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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

For questions about student visas, please see Frequently Asked Questions About Student Visas.

Applying For a Visa

Traveling To the United States

Emergency Visas

Questions Regarding Nonimmigrant Visa Refusals

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Can I "transfer" my valid visa into my new passport?

There is no provision in U.S. visa regulations to transfer a visa from one passport to another. If you have a valid visa for travel to the United States in a travel document that has expired or will expire within the next six months, you may still present it to enter the United States. You do not need another visa in a new travel document. However, you will also have to present a valid travel document, valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure from the United States, when entering the country. Thus, you should carry two travel documents - one that is valid and the other with a valid visitor visa - when you travel to the United States. The two travel documents should be of the same nationality. (For this purpose, we consider BNO passports and HKSAR passports to be the same.) Those travelers who find it inconvenient to travel with two passports may apply to have a visitor visa issued into the new, valid passport. Please note that this will be a new application and therefore an application fee must be paid. The visa in the old passport will be cancelled.

Can I "extend" my visa?

You may not extend a visa. You must make a new application. Please see "How Do I Apply?" for instruction on how to apply. Please be sure to bring along the passport that shows you had been issued a previous U.S. visa.

What is Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program?

The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program allows certain passport holders to travel to Guam and Saipan without a visa. Participating countries / geographic areas: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (holders of BNO passport and HKSAR passports), Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Republic of South Korea, Taiwan, and United Kingdom.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was included in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, effective November 28, 2009. However, only persons holding the British National Overseas (BNO) passports or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports are eligible for this program. Hong Kong identification card will be required for HKSAR passport holders for admission. Persons holding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (HKDI) or Macau Special Administrative Region (Macau SAR) passports are not eligible for this program.

Note: Beginning May 23, 2011, individuals holding BNO passports traveling to Guam and Saipan under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program must also present a Hong Kong identification card.

Travelers traveling to Guam or Saipan under Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program should know that the program:

  • Allows the admission not to exceed 45 days.
  • Allows admission only to Guam or the CNMI (Saipan).
  • Does not provide for onward travel to the rest of the United States.
  • Requires completed and signed Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Information form (Form I-736), and a completed Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94), Both forms are available from the participating airlines.
  • Requires valid unexpired ICAO compliant, machine readable passport.
  • Requires no previous violations of any prior admissions to the United States.
  • Requires Hong Kong identification card if travel with HKSAR passport. Beginning May 23, 2011, individuals traveling with BNO passports must also present a Hong Kong identification card.
  • Requires Taiwan National Identity Card and valid Taiwan passport with a valid re-entry permit if travel with Taiwan passport.

Note: The following four countries are removed from the participating countries/geographic regions list: Indonesia, Vanuatu, Western Samoa and Solomon Islands. Passport holders from Indonesia, Vanuatu, Western Samoa and Solomon Islands will need a visa to travel to Guam or Saipan when the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program become effective beginning November 28, 2009.

Please see Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program for more information.

Can I transmit my completed online application form electronically?

After completing the DS-160, the applicant will electronically transmit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to their interview.

Do I have to use the new online visa application form?

All applicants for non-immigrant visas to the United States should use the new online visa application form to complete their visa applications. Applicants who use the online visa application form can make appointments for any weekday (except for local and U.S. holidays) for their interview via our online appointment system. The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong requires all non-immigrant visa applicants to use the online visa application form.

Can I mail in my completed visa application?

No. Unless you are age 14 or under or age 80 and above, you must come to the U.S. Consulate General and make a personal appearance for an interview. Please see "How Do I Apply?" for full instructions.

Can I use the visa application drop-box?

Only applicants who are under age 14 or age 80 or older can use the drop-box system. Please note that student visa (F/J/M) applicants cannot use the drop-box system. If you are qualified to use the drop-box system, first you need to fill out an online visa application form and pay the application fee just as you would to apply for an interview. You then need to bring the completed application to the U.S. Consulate General on business days between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. After your application has been received at the window, you will be given information on how to pay the Hongkong Post to deliver the visa and passport back to you.

