The US Department of State does not publish the criteria that make a visa application subject to administrative processing.聽 Based on experience, they make take into consideration the following factors:聽
Nature of Research: If the visa applicant is intending to engage in research activities that could be used by military entities or relate to U.S. national security, this may trigger administrative processing.聽
Countries of Citizenship: If an applicant is a citizen of a country the US government considers a typically undergo administrative processing.聽
Additional review: Complex cases may require more time for review by the consular officer.