Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On this page:


FAQ - General Visa Information

  1. How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa?
  2. Do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?
  3. What is the fee for ESTA and who has to pay it?
  4. If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?
  5. If I am a nonresident currently in Taiwan, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Taiwan?
  6. Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the American Institute in Taiwan for an interview?
  7. I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?
  8. My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
  9. I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?
  10. How can I extend my visa?
  11. Must I submit my visa application form electronically?
  12. What is "administrative processing?"
  13. How do I read and understand my visa?
  14. My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?
  15. What will happen when I enter the United States?
  16. I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?
  17. I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?
  18. I do not have an internet bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?
  19. I cannot download the deposit slip! What can I do to fix this? I have tried to access the slip from different computers.
  20. What information do I need to provide about social media while filling out the DS-160 form?
  21. What if I am traveling to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands? 

Q.1 How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa?

You must possess a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).

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Q.2 Do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?

You qualify for the Visa Waiver Program if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, possess a machine-readable passport, are traveling for temporary business or a visit of less than 90 days, meet other program requirements, and have obtained an authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

You must be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program-eligible country in order to use this program. Permanent residents of VWP-eligible countries do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program unless they are also citizens of VWP-eligible countries. We recommend you visit the Visa Waiver Program website before any travel to the United States to determine if you are eligible for the VWP.

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Q.3 What is the fee for ESTA and who has to pay it?

ESTA registration is required for all travelers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. There is a US$21 fee for ESTA registration. The fee can be paid online using a debit card or any of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Third parties (travel agents, family members, etc.) can pay your ESTA fee for you if you do not have the correct type of credit card. If the ESTA registration is denied, the fee is only US$4.

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Q.4 If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?

Visa Waiver Program travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States. If you are allowed to board, you can expect to encounter significant delays and possible denial of admission at the U.S. port of entry (i.e., arrival airport). ESTA registration usually only takes a few minutes to complete, authorization often arrives in seconds, and it is valid for two years, unless the traveler’s passport expires within that two-year period. In those cases, ESTA validity is limited to the passport’s validity.

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Q.5 If I am a nonresident currently in Taiwan, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Taiwan?

Applicants are generally advised to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Any person who is legally present in Taiwan may apply for a visa at AIT. However, applicants should decide where to apply based on more than just convenience or delay in getting an appointment in their home district. One thing to consider, for example, is in which consular district the applicant can demonstrate the strongest ties.

There is no guarantee that a visa will be issued, nor is there a guarantee of processing time. If refused, there is no refund of the application fee.

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Q.6 Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the American Institute in Taiwan for an interview?

Please visit Applicants Not Requiring a Personal Appearance page for details.

 

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Q.7 I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?

Each nonimmigrant visa application is a separate process. You must apply in the normal manner, even if you had a visa before and even if your current nonimmigrant visa is still valid.

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Q.8 My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?

No.  If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports (old and new), as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel.  (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism).  Also, the name and other personal data should be the same in both passports. Your nationality, as indicated in the new passport, must be the same as that shown in the passport bearing the visa.

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Q.9 I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?

If one of your nationalities is not American, you can apply using whichever nationality you prefer, but you must disclose all nationalities to the American Institute in Taiwan on your application form. U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using a U.S. passport.

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Q.10 How can I extend my visa?

The validity of a visa cannot be extended regardless of its type. You must apply for a new visa.

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Q.11 Must I submit my visa application form electronically?

Yes, you must complete the DS-160 and bring a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page with you when you go for your interview at the American Institute in Taiwan.

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Q.12 What is "administrative processing?"

Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after your interview with a consular officer. You are advised of this possibility when they apply. This web page on the Consular Affairs website has more information about administrative processing.

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Q.13 How do I read and understand my visa?

As soon as you receive your visa, check to make sure all your personal information printed on the visa is correct. If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is otherwise incorrect, please contact the American Institute in Taiwan immediately.

