Embassy of the United States

Ask the Consul

Ask the Consul

Questions and Answers

September 27 - October 3, 2009

Monday,  September 28

Name: Phil
City: Johannesburg 
Question: Can a Cuban citizen visiting in South Africa get a visa to visit the U.S. short term with a return to South Africa? The South Africa visa is multiple entry.
Consul’s Reply:
Phil:
We strongly suggest that potential applicants only visiting South Africa apply for their nonimmigrant visas in their home countries due to the fact that applicants will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States to which they will return.

Name: martha
City: JHB 
Question:  Hi there
I am a foreign national, who is inSA and would like to know if i can apply for a visa while im here or must I go to my home country and what are the reasons visa 's are denied by you guys?
Consul’s Reply:
Martha:
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, please see on this website under the link “how to apply” for information regarding the visa application process.

Name: Sharon
City: Johannesburg 
Question:  My US visa is still valid in my expired passport, but my old pasport is in my maiden name. Other than my expired passport, what other documentation would I need to take with me? 
Consul’s Reply:
Sharon:
We recommend that you travel with your marriage certificate, your old passport containing the valid visa, and the new passport.
 

Name: Stanley 
City: Johannesburg 
Question: What documents should an unemployed same sex civil partner submit in support of a visa application ? Would it be the same as an unemployed spouse?
Consul’s Reply:
Stanley:
Yes, the same documents would suffice for a visitor visa application.

Name: Joanna
City: Johannesburg 
Question: As a dual South African and British citizen my children have to exit and enter South Africa on a South African passport. Are they still allowed to enter the USA on their British passports and thus are they exempt from applying for a visa? They have been ESTA registered.
Consul’s Reply:
Joanne:
Yes, your children may enter the U.S. on their British passports as long as their passports meet the requirements of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp3.html and they have not only registered but received travel authorization approval from the ESTA website http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/.

Name: Boikanyo
City: Pretoria 
Question:  I am holder of SA passport numbrt 4**** which expired 20 September 2009.I have travelled to and from the US on several accasions and have a clean compliance record.
My visa number is 7**** and control number 20043640470001, type R B1/B2 issued in Johannesburg on 29 Dec 2004, expiring 28 Dec 2014.
My passport has exprired and I have just applied for a replacement.I cherish my US Visa and am worried that I will have a new passport which does not have it. What should I do in view of the fact that my visa is still valid?
Consul’s Reply:
Boikanyo:
When traveling to the U.S. bring both your expired South African passport containing the valid U.S. visa and your new South African passport. The U.S. visa is still valid until the expiration date even though it is in your expired passport.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Name: edi 
City: capetown 
Question:  i was selected in the dv 2010 lottery for further processing but my name was errornously spelt as catherinne instead of catherine. Will this prevent the consular officer from issuing me a visa if kcc schedules me for interview? thanks
Consul’s Reply:
Edi:
Unfortunately, we cannot pre-determine your eligibility for an immigrant visa under the Diversity Visa program.  This can only be determined once you attend your visa interview if the Kentucky Consular Center schedules an appointment on your behalf.

Name: Michael 
City: Johannesburg
Question:  My client want to go to the us . He have a R B1/B2 visa for ten years and wants to know if he can fly one way and buy the return leg later because he don't know for how long he would be travelling.
Consul’s Reply:
Michael:
We are unable to offer guidance on airline ticket purchases.

Name: Mat
City: Port Elizabeth
Question: I would like to know - I was arrested for a crime but was falsely arrested and found not guilty. Do I put this on the form?
Consul’s Reply:
Mat:
Yes, you must indicate all prior arrests regardless of the outcome.
 

Name: kim
City: port elizabeth
Question:  Good Morning :
My husband and I would like to join our daughters in USA for a 2 week holiday in December 09. The daughters are all living and working in London and have their 10 year USA visas. I have a British passport and my husband has a spousal visa and South African passport Do we both nead USA visas and how do we go about getting them.
Many thanks Kim
Consul’s Reply:
Kim:
Please access the following website to determine if your British passport meets the requirements of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (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 at http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ to apply for ESTA travel clearance online.  If you find that you are not eligible to travel on the VWP, please access the link “how to apply” on this website for information regarding the visa application process.
With regard to your husband, if he holds a South African passport he will need to apply for a U.S. visa.

