Ask the Consul
Ask the Consul: Questions and Answers
Here are the answers to questions received by close of business, May 21. They are arranged by topic. Surnames, contact information and certain other information have been removed to protect privacy.
Topics
VISAS IN EXPIRED PASSPORTs
EMPLOYMENT
EXCHANGE VISAS
VISA APPLICATION BY THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS
IMMIGRANT VISAS
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICE
GENERAL
City: "cape town"
Name: "yussuf"
Question: " how to get usa visitors visa"
Consul’s Reply:
Yussuf:
Please find on this website a step-by-step guide as to how you may apply for a non- immigrant visitor’s visa.
City: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Clive"
Question: " Both my wife and I have 10 year Multiple re-entry Visa's in our SA Passports that are due to expire Nov 25 this year control Nos 1*** and 1***. I have just retired and as our son lives permanently in the US we will be visiting him from time-to-time. I assume that we will need to complete form DS-156 again - will this get us 10 Visa's again?
Many thanks
Regards
Clive
Consul’s Reply:
Clive:
Yes, you and your wife will be required to complete DS-156 visa application forms and schedule an appointment through the Visa Information Service Centre. Please see on this website our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa. While we cannot guarantee approval or length of validity ahead of time, please be assured around 95% of applicants for visitor visas are found to be qualified and typically receive 10-year visas.
City: "Gauteng"
Name: "mmathapelo"
Question: " Hi
I applied for a visa in 2006 twice and it was declined because of my financial status. But now i have a well paying Job and i have saved money to visit my friends in the USA. I met them when they came to to missionary work South Afica at my church. They visit me all the time in South Africa and they will like me to visit them. Can i apply for a visa again? do i have to bring any extra documents? Thank you.
Consul’s Reply:
Mmathapelo:
This ground of refusal is not permanent and you may apply again.
However I suggest that you only apply at such a time that you feel you have significant material changes to your circumstances since your recent refusal or if you believe that additional information could be presented that will demonstrate that you overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.
City: "Cape Town"
Name: "S A H"
Question: " I have a visitor's visa and travelled frequently to US in past. I want to take my family wife and children this time to attend a family wedding in US. What documents will be required to get visa for them? My children are all students."
Consul’s Reply:
“S A H”:
Sounds like your family is in need of B2 visas also known as holiday visas.
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.
• 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.
VISAS IN EXPIRED PASSPORT (AND RELATED MATTERS)
City: "Durban"
Name: "Brian"
Question: "Dear Sir I have a 10 year multiple entry US visa, type R B1/B2 control no 2**** and issued on 22/01/2003 and expiry on the 15/01/2013and pasted in a now expired SA Passport. I have subsequently been issued with a new SA Passport valid for more than 6 months beyond my intended date of travel.
Is this visa still valid in terms of current US legislation?"
Consul’s Reply:
Brian:
Yes the visa is valid until the expiration date specified on it.
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 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: "Tanya"
Question: " I have been awarded a Summer Fellowship with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in DC. I am due to return for my second sejour at the KC from the 27th June - 18th July. Unfortunately while touring in Argentina a few weeks ago, my Passport was stolen. I have since applied for a new one but given that this might not be available to me before I have to leave, I have also applied for, and received, a Temporary Passport in order to schedule my appointment with the Embassy and get my visa. However, there seems to be some confusion as to whether the Embassy will accept my Temporary Passport. Some people are saying that they will others say that they won't and some say I need to use the Temp Passport to obtain my visa and then travel with both the Temp and the actual Passport should it arrive in time. I simply CANNOT miss my Fellowship term in June/July this year so would appreciate your advice as to how to proceed.
I have tried to contact the call center a number of times over the past few days but the call is dropped after I type in my Master Card details. This is VERY frustrating as I need to get this information in order for me to have enough time to do what I need to for me Fellowship.
Thanks for your urgent response.
Kind regards,
Tanya"
Consul’s Reply:
Tanya:
Yes, we do accept temporary passports. Once you have received your permanent passport, you may travel with the temporary passport containing the valid visa and your new passport until such time that the visa has expired.
We regret your repeated experience with the call center apparently dropping your call after you typed in your credit-card details. I have asked my staff to look into this problem right away.
