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Consular FAQs
Nonimmigrant Visa FAQs

Consular FAQS

Diplomatic, International Organizations & NATO Visas

Issuance Fees

Members of the Entertainment Profession and Athletes

Members of the Media

Miscellaneous

Passports

Visa Waiver Program

Visas


Diplomatic, International Organizations & NATO Visas

    How do you determine whether a person qualifies for an A or G visa?

    In general G visas are issued to individuals employed directly by an international organization, or representing a foreign government to international organizations. A visas are issued to representatives of a foreign government traveling to the United States to engage in official activities for that government.

    I am going to an international meeting/conference sponsored by an international organization; do I require an A or G visa?

    If you are being sent by your government to an international meeting or conference, other than one convened by or under the auspices of an international organization, which is official in nature you will require an A visa. G visas are appropriate only if the meeting is sponsored by an international organization.

    I'm in the armed forces; do I qualify for a diplomatic visa?

    Personnel of foreign armed services from other than NATO countries, coming to the United States in connection with their military status for education or training at any of the U.S. military schools, qualify for A-2 visas.

    I am an official of the European Union traveling on official business to the United States. Do I require an official visa?

    EU officials, including members of the EU parliament and those attached to the Court of Justice although not members of a foreign government per se, are eligible to receive A-2 visas if traveling to the United States on EU business. A Note Verbale from the EU Office of Protocol is required to issue such a visa.

    I am a local government official; will I be accorded a diplomatic visa?

    A visa status only pertains to officials traveling to the United States on behalf of their national government. Local government officials traveling on behalf of their state, province, borough, or other local political entity do not qualify for A visa status. They type of visa you require will depend on the reason for your visit

    I am an employee of the British Tourist Authority (BTA). I am being posted to the BTA office in the United States. Do I require a diplomatic visa?

    The promotion of tourism in the United States is considered a legitimate government function. Therefore, provided the BTA offices are engaged solely in the promotion of tourism and are not functioning as commercial travel agents, employees of these offices qualify for A-2 visas.

    My visa is annotated with the symbol "TDY"; what does this mean?

    If an A visa applicant is going to the United States for an assignment which is to last less than 90 days, his or her visa will be annotated TDY.

    I hold a diplomatic passport, but am traveling to the United States as a tourist; do I require a diplomatic visa, or can I travel visa free?

    Only heads of state or government are accorded A-1 visas regardless of the purpose of their visit to the U.S. Otherwise, the visa classification is determined by the purpose of entry. If you are traveling as a tourist, you will require a B-2 visa, or if eligible, may travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

    I'm traveling on behalf of my government for less than 90 days. As I am a national of one of the 35 visa free countries, can I travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

    If you are traveling to the United States on official business on behalf of your government, you must obtain an official visa. You cannot travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

    I am a contract employee of the British government; do I qualify for an A-2 visa?

    If your contract is with the British government you may be eligible for an A-2 visa. However, if you are employed by a private company under contract to the British government, an A-2 visa is not appropriate.

    Do employees of regional development organizations qualify for A-2 visas?

    Employees of agencies that represent Scotland, N. Ireland, Wales and England and are financed from the central government qualify for A-2 visas ; representatives of other development organizations do not.

    Which family members qualify for derivative diplomatic and international organization visas?

    Immediate family members are defined as the principal applicant's spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are not members of some other household and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien. This includes children who are at boarding school. Immediate family also includes any other close relatives of the principal alien or spouse who are relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption; are not members of some other household; will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien and are recognized as dependents by the sending Government.

    The fact that your relative has been, even in the recent past, a member of some other household does not preclude him or her from being considered a member of the household of the principal alien. For example, a recently widowed, divorced, or aging parent may have closed a former household with the intention of becoming part of the principal alien's household. This could also occur because the parent, due to advanced age or infirmity, had ceased to be able to maintain his or her own household. In such cases, the principal applicant must be able to show that he/she is financially responsible for the new family member.

    Can the dependent of an A, G or NATO visa holder work in the United States on a derivative visa?

    Dependents of A-1, A-2, G-1, G-3, G-4 and NATO visa holders may be eligible to work in the United States on derivative A, G or NATO visas. An application for employment must be made on the form I-566 to the Department of State through the office, mission, or organization which employees the principal alien. If the Department's recommendation is favorable, the form I-566 will be forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for action. If the application is approved, USCIS will transmit the employment authorization to the mission, or international organization. In the case of NATO dependents, USCIS employment authorization will be transmitted to NATOSACLANT. For further information you should either contact your mission, international organization or in the case of NATO visa holders, NATOSACLANT.

    I have been offered an internship at the United Nations; do I qualify for a G-4 visa?

    G-4 visas are not appropriate in this case. A B-1 visa may be appropriate if you have attained a bachelor or higher degree (or equivalent) and the proposed duties are in a specialty occupation, related to your degree. If you believe that you may be eligible for a B-1 visa you are required to apply for a visa. At the time of application you should enclose a letter from the UN which discusses in detail the internship together with evidence of your academic qualifications.

    NOTE: Interns working at their country's mission to the UN or the EC Delegation require either official, exchange (J-1) or temporary work (H-2) visas. However, if you meet the requirements for the B-1 visas as described above, you may also be eligible for the B-1 visa.

    I have been offered an internship at an international organization other than the United Nations; do I qualify for a G-4 visa?

    If you will be paid directly by that international organization, you will qualify for the G-4 visa.

