Technology Alert List

• Study, Work or Research Involving Listed Fields
• Nationals of State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Information Needed in TAL Check
• Public Domain or Academic Course

The Technology Alert List (“TAL”) provides a summary of technologies with potential "dual-use" applications.  The Critical Fields List of the TAL identifies certain fields and technologies that may have military applications.  The TAL list is very comprehensive, including almost every technology or skill involving chemistry, immunology and pharmacology, as well as architecture, civil engineering, and urban design.

Study, Work or Research Involving Listed Fields 

The wide scope of the Critical Fields list means that many research scientists, physicians, academics and engineers involved in a wide variety of fields could be required to undergo a Visa Mantis security check.  According to guidance by the U.S. Department of State, a Mantis clearance is generally not warranted if the technology falls within the public domain or if it involves information that would generally be taught in an academic course.  When filing your visa application, clearly demonstrate that your area is not listed on the Critical Fields List, if appropriate, or show that although your field of specialty is listed the information you deal with is available to the public.

Nationals of State Sponsors of Terrorism

While the restrictions on the export of controlled goods and technologies apply to nationals of all countries, applicants from countries on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism seeking to engage in activities involving one of the critical fields would generate special scrutiny.  (These countries are North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya).  In fact, such a security check is mandatory for all applicants from a country listed as a state sponsor of terrorism if their activities could be classified as following on this critical fields list. 

Information Needed in TAL Check

If subjected to a TAL check, you will be asked to provide detailed information about your background, proposed activities, research interests, business interests, and travel plans.  You should provide the name, address, phone number and contact name of the companies or institutions you intend to visit or where you intend to work.  You will also be asked if you intend to return to a country deemed to sponsor terrorism.  A complete resume, a list of your publications, and letters of recommendation may assist the consular officer in making these determinations. 

Public Domain or Academic Course

Information in the public domain and information presented in an academic course generally is not controlled for purposes of preventing U.S. technology transfer.  Therefore, it may be helpful for you to demonstrate to the consular officer that the information of your research or work is widely available to the public, and is taught at colleges and universities around the world.  This means that visas for undergraduate education and entry-level work experience involving the listed fields are less likely to cause concern then advanced studies (doctoral, postdoctoral or research scholar), research or business activities.