How long before my planned departure should I apply for a visa?

We recommend that applicants apply as far in advance as possible, or at least three months before their travel date. While most applications can be processed expeditiously, occasionally a case requires additional processing time. There is also no guarantee that your visa application will be approved. The normal delivery time for applicants to receive their visas is 3-4 business days after the interview, depending on where the passport and visa will be delivered. Factors beyond our control sometimes delay the release of passports with the visas. For current appointment dates, please see Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment System.

What kind of visa do I need to do an internship in the United States?

U.S. immigration law provides for many categories of visas, depending on a person's proposed activities in the United States. For programs that are generally referred to as "internships," several types of visas may be appropriate.

The B1/B2 "visitor" visa can be issued to applicants for programs that involve observation and information-gathering only. There can be no "hands-on" work and the applicant cannot receive payment. The applicant must also prove his/her intent to return to Hong Kong or Macau at the end of the program.

In certain cases, "visitor" visas can be issued to applicants who want to go to the United States to volunteer with a religious or non-profit charitable organization in order to assist the poor or the needy or to further a religious or charitable cause. The program may not, however, involve the selling of articles and/or the solicitation and acceptance of donations.

The J-1 "exchange visitor" visa can be issued to applicants for "hands-on" internships of up to 18 months. The internship program must be accredited through the Department of State's Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs and be eligible to issue a DS-2019. Please see Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for more information. Applicants who wish to do "hands-on" internships at small companies or organizations in the United States can contact an organization accredited to coordinate J-1 exchanges in order to obtain the necessary paperwork. Please see the list of Designated Sponsoring Organization. Please also see J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program for useful information.

The H-3 "trainee" visa can be issued to applicants for internships or training programs of up to two years. The United States company must file a petition with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a work permit for the applicant. The applicant must wait until DHS approves the petition before applying for a visa. If the petition is approved, DHS will issue a "Notice of Action" showing the approved dates for the program, the petitioner, and the beneficiary. The applicant can be paid and "hands-on" work is authorized. Please see Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers for more information.

What are "strong ties?"

Visa applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficiently strong family, social, or economic ties to their place of residence to ensure that their projected stay in the United States will be temporary. It is impossible to specify the exact documents visa applicants should bring since each applicant's circumstances vary greatly. Visa applicants should bring to the interview whatever documents they think will help their visa applications. Under U.S. law, it is the applicants' responsibility to show that they have strong enough ties to their place of residence to qualify for a non-immigrant visa. Third party guarantees do not represent sufficient evidence of strong ties to receive a visa.

How long will I wait at the Consulate?

The appointment time is scheduled for when we expect you to appear in the line to submit your application. Expect the entire process to take approximately two hours to complete. All applicants are required to complete the online application form available on our website.

How soon will I know whether I qualify for a visa?

The interviewing officer will inform you of the outcome of your visa application at the conclusion of your interview.

How long will it take for me to get my passport and visa back?

Successful nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants will need to return to the U.S. Consulate General to pick up their passports in person. Most passports should be ready for pick up two (2) business days after the interview, however, individual issuance times may vary significantly. Please note that there is no same day delivery of visas except in rare cases of humanitarian or medical emergency. You should apply as far in advance of your planned travel date as possible.

Note: Hongkong Post has closed its postal services counter at the Consulate General. December 21, 2012 was the last day Hongkong Post collected the postage fee from successful applicants for passport delivery services.

Effective December 24, 2012, successful visa applicants will be instructed to return to the Consulate General to pick up their passports in person.

Can I arrange to get my passport and visa back earlier?

Successful nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants will need to return to the U.S. Consulate General to pick up their passports in person. For nonimmigrant visa applicants, most passports should be ready for pick up two business days after the interview. However, individual issuance times may vary significantly. Please note that there is no same day delivery of visas except in rare cases of humanitarian or medical emergency. Applicants are urged to apply as far in advance of their travel date as possible.

