Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On this page:
Nonimmigrant Visas
- FAQ - General Nonimmigrant Visa Information
- FAQ - COVID19 Testing
- FAQ - DS-160
- FAQ - Nonimmigrant Visa Refusals
- FAQ - Business/Tourist Visa
- FAQ - Work Visa
- FAQ - Student Visa
- FAQ - Exchange Visitor Visa
- FAQ - Transit/Ship Crew Visa
- FAQ - Religious Worker Visa
- FAQ - Track My Passport
- FAQ - Applicant Profile
- FAQ - Interview Location
Immigrant Visas
FAQ - General Nonimmigrant Visa Information
- How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa?
- Do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?
- What is the fee for ESTA and who has to pay it?
- If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?
- If I am a non-Vietnamese national living in Vietnam, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Vietnam?
- Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an interview?
- 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?
- My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
- I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?
- How can I extend my visa?
- Must I submit my visa application form electronically?
- What is "administrative processing?"
- How do I read and understand my visa?
- My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?
- What will happen when I enter the United States?
- I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?
- I have questions on submitting my DS-160 and printing the confirmation page. Where can I go for more information?
- I do not have an internet bank account. Can somebody else pay for me?
- Who can accompany me to the interview?
- Does my passport need to have a full date of birth, or is the year of birth sufficient?
- Do I need a visa if I have an APEC Business Travel Card?
- Do APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders get priorities when applying for a visa?
- What should I do when my passport with U.S. visa is lost or stolen?
- Can I use my valid visitor (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2) visa to transit the United States?
- What information do I need to provide about social media, while filling out the DS 160 form?
- My Taiwanese passport does not contain a national identification number. Am I eligible for Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
- How long is my visa valid for ?
- How can I know if I have been ten printed?
- How many times can I schedule using my visa application fee receipt?
- How do I apply for an expedited appointment?
- I am a Vietnamese citizen living in a foreign country. Can I apply for visa renewal by mail at the Embassy or Consulate where I live?
- My most current visa application is refused but my previous visa is still valid and has not been cancelled. Can I use it to travel to the U.S ?
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).
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.
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.
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.
Q.5 If I am a non-Vietnamese national living in Vietnam, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Vietnam?
In general, you may apply for your nonimmigrant visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, if you choose to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a country where you are not a national, please be aware that language difficulties and the interviewing officers' unfamiliarity with the local conditions of your home country may make it more difficult to demonstrate your qualifications for a visa.
Q.6 Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an interview?
Yes, for most applicants. There are only a few exceptions to the interview requirement. The following applicants generally do not have to appear in person:
- Applicants for A-1, A-2 (official travelers on central government business), C-2, C-3 (central government officials in transit on central government business) or G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 (central government officials traveling in connection with an international organization, or employees of an international organization)
- Applicants qualified to renew their visa via postal mail.
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?
If your visa will expire soon, please follow the instructions here to renew your visa by postal mail.
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). Both passports should be from the same country and of the same type (Example: both Vietnamese regular passports). Also, the name and other personal data should be the same in both passports. Please do not try to remove the visa from the old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, the visa will no longer be valid.
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 U.S. Embassy or Consulate on your application form. U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using a U.S. passport.
I have dual citizenship, one of which is American. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?
U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using a U.S. passport.
Q.10 How can I extend my visa?
If your visa recently expired, please follow the instructions here to see if you are qualified to renew your visa by postal mail.
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 U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
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.
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 issuing authority (i.e. the) 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.
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, even if your visa expires during your stay. You can find more information here.
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.
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 U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.
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.
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.
Q.18 Who can accompany me to the interview?
As is standard practice around the world, no third parties are permitted to attend the nonimmigrant visa interview. This rule also applies to third parties who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. However, you can be accompanied by an additional person if:
You are a minor child: Applicants under 17 years old must be accompanied to their interviews by a parent or legal guardian. Accompanying parents must present the child’s birth certificate and the parent’s identification card or passport. Accompanying legal guardians must present a government-issued legal guardianship document and the guardian’s identification card or passport.
Elderly applicant who requires special assistance may be accompanied by an additional person. ID or passport must be presented for their access to the building.
You don’t speak either English or Vietnamese: We offer interviews in English and Vietnamese, in case you cannot speak either language, an interpreter may be permitted to accompany you to an interview. ID or passport of your interpreter must be presented for his/her access to the building..
Q.19 Does my passport need to have a full date of birth, or is the year of birth sufficient?
