Ask the Consul
Ask the Consul: Questions and Answers
September 6 - SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
Sunday, September 6
Name: jillian
City: cape town
Question: I am a naturalised US citizen. I returned to South Africa in 2007 with my South African husband. I am working part time and need assistance filling in tax returns for the US, is there anyone at the embassy who can assist me? Is there any agency who assists Americans living in South Africa to file their taxes?I used to rely on H&R block and feel very anxious about filing accurately myself I do not qualify to pay tax in South Africa as my earnings are too low.
Consul’s Reply:
Jillian:
Please contact American Citizen Services directly at 01290-3000 for assistance regarding this matter.
Name: Richard
City: Mokopane / Limpopo
Question: I am Medical Doctor working in Limpopo Province, I will like to know if the US visa section accept the TRAVEL DOCUMENT United Nation Convention OF 28 July 1951 for an application to visit US as i will like to go there next year? This is the document i use to travel outside RSA. I did visit Europe and some African Countries.
Best Regards,
Richard
Consul’s Reply:
Richard:
Yes, if you are a stateless person residing in South Africa, a UN Convention Travel Document issued by a competent South African authority should be valid for issuance of a U.S. visa assuming you are eligible for one.
Name: Rhoda
City: Johannesburg
Question: My husband is travelling shortly and he already obtained the visa last year for a business trip. This visa is valid until 2018. But his passpot expired and needs to leave in the next week or so, will an emergency passport suffice or only a temp pasport?
Consul’s Reply:
Rhoda:
Yes, he may simply travel to the United States with both his new, valid temporary or permanent passport and his expired passport containing the valid visa.
Name: Ettienne
City: Klerksdorp, South Africa
Question: Hi,
I have been working on a cruise ship for the past 6 months, and would like to know if i can use my B1/B2 visa to work in the US? If i have an opportunity with a company in the us, what should they do to help me? Can i work with this visa?
Consul’s Reply:
Ettienne:
No, you may not work in the US on a B1/B2 visa. Please see our FAQ for information regarding visas for work in the US.
Monday, September 7
Name: Rachael
City: Pretoria
Question: I have had two 2years multiple entry visas to the Unuted States before, 2002 and 2006, and visited the united states twice. Do I still need to go through application process as someone applying for the first time?
Consul’s Reply:
Rachael:
Yes, once your visa has expired, you would be required to apply for a new visa. Please see on this website under the link “how to apply” for information regarding the visa application process.
Name: Candice
City: Cape Town
Question: My partner and i have been offered a yacht job to work in the Caribbean.We will be travelling through the U.S.The job requires us to work 6 months on the Caribbean and 6 months in Europe for the next three years.Which visa would be advised for us to apply for?
Consul’s Reply:
Candice
You would be applying for a B1 temporary business visa.
Name: Mrs K
City: Johannesburg
Question: I am travelling to Pennsylvania on Business and have a valid B1/B2 M Visa valid for 10 years. Following the business workshop I intend on going to Cincinnati for 5 days.I already have a return ticket for the trip. Do I need to notify someone that in addition to the business I am also going to stay for an additional 4 days which in total amounts to 10 days. Please advise.
Consul’s Reply:
Mrs. K
There is no need for you to notify a consular officer in advance as to your travel plan on your valid B1/B2 visa which covers visits for temporary business as well as pleasure.
Name: Juliet
City: Durban
Question: I will be traveling to the USA with my 13 month old child. I have a UK passport therefore I don't need a USA visa. My child will be traveling on a South African passport. Do I need to get her a US visa or can she travel on my UK passport?
Consul’s Reply:
Juliet:
Yes, you would be required to obtain a visa for your child as long as she will be traveling on a South African passport. In addition to the standard visa application documents, please take note of the extra requirements below:
• 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.
Name: Marlene
City: Pretoria
Question: I am a juniour lecturer at the University of Pretoria. Two students and I have been invited to by the Produce Marketing Assosiation PMA in Delaware to attend the fresh summit and exibition in October in Calafornia. They informed us to apply for a J-1 visa.