    I am participating in the UN Secretariat Exchange Visitor Program; what type of visa do I require?

    Participants in the exchange visitor program of the Training and Fellowship Program Section, Bureau of Technical Assistance Operations, U.N Secretariat require exchange visitor (J-1) visas.

    I am a teacher at the UN international school; do I qualify for a G-4 visa?

    Teachers at the UN International School are not considered to be staff members. However, if we receive an official request from the UN, a G-4 visa can be issued to you.

    I have a UN Laissez-Passer; is this valid for travel to the United States?

    The passport is valid for travel to the United States only if the holder is destined to the United Nations and is in possession of a valid G-4 visa. Note: the UN Laissez-Passer is an emergency travel document and should only be used in special circumstances.

    I am a participant in a course given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF); what type of visa do I require to travel to the United States?

    If you have been nominated by a member government of the IMF to attend the course you are eligible for a G-2 visa. When applying for the visa you are required to furnish from the IMF a letter of acceptance. The request for the visa must be made or supported by the foreign government concerned. Attendees who are not nominated by a member government require B-1/B-2 visas.

    I am a participant in a course given by the Economic Development Institute of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank); what type of visa do I require?

    If you have been nominated by a member government of the World Bank to attend a course given at the Economic Development Institute of the Bank, you are eligible for a G-4 visa. When applying for the visa you are required to furnish a letter of acceptance from the Economic Development Institute of the Bank. The request for a visa must be made or supported by the foreign government concerned. Attendees who are not nominated by a member government require B-1/B-2 visas.

    We are a company/I am under contract to an International organization, do our employees/do I qualify for G-4 visas.

    If you are under contract to an International Organization you may be eligible for a G-4 visa.

    I am a police officer traveling to the United States on official business; do I require an official visa?

    If you are traveling on official police business, for example, to interview witnesses, take a statement in connection with a police investigation, you will require an A-2 visa.

    I am a foreign military officer currently on a study tour with the Royal Defense College. As part of my training I am required to travel to the United States with the college. What type of visa am I entitled to and how do I make an application?

    As you are being sent by the British government, you require a B-1 visa. The Embassy currently has an agreement with the Royal Defense College that they will make the request for the visa on your behalf. A completed visa application form DS-156 is required together with a passport, color passport type photograph and a letter from the Royal Defense College. An application fee and issuance fee (if required) may be applicable if you do not have a diplomatic passport.

    I am a Ministry of Defense Employee seconded to an American military base. If I need to travel to the U.S. on behalf of my American employers' what type of visa do I require?

    As the American government is sending you, you require a B-1 visa


Issuance Fees

    Before I applied for the visa, I paid a fee into the bank. Why am I being asked to pay an additional fee?

    All visa applicants are required to pay an application fee which is charged to cover the costs involved in the processing of a visa application. However, nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for the visa to be issued. The fees are based on reciprocity and reflect the fees charged by the applicant's government for a similar service to a U.S. citizen.

    How do I pay the fee?

    If you apply for a visa in person and are found eligible, the issuance fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.

    If you are applying for a visa by mail, you may pre-authorize payment on the credit card payment form [PDF] and enclose the form with your visa application. Alternatively, you may wait until the Embassy processes your application and notifies you of the issuance fee. If you wait until the Embassy notifies of you of payment, you may mail the fee to the Embassy.

    What is the acceptable method of payment?

    If you will pay on the day of the visa interview, you will be required to pay in cash - sterling or dollars equivalent, or by credit card - Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express

    If you are applying by mail and wish to pre-authorized payment, payment must be by credit card Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express, using the Embassy provided credit card payment form [PDF]. If you wait until the Embassy notifies you of the requisite issuance fee; payment may be by international money order or bank draft drawn in U.S. dollars, or by credit card.

    If I choose to pre-authorize payment of the issuance fee, what do I do?

    You should complete the credit card payment form [PDF] by entering the amount to be deducted from your credit card and enclose the form with your visa application.

    How do I know how much to enter?

    Check the issuance fee schedules on the Department of State's website. Go to the relevant section, find the category of visa for which you wish to apply and check under "fee". If there is an amount entered, this is the amount you should enter on the credit card payment form.

    Some fee schedules are tiered. In such cases, you should enter the amount which corresponds to the validity of visa you require.

    If I choose to pre-authorize payment of the issuance fee, will my visa be issued?

    There is no guarantee that you will be issued a visa if you enclose a pre-authorization credit card payment form with your application. No such guarantees can be offered.

    What are the advantages of pre-authorizing payment of the issuance fee?

    It will eliminate the time it will take to process your application, if you are found eligible for a visa.

    What if my application is refused?

    If your application is refused, the credit card payment form will be returned to you. No deduction will be made against the card

    Can I use a debit card?

    No, the Embassy accepts Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express credit cards only.

    Can I pay the application and issuance fee together?

    No. The application fee and issuance fee are separate fees. The application fee must be paid on an Embassy supplied paying-in slip into a bank before the application is submitted to the Embassy for processing.

    Why am I being asked to pay an issuance fee when I am a permanent resident of the U.K./I am married to a British citizen?

    Issuance fees are determined by the nationality of the passport, not the applicant's status in the United Kingdom. As long as you continue to hold a passport from a country which has reciprocal issuance fees, you will be charged a fee for a visa.

    Why is the issuance fee more/less than my friend?

    Issuance fees are based on reciprocity and reflect the fees charged by your government for a similar service to an American citizen. Different governments charge different fees and this is reflected in the issuance fee which we are asking you to pay.