The expiration date of your visa is the last day you may use the visa to enter the United States. It does not indicate how long you may stay in the United States. Your stay is determined by the Department of Homeland Security at your port of entry. As long as you comply with the Department of Homeland Security decision on the conditions of your stay, you should have no problem.

Further information about interpreting your visa can be found at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website.

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Q.14 My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?

No. You may stay in the United States for the period of time and conditions authorized by the Department of Homeland Security officer when you arrived in the United States, which will be noted on the I-94 or in your passport, even if your visa expires during your stay. You can find more information here.

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Q.15 What will happen when I enter the United States?

Your airline should give you a blank Customs Declaration form 6059B. Only one Customs Declaration is required for a family traveling together.

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. At the port of entry, upon granting entry to the United States, the Customs and Border Protection officer will determine the length of stay permitted. Previously, travelers received a paper I-94 (record of admission) with this information. This process is now automated, with some exceptions. The traveler will be provided with a CBP admission stamp on their travel document that shows the date of admission, class of admission, and admitted-until date. Learn more on the CBP Website. If a traveler needs a copy of their I-94 for verification of alien registration, immigration status or employment authorization, it can be obtained from www.cbp.gov/I94. You can review information about admission on the CBP Website.

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Q.16 I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?

Previously, foreign travelers granted entry by CBP officials received a paper Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). This process is now automated, with some exceptions.  If you received a paper Form I-94 or I-94W and failed to turn in your paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to the commercial airline or CBP when you departed the U.S., see the CBP Website for instructions. Do not send your paper Form I-94 or I-94W to the American Institute in Taiwan.

If you received an admissions stamp in your passport instead of a paper Form I-94 when granted entry, the I-94 record was created electronically, and a paper copy was not provided to you. CBP will record your departure from the U.S. electronically. Learn more on the CBP Website.

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Q.17 I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?

Our call center is unable to provide assistance on the application form. Any inquiries on completing the DS-160 can be addressed on the following website.

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Q.18 I do not have an internet bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?

If you don’t have internet account you can use another online bank account (For example, your relatives or friends).

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Q.19 I cannot download the deposit slip! What can I do to fix this? I have tried to access the slip from different computers.

Please be informed that you can download the deposit slip using the link below:

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/tw/tw-niv-paymentinfo.asp

You can save it on the hard drive of your computer by clicking the right button on it and choosing: "Save the link as" option.  You should have most up to date Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer in order to view the document. The first time you try to open the document, please choose the "Preferences" option in the "Edit" menu of the application. You should then enter "Change Settings" option in the "Trust Manager" menu and choose: "Allow PDF files access all websites" and confirm selection by pressing "Ok" button.

You may also need to check "JavascriptOptions" on your computer. The deposit slip preferences should be activated on some computers first:

Please choose "Edit" option in the main menu line of your Acrobat Reader application.

Next, please choose "JavaScript" in the "Preferences" menu.

Mark the "Enable Acrobat JavaScript" square box. Please confirm your selection by pressing "Ok" button.

Should any other steps be performed, the instructions on how to solve the problem will appear on the slip itself. Please follow the instructions there. 

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Q.20 What information do I need to provide about social media while filling out the DS-160 form?

On May 31 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifies, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. For more details please click here.

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Q.21 What if I am traveling to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands?

Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom do not need a visa or ESTA to visit both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands because of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, though they must complete Form I-736 prior to travel. Chinese citizens also do not need a visa if they complete Form I-736 for temporary admission into the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information on the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, click here.

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FAQ - COVID19 Testing

  1. Is the Department of State going to start requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or test for visa applicants?  

Q.1 Is the Department of State going to start requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or test for visa applicants?

We have no changes to visa requirements to announce at this time. Information regarding required vaccinations for immigrant visa applicants may be found on this website.

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FAQ - Visa Refusals

  1. What is Section 214(b)?
  2. How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"
  3. Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?
  4. Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?  

