U.S. Visa Policy -- New Procedures -- What's the Same -- What's Different
New Procedures | What's the Same | What's Different | Arriving in the U.S. | Acts of Congress | Frequently Asked Questions
Many aspects of U.S. visa policy continue as before.
- All applicants' names are routinely checked against a sophisticated
government database for possible criminal or other information that
may disqualify them.
- The consular officer examines the application and supporting documents
and data for facts indicating possible ineligibilities, inconsistencies
or questions that may require clarification.
- For most visa applicants, an interview with the consular officer at
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is required as part of the visa application
process. The consular officer may ask for additional application review
in Washington, D.C.
- Visa applicants may need to undergo an extra review process if they
seek to engage in a commercial exchange or academic pursuit involving
certain designated fields of advanced technology.
Some aspects of the nonimmigrant visa process and entry-exit procedures have changed.
- Tourist and Business Visas -- All male nonimmigrant tourist and business applicants between the ages of 16-45, regardless of nationality or other factors, must now complete a supplemental application form which helps inform the consular officer's judgment about visa eligibility. Consular and border officers have the authority to require anyone from any country to complete visa forms if they think it's warranted.
» Learn more about tourist and business visas
- Student and Exchange Visas - All student and exchange visitors, regardless of nationality or other factors, must complete a supplemental application form which helps inform the consular officer's judgment about visa eligibility. Applicants must also get an authorization form from their sponsoring institution in the U.S. Before a visa can be issued, the sponsoring institution must authenticate the applicant by opening and maintaining an electronic file on a Web-based data management system managed by the Department of Homeland Security, called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
» Learn more about student visas
» Learn more about exchange visitor visas
» Learn more about study in the U.S.
» Find a U.S. overseas educational advising center
- Registration -- By 2005, the Department of Homeland Security is required by law to register all of the estimated 35 million foreign visitors who enter and leave the U.S. each year.
At that time, all official travel documents used to enter the U.S. must contain biometric identifiers in addition to photo identification. This system is called the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS).
Registration is being introduced in phases. Today, registration is required for men 16 or older who are citizens of countries determined by the Attorney General to represent a potential national security threat. Registration also is required for individuals regardless of nationality who are determined to represent a potential security concern to the United States. Consular and border officers make that determination using criteria that reflect current law enforcement intelligence. It is not based on ethnicity or religion. To date, individuals from well over 100 countries have been registered.
» Learn about the current list of countries affected by the registration requirement
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