Embassy of the United States

Ask the Consul

Ask the Consul: Questions and Answers

May 22- 28, 2009

Here are the answers to questions received for the period May 22 to May 28. They are arranged by day. Surnames, contact information and certain other information have been removed to protect privacy.

Friday, May 22

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "John Miles" 
Question: “Does a British Citizen living in South Africa need a Visa to go on holiday in the United States?"

Consul’s Reply:
John:
Please access the following website for information regarding the Visa Waiver Program requirements for British Citizens. http://www.travel.state.gov/vwp

Upon approval of travel through the ESTA website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov you may travel to the US on business or holiday not exceeding 90 days.

City: "Polokwane" 
Name: "Maupa” 
Question: " My child of 13 yrs is been invited to attend a People to People Leadership Forum at Washington DC October this Year so as it is for the first time I dont have any clue of what to do and when.They stated that we should organise Visa for her so I dont know what to bring along at ur offices in order to make one for her.
Worried Mother in Limpopo

Consul’s Reply:
Maupa:
Please find on this website a step-by-step guide as to how you would apply for a non immigrant visa. In addition to those requirements please pay attention to the information below regarding children under 18 applying for visas.
• Children Under 18:
The parent(s) of a minor child(ren) traveling alone should provide some evidence of consent from the non-traveling parent(s).  Parents of minor children traveling and appearing without both or either parents may provide some form of evidence of consent from the non-appearing parent (e.g. letter of consent, parents’ identity documents etc.).
• Please note that unabridged birth certificates may be requested by the adjudicating officer as evidence of a legal parent-child relationship. Unabridged birth certificates list the names of both parents and are normally not issued when a child is born, they must be specifically requested from the Department of Home Affairs.
• All Applicants: An itinerary if you have made specific travel plans. This must not include purchased plane tickets, as we strongly urge that you not purchase tickets or make irrevocable travel plans before obtaining a visa.

City: "" 
Name: "Corinne" 
Question: "I have a 10 yr visa that expires 06.04.2009 and have made three 3 trips to US since 1999, being to Alaska, Hawai'i and Idaho to visit my daughter, son-in-law in the US Airforce and their young family.
Is there a renewal option? Thank you."

Consul’s Reply:
Corinne:
Please be advised that we do not have a visa renewal option, once your visa has expired, you would be required to apply for a new visa. Please find on this website a step-by-step guide as to the non immigrant visa process.

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "Gert" 
Question: “Good day. I have re-applied for my passport and have a new passport number. My current VISA in my old passport are approved on the old passport number and is still valid until 2014. Will this be a problem, when I going to visit the US later this year for a engineers course."

Consul’s Reply:
Gert:
If you are travelling for the same purpose as when you were issued the visa, you may travel with the new passport and the old passport containing the valid US visa. Please do not try to remove the visa from the old passport and place it in the new, as it will no longer be valid.

City: "Durban " 
Name: "Jess" 
Question: "To whom it may concern,
I have been issued a 10 year visa
Type B1/B2 entries M my enquiry is what maximum period of time can I be on holiday in the US.
Many thanks
Jess”

Consul’s Reply:
Jess:
Your length of stay in the US is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon your arrival at the port of entry. You will be issued with an I-94 departure card including a stamp with the expiration date for your permitted stay.  Typically stays are permitted for 30 days but longer periods up to several months may be requested directly from the CBP officer at the port of entry.

City: "London" 
Name: "Neil" 
Question: "Good day sir
I've been touring London for the past 10 months on my working holiday. Ive got a return ticket back to SA and would like to make use of it.
Question: Do I need to reside in South Africa for a year before being able to apply for a tourist visa to the states?
I'm a South African citizen.
Thanks
Neil

Consul’s Reply:
Neil:
We do not have any constraints as to how soon after you have returned to South Africa you can apply for a visa.

We do ask that you take into consideration the fact that you are required to demonstrate compelling social, financial, family, and/or economic ties to South Africa before you are granted a visa. Thus it is only advisable to apply once you are certain that you are able to demonstrate these ties as required by U.S. law to show that you are not an intending immigrant.

City: "Washington, DC" 
Name: "Freddie" 
Question: “The John F. Kennedy Center has invited a South African citizen to participate in a conference here in June. She has a temporary passport. Will the U.S. Consulate issue a tourist visa in a temporary passport? Do Virginia and Washington, D.C. accept South African passports for entry into the U.S.?"