The United States is an open society. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not impose internal controls on most visitors, such as registration with local authorities. Our immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise. In order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the United States, you have a responsibility to prove you are going to return abroad before a visitor or student visa is issued.

Q.1 What Is Section 214(b)?

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:

(b) Every alien (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (L) or (V) of section 101(a)(15), and other than a nonimmigrant described in any provision of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) except subclause (b1) of such section) shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15). An alien who is an officer or employee of any foreign government or of any international organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act, or an alien who is the attendant, servant, employee, or member of the immediate family of any such alien shall not be entitled to apply for or receive an immigrant visa, or to enter the United States as an immigrant unless he executes a written waiver in the same form and substance as is prescribed by section 247(b).
Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents. To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he or she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.

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Q.2 How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"

Ties are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your home country. Strong ties vary from country to country, city to city, and person to person, but examples include:

  • Your job;
  • Your home; and/or
  • Your relationships with family and friends. 

While conducting visa interviews, consular officers look at each application individually and consider the applicant's circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties outside of the United States that will ensure the applicant’s departure after a temporary visit.

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Q.3 Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?

No. A refusal, or ineligibility, under section 214(b) is for that specific application, so once a case is closed, the consular section cannot take any further action. There is no appeal process. If you feel there is additional information that should be considered related to the visa decision, or there are significant changes in your circumstances since your last application, you may reapply for a visa. To reapply, you must complete a new application form, pay the application fee, and schedule an appointment for a new interview. Review the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to reapply to learn about any reapplication procedures.

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Q.4 Who can influence the consular officer to reverse a decision?

Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation, the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service posts to resolve. An applicant can influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.

For information about visa ineligibilities other than 214(b), please visit the Department of State's Consular Affairs website.

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FAQ - Business/Tourist Visa

  1. How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?
  2. My visitor visa (B-1/B-2) expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?
  3. My U.S. visa will expire in the next 6 months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?
  4. I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?
  5. My current U.S. visa was issued to me when I was working in my previous job. Now I have changed to a new job at a new company and my new employer wants me to attend a conference in the United States, scheduled for next month. Can I use the same visa or do I have to apply for a new visa?
  6. My child is studying in the United States. Can I go live with him? 

Q.1 How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa grants you permission to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport) in the United States. When you arrive at your destination Port of Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer who processes your entry will determine the length of time that you may remain in the country. You may travel to the Port of Entry during the validity of your nonimmigrant visa up to and including the last day the visa is valid. The visa duration does not determine the length of time that you may legally remain in the United States; only the Customs and Border Protection officer can decide this upon your arrival in the United States.

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Q.2 My visitor visa (B-1/B-2) expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?

You can arrive in the United States right up to the last date of validity indicated on the visa. The Customs and Border Protection officer on arrival determines the duration of your stay in the United States. Your visa can expire while you are still in the United States – just be sure that you do not overstay the period of time the officer grants.

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Q.3 My U.S. visa will expire in the next 6 months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?

You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.

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Q.4 I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid? 

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.

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Q.5 My current U.S. visa was issued to me when I was working in my previous job. Now I have changed to a new job at a new company and my new employer wants me to attend a conference in the United States, scheduled for next month. Can I use the same visa or do I have to apply for a new visa?

You can travel to the United States on the same visa as long as your visa is valid for business or pleasure.

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Q.6 My child is studying in the United States. Can I go live with him?

While you can use your own B-1/B-2 visa (or travel under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible) to visit your child, you may not live with your child unless you have your own immigrant, work, or student visa.

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FAQ - Work Visa

  1. What is a petition?
  2. Can I get a visa to do casual work?
  3. Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?
  4. Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?
  5. When can I enter the United States?
  6. Who pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and when do they pay it? 

Q.1 What is a petition?

