Section 60-1.10 of the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 has long required, in part, that contractors inform both OFCCP and the U.S. State Department when a country with which it does business denies a visa of entry to an employee or potential employee, and the contractor believes that that denial is based on a prohibited factor, such as race or sex. The Final Rule amends this provision by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of prohibited factors. This page tells you how to contact OFCCP and the State Department should your company’s request for a visa be denied on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It also provides information to help you learn about a country’s visa requirements, and to obtain assistance if your company has difficulty obtaining a visa.
To learn about a country’s visa requirements:
Visit the State Department’s online "Learn About Your Destination" database at https://www.state.gov/. The database is searchable by country, and also includes information such as the location and contact information for United States embassies and consulates in the country, and any current travel alerts or warnings.
The State Department also maintains a web page that provides information and travel tips for LGBT travelers: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html.
If you experience difficulty obtaining a visa for an employee or potential employee
The State Department advises companies that are experiencing difficulties obtaining a visa to contact that country’s consulate or embassy in the United States, or to contact a business partner located in that country, to seek assistance.
If a visa for an employee or potential employee is denied on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity
To Inform OFCCP of a visa denial contact:
OFCCP’s Toll Free Help Line by calling 1-800-397-6251, or go to the "Contact" tab on the OFCCP website at www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/ to email us.
Please specify the country that denied the visa, the date of denial, and the reason the denial is believed to be based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
To inform the State Department of a visa denial
Call 202-647-4000. Ask for the State Department’s Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT Persons located in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor may also be contacted via social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. For additional information, visit their Web page at https://www.state.gov/.
Please specify the country that denied the visa, the date of denial, and the reason the denial is believed to be based on sexual orientation or gender identity.