Visa Services, U.S. Embassy London

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

I’m trying to reach the Operator and I can’t get through, can you help?

June 9 – 10:00 am Call volumes are at unprecedented levels. The average wait time to be connected to an agent is 8 – 10 minutes and charges apply. Appointments are currently available through until the end of August. If you do not have imminent travel plans, please call again at a later date.  The Service is available between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm; call volumes are generally...

Implementation of new MRV Application Fees

On June 4 the Department of State is implementing new MRV application fees for nonimmigrant visa applicants. The new fee schedule is tiered to reflect the higher unit costs involved in the adjudication of certain nonimmigrant visa categories which require a review of extensive documentation and a more in-depth interview than other categories, such as tourists (B-2) and business visitors (B-1). The...

I have just completed the DS-160 online and have received the confirmation sheet. What’s next? Do I wait for the Embassy to contact me?

Completing the DS-160 on line and submitting the application is just one step in the visa application process.  If you are aged 14 – 79 you are required to schedule an appointment to apply for the visa in person.  The appointment can only be scheduled by calling the Operator Assisted Information Service.  Applicants under the age of 14 and those aged 80 and over, may be eligible to apply...

Are Greek passport holders eligible to travel visa free?

If you hold an electronic passport you may be eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.  On April 5, 2010, Greece joined the 34 countires whose citizens are eligible to particpate in the Visa Waiver Program.  Visa free travel is available to those who meet the qualifying criteria which includes traveling for business or pleasure for less than 90 days for travelers who are not ineligible...

The DS-160 has arrived!

Applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast?  From Monday, March 1, you will be required to complete the new on-line visa application form DS-160.   The DS-160 is web-based and once completed, transmits the applicant’s data to the post where s/he will apply for the visa.  Before you begin completing the form you should have your passport and travel details...