Webchat
A Web Chat with Consul General Richard Hermann
April 22, 2009
22/04/2009 02:02:47
Moderator : Hello and welcome to today's webchat with Mr. Richard Hermann, the Consul General for the U.S. Embassy Cairo. We are delighted to host this chat and thank you for spending time with us today.
CG Hermann : Good afternoon, everyone. I am delighted to be with you this afternoon to talk about travel to the U.S. and applying for U.S. visas. During my three years in Cairo, I have come to learn that there are a number of misconceptions and incorrect information about the U.S. visa process. I want everyone to have correct and accurate information which is why I like to do these webchat. I can't answer questions about specific cases but let me give you a couple of email addresses for you to use to ask about your specific cases:
Questions on immigrant or diversity visas: consularcairoiv@state.gov
Questions about non-immigrant visas: consularcaironiv@state.gov
Please give us one week to respond to your questions on email.
The embassy website containing general information about how to apply for a U.S. visa is:
http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html
The official State Department website for all information about the Diversity Visa Program is http://travel.state.gov.
I know there are lots of questions from all of you. I will answer as many as I possibly can in the next hour. If I don't answer your specific question, I hope you will find an answer to it in a similar question from someone else. Let's get started!
22/04/2009 02:09:49
fekra m.moustafa : DEAR SIR RETSHARD
MY SON MAHMOUD ELFEKY 15 YEARS OLD ,UNDER TREATMENT IN CHILDREN 'S CANCER HOSPITAL IN CAIRO AND THEIR IS COMMUNICATE WITH NATIONAL CHLDREN 'S LEUKEMIA FOUNDATION AT BROOKLYN IN N.Y TO TRANSFER HIM TO MAKE STEM CELL TRANSPLANTE -TO HIM BECOUSE WE DO NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF OPERATION IN MIDDEL EAST , THE EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT ,NCLF AND FAMILY ALL TOGATHER WELL SHARE THE COST OF OPERATION AND TRAVEL , FOR THAT SIR I NEED VISA FOR BOTH OF US ,AND I HAVE ALL DUCOMENTS.
SINCERELY
FEKRA M.MOUSTAFA
EMAIL:FARAMAEGY@YAHOO.COM
CG Hermann : Dear Fekra, thank you for your question. I am very sorry to learn of your son's condition. In cases like yours, we do everything possible to assist you quickly and in the interests of the patient. If you need to travel to the U.S. for medical reasons, you should be prepared to submit additional supporting papers about the treatment, where it will be performed, how long the treatment will last, the cost of the treatment and who will pay. To begin the application process, you should call to make an appointment by calling 0900 70 600.
22/04/2009 02:12:01
mohamed : hey sir , hope to have here in egypt and i would like to ask about the dv- 2011
because i dont apply in the 2010
CG Hermann : Dear Mohammed, thank you for your question. Information on the DV 2011 has not been released. When it is, you can find it at http://travel.state.gov. You can always go there for the latest information on the DV program.
22/04/2009 02:14:33
Rebecca : I plan on filing for the spousal visa later this year. What documents do I need to prove my 6 month residency here in Cairo?
CG Hermann : Dear Rebecca, thank you for joining the chat. There could be a number of ways for you to demonstrate your residency, including a residence visa in your passport, stamps in your passport, a lease, or employment records. Hope this helps.
22/04/2009 02:16:30
mostafa gabr : what are the necessary documents requied for dv visa 2009?
CG Hermann: Dear Mostafa,
If you are selected in the Diversity Visa lottery, you are provided with a full list of necessary documentation. If you would like to learn more about the DV program, please visit http://travel.state.gov.
22/04/2009 02:19:56
Eng.Hatem Refaee : Hello Sir,
I'm Hatem Refaee Past President Rotaract Club of Heliopolis Nozha one of Rotary international club
i'd like to know what step should i take to have visa to USA as we have RYLA North America Conference 1-5 July 2009
http://www.ryla09na.com
CG Hermann : Dear Hatem, thank you for your question. We are pleased to hear about the upcoming Rotary conference in the United States. Details on the application process are available on the embassy website athttp://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html. Our main advice to you is to apply early since summer is our busiest time of the year.