Consul’s Reply:
Freddie:
Yes, she may use a temporary passport to apply for a non-immigrant visa to enter at any U.S. port of entry including ports of entry in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

City: "George" 
Name: "Basil" 
Question: “I am a saturation diver having been offered a position in GOM, I need a TWIC how do I apply for this card as a South African? I have worked in GOM prior to this but then during the hurricane Katrina clean up we never required these cards?
Your help will be most appreciated.
Kind regards
Basil
HSE CLODED BELL DIVER /IMCA AIR SUPERVISOR"

Consul’s Reply:
Basil:
Please refer to your prospective employer in the US for advice as to where you may obtain the TWIC.

City: "BENONI" 
Name: "WILLIAM; EVELYN" 
Question: “We presently are in possession of a DV1 & DV2 Permanent Resident Card which expires on 1/13/2013. My wife - Evelyn Carol Riley and myself William Patrick Riley However we returned to South Africa in January 2004 and have not re entered the United States since then. We now want to re enter the United States and wish to enquire whether we must reapply for a visa. We are visiting our son and daughter who are now citizens of the United States of America.
The new visa proceedures are such that an appointment must be made. Please advise us how further to proceed.
Regards
William, Evelyn
 

Consul’s Reply:
William:
In general, U.S. legal permanent residents are allowed to remain outside the US for no more than 12 consecutive months.  Once they are outside the U.S. for more than a year, their “green cards” become invalid automatically. If you and your wife wish to visit the US, you are welcome to apply for visitors visas in the ordinary course (at which time you will need to relinquish your green cards physically).  In the event you decide to reside in the US at some point in the future, either of your children may file IR5 (Parent of U.S. Citizen) immigrant visa petitions for you and your wife through the National Visa Center in the US.

City: "Sedgefield" 
Name: "Warren" 
Question: “Hello
I would like to know if my J-1 allow me to stay 4 months from when I enter the US.That is what I have been told.On my visa,it expires on the 16th of September. Do I get 30 days after that to be out of the country or do I have to be out of the country on that day. Please help me with the answers as I do not want to get in trouble for not understanding the rules. Thanks you"

Consul’s Reply:
Warren:
J1 visa holders are allowed to enter 30 days before their program commences and remain in the US up to 30 days after the program has been completed.


Saturday , May 23

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Alex" 
Question: "I have been accepted into a Fulbright program and will be applying for a J-1 visa shortly. My husband will be joining me and therefore needs to apply for a J-2 visa. We are aware of the medical insurance requirements; do we have to purchase this BEFORE applying for the visa? In addition we need to know how much money is required in order to support his application.Thanks,
Alex."

Consul’s Reply:
Alex:Please direct your questions on medical insuarance and other monetary requirements to the Fulbright office.
  

City: "" 
Name: "AB" 
Question: "If I an American citizen has a child by a South African non-American citizen is there any way to expedite the fiance visa approval/process? "

Consul’s Reply:
AB:
Requests for expedited processing of fiancé(e) visa petitions should be made through the National Visa Center (NVC) after filing of the petition by the American citizen. NVC will then contact our Immigrant Visa Unit  to pass on the request for expedited processing before sending us the approved petition. If this request is granted, then we will schedule an appointment for the beneficiary as soon as s/he is documentarily ready for the interview. Please note that in general having a child by a US citizen will not necessarily qualify for expedited fiancé visa processing.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Nebiat" 
Question: " Dear sir i applied for Non- immmigrant visa on 20may 2009. i am specializing in ENT surgery in the unvirsity of Cape Town.i am secound year registerar and i have got another two year to finish. i have got enough enough finacial support to my trip and stay for two weaks.on my refusal application it settated no tie. i don't see any reason refusal of my application to visit my brother in state. i don't claim i must have get the visa but when some refused the visa there must have been a good reson. thank you"

Consul’s Reply:
Nebiat:
Please send any inquiries regarding your non immigrant visa refusal to consularcapetown@state.gov for assistance.

City: "Port Elizabeth" 
Name: "Clayton " 
Question: "I am a post-graduate student who is studying in South Africa. I am planning to visit Canada and the U.S. for a month holiday. Is it necessary for me to fill in the I-901 form if I am not going to study in the U.S.?"
Consul’s Reply:
Clayton:
No. You will not be required to file an I-901 form with your visitor’s visa application.

City: "Durban" 
Name: "Mondli" 
Question: " how long does it take to obtain my visa?" 

Consul’s Reply:
Mondli:
The current waiting period for a non-immigrant visa appointment is approximately 1 week.  If your case is approved, it will take 3-5 working days from the day of your appointment for delivery of your passport with visa.

