The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently issued a series of updates regarding the Consular Consolidated Database’s (CCD) ongoing performance issues, which have significantly delayed the issuance of U.S. visas and other immigration-related records worldwide since technical glitches were initially detected late last month. According to the agency’s newly released FAQs, the database originally malfunctioned due to a standard software upgrade performed July 20, 2014. Since that incident, which also impacted the system’s back-up capability, the database was restored with limited operational capacity and has produced documents for “just over half of all approved travelers.” At this time, the DOS is prioritizing immigrant visas, adoption cases and emergency nonimmigrant visa cases. Nearly all passports, including emergency travel documents, are being issued on time. However, the FAQs underscore that “it will take some weeks” before standard turnaround times are in effect, with backlogged visa applicants advised to expect delays of 10 to 14 days before full functionality is restored and pending applications can be printed.