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U.S. Visa Fee FAQ

Contacting the Service Center

To contact the service center, please look into your account at ais.usvisa-info.com/ or usvisascheduling.com/ . 

When contacting the US visa service center for visa fee-related issues, you need to provide the following information:

• Passport numbers for all applicants
• Dates of birth for all applicants
• The names in the passports for all applicants
• Payment amount (i.e., $140, $160, $350, $370, etc.) and the multiples (i.e., 2 X $160)
• Date when the payment was made or attempted to be made
• Type of visa you are applying for
• Last 4 digits of credit card used
• The expiration date
• Type of credit card, such as American Express, MasterCard, or Visa
• A scanned copy of your credit card statement showing the charges (if the payment went through)
• A scanned image of both receipts (deposit slip from the website and the deposit receipt from the bank)

Q:   I paid the wrong amount for my visa application fee. I have made the payment by credit card. What should I do? A: Visa application fee payments are not refundable. However, if you paid using a credit card, you can contact the consulate or visa application center (VAC), depending on the country, and request a refund for the wrong amount. However, there is no guarantee that you will get a refund.

Anyway, you will have to pay the correct amount again, regardless of whether you get a refund or not.

Q:   I paid cash at the bank, and I paid the wrong amount. Do I have to make the payment again? A: Overpaid: If you have overpaid the visa fee (more than required) and you paid cash, you can contact the service center to adjust your applicant record to reflect the correct fee so that you can schedule an appointment. 

However, you will not get a refund for the overpayment.

Underpaid: If you paid less than (underpaid) the visa fee, you will need to make the payment again for the correct amount. You will not get a refund for the amount you originally paid.

Q:   I paid the application fees for my parents, but I received the same MRV numbers. How can I receive the correct MRV numbers? A:  Please contact the service center.

Q:   When I tried to schedule an appointment, it says my “MRV fee receipt number is invalid”. Do I have to pay again? A: Please do not make another payment, as visa fees are nonrefundable. Please contact the service center. They will look into this matter and get back to you as soon as possible.

Q:   When I was making the visa fee payment online, I got the system error. How I do know whether my payment went through? A: If you got a system error while making the visa fee payment online, do not attempt to make another payment, as the visa fee payments are nonrefundable.

Check your applicant record to see if there is an MRV fee receipt number associated with your account. If so, you can proceed to make an appointment. 

Otherwise, contact the service center.

Q:   I was either turned away from my interview or I was unable to attend my scheduled appointment. However, I am unable to schedule a new appointment because my MRV fee has been used. What can I do? A: A U.S. visa fee payment is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Please contact the service center and provide them with an explanation of why you were turned away or why you could not attend the interview. They will look into it and reset your fee payment, if appropriate, so that you can reschedule your appointment.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

US Visa Appointment: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: September 8, 2023

One of the essential steps in a US visa application process is the US visa appointment. A visa appointment is mandatory for all foreign nationals applying for a US visa. Visa applicants must appear in person on the day of their appointment for biometrics and visa interviews.

In this article, you will learn everything about US visa appointment, who needs to attend and how to schedule one.

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Understanding US Visa Appointment

A US visa appointment is the second and last step in the US visa application process. There are many unofficial terms for visa appointments. Applicants use these alternatives widely in forums and social media. Here are some of them.

• CGI visa slot
• US visa slot
• CGI federal visa appointment
• AIS visa appointment
• DS 160 appointment

A visa appointment is mandatory for a US visa for two reasons:

• For better applicant screening: An in-person interview helps consular officers to meet and interact with the applicants personally. Officers can read their body language and identify any questionable intentions such as fraud, forgery, etc.
• To secure US borders: Capturing biometrics helps US border officials in knowing who is entering the country.

The visa appointment may or may not include an in-person interview with a consular officer. Those who require an interview must appear in person at a US consulate.

Nonimmigrant Visa Appointment vs Immigrant Visa Appointment

A visa appointment is mandatory for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. But the prerequisites are different for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, you must complete the DS-160 form prior to scheduling your appointment. For immigrant visas, you must complete the DS-260 form prior to scheduling the appointment and a medical exam prior to the interview.

