Embassy of the United States

Ask the Consul

Ask the Consul: Questions and Answers

May 29- June 4, 2009

Here are the answers to questions received for the period May 29 to June 4.
They are arranged by date received.
Surnames, contact information and certain other information may have been removed to protect your privacy.

Friday, May 29

City: "capetown" 
Name: "andre" 
Question: " does the US still accept temporary SA passports ?"
Consul’s Reply:
Andre:
Yes, we still accept temporary passports for nonimmigrant visa applications.

City: "george" 
Name: "wehmeyer" 
Question: " how do i print all the forms that must be completed for a appointment?eg DS- 158,157"
Consul’s Reply:
wehmeyer:
Please access the “How to apply” link on this website for a step-by-step guide to the application process.  Required forms can be accessed at http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/niv-step3.html. 

City: "Durban" 
Name: "Christine" 
Question: " Good day. I would like to know the bank details of the account I deposit my application processing fee.
Consul’s Reply:
Christine:
First National Bank (FNB) branches nationwide have our account details.  You simply need to indicate that you are making a deposit into the U.S. Embassy account for the visa application fee and they will be able to process the transaction for you.

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "Marcelle" 
Question: " Hi,
I am a 29 years old woman who would like to enter the green card lottery for 2010 intake but do not know where to start because they are so many fraudulents webs out there. could you please give me proper informations as where to start?the relevant web to browse ?
Kind Regards "
Consul’s Reply:
Marcelle:
The annual DV-1 lottery program is administered by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), 3505 N Hwy 25 West, Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769.  The window application period is usually during October/November of each year.  For more information, you should visit the following official website:  http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.

Saturday, May 30

City: "Originally from Durban, now living in Canada" 
Name: "Sashika" 
Question: "I have applied for a new SA passport in January 2009. My current SA passport is valid until December 2009. I need to travel to the US on an urgent business trip in June. I have contacted the SA embassy in Canada and they have informed me that my new passport will probably not have arrived by then and suggested that I apply for a temporary SA passport, which I have done.
I have a valid US visa in my old passport that expires in 2013.
Question: Can I travel to the US with a temporary passport + US visa?
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated."
Consul’s Reply:
Sashika:
Yes, you may travel to the US for temporary business with your old passport containing a valid B1/B2 visitor’s visa together with your new temporary passport.

Sunday, May 31

City: "US" 
Name: "Tony" 
Question: "A person lives in Port Elizabeth - want to know if the immigrant visa interview could be done at any of your nearest consulates or one has to travel to Johannesburg for the interview. If will have to travel, how long does it take to get to JBurg from PE? Thank you for the response."
Consul’s Reply:
Tony:
All immigrant visa interviews take place at the Consulate in Johannesburg.  We regret our Consulates in Cape Town and Durban do not have the staff and facilities necessary to handle these cases.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Tiffany" 
Question: " I have 10 year multiple entry visa that expires in 2011. I have been to the USA once before as a student. I am now permanently employed as an educator. Will I have any problems with the validity of my visa. I have booked a trip for June/July 2009"
Consul’s Reply:
Tiffany:
As long as your visitor’s visa has not been cancelled by a United States consular or immigration officer, you may travel to the US on that visa until the stated expiration date for temporary business or pleasure.

Monday,  June 1

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "RS" 
Question: "I am resident in South Africa, have a valid United Kingdom passport and my wife has a valid Irish passport. Please confirm that no visa or pre-registration requirments are needed to enter the USA. I will be travelling to the USA in mid June on business via London and following that with two week's holiday. Thank you."
Consul’s Reply:
RS:
Please access the following website for information regarding the Visa Waiver Program:   http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html. With respect to British passports please note the following special information:  Only United Kingdom passports notated with “British Citizens” and/or “with unrestricted right of abode in the United Kingdom” are eligible for VWP admission. Holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) do not qualify for VWP travel.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "David" 
Question: "I have a 10 year Non-Immigrant visa.
My passport expires in November 2009 less than 6 months from my return to SA. I am required to travel to The US the last week of July for 9 days. I have applied for a new passport but i'm uncertain it would be ready before i need to depart.
Am i still able to travel to the US? Is there other documentation i require for travel, a temporary passport? Since my passport expires within 6 month period of my visit?
Best Regards David"
Consul’s Reply:
David:
A reciprocal agreement between South Africa and the U.S.A. automatically extends the validity of your passport by six months, so yes, the passport will be valid for your travel to the U.S.A.  Alternately, once you have received a new passport (regular or temporary), you may travel with that passport as well as your existing passport containing the valid visa.