Firstly, I would like to know if the SEVIS fee applies and if so how much is this fee. We received letters of invitation from the PMA. Does this serve as an DS-2019? If not, how can we obtain a DS-2019? Lastly I would like to know how I can change the category of visa on my internet application. I initially chose a business/vacation visa. I now cannot seem to change this to a J
Consul’s Reply:
Marlene:
The DS-2019 is not obtainable from the US consulate; it is obtained from the sponsoring organization in the US. The SEVIS fee is between $100-200 depending on the program. However if you are only going to the US to attend a summit, you may only need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor’s visa and not a J1 exchange visitor visa. Please see our FAQ for more information. You may make changes to your appointment by simply logging into the system again.
Tuesday, September 8
Name: Kavita
City: Johannesburg
Question: HI,
I hope you are well.
I was wondering if I need a biometric passport to travel to America?
I have a machine readable passport that was issued during 2004, the online waiver was approved.
Is there further requirements?
Kind regards,
Kavita
Consul’s Reply:
Kavita:
Please access the following website for information regarding the Visa Waiver Program for citizens of 35 countries not including South Africa: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp3.html.
Name: J Mc
City: Phalaborwa - South Africa
Question: For a business trip to the USA would a visa be required if travelling on a South African or Namibian passport?
Consul’s Reply:
J Mc:
Yes, all South African and Namibian passport holders are required to apply for visas to the US.
Name: Dennis
City: Centurion
Question: Dear Sir,
I am hoping to travel to the Gaming ExpoG2E, in Las Vegas, this November. Departing for the USA 12/11/2009. I need my passport for other travel this month and will only be able to submit for VISA purposes 1/10/2009. Will this leave enough time to have the required VISA issued should my application be successful.
Best regards
Dennis
Consul’s Reply:
Dennis:
Yes, this should leave enough time, as the visa process for approved applicants takes only 3-5 working days from the day of your appointment.
Name: ID
City: Cradock
Question: My visa expires 2 January 2016 is in my temporary passport which expired on 18 December 2006. My permanent passport expires on 12 December 2015 but was damaged in the bush monkeys got into my tent - especially badly damaged where the barcode is. I have trouble traveling with this passport - especially because I have to travel with two passports. I will apply for a new passport this week - can I apply to put my current visa into my new passport in order to avoid traveling with 2 passports in future?
Consul’s Reply:
ID:
As we do not transfer visas from one passport to another, you will be required to apply for a new visa if you wish to travel with only one passport.
Name: Varsha
City: Durban
Question: Good day
What is the minimum bank balance that one requires to have in their bank account when applying for a non-immigrant visa?
Regards,
Varsha
Consul’s Reply:
Varsha:We do not have any specific requirements pertaining to your personal bank balance.
Name: Richard
City: Cape Town
Question: Hi,
I have been accepted to Cornell University on an MBA exchange from UCT.
I am waiting for the relevant paperwork from the university before processing my visa request.
I would like to know if booking flights will prejudice my application. The reason for booking is to secure cheaper flights.
Kind regards
Richard
Consul’s Reply:
Richard:
No, the booking of your flights will in no way jeopardize your visa application; however we do advise all visa applicants not to purchase any flight tickets until they have attended the visa interview.
Name: Mr M.
City: Port Elizabeth
Question: My wife and I obtained 10yr visas for our travel to the USA earlier in 2009. We plan to visit again in 2010 with our children aged 12 and 15 and my Mom a retired widow aged 67. The children’s passports expire on 1st May 2011. Please advise whether we are required to provide all the supporting documents which we did when my wife and I applied in 2009? Please also advise how long the children’s visas will be valid for?
Consul’s Reply:
Mr. M:
Yes, you would be required to submit all the visa application documents for their visa applications. Please take note of the following special requirements for children under the age of 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.
Wednesday, September 9
Name: Joan
City: Stellenbosch
Question: Hello
I am a Zimbawean, studying at Stellenbosch university but would like to go on a student exchange programme in the United States. Therefore my question is if i want to apply for a visa, do i have to go to the US embassy in Zimbabwe or i can also apply at the US embassy in South Africa.