In this article, we will only discuss visa appointments for nonimmigrant visas such as the B1/B2.

Who are Required to Attend US Visa Appointment?

If you are applying for a US visa, you are required to attend an appointment at the US consulate. The visa appointment typically consists of a biometrics capture and a visa interview with a consular officer.

If you meet certain criteria, you may not need to attend the in-person interview. Let’s look at who is required and not required to attend the US visa interview.

Interview required

If you require a visa to travel to the US, then you would require a visa interview for your visa. As part of your visa application, you must schedule an interview at the US consulate.

Interview waiver

You may be eligible for an interview waiver if you meet the following criteria.

• You are under 14 years or over 79 years of age
• You are renewing your US visa

If you are eligible for an interview waiver can use the dropbox facility at the Visa Application Centers (VAC).

NOTE Even if you are eligible for an interview waiver, you must still schedule an appointment. Scheduling an appointment at the consulate is mandatory for all US visas.

How to Schedule a US Visa Interview Appointment?

Prerequisite: Complete DS-160 Form

Before you schedule US visa appointment , you must first complete and submit the DS-160 form. You would need a DS-160 confirmation number to schedule your visa appointment.

Step 1: Create an Account

The first step is to create an account on the visa appointment system. There are two different systems for scheduling appointments.

• US Travel Docs by CGI Federal: For applicants residing in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East
• AIS by GDIT (also referred to as Yatri): For applicants residing in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Depending on your country of residence, create an account on one of the above appointment systems. Then fill out your details, passport information, visa category, visa class and dependents.

Step 2: Pay the MRV Fee

The next step is to pay the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. The MRV fee is $185 for a nonimmigrant visa such as the B1/B2.

After the visa fee payment, you will receive an MRV fee receipt number. Once you enter this fee receipt number, you will be taken to the appointment page where you can pick the date and time for your visa interview.

Step 3: Schedule a Biometric or OFC Appointment

US visa interviews in some countries require a separate biometric appointment. This can be at the same US consulate where you will attend your interview or it can be at a facility away from the US consulate called an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC). Sometimes an OFC is also referred to as a Visa Application Center (VAC).

The biometric appointment at the OFC or VAC must be at least one working day prior to the interview.

Step 4: Schedule Visa Interview Appointment

After you have selected the date and time for your biometric appointment, you will see a calendar of dates available for interviews. Pick a date and time that works for you and complete the process. Print the appointment confirmation as you would need this to attend the interview.

How to Cancel a US Visa Appointment?

You can cancel your visa appointment from your account dashboard in US Travel Docs. You can click on the “Cancel Appointment” button on the left menu bar in your account dashboard. From there, follow the instructions to cancel your appointment.

Keep in mind that you cannot cancel more than two times per MRV fee. If you cancel more than the allowed number of times, you will have to pay the MRV fee again.

How to Reschedule a US Visa Appointment?

You can reschedule your visa appointment from your account dashboard in US Travel Docs. You can click on the “Reschedule Appointment” button on the left menu bar in your account dashboard. An appointment calendar appears on the screen. Pick a new date and time and click on the “Schedule Appointment” button.

Keep in mind that you can only reschedule up to 2 times. Also, you can only reschedule up to 48 hours before your interview.

What Documents Do You Need to Carry for the Appointment?

On the day of your appointment, you must carry the following mandatory documents. Without the mandatory documents, you will not be allowed into the consulate premises.

• Original passport (and any old passports that demonstrate your travel history)
• A print of your appointment confirmation
• A print of your DS-160 confirmation
• Visa fee receipt (if you have paid the visa fee at the local bank)
• Two 2×2 inch photographs (if you haven’t uploaded your picture while filling out DS-160)
• One additional ID (to gain access to the building premises)

Apart from the above mandatory documents, you can also carry supporting documents such as the ones below.

• Your employment, business or student proofs
• Your financial proofs
• Purpose of your trip (conference tickets, travel itinerary or other documents to support your trip)

How to Attend a US Visa Appointment?