    The fee schedules indicate that the validity period of the visa is three months. However, I will not be traveling to the U.S. within the next three months. What should I do?

    You should delay applying for the visa until closer to your intended date of departure.

    What if the visa does not cover my entire stay in the United States?

    The period of validity of a visa relates only to the time in which you may travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not determine how long you may remain in the country. This is a matter for the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the port of entry.

    What do you mean by single entry/one entry?

    The visa is valid for one trip to the United States. If you are planning future visits, you will be required to apply for a new visa.

    I am joining a cruise ship in the U.S. which will necessitate me making more than one journey into the U.S. My itinerary requires that I re-enter the U.S. on my way home. What do I do?

    You should contact the Embassy before applying for the visa.


Members of the Entertainment Profession and Athletes

    I'm a professional tennis player/ golfer/racing car driver. What type of visa do I require?

    If you are competing in a tournament or sporting event for which you will receive no salary or payment from a U.S source, other than prize money, you will require a B-1 visa. If your proposed activities are not exactly as described, you will require an O or P visa.

    I'm accompanying a professional golfer/racing car driver to the United States. What type of visa do I require?

    If you are a caddy who is customarily employed by the golfer and not just hired to accompany him or her for this particular tournament, the golfer is competing in tournaments for prize money only and you will continue to be paid by your employer, you will require a B-1 visa.

    A B-1 visa is also appropriate for a racing car mechanic or engineer customarily employed and paid by the racing team, who is a normal and necessary component of the entourage accompanying a driver who is competing for prize money only.

    If the professional golfer or racing car driver is applying for an O or P visa, you should apply for an O-2 or P-1 visa to accompany him or her.

    We are a professional football team traveling to the United States to play match. What type of visa do we require?

    Provided the income of the team and salary of the players is principally accrued in a foreign country, you will require B-1 visas.

    I'm a professional football player who has been signed up by a U.S. football team to play a match/ for a season. What type of visa do I require?

    You will require an O or P visa.

    I'm a professional boxer. What type of visa do I require?

    Professional boxers require O or P visas.

    I'm a jockey/groom. What type of visa do I require?

    Provided you are employed by a foreign employer to perform services on behalf of an employer of the alien's nationality, as a jockey and your salary will continue to be paid by that employer, you will require a B-1 visa.

    I'm a crewmember of a yacht that is in an international competition. What type of visa do I require?

    Provided you are employed by a foreign employer and your salary will continue to be paid by that employer, you will require a B-1 visa. Amateur crewmembers also qualify for the B-1 visa.

    We are a professional theatre group performing at an international festival in the U.S. What type of visa do we require?

    Unless the company is participating in a cultural program sponsored by the sending country; or participating in a competition for which there is no remuneration, other than a prize (monetary or otherwise) and expenses, O or P visas are required.

    I'm a disc jockey who is contracted to perform in the U.S.; what type of visa do I require?

    You require an O visa.

    We are musicians who are recording in the United States; what type of visas do we require?

    A B-1 visa, or visa free travel is appropriate if you will utilize recording facilities for recording purposes only; the recording will be distributed and sold only outside the United States; and, there will be no public performances.

    We are a choir who has been invited to perform in the United States; what type of visa do we require?

    If you are all amateurs and you will be performing in a social and/or charitable context, you will require B-2 visa, or if eligible may travel visa free under the visa waiver program. Please note: An amateur is someone who normally performs without remuneration (other than an allotment for expenses). A performer who is normally compensated for performing cannot qualify for a B-2 visa or travel under the Visa Waiver Program even if they do not make a living at performing.


Members of the Media

    I understand that persons traveling on business are eligible for the B-1 visa, or visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. I am traveling on business, so why is the B-1 or visa free travel not appropriate in my case?

    The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) specifically states that representatives of the foreign press, radio, film or other foreign information media traveling to the United States for the purpose of pursuing their profession require “I” classification visas. It is important to note that freelance journalists qualify for the "I" classification visa only if under contract to a media organization. Business as defined by the INA generally entails business activities other than the performance of skilled or unskilled labor. For example: the negotiation of contracts; consultation with business associates; litigation; participation in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences; or independent research.

    Can you provide example of when an "I" classification visa is appropriate for an assignment?

    Journalists, including photographers, working for a foreign media publication qualify for “I” classification visas. Freelance journalists and photographers will qualify for the “I” classification visa only if they are under contract to a foreign media publication. Where the distinction is not so easily apparent is in the area of television, film and video production. In making the determination as to the appropriate visa classification, it is important to focus on the content of the program. For example, a journalist traveling to the United States to report on a news event may be eligible for an “I” classification visa. However, if that news event is to be broadcast in a program that falls into the category of entertainment, then the appropriate employment-based (O, P or H) visa will be required. In general, film projects that report on events, including sports events are essentially informational and usually appropriate “I” classification activities. However reality television shows, contrived and staged events, quiz shows and documentaries involving staged recreations with actors do not qualify for the “I” classification visa. Members of a production team involved in such projects will require the appropriate employment-based (O, P or H) visas.

    What kind of information are you looking for from us in order to make your determination?

    As much information about the project as you can provide. An important point to note is that consular officers are not always familiar with a television program and, therefore, will not have the requisite knowledge to make a determination as to whether the material being filmed is factual, informational or entertainment. In order to make the determination, the consular officer requires as much relevant information about subject matter of the program as you can provide. They also require a brief job description of all who are involved in the production and the period of time required for filming in the U.S. and source of distribution.