For immigrant visa applicants, the Immigrant Visa Section will inform the applicant at the time of the interview when the passport will be ready for pick up or call the applicant when the passport is ready to be picked up.

Note: Hongkong Post has closed its postal services counter at the Consulate General. December 21, 2012 was the last day Hongkong Post collected the postage fee from successful applicants for passport delivery services.

Effective December 24, 2012, successful visa applicants will be instructed to return to the Consulate General to pick up their passports in person.

Can I accompany a visa applicant to his/her interview?

The applicant is the only person allowed into the U.S. Consulate for a visa interview. Relatives, friends, co-workers, employers, lawyers, etc. will not be allowed into the building.

Parents or legal guardians are advised to accompany any minor child (age 17 and under) to the appointment if the child is applying for a tourist visa. Children under age 14 do not have to appear in person. However, if the child is not present, only the parent or legal guardian of a minor child can apply for a tourist visa on behalf of that child. Parents or legal guardians must provide proof of relationship or legal guardianship status such as an original birth certificate or other court documents.

I am a domestic helper. Can I accompany my employer to the States?

Under certain limited circumstances, a B-1 visa may be issued to a personal servant accompanying or following to join the employer on a temporary visit to the United States. Please see Domestic Helpers for detailed requirements and procedures.

I haven't applied for a visa, but I need to be ink fingerprinted for other reasons. Can I do this at the Consulate?

The Consulate provides fingerprinting services for individuals who need them for official U.S. Government security checks. This includes for visa applications and applications being processed for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. It also includes security clearance procedures for individuals as required by other U.S. Government agencies, such as the U.S. military.

However, the Consulate no longer provides fingerprinting services for individuals for private or non-U.S. purposes. We do not provide fingerprinting services for individuals applying for Hong Kong or Macau ID cards, for example. We also do not provide fingerprinting for individuals who are seeking a police check from their home country's government, even if they are doing so in support of a U.S. immigrant visa application. If you need fingerprinting for any reason other than to meet a requirement by a U.S. Government agency, we encourage you to avail yourself of the fingerprinting services offered by both the Hong Kong Police and the Macau Police at the locations listed below. See also the website of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Identification Record Request/Criminal Background Check) for information on how to submit your fingerprints directly to the FBI for processing.

Hong Kong:
Certificate of No Criminal Conviction Office
14/F., Arsenal House
Police Headquarters
1 Arsenal Street
Wan Chai Hong Kong.
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am – 5:15 pm (Payment at Police Shroff closes between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm and at 5:00 pm); Saturday/Sunday/Public Holiday: Closed
The service is free of charge, and no appointment is necessary.
The Hong Kong Police can provide you with the fingerprint form.
See also: Certificate of No Criminal Conviction - The Hong Kong Police

Macau:
Certificate of Criminal Record Office
Avenida da Prala Grande, No. 804,
Edificia China Plaza, Macau.
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on Saturday, Sunday and government holidays
Telephone number: (853) 2837-0777
The service is free of charge, and no appointment is necessary.
The Macau Police can provide you with the fingerprint form.
See also: Certificate and location - Direcção dos Serviços de Identificação (the Macau SAR Identification Department)

The consular officer told me that my visa requires additional administrative processing. How long will it take?

Applicants who require additional administrative processing may expect processing to last an average of three to five months. Each case is different, and the Consulate cannot guarantee the exact time that your case's processing will be complete. We apologize for this delay but are generally unable to expedite the process. We will contact you at the telephone numbers you listed on your application as soon as we receive notification that we can issue you a visa. Please understand that this waiting period is necessary as we strive to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the United States for all, including foreign visitors. We ask for your patience and understanding as we fulfill our security requirements.

I am traveling to the United States on a "L" visa as an intra-company transferee. My company has an approved blanket petition from the Department of Homeland Security. Why must I pay an extra U.S. $500 fee for this visa?