Name: Nicole Meiring 
City: Cape Town 
Question:  My husband and I have valid Travel US Visa's Expires 15 Aug 2014 and want to now take our 2 children to Disneyland in December. How do I apply for them to get Visa's ?
The control number on my husband's visa Raynard Meiring is 2***  It is a R B1/B2 Visa Please let me know. Thanks Nicole Meiring Cel: 083***
Consul’s Reply:
Nicole:
Please see FAQ.

Name: Natalie 
City: Johannesburg
Question: I am a part time model going for a modelling assignment/fashion week in chicago end of october.what kind of form do i need to fill? a normal non-immigration tourist visa or temporary work visa.thanks
Consul’s Reply:
Natalie:
If you are getting paid in the US for participating in Fashion Week, you would be required to apply for a work visa following approval of a petition which would have to be filed by the US promoter with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If you are only receiving an allowance for your participation in fashion week, you will require a B1/B2 visitor visa. Please review the FAQ on this webite for information regarding the various requirements for this visa application.

Name: John 
City: Port Elizabeth
Question:  My wife, my brother and sister in law and I are planning a trip to the USA. If I use the internet option to make an interview can we all use the same pin.
Consul’s Reply:
John:
Yes, you may all use the same pin.

Name: ben
City: capetown
Question:  hello, i would like to knw from u maddam.am a kenyan and working in south africa i have a work permit. and i would like to visit u.s.a on ma holiday that is next year what are the requirements? or do i have to go back to kenya and apply for a visit visa while there? i will be very happy for ur assistance thank you. yours, ben
Consul’s Reply:
Ben:
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, please see on this website under the link “how to apply” for information regarding the visa application process.

Name: Jan 
City: Johannesburg
Question: Would I require a seperate visa to stay an additional 2 weeks after my employment contract have expired?
Consul’s Reply:
Jan:
You are required to exit the U.S. on or before the date indicated on your I-94 card that is given to you at the port of entry by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. If you wish to remain in the US after that date, you are advised to apply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for a change of status/extension of stay, or depart the country and reenter on a visitor visa.
 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Name: Lerato 
City: Maplewood  
Question:  Hi there. I am a native of South Africa, came to the USA an au pair with an agency and I was granted an opportunity of studying in the US. My visa was changed from J1 to F1. I am currently a full time student. My visa in my passport expired and I would like to arrange an appointment to come to South Africa and get my student visa on my passport. Is this possible???
Thanking you in advance
Consul’s Reply:
Lerato:
Yes, this is possible. Please see the FAQ section on this website for information regarding a student visa application.

Name: Monique 
City: Edenvale
Question: My visa was stolen a while ago. Do I need to reapply and redo the entire process, or can my visa just be reissued?
Monique
Consul’s Reply:
Monique:
You will need to reapply. Please take note of the following special requirements for replacing visas in stolen passports:

1. A copy of the Police Report explaining the loss or theft of the passport;
2. A letter explaining the situation;
3. A photocopy of the visa if available; and
4. All documents required to apply for a new visa of the same type.

Name: Esther
City: Johannesburg  
Question:  I am a Dutch citizen with a Dutch passport working in Johannesburg, I am planning to go on holiday to Illinois. I have got a work permit for South africa in my dutch passport do I need a visa and any other extra documents to go on holiday for 3 weeks?
Thank you.
Consul’s Reply:
Esther:
Please access the following website to determine if your Dutch passport meets the requirements of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (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 at http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ to apply for ESTA travel clearance online.  If you find that you are not eligible to travel on the VWP, please access the link “how to apply” on this website for information regarding the visa application process.

Name: Michael
City: Pretoria  
Question: Hi Sir,
I am a citizen of the Philippines working in South Africa on a Temporary Resident Visa. I got my H1B Visa approved recently and I want to know if I can get the actual VISA stamped on my passport in the US embassy here in South Africa or do I have to get it from the US Embassy in Manila?
Thank you very much for the time.
Best Regards, Michael Puente
Consul’s Reply:
Michael:
You are welcome to make an appointment at the Consulate in Johannesburg.  In the case of H1B visas (unlike most other visa classes), there is not a recommendation that you return to your home country for U.S. visa processing.  