Consul’s Reply:
Joan:
We suggest that potential applicants apply for their nonimmigrant visas in their home countries as they will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States to which they will return. If you would still like to apply in South Africa, please find under FAQ on this website information regarding the student visa application process.
Name: Khadija
City: Johannesburg
Question: I am a Canadian citizen residing in Souht Africa. I will be visting the US and Canada via the US. Is there a requirement for a minimum number of pages in a passport to enter the US?
Consul’s Reply:
Khadija:
No, the US has no such requirement.
Name: Mmathapelo
City: Johannesburg
Question: Morning,
My Best friend from south africa is studying in america and she met someone there and now the getting married next year April and she has asked to be here made of honour both in South Africa & America. I would like to apply for the visa, what documents do i have to bring?
Consul’s Reply:
Mmathapelo:
Please see on this website under the link “how to apply” for information regarding the visa application process.
Name: JONES
City: JOHANNESBURG
Question: I have a portuguese passport issued on 14 September 2009-passport number J364382.It is a machine readable passport.Is my passport valid for travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme?
Consul’s Reply:
Jones:
Please access the following website for information regarding the Visa Waiver Program: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp3.html
Name: Rene
City: Boca Raton, FL
Question: I have heard that the visa evaluation process is subjective that is, if the reviewing officer is in a bad mood, or for some reason does not like you, he can find a way to deny you application. How true is this? What safeguard exist to prevent this from happening? What can be done, or what is the procedure, if you believe your case was unjustly denied? Who can we call?
Consul’s Reply:
Rene:
Our consular officers are trained professionally to give each and every visa application appropriate consideration under the law. Each case is judged based on the merits in light of the applicant’s written and verbal statements and other objective factors. If an applicant has any concerns about the decision made in her/his case, s/he may contact the Consular Chief in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg as appropriate.
Name: Sean
City: Cape Town
Question: I urgently need to find out the details of my appointment for next week - I was told it would be emailed to me but I have not yet received it. I don't believe I should have to pay for another pin to phone back. What should I do?
Consul’s Reply:
Sean:
Please contact us directly at consularcapetown@state.gov for assistance in this regard.
Name: erica
City: pisa
Question: i have a tourist visa, can i enter to the usa without a problem even my permit of stay here in italy is expired?
Consul’s Reply:
Erica:
Yes, you may travel to the US on your valid tourist visa, However please note that your admission to the US and length of stay in the US are determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry and cannot be pre-determined by a consular officer.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
Name: Christa
City: Atlanta, GA
Question: Dear Consul-
We live in the US and we would like for my Mom to come visit us in January 2010. She lives in the Eastern Cape and it is recommended that she apply at the Consulate in Cape Town for her Visa. It will be a 10 hour trip for her to travel to Cape Town, but she has another trip planned to go to Bloemfontein, which is less than 2 hours from Lesotho. Could she apply at the US Consulate in Lesotho, instead of having to do the trip to Cape Town? Thank you.
Consul’s Reply:
Christa:
We suggest that potential applicants apply for their nonimmigrant visas in their home countries as they will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States to which they will return. If your mother wishes to apply at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, please go to http://maseru.usembassy.gov/ or call (266) 2232666 for information regarding the visa application process there.
Name: Simona B.
City: Boston
Question: Dear Consular Chied Bard,
I am a Romanian citizen, currently residing in the US on an H1B visa. My status has changed recently from a postdoctoral student to a full staff within the same institution. I was told that I need a new H1B visa stamp in my passport to reflect the new expiration date of the H1B visa current visa stamp in my passport expires in September 2009. Since I was planning to visit South Africa, could I apply for my visa at the US consulate in Cape Town? I understand that the general recommendation is to go to your country of citizenship for processing H1B visas, but I have never been out of status nor have I encountered any issues with my visas in the past. Do you see any counter-indications to having the US consulate in SA process a third-party national visa application? Thank you in advance for your answer.
Consul’s Reply:
Simona:
You are welcome to make an appointment at one of our consulates in South Africa. In the case of H1B visas (unlike most other visa classes), there is no recommendation that you return to your home country for U.S. visa processing.