Sunday, May 24

City: "JOHANNESBURG" 
Name: "LORRAINE" 
Question: " How do I make an appointment to apply for a USA visitors visa for a holiday? Also I cannot download your DS 156 Application form. Perhaps you will be kind enough to email it to me at rkinross@...
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours sincerely
Lorraine"

Consul’s Reply:
Lorraine:
Please find on this website a step-by-step guide as to how you may apply for a non immigrant visa. We are not able to send you the DS-156 application form  through e-mail as you are required to complete it online.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Lisa" 
Question: "I am a Masters student in Jazz Vocals at the University of Cape Town and a music teacher at the American Internatinal School Of Cape Town.
I recieved a study visa in mid-2008 I studied in NYC and San Francisco July 2008 and I would like to know when my study visa expires. I am planning to continue my studies at Long Island University in New York City in late July 2009 due to my Jazz Vocal teacher's availablilty. Is there possibility a 'grace' period for expiries of visas or would I have to re-apply?
I would appreciate your advice.
Please contact me at lisa@..."

Consul’s Reply:
Lisa:
Please be advised that you will have to apply for a new student visa.

Monday,  May 25

City: "" 
Name: "Ulrike" 
Question: "I am not currently residing in South Africa but am still a South African citizen with my South African passport. I am planning a trip to Canada to visit family and we might want to cross the border into the US for a few days. How would I go about in applying for a temporary visiting Visa. "

Consul’s Reply:
Ulrike:
Please refer to the website of the U.S. consular post covering your current place of residence where you are most likely to apply for a U.S. visitor visa. 

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Nubong" 
Question: "I have an interview scheduled for the 28th of May for three, myself, my wife and our 6 months old baby. I wish to find out if I must pay an application fee for the 6months old baby and also bring the specified photo. What other travel requirements must I take note of with respect to the baby" 

Consul’s Reply:
Nubong:
Yes, you would be required to pay the $131 visa application fee as well as bring a separate DS-156 application form for the baby (completed online) with photo.

City: "Tzaneen" 
Name: "Pritee" 
Question: " Good morning
Please advise i have received a call from UASFIS last week and they have told me that i have won the green lottery. I have applied for the green card last 2 twos and for the period of ten years program.Please advise if this is true or fake. I have also have some from on my mail from the USAFIS and they have asked me to fill those forms and send them the forms to the following address Kentucky Consular Centre,3505 N.Highway 25W, Williamsburg, KY 40769. They also told me that the forms are send by post on the 01st May 2009 and i will get them by 20working days,but i have not received anything as yet. The name from the USAFIS is george who gave me the information on the following number 1-866-737-7193.Pease advise because i am afriad to give my personal information to anyone.
Regards
Pritee"

Consul’s Reply:
Pritee:
While there is no charge to download and complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form, and most people who enter the Diversity Visa lottery are able to do so without the assistance of an outside company.  If your lottery entry was successful, you should have received direct notification by mail from the Department of State.  To learn more see the Department of State Warning and the Federal Trade Commission Warning sections by visiting the Department of State 'Travel' website. 

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "James" 
Question: "Good morning
I am travelling to the US on the 2nd June 2009 and did get advice from your consulate in Cape Town but need to check if correct. I have a British Passport and will be traveling with that once i leave South Africa. I will sign onto Esta and put in my details there. Is this all i need do. will there be no issues once arrived in the US. I am both a South African and British citizen.
I look forward to your response.
Safe travels
James"

Consul’s Reply:
James:
Please access the following link for information regarding the visa waiver program http://www.travel.state.gov/vwp. 

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Michael Wheeler" 
Question: "I hold a British passport which was issued in SA.
Do I need a visa to holiday in the USA?
wheelerm@eject.co.za" 

Consul’s Reply:
Michael:
Please access the following link for information regarding the visa waiver program http://www.travel.state.gov/vwp.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Antoinette" 
Question: " I applied for a non-immigrant visa on 04 May2009
and have heard nothing from the consulate. I want to know whether I must go to Pretoria for an interview. I live in a suburb adjacent to the Cape Town U S Consulate and am 69 years. I am only going for a short holiday I will be in Canada for 6 weeks but want to visit the Oprah show and need to make my own arrangements." 

Consul’s Reply:
Antoinette:
Please contact the Consulate in Cape Town at consularcapetown@state.gov for assistance.

City: "cape town" 
Name: "sheila" 
Question: " Where do we log in and put our pin numbers and so organise an appointment in cape town to apply for our US visa as we need to do it asap as we leave for boston on 11th June .thank you very much"

Consul’s Reply:
Sheila:
Please find below the two methods that can be used to schedule an appointment

INTERNET
www.usvisa-southafrica.com
To use the internet for scheduling interviews, applicants must purchase a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at a cost of U.S. $10 using a Visa or MasterCard. This PIN may be purchased on the website.  The PIN is valid for 180 days from the date of payment or until the applicant’s interview date.  An appointment can be rescheduled or cancelled up until two business days prior to the appointment date.  The PIN allows scheduling of an appointment, as well as rescheduling or cancelling of an appointment twice. 