Name: Donovan 
City: Cape Town
Question: I currently have a 10 year multi entry visitor visa in my South African passport. I used the Visa for a trip to the US in September. I want to know if there are any reasons I cannot enter the US on this visa, with full intentions of abiding by the restrictions of the visa, after I have married a US citizen here in South Africa? Is there any advise I need and where do I find it?
Consul’s Reply:
Donovan:
You may use the visa to travel to the U.S. but will need to demonstrate to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspector at the port of entry that you are well settled in South Africa for the time being and are not an intending immigrant.
 

Name: Sam 
City: Chicago  
Question:  My friend is living in South Africa, but here visa is almost expired, she has to travel elsewhere for a brief period. What should she do?
Consul’s Reply:
Sam:
Your question appears to concern South African visas, and unfortunately we are not in a position to provide advice in this area.  Your friend should contact the  South African Department of Home Affairs.

Name: Mr KEITH
City: PIETERMARITZBURG /K.Z.N./S.A
Question: My name is KEITH JONES I am 38yrs old and I am currently employed as a hydraulic fitter for 18 yrs base Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal ,South Africa.
I what visa & permits do I need for the D.V. Program green card application for the 2011 step by step and where to go and what application to fill out in the application,becuase I like to change direction in my life to work & live in the u.s.a as temporary residents.
Consul’s Reply:
Mr. Keith Jones:
Please access the following website www.dvlottery.state.gov.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009

Name: Wise 
City: Johannesburg
Question:  Hi Doron,
I'm a full time Model and one of South Africa's male models. I recently applied for a U.S. non immigrant visa M-1 status to study acting in the U.S. for 2 months. I'm a Nigerian citizen,and I've been working/modeling in South Africa for the last two years.The following were tendered at my appointment:
1. A work permit/temporary residence permit valid till 2011.
2. My Car Registration and license papers 3. A Rental lease agreement 4. I have 3 Bank accounts/credit card and a visa letter from a Recognized South African Bank.
5. TV. License
6. A work contract and employment letter 7. Letter of enrolment from TVI 8. Original Sevis receipt from DHS showing my address 9. Bank statement with a balance equivalent to 6,500.00 How is is it possible that a U.S.Consular officer can determine my visa ineligibility by not even looking at the afforementioned documents to determine my social and economic ties to South Africa BUT by asking the following questions:
1.Why I want to study in the U.S.and not the U.K.?Because of U.K. Visas in my passport
2.Why I'd change from being a business student to being a Model? I do not believe that my choice of Career should determine my visa ineligibilty 3.Why I paid a refundable deposit for my accommodation in the U.S. How else can I prove that I have a place to stay in the U.S. for two months?
Please note that no questions were asked concerning the nature of my job and intent to return to South Africa BUT more emphasis on why I chose the U.S. and not the United Kingdom.
This program is meant to improve my skills as a Model highly involved in the South African entertainment industry and my aspirations as an Actor.
I therefore request an Audience and a fair interview to be heard properly as I have not been treated fairly, that my visa ineligibilty/eligibilty may not be determined by my past travels to other countries and a decision based on the documents provided and my present social and economic circumstances.
If the documents submitted is ignored during my interview, then why ask to see them?
THANK YOU.
Consul’s Reply:
Wise:
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 they are applying from a country other than their home country. This does not mean that a non-South African citizen in South Africa 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. Please contact us directly at consularjohannesburg@satate.gov with any other inquiries regarding your refusal.