Before applying for a temporary worker visa at the American Institute in Taiwan you must have an approved Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, from USCIS. This petition must be submitted by your prospective employer no earlier than 6 months prior to your proposed employment start date. Your employer should file the petition as soon as possible within the 6-month period to allow adequate time for processing. Once approved, your employer will be sent Form I-797, Notice of Action. For more information, visit the USCIS Temporary Workers webpage.

Note: To verify your petition's approval the American Institute in Taiwan needs your I-129 petition receipt number, along with your approved Form I-797. Please bring both of these to your interview.

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Q.2 Can I get a visa to do casual work?

No. There is no visa that covers casual work. All applicants who plan to work in the United States must have an approved petition prior to their visa appointment.

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Q.3 Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?

No.

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Q.4 Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?

No. Only your employer can sponsor you.

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Q.5 When can I apply for a work visa? When can I enter the United States?

The American Institute in Taiwan may accept applications for an H, L, O, P, Q or R visa up to 90 days in advance of applicants’ beginning of employment status as noted on the Form I-797, Notice of Action. These applicants (except for H-2A, L and R applicants) can only use the visa to apply for U.S. entry starting ten days before the beginning of the approved status period noted on their Form I-797. H-2A applicants may apply to enter up to one week before the beginning of the approved period. L and R applicants may apply to enter only during the period their approved petition is valid.

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Q.6 Who pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and when do they pay it?

An applicant for an L-1 visa traveling on a blanket petition must pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee. On individual L, H-1B and H-2B petitions, the U.S. petitioner pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee to USCIS when the petition is filed. 

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FAQ - Student Visa

  1. What is an I-20 and how do I get it?
  2. How early should I apply for my student visa?
  3. I received my visa, when should I travel?
  4. Can a person on a visitor visa change his or her status to student while in the United States if he or she gains admission to a school and gets a Form I-20?
  5. What if I receive an I-20 to a different school?
  6. I was working as an H-1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F-1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?
  7. Can an F-1 student work in the United States?
  8. What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me? 

Q.1 What is an I-20 and how do I get it?

The Form I-20 is an official U.S. Government form, issued by a certified school, which a prospective nonimmigrant student must have in order to get an F-1 or M-1 visa. Form I-20 acts as proof-of-acceptance and contains the information necessary to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for a visa or change visa status, and be admitted into the United States. The Form I-20 has the student's SEVIS identification number, which starts with the letter N and is followed by nine digits, on the upper right side directly above the barcode.

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Q.2 How early should I apply for my student visa?

You are encouraged to apply for your nonimmigrant student visa as soon as you have your I-20. To ensure you get an early and timely date you may apply at any time. Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.

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Q.3 I received my visa, when should I travel?

For your initial entry, you may only enter the United States within 30 days of the beginning of the course of study stated on your I-20, regardless of when your visa was issued.

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Q.4 Can a person on a visitor visa change his or her status to student while in the United States if he or she gains admission to a school and gets a Form I-20?

Yes. In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant visa status if you were lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, if your nonimmigrant status remains valid, if you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any actions that would make you ineligible. For more details, please visit the USCIS website.

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Q.5 What if I receive an I-20 to a different school?

If you received an I-20 after scheduling your appointment, then you can inform the U.S. consular officer of the new I-20 at the time of the interview.

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Q.6 I was working as an H-1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F-1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?

No. Once you are in the United States, you do not need to apply for a new visa because the visa is only for entry into the United States. Check with USCIS to determine if you need to adjust status. If you leave the country, however, you'll need to apply for the student visa in order to re-enter the United States.

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Q.7 Can an F-1 student work in the United States?

Full-time students on F visas may seek on-campus employment not to exceed 20 hours per week. After the first year in student status, an applicant may apply for employment off campus with authorization from USCIS. Please contact your student advisor for further information.

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Q.8 What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrollment status of all new and continuing foreign students and exchange visitors. Student visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS fee before a visa can be issued. The SEVIS website has more details.

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FAQ - Exchange Visitor Visa

  1. I received my visa, when should I travel?
  2. What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?
  3. What is the "two-year rule?"
  4. Can the two-year rule be waived? 