    Isn't there a fine distinction between projects that are informational and those that are entertainment?

    There are many activities that can be described as both informational and entertainment, such as sporting events. A documentary that reports on factual events as they happen will qualify for an “I” classification visa, however, if it is filmed in such a way that it is contrived or staged, than it will fall into the category of entertainment, as will factually based programs which have a game show element to them. When making a determination we focus on two issues: is the activity essentially informational and is it generally associated with journalism. If the answer to both these questions is yes, as in the case of a sporting event, then the “I” classification visa will be appropriate.

    Many projects are joint ventures with U.S. organizations and are shown in the U.S. and abroad. Will this affect an application for an “I” classification visa?

    A foreign media organization does not cease to be foreign simply because the product will be shown in the United States as well as abroad. Therefore, an employee of a foreign media organization that has entered into partnership with a U.S. organization may be eligible for the “I” classification visa provided the material being filmed is factual or informational and the program will be broadcast abroad as well as in the United States.

    What if the project is being shown exclusively in the United States?

    The appropriate employment-based (O, P or H) visa will be required regardless of the fact that the program being filmed is factual or informational.

    I am a journalist who will be attending a conference. What type of visa doe I require?

    The classification of visa required for travel to the United States is determined by the purpose of the visit, not the profession of the traveler. A classification B-1 (business) visa, or visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program is appropriate for persons attending a conference. A journalist employed by a media organization or a freelance journalist under contract to a media organization who will be filing a story on his/her return will require the appropriate “I” classification visa.

    I am a freelance journalist. I am traveling to the U.S. to write articles that I may or may not sell to the foreign media.

    A freelance journalist will qualify for an “I” classification visa only if he/she is under contract to a media organization. According to the Department of State, a freelance journalist traveling to the United States to write an article on spec for sale at a future date to a foreign media organization should apply for the B-1 (business) visa.

    I am an employee of an independent production company traveling to the United States to film a documentary that may be sold to a foreign media organization at a later date. Is the “I” classification visa appropriate in such a case?

    The determination will be made on a case-by-case basis. Independent production companies that customarily produce informational material for sale to the foreign media may be considered for the “I” classification visa , even if there is no specific contract. When applying for the visas, we strongly recommend that the application include a brief history of previous projects.

    If a journalist has been issued an “I” classification visa for a previous assignment, can I assume that this is appropriate for any future project that he/she may be involved in?

    No, you should not make that assumption. We have seen a recent trend in which professional journalists are contracted to work on programs that are primarily not informational in content and generally do not involve journalism. We strongly recommend that you contact the Embassy concerning the appropriate visa classification before making irrevocable travel plans.


Miscellaneous

    My child, who is under the age of 18, is traveling to the U.S. and will be accompanied by only one parent/by an adult who is not his/her parent. Do I require the permission of the other parent/Am I required to give my permission for my child to travel?

    Adults traveling in or out of the United States with children under the age of 18 should be aware of the following:
     • because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and as possible victims of child pornography, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents:

    • the adult have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter. He/She/They has my permission to do so."
    • CBP also suggests that this note be notarized.

    While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.

    I have read that I am now required to provide the address at which I will stay in the United States. Is this correct?

    Visitors to the United States have always been required to furnish to U.S. immigration the address at which they will stay in the United States. This information is currently collected from the arrival/departure record card, I-94 or I-94W that the visitor completes and presents to U.S. immigration on arrival in the United States. With the implementation of the Advanced Passenger Information System this data will be collected by the airlines and transmitted electronically to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in advance of the passengers arrival in the United States. Information concerning APIS is available from CBP at www.cbp.gov.

    Am I required to furnish a phone number in addition to an address?

    The current method of collecting this data does not require the traveler to provide a U.S. phone number.

    What if I cannot provide an address at which I will stay in the U.S.?

    The requirement that a traveler provide a U.S. address applies to all visitors to the United States whether they are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or are in possession of a valid visa.

    We strongly recommend that you comply with this requirement and provide a U.S address. Should you arrive at the port of entry without any pre-booked accommodation, you will be required to pursue this matter with U.S. immigration.

    What is the Advanced Passenger Information System?

    This is a system where commercial air carriers or vessels collect and submit biographic data from a passport, visa, or other travel document, including the address at which the traveler will stay while in the U.S. prior to the passengers departure to the United States and electronically transmit that data to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection in advance of the air carrier's or vessel's arrival. The information consists of: complete name, date of birth, gender, country of citizenship, passport number, country of issuance and expiration date, country of residence and U.S. destination address.  Most of this information is contained in the machine readable zone of the traveler’s passport.  Information concerning APIS is available from CBP at www.cbp.gov.

    Is it correct that I should not lock my luggage?

    In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then a Transport and Security Administration (TSA) screener will simply open and screen the baggage. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open your checked baggage through other means, then the locks may have to be broken. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

    TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using tools provided to us by the luggage industry members. You may wish to visit the TSA website www.tsa.gov for further information.

    I have experienced delays checking in for a flight due to the No Fly list clearance procedures.

    A passenger may contact the TSA Contact Center if delayed when checking in for a flight due to the No Fly List or Selectee List clearance procedures. Further information is available from the Transport and Security Administration website.)

    I am experiencing problems at the port of entry when I enter the United States as I believe that I have been mistakenly identified with someone with a similar name as that held by U.S. immigration/ due to incorrect arrival and departure information.

