Just read about the fee for travelers registering under ESTA. I have a valid ESTA, will I be required to submit a new registration when the fee is introduced?
No. If you have a valid registration under ESTA, you will not be required to re-register on September 8, 2010 when the fee is introduced. A regisration under ESTA is valid for two years from the date it is authorized or until the date on which the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. You will be subject to the new fee, however, if your registration expires and you re-register...
August 9th, 2010 by visaservices
Just read the press reports about the ESTA fee. How can I pay it?
The fee will be payable at the time you submit a registration. Payment will be by credit card - Visa, American Express, MasterCard or Discover or debit card – Visa or MasterCard. Remember the fee will not be introduced until September 8, 2010.
August 9th, 2010 by visaservices
ESTA Fee to be introduced
On September 8, 2010 a new fee of $14.00 is to be introduced for Visa Waiver Program travelers registering under ESTA. A fee of $4.00 will recover the costs incurred by the Department of Homeland Security of providing and administering the ESTA system and is in addition to the mandatory $10.00 travel promotion fee established by the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) of 2009. Please see the U.S. Customs...
August 9th, 2010 by visaservices
Thinking of working in the U.S. for the summer?
Ever wondered what it is like taking part in a summer work exchange program in the United States? Franz Strasser of the BBC has created a video blog of his journey accross America in which he talks to young people who are participating in summer work programs. Check it out at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/franzstrasser/2010/07/first_glimpse_of_america.html. Interested? Visit our...
July 21st, 2010 by visaservices
Immigrant Visa Fees are to increase on July 13!
On July 13, 2010 a new tiered fee schedule is to be introduced as follows: Immediate Relative and Family Preference applicants: $404.00 Employment Preference applicants: $794.00 Special immigrants including widow/widower of a U.S. citizen: $379.00 Diversity Immigrants – $379 plus the DV Fee – $440.00 Applicants for Returning Resident Status - $380.00 K visa applicants – $ 350.00 Application...
July 6th, 2010 by visaservices
The I-94W Goes Paperless!
During the month of July 2010 the I-94W completed by Visa Waiver Program travelers entering the United States by air or sea is being phased out. Please check with your carrier for further information. The I-94W is the arrival/departure record card handed to travelers by the carrier which is completed and presented to U.S. immigration at the Port of Entry. Travelers who do not complete the...
June 22nd, 2010 by visaservices4
Webchat – June 25
If you are a U.S. citizen or the spouse or fiancee of a U.S. Citizen and have a question concerning immigration to the United States, join us on June 25 when a consular officer from the Immigrant Visa Section will be on hand to answer your questions. The webchat will take place between 10:00 am and 11:00 am but you can access the webchat and post questions in advance on our webchat station at...
June 17th, 2010 by visaservices
Update on the Operator Assisted Information Service
While call volumes are beginning to return to normal, the Operator Assisted Information Service continues to be busy. If travel is not imminent, please delay making the call. On calling the Service you will hear an opening message before making your selection. If an agent is not available to take your call within 20 seconds of you making that selection, you will receive a message advising you to call...
June 17th, 2010 by visaservices
Appointment availability
There are lots of appointments available – in fact appointmens are available through until the end of August so do don’t panic! If you are not traveling to the United States within the next couple of weeks, please do not call the Operator Assisted Information Service at this time. Call volumes are at unprecidented levels and as a result, callers cannot get through. We expect call...
June 10th, 2010 by visaservices
I cannot get through to book an appointment and as I result I have a large telephone bill!
The first 20 seconds of the message that you hear is free to callers from BT landlines. Mobile phone and other network providers do charge, however, and you may wish to check with them before making the call. After the first 20 seconds charges apply to everyone, including those calling from BT landlines.
June 10th, 2010 by visaservices