City: "DULUTH" 
Name: "JOCELYN " 
Question: " My brother has an appointment june 2nd for the dv lottery visa but he does have his passport, he lost it and apply for another one unfortunately they haven't sent it to him yet. What is he going to do?
Thank you"
Consul’s Reply:
Jocelyn:
Please contact the immigration section directly at 011-290-300 for assistance regarding this matter.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Sanjeevani" 
Question: "My husband is on a L1 Visa. We are going to the U.S in July and would like to take our nanny with us from South Africa. She is a member of our household and resided with us. What U.S Visa do I need to apply for and what documentation do I need to present at the visa interview?"
Consul’s Reply:
Sanjeevani:
Your nanny would need to apply and qualify for a B1 “temporary visitor for business” visa, which under certain circumstances can cover domestic workers accompanying their employers for temporary stays in the U.S.A.  Please go to the “How to Apply “ link on this website.  Additional requirements can be found at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87206.pdf  (see Note 9.3-3).

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Alice" 
Question: "I have UK and South African dual citizenship. I am currently studying in Cape Town but will be studying on exchange for the Fall 2009 Semester in Michigan on a F-1 visa. One can only enter the USA 30 days before the start date. I wish to enter 50 days before my start date to travel. May I do that on my British passport on the WVP to travel on visitor status and then 'activate' my F-1 study visa after that? Would I have to leave the country and re-enter? Is it okay to get my F-1 in my british passport even though i am studying as a 'South African'?"
Consul’s Reply:
Alice:
You may (a) enter the U.S.A. on your UK passport under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP),  exit the U.S.A., and then apply at a U.S. port of entry to re-enter on the F-1 student visa (which can be issued in either your UK or South African passport), or (b) apply for a visitor’s visa (in either your UK or South African passport), enter the U.S.A., and later apply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to change your status from B2 visitor to F1 student while remaining in the U.S.A.   You will not be able to enter on the VWP and change status to F1 while remaining in the U.S.A.

City: "Port Elizabeth" 
Name: "Clayton" 
Question: "I am visiting a friend that lives in Canada, approx. 10 km from the American border. As they regularly cross the border, I want to apply for an American visa. However, I am flying to Vancouver and do not have any travel plans or any specific person to visit in the U.S. It is thus difficult to fill in the forms. Please advise. It is also not clear whether there is an option between single-and multiple-entry visas, and which one I will require when entering from Canada. Thanks."
Consul’s Reply:
Clayton:
Please complete the application forms to the best of your knowledge and ability, if you intend to enter the US more than once, you may apply for a multiple-entry visa.   Specific travel plans are in general not an absolute requirement.

City: "LONG GROVE " 
Name: "BARBARA" 
Question: " My sister is in VOORTRAKKERS STREET 12 PAULROX SOUTH AFRICA 98000 with her husband. He is S African and they were married there in 2008. They have requested entrance for him to return to the US with her. She has overextended her time frame and now is facing a penalty fee. Is it possible to extend her stay while waiting for the US government to review her husband's entrance. He has work waiting for him in our home town.
thank you
Consul’s Response:
Barbara:
According to the entry regulations of the South African Government, there is a penalty fee that is imposed on an individual who overextends a visit.  If your sister needs to extend her stay legally in South Africa, then she needs to contact the Department of Home Affairs to make the necessary arrangements. If she is advised to pay a penalty charge, then she will have no choice but to settle that fee.

Tuesday, June 2

City: "Durban" 
Name: "Catherine" 
Question: “May I apply for a visa with a temporary passport? My mother passed away and would like to visit my brother. Thank you."
Consul’s Response:
Catherine:
Yes, you may use a temporary passport to apply for a US visa.

City: "Pretoria" 
Name: "djamila" 
Question: " Am study in South Africa in Pretoria, Ii would like to apply for a j-1 visa, and I am holding a Cameroonian passport, I would like to know if I can apply."
Consul’s Reply:
Djamila:
Yes.   As a prospective exchange visitor in the U.S.A., you may apply for a nonimmigrant visa either in your home country (Cameroon) or your current place of residence (South Africa).  Note, however, you  will need to prove strong ties to a place of residence to which you intend to return upon the completion of your temporary stay in the U.S.A. 
If you would like to pursue your application here in South Africa, please go to the ”How to apply” link on this website. There you will find a step-by-step guide on the process.
 

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Preyan" 
Question: I was issued a B1/B2 visa back in 2005. The visa is valid till 2015.
I was unable to travel at the time 2005. I will be using my US visa for the first time since it was issued in 2005.
My issue is regarding my passport. My passport expires February 10, 2010 twenty ten. I want to travel this year to the US from August 09 - August 29. Will I still be able to use my passport, considering that it expires 5 months after that?I've heard rumors that my passport must be at least 6 months valid.
Let me know if my current passport will suffice for travelling in August 2009, even though it expires 5 months later Feb 2010.
Many Thanks
Consul’s Response:
Preyan:
Yes, you may travel on your existing passport, containing your valid visa as long as your visa has not been canceled by a Consular or immigration officer and your purpose of travel has not changed since the visa was issued.