22/04/2009 02:24:08
Moustafa : Hello Dear, Please, My grandmother has alot of pains in her legs and she has to get treatment in a hospital in USA and i should to be with her cause she is very old woman.
Please,i have to know which papers i should bring with me to the embassy.
Notice,my grandmothers daughter live in usa and she is american.
Best Regards
22/04/2009 02:26:46
Tom : Hello, Is it any tourist visa for US valid for 5 years?
And how max time I can stay their ... like Is it possible to spend their all the 5 years?
Thank you
CG Hermann: Hi Tom, this is a very good question. We typically issue visitor visas to Egyptian for five years. That does not mean, however, that you can remain the U.S. for five years. When you enter the United States, a U.S. immigration officer at the border will determine how long you can remain in the U.S. on that visit. If you are going for tourism or business, the permitted stay is typically a maximum of six months. It is important that you not stay any longer than your authorized stay so that you don't encounter problems in the future.
22/04/2009 02:30:55
omar : hello sir we are a company of importing and exporting.whats is the acceptable papers should they send to me from the factory or company iam contacting?.i even want to take agency of some producte.
CG Hermann : Dear Omar, This is a very good question. It is most important when applying for a business visa for the applicant to be able to explain their business in Egypt and the purpose of their business travel to the United States. While supporting documents may be useful, the discussion with the consul about your travel to the U.S. is often the most important thing.
22/04/2009 02:34:15
mohamed : dear mr Richard iam so happy to talk to you, my uncle and cousins invited me to visit them in united states so i want to ask you, What are the papers required and what kind of visa I will apply for
CG Hermann : Dear Mohamed, Thank you for the question. You will apply for the "visitor visa," which is part of the "non-immigrant visa" category. You start your application right here on the this website athttp://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html. We look forward to your application.
22/04/2009 02:42:29
Ahmed Aly : As you know, most of the Egyptian youth who apply for the U.S. visa, are not granted the visa.(excluding J visas and visas you sponsor)
What do you advice the Egyptian youth when they apply for the visa?(Do you advice them not to do?) And why the consul refuses to check the papers we bring, and finish the interview within 30 seconds?
CG Hermann: Dear Ahmed, Thank you for your question.
Actually, I do know that 70% of Egyptians who apply for non-immigrant visas receive them - regardless of their age. And what's more, 80% approved for visas received them within a few working days. This is a vast improvement over a few years and we are very proud of that.
My advice to any applicant is to visit the embassy website for detailed information on the application process and to make the appointment well in advance of their expected travel date. I also tell prospective applicants to come prepared to clearly explain their purpose of travel. What is most important is the face to face interview with consul rather than any supporting papers you bring.
22/04/2009 02:45:04
CG Hermann: Hi Mohamed. As I indicated earlier, 80% of our nonimmigrant visa issuances are ready in just a couple of days. A small percentage of cases require additional administrative processing which can take a little longer. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict in advance of the visa interview whether extra time for processing will be needed. This is why we always encourage people to apply as far in advance as possible
22/04/2009 02:47:44
ahmed cobra : dear sir,
let me say hello first iam egyptian citizen and my best friend is american and she sent me invite to visit the states i want know all the paper they will requer from me to bring it with me in the embassy and i want know how to made appointment ? and is that will take long time. in the end thank u so much
CG Hermann: Ahmed,
You can make an appointment by calling 0900 70 600 from a landline. Currently, the wait time for an appointment is approximately seven working days. We always encourage you to make the appointment early since the summer months are busy with so many Egyptians traveling to the U.S. You can learn more about the application process and begin your application at http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html
22/04/2009 02:48:06
omar abd elsatar abd elazem : Hi,my uncle in america,He has american nationality and I hope travelto america the question what can i do to travel to america
CG Hermann : Hi Omar. An applicant for a non-immigrant visa (a temporary visit for business, pleasure, or study) is required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the interviewing officer that he or she has a permanent residence abroad and intends to depart the United States at the end of the authorized stay.