VISA INFORMATION SERVICE (VIS) Call Center
(011) 461-6332 or (0800) 980-444 or Toll Free within the U.S at 1-888-859-4680
To complete this call, you must purchase a PIN at any Pick ‘n Pay location or use a credit card on the phone.  The cost of this PIN is R86 and is valid for a total of nine (9) minutes.  Please have your passport with you when calling to schedule your appointment.  The Call Center is open from 8h00 to 19h00 from Monday to Friday except on South African public holidays.

Please note that internet and telephone service PINs are not interchangeable.  Applicants must elect to use either one service or the other.

City: "johannesburg" 
Name: "stan" 
Question: " PLEASE CONFIRM IF MY CURRENT VISA VALID TO 2014 IN MY OLD PASSPORT WHICH HAS EXPIRED, IS STILL VALD , AS I HAVE A NEW SA PASSPORT VALID TO 2019...THANKS, STAN" 

Consul’s Reply:
Stan:
Unless your visa has been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, or your purpose of travel has changed, the visa is valid until the expiration date shown on it, regardless of whether the passport has expired, as long as the visa has not been physically damaged. If the passport containing your valid visa has expired, simply travel to the United States with both your new, valid passport (which may also include a South African temporary passport) and your expired passport containing your valid visa in hand to present to the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the visa from your expired passport and paste it into your new one.

City: "Johannesburg " 
Name: "Sirah" 
Question: "Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Sirah i want to go to US in new york for tourism for 2 weeks. What will be the requirement to get a visa and how much should i have in my account.
Thanks "

Consul’s Reply:
Sirah:
Please go to the ”How to apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the U.S. visa process here in South Africa. 

City: "JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA" 
Name: "SARAH-JANE" 
Question: " I HAVE A MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA IN MY EXPIRED IRISH PASSPORT. THE LAST TIME I TRAVELLED IT WAS OKAY FOR ME TO USE THIS VISA EVEN THOUGHT HE PASPORT HAD EXPIRED, THE VISA WAS STILL VALID. IS THIS STILL THE CASE OR DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR A NEW VISA?"

Consul’s Reply:
Sarah-Jane:
Unless your visa has been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, or your purpose of travel has changed, the visa is valid until the expiration date listed on it, regardless of whether the passport has expired, as long as the visa has not been physically damaged. If the passport containing your valid visa has expired, simply travel to the United States with both your new, valid passport (which may also include a South African temporary passport) and your expired passport containing your valid visa in hand to present to the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the visa from your expired passport and paste it into your new one.

City: "cape town" 
Name: "Marthinus" 
Question: "I received a working visa for the u.s. in March 2008. I worked there until January 2009. While there, I got married to a u.s. citizen. Meanwhile my visa had expired, but I was told by my employer that the company laywer would handle the application for the renewal of my visa. On 23 January I was informed by the co's laywer to leave the country immediately, which I did on Sat 24th. I was informed to apply for the renewal from South Africa, which is not the correct informationI now have to apply for an immigration visa, which I presume is very expensive and takes very long, meanwhile I am unemployed My question: 1. Can I or my wife receive some compensation while I am unemployed? 2. What is the correct and fastest procedure to follow to get me back in the u.s. and what are the costs involved? My passport number: 466484891. Thank you My email address: designweld@telkomsa.net"

Consul’s Reply:
Marthinus:
Your wife may file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf if she has not already done so.  Please go to www.uscis.gov for assistance.  Your wife may contact the relevant authorities in her U.S. state of residence to find out whether she is eligible for unemployment benefits. 

Tuesday, May 26

City: "Johannesburg, South Africa" 
Name: "Phillip" 
Question: " My son has a green card, and a South African passport. The South African passport expires in March 2010. He intends to travel to South Africa in October 2009 on vacatiion for the month, returning to the USA at the beginning of November 2009. His South African passport expires 5 months after his return to the USA.Does this present any problem to him in travelling to SA and returning to the USA. He will obviously apply to renew his SA passport on his return to the USA. Thank you" 

Consul’s Reply:
Phillip:
Your son will be able to return to the US as long as his passport is valid, as an automatic extension for six months is given to South African passports valid for less than six months.

 
City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Gregg" 
Question: " I currently have a b1/b2 visa valid for 10 years, and I'm attending a wedding in New York in 2 weeks time for 5 days, are there any actions or notifcations, i need to do before leaving for New York?"