Blanket petitions for international companies transferring employees to the United States require extensive anti-fraud background investigations by the Department of Homeland Security. These investigations are time consuming and expensive. The Department of Homeland Security has established this 500 USD fraud prevention fee for all blanket "L" visa applications. This non-refundable anti-fraud fee is charged in addition to the visa application fee and is also collected before the visa interview. Only the principal applicant in any particular case is charged. The applicant's spouse and children are exempt from the anti-fraud fee.

The consular officer told me that my application requires a Hong Kong and/or Macau police certificate before my visa can be approved. How do I obtain this document?

Visa applicants who have convictions in Hong Kong must return to the U.S. Consulate with a "Criminal Record Summary," which is issued by the Hong Kong Police. After your visa interview, Consulate staff will explain to you how to obtain this document. In certain cases, visa applicants with no prior convictions in Hong Kong may be required by the consular officer to apply for a "Certificate of No Criminal Record," also issued by the Hong Kong Police. Again, our office will instruct you how to apply for this document. The Hong Kong Police can usually issue a "Criminal Record Summary" to you on the same day. However, the Hong Kong Police send the "Certificates of No Criminal Conviction" to the Consulate directly, and this process usually takes four weeks. Expedited service of one to two weeks is possible, if you request this directly with the Hong Kong Police. If your visa application requires a Macau police certificate, the Consulate will provide you with more information after your visa interview.

Do I still need a visa if I am APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holder?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Please note that the ABTC does not guarantee visa issuance or admission at the port of entry.

Can I travel on a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport?

Generally yes. If you have a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport, you may still travel to the U.S. on the valid visa, provided you travel with a valid passport of the same nationality as the expired passport and the two passports contain identical biographic data. For this purpose, both British National (Overseas) and Hong Kong SAR passports are considered the same nationality. As such, you may travel on a valid visa in an expired BN(O) passport with a valid HKSAR passport with the same biographical information, or vice versa. If you are traveling on valid visa in an expired passport, please be sure to travel with both the expired passport and the valid passport. Please note, however, that you may not travel on a valid visa in an expired People's Republic of China passport with a valid HKSAR passport, or vice versa, as these two passports are not considered the same nationality for this purpose.

Note that while you are not required to obtain a new U.S. visa in your new passport, you may do so if you like. If you choose to do so, however, you will be making a new application (see "How Do I Apply?").

Can I travel with the "indefinite" visa that was previously issued to me?

The U.S. government no longer issues indefinite visas. All indefinite visas automatically became void March 31, 2004.

How long can I stay in the United States?

When you arrive in the United States, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials at the port of entry will determine the maximum allowable length of stay based on your travel plans. If you subsequently wish to remain beyond the time granted, you must submit a request for an extension to the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office prior to your authorized departure date. Failure to do so could result in your being ineligible to enter the United States in the future.

Do I need to depart the United States when my visa expires?

A U.S. visa allows the bearer to enter the United States during the validity period of the visa and for the stated number of entries. When you arrive in the United States, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials at the port of entry will determine the length of your stay based on your travel plans. The visa must be valid at the time of your arrival in the United States, but the validity period printed on your visa has nothing to do with the period of time that you will be allowed to remain in the United States.

I have a valid U.S. visa. Can I enter the United States from anywhere in the world?

Yes, you can apply for entry to the United States at any of the U.S. ports of entry.

Can I use the Visa Waiver Program to travel to the United States?

Passport holders of the following countries are eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, if:

  • They present a machine-readable passport (MRP) valid for six months past their expected stay in the United States. To learn more, read What do I need to know about VWP machine-readable passport (MRP) and e-Passport requirements? This includes all categories of passports -- regular, diplomatic, and official, when the traveler is seeking to enter the U.S. for business or tourist purposes, for a maximum of 90 days. If the passport was issued between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006, it must have a digital photograph printed on the biographic data page of the passport OR include an integrated chip with information from the data page. If the passport has neither, the traveler is required to obtain a U.S. visa. If the passport was issued before October 26, 2005, no further requirements are in effect;
  • The purpose of their stay in the United States is 90 days or less for tourism or business (if in doubt, travelers should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate to verify that what they plan to do is considered tourism or business. Transit through the United States is generally permitted. Note that foreign media representatives planning to engage in that vocation in the U.S. are not eligible, as the purpose their stay does not qualify as "business");
  • They have complied with the conditions of previous admissions under the Visa Waiver Program, and have not been found ineligible for a U.S. visa; and
  • If arriving by air or sea, they are traveling on an approved carrier (almost all major airlines and cruise ship companies are currently approved carriers - copies of carrier lists may be requested from the Department of Homeland Security's National Fines Office at 1525 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209), and have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination other than the U.S. or adjacent islands; or
  • If arriving by land, they can demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days or less in the U.S. and sufficient funds to support themselves in the United States.

Passport holders for the following countries: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Slovak Republic and Malta, may travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa for tourist and business travel of 90 days or less, provided they possess a biometric passport containing an integrated chip with information from the data page on the passport (e-passport).

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administers the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Enrollment in ESTA is mandatory for ALL VWP participants effective. If you have a visa to visit the USA, or a Canadian passport, this message does not apply to you. The ESTA applies only to Visa Waiver Program participants. For information about ESTA, please see ESTA webpage and Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

If you are from a country that participates in the VWP, and are unsure – for any reason – whether you are qualified to use the VWP you should submit an ESTA application. The online application will alert you if you are not qualified to use the VWP.

If an ESTA application is denied and the traveler wishes to continue with the trip, the traveler will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. All nonimmigrant visa applicants must go through the same process. Nonimmigrant visa applications are processed by appointment only. Please see How Do I Apply? for complete visa application instructions.

Beginning September 8, 2010, all VWP participants will be required to pay operational and travel promotion fees when applying for an ESTA.

All payments for electronic travel authorization applications must be made by credit card or debit card when applying for or renewing an ESTA. The ESTA system currently accepts only the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover. Your application will not be submitted for processing until all payment information is received.

The total fee for a new or renewed ESTA will be $14.00. The fee is comprised of two parts:

  • Processing Charge -- All applicants requesting an electronic travel authorization are charged for the processing of the application. The fee is $4.00.
  • Authorization charge -- If your application is approved and you receive authorization to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, an additional $10.00 will be charged to your credit card. If your electronic travel authorization is denied, you are only charged for the processing of your application.

Please see DHS, CBP Announce Interim Final Rule For ESTA Fee for more information about ESTA fee.

Frequently Asked Questions about ESTA Fee:

Q. What is the new fee charged to travelers?

A. It is $14.00. Since the implementation of ESTA, DHS has had discretion to charge a fee to cover administrative costs. DHA determined that cost to be $4.00 per registration. The Travel Promotion Act (TPA) fee adds an additional $10.00.

Q. When will the fee go into effect?

A. ESTA registrations on or after September 8, 2010, will be subject to the fee.

Q. How do travelers pay the fee?

A. At this time, payment is required through the following credit cards: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Payments can also be made with a debit card that holds the Visa or Mastercard symbol. Please check with your bank on the compatibility of your debit card. We are continuing to explore other payment measures. The ESTA registration form already in use will walk users through the payment process.

Q. What types of privacy protection exist on the website?

A. "Pay.gov" uses advanced encryption to protect transactions while applicants are logged in. When accessing a profile, any account numbers entered will be masked on-screen.

Q. How long are ESTA approvals valid?

A. Each approved ESTA application will be valid for a period of two years unless the traveler's passport expires sooner. It allows for multiple visits to the United States within that application.

Q. If I have a valid ESTA, will I have to re-register when the new fees go into effect?

A. No, existing ESTA registrations remain valid for travel through their expiration date.

Q. Is ESTA approval like a visa?

A. An ESTA approval is not a visa under U.S. law, nor does it confer the same benefits as a visa.

Q. Will this attract more international visitors to the United States?

A. Oxford Economics, a leading economic forecasting consultancy, estimates that the TPA program will generate $4 billion in new visitor spending, and lead to the creation of 40,000 new jobs.