Q.1 I received my visa, when should I travel?

Exchange visitors may only enter the United States within 30 days of the beginning of the program, as stated on your Form DS-2019, regardless of when your visa was issued.

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Q.2 What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrollment status of all new and continuing foreign students and exchange visitors. Exchange visitor visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS fee before a visa can be issued. The SEVIS website has more details.

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Q.3 What is the "two-year rule?"

The "two-year rule" is the common term used for a section of U.S. immigration law which requires many exchange visitors to return to their home countries and be physically present there for at least two years after the conclusion of their exchange visit before they can return to the U.S. under certain types of visas, specifically H-1, L-1, K-1 and immigrant visas. It is important to note that only a preliminary finding of whether the two-year rule applies to you is made on your DS-2019 when your J-1 visa is issued. The final decision will be made only if you later choose to apply for an H-1, L-1, K-1, or immigrant visa.

J-1 visa holders subject to the two-year rule are not permitted to remain in the United States and apply for an adjustment/change of status to a prohibited nonimmigrant status (for example, from a J-1 visa to an H-1 visa) or to apply for legal permanent resident status (Green Card) without first returning home for two years or obtaining an approved waiver. Whether you are subject to the two-year rule is determined by a number of factors, including your source of funding and your country's "Skills List." It is not determined by the amount of time you spend in the United States.

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Q.4 Can the two-year rule be waived?

Possibly. Only the Department of State's Visa Office can grant waivers of the two-year rule. The Visa Office is also the final authority on whether you are subject to the rule, regardless of what is annotated in your passport. If you are subject to the two-year rule, you may be able to obtain a waiver. Even if you are subject to the two-year rule, you may still qualify for a tourist visa or any other nonimmigrant visa except those noted above.

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FAQ - Transit/Ship Crew Visa

  1. I plan to stop in the United States for a day and take a flight to another country on the next day. Do I need to apply for C-1 visa or a B-1/B-2 visa? 

Q.1 I plan to stop in the United States for a day and take a flight to another country on the next day. Do I need to apply for C-1 visa or a B-1/B-2 visa?

If you seek layover privileges for purposes other than transiting through the United States, such as to visit friends or for sightseeing, then you must qualify for and obtain the type of visa required for that purpose, such as a B-2 visa.

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FAQ - Religious Worker Visa

  1. I am applying for a religious worker visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R-1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R-1 visa without the petition since I had an R-1 visa in the past? 

Q.1 I am applying for a religious worker visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R-1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R-1 visa without the petition since I had an R-1 visa in the past?

The requirement for an approved petition went into effect November 28, 2008. All applicants applying for an R-1 nonimmigrant visa are required to have an approved petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information, please visit the USCIS website.

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FAQ - Immigrant Visa

  1. Immigrant visa applicant did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take on the plane to the United States.
  2. Process to determine if the applicant’s visa was issued under the new paperless process.
  3. Why are some people asked to hand-carry sealed envelopes to the U.S. port of entry while some are not? 

Q.1 Immigrant visa applicant did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take on the plane to the United States.

The U.S. Department of State is going paperless to better serve visa applicants. If the National Visa Center instructed you to electronically scan and upload your civil and financial documents to your CEAC account online, then your visa was issued under the new electronic processing system. 

Travelers whose visas were issued under the electronic processing system are no longer required to hand-carry an immigrant visa (IV) packet to present at the U.S. Port of Entry. The IV packets of these applicants are now transmitted electronically to Customs and Border Protection and are accessible at the U.S. Port of Entry.) This new electronic processing will streamline your immigrant visa application and entry into the United States.

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Q.2 Process to determine if the applicant’s visa was issued under the new paperless process.

If your visa was issued under the new electronic processing system, the Immigrant Visa in your passport will contain the following statement: “IV DOCS in CCD.” This indicates you received a modernized immigrant visa without a physical visa packet.