22/04/2009 02:48:59
Mohamed Mohamed : when is the best time to apply for the tourist visa and also what is the most important advises when we apply for this visa ?
CG Hermann : Thanks for your question Mohamed. Summer is always a very busy time for non-immigrant visa applications, especially May and June. We encourage applicants to apply for visas in the non-peak months from October through March.
22/04/2009 02:50:20 م
walid samir : hello sir, my name is walid, i have applied before for a tourist visa to visit a friend of mine there and i have provided allthe documents required but i was refused, and that was more than a year ago, now i want to apply again, but in fact i feel that every time i will apply i will be refused, i heard that once a person refused he will be refused forever, is that true? and i have very strong ties to my country which make me have to come back, i have a business here, and i have prperties too, and a family, and i dont need more than two one week because of my busy schedule, so will you please tell me if its true in case i applied again i will be refused again? and if the ties i have mentioned are enough or the denial will be without any reason?
CG Hermann : Hi Walid. A refusal for a non-immigrant visa under section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act is not permanent. I’m sorry you weren’t successful when you applied for a tourist visa before. However, you want to think carefully before reapplying. If you plan to submit the same information as you did earlier, I recommend against reapplying. I would suggest reapplying only if your circumstances have changed significantly from your original application. I hope this is helpful.
22/04/2009 02:50:48
Mahmoud : i have many american friends and all of them wrote me recommendations letters to the embassy to help me get the visa,so shall i bring it with me for the interview or no?
Thank you.
CG Hermann : Hi Mahmoud, Thank you for your question. This is a common misunderstanding. The most important factor in determining your qualifications for a visa is your own personal situation and your ties to Egypt. Letters from friends in the U.S. are fine but the most important factor is your face to face interview with the consul.
22/04/2009 02:52:16
Mina : What are the Condtions&qualifications to get A j_1 visa although last year i applied and didn"t have any reply on my case more than 60 days ?? I am a medicine student
Thanks for you time
CG Hermann : Thanks for your question. Please see our website at http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html for information on J1 exchange visitor visas. You might also want to check the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/.
22/04/2009 02:53:10
mohamed eisa : My wife applied for 1-130 while I was in USA. She received an approval notice for I-130 from USCIS this week . I am currently residing in Egypt . What steps should we follow to get a visa or to adjust my status to permenanbt residence.
CG Hermann : Dear Mohamed, Now that your wife's petition has been approved you should be receiving soon instructions from the National Visa Center (NVC) on how to proceed with the next step of the process.
22/04/2009 02:53:22
Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil : I am applying for J1 visa renewal by May 20, 2009 and I am doing my academic training right now. My DS-2019 application issued for me as a J1 student at july 29, 2003 and as you know it get renewd from time to time to extend my stay. My question here do I need to pay the SEVIS fee for the renewal since I asked the office of the international student here in my university and they mentioned that I don't have to pay because my DS-2019 issued before september 2004. Really I am worry from any surprise during my interview specially my vacation is limited and I don't want to lose any day for whatever reason. Thank you for your patience.
CG Hermann : Please see the following website for complete information regarding SEVIS requirements:http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html#sevis
22/04/2009 02:54:53
MOHSEN : dear Mr Hermann, i am a final year medical student, i honored to have the chance to apply for a good US university to have a 3 to 4 month training at their hospital , what makes me worry is the visa and what i hear about the high percent of refusals , they allow me to choose between B1 and J1 visas, which one is better and less likely to be refused?
also what are the papers required to bring with me to the interview ?
thanks
CG Hermann : Good question. Contrary to what you may hear, refusal percentages for Egypt are actually quite low. Over 70% of Egyptians who apply for non-immigrant visas are approved. Qualifications for visas are based on an individual’s personal circumstances and not on visa classifications, so there is no difference in the likelihood of getting a visa whether it’s a B1 or J1.
22/04/2009 02:55:57
Tamer : Dear sir,I am a winner of the 2009 Dv,i have a wife and kids,i want travel to the USA first and bring them later after a year or 2,is that will be problem to get them to the usa ?
CG Hermann : Thank you for your question. You can travel to the United States first and have your family members follow to join you. I must mention however that your family members must process their DV cases no later than September 30, 2009.