Name: david
City: pietermaritzburg
Question:  My step daughter went to usa in 2004 to work as an au pair. She met and married a us citizen and got her green card last year. She was wanting to visit her fmaily is south africa at end October however when applying for the necessary documents was told that her papers were not in order. She then changed her plans to visit at end November. Yesterday she told us that she now has to wait for 3 months for finger prints etc to be done. This does not make sense to me Please could you explain to me why a green card holder cannot travel to south africa without a lot of red tape. Surely if she has a green card she should only need that and a valid passport to book travel. Could someone please contact me at 082*** and explain to me why it should take so long to be able to travel from the usa to south africa
Thank you
Consul’s Reply:
David:
We understand from your question that your daughter’s case is being handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in the United States.  She should contact the nearest CIS office for information on the status of her case.  Normally a U.S. permanent resident or conditional resident needs nothing more for a temporary visit abroad than a valid passport and unexpired alien resident card showing (a) lawful permanent resident a/k/a “green card” status, or (b) conditional resident status in the case of the spouse of a U.S. citizen whose marriage took place less than two years before the application for resident status.

Name: Desiree
City: Johannesburg
Question:  I recently got married & have applied for a new passport.
I still have a valid US visa in my old passport - is it possible to transfer the visa or do I need to apply for a new visa all together?
Consul’s Reply:
Desiree:
No, we do not transfer visas; you will be required to travel with your old passport containing the valid visa, the new passport, and your marriage certificate.

 
Name: Lana Donk 
City: Cape Town
Question:  What is the fee for the month of October so I can pay the Visa Application fee at FNB....? On the website it only shows August and September.
Consul’s Reply:
Lana:
R1008.70

Name: Carol 
City: Port Alfred  
Question:  Will it be possible to use an agent as I'm situated in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
approx. 1,000km from Cape Town and Durban and 1,300km from Johannesburg.
Consul’s Reply:
Carol:
Only applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 80 need not present themselves to the consulate for a visa interview.  If you do not fall under this category, we regret you will need to apply in person.

Name: EC  
City: Cape Town
Question:  My USA Visa expires on 18 Jun 2010.
What is the procedure to renew this, as I plan a holiday in the USA next year.
Please advise me. Thanks
Consul’s Reply:
EC:
It is the same process as when applying for a visa the first time, please access the link “how to apply “ for information regarding the visa application process.

Name: CM 
City: Pretoria  
Question:  My daughter has scheduled an appointment for a student visa online, to enter the US in January 2010. We have to visit the US on visitor visas in mid November to finalise accommodation for next year and will return end of Nov. Can she complete 2 different VISA application forms, pay for both types of visas for this appointment and submit them simultaneously?
Consul’s Reply:
CM,  Yes, she may.

Name: Roberto Casso 
City: Cape Town
Question: To whom it may belong,
Good Day, My wife and I have a valid tourist visa and now I we are going for vacations and need to apply for a visa for my four year old daughter. I am currently registered on the website as I previously applied online for my visa.
I paid for a new schedule for my daughter and already have an appointment date I logged in using my email address, and added my daughter but I am still the primary applicant? Is this correct?
The web site does not allow me to generate the forms DS 156 and DS 158 for my daughter only the primary applicant. What do I do? Do I fill up her forms manually and present them with the primary applicant?
Consul’s Reply:
Roberto:
Please make sure that your daughter’s name is reflected on the appointment confirmation sheet, this is confirmation that she has a scheduled appointment. It is mandatory that a form DS-156 be electronically completed, you may see on this website under the link “how to apply” for the DS-156 application form. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Name: Setusimpumelelo Bonani Mkhize 
City: Mosselbay
Question:  I have a USA visa that expires in 2015. My passport was stolen and I have since aqiured another visa. I am planning to visit the USA for a conference soon. Is it possible to get a reprint of my visa? Or can you give me advise on what I can do?
Consul’s Reply:
Setusimpumelelo:
Unfortunately, we do not reprint visas. You will be required to apply for a new visa. Please take note of the special requirements for stolen passports:
1. A copy of the Police Report explaining the loss or theft of the passport;
2. A letter explaining the situation;
3. A photocopy of the visa if available; and
4. All documents required to apply for a new visa of the same type.

