A New Approach to the Visa Application Process: Questions and Answers

In an effort to make the U.S. visa application process faster, easier and more convenient for our clients, as of December 12, 2011, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem will implement new application and appointment procedures. 

1.    I understand there is a new process for applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States.  Can you explain the changes?

It is now faster, cheaper, and more accessible to apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.  The new system will improve the visa application process while decreasing the overall fees paid by the applicants.  With only one payment -- the current non-refundable machine-readable visa (MRV) application fee determined by visa classification -- the following services will be provided to all non-immigrant visa applicants:

• MRV application fee collection, either by phone, online, or over the counter at any Israeli Postal Bank or Bank of Palestine branch.
• Scheduling of interview appointments (through the call center or online)
• Information on general visa inquiries
• Delivery of passports for approved visa applications
• Courier service to the Consulate for cases requiring additional documentation

Beginning on December 12, visa applicants must schedule their visa appointments via a new website (http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com) or with the assistance of an operator at a call center (local: 02-5677833; U.S.-based: 703-439-2344). Applicants will no longer be required to pay an additional fee to make an appointment or obtain courier service. 

2.    What is the new process for applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States?

3.    When will the new process take effect?

As of December 12, 2011, all visa interviews must be scheduled using the new system.  Applicants with existing interviews will not be affected by this transition, and they should attend their scheduled interview at the Consulate. However, these applicants will need to register for courier service at http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com. Applicants interviewed prior to December 12, 2011 will receive their visas directly from the courier service (Aramex or Shaal) they designated at the time of their interview. These applicants will be responsible for all courier fees associated with the pass back of their visas.

The personally identifiable numbers (PINs) previously used to schedule an appointment will no longer be valid as of December 11.  These PINs are non-negotiable and non-refundable.  As of December 12, all new appointments must be scheduled online (http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com) or through the call center (local: 02-5677833; U.S.-based: 703-439-2344)]. 

4.    What is the reason for this change?

These new procedures are designed to make the visa application process simpler and more efficient for both the applicants and the consulate.  We expect that these changes will not only decrease overall costs but will also improve the quality of customer service.

5.    I already paid my MRV application fee, but I was not able to schedule an appointment before the new procedures took effect. How can I schedule my appointment?

MRV application fees paid prior to December 12, 2011, at the Israeli Postal Bank or Cairo Amman Bank will be honored for a year from the date of payment.  Applicants who pay the fee before the new system goes into effect, but who have not yet booked an appointment, must schedule an interview directly through the call center (local: 02-5677833; U.S.-based: 703-439-2344).  As before, MRV application fee payments are valid for a single application within one year from the date of payment.

6.    Where can I obtain additional information about the visa application process?

Additional information is available on-line at http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com or by calling the call center (local: 02-5677833; U.S.-based: 703-439-2344).  The call centers can also provide visa-related services, including scheduling visa appointments, answering visa-related questions, and assisting applicants in choosing a UPS or WASSAL delivery location.

There is also a U.S.-based phone number (703-439-2344) that can be used by applicants who are scheduling appointments from outside of Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Gaza. 

Visa applicants can also use SKYPE to obtain information:

• SKYPE number = 753813
• Name: USvisajerusalem

7.    What are the hours of the call center?

• The local call center (02-5677833) is available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, Sunday to Thursday. 
• U.S.-based call center (703-439-2344) is available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

8.    Why is the new website a .com domain and not a .gov domain?  Don’t all U.S. government websites use the .gov domain?

The new website, http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com, is being run by a private company on behalf of the U.S. government.  Thus, the website uses the private .com domain.

9.    What will be the cost of a visa?  Do you expect fees to increase?

The current MRV visa application fees remain the unchanged.  For most visa categories the application fee is $140.  Applications for petition-based visas in the H, L, O, P, Q and R categories cost $150.  Depending on the applicant’s nationality or visa category, there might be additional reciprocity fees payable at the time of visa issuance.

10.    What were the costs under the old process?

The visa application fee (MRV – Machine Readable Visa Fee) will now cover all costs associated with applying for a visa.  This includes the cost for setting up the appointment and the courier delivery fee.  The MRV application fees remain unchanged. 