The dates of birth on your passport and your birth certificate/national ID card must match. If they do not, you must have your passport amended or obtain a new passport to match the date of birth on your birth certificate and/or your national ID card before you come to an interview. If you come to an interview with an unmatched date of birth on your passport and your birth certificate and/or your national ID card, you may be asked to come back another day with a new or amended passport. If all of your documents list only a year of birth, we will accept a passport with only the year listed.
Q.20 Do I need a visa if I have an APEC Business Travel Card?
Yes, even if you have an APEC Business Travel Card, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States. The United States does not recognize the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) in lieu of a visa. Possession of an APEC does not affect visa requirements, the visa process, or your eligibility for a U.S. visa.
Q.21 Do APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders get priorities when applying for a visa?
There is no special U.S. visa process for ABTC card holders. Every applicant, including ABTC card holders, may go to https://vn.usembassy.gov/nonimmigrant-visas or http://ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-niv-visaapply.asp for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa.
Q.22 What should I do when my passport with U.S. visa is lost or stolen?
Report the loss of your passport and visa to the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which issued your visa. You will need to provide a scanned copy of the police report about the incident. In case you cannot obtain a police report about the incident, print out this form, complete it, and attach a scanned copy of the completed form. Once you report the loss of your passport and visa, the visa will be invalid for future travel to the United States.
Q.23 Can I use my valid visitor (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2) visa to transit the United States?
Yes, if you already have a valid visitor (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.
Q.24 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.
Q.25 My Taiwanese passport does not contain a national identification number. Am I eligible for Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
To be eligible to travel to the U.S. on VWP, you must possess a valid e-Passport issued by a VWP designated country. Taiwanese passports issued since May 20, 2000, meet the definition of a passport under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as long as they contain a national identification number on the biographic page. Despite the term "passport" on the cover, documents that do not show that the bearer has a Taiwan national identification number do not allow the bearer unrestricted right to enter and/or reside in Taiwan and do not satisfy the definition of a passport under INA. If your passport does not contain a national identification number, you are not eligible for VWP. You will need to apply for a visa. Please visit http://ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-niv-visaapply.asp for more information about how to apply for a visa.
Q.26 How long is my visa valid for ?
The validity of a U.S. visa is based on the principle of reciprocity (visa validity, number of entries, and fees for nationals of a particular country are based on what that country provides to U.S. citizens for the same purpose of travel). For Vietnamese applicants, the maximum validity period of a visa is 12 months.
Please visit the website for more information about visa reciprocity.
Q.27 How can I know if I have been ten printed?
Since January, 2008, all visa-processing posts have collected ten fingerprints for all interviewed applicants (age from 14-79 years old at the time of interview). If you ever came in for interview (and you were 14-79 years old at the time) and your visa was issued in or after January, 2008, you should have been ten printed.
Q.28 How do I apply for an expedited appointment?
Please be advised that if you have an unforeseen travel need, depending on availability at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you may qualify for an expedited appointment.
You must have documentary evidence to prove the urgency when applying for expedited appointments. All applicants requesting an expedited appointment are required to first pay the visa fees for a regular visa appointment. You can only apply for an expedited appointment once with every visa fee receipt.
To see the qualifications and instructions on how to apply for expedited appointment please check the link: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-niv-expeditedappointment.asp
Q.29 I am a Vietnamese citizen living in a foreign country. Can I apply for visa renewal by mail at the Embassy or Consulate where I live?
In general, you may apply for your nonimmigrant visa renewal by mail at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your normal residence. Please check their website for information about visa renewal requirements.
Q.30 My most current visa application is refused but my previous visa is still valid and has not been cancelled. Can I use it to travel to the U.S.?
To confirm the validity of your visa, please contact the Embassy or Consulate directly at https://vn.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visa-inquiry-form/
FAQ - COVID19 Testing
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
FAQ – DS-160
- How should I put my name in visa application form DS-160?
- I have submitted my DS-160 and now I want to change the information
Q.1 How should I put my name in visa application form DS-160?
As of March 16, 2016, Vietnamese names on U.S. visas are printed in the same order as found in the Vietnamese passport. If the Vietnamese passport shows the full name as: “Nguyen Van A”, the visa will show “Nguyen” as Surname and “Van A” as Given name. Please note that we do not separate “Middle name” and “First name.”
