Visa Waiver

US Embassy London: Limited Visa Processing Summer 2012

The US Embassy London has issued a notice regarding extremely limited US Visa processing in July and August 2012 due to the Olympics in London. In addition, US Embassy London has expanded its Visa Reissuance Program to additional temporary visa categories including the H-1B visa, H-4 visa, C-1 visa, D visa, and J-1 visa. Details are below. (more…)

Improving US Visa Processing: US Visa Pilot Program

On January 19, 2012, the White House unveiled new initiatives to promote the US as a premier destination for international travelers by improving the US visa and travel processes. The US Department of State has devoted significant resources to improving the US visa process, deploying additional personnel, expanding visa sections, and utilizing new systems and technologies to facilitate legitimate travel without compromising national security. These advances have allowed US DOS to issue more than 7.5 million visas in the last fiscal year, a 17% year-on-year increase. The US Visa Pilot Program, which seeks to improve US visa processing, begins January 19, 2012, and ends two years after that on January 19, 2014. (more…)

US Immigration Benefits: Japanese Nationals

As of March 17, 2011, in light of the recent Japan earthquakes and tsunami, USCIS has issued a reminder of US immigration benefits available to Japanese nationals upon request.  USCIS understands that a natural disaster can affect an individual’s ability to establish or maintain lawful US immigration status. Temporary relief measures regarding US immigration benefits for Japanese nationals may include: (more…)

Japan Earthquake: Visa Extension

On March 11, 2011, USCIS issued a notice for Japanese and other Pacific region nationals stranded in the US due to the recent earthquakes and tsunami permitting a visa extension in certain situations. Those who have exceeded or are about to exceed their authorized stay in the US may be permitted up to an additional 30 days to depart from the US. To obtain such additional authorized stay, see instructions below. (more…)

New ESTA Application Fee for US Visitors

On September 08, 2010, a new ESTA application fee of $14 will take effect for travelers to the US coming from Visa Waiver countries. (more…)