Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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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 (VWP)?
  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 living in Thailand, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Thailand?
  6. Do all nonimmigrant visa applicants have to come to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate 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 Form I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?
  17. I have questions on submitting my Form 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 a visa application fee for me?
  19. Do APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders need to schedule an appointment online when applying for a visa?
  20. Immigrant visa applicant did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take along, on the plane to the United States. What should I do?
  21. How to determine if visa was issued under the new paperless process?
  22. Why are some people asked to hand-carry sealed envelope to the U.S. Port of Entry & some are not?
  23. What information do I need to provide about social media, while filling the Form DS-160 or Form DS-260?

 

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

You must possess a valid passport 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 (VWP)?

You qualify for the VWP if you are a citizen of a VWP 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 VWP-eligible country in order to use this program. Permanent residents of VWP-eligible countries do not qualify for the VWP. 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 (VWP). 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 (VWP) 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 living in Thailand, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa in Thailand?

Applicants are generally advised to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Any person who is physically present in Thailand may apply for a visa in Thailand. 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 visa application fee.

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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 A1, A2 (foreign government officials travelling to perform governmental functions ), C2, C3 (foreign government officials in transit on official business) or G1, G2, G3, G4 (foreign government officials traveling in connection with an international organization, or employees of an international organization)
  • Applicants who are 80 years old or older, or applying for a child who is younger than 14 years old, are eligible to apply for B1/B2 visa by mail. For more information, please click here.
  • In some cases, applicants for B1/B2 or C1/D may qualify for renewing the visa by mail. Visit our website for further 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 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.

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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 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.

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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 and submit your visa application form online.  

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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. This web page on the Department of State's 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 issuing authority (i.e. the U.S. Embassy or Consulate) 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 stamped 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 CBP officer will determine the length of stay permitted. Previously, travelers received a paper Form 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 Form 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 Form I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?

Previously, foreign travelers granted entry by the 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 the CBP when you departed the United States, 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 a CBP 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. The 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 Form DS-160 and printing the DS-160 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 Form 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 a visa application processing fee for me?

If you don’t have an internet bank account, your relatives or friends can pay for you. Alternatively, you can pay at the bank in person.   

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Q.19 Do APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders need to schedule an appointment when applying for a visa?

Beginning April 1, 2018, applicants with APEC business travel cards are not exempt from the online scheduling requirement. To schedule an appointment online, please visit our website here.

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Q.20 Immigrant visa applicant did not receive a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to take along, on the plane to the United States. What should I do?

The Department of State has begun electronic processing of some immigrant visa applications. If either the National Visa Center (NVC) or the embassy/consulate requires that you electronically submit your civil and financial supporting documents via the CEAC portal, then your visa was issued under the new electronic process.

Unless specifically informed by the embassy/consulate which interviewed you and issued the visa, you are NOT required to hand-carry a packet of documents in a sealed envelope to present at the U.S. Port of Entry.

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.  

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Q.21 How to determine if my immigrant visa was issued under the new paperless process?

Look at your visa. If you do not need a packet of papers, your visa will have an annotation by the bottom right corner of your picture that says “IV DOCS in CCD”. This indicates that your immigrant visa was issued under the new paperless process.

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Q.22 Why are some people asked to hand-carry sealed envelope to the U.S. Port of Entry & some are not?

The electronic processing of some immigrant visa applications began in 2018. To convert all the 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. These individuals will NOT have the annotation “IV DOCS in CCD” printed in the lower right-hand corner of their visa.

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Q.23 What information do I need to provide about social media, while filling the Form DS-160 or Form DS-260?

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

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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.

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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 nonimmigrant visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents. To qualify for a Business/Tourism 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 Business/Tourism 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 have 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 Form DS-160, pay a new visa application processing 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/Tourism Visa

  1. How long can I stay in the United States on a Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa?
  2. My Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa expires after my intended date of arrival in the United States. Do I need to get a new visa before departure?
  3. My Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa will expire in the next six months. Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance?
  4. If I have changed my name and/or surname, is my Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa with my old name and/or surname still valid?
  5. My current Business/Tourism (B1/B2) 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/her?

Q.1 How long can I stay in the United States on a Business/Tourism (B1/B2) 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 (CBP) 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 CBP officer can decide this upon your arrival in the United States.

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Q.2 My Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa 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 (CBP) 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 Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa will expire in the next six 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. In some case, you may qualify for renewing the visa by mail. For more information, please click here.  

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Q.4 If I have changed my name and/or surname, is my Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa with my old name and/or surname still valid?

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

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Q.5 My current Business/Tourism (B1/B2) 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/her?

While you can use your own Business/Tourism (B1/B2) visa (or travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), 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 - Temporary 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 U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, you must have an approved Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition must be submitted by your prospective employer no earlier than six months prior to your proposed employment start date. Your employer should file the petition as soon as possible within the six-month period to allow adequate time for processing. Once the petition is approved, your employer will be sent a Form I-797, Notice of Action. For more information, please click here.   

Note: To verify your petition's approval, the Embassy 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 a casual work?  

No, there is no visa that covers a casual work. All applicants who plan to work in the United States must have the approved petitions prior to their visa appointment. 

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

No, there is no age limit for a temporary work visa. 

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

No, only your employer can sponsor you.

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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.

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

An applicant for an L1 visa traveling on a blanket petition must pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee. On individual L, H1B and H2B petitions, the U.S. petitioner pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the petition is filed.  

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FAQ - Student Visa

  1. What is a Form 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 a Form I-20 to a different school?
  6. I was working as an H1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F1. Do I need to return to my country to apply for a student visa?
  7. Can an F1 student work in the United States?
  8. What is the SEVIS and how does it affect me?