Q.2 I have submitted my DS-160 and now I want to change the information
To correct a previously submitted DS-160, please visit: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and select “Retrieve An Application”, enter your previous visa application ID, answer security questions, and then hit “Create a New Application”. Your personal information will then populate the form and you can correct the wrong information. You will have a new DS-160 barcode. After resubmitting the modified DS-160, please log into your ustraveldocs account, update the new DS-160 barcode number on your appointment at least two working days prior to your appointment date, and print out a new Appointment Confirmation Sheet. Please make sure you come to your interview with an Appointment Confirmation Sheet bearing the most up-to-date DS-160 barcode number; otherwise, you will be turned away and requested to make a new appointment using the updated DS-160 barcode number.
FAQ - Visa Refusals
- What is Section 214(b)?
- How can an applicant prove "strong ties?"
- Is a denial under Section 214(b) permanent?
- 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.
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.
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 where you plan to reapply to learn about any reapplication procedures.
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.
FAQ - Business/Tourist Visa
- How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?
- 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?
- 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?
- I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?
- 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?
- My child is studying in the United States. Can I go live with him?
- Can I use my valid visitor (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2) visa to transit the United States?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q.7 Can I use my valid visitor (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2) visa to transit the United States?
Yes, if you already have a valid visitor (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.
FAQ - Work Visa
- What is a petition?
- Can I get a visa to do casual work?
- Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?
- Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?
- When can I enter the United States?
- 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 U.S. Embassy or Consulate 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 U.S. Embassy or Consulate needs your I-129 petition receipt number, along with your approved Form I-797. Please bring both of these to your interview.
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.
Q.3 Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?
No.
Q.4 Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?
No. Only your employer can sponsor you.
Q.5 When can I enter the United States?
You may not enter the United States until 10 days prior to your initial employment start date, as noted on your Form I-797 or on your offer of employment letter.
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.
FAQ - Student Visa
- What is an I-20 and how do I get it?
- How early should I apply for my student visa?
- I received my visa, when should I travel?
- 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?
- What if I receive an I-20 to a different school?
- 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?
- Can an F-1 student work in the United States?
- What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?
- Is the school’s acceptance letter required for F1 visa interviews?
- Can I bring unofficial transcripts to my student visa interview?
- I was issued an F1 visa but I have changed my school. I am a first-time student. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
- I have been out of the United States for more than five months, do I need to apply for a new student visa to return to my study?
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.
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. However, be aware that student (F and M) visas for new students can only be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q.9 Is the school’s acceptance letter required for F1 visa interviews?
Acceptance letter from school is not required for students to attend their interviews. However, you should bring whatever supporting documents that you believe would support the information provided to the consular officer.
For information about required documents for F applicants, please visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-niv-typefandm.asp.
Q.10 Can I bring unofficial transcripts to my student visa interview?
Generally you can bring your unofficial transcripts to your student visa interview. In some cases, the consular officer who interviews you may ask for original ones.
Q.11 I was issued an F1 visa but I have changed my school. I am a first-time student. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
If you have changed schools, or you have a new SEVIS ID before your initial admission to the United States, you must reapply for another student visa.
Q.12 I have been out of the United States for more than five months, do I need to apply for a new student visa to return to my study?
If your visa is still valid by the time you go back to the United States, you do not need to reapply for a new visa. Even if you have changed schools, resulting in a new SEVIS ID and new Form I-20, you may still continue to travel on your existing student visa so long as it has not expired and your current SEVIS status is either Active or Initial. At the U.S. port of entry, you should be prepared to present the original Form I-20 for the school you are currently enrolled in
FAQ - Exchange Visitor Visa
- I received my visa, when should I travel?
- What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?
- What is the "two-year rule?"
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ - Transit/Ship Crew 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.
FAQ - Religious Worker Visa
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.
FAQ - Track My Passport
- Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?
- How will I get my passport back after the interview?
- What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?
- Does my passport have to be delivered to my house?
- What do I need to show to the courier when they deliver my passport?
- What types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?
- Can someone besides me receive delivery of my passport?
- Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?
- I would like to retrieve my passport for urgent travel while my visa application is being processed at the Embassy/Consulate.
Q.1 Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts?
The courier's security and safety rules require separate tracking of every passport. You may select pick up of your passport from the two designated courier pick up locations at no additional charge. Please refer to the following link for more information on the delivery services fee https://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-niv-passporttrack.asp
Q.2 How will I get my passport back after the interview?