City: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Jackie"
Question: " I have a client who in going on business to the USA and Germany - he has a USA visa valid undil 2016 - his south african passport will only be valid for three months when he leaves. He is applying for a new sa passport. Will he be required to re-apply for his USA visa? and will the USA accept a temporary south african passport?
Many thanks
Regards
Jackie"
Consul’s Reply:
Jackie:
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: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Mariette"
Question: "Hi there,
I have a 10 year visa that expires in 2012. The passport it is in has expired. Last year I traveled to the States with my new passport as well as the expired one with the visa.
I got married in last month, & my surname has changed from Smith to Edwards. I'm going to apply for a new passport as a result of the name change.
We are planning to travel to the States again in December of this year.
Do I need to apply for a new visa, or can I travel with the old passport with the visa in the name of Smith & the new passport in the name of Edwards.
Please advise. Thank you very much."
Consul’s Reply:
Mariette:
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.
Since the two passports will have two different names we suggest you have (on your person) a valid document containing proof of your name change such as a marriage license or certificate, etc.
City: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Taruna"
Question: "Am I allowed to travel on a South African passport that expires within 6 months of my travel. If not, am I allowed to travel on a temporary South African passport?"
Consul’s Reply:
“Taruna”:
Yes . South African nationals may travel on a valid passports (regular, official, diplomatic) that may expire within the 6 months due to an agreement between the U.S. and S.A governments under which the validity of South African passports is automatically extended an additional six months beyoned the stated expiration date.
Yes. The U.S. accepts temporary South African passports.
City: "Pretoria"
Name: "Dr Rob B"
Question: "I have a trip scheduled to the US in July. I hold an official South African passport, which expires in mid August. Is it possible to get the US visa using my existing passport, or must I wait until my new passport arrives. I know from past experience that my new passport will have a different passport number from my current one.
My problem is that I cannot predict how long it will take for my new official passport to be issued, and I am leaving for central Africa around 1 June, and will only be returning a few days before my scheduled trip to the US."
Consul’s Reply:
Dr. B:
Yes, you may apply for a U.S. visa on your current passport while waiting for the new passport to be issued. South African nationals may travel on a valid passport (regular, official, diplomatic) that expires within the 6 months based on an agreement between the U.S. and S.A governments under which the validity of South African passports is automatically extended an additional six months beyoned the stated expiration date.
EMPLOYMENT
City: " Ceres, Western Cape"
Name: "Francois Gerhard"
Question: " I have an Job over in the United States. What do I need to do and can I apply for the visas without using an Agency? The position will be as an Managemant trainee.
I hope to hear from you soon
Francois "
Consul’s Reply:
Francois:
The U.S. Mission in South Africa does not endorse any agencies providing visa assistance. For more information regarding work visas and requirement in order to apply we suggest you go to
http://www.travel.state.gov
City: "Cranford NJ"
Name: "Connie"
Question: " What are the procedures to follow when you want to sponsor a nanny from south africa? Not Au-pair.
I want a nanny and I found one in South Africa, now I want her to come to the USA."
Consul’s Reply:
Connie:
The only appropriate visa for a nanny to live with and work for a U.S.-based family is a J1 “Exchange Visitor” visa under one of several au pair programs approved by the U.S. Department of State. See http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/programs/aupair.html for more information.
City: "gauteng"
Name: "yasheen"
Question: " what do i need to get a working permit and how long would it take"
Consul’s Reply:
Yasheen:
Working visas are typically available for a narrow range of jobs only and in any case require that the U.S. employer first file a petition on your behalf with our Department of Homeland Security. Only when the approved petition is in hand would you be in a position to schedule an appointment for your visa interview. Please find on this website information regarding the working visa application process.
EXCHANGE VISAS
City: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Elizabeth"
Question: " I want to apply for a J exchange visitor visa to participate in a short term research program that forms part of a collaboration set up between Carnegie and the University of the Witwatersrand. The website information mentions that I would need to present an original DS-2019 form prepared by the designated sponsoring organization which will be Carnegie. Unfortunately I cannot seem to find a copy of this form on the website. Where would I find it?"
Consul’s Reply:
Elizabeth:
You will not find this form on our website. Program sponsors designated under the Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural affairs send this form directly to the accepted candidate. As it is a requirement in the application process, once it is received you bring the DS-2019 along with the other required documentation in order to apply for the J visa.
