Visa Services, U.S. Embassy London

Traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program after January 20?

visaservices — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:03:42 +0000

If you are traveling to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization before boarding the air or sea carrier. If you fail to do so, you should expect to be denied boarding by the carrier.

I would like to use the option of creating a family application and have read the information about data being imported into the new application. I have a stepson with a different name, can I still use this option?

visaservices — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:33:19 +0000

Yes, the data that is automatically populated into the new form can be modified. This applies to any of the data including family name and nationality.

I am traveling with my family. Can I create a family or group application?

visaservices — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:33:00 +0000

Yes. On the “Thank You” page you will see an option to create a family or group application. When you select this, certain information from your application, such as destination, will automatically be imported to and displayed in a new application. Please note that if you use this option, you will need to create an individual application for each of your family members traveling together. This option may also be used if traveling as part of a group.

I am trying to complete the DS-160 and I experiencing problems. It keeps timing out on me. Help!

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:34:20 +0000

The form will time out after approximately 20 minutes. It is important, therefore, that you save the document and save often. There is a “”SAVE” button at the end of each section; make sure that you press this before continuing onto a new section.

If you save the document and find that you have made a mistake, you will be able to bring up the saved document, correct the error and continue. If you have not saved the document, you will be required to complete the form from the beginning.

I have read about the confirmation sheet, but cannot complete the form to know what it should look like!

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:52:28 +0000

The above are examples of the confirmation sheets. If you are successful in uploading you photograph your confirmation sheet will look like the example on the left. If you are unsuccessful in uploading the photograph you will receive a confirmation sheet that will look like the example on the right. Whether you are successful or not in uploading the photograph, you are required to bring with you to the interview the photograph.

Can I still use the DS-156?

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:42:38 +0000

If you are applying for a petition based visa – H, L, O, P, Q or R – in person on or after February 1, 2010, you must complete the DS-160. We will not accept the DS-156. Petition based applicants applying for a visa through the courier service and all other visa applicants may continue to use the DS-156 until March 1, 2010 when it becomes compulsory for everyone applying for a visa at the Embassy in London.

What happens if I encouter a problem in completing the DS-160 and turn up for the interview without it?

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:40:04 +0000

If you fall into the category of visa applicant required to complete the DS-160 and you appear for an interview on or after February 1 without the DS-160, you will be asked return the Embassy with the completed form.

We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last minute to complete this form as you may encounter problems with your internet connection.

I am having problems loading the photographs; what do I do?

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:12:59 +0000

You are given only one attempt to successfully load a photograph. If that attempt fails, you may continue completing the DS-160. The confirmation sheet that you receive at the end will an X in the box where the photograph should appear. This is fine. You should bring the confirmation sheet together with a photograph taken within the last 6 months. Detailed information on the photograph requirements is available from the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html.

Saw your blog about the DS-160. I will be applying for a visa in February but the confirmation appointment letter that I have received says to complete the DS-156

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:37:31 +0000

Petition based applicants – H, L, O, P, Q & R – applying for visas in person on or after February 1, 201o are required to complete the DS-160. Applicants booking an appointment through the Operator Assisted Information Service on or after January 4 will be notified of this requirement in the appointment confirmation letter. If you scheduled the appointment prior to January 4, the appointment letter will have made reference to the DS-156. This should be ignored. You are required to complete the DS-160. You will find the form and further instructions on our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/happ-new.html.

Applying for a U.S. visa in 2010?

visaservices — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:01:40 +0000

The U.S. Embassy is to introduce the new web-based nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160. Applicants applying for petition based visas – H, L, O, P, Q or R – in person on or after February 1, 2010 will be required to complete the new form DS-160. For all other applicants, March 1 is the all important date.
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. As the data is collected electronically, it means that we will be able to conduct various forms of pre-processing and pre-screening in advance of the application which should reduce processing delays. It also means that applicants who apply for visas on a frequent basis can save their original application and simply submit the updated form.