The procedure to attend the visa appointment varies from country to country. But following is the general overview of the visa interview procedure.

Step 1: Arrive at the US Embassy or Consulate

You must arrive at the consulate on time. If you arrive early, you will be asked to come back at your appointment time. Standing and waiting near the building is not allowed.

Arrive just 10 minutes before your appointment time and line up in front of the building entrance.

Step 2: Security Check at the Entrance

There will usually be a line of applicants outside the entrance. Join the line and wait for your turn. When your turn comes, present your appointment confirmation to security. Go through the metal detectors and scanners. Deposit your additional ID proof, cell phone and keys.

Step 3: Document Check and Biometric Validation

After the security check at the entrance, walk into the building. Present your documents to the staff at the counter for your document check and fingerprints.

Next up would be your visa interview. The staff will direct you to the widow or consular officer for your visa interview.

Step 4: Visa Interview

Present your documents to the consular officer. Answer all the questions in a clean and concise manner. The visa officer will tell you the result of your visa at the end of the interview. They will also tell you how and when to pick up your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is a us visa interview appointment.

The length of the visa appointment is usually 30 minutes and the interview itself is about 5-10 minutes. Appointments at crowded US missions such as in India or the Philippines can take longer.

Does US visa dropbox need appointment?

Yes. An appointment is mandatory even if you are eligible for dropbox. You must schedule an appointment to select a date for your biometrics and dropbox location.

What if you are late for the US visa appointment?

If you are late for your visa appointment, you will not be allowed into the consulate. You will be considered a no-show and you will have to reschedule your interview for a later date.

What if you do not show up for the interview?

If you do not show up for your interview, you will be considered a “no-show”. You will be barred from scheduling another interview for up to 120 days.

Do you need a medical exam for a US visa interview?

No. A medical exam is not required for US nonimmigrant visa such as B1/B2. Medical exams may be required for immigrant visas.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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01. Apply for your visa

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02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

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Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

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05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Domestic Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Applicants

The Department of State has announced a pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements.

• The pilot program will accept applications from January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024, or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes first.
• Participation in the pilot program is voluntary.
• Individuals who do not meet the requirements for participation in the pilot program, or those who choose not to participate in the pilot program, may continue to apply for visa renewal at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

There are several steps to apply for this pilot program:

• Select the country where your most recent H-1B visa was issued (Note: this initial pilot is limited to renewal of visas issued in India and Canada).  Then follow the online navigator tool to assess your qualifications for participation in the pilot.
• If you meet the requirements for participation, follow the instructions in the portal to complete and submit an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (form DS-160).
• Use the online portal to pay the required, non-refundable, non-transferrable Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application processing fee of $205.00.
• Follow the instructions on the portal to mail your passport and other required documents for processing.

The Department will make available a maximum of 20,000 application slots during this limited pilot program:  Approximately 2,000 per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Mission Canada with an issuance date of January 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023, and approximately 2,000 per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B was issued  by U.S. Mission India with an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.

Application slots will be released on the following entry period dates:

• January 29, 2024
• February 5, 2024 
• February 12, 2024
• February 19, 2024 
• February 26, 2024

Applicants will only be able to apply through the portal linked below during the specified dates above.  Applications will be handled on a first-received, first-processed basis until the weekly limit is reached. Applicants who are unable to apply on one application date may reattempt application on any of the remaining application dates during the entry period. The application period will close when all application slots are filled or on April 1, 2024, whichever comes first.

After you have determined your eligibility for the domestic renewal program, you must fill out your DS-160, the application for a nonimmigrant visa.  Follow the link below and in the drop-down menu under “Select a location where you will be applying for this visa” you may select “U.S. - DOMESTIC” to begin your application.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which applicants qualify for participation in the pilot program.