    If you believe that you have been mistakenly identified with someone with a similar name as that held by U.S. immigration, you may write a letter of explanation to the following address: Customs and Border Protection, Border Security and Facilitation, Room 5.4.D, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington D.C. 22209. You may also write to this address if you are having problems entering the United States due to incorrect arrival and departure information. Follow this link for further information.

    You will receive a reply, which you may present to the immigration official at the port of entry. In addition, if you regularly travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, you may wish to consider applying for a visa.

    You should note that such action does not guarantee that you will not be subject to further questioning.

    I did not hand in the I-94/W when I last left the United States

    If you have left the United States and are still in possession of the I-94 or I-94W it is in your best interest to forward it to the appropriate authorities so that your record is corrected and that you do not experience any problems on future travel to the United States as a result. If the card is no longer in your possession, it is still possible to amend your departure record. More details.

    I have a visa; do I also need a return ticket?

    If you hold a visa of any classification, including a B-1/B-2 visa, you are not required to hold a return ticket; you may enter the United States on a one way ticket. All travelers should carry with them for presentation to U.S. officials, if required, evidence of funds sufficient for their visit and, with the exception of H and L visa holders, evidence that they have a residence abroad to which they intend returning at the end of their stay. Examples of such evidence include: traveler's checks; return tickets; copy of latest bank statement; letter from parents saying they will support you; evidence of current employment; evidence of enrollment at an academic institution.

    Do I need any vaccinations?

    Vaccinations are no longer required for temporary travel to the United States. However, if you are intending to study or work, you should contact the school or prospective employer as they may have specific requirements.

    What do I do about health insurance?

    There is no equivalent of the National Health Service in the United States. Visitors and temporary residents are required to pay their own medical costs. As a result it is advisable to take out health insurance. Temporary visitors to the United States can obtain accident and sickness insurance before departing the United Kingdom. Most local insurance brokers as well as many travel agents can arrange such coverage with insurance firms in the United Kingdom. Those planning on remaining in the United States for any length of time or permanently may obtain health insurance after arrival there. Sometimes it is available through an employer, as many companies arrange group insurance for their employees.

    I have a holiday home in the United States; how long can I remain there?

    If you travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, you may remain for up to 90 days. This period cannot be extended. If you travel to the United States on a visitor (B-2) visa, the period of time you will be allowed will be determined by the USCIS at the port of entry. Initially they can grant a stay of six months which can be extended for a further six months at their discretion. The USCIS has sole jurisdiction over such matters.

    Where can I find information on taking prescription medicine into the United States?

    Information on taking prescription medicine into the United States is available from the U.S. Customs at the Embassy. You will also find information on what food products may be taken into the United States and the requirements for bring a cat or dog into the country.

    Where can I obtain maps and travel information for the United States?

    Visit USA Association information on topics including: essential tips for first time visitors to the United States; visa information; literature/map requests; phone numbers for U.S. states and cities with a representative in the UK; major airlines flying to the United States, companies specializing in car/bike/motor-home rental; plus Greyhound bus and Amtrak; major theme parks, and hotels.

    Additional information concerning the National Parks, tickets for the White House and Space Shuttle launches is available from the Embassy's website.

    Can I drive while in the United States?

    Motorists visiting the United States from countries which have ratified the Convention on Road Traffic (the Convention has been ratified by Great Britain), may use their valid drivers licenses to drive in the United States. Visitors who intend to hire an automobile in the U.S. are advised to obtain an International Drivers Permit prior to their departure from the United Kingdom. This permit may be obtained from any office of the Automobile Association.

    Those taking up temporary residence must obtain driving licenses from the appropriate State authority upon their arrival at their destination. The Embassy does not have any information concerning the laws of the various States on requirements for issuance of driving licenses.

    How can I obtain a disabled parking permit for my car while visiting the U.S.?

    Requirements for disabled permits for visiting motorists vary from state to state. See here for further information.

    I wish to undertake flight training in the United States. Can the Embassy perform fingerprinting for the TSA's Alien Flight School Program (AFSP) ?

    The Embassy is unable to capture fingerprints for the AFSP at this time. However, there are currently five locations outside the U.S. where pilots can complete the fingerprint process by trained and background checked fingerprint collectors that meet TSA AFSP requirements. The Transportation Clearing House website has further information. Please see www.tsc-csc.com/printoffices for more information.

    Alternatively, in a substantial change to TSA policies on fingerprint collection, the TSA will now permit fingerprint collectors certified by NATA Compliance Services to fingerprint candidates who apply for training at the flight school where the collector is located, in addition to candidates who apply for training at other flight schools. For more information on the NATA Compliance Services certification process, please see www.natacompliance.com.

    It is also possible to obtain preliminary approval from TSA by email so that the paperwork can be pursued to obtain a visa. This will allow you to travel to the U.S. and be fingerprinted when you arrive, allowing you to start ground school without having been printed and checked. The wait should be minimal (a few days at most) before you can start simulation and flight training. For further information, please email the AFSP helpdesk at AFSP.help@dhs.gov or ring them on (001-703) 542-1222 Monday to Friday 8:30-16:30 Eastern Time.

    For more information on the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP), please visit the TSA website.

    How can I cancel my visa appointment?

    If you are applying for an immigrant visa and you wish to cancel the scheduled appointment, you should write to the Immigrant Visa Branch at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1A 2JB. It is important to note that if you are unable to attend the scheduled appointment it could be several months before the Embassy is able to offer you another date.