Consul’s Reply:
Gregg:
Please be advised that as long as your visa is still valid and you are travelling as a temporary visitor you may use it with no need for further notifications.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "dave" 
Question: "My daughter is a US Citizen by birth aged 2 years. Both parents are non US resident. Are they any exceptions as to apply for an immigrant visa if the one of the parents can be tranfered by the employer to another station in the USA as the current contract is non- renewabble but tranfer is an option?

Consul’s Reply:
Dave:
No, or at least not yet.  Your child would only be in a position to sponsor you for immigration once he or she turns 21 and already has her/his principal place of residence in the United States.  

City: "Harrismith" 
Name: "Christo" 
Question: " Sir /Madam
Please be so kind as to forward me the details for obtaining a us visa as for i must travel to New York for Bussiness .

Consul’s Reply:
Christo:
Please go to the “How to Apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the U.S. visa process here in South Africa. 

City: "Mpumalanga" 
Name: "Carol Greyling" 
Question: " My passport was stollen with my US Visa inside. What is the procedure to optain a new one ?"

Consul’s Reply:
Carol:
You will be required to apply for a new visa, please go to the “How to Apply” link on this website for the visa application process. Please take note of the additional information below that is needed in support of your visa application.

Please present the following:

1. A copy of the Police Report noting the theft of the passport;
2. A letter explaining the situation;
3. A photocopy of the visa if available

City: "PRETORIA" 
Name: "ODETTE " 
Question: "Me and my family would like to visit the USA in October. My husband and I have Dual citizenship and we both have EU passports. I recently had a baby and am in the process of applying for her EU passport, I have been advised that her EU Passport may not be ready in time for us to travel. I do not want to take that chance. My baby is in possession of a South African Passport. My baby will be 1 YEAR old when we want to travel, how do i go about getting her a visa.

Consul’s Reply:
Odette:
Right here on the U.S. Mission to South Africa website is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa. Go to “Visas,” click on “Non-Immigrant Visas,” then click on “How to Apply.”  To the right you will see a “quick list” of the requirements in order for all to apply.  We do ask that you pay special attention to information regarding children under 18 applying. 

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "John W R" 
Question: " My Petition for a nonimmigrant worker has been approved. On the I-797 A, Notice of Action form, send to me, it states that i must make an appointment at the listed Consulate to apply for my Visa.
This form also lists the Consulate or POE as Pretoria. As according to my knowledge there is no US Consulate in Pretoria.
This is my question.
Do i take my application for my Visa to the Pretoria Embassy or to the Consulate in Johannesburg?"

Consul’s Reply:
John:
You will be required to attend your visa interview at the US Consulate situated at No. 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst 2196, Johannesburg.  Please go to the “How to Apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the U.S. visa process here in South Africa. 

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Charl" 
Question: "Please advise what documentation is required for proof of travel for holiday / tourism purposes? Will a travel itinerary suffice?"

Consul’s Reply:
Charl:
You may bring any information and/or documents that you feel will suffice in showing the purpose of your trip.  Note we advise visa applicants not to purchase airplane tickets until their passports with U.S. visas are in hand.

City: "Dublin, California" 
Name: "Faadiyah" 
Question: "Good Day,
I am a South African living in Dublin, California on a L2 visa. My husband L1 visa holder and I are expecting our first baby in the next month and a half and want our mother to visit us to help with the newborn, however she is not in a financial position to fund her trip so we will be paying for her tickets, visa, stay in the US etc we are basically paying for her entire trip. Is there a letter/ or a standard letter/ form with content that we could write/ fill in, in order for her to provide when she comes to the embassy for her visa interview? Her bank statements will show that she does not have sufficient funds to fund her own trip. Your assistance is much appreciated." 

Consul’s Reply:
Faadiyah:
In support of your mother’s visa application you may send her an invitation letter and any documents that you think may demonstrate your financial ability to sponsor her trip. Also please note that all visa applicants are required to overcome the presumption that they are intending immigrants by demonstrating their family, social and/or economic ties to a place of residence outside the U.S.A.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Wendy" 
Question: " My passport expires in June 2009 I have applied for new one I am going to New York in August 2009. My Visa only expires in June 2010. Must I apply for a new Visa or can I use the one in my old passport? If I need a new visa do I have to have my new passport, amnd if so how long will it take to get a new Visa."
 
Consul’s Reply:
Wendy:
Unless your visa has been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, or your purpose of travel has changed, the visa is valid until the expiration date shown on it, regardless of whether the passport has expired, as long as the visa has not been physically damaged. If the passport containing your valid visa has expired, simply travel to the United States with both your new, valid passport (which may also include a South African temporary passport) and your expired passport containing your valid visa in hand to present to the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the visa from your expired passport and paste it into your new one.