As for the February 2010 expiration date for your passport, a reciprocal agreement between South Africa and the U.S.A. automatically extends the validity of your passport by six months, so yes, the passport will be valid for your travel to the U.S.A. in August 2009.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Greg" 
Question: " Mr. L has a valid visa Type R B1 / B2 does this cover both tourism / business Kind regards
Consul’s Response:
Greg:
Yes, a B1/B2 visa is a visa issued for the purpose of business trips and/or pleasure trips.

City: "Cape Town" 
Name: "Geraldine" 
Question: “How do I obtain electronic passport code approval?"
Consul’s Reply:
Geraldine:
Please clarify your question.  There is no U.S. Government requirement for travelers involving “electronic passport code approval” or anything similar to that term.

City: "Kaapstadt" 
Name: "Saffer" 
Question: "Hello
My passport expires on 24 February 2010.
I want to go on vacation to the US from August 08, 2009 to August 29, 2009.
Will the passport above allow me entry into the US considering that it has just over six months validity? To be exact, 6 months and 15 days at the time of me entering the US arrive in JFK on August 09, 2009.
Thank You"
Consul’s Response:
Saffer:
A reciprocal agreement between South Africa and the U.S.A. automatically extends the validity of your passport by six months, so yes, the passport will be valid for your travel to the U.S.A. in August 2009.

 
City: "Stellenbosch" 
Name: "Beryl" 
Question: “My son is submitting an application to study in the USA in 2010. I would like to know whether he would be allowed to do part-time work during his holidays." Consul’s Reply:
Beryl:
Please consult with the study institution in the US in this regard.  On-campus work in his second year of study may be permissible.

City: "cape town" 
Name: "veronica" 
Question: “I am currently living in USA with an f2 VISA- I have been accepted into grad school to start in fall 2009aug- and will be traveling back to South Africa Cape town, within the next couple of weeks. I want to book my visa in Cape Town but our resident/ house even though not currently, are in Gauteng. Would this visa appointment in Cape Town pose a problem for me?
The application online system does not give options for people like myself- living provisionally in USA but have local residence in SA. So the system prompts for locals address and telephone number. Bit confusing- I have no local S.A. tel no."
Consul’s Reply:
Veronica:
Yes, you may apply for your visa in Cape Town.  When booking an appointment we suggest you give a local address and phone number for a friend or family member with that person’s permission.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Jakes" 
Question: “I will be traveling to the US in July 2009 on a valid visa. My passport expires in August 2009. Can this be a problem?"
Consul’s Reply:
Jakes:
A reciprocal agreement between South Africa and the U.S.A. automatically extends the validity of your passport by six months, so yes, the passport will be valid for your travel to the U.S.A. in July 2009.

City: "Johannesburg" 
Name: "Lebo" 
Question: “what documents do I require to apply for a J2 visa for my children?"
Consul’s Response:
Lebo:
Please write to ConsularJohannesburg@state.gov providing more specifics on your family’s situation.

Wednesday June 3

City: "holmdel new jersey" 
Name: "ashton" 
Question: "Helo, I am on a J-1 Visa in america, I am originally from cape town, I am in an au pair programme which permits me to stay 1 year in the states, I am planning on changing my visa to a student visa for next year, my question is can I change it in cape town south africa? I am planning on going back for one or two weeks in november or october to change my visa, reason being I heard that if I change it here in america then I am not allowed to leave the country for the whole time period that I will be studying and im going to do a four year degree, so to not go home for four years is extremely difficult, and if I do change it here I am not changing my visa but just my status, so is it possible for me to go back home for that week and change my visa? How much will it cost? And when and how do I make the appointment?
Thank you in advance for your soonest reply"
Consuls’ Reply:
Ashton:
Yes, you may apply for you student visa in Cape Town.  Please click on the “How to apply” link on this website for information regarding the visa application process.

Name: "vangaveti" 
City: "johansburg" 
Question: "Venkat Vangaveti: Dear Mr.Doron Bard Sir It nice to know you this mail sir i got an enquirer on applying a visa to US for my official trip towards my company is planing for a marketing program in us for 30 days please let me know i hold an India passport i want to apply for a visa from south Africa i live in Johannesburg or i should go to India and apply for a visa my company is excepting in SA also we are heir last 2 years i work for the same branch in RSA please let me know how to pro side on this and which is advisable hence expecting your earliest reply on this matter good day.
With kind Regards
V.Venkat "
Consul’s Reply:
Vangaveti:
 We suggest that potential applicants apply for a nonimmigrant visa in their home country or place of current residence as they will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States to which they will return after their planned stay there.  If you would still like to apply in South Africa, you are welcome to do so. Please click on the “How to Apply” link on this website for information regarding the visa application process.