22/04/2009 02:57:00
Mohamed Mohsen Sayed Abd-Allah : I appled for the Visa nad already had, later I renewed my passport, so I am currently having a valid Visa on the old Passport, and not on the new one.
I asked verbaly during the application time, and they (the counsulate's employees) that I can travel using both passports rather than re-applying
Could you please confirm this as I intend to travel for medical reasons withina few weeks.
I appreciate if you let me know the reply through any of the following mobile numbers or e-mails
+20101766693
+20101506374
Mohsenms@bp.com
Mohamed_abd-allah@live.com
Thanks,
Mohamed
CG Hermann : Hi Mohamed. You can use the valid visa issued on an expired/old passport only if the bio data on the old passport matches the bio data on the new passport. If any information has changed, then you should reapply for a visa before you travel.
22/04/2009 02:57:47
Ahmed Hassan : If i want to travel to usa for attending conference from 1/6/2009-7/6/2009 then back again to egypt and travelto usa on 1/8/2008 as student and stay there for nearly 3 years.this means i need B1/B2 visa and F1 visa so what is the correct procedure i should do ?should i apply for F1 visa and once it issued i could use it to travel for a short visit for the conference or what is the right steps in this case ?
thank you for co-operation
Best Regards
Ahmed
CG Hermann : Thank you for your question Ahmed. You can apply for two different types of visas at the same time. Different types of travel require different types of visas, and it is very important to have the correct visa when entering the United States.
22/04/2009 02:58:45
refaat : my visa valid from 5 april2009 to 3 jul2009, but my exam in usa is in 1 october.
what can i do, because my visa will be expired before my exam.
my visa( from saudia arabia)
CG Hermann : Thank you for your question. Persons with expired visas need to obtain new visas before they will be allowed to travel to the United States.
22/04/2009 02:59:11
Mmimmi : Dear Sir, First of all, I'd like to express my thanks and respect for the efforts your website offers. As you know well that embassy regualtions are too strict to accept visitors to USA.Of course this is due to the illegal immigration of some persons.
However, this affects us badly and created internal fear to apply to the embassy.I'm a teacher here in Egypt and would like to have two weeks or three on next July or August in USA. What are the accurate procedures and regulations should I adhere to avoid refusal from US embassy?
Thanks/ Mmimmi
CG Hermann : Dear Mmimmi,
Thank you for the question. I hope you have had the chance to read some of the other questions and answers. One misperception raised today has been the difficulty of getting a visa when, in fact, the vast majority of applicants get a visa and get it in three days or less. We would certainly enjoy the opportunity to receive your application. As we mentioned before, the summer months are the busiest, so if you are planning to travel next July or August, you should make your appointment well in advance so that it is more convenient for you to schedule your appointment for your interview. One of the most important aspects of the visa interview is convince the consul that you intend to return to Egypt after a temporary stay in the U.S. That is why the interview is so important.
22/04/2009 02:59:25
Eslam : Dear sir
first of all i'd like to say that im really honored to have some one answering my question and i appricate your time . well i really will love to visit the U.S sometime this year but some people are telling me that its impossiable for a single guy with 26 years old to go to usa and its not easy to get the visa , is that true? forgive me if im being straight forward but thats what i hear always about going to the usa . i hope to get an answer and thank you for your time once again sir .
CG Hermann : Thank you for your e-mail. There is no age criteria for issuing visas to the U.S. All applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country and an intent that they will return to their country after a short visit to the U.S.
22/04/2009 03:00:33
Hany Albeshry : Hello, I own a software and web development company in Egypt since 2001 and I would like to relocate in the USA and I believe I have adequate financial resources to start a new business in the US, can you please hilight the appropriate procedures I should be taking!
Kind Regards,
Hany Albeshry
CG Hermann : Sounds interesting Hany. We suggest your first stop be the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service here at the Embassy. Their website is: http://www.buyusa.gov/egypt/en/
22/04/2009 03:01:12
Jack Gamal : Dear sir ,
I am really want to study in U.S.
I want to ask about the steps I must do ? And about the all the papers I must prig.