Under the old process, applicants paid the application fee ($140 for tourists, $150 for petition-based cases, and $390 for treaty traders and treaty investors).  In addition, applicants needed to purchase a PIN in order to schedule an appointment and an additional fee (on average $22) to have the passport delivered.

11.    The consular officer denied my visa.  Can I get a refund on my application fee?

The MRV application fee is nonrefundable. 

12. What documents do I need to have in order to apply?

To make a visa appointment, you will need an online visa (DS-160/CEAC) application confirmation number, an MRV payment receipt, a photo that meets the requirements at http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html, and a current passport. 

Certain visa categories may require additional documentation.  For example:

• Student (F) and vocational training (M) visa applicants require a Form I-20 and a SEVIS fee payment receipt;
• Cultural exchange visitors (J) visa applicants require a Form DS-2019 and a SEVIS fee payment receipt (depending on program sponsor); and,
• Petition-based visas require a DHS approval Form I-797.  These include the work (H), intercompany transfer (L), foreign nationals with extraordinary abilities (O), performers (P), international cultural exchange visitors (Q) and religious workers (R) visa categories.

13. Where do I find the DS-160 on-line visa application?

You can locate the DS-160 visa application at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. 

14. How can I select an interview appointment time?

You must first create an account on-line at http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com or through the call center (local: 02-5677833; U.S.-based: 703-439-2344) and follow the instructions given there.  You will be able to select an interview appointment time after you pay the required MRV application fee and complete the DS-160 application form.  The system automatically defaults to the next available appointment.  Appointments are opened approximately six months in advance for scheduling. 

15. How can I apply for an expedited interview appointment?

The Consulate General expedites visa appointments for medical emergencies, and in limited cases for unanticipated business or student travel if the required departure date is before the next available appointment date.  Further information on what constitutes an expedited appointment is available on the Consular Section website at:  http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/emergency_appointments.html 

Applicants must first follow the step-by-step appointments outlined in question # 2.  Once the applicant schedules their appointment, they should send an email to JerusalemExpediteAppt@state.gov with specific details justifying their request.  Applicants are encouraged to provide scanned supporting documentation, if it is available.  The applicant will be expected to bring this information to the interview, in addition to any forms or other supporting documents required for your visa classification. 

The Consular Section will strive to respond to your request as expeditiously as possible, generally within two business days.  If your request is approved, you will receive an email confirmation with your new date and time.  If your request is denied, you will receive an email response indicating that you should appear for your visa interview as scheduled.  

Please be advised that the granting of an expedited appointment in no way guarantees visa issuance.  U.S. law places the burden of qualifying for a nonimmigrant visa solely on the applicant. 

16. How do I submit additional documents to the Consulate after my interview?

If the consular officer requested additional documents, you will need to log into the system (http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com) using your passport number, date of birth, and nationality.  When you reach the applicant summary page, you will have an option to select “Register for Courier Service.”  You will be taken to a screen with a form to print out to provide to the courier along with the documents requested by the Consulate after your interview.  You can also change the courier option that you originally choose at this point.  You will need to drop off your documents at a courier service point (a full listing of courier service points are available at: http://jerusalem.usvisa-info.com).  The courier will deliver your documents to the Consulate.  Please note that due to security screening of all incoming mail, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for the Consular Section to receive and process any documents submitted following the interview. 

17. How will I receive my visa after it has been issued?

Passports with visas will be delivered to applicants within five to seven business days after the date of issuance.  You can specify the delivery address online (http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com) or through the call center (local: 02-5677833; U.S.-based: 703-439-2344).  No additional courier fee payments are required.  The new system even provides for direct home/office delivery service at no additional cost to the applicant.  The applicant will receive a confirmation e-mail when the passport is ready for pick-up.

18. Where can I find information on the current wait time for interviews?

You can find this information at http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com after you log in and pay the MRV application fee.  Wait times for visas are also posted on the U.S. Department of State website at  http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html

19. How can I track the status of my passport?

You can track the status of your passport the following methods:

• The on-line self-service website– http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com
• The interactive voice response (IVR) system –  02-5677833
• By speaking with a service agent during business hours – 02-5677833

20. How are group nonimmigrant visa applications handled under the new system?

Under the new system, groups of five or more applicants traveling to the same location for the same purpose can schedule a group appointment.  The representative of the group should register at http://Jerusalem.usvisa-info.com.  Once the applicants have completed their applications, the group representative should e-mail JerusalemGroups@csc.com.