    If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you are required to call the Operator Assisted Information Service on 09042-450100 (calls cost £1.20/min) to cancel the appointment. If you wish to reschedule, they will offer you the first available date.

    I require an earlier Visa appointment than the one allocated by the Operator Assisted Information Service

    Appointments are allocated on a first-call, first-serve basis. The Visa Unit receives many hundreds of requests for emergency appointments, as well as requests to expedite visa applications for business and personal reasons. Therefore we have set up and enforce criteria for what constitutes a genuine emergency or legitimate reason to expedite an application. We accommodate a large number of them. However, we can't accommodate all of them.

    I was informed on the day of my appointment that my visa application requires additional administrative processing. Please update me on the status of my case, as I need to travel to the United States.

    Applicants are given a rough estimate on the day of their appointment as to how long they should expect processing to take. However, please note that every application is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and some applications take significantly longer to process than others. We are aware that individual applicants may experience inconvenience and hardship if their application takes longer to process than they expected. If you were informed on the day of your interview that your application is subject to additional administrative processing, you should allow at least 90 days for this stage of the visa process to be completed. This office will not be able to respond to queries where the application required additional administrative processing and has been pending for less than two months. If you have previously corresponded with this office and have received e-mail that your administrative processing is still incomplete, please do not re-contact this address except to notify us of an address change.

    Where is the Embassy located?

    The Embassy is located on Grosvenor Square which is in Mayfair. Please refer to this map of the area and information on how you can find the Embassy.

    If I am issued a visa can my spouse work?

    If you are applying for immigration and your spouse is deriving status from the petition filed on your behalf, on entering the United States on an immigrant visa s/he will become eligible to take up employment. Further information is available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) which will process your application for a Permanent Resident Card on your entry into the United States.

    If you are applying for a nonimmigrant L or E visa, your spouse may be eligible to seek employment authorization on a derivative visa. Further information is available from the USCIS on your arrival in the United States.

    The spouse of a J-1 visa holder may not work in the United States on a derivative J-2 visa unless permission has been obtained in advance from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. An application for permission to work can only be made after the J-2 visa holder's arrival in the United States and will be considered in light of policies then in effect.

    Spouses deriving status in other nonimmigrant visa categories will be required to qualify for temporary work visas in their own right if they wish to seek employment.


Passports

    I have a one-year passport issued by the U.K. government; is it valid for travel to the United States?

    Yes, the passport is valid for travel to the United States. The fact that it may not be valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from the United States will not affect your eligibility to travel. The United States has an agreement with the United Kingdom automatically extending the validity of a passport for six months past the passport's expiration date. Therefore, your passport need remain valid only for the duration of your stay in the United States. If you are traveling visa free, and your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be admitted only until the date the passport expires.

    Does my British passport have to be valid for six months beyond my date of departure from the United States?

    No, if your passport is not valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from the United States, it will not affect your eligibility to travel. The United States has an agreement with the United Kingdom automatically extending the validity of a passport for six months past the passport's expiration date. Therefore, your passport need remain valid only for the duration of your stay in the United States.

    If you are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program and your passport is not valid for 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires.

    My son/daughter has a five-year passport issued by the U.K. government; is that OK?

    Yes, five-year passports issued by the U.K. Passport Agency are valid for travel to the United States.

    I understand that the U.K. Passport Agency requires children to have their own passports. My son/daughter is still included on my passport, is that OK?

    Traveling to the United States you and your child will require individual machine-readable passports, if traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

    My son/daughter is included on my passport, but I will not be traveling with him/her; is that OK?

    Unfortunately, the passport is valid for your child only as long as you, the bearer, travel with him/her. If your child is traveling alone, or traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver program, he or she will require his or her own passport.

    Can we travel on a collective passport?

    Collective passports are no longer valid for travel to the United States.


    Visa Refusals

    My application was refused under Section 214(b). I wish to appeal against the decision/ I would like my case reviewed?

    As your application has been refused under Section 214(b), there is no review process or appeal. U.S. law contains no provision for appeals. A written explanation of the reasons why you were unable to establish your eligibility for a visa will have been handed to you on the day of the visa interview.

    Although the Consular Section attempts to be responsive to inquirers, please understand that our policy is to not respond to correspondence from an applicant regarding a finding of ineligibility under Section 214(b). Once a case is closed the Consular Section cannot take any further action. If you feel that you omitted evidence material to the visa decision, the proper course of action is to reapply for a visa and appear at the Embassy in person.

    My application was refused under Section 214(b). If I send in more documents will I receive a visa?

    No. Please see above regarding correspondence following a visa denial. Applying for a non-immigrant visa is not primarily a document-based process. The main issue in determining if an applicant qualifies for a visa is intent, and documents alone cannot establish intentions. In some cases, documents can help establish an applicant's intent to return to the United Kingdom by showing that the applicant is well established here. In other cases, the circumstances are clear enough that documents are unnecessary. If your visa application has been refused it is highly unlikely that any document you could provide would alter the consular officer's decision.

    My application for a nonimmigrant visa has been suspended under Section 221(g). I am required to sumbit additional documentation in order for my application to be processed. What documents are required and how long will the application take to process?