Wednesday, May 27

City: "London UK" 
Name: "Masibonge" 
Question: " Last yr I applied for a visitor's visa to the US to which the application was turned down. I submitted 3 month bank statements with £800 in the account, 3 months payslips showing that I earn £24K+/yr, booked accomodation.
I'd like to go there for a holiday, what other documents must I produce?"

Consul’s Reply:
Masibonge:
You may produce any information and/or documents that you believe may demonstrate your ability to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.

City: "Pietermaritzburg" 
Name: "Mthokozisi " 
Question: "I live & work in the UK. Last yr I applied for a visitor's visa to the US which was denied as I don't have strong ties here in the UK. I left SA in 2003 & haven't worked/lived in SA since that time. I am due for Indefinite leave to Remain in the UK in 2011. I have a permanent job here in the UK with the NHS since 2006. I submitted a 3 month bank statements, payslips, booked hotel accomodation.
1 What other documents must I submit?
2 Can I re-apply here in the UK?"

Consul’s Reply:
Mthokozisi:
You may produce any information and/or documents that you believe will demonstrate your ability to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. In order to obtain a U.S. visa, visa applicants are required to prove strong ties to a residence outside the USA.  To the extent you reside in the UK, you not only can but should apply at a U.S. consular post there.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "STEWART" 
Question: " I have a travelling visa that was issued on the 11 Jan2001 and it expires on the 10 Jan2011 i just wanted to know if this visa is still valid to travel on
Many Thanks "

Consul’s Reply:
Stewart:
Unless your visa has been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, or your purpose of travel has changed, the visa allows you to apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry until the expiration date shown on it.

City: "kwaZulu-Natal" 
Name: "Sagaren"
Question: " We will soon be travelling to the US on holiday the 24 June2009 . The question is my has a visa but it is on an expired passport and the visa expires on 28 of December 2009 . Must she apply for a new visa.
Many thanks "

Consul’s Reply:
Sagaren:
Unless your visa has been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, or your purpose of travel has changed, the visa is valid until the expiration date listed on it, regardless of whether the passport has expired, as long as the visa has not been physically damaged. If the passport containing your valid visa has expired, you may travel to the United States with both your new, valid passport and your expired passport containing your valid visa in hand to present to the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the visa from your expired passport and paste it into your new one.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Debbie" 
Question: " I want to travel to New York to visit my family that live their on a one way ticket, I will be picking up my ticket from my mother in New York. Will it be alright if I have a B2 Visa?"

Consul’s Reply:
Debbie:
Holders of B2 visitor visas need to demonstrate that their stay in the U.S. will be temporary, and that they have a residence outside the USA to which they will return after that stay.  There is, however, no strict requirement that they show a return (round-trip) ticket either at the time they apply for the visa or upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry.

City: "kimberley" 
Name: "florence" 
Question: " My daughter is an American citizen, now her passport expired and I would like to renew it. She came to South Africa in 1992 whilst an infant. She is 17 years old now and I need to renew her documents. She has naturalisation status in South Africa, please advise me o this matter.
Thanling you in anticipation,
Florence 

Consul’s Reply:
Florence:
Your daughter will need to apply in person for renewal of her U.S. passport at one of our Consulates General in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, as convenient.  Information on application requirements and contact information for the Consulates are available on this website.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Yolandi" 
Question: " Please indicate what the process is to apply for an emergency US visa for a temporary visit?
Thanks

Consul’s Reply:
Yolandi:
Please send your request for an emergency appointment to johannesburgvisaemergency@state.gov

City: "Sedgefield" 
Name: "Debbie" 
Question: " Hi
My son Seth Webb has a British Passport. He works for Steiner on board the ships. He was in America last year on board the Star Princess and had to get a visa.
His passport went through the washing machine. The passport is legable, his photo and all his details. He wants to travel to America in September 2009. Should he bring the passport to your offices to check it is still okay, and if so do you have an office in Cape Town can you send me the address and phone number. If not can you please advise.
Many thanks
Debbie Webb"

Consul’s Reply:
Debbie:
Please contact the Cape Town Consulate at consularcapetown@state.gov for assistance.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Karen" 
Question: " I am travelling to Canada via Atlanta. Do I need a visa?" 

Consul’s Reply:
Karen:
Yes, you are required to have a visa in order to transit through the US.

City: "South Sudan" 
Name: "Dorette" 
Question: "Dual Citizenship: South African country of birth and Dutch through my father. Currently working and residing in Sudan. From the website, I unfortunately cannot figure whether I qaulify for the Visa Waiver Programme to visit the States NC as a non-immigrant 2 week tourist stay"

Consul’s Reply:
Dorette:
Please go to http://www.travel.state.gov/vwp for information regarding the U.S. Visa Waiver Program benefiting Dutch passport holders as well as passport holders of 33 other countries.