Participation in the pilot program will be limited to applicants who(se):

• Seek to renew an H-1B nonimmigrant visa only (no other visa classifications, including H-4 visas for dependent spouses and children, will be processed through this pilot program);
• Prior H-1B visa that is being renewed was issued by U.S. Mission Canada with an issuance date of January 1, 2020, through April 1, 2023; or by U.S. Mission India, with an issuance date of February 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021; 
• Are not subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (commonly referred to as a “reciprocity fee”);
• Are eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement;
• Have submitted ten fingerprints to the Department in connection with a previous visa application;
• Prior visa does not include a “clearance received” annotation;
• Do not have a visa ineligibility that would require a waiver prior to visa issuance;
• Were most recently admitted to the United States in H-1B status;
• Are currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States;
• Have an approved and unexpired H-1B petition;  
• Period of authorized admission in H-1B status has not expired; and 
• Intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for participation in the program, including eligibility for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement, are not qualified to apply for, nor be issued, a visa domestically and will be required to apply overseas.

The navigator tool used during the application process is not capable of screening out all unqualified applicants.  If you submit an application that fails to satisfy the requirements for pilot participation or an application that is refused based on failure to qualify for an interview waiver or another ineligibility identified during the adjudication process, the MRV application processing fee payment will not be refunded.

What documents and fees are required for a domestic H-1B visa renewal?

You will need to submit the following documents as part of the application process:

• A DS-160 barcode sheet for a properly completed and electronically filed form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States, which is valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date, and contains at least two blank, unmarked pages for placement of a visa foil. RECOMMENDED: A passport containing the most recently issued H-1B visa if the visa is not in the current passport.
• Non-refundable and non-transferable $205.00 MRV application processing fee, payable via the online portal after completing the form DS-160. 
• One photograph (taken within the last six months), which meets the specifications at  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html .
• Copy of current Form I-797, Notice of Action.
• Copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record (available at  https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home  or on the Form I-797).

How do I establish that I am working or living in the United States?

Since the Department will not conduct in-person visa interviews domestically, applicants seeking to renew their visa in the United States through the pilot must be eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 222(h).  Based on this statutory requirement, applicants for domestic visa renewal must be resident in the United States.  In assessing this requirement, the Department will review certain information including your “home address” provided on the DS-160, “current residential U.S. address” on your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, length of employment in the United States and your arrival and departure records. You are not required to submit any evidence establishing residence in the United States with your visa application. If needed, the Department may request such evidence following a review of your application. “Residence” in this context does not mean “lawful permanent resident” (or LPR).  

How do I show that I intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad?

To qualify for participation in the pilot program, you must intend to reenter the United States in H-1B status after a temporary period abroad.  You are not required to submit evidence of this intent with your application; however, the Department may request additional evidence of intent on a case-specific basis. 

PROCESSING: LOGISTICS & FEES

How long will it take to process my application.

We estimate the processing time will take six to eight weeks from the date the applicant’s passport and other required documents are received by the Department.

What if I must withdraw my application before a decision is made, or I need my passport for emergency travel before my application has been processed?

You may withdraw your application and request your passport back via the online portal.  If you withdraw your visa application while it is pending adjudication, it will be refused under INA Section 221(g).  This would include situations where an applicant requests a return of the submitted passport for emergency travel prior to our office reviewing and processing the application.  The MRV fee will not be refunded.

May I pay a fee to expedite my application?

No. The Department will not expedite domestic visa renewal applications.  All applications will be handled on a strict first-received, first-processed basis.  If you have an urgent need to travel, you may choose to apply for your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

REFUSALS & INELIGIBILITIES

How can i tell if my application would require payment of a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (commonly referred to as a “reciprocity fee”), resulting in a return of my application without an adjudication taking place.

The Department is unable to accept reciprocity fees domestically. Nationals from countries with a reciprocity fee may not participate in the pilot.

To view current reciprocity information, go to the U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country information on the following web page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html

What will happen if my application is returned without adjudication?

The Department will return the below out-of-scope applications without adjudication and without a refund of the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee:

• Any application that seeks to renew a visa other than an H-1B visa.
• Any application where the prior H-1B visa was not issued by Mission Canada with an issuance date from January 1, 2020 through April 1, 2023; or by Mission India with an issuance date of February 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.
• Any application which is subject to a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee).
• Any application where the prior visa was issued with a “clearance received” annotation.