    You are required to furnish the missing document(s) together with a new completed visa application form DS-156, your passport, and refusal letter. Applicants who are applying for student, exchange visitor or temporary work visas are also required to furnish either the I-20A-B or M-N, DS-2019 or I-797A or B. Applicants are required to use the Embassy's appointed courier service, Secure Mail Services, Ltd, operating under the brand-name, DX Secure, for the delivery of their documents to and from the Embassy. You may visit their website for further information.

    Approximately 10 to 15 working days should be allowed for the processing of your application once it has been received from the courier company. An additonal 2 days should be allowed for the return of the passport once it has been handed to the courier service by the Consular Section. Note: In the interest of fairness to each of the 180,000 visa applicants this office serves annually, the Embassy processes all visa applications in the order they were presented. Applications are expedited only in cases of life-or-death emergencies, and not for travel convenience.

    What does a consular officer look for when determining an applicant's entitlement to nonimmigrant status?

    In making that determination the officer considers the applicant's personal circumstances, travel plans, financial resources and ties outside of the United States that will ensure his/her departure after a temporary visit.

    I'm already in the United Kingdom, why can't you issue me a visa here?

    The consular officer who evaluated your application is accredited in the United Kingdom and is only able to assess your ties to the United Kingdom. It is not possible for consular officers here to be experts about all other countries, or to understand any social or economic ties you may have to another country. Nevertheless, even though your application has been refused in the United Kingdom, if you are here temporarily you may be able to qualify for a visa if you applied at home. Consular officers in your home country are better able to assess your situation there.

    I am a legal resident of the United Kingdom. Why don't I qualify for a visa?

    Many recent immigrants to the United Kingdom cannot demonstrate sufficiently strong ties here to qualify for a non-immigrant visa to the United States. There is no magic formula that will work in each case. In general, you must be able to show that you have settled in the United Kingdom and that this is, and will remain, your permanent home. In reviewing your application, the consular officer considered many aspects such as: How long have you been at your current address? How long have you been at your current job? Are you, or are your children enrolled in school? What commitments do you have here that would compel you to return to the United Kingdom? What social ties do you have in the United Kingdom? Often it is a question of time, and the best way to qualify for a visa is to reside in the United Kingdom for a longer period of time and to build further social and economic ties here.

    Why didn't they tell me when I called that I would not get a visa?

    Each visa application is thoroughly examined and evaluated on its own merits. Since it is impossible to obtain all relevant facts without seeing your passport and completed application, we are unable to tell you by phone whether you will or will not receive a visa. Our telephone information system, as well as information distributed on the Internet and through travel agents, is designed to give general information regarding the visa application process and suggest types of documents that might help demonstrate eligibility for a U.S. visa. However, in no circumstances is someone able to guarantee in advance that you will receive a U.S. visa.

    My visa application has been refused. Why can't I get my money back?

    The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee, which covers the cost of adjudicating your application. As the application form states, this fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not. If your application was refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply for a visa, whether at this Embassy or elsewhere, you will be required to pay the application fee again.

    My visa application has been refused. Why have you stamped the back of my passport?

    The stamp in your passport, along with our worldwide computer system, simply indicates that your visa application was processed here in London. This stamp enables us to match subsequent applications with a file.

    Will the stamp in my passport prevent me from getting a visa in the future?

    Having your visa application refused here in the United Kingdom does not make you ineligible to receive a visa in the future. U.S. consular officers will understand that your application here was evaluated and refused based on the strength of your ties to the United Kingdom. If you choose to apply anywhere else, your application will be evaluated based upon any ties you have to that country, and on the merits of that application alone.


Visa Waiver Program

    Can I enter the United States from anywhere in the word if traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program?

    Yes, provided you meet all of the requirements for visa free travel.

    How can I obtain a copy of the I-94W?

    The airline or shipping company will give you the I-94W when you check-in for your flight or in the case of a cruise, aboard the boat.

    If I enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, can I then travel to Canada/Mexico/ Bermuda or the islands in the Caribbean?

    Yes, provided you have a return or onward ticket. If your return journey will take you back through the United States, even if only in transit, the total trip, including both periods of time spent in the United States/Canada/Mexico Bermuda, or the islands in the Caribbean cannot exceed 90 days. If it does, you will require a visa.

    What if I want to stay in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the islands of the Caribbean?

    If your ticket terminates in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the islands of the Caribbean, you must be a legal resident of the area in order to qualify for visa free travel. If you are not and your stay will extend beyond 90 days from the date on which you first entered the United States, you will require a visa. Legal Permanent residents include diplomats, students or temporary workers at companies located in these areas.

    Do I have to enter and leave the United States by a participating carrier?

    No. You are only required to enter the United States by a participating carrier. Your onward or return journey may be by any mode of transport, provided you hold a return or onward ticket.

    If I am transiting through the United States to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the islands in the Caribbean under the Visa Waiver Program, does the 90 day period begin on my initial entry into the United States, even though I am there for only a couple of hours?

    The regulations are the same as if you entered the United States for a holiday. If you will transit the United States to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the islands of the Caribbean the total trip, including both periods of time spent in the United States, Canada/Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean islands cannot exceed 90 days. If it does, you will require a visa, unless you are a legal permanent resident of the country.

    If I fly into the United States and out of Canada or Mexico, do I need a visa?

    It will depend on your itinerary. If you have an onward ticket for each stage of your journey, including the journey between the United States and Canada or Mexico, you may travel without a visa. Should you choose to travel this way, you must be in possession of the tickets for each stage of your journey on your initial entry into the United States. You cannot buy the ticket for the journey between the United States and Canada or Mexico on your arrival in the United States. If you will depart the United States for Canada or Mexico by private transport, you will require a visa.