Q. Why do VWP countries have to fund this travel promotion program through ESTA fees?

A. Some countries fund tourism promotion through airline or hotel taxes. The Travel Promotion Act legislation specified that the U.S. government fund this program through a $10 fee added to ESTA registration.

Please note: VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and who make a short trip to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island generally can be readmitted to the U.S. under the VWP for the original admission period. See the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for additional details. Also VWP nationals resident in Mexico, Canada or adjacent islands are generally exempted from requirements to show onward travel to other foreign destinations. Learn more at the CBP website: Visa Waiver Program.

I am traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Can I enter the United States from anywhere in the world?

Yes, provided you meet all of the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program. Please see Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for additional information.

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

If you returned home with your departure record Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) in your passport, it means that your departure was not properly recorded. It is your responsibility to correct this record. You must provide sufficient information so we can confirm your timely departure from the United States. This will close out your earlier record of arrival to this country.

For the most current procedures on turning in your I-94, please see How to record departure from the United States after the fact.

Can I use my Hong Kong or Macau driver's license when I visit the United States?

Visitors who wish to rent cars and drive in the United States must have a valid driver's license from their own country. In some cases, an international driver's license may be required. You can contact individual car rental companies directly for specific information.

Driver's licenses accepted in the United States are:

  • Any license issued by any US state, territory or possession.
  • A license issued by a Canadian province.
  • A license issued by a country that participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic (Both Hong Kong and Macau are signatories to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic).
  • A license issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the United States.

What food products can I take to the United States?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes criteria for the admissibility of plant, dairy and meat products returning with travelers and determines what may be admitted into the United States. Please see the Animal and Plant Health inspection Service (APHIS) Travel Information for more information. The USDA can be contacted at 301-734-8896 for information about the admissibility of plant or plant products.

All travelers entering the United States from a foreign country must declare all:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Plants and plant products
  • Meat and meat products
  • Animals, birds, and eggs

Your declaration may be oral, written, or both, and must cover all items carried in your baggage and hand luggage. If you are returning from abroad, you will be given a Customs Declaration form on which to declare your agricultural products. You will also be asked to indicate whether you have visited a farm or ranch outside the United States. USDA officers inspect passenger baggage for undeclared agricultural products. Failure to declare any items may result in delays and fines of up to $1,000.

Agricultural products of U.S. origin, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and birds taken out of the United States, cannot always be brought back into the country. These items should be declared upon returning. Consult in advance with USDA inspectors.

My family member is in a hospital in the United States. How can I get an emergency visa to visit him?

Applicants for medical emergency cases may submit their applications between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. They must present a letter from the hospital in the United States about the medical condition of the patient, together with other supporting documents, i.e. proof of relationship between the applicant and the patient, financial documents of the applicant, etc. Please see "How Do I Apply?" for more details on where to pay the visa application fee, application form, photo requirements, and suggested documents to bring to the interview, etc.

I need to attend my relative's funeral in the United States. How can I get an emergency visa?

Applicants for emergency cases may submit their applications between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. They must present a letter from the hospital or the funeral home in the United States. about the death of the relative, together with other supporting documents, i.e. proof of relationship between the applicant and the relative, financial documents of the applicant, etc. Please see "How Do I Apply?" for more details on where to pay the visa application fee, application form, photo requirements, and suggested documents to bring to the interview, etc.

Why didn't the Consular Officer give me time to explain?

The Consular Officer who refused your visa is highly trained. During a short interview, the Consular Officer looks at several aspects of your case: your situation in Hong Kong, your stated intent in visiting the United States, your previous travel history, your financial situation, and many other factors. Based upon the unique circumstances of your case, the Consular Officer asked you the questions he/she deemed necessary to elicit relevant information. The Consular Officer weighed your answers to those questions with the other facts of your case.

Why didn't the Consular Officer look at my documents?