Name: Rev. Charles 
City: South Africa, Pretoria
Question:  Dear Brother/Sister
Please could you assist? I would like to apply for a R-1 Religious Worker Visa.
What are the protocol and procedure needed to apply? Whom should I speak to etc.
I am a member and an ordained Minister of Religion thorough the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic faith USA. Situated in Chicago.
I hold a Baccalaureate degree in Theology and I am completing my Doctorate in Theology Th. D. We are busy with arrangements, employment and sponsorships of the organization.
Looking forward to you response.
Kind Regards and God bless
Rev. Charles
Rector
International Pentecostal Bible Institute Christian Outreach International Ministries
+27 0 82 ***
Consul’s Reply:
Rev. Charles:
An R-1 visa has the same requirements as that stipulated under working visas in the FAQ section. Please refer to FAQ.

Name: Lisa
City: Johannesburg  
Question:  I would like to find out, if my US 10 year VISA is in my maiden name passport and I plan to travel with my marriage name passport, would my Visa be valid as long as I have a copy of my marriage certificate?
Consul’s Reply:
Lisa: Yes.

Name: Tamryn
City: Johannesburg  
Question: Hi
I was issued a 10 year visitor visa to the USA to attend work training in 2006 under my maiden name. I have since been married and have a new passport now in my new surname. Is it possible to transfer my visa from my old name to my new surname in my new passport or should I apply for a new visa?
Thanks
Tamryn
Consul’s Reply:
Tamryn:
No, we do not transfer visas; you may travel with your old passport containing the valid visa, your new passport and marriage certificate. If you prefer not to travel with the additional documents mentioned above, you are welcome to apply for a new visa.

Name: CEDRIC 
City: Cape Town
Question:  i am a cameroonian of 19 year old school in south africa i dont know if i allow to play the lottery and if its possible and i win must i go back to my country for interview thank
Consul’s Reply:
Cedric:
Please access the following website for information regarding your inquiries www.dvlottery.state.gov. You should look under the section “Questions and Answers.”

Name: Bryan 
City: Johannesburg  
Question: Dear Mr. Bard
We are scheduled for an interview for a Diversity visa through the green card lottery.
Pls advise if there are any additional costs involved when applying for the actual green card once in the United States.
Consul’s Reply:
Bryan:
No, there are no extra costs involved once you have applied for and received an immigrant and have entered the US.

Name: Shivani 
City: JHB
Question:  Both my husband and I have 10year US Visa's. We have a 6 month old infant and want to travel to the US on holiday. Do we need to apply for a visa for our infant?
Consul’s Reply:
Shivani:
Yes, you are required to apply for a visa for your child and may do so using round-trip DHL service if you would prefer not to come in in person.  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.  Please see under FAQ for other application requirements.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Name: Mike
City: Johannesburg  
Question: My wife and I have US visas but want to take our children to Disneyland.
What documents do we need to only apply for the kids visas?
Consul’s Reply:
Mike:
You are required to apply for visas for your children.  If they are under 14, you may apply using round-trip DHL service if you would prefer not to come in in person.  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.  Please see under FAQ for other application requirements.

Name: Brenda 
City: Johannesburg  
Question:  I need some assistance. I am in South Africa now, and had intended an earlier trip to visit Malawi for a few days, but it has been postponed until late October. The problem is that my visitor passport 90-daysexpires this week, and I did not leave/return to another country as planned. What should I do? Is it best to leave SA to go to the closest country overnight so that I can be granted another 90 days? Please advise ASAP. Thank you
Consul’s Reply:
Brenda:
Please contact the nearest office of the South African Department of Home Affairs for advice on how to proceed.

Name: Chisom
City: Centurion
Question:  Do I need to be in the United States to file for my fiance. Could it be done in South Africa since I am currently there with him.He is not a South African Citizen.
Consul’s Reply:
Chisom:
Information on fiancé(e) petitions is available at www.cis.gov.  As a U.S. citizen sponsoring your South African fiancé, you will need to file with CIS in the U.S.

Name: bode 
City: limpopo  
Question:  sir, what type of documents can i get to prove strong ties to my country, family wise and social wise as a non-immigrant,as i dont have a clue on an example on both.
Consul’s Reply:
Bode:
There are no specific requirements, but typically applicants provide evidence of a job, school enrollment, immediate family and/or property as well as evidence of their upcoming U.S. travel plans.