And do I need a immigration agency to help me or what can I do?
CG Hermann : Hi Jack. Complete instructions on how to apply for a student visas can be found on our website at:http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html An immigration agency is generally not necessary to assist you with your visa application, and can sometimes give bad advice. Instead, if you have specific questions, we suggest that you contact us directly at ConsularCairoNIV@state.gov
22/04/2009 03:02:17
bassem : hello sir, i applied for US visa one year ago and i didn't get , actually ihave nothing to do there and i'm not tring to stay there , i want just visit USA for nothing , can i apply again
CG Hermann : There are no limits on the number of times an individual can apply for a visa. However, I strongly recommend that anyone reapplying for a visa after a prior refusal be prepared to provide the interviewing officer with new information regarding their qualifications. Absent new information, the result may very well be the same.
22/04/2009 03:02:50
haitham : i would like to go and live in u.s.a .....i have two degree in education ...finished my study at college commerce and also complet my study at professioal guideness deploma ......what i have to do to get visa?
CG Hermann : Thank you for your question. In order to immigrate to the U.S., you have to be the beneficiary of an approved petition filed by an immediate relative who is a U.S. citizen, or the beneficiary of a petition filed by a U.S. employer requiring your professional services. You may also apply for the Diversity Lottery program which is announced on yearly basis. You may visit our website at http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html around September/October to follow up on the announcement of the DV program.
22/04/2009 03:03:44
ahmed gamal : hello dr margret scobey i want to ask u aquestion?
if my sister won dv lottery can i move with her to us or can my dady traviel with her
she is younger than me
my yahoo mail:sinna_usa@yahoo.com
have nice easter
happy easter i wait the answer
CG Hermann : Thank you for your question. Only spouses and children of selected DV applicants are entitled to derive status and accompany the principal applicant. Parents and siblings are not entitled to accompany DV applicants.
22/04/2009 03:04:09
ahmed : Dear Sir, I won the 2010 DV lottery and I have a qustion:
once i get the visa can I go with the family and setle there for couple of weeks and then come back in two or three weeks to finish my stuff and return to USA after one month.
CG Hermann : There is no specific time frame for immigrants to remain in the United States after obtaining their green card. However, green card holders need to maintain their resident status in the U.S. and under no circumstances should they remain outside the United States for longer than 12 months.
22/04/2009 03:05:14
Samy : Thanks Mr. Hermann for you time!
Kindly, I have been accepted in a PhD program in the US. I will probably travel by 12-13 August 09. However, I have just knew that I been accepted as well for a summer course at another University, which starts by June 09 till early August 09.
So,I wonder if I will be able to attend the Summer Course and then move to my University. I think I will have to apply for student visa, and exchange visa.
By the way, I have all necessary documents for my PhD and my Summer Course.
Thanks for your kind in advance
Samy
CG Hermann : Hi Samy. It’s possible to apply for more than one type of visa at the same time, but this requires two separate application forms, and two fee receipts – one for each type of visa.
mourad : am doctor mourad mourice abel -mseh and i have a green card for me and my wife and my daughter also have , and we also have re-entry permit which end by the end of this year 2009 , and now my wife pregnant , what about the new born if born outside USA? with my best wishes
your sincerely
Dr mourad mourice
CG Hermann : Hello Dr. Mourad. Babies born outside of the United States to parents with green cards need to be issued boarding letters from the Embassy prior to departing for the U.S.
22/04/2009 03:07:12
Moderator : Thanks to everyone who participated in today's webchat and thanks to Consul General Richard Hermann for his time.
CG Hermann : Thanks to everyone for your great questions. I tried to answer as many questions as possible. If I was unable to answer your question or you still need more information, please remember the following websites:
US Visa information: http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/acs.html
Diversity Visa program or any visa question: http://travel.state.gov
If you have specific questions about your case, please use the following email addresses:
Immigrant or diversity visas: consularcairoiv@state.gov
Non-immigrant visas: consularcaironiv@state.gov
U.S. citizenship or questions about services for American citizens: consularcairoacs@state.gov
Thank you again for joining me for this afternoon's chat!