Name: Graham
City: Cape Town
Question: Dear Consular Chief Doron
I am a Green Card holder courtesy of marriage to an American citizen. My international projects mean I am traveling heavily outside the US, although my home base is Woodstock VT. When arriving in DC 8/30/2009 passport control last time in the US said I needed a re-entry permit or to cede my Green card. I am back in SA which implies my only option is to cede the Green Card. But I need to be in the US by 1 Oct, Thailand immediately following I require a visa, and am in Switzerland next week. How may I possibly expedite a US visa quickly, understanding I am in excellent standing and acting bona fides?
Regards
GS
Consul’s Reply:
Graham:
The current waiting period for a non-immigrant visa interview is 2 working days and 3-5 working days from the day of your interview for visa processing, if you are granted a visa. Please access the “How to apply link” on this website for information regarding the scheduling of your visa appointment.
Name: Anthea
City: East London
Question: I will be going to Miami in Dec and will be applying for a USA visa.
Also want to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Pearl Ports of Call: Miami, Florida Samana, Dominican Republic St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Road Town, Tortola, BVI Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas leaving on 2 January 2010.
My question is:
- Can I apply for a visa in Durban
- Do I need additional visa's for the cruise many thanks
Anthea
Consul’s Reply:
Anthea:
Yes, you may apply for a U.S. visa in Durban to cover your entry to Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please contact the British High Commission and the Bahamian and Dominican Embassies to find out visa requirements for South African citizens entering the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
Name: Akash
City: Johannesburg
Question: Dear Sir,
I am Akash Saxena, citized of India but Currently I am working in Johannesburg SA since last 3 months.I want to go to my brother's place Newark USA on Christmas Holidays for a week.
Could you please help me out by telling me , what is the procedure to apply VISA and Could I apply from here as I am basically from India.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Many Thanks,
Akash
Consul’s Reply:
Akash:
We suggest that potential applicants apply for their nonimmigrant visas in their home countries as they will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States to which they will return. If you still wish to apply here in Johannesburg, please find under the “how to apply” link information regarding the visa application process.
Name: Lucy
City: Gauteng
Question: Please could you confirm that you can travel on a TEMPORARY SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO THE USA
Consul’s Reply:
Lucy:
Yes, you may use a temporary passport in order to apply for a U.S. visa. As these passports are usually valid for one year from date of issuance they are accepted in place of a permanent passport.
Name: Thida
City: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Question: If people got B1/B2 type visa travelling to U.S and has baby born in the U.S, is baby get U.S birth certificate and U.S citizen?
Consul’s Reply:
Thida:
While going to the U.S. with the main purpose of giving birth can be problematic, if a B1/B2 traveler has a baby (for example in a medical emergency involving a premature birth) the baby will automatically be a U.S. citizen from birth.
Name: Selwyn
City: Johannesburg
Question: I have a Green Card that I would like to discuss with yourselves. Please could you advise how I could make an appointment with the revelant person.
Thank you.
Selwyn
Consul’s Reply:
Selwyn:
Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Johannesburg at 01290-3000 for assistance in this matter.
Name: gallo
City: bruxelles
Question: hello,
I would like to know fiew thing regarding a in vestment in the usa:
i would like to buy a house in the usa but i don't know what kind a visa i should get to do so and what would be my rights and obligations as a new owner in yours country such as a driver license for me to move around,how to open the water and electricity......
thank ahead
Consul’s Reply:
Gallo:
If you are interested in residing in the United States, you would probably have to qualify for an immigrant visa. Unless you have someone such as an immediate family member in the US who can petition for you, the only option open to you would be to attempt to qualify for a diversity visa or employment-based visa. The diversity visa lottery has not yet begun but you may continue to check www.dvlottery.state.gov for application times and procedures. For the employment-based visa categories, which are quite limited, go to >>
Name: nadia
City: johannesburg
Question: hello
my husband and i are both in the possession of valid 10 year visas. We have recently had a baby and would like to apply for his he is 4 months old as we are thinking of travelling to the u.s for christmas. please advise how i can get his visa ?
thank you in advance
nadia
Consul’s Reply:
Nadia:
Please access the link “how to apply”on this website for information regarding the visa application process. In addition to the standard visa application documents, please take note of the extra requirements below:
• 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.