If your case is returned without an adjudication, you will not be issued a visa domestically.  You may choose to file a new application with a new MRV fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

What will happen if my application is refused?

Participation in the pilot program is voluntary.  If you are found to be ineligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement, or otherwise fail to satisfy the requirements for domestic visa renewal, your application will be refused under INA section 221(g) or returned unadjudicated.  If you are not issued a visa through this pilot program, you may choose to file a new application with a new MRV fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.  The Department cannot transfer your application to an overseas embassy or consulate.

How many applications will be accepted during the pilot program?

The Department will release a total of approximately 20,000 application slots during the pilot program.  Each release will consist of approximately 2,000 application slots released per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Mission Canada, and approximately 2,000 application slots per week for applicants whose most recent H-1B visa was issued by U.S. Mission India (for a total of approximately 4,000 application slots during each week of the pilot program).    

Applications will be handled on a first-received, first-processed basis until the 2,000 maximum weekly limit for each participating Mission is reached.   Applicants who are unable to apply on one application date may reattempt application on any of the remaining application dates during the entry period.  The application period will close when all application slots are filled or on April 1, 2024, whichever comes first.

How do I know if I am eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement?

For purposes of the domestic renewal pilot, most applicants are generally eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement if you seek to renew your H-1B visa within the pilot program eligibility dates, and you reside in the United States, with certain exceptions set out in the law, including those specified below.

In particular, you are not eligible for interview waiver, and cannot participate in the pilot, if you fall within one or more of the below categories:

• You do not reside in the United States.
• You have ever been previously refused a visa, unless the refusal was subsequently overcome (and you were subsequently issued a visa) or you obtained a waiver of ineligibility. 
• You have an apparent visa ineligibility or potential visa ineligibility.
• You are a national (including a dual national) of certain countries, including those designated by the Secretary of State as a state sponsor of terrorism. 
• Interview waivers are discretionary.  Adjudicators will consider an applicant’s individual circumstances and may require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.

The navigator tool used during the application process is not capable of screening out all unqualified applicants. If you submit an application that fails to satisfy the requirements for pilot participation or an application that is refused based on failure to qualify for an interview waiver or another ineligibility identified during the adjudication process, the MRV application processing fee payment will not be refunded.

For the latest updated on waivers of the interview requirement, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html

How do I know if I have an apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility that might make me ineligible for an interview waiver?

National security is our top priority. Before issuing any visa, we ensure that every prospective traveler is subject to extensive security screening. If it appears that an applicant may have been involved in an activity of a national security concern, might have a visa ineligibility, or requires further review, that applicant is ineligible for an interview waiver.

In some cases, an applicant may be ineligible for interview waiver for reasons unknown to the applicant.  In all cases, those reasons will be tied to a specific statutory ground, but the circumstances triggering the ineligibility may not be known to the applicant at the time of application.  The situations which make a visa applicant ineligible for a visa, called visa ineligibilities, are found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and other immigration laws. More information about visa ineligibilities can be found here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/waivers.html

If an adjudicator determines that an applicant requires an in-person interview, why does an applicant need to make a new application overseas and pay a second application fee?

The Department incurs costs to review visa applications and to determine if an applicant requires an in-person interview.  Applications submitted under this pilot program will be reviewed, and the fee submitted only covers the cost of processing the application for this program. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable regardless of whether you are issued a visa.

If my application for domestic renewal is refused or returned, can my application be transferred overseas for continued processing?

No. The Department cannot transfer applications to an overseas post under any circumstances. If your application is refused or returned and you want to pursue a new visa application, you may do so by applying overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate and submitting a new application and a new MRV fee.

Could a denial of my H-1B renewal application impact my ESTA?

Yes. For the purposes of future visa applications, including ESTA applications required for travel under the Visa Waiver Program, a refusal under INA section 221(g) of a domestic visa renewal application constitutes a denial of a visa.  Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers with prior visa denials should mark “yes” for question F on the ESTA application form, “Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. or had a U.S. visa canceled?”

