OFAC License Application: Stages of Review

OFAC License Application: Stages of Review

On July 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the transition of its Licensing Hotline to a new online platform. Now, inquiries regarding submission and tracking of OFAC special license applications can be handled through an online form. The phone line will cease operations on August 29, 2025.

OFAC also published a brief guide on license applications, outlining three key stages:

Phase I: Submission

Once an application is submitted, it receives the “RECEIVED” status, meaning OFAC has received it but it has not yet been assigned to a staff member. At this stage, the applicant assigns a temporary number until OFAC issues an official Case Number. Previously, obtaining a Case Number could take up to six months; now it usually takes 2–3 days, significantly speeding up the process.

Phase II: Review

During this stage, an application may have several statuses:

• IN PROGRESS – OFAC has started reviewing the case.
  
  

• PENDING WITH APPLICANT – additional information is requested from the applicant.
  
  

• PENDING INTERAGENCY REVIEW – the application has been sent to another federal agency for consultation.
  
  

• PENDING TREASURY COORDINATION – internal OFAC or Treasury consultation.
  
  

• PENDING MANAGEMENT REVIEW – the case is being reviewed by OFAC leadership.
  
  

Often, after receiving “IN PROGRESS,” the status remains until a final decision is made.

Phase III: Outcome

At the final stage, possible outcomes include:

• APPROVED – the license is granted or extended.
  
  

• DENIED – the application is rejected.
  
  

• CLOSED – the case is closed, often due to duplicate submission or revocation of the license.
  
  

• GUIDANCE ISSUED – OFAC provides an official explanation regarding the application.
  
  

Conclusion