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

The Form I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, which a prospective nonimmigrant student must have in order to get an F1 or M1 visa. The Form I-20 constitutes proof of acceptance at an SEVP-certified school and allows the holder to apply for a visa or change of status and admission 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 ten digits, on the upper left-hand corner with the visa class printed on the top right-hand corner.  

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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 Form I-20, regardless of when your visa was issued.

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Q.4 Can a person on a Business/Tourism 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 crimes that would make you ineligible. For more details, please visit theU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)website.   

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

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

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Q.6 I was working as an H1B and have now been admitted to a university as an F1. 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 nonimmigrant visa. You may apply to gain a new nonimmigrant status, but you will not receive the new visa; visas are only issued outside the United States. Check with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine if you need to adjust your nonimmigrant 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 F1 student work in the United States?

There are limited work opportunities available in the United States for F1 students. You may accept employment with the approval of the designated school official (DSO).   

F1 students whose status is Active in SEVIS status 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 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  

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

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the Web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, F1 and M1 students who come to the United States to attend those schools. Student visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee before a visa can be issued. The SEVIS websitehas more details.   

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FAQ - Exchange Visitor Visa

  1. I received my visa, when should I travel?
  2. What is the SEVIS 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 up to 30 days in advance 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 and how does it affect me?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the Web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, J1 students who come to the United States to participation in the program. The Exchange Visitor visa applicants are required to pay a SEVIS I-901 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 United States under certain types of visas, specifically temporary worker (H1), intracompany transferee (L1), nonimmigrant fiancé (K1), immigrant visas and permanent residence status. It is important to note that only a preliminary finding of whether the two-year rule applies to you is made on your Form DS-2019 when your J1 visa is issued. The final decision will be made only if you later choose to apply for an H1, L1, K1, immigrant visa or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.  

J1 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 J1 visa to an H1 visa) or to apply for LPR 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. To access the skills list for your country and the general skills list, please visit the Federal Register website.   

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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 visa. 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 Business/Tourism visa or any other nonimmigrant visa except a temporary worker (H1), intracompany transferee (L1) and nonimmigrant fiancé (K1) visa.  

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FAQ - Transit/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 Transit (C1) visa or a Business/Tourism (B1/B2) 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 Transit (C1) visa or a Business/Tourism (B1/B2) 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 Tourism (B2) visa.  

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FAQ - Temporary Religious Worker Visa

  1. I am applying for a temporary religious worker (R1) visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R1 visa without the petition since I had an R1 visa in the past? 

Q.1 I am applying for a temporary religious worker (R1) visa, but do not have an approved petition. I have been to the United States previously with an R1 visa and was not required to have the petition. Can I apply for an R1 visa without the petition since I had an R1 visa in the past? 

The requirement for an approved petition went into effect November 28, 2008. All applicants applying for an R1 visa are required to have an approved petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information, please click here

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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 do I need to show to pick-up the passport at the courier location?
  4. What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?
  5. Does my passport have to be delivered to my house only?
  6. What do I need to show to the courier when they deliver my passport?
  7. What types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?
  8. Can someone besides me pick-up or receive delivery of my passport?
  9. Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?

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

The courier's security and safety rules require that every passport be tracked separately. There is no additional charge for the courier to return your passport to you. All costs are included in your visa application processing fee.  

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

You will receive your passport at the courier location you selected at the time you scheduled your interview. If you want to change the location, you may change your preferred document delivery address online or through the call center before 12:00 p.m. the day before your appointment. If you are planning urgent travel, choosing the Rong Muang Post Office location may result in a faster pick-up time. The cost of the courier service is included in the visa application processing fee.  

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Q.3 What do I need to show to pick-up the passport at the courier location?

In order to ensure that your passport and visa are not given to an unauthorized person, you are required to 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.

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Q.4 What happens to my passport if I'm not at home when the courier arrives?

Please note that the designated Post Office of Thailand Post will hold your passport for only seven days, after first attempt of delivery. In case you are not home, a notification will be left to allow you to make appointment for second attempt. Or you can come over to the post office and collect the passport within seven days. If not, the passport shall be returned to Rong Muang center (for those interviewed at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok) or Mae Ping Post Office (for those interviewed at the U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai) on the 8th day. The centers will contact you once more to attempt delivery. If the passport remains undeliverable, it shall be returned to the Embassy or Consulate which adjudicated your application on the 15th day.   

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Q.5 Does my passport have to be delivered to my house only?

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 and certain documents in order to collect your passport.  

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Q.6 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.

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Q.7 What types of ID are acceptable as proof-of-identity?

You must present an original government-issued photo ID.

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Q.8 Can someone besides me pick-up or 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:

If a representative is collecting your passport from the document collection office on your behalf - even in case of family members - the representative must present:

  • Their own original government-issued photo ID for identification
  • A photocopy of your government-issued photo ID with your signature to certify true copy  
  • 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 his/her government-issued photo ID
    • Your full name, the same 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 letter of authority, signed by either of the applicant's parents  
  • A photocopy of the government-issued photo ID belonging to the parent who signed the applicant's letter of authority with his/her signature to certify true copy  
  • 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.9 Do I have to pay any fees for courier services?

No. The cost of courier services is included in your visa application processing fee or immigrant visa fee.

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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 schedule my appointment yet, or if I want to move my profile registered in one country to another country?

Q.1 How do I reset my password?

Click the Forgot Your Password? link at the bottom of the log-in 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 schedule my appointment yet, or if I want to move my profile registered in one country to another country? 

You do not need to create a new profile if it is also serviced by CGI. You can simply contact us through the Contact Ussection 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 U.S. 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, a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee paid in one country is non-transferable to the other country. 

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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?

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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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