21. I purchased an appointment PIN and was not able to use it prior to December 12, 2011.  Can I get a refund?

No, PIN numbers are obsolete and are nonrefundable once these new procedures are implemented.

22. I have sent multiple inquiries, but have not yet gotten a response.  Why?

Our hard-working Nonimmigrant Visa Unit receives thousands of inquiries every month.  However, experience has shown some applicants call on the phone, send an e-mail and send a fax, all asking the same question or a variation of that question.  Regrettably, we do not have a separate unit dedicated specifically to the hundreds of emails and faxes we receive every month; the staff who answer your inquiries are also responsible for processing the thousands of applications we receive every year.  Thus, in order to serve applicants faster, we simply cannot continue to respond to general inquiries.  In addition, we hope that this list of FAQs will further ease this burden.  We will truly attempt to answer every legitimate question not covered by these FAQs, and do so as quickly as possible.  Please also refer to the wealth of information available at: http://travel.state.gov

23. Where can I get more information about Nonimmigrant Visas?

There is a wealth of information and responses to the most common questions available on the State Department website.  Please see "Questions About Visas?" at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions_1253.html

24. Do I need a visa? What about the Visa Waiver Program?

Individuals bearing certain passports from certain countries may visit the United States without a visa.  All the information on the Visa Waiver Program, who qualifies, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirements and more is available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

25. I was told my case needed administrative processing?  Is it done?

Some visa applications require additional administrative processing, which requires additional time. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of application, but this processing can take significantly longer. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Therefore, before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 90 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. 

Meanwhile, please note that inquiries about administrative processing will not expedite the processing.  We assure you that the minute we are able to complete processing of your application, we will do so.  Your application is important to us.

26. My visa application was denied 214(b).  What does that mean?

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:

"Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status..."

To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant. Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents.

For more information, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html

27. If I was refused a visa under 214(b), can I appeal to a higher authority?

Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service posts to resolve.

An applicant can influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties through a new application.

For more information, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html

28. I would like to know if my friend has applied for a visa and what the status is. Who should I contact?

Your friend, the visa applicant.

Under U.S. law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 222(f), visa records are confidential. Therefore, the visa applicant should inquire at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad where he/she applied regarding necessary information about visa application status. Because of confidentiality of visa records, you’ll need to ask your friend, the visa applicant your questions about whether a visa application was made, or a visa was issued or denied.

29. How do I make an appointment for a visa interview?

To make an appointment, please visit our website at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/how_to_apply.html

There you will find information on the application process, and a link to VisaPoint, through which appointments can be scheduled.

30. I would like to apply for a religious worker (R) visa?  Do I need a petition?

In order to be considered as a nonimmigrant under the above classification, the applicant's prospective employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Alien Worker, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more detailed information regarding the filing of Form I-129, as well as requirements, please refer to the USCIS Temporary Workers and Required Documentation-Temporary Workers webpages.

Important Note: It is very important for prospective employers to file the petition as soon as possible (but not more than 6 months before the proposed employment will begin) to provide adequate time for petition and subsequent visa processing.

More information is available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1272.html

31. My old passport has already expired. My visa to travel to the United States is still valid but in my expired passport. Do I need to apply for a new visa with my new passport?

No. If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports, as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel. (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism). Both passports (the valid and the expired one with the visa) should be from the same country and type (Example: both Uruguayan regular passports, both official passports, etc.). When you arrive at the United States port of entry (POE) the Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer will check your visa in the old passport and if s/he decides to admit you into the United States they will stamp your new passport with an admission stamp along with the annotation "VIOPP" (visa in other passport). Do not try to remove the visa from your old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, your visa will no longer be valid.

32. I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States, what should I do?

If you did not surrender the I-94 or I-94W on your departure from the United States, you are required to return the form to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

33. I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?

All U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using his/her U.S. passport.

34. I am delayed at the Port of Entry when I travel, and I do not believe I should be.  What can I do?

The Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or crossing U.S. borders, including:

• denied or delayed airline boarding
• denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint
• continuously referred to additional (secondary) screening

For more information, please click here.