If your visa is approved, the visa will be sent to your designated location selected when you scheduled your appointment. If you want to change this location you may do so until 11:59p.m. the day of your appointment.
Q.3 What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?
The courier will attempt to deliver your passport only at the address you selected or provided when you scheduled your interview. If the courier is unable to deliver, for example, because no one is home, the courier will send you a delivery failure notification to the email you registered on your profile. If you receive the notification, please contact the courier’s hotline at 1900636688 or send an email to nhattin@ntlogistics.vn immediately. If your passport is not delivered to you within 10 business days, it will be returned to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If this happens, contact the call center for assistance.
Q.4 Does my passport have to be delivered to my house?
No. Your passport can be delivered to your office or to a member of your family. If your passport is delivered to someone other than yourself, the recipient must present a government-issued photo ID for identification in order to accept delivery of your passport.
Q.5 What do I need to show to the courier when they deliver my passport?
In order to ensure that your passport and visa are not given to an unauthorized person, you must present a government-issued photo ID for identification when you collect your passport. You must also sign for all documents handed over to you by the courier.
Q.6 What types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?
You must present an original government-issued photo ID.
Q.7 Can someone besides me receive delivery of my passport?
Yes. However, your representative - even in case of family members - must present the following in order to collect your passport:
In case you do not register the representative's information in your profile, the representative must provide the following documents:
- His/her own original ID card or any official/government-issued card with photo, and
- A photocopy of your ID card or any official/government-issued card showing your photo with your signature to certify true copy, and
- An authorization letter with both of your signature and your representative's signature showing that he/she is authorized to collect your passport on your behalf. The letter of authorization must contain the following information:
- Your representative's full name as shown on his/her ID or official/government-issued card with photo.
- Your full name as shown in your passport and your passport number.
If the applicant is under the age of 15, the following documents are required:
- An original authorization letter signed by the applicant's parents.
- A photocopy of the ID card or government-issued photo ID of the applicant's parents.
- A photocopy of the house registration booklet showing the relations of the parents and the applicant.
- The representative's original ID or government-issued photo ID.
Q.8 Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?
Please refer to the following link for more information on the delivery services fee https://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-niv-passporttrack.asp
Q.9 I would like to retrieve my passport for urgent travel while my visa application is being processed at the Embassy/Consulate.
To retrieve your passport for urgent travel, please contact the Embassy or Consulate directly at https://vn.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visa-inquiry-form/
FAQ - Applicant Profile
- How do I reset my password?
- 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?
- My passport has only the year of birth but I’m required to fill out a full DOB for profile registration at ustraveldocs.com Atlas. What should I do?
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.
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.
Q.3 My passport has only the year of birth but I’m required to fill out a full DOB for profile registration at ustraveldocs.com Atlas. What should I do?
The dates of birth on your passport and your birth certificate/national ID card must match. If your birth certificate/national ID lists a full DOB, you must have your passport amended or obtain a new passport to match the date of birth on your birth certificate and/or your national ID card. Then you can create your profile using your full DOB. If all of your documents list only a year of birth, you can create your profile at ustraveldocs.com using 01-01-YYYY format.
FAQ - Interview Location
Q.1 I have changed the interview location. Do I need to fill out a new form DS-160?
If you wish to change your interview location, a new form DS-160 is not required. The Embassy or Consulate at which you actually apply can access your form using the barcode on your DS-160 confirmation page, which you must bring to the visa interview. However, accessing a DS-160 submitted to a different location requires extra time, so you may encounter significant delays if you appear for an interview with a DS-160 submitted to a different location. Unfortunately, we are unable to predict the duration of these delays.
FAQ – K Visa (K-1 & K-2)
- After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves my fiance(é) petition (I-129F) in the United States, what happens?
- When can I schedule an appointment?
- Can I attend the interview appointment if I have not yet submitted the online Form DS-160 or used an invalid Form DS-160 barcode to schedule the interview?
- What should I do if I want to correct the information on my submitted online Form DS-160?
- I have a pending immigrant visa case. If I have a specific question about my case, what should I do?
Q.1 After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves my fiance(é) petition (I-129F) in the United States, what happens?
After the USCIS approves your I-129F petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. Then, the NVC will send it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for a K-1 visa. Please follow all the instructions and procedures at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-iv-kvisa.asp .
Q.2 When can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an interview appointment only after you receive the Instruction Package from the Consulate and follow the instructions listed on the package.