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Q.3 Why are some people asked to hand-carry sealed envelopes to the U.S. port of entry while some are not?

The U.S. Department of State is going paperless to better serve visa applicants. The process to convert all different types of immigrant visas to electronic processing will take several years. Until the process is complete, some immigrant visa holders will still need to hand-carry a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to the U.S. Port of Entry. Additionally, some applicants with certain medical issues will still need to hand-carry a sealed envelope to the U.S. port of entry.

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FAQ - Track My Passport

  1. Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?
  2. How will I get my passport back after the interview?
  3. What types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?
  4. Can someone besides me pick-up my passport?
  5. Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?
  6. When will I receive my passport after my visa is approved?
  7. Where can I check my passport delivery status?
  8. Once my visa is processed by AIT, what is the fastest way to get my passport back? 
  9. How do I retrieve my passport for immediate travel to another country prior to visa processing?
  10. Do I have to be at home when the courier arrives to deliver my passport? 

Q.1 Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?

* Important Notice
Effective February 1, 2022, the Drop off/Pick-up at courier locations will be considered Premium Service and appropriate fees will apply depending on the location selected.  These delivery fees are charged by the courier company and will be collected in cash by courier staff when you drop off, pick up, or receive your documents.  Please do NOT put money inside your document package.  Exact change required.

  • Drop off/Pick-up of passport/documents at the SF Express Taipei Neihu Distribution Center (Address: No.21, Ln. 140, Xing’ai Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114, Taiwan): free of charge.
  • Drop off/pick up at any other SF Express courier locationsTWD280 per passport/documents.
  • Delivery to your designated (home/office) address: TWD320 per passport/documents.

    You can have a representative assist you to drop off, pick up, or receive your passport/documents on your behalf.

If you choose the Premium Delivery service please note that you have to provide a valid address where the courier can deliver the documents and passport. Someone must be present when the courier comes to deliver your passport. Cost of Premium Delivery is $320 NT per passport. It is collected by the courier on delivery (Cash Only).

The courier's security and safety rules require separate tracking of every passport.

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Q.2 How will I get my passport back after the interview?

You will pick-up your passport at the location you selected at the time you scheduled your interview. If you want to change this location you may do so until 11:59p.m. the day of your appointment. 

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Q.3 What types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?

You must present an original government-issued photo ID.

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Q.4 Can someone besides me pick-up my passport?

Yes. However, your representative - even in case of family members - must present the following in order to collect your passport:

If a representative is collecting your passport from the document collection office on your behalf, even in case of family members, the representative must to send their letter of authority via email to UStraveldocstaiwan@cbiplogistics.com one working day before pick up at the branch office:

  • Their own original government-issued photo ID for identification
  • A photocopy of your government-issued photo ID
  • A letter of authority, signed by you, authorizing your representative to collect your passport. The letter of authority must contain the following information:
    • Your representative's full name as shown on their government-issued photo ID
    • Your name 

If the applicant is under the age of 18, the following documents are required:

  • An original, signed letter of authority from either of the applicant's parents
  • A clear photocopy of the government-issued photo ID belonging to the parent who signed the applicant's letter of authority
  • The representative's original government-issued photo ID
  • Note: In case of a group/family, a single letter of authority with the required information for each of the applicants will be accepted. 

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Q.5 Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?

* Important Notice
Effective February 1, 2022, the Drop off/Pick-up at courier locations will be considered Premium Service and appropriate fees will apply depending on the location selected.  These delivery fees are charged by the courier company and will be collected in cash by courier staff when you drop off, pick up, or receive your documents.  Please do NOT put money inside your document package.  Exact change required.

  • Drop off/Pick-up of passport/documents at the SF Express Taipei Neihu Distribution Center (Address: No.21, Ln. 140, Xing’ai Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114, Taiwan): free of charge.
  • Drop off/pick up at any other SF Express courier locationsTWD280 per passport/documents.
  • Delivery to your designated (home/office) address: TWD320 per passport/documents.