VISA APPLICATION BY THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (AND RELATED MATTERS)
City: "Pretoria"
Name: "Rahul"
Question: "Dear Sir,
I am currently a MBA student at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. I will be in PRETORIA in South Africa for a summer internship. Thereafter I will be going to MIT SLOAN School of Management in Boston MA. I will require a visa for the same and MIT is currently processing my documents to prepare the relevant I20/DS2019 forms.
I would like to know whether it will be possible for me to apply for the visa while i am in South Africa. I will be there for 2 months and hence will not be able to apply in Madrid/Barcelona. I am an INDIAN Citizen with a Residence Card for Spain and EU. Please let me know. Your help will be really appreciated.
Thank you
Consul’s Reply:
Rahul Jain:
We suggest that potential applicants apply for a nonimmigrant visa in their home country or place or residence as they will need to prove strong ties in the country in which they are applying. However, if you would still like to apply in South Africa you are welcome to do so.
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: "GRAHAMSTOWN"
Name: "Bebe"
Question: " Greetings. I am a university lecturer in South Africa. I have been invited for an international Conference running 19-23 November in Louisianna. I would like to apply for a visa but I am not a South African national - I am from Zimbabwe - what documentation and any requirements do i have to fulfil for this visa application."
Consul’s Reply:
Bebe:
We suggest that potential applicants apply for a nonimmigrant visa in their home country or place or residence as they will need to prove strong ties in the country in which they are applying. However, if you would still like to apply in South Africa you are welcome to do so.
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: "Karl"
Question: " My family are South African citizens living overseas with me, a US citizen in Germany. I am an American citizen stationed in Germany through the armed forces. My family left South Africa via orders. We had purchased non-immigrant visas for the purpose of visiting the US for holidays, but because their SOFA agreement had expired and they had RSA passports were not allowed to travel. Reason being that their SOFA expiration might cause problems to which they would not be allowed back into Germany. Now the question is since they have up to one year to use the visa, would the visa petitioned from Germany transfer so they can utilize them from South Africa?"
Consul’s Reply:
Karl:
Even if your family members’ non-immigrant visas were issued in Germany, they can be used for visits to the United States from South Africa or other countries.
City: "Cape Town"
Name: "Hamid"
Question: " Dear Sir/Maddam
I am a South African permanent residance but an Iranian passport holder just wanna visit US for 2 weeks. so wanted to know how can I apply for a Visa? and does it make any sence that I am iranian passport holder?
Thank you for answering
Hamid"
Consul’s Reply:
Hamid:
Yes, you are welcome to apply for a visa.
The fact that you have an Iranian passport does not prevent you from applying for a visa, Please see on this website information regarding the non-immigrant visa application process and requirements. As extended administrative processing may be required, it will be helpful if you apply far in advance of your planned travel to the United States.
IMMIGRANT VISAS
City: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Godfrey"
Question: " In these scenario, both parents are non residents of the US, however, their child was born there and she became a US citizen. Are the parents permitted to apply for a immigrant visa if the wish to raise their child in the US? "
Consul’s Reply:
Godfrey:
Please find below information regarding the immigration procedures
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: "Eugene, Oregon, USA"
Name: "Shelley"
Question: " How many Immigrant Visa appointments are there available at the U.S. consulate in Johannesburg, and about how long does it take for the applicant to receive his/her Immigrant Visa interview after sending their packet of documents to the National Visa Center?"
Consul’s Reply:
Shelley:
Please email details of the specific immigrant visa case in which you are interested to ConsularJohannesburg@state.gov and we will respond directly
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
City: "Johannesburg"
Name: "Bianca"
Question: "I am travelling on a British Passport and I am going to do a course for two months at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Do I need a visa?
Kind regards
Bianca"
Consul’s Reply:
Bianca:
Yes, you will be required to apply for a visa.
You will be required to obtain an I-20 certificate from the Academy and submit it to us on the day of your interview in support of your visa application. Please find on this website information regarding the visa application process for students.
AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICE
City: "BLOEMFONTEIN"
Name: "MICHAU"
Question: " I NEED THE NEAREST US EMBASSY CONTACT DETAILS, IN JOHANNESBURG TO GET MY US PASSPORT RENEWED"
Consul’s Reply:
Michau:
American Citizen Services are offered at the American Consulate General at No. 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst, 2196, opposite the Sandton City shopping mall. You may contact us at 011-290-3000 for further assistance.