[1] The list is intended as guidance for consular officers reviewing visa applications for activities such as graduate-level studies, teaching, conducting research, participating in exchange programs, receiving training or employment.
[5] The TAL and related use of Security Advisory Opinions (via the Visas Mantis program) was described by Janice L. Jacobs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services at the U.S. Department of State, in testimony before the Committee on Science U.S. House of Representatives on March 26, 2003 and before the Committee on House Small Business on June 4, 2003.
[2][3] It was also described by Edward Ramotowski, Director, Office of Public and Diplomatic Liaison Visa Services at the U.S. Department of State, in remarks to the National Science Board on October 16, 2003.
[1] As of August 2002, the list of critical fields, also known as sensitive subjects, has fifteen items as follows:[5] When reviewing visa applications where the applicant's proposed activity would be related to any of the fifteen sensitive subjects listed in the TAL, the consular officer must first review the activity in light of the following broad policy objectives regarding technology transfer:[4][2][3] Second, if the applicant is from any of the countries designated by the U.S. Department of State as one of the state sponsors of terrorism (a list that includes Syria, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba as of April 2021) consular officers must assume that any visit providing any exposure to any of the fifteen sensitive technologies will conflict with the policy objectives, and seek a Security Advisory Opinion under the Visas Mantis program.
[4][2] Third, consular officers may send to Washington (for a Security Advisory Opinion) any case that appears to warrant further interagency review (via the Visas Mantis program).