SAO request each time they apply for a visa.