Name: Patricia
City: Montebello, Dalton, KZN
Question: Sir, as a US citizen coming to the Dominican Sisters of Montebello, SA for one year as a Church worker / volunteer, I want the US Embassy to know that I am flying into Durban on 6/16/09. Is it good to notify the Embassy / Consulate? Thank you and God bless you. Sr. Patricia Horan
Consul’s Reply:
Sister Patricia:
You can register your details with the Durban Consulate on the following website address www.travel.state.gov and register your details. This will enable the Consulate to access your e-mail address in order to send you any important information that is of relevance to American Citizens in South Africa.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
Name: Derryn
City: cape town
Question: Dear Sir/Madam
My fiancee is an American Citizen and she needs to apply for a fiancee visa for me however I am currently working in Dubai. We are wanting to get married in November in the USA what do I need to do to get documents sent through to Dubai.
Kind Regards
D
Consul’s Reply:
Derryn:
Your fiancé in the US will need to file a petition on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services. If the petition is approved, the documents will be sent to the immigrant-visa office covering your place of residence (e.g., the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi as long as you are living in Dubai) for further processing, and you will be contacted by that office.
Name: Vanessa
City: Johannesburg, South Africa
Question: I obtained a US visa in my married name, namely Buckley 3 years ago. I was divorced at the time but have now in the meantime reverted back to may maiden name, Jelliman. I have received a new passport & ID doc in Jelliman & all my accounts & credit cards have been changed to Jelliman. My visa is however in my Buckley passport. Is there any way the visa can be transferred to Jelliman or do I need to apply for a new visa?
Consul’s Reply:
Vanessa:
The visa cannot be transferred into your new passport. You may, however, travel with your new passport in your maiden name, your old passport containing your valid U.S. visa, and your divorce decree.
Name: LM
City: Pretoria
Question: hello, i just want to find out where can i find out if i was ever denied a visa to the U.S? My mother aplied for a visa when i was a minor and she's not sure if i was ever denied. Who can i call or email to get certainty? Thenk you.
Consul’s Reply:
LM:
If your mother thinks you may have been denied a visa as a child, I suggest you write a statement to that effect on your application form. In general, a previous denial from many years ago will not affect your eligibility for a visa based on your current circumstances.
Name: Jonathan
City: Cape Town
Question: Hi
My girlfriend and I are planning on doing a Contiki tour in USA. We read on this website, they you advise people not to finalize any plans with payment, before obtaining a visa. Regarding the bank statements you require with application.
Does this bank statement need to reflect a specific amount of money, for visa application purpose?
Thank You
jonathan
Consul’s Reply:
Jonathan:
No. The purpose of the bank statement is to help us determine your eligibility for a visa, but there is no minimum requirement.
Name: Jaco
City: Cape Town
Question: I was issued a 10 year work visa in 2007 when I went to our US-office for work. My passport had since expired and to make matters worse I can't find it. I have received my new passport now. Do I need to apply for a visa all over again or can they just re-issue my previous visa. I might go over for work again in October. How long will it take if I have to apply all over again?
Thanks,
Jaco
Consul’s Reply:
Jaco:
Yes, you must apply for a new visa. The current waiting period for a non-immigrant visa interview can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php and it will take 3-5 working days from the day of your interview for visa processing, if you are granted a visa.
Name: ilse
City: Cape town
Question: i want to visit my sister in america, in december. i have a german passport.
Do i have to book the ticket first then apply for a visa or is it the other way around, i would like to speak to a consultant but this seems impossible, could you please help me before its too late.
Consul’s Reply:
Ilse:
You should never buy a ticket before you have your visa. Since you have a German passport it is possible you do not need a visa at all but can travel on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Please access the following website to determine if your passport meets the requirements of VWP - http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp3.html. If your passport does qualify you must then go to the Department of Homeland Security’s ESTA program and fill out its ESTA form to take advantage of the VWP. You can apply for ESTA at this website http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/. If you find that you are not eligible to travel on this program, please access the link “how to apply” on this website for information regarding the visa application process.