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "Michael" 
Question: " hi,
I will like to make inquiries as regards a student visa for entry into the United States.
I am a Nigerian, temporary resident but permanently employed in South Africa. I intend to study Master of Arts in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development at the Hawai'i Pacific University next year and I wish to go with my family wife & daughter.
1. Can I apply in South Africa or in Nigeria?
2. What documents do I or Hawai'i Pacific University needs to send to cover my wife & daughter?
3. What visa type is my wife & daughter eligible to apply for?
4. My daughter will be 2years old by the time we submit our visa applications, how much will she pay as visa fee?
Thank you,
M.O. Awolusi
michael.nov19@gmail.com"

Consul’s Reply:
Michael:
1. You and your family may apply for U.S. F1 and F2 visas either in your home country (Nigeria) or your current place of residence (South Africa).  To qualify you will need to demonstrate compelling ties to a residence outside the U.S.A. to which you will return upon the conclusion of your academic program at Hawai'i Pacific University.

2. See the link “How to apply" on our website for required documents and fees.  Note the University should provide you with two additional I-20 certificates to be submitted with your wife's and daughter's applications on the day of your appointment.

3.They will apply for derivative status under your visa. If you are applying for an F1 visa, they will apply for F2 visas.

4.he visa application fee of $131 per person must be paid by every visa applicant regardless of age.
 

City: "Hazyview" 
Name: "George" 
Question: " I just had my interview for a fiance visa and did not pass, but am pending because of a couple documents I did not have in the right form. Upon submitting the correct forms, how long does it take to get the visa if I've already passed the rest of the interview?"

Consul’s Reply:
George:
Once we receive the missing documents, assuming everything is in order, you should have your fiance visa in hand within 5 working days.

City: "Port Elizabeth" 
Name: "Nicholas" 
Question: " For a Green Card...
We have: police clearance from SA and unabrigged marriage certificate What else do we need? I can't find a checklist anywhere.
Also, are there any doctors in Port Elizabeth who can perform the medical exam?"

Consul’s Reply:
Nicholas:
Please refer your inquiries to consularjohannesburg@state.gov for assistance.

Thursday, May 28

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "Ndikum" 
Question: " Can South African Citizens apply for visa with a temporary passport?"

Consul’s Reply:
Ndikum:
Yes, you may use a temporary South African passport to apply for a non-immigrant visa.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Gavin" 
Question: " Good day. I have a US Travel Visa issued in Cape Town on 14/12/2006 expiring on 12/12/2016. I intend to travel to a conference in Las Vegas from 12/07/2009 to 17/07/2009. My South African passport which houses my Visa expires on 04/10/2010. However, because there were not two empty pages I was forced to get a new Passport issued when I travelled to Austria in Dec-2008. What is the status as far as my US Visa is concerned? Do I need to get it transferred across to the new SA passport? Thanks Gavin "

Consul’s Reply:
Gavin:
Unless your visa has been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, or your purpose of travel has changed, the visa is valid until the expiration date shown on it, regardless of whether the passport has expired, as long as the visa has not been physically damaged. If the passport containing your valid visa has expired, simply travel to the United States with both your new, valid passport and your expired passport containing your valid visa in hand to present to the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival. Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the visa from your expired passport and paste it into your new one.

Question: "I am a Dual National of UK/SA and hold a UK passport and a South African passport dual citizen status of both countries. I travelling from South aFrica to the USA for 7 days for leisure passing throguh the UK on route transfer.
AS a dual citizen I travel with both passports, leaving and entering South africa on my SA passort but using my British passport for entering other countries.
As a UK passport holder/ citizen am i correct in saying that I can enter the US with my British passport under the Visa waiver programme even though I will depart South Africa with the SA passport?"

Consul’s Reply:
Sir/Madam:
Yes.  Your using a South African passport to depart and reenter South Africa has no bearing on your abilitiy to travel to the U.S.A.  on your British passport under the Visa Waiver Program assuming you are eligible for the VWP.   Please access the following website for information regarding the Visa Waiver Program:   http://www.travel.state.gov/vwp

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Luke" 
Question: "I am a Nigerian national based in England. I work for a Consultancy company and currently in Johannesburg on a 4 month project.
My question is: can I apply for a non-immigrant tourist visa here in Johannesburg if I have all the relevant required paperwork?
My intention is rather than make one of my home England visits during the duration of the project, to travel direct from Johannesburg to New York for a few days holiday while on this project here.
For the avoidance of doubt, I hold UK entry clearance as well as a multiple entry visa for South Africa valid until Nov 2009. "

Consul’s Reply:
Luke:
We suggest that potential applicants for nonimmigrant visas apply in their home country or place or permanent residence as they will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States.  While you are welcome to apply in Johannesburg it would be most appropriate to apply in the UK which is your current home. 

