New Visa Procedures

In 2001 and 2002, the United States passed new laws that affected some aspects of the nonimmigrant visa process and entry-exit procedures. Many things remain the same, however.

What's the Same in U.S. Visa Processing Procedures?

Applicants still must complete all of the various application forms, submit photographs, application fees and other kinds of documentation as they did before.

To obtain a visitor visa (for tourism, medical treatment, and certain kinds of business activities), the process may be relatively simple. To obtain other types of visas, to study or work, for example, more forms and documentation will be required. Individual experience in obtaining a visa can therefore range from relatively fast and simple to relatively complex and time consuming.

Applicants also still need to demonstrate their intent to return home rather than stay permanently in the United States. You will not be granted a visa if, in the judgment of the consular officer, you have not met all of the necessary criteria.

What's Different about U.S. Visa Processing Procedures?

The United States is committed to what Secretary Powell has called the policy of "secure borders, open doors," by facilitating legitimate travel to the United States by international visitors while maintaining the integrity and security of our borders and our nation. Laws passed after September 11, 2001 focused ways to improve border security in the United States. To learn more, select Safety and Security of U.S. Borders

Most visa applicants can expect to be interviewed and must now have two index fingerscans collected as part of the visa application process. These fingerscans are normally collected by the consular officer at the visa interview window, but in some posts they are collected prior to the visa interview.

In addition to being satisfied that the applicant intends to honor the terms of the visa by returning home, the consular officer must evaluate the security risk presented by the applicant. We carefully examine all applications. Visa applications take longer to process. This affects all nonimmigrant visas. Advance planning can smooth the visa application process for you.

What's the Same in U.S. Visa Application Procedures?

Many aspects of U.S. visa application process continue as before. All applicants' names are routinely checked against sophisticated government databases for possible criminal or other information that may disqualify them. The consular officer examines the application and supporting documents and data for facts indicating possible ineligibilities, inconsistencies or questions that may require clarification.

In certain situations, the consular officer may ask for additional application review in Washington, DC. Some visa applicants may need to undergo an extra review process if they seek to engage in a commercial exchange or academic pursuit involving certain designated fields of advanced technology.

What's Different About U.S. Visa Application Procedures?

Some aspects of the nonimmigrant visa process have changed.

Supplemental Application -- All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16-45, regardless of nationality or other factors, must now complete a supplemental application form which helps inform the consular officer's judgment about visa eligibility. Consular officers have the authority to require anyone from any country to complete visa forms if they think it's warranted.

Student and Exchange Visitor Visas - All student and exchange visitors, regardless of nationality or other factors, must complete a supplemental application form which helps inform the consular officer's judgment about visa eligibility. Applicants must also get an authorization form from their sponsoring institution in the U.S. Before a visa can be issued, the sponsoring institution must authenticate the applicant by opening and maintaining an electronic file on a Web-based data management system managed by the Department of Homeland Security, called Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).