Name: Thomas Marshall
City: Pretoria
Question: Hi
My wife got a 10 year visa,there is still about 5 years left,before it expires.The visa is in her maiden name,her passport as well.Her passport expires next month.The passport is also issued under her maiden name.We are going to apply for a new passport under her new surname.
1. Will she have any problems at customs?
2. Do she need to have some documentation ready?
We need to book our flights and would like to get the information as soon as possible please.
Regards
Thomas
Consul’s Reply:
Thomas:
No, your wife will not have any problems regarding her valid visa as long as she travels with the old passport containing her valid visa, her new passport, and her marriage certificate.
Name: Karen
City: Maputo
Question: I have a passport from Asian Country and right now I am in Maputo. Should I go back to my country to get US Tourist visa?
Please advise me.
Consul’s reply:
Karen:
There is no requirement that someone apply for a visa in the same country that issued his or her passport. However, it is always best to apply in the country where you have the strongest ties and generally (but not always) that is the same country that issued your passport. If you still wish to apply in Maputo, please access the following website http://maputo.usembassy.gov/ or contact them directly at consularmaputo@state.gov
Name: Corinne
City: Pietermaritzburg
Question: Is it wise / am I able to arrange a visa renewing visa - original visa expired July 2009 without definite plans/dates for travel?
I will be visiting my US Citizen daughter and her family as and when it suits them, most probably during early to mid-2010.
Consul’s Reply:
Corinne:
As long as you have a general idea as to when and where you are going to travel, we encourage you to apply early.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
Name: Eric
City: Tucson
Question: I am a U.S. Citizen and I have a son with a South African Citizen. We just got married in South Africa and I am trying to figure out the process we must go through to: a Get my son his citizenship and b get her an immigrant visa. She has changed her last name and we are waiting for her new South African passport. Can we file the papers in the meantime with her old but still current passport?
Consul’s Reply:
Eric:
It is likely your son qualifies for U.S. citizenship. Kindly visit our website at http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/birth_abroad.html for all the information and documentation needed for applying for his citizenship.
In regards to your wife’s immigrant visa, you will need to file an immigrant visa petition on her behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the United States. See http://tinyurl.com/yl44e4 for more information.
Name: Andries
City: Minneapolis /St. Paul
Question: I have a pending LPR application with work and travel authorization . Why are my wife and son denied tourist visas to come and visit me . She have been denied 4 times in 3 years and my son who is in the British Army once in London with my wife . No substantial reason was given to them except that they don't have enough ties with either the UK or South Africa .
He has been serving for 4 years in the BF , and she has a permanent job and residence in South Africa . I ask you why ? Thank you , Andries.
Consul’s Reply:
Andries:
While we cannot comment on specific cases in this forum we can comment generally on situations like this one. When someone applies for a nonimmigrant visa he or she must demonstrate that he or she has strong family, social, and economic ties outside of the United States. In some instances, it is more difficult for applicants to show strong ties outside of the United States when there are family members who are U.S. residents. This does not mean that someone who has family in the United States cannot receive a nonimmigrant visa; only that the applicant should take special care to bring in documentation at the time of the interview to demonstrate ties abroad.
Name: Berenice
City: Cape Town
Question: I have a visa which is still valid, but my surname has since changed, can i still travel with it? along with my new passport? also could you help me with an address where i can enter the green card lottery? there seems to be many 'chancers' out there. Kind regards, Berenice
Consul’s Reply:
Berenice:
You may travel with your old passport containing the valid visa, but please also carry with you the legal document that shows your name has been changed. For most people this would be a marriage or divorce certificate. We expect information on the upcoming Divesity Visa lottery for the 2011 fiscal year to be available at www.travel.state.gov within the next few weeks. You are correct that there are many “chancers” out there. Please remember that it is free to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery and you should be wary of those who want to charge a fee.