Nonimmigrant Visas
General Information
Announcement for Visa Applicants
Starting on March 18, 2013, the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong will implement new, streamlined procedures for U.S. visa applications. These procedures will include more options for scheduling appointments, a convenient way to pay visa application fees, and free home or office delivery of passports in Hong Kong.
A new, web-based information system (www.ustraveldocs.com) and a free call center service will be available starting March 18, 2013 to assist applicants with their applications. In addition, visa applicants will be able to book appointments through a convenient online system associated with the new website, or by speaking with a call center agent.
Under these new procedures, applicants will be able to pay their visa application fees at any 7-11 store located in Hong Kong or Macau. After March 15, 2013, applicants will no longer be able to pay visa application fees at Dah Sing Bank or at Banco Comercial de Macau. If applicants plan to request a visa interview appointment after March 15, they should wait to use the new payment system at that time.
Applicants will also enjoy free home or office delivery of their passports to most locations in Hong Kong. Three locations on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon will also be available for in-person pick-up.
Passport Delivery Services
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.
All applicants must use the online visa application form available on this website. See "How Do I Apply?"
Applicants can book appointments via our on-line system and we usually have next-day availability. See "How Do I Apply?" Emergency appointments can be obtained in circumstances related to medical and humanitarian emergencies, see "Emergency Appointments." Expedited appointments can be obtained for urgent business travel, see "Expedited Appointments for Business Travel."
There is no same day delivery of visas. Most visas are delivered in 3-4 business days, but occasionally additional processing is required which may take 14-90 days. As such, please schedule your appointment as soon as your travel plans are made and as far in advance as possible.
Last modified: February 6, 2013
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Visa News
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Beware of Fraudulent Websites and Emails
The U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong does not endorse or have a "special relationship" with any individual, business, or website offering advice or assistance with the visa process. No one can guarantee the issuance of a visa to you. All U.S. government forms are free. Some websites and emails try to mislead customers and members of the public into thinking they are official U.S. government websites. These websites are designed to appear official, and often have images of the U.S. flag, U.S. Capitol, White House, or Statue of Liberty. What these websites and emails are missing is the ".gov" suffix on their addresses. Remember that anything that does not end with ".gov" should be considered suspect.
NSEERS
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Effective April 28, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) no longer requires registration of foreign citizens entering and exiting the United States under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), also known as Special Registration. More information is available in the Federal Register notice (PDF 180 KB) from DHS dated April 28, 2011.
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