 
Name: "sandra" 
City: "johannesburg" 
Question: "hey my name is sandra, I'm a congolese but i'm actually studying in south africa. my question is: is it possible for me to apply for the visa in my own country? i mean in DRC?"
Consul’s Reply:
Sandra:
Yes, you may apply for your visa in your own country.

Name: "Joseph" 
City: "Johannesburg" 
Question: "Hello, I am a Keyan national based in Kenya. I work for a South African based Company with a branch here in Kenya and currently in Johannesburg on a 4 month project.
My question is: can I apply for a non-immigrant visa here in Johannesburg if I have all the relevant required paperwork?
My intention is to visit relatives in the US before going back home. For the avoidance of doubt, I have a multiple entry visa for South Africa valid until October 2009.
Thank you."
Consul’s Reply:
Joseph:
We suggest that potential applicants apply for a nonimmigrant visa in their home country or place of current residence as they will need to prove strong ties to a residence outside the United States to which they will return after their planned stay there.  However, if you would still like to apply in South Africa you are welcome to do so. Please click on the “How to Apply” link on this website for information regarding the visa application process.

Name: "Chandana" 
City: "Johannesburg" 
Question: "When applying for a G4 diplomatic visa do I have to make an appointment in advance before coming with the documents to the Consular Office?"
Consul’s Reply:
Chandana:
No appointment is necessary for G4 “international organization employee” visas.

Name: "Nadine" 
City: "Durban" 
Question: " Hi there,
I've been invited to go on dental training to an American based company in Dallas, Texas between the 6 - 11 July 2009. My passport has expired and have already applied for a new one but I worry that it wont be ready in time.
Can I apply for my visa with a temporary passport?
I look forward to hearing from you
Best regards,"
Consul’s Reply:
Nadine:
Yes you may apply for a visa using your temporary passport.

Name: "Johan" 
City: "Johannesburg" 
Question: "For how long can one stay in the USA on a visa before you have to return to S A "
Consul’s Reply:
Johan:
Your length of stay in the US cannot be pre-determined by a consular officer, as it is determined by an immigration officer at the port of entry.

Name: "Jess" 
City: "New York" 
Question: "I am living and working in New York City. My student visa expires in September of this year. I have already begun the process of applying for an H1B. However, for work I will be traveling in South Africa at the time that my student visa expires. If I brought documentation of the H1B visa, would your consulate be able to give me a new visa? Or is this something that I must do in New York?"
Consul’s Reply:
Jess:
Following your return to South Africa from the U.S.A., you may apply for your H1B visa at the Consulate General in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg, as convenient. Please click the “How to Apply” link on this website for information regarding the visa application process.  Note that approval of the H1B petition by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will be required before your new visa can be issued.

Name: "Lorraine" 
City: "Oakland New Jersey" 
Question: "Do I need to be present at the US Conculate General in South Africa Sandton City/ Johannesburg when my 16 year old daughter and 14 year old son re-apply and are interviewed for a re-entry H4 Visa . My children will be visiting their grandparents this Summer in South Africa and I was not intending to accompany them on their vacation. Thank you any information would be helpful.
Regards
Lorraine"
Consul’s Reply:
Lorraine:
You do not need to be present with your children, but please take note of the following requirements:
•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.

Thursday, June 4

Name: "Sarah" 
City: "Kingston, Canada" 
Question: " Hello, I am currently residing in Canada with a permanent residence card. I would like to travel to South America, but my flight must connect through the USA. Do I need any type of visa to fly through the USA? Or is my passport enough?"
Consul’s Reply:
Sarah:
Yes, assuming you are a citizen of South Africa residing in Canada (and not a citizen of one of the 34 countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program) you will be required to obtain a visa in order to trasit through the US.

Name: "Alma" 
City: "Pretoria" 
Question: " I am the team manager for the SA Duathlon team to Worlds this year in Concord, America. Would you please be so kind to give me the requirements for a sports visa?"
Consul’s Reply:
Alma:
Please find on this website under the “How to Apply” link information regarding the visa application process. Normally an ordinary visitor’s visa suffices for athletes competing in tournaments or for prize money.

Name: "Harold" 
City: "Jeffreys Bay" 
Question: " My passport was stolen after my entry in South Africa returning from a family visit.
Can I have my visa replaced for free?"
Consul’s Reply:
Jeffrey:
Please be advised that you will be required to apply for a new visa, as we do are  unable to replace visas. Please find information on the visa application process under the “How to Apply” link on this website. In addition to those requirements the following documents are needed:
1. A copy of the Police Report explaining the loss or theft of the passport;
2. A letter explaining the situation; and
3. A photocopy of the visa if available.