City: "Cape town" 
Name: "Graham" 
Question: "Can I get a J-1 Visa without going through an agency?" 

Consul’s Reply:
Graham:
Please see http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/faq.html#18 for information on various “J1” exchange programs.  While you do not have to go through an agency, you do need to be accepted into a program before you can apply for the actual J1 entry visa.
 

City: "Durban" 
Name: "Jack" 
Question: " Am a missionary working in SA and am a Zambian national, what documents do I need to submit in order to have my visa processed?I've just been invited with my family to the US by my niece and her husband who live there." 

Consul’s Reply:
Jack:
Visa requirements are standard for all visa applicants regardless of their nationality. Please go to the “How to apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the U.S. visa process here in South Africa. 

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "Heidi" 
Question: "Hi
I'll be travelling to Canada and will stop over in Chicago to transfer between planes.
Will I need a US visa?

Consul’s Reply:
Heidi:
Yes, you are required to obtain a visa in order to transit the US.  Please go to the “How to apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the U.S. visa process here in South Africa. 

City: "joburg" 
Name: "paul" 
Question: " I have a valid B1/B2 visa from when I visited the US a year or two ago. I need to attend a 2 week conference/training course next month. Will this visa be sufficient or do I need a work visa of some kind as well?"

Consul’s Reply:
Paul:
A B1/B2 visa is sufficient for attendance at a conference and/or brief training where you will not be doing productive labor in the U.S.A. and while continuing to draw your salary from South Africa.

City: "Southampton, NJ" 
Name: "Tif" 
Question: "Can I attend my husband's immigrant visa interview? I am a US citizen and the petitioner. Our attorney says yes but I am reading conflicting information
Thank you" 

Consul’s Reply:
Tif:
Yes, you are more than welcome to attend your husband’s immigrant visa interview.

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "Justin" 
Question: " If I have a valid Canada visa, can I transit to US without an US visa. Or should I apply for an US visa."

Consul’s Reply:
Justin:
You will be required to apply for a transit visa in order to transit through the US. Please go to the “How to apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the U.S. visa process here in South Africa. 

City: "Pretoria, South Africa" 
Name: "Theodore" 
Question: "Good Morning,
I am greencard holder/permanent resident studying at the University of Pretoriawill be graduating in Nov.
I would like to know if I need to enter the US every six months? I believe it use to be a year.
Thank you and enjoy your day.

Consul’s Reply:
Theodore:
Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the Consulate in Johannesburg at 011-290-3230.

City: "" 
Name: "papane mm" 
Question: " I am a manager at Mtthew Goniwe School of leadership. We are sending 5 school principals to the USA Virginia Tech Univdersity on the 12th to 1st August. We have sent 4 principals last year and teh proceses were very simple. We submitted the invitation letter from the institution and thye filled the non-immigrant visa forms. We are confused now there more forms to fill with infrimation requeired that we do not know where to derive. The forms are conffusing in that we seem to be now required to fil a form beyond th DS-156, which we cannot granted that the infromation required is not availed from the consulate side. Can I please be clarified on this as time is running out on our processes" 

Consul’s Reply:
Papane:
Please contact us telephonically at 011-290-3000 for assistance.

City: "Durban" 
Name: "Phindy" 
Question: " Hi Im a SA citizen, I came in the USA with a J1 visa, however changed to a F1 visa. I would like to come home, to have my passport stamped so I can travel more. I know I have to book for an appointment, however which documents should I bring?"

Consul’s Reply:
Phindy:
Besides the usual application materials described in the “How to Apply” section of our website, you will need an original I-20 certificate from your school containing a signed endorsement by a school official to indicate your status as a continuing student.

City: "Providence, RI" 
Name: "Lauren" 
Question: "Hello,
I am a US citizen and my fiancee is from South Africa. He is currently working on a cruise ship and has a cd1 visa... he is returning to South Africa shortly, but we are wondering if it is possible for him to stay in the US for a week or two before going back to Africa?
According to what I have read about the CD1 visa, it says he is eligible to stay in the US for a period of 29 days... is this correct?
Thank you,
Lauren"

Consul’s Reply:
Lauren:
The period of admission for your fiancé will be determined by the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry.  Yes, it is common for crew members arriving in the U.S. by ship and leaving by plane to be permitted to stay up to 29 days.