Applying for a non-immigrant visa is not a documentary process. Consular Officers never rely only on documents. Documents alone do not establish an applicant's intentions. Documents that demonstrate that an applicant is well established in his/her own country can in some circumstances help to show an individual's intent to return to his/her own country after a temporary stay in the United States. Depending on the specifics of your case, the Consular Officer may or may not have needed to examine your documents closely to make a decision about your eligibility for a visa. You were correct to bring documents with you, in case the Consular Officer needed to refer to them. If the Consular Officer made a decision in your case without a detailed scrutiny of your documents, it was because other circumstances of your case were clear. If your visa was refused, it is highly unlikely that any document you could provide would significantly alter the Consular Officer's decision about your case.

Why can't I get my money back?

The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa is subject to this fee. The application instructions state clearly that this fee is non-refundable and will not be returned if you fail to establish that you qualify for a U.S. visa. This office has no authority to refund an application fee.

Why didn't the Information Unit tell me that I would not get a visa?

Every application for a visa is based on its own merits. Before an application is presented, it is only possible to give general information regarding the visa application process and suggest the types of documents that might help you to demonstrate your eligibility for a U.S. visa. The visa application instructions clearly state that there is no guarantee that you will receive a U.S. visa if you choose to apply.

I was refused a visa, can I re-apply?

If you were found ineligible under U.S. law to receive a visa but you now have new information, or if your overall circumstances have changed significantly, you may re-apply following the same procedures as any other applicant. Re-applying is the only way to have your application reconsidered.

I have a complaint about the application process. What can I do?

All visa applicants are entitled to courteous, efficient and consistent treatment. If you feel that you were treated improperly during the processing of your visa application, you should write to the Chief of the Visa Unit, U.S. Consulate General, 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong, and describe the circumstances. Your concerns will be investigated and corrective action taken where justified.

I called the Call Center 900-60-798-798, but the number cannot be reached. How can I reach them?

Those who have not previously used a 900 number service should contact their service providers for registration. Alternatively, if their service provider does not permit calls to 900 numbers, callers may purchase the pre-paid Hello Phonecard to access the number. The Hello Phonecard is available at any authorized PCCW outlet.

What should I do if my visa is lost or stolen?

There is no provision in U.S. visa regulations to reinstate a visa which has been reported lost or stolen. If you wish to travel to the United States, you will need to apply for a new visa. Complete visa application instructions are available on "How Do I Apply?" web page. The website provides details on how to make an appointment, where to pay the visa application fee, the application form, the photo requirement, and suggested documents to bring to the interview. Please also bring a police report regarding your lost or stolen passport.

If your visa is lost or stolen, it is very important that you report the loss of the passport and visa to the Hong Kong Police and that you obtain a police report in order to help protect yourself from identity theft. We also ask that you send a fax addressed to the Consulate's Fraud Prevention Unit at 2147-5790. Please include the following information:

  1. Your name, date and place of birth, and nationality.
  2. Your address and phone number.
  3. A photocopy of the lost visa, if available, or the date and place of issuance, if known.
  4. A photocopy of the bio-data page of your lost passport, if available. If not, the nationality and number of your lost passport as well as the issuance and expiration dates, if available.
  5. Circumstances of the loss: When and how your passport was lost or stolen.

Has HIV infection been removed from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance?

The Final Rule in the Federal Register removing references to HIV from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance went into effect January 4, 2010. HIV infection is no longer an inadmissible condition, and HIV testing will no longer be required for medical examinations for visa purposes. Further, applicants who are HIV-positive will no longer require waiver processing by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Application, and DS-230 Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration forms contain the following question: "Have you ever been afflicted with a communicable disease of public health significance or a dangerous physical or mental disorder, or ever been a drug user or addict?" Effective January 4, 2010, HIV- positive visa applicants will no longer have to answer "Yes" to this question based solely on their HIV status. Applicants who are HIV-positive, and can otherwise answer "No" to the question, should answer "No" beginning on January 4, 2010.

 

Last modified: January 4, 2013

Immigration and travel