    Can I enter the United States by land from Canada or Mexico under the Visa Waiver Program?

    Yes. If you enter by land there is no requirement that you be in possession of a round trip or onward ticket. The immigration authorities at the border crossing will issue you with the arrival/departure record card, I-94W. You will be charged a $6.00 administrative fee; the fee is payable in U.S. dollars only.

    Why do I have to pay a $6.00 fee if entering the United States by land under the Visa Waiver Program?

    This fee is charged to all travelers regardless of whether or not they have a visa. For those entering the United States by air or sea, the fee is included in the cost of their ticket.

    If I travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, will I be able to get the 90 days extended?

    No, the maximum period of time you may remain in the United States if you enter visa free, is 90 days.

    The last time I traveled to the United States visa free, I stayed longer than 90 days; will I have a problem traveling?

    As you overstayed on your last visit to the United States you are not eligible to travel visa free; you are required to apply for a visa.

    I am entering the United States aboard a private plane, can I travel visa free?

    If you are entering the United States aboard a private aircraft of a U.S. corporation that has entered into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to carry passengers under the Visa Waiver Program, you will not require a visa, if you are otherwise qualified to travel visa free. If you are entering aboard any other private or official aircraft, you will require a visa.

    How can I find out if my employer can carry visa free passengers on its' aircraft?

    You must contact your employer. The Embassy does not have a list of corporations that have entered into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to carry passengers under the Visa Waiver Program.

    I am entering the United States on a private yacht; do I qualify for visa free travel?

    No. If you are entering the U.S. on a private yacht, you will require a visa.

    My passport is not valid for six months does this matter if I'm traveling visa free?

    With the exception of passport holders of Brunei, Lithuania, and Slovakia, the requirement that a passport be valid for six months beyond the holders stay in the United States is waived. If your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires. Note: Citizens of Brunei, Lithuania, and Slovakia, are not covered by this ruling and must be in possession of passports valid for at least six months from the date on which they depart the United States, regardless of their proposed length of stay.



Visas

    I have a visa in my old passport; can I just transfer it over?

    It is not possible to transfer a visa from one passport to another without making a new visa application. Please note that the Embassy no longer issues visas valid "indefinitely". If you are issued a new visa it will have a maximum validity of ten years.

    My passport containing a valid visa has expired. I've obtained a new passport; do I need a new visa?

    If the passport in which your visa has been endorsed has expired, the visa in the old passport still can be used, provided that you also carry a valid passport of the same nationality. Note: If, when canceling your old passport, the passport authority has clipped the corners of the passport, and, in so doing, has damaged the visa in any way, that visa is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel to the United States.

    My old visa says "Indefinite"; is it still valid?

    An "indefinite" validity visa is no longer valid for travel to the United States. If you wish to travel for business or pleasure, you are either required to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, if qualified, or apply for a new B-1/B-2 visa.

    Why, when I've always held an indefinite visa, was I recently issued with a B-1/B-2 visa valid for only ten years?

    The U.S. Government no longer issues "indefinite" validity visas. The maximum validity period of a B-1/B-2 visa is ten years. The ten-year validity period applies regardless of the fact that the applicant may have previously held an "indefinite" visa.

    My passport will expire soon; do I need to get a new passport or visa?

    While visa regulations state that a passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of the holder's departure from the United States, the United States has an agreement with many countries (including the United Kingdom) automatically extending the validity of a passport for six months past the passport's expiration date. The result is that a British passport need remain valid only for the duration of the holder's stay in the United States. If you are traveling visa free and your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be admitted only until the date the passport expires. Note:Citizens of Brunei, Lithuania, and Slovakia, are not covered by this ruling and must be in possession of passports valid for at least six months from the date on which they depart the United States, regardless of their proposed length of stay.

    The validity period of my visa does not cover my intended stay in the United States.

    The validity period of a visa relates only to the period of time in which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission. It does not determine the length of stay. This is a matter for U.S. immigration at the port of entry.

    How long can I stay in the United States?

    The period of validity of a visa relates only to the length of time during which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission at a port of entry. It does not determine the length of stay which is a matter decided by U.S. immigration at the port of entry. If, while you are in the United States, you find that you need to stay there longer than the period of time initially granted to you, you must contact the nearest office of the USCIS to apply for an extension of your stay. The USCIS has sole jurisdiction over such matters. It is not possible to extend your stay if you entered visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

    If I just have a tourist visa, what sort of activities can I do in the States?

    The B-2 visa is only valid for travel to the United States for a temporary visit for pleasure. For a visit for business purposes you need a classification B-1 visa. To apply for such a visa please follow the instructions on the form DS-156. It may be possible for you to travel to the U.S. without a visa if your trip is for less than 90 days and you meet all the conditions for Visa Free Travel.

    I have a visa; do I also need a return ticket?

    If you hold a visa of any classification, including a B-1/B-2 visa, you are not required to hold a return ticket; you may enter the United States on a one-way ticket. All travelers should carry with them for presentation to U.S. officials, if required, evidence of funds sufficient for their visit and, with the exception of H and L visa holders, evidence that they have a residence abroad to which they intend returning at the end of their stay. Examples of such evidence include: traveler's checks; return tickets; copy of latest bank statement; letter from parents saying they will support you; evidence of current employment; evidence of enrollment at an academic institution.

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