Q.3 Can I attend the interview appointment if I have not yet submitted the online Form DS-160 or used an invalid Form DS-160 barcode to schedule the interview?
You may NOT attend the interview if you have not yet submitted the online Form DS-160 or used an invalid Form DS-160 barcode to schedule the interview. You will be required to schedule a new appointment with a valid Form DS-160 barcode. You must fill out a new Form DS-160 (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/). Once completed, you must log in to your ustraveldocs account (http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/), schedule a new appointment with the most up-to-date Form DS-160 barcode number, and print out a new Appointment Confirmation Sheet. You can also contact our call center for further assistance at 19006444 if calling in or 1-703-665-7350 if calling from the United States.
Q.4 What should I do if I want to correct the information on my submitted online Form DS-160?
Once submitted, a DS-160 application form cannot be updated or corrected. To edit the information on the DS-160 application form, please fill out a new form and re-submit it with the correct information. On the interview day, please be sure to notify consular staff of this change by submitting the confirmation sheet of the most up-to-date DS-160 form.
Q.5 I have a pending immigrant visa case. If I have a specific question about my case, what should I do?
Please go to our website to find the answer to your question at https://vn.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/ or https://vn.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-immigrant-visas/. If you do not find an answer, you can submit your inquiry to: https://vn.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visa-inquiry-form/
FAQ – SB-1 Visa
- I am a Lawful Permanent Resident. If I have been outside the United States over one year (or beyond the validity of my re-entry permit), what do I need to do to return to the United States
- If my green card is lost or expired, what should I do?
- I have a pending immigrant visa case. If I have a specific question about my case, what should I do?
Q.1 I am a Lawful Permanent Resident. If I have been outside the United States over one year (or beyond the validity of my re-entry permit), what do I need to do to return to the United States?
If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident and you have been outside the United States over one year (or beyond the validity of your re-entry permit) for reasons beyond your control, you may be eligible for an Returning Resident (SB-1) visa. Instructions and procedures to apply for an SB1 visa can be found at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-iv-sb1visa.asp If you have been outside the United States for over one year (or beyond the validity of your re-entry permit) voluntarily, then you will need to have a new petition filed on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Another alternative for you to go to the U.S. for short visits is to apply for a tourist (B2) visa.
Q.2 If my green card is lost or expired, what should I do?
Information about lost or expired green cards and other special travel considerations for Lawful Permanent Residents can be found at: https://vn.usembassy.gov/information-for-lawful-permanent-residents/ or https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/international-travel-permanent-resident
FAQ - Other Immigrant Visa Information
Q.1 I have a pending immigrant visa case. If I have a specific question about my case, what should I do?
Please go to our website to find the answer to your question at https://vn.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/ or https://vn.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-immigrant-visas/. If you do not find an answer, you can submit your inquiry to: https://vn.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visa-inquiry-form/.
Q.2 Immigrant visa applicant did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take along on the plane to the United States.
We understand that you have questions about the sealed envelope that you are required to present at the port of entry to the United States.
The Department of State has begun electronic processing of some immigrant visa applications. If either the National Visa Center or the embassy/consulate required that you electronically submit your civil and financial supporting documents via the CEAC portal, then your visa was issued under the new electronic process. All visas issued through this new electronic process are annotated "IV DOCS IN CCD."
If your visa contains this annotation, then you do not need to hand-carry a sealed envelope when you enter the United States unless you were specifically informed otherwise by the embassy/consulate which interviewed you and issued the visa. Be assured that your documents were transmitted electronically from the Department of State to the Department of Homeland.
Security, Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP), the agency that inspects all immigrants entering into the country. When you arrive at Immigration Control at the U.S. port of entry, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will have access to all of the information required to process your entry into the United States. This new electronic process will streamline the processing of your immigrant visa application and entry to the United States.
Q.3 How to determine if applicant's visa was issued under the new paperless process.
We understand that you want to know how to determine whether your immigrant visa was issued under the new paperless process.
All visas issued under the new electronic process should have an annotation by the bottom right corner of your picture that says, “IV DOCS IN CCD.”
Q.4 Why are some people asked to hand-carry sealed envelopes to the U.S. Port of Entry and some are not.
We understand that you want to understand why some applicants are required to hand-carry documents while others are not.
Electronic processing of some U.S. immigrant visa applications began in 2018. Until the new process is completely implemented, 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. These individuals will NOT have the annotation “IV DOCS IN CCD” printed in the lower right corner of their visas.