    You can have a representative assist you to drop off, pick up, or receive your passport/documents on your behalf.

If you choose the Premium Delivery service please note that you have to provide a valid address where the courier can deliver the documents and passport. Someone must be present when the courier comes to deliver your passport. Cost of Premium Delivery is $320 NT per passport. It is collected by the courier on delivery (Cash Only).

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Q.6 When will I receive my passport after my visa is approved?

Although visa processing time is typically three working days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances. Once your visa is processed, your passport will be returned to you via the method you chose when scheduling your appointment..

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Q.7 Where can I check my passport delivery status?

You can check the status of your application at any time online on this page. In order to track the status of your passport’s delivery please go to this page, send an email with your passport number in the subject line to passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com, or contact the Call Center. If you chose to retrieve your passport from a pick-up location, you will receive an SMS informing you that your passport is ready for pick-up. Please ensure that the mobile number provided on your online profile is accurate. 

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Q.8 Once my visa is processed by AIT, what is the fastest way to get my passport back

 

If you wish to pick up your passport the same day AIT transfers your passport to the courier, you can select the Taipei Neihu Distribution Center ( No.21, Ln. 140, Xing’ai Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114, Taiwan) as your passport pick-up location. (Please see 10th branch office listed here.) 

Please note that by selecting this same day pick-up location, you are not applying for expedited visa processing. Your passport will be available for collection once the visa is processed and/or AIT has given it to SF Express Distribution Center for delivery. The cost of this courier service is included in the visa application fee.

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Q.9 How do I retrieve my passport for immediate travel to another country prior to visa processing?

If you want to retrieve your passport for immediate travel prior to visa processing, you will need to contact our Call Center with a request for temporary return of your passport. If the temporary return of your passport is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to get your passport back.

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Q.10 Do I have to be at home when the courier arrives to deliver my passport?

SF Express will contact you to schedule a date and time for delivery. You or your representative must be present at your home/office when the courier comes to deliver your passport. SF Express will attempt to deliver each passport a maximum of 2 times. If delivery is not successful, the passport will be held at the SF Express office for collection; passports will be returned to AIT  after 15 days if they are not delivered or collected by the applicant. You will then be contacted by AIT to determine how your passport can be returned to you.

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FAQ - Applicant profile

  1. How do I reset my password?
  2. What should I do if I move to another country after I have registered my profile on www.ustraveldocs.com and did not apply yet for my visa, or if I want to submit a new visa application in another country than my previous application? 

Q.1 How do I reset my password?

Click the Forgot Your Password? link at the bottom of this web page. Enter your email address in the Username field and click Submit. The email address you type must match the email address you used when you began your visa application. A new password will be sent to your email address. Note: The email with your new password will come from no-reply@ustraveldocs.com. Some email applications have rules which filter unknown senders into a spam or junk mail folder. If you have not received your email notification, please look for the message in your junk and spam email folders. 

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Q.2 What should I do if I move to another country after I have registered my profile on www.ustraveldocs.com and did not apply yet for my visa, or if I want to submit a new visa application in another country than my previous application?

You do not need to create another profile if it is also serviced by CGI. You can simply contact us through the Contact Us section on this website and share your passport number, UID or email address so we can retrieve and update your profile with the new country where you plan to apply for your US Visa. If you are applying in a country that is not covered by CGI, you will be invited to create a new profile. As a reminder, MRV fee receipts paid in one country are non-transferable to the other country. 

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FAQ - US Global Entry program

  1. What is Global Entry?  

Q.1 What is Global Entry?

On November 1, 2017, Taiwan became the 3rd location in East Asia and the 12th worldwide whose passport holders are eligible for Global Entry, a program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  Global Entry allows expedited immigration and customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.  Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports

At the airport, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete an electronic customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt, allowing the traveler to bypass normal immigration and customs lines and proceed directly to baggage claim and the exit.

For more information on Global entry, please click here .

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