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I was issued an f-1 student visa in india between february 1, 2021 and september 30, 2021 and was admitted to the united states as an f-1 student. i have since changed status from f-1 to h-1b. do i qualify for this pilot program.

No. The pilot program is limited to individuals who are seeking to renew a previously issued H-1B visa and who were most recently admitted to the United States in H-1B status.

What if I meet the program requirements but I changed employers while in the United States? Can I still participate in the program?

If you are currently maintaining H-1B status in the United States and meet the other requirements for participation, you may still be qualified to participate in the pilot program.

How do my family members with H-4 visas apply?

The Department is unable to process H-4 visas during the pilot program. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may seek to renew their H-4 visas overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate where they have a residence or are physically present.

How do I check the status of my application?

Applicants may check the status of their application at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV .  The Department will not provide non-automated status reports on individual applications, other than the return of the application, issuance of the visa, or refusal.  The average processing time for a domestic visa renewal application is expected to be six to eight weeks from the time a passport and other required documents are received by the Department.

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Baguhin ang Wika: Change to Tagalog

Apply for a U.S. Visa

In the philippines.

As of July 15, the United States Embassy in Manila has resumed certain nonimmigrant services, including: F, M, certain J categories (alien physician, government visitor, international visitor professor, research scholars, short-term research scholar, specialist, secondary school student and college/university student), C1/D, E, I, O, and P visas, and certain immigrant visas including IR1, CR2, and E3. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately on visa category not listed above, please follow the guidance provided at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-expeditedappointment.asp to request an emergency appointment.

Applicants for H1B, H2B, L1, and certain J categories and their dependents covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation here .

The Presidential Proclamations suspending the entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within 14 days in certain countries prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States (Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, 9996, and 10041), and the Presidential Proclamations suspending the entry of certain immigrants and nonimmigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market following the coronavirus outbreak (Presidential Proclamations 10014 and 10052) remain in effect. For details about these Presidential Proclamations click here .

The U.S. Mission to the Philippines understands that many visa applicants have paid the visa application processing fee and are still waiting to schedule a visa appointment.  We are working diligently to restore all routine visa operations as quickly and safely as possible.  In the meantime, rest assured that the U.S. Mission will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until December 31, 2021, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee.  Please continue to monitor this site for information on when we will return to routine visa operations.

For more information on how to pay your visa fee, please visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp .

On Monday, June 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants and nonimmigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market following the coronavirus outbreak. Effective immediately, the proclamation extends the suspension of entry for certain immigrants ( Presidential Proclamation 10014 ) through December 31, 2020. The new restrictions imposed by the proclamation are effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 24 and expire on December 31, 2020, unless continued by the President. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and aliens who are or were inside the United States or those holding valid nonimmigrant or immigrant visas on the effective date are not subject to the proclamation.

The proclamation suspends entry of nonimmigrants in the following categories: H-1B, H-2B, J (for aliens participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program) and L, along with their spouses and children.  No valid visas will be revoked under the proclamation. Presidential Proclamation 10014 and this proclamation provide exceptions to their restrictions for certain categories of immigrants and nonimmigrants. The full text of the presidential proclamations are available on the White House website at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/

Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the following list of countries within 14 days prior their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, 9996 and the subsequent proclamation issued May 24, 2020:

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe;
• The Republic of Ireland;
• The 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland)
• The Islamic Republic of Iran;
• The People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau

There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for U.S. lawful permanent residents and certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations. If you reside in, have traveled recently to, or intend to transit or travel to the above listed countries prior to your planned trip to the United States, we recommend you postpone your visa interview appointment until 14 days subsequent to your departure from the subject country(ries). Additionally, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or believe you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, you are required to postpone your appointment by at least 14 days. There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. For questions about rescheduling a pending consular appointment, please contact us at [email protected] for specific guidance.

Welcome to the U.S. Visa Information Service for the Philippines. On this website you can find information about U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas and the requirements to apply for each. You can also learn how to pay the required visa application fee, and book an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

This is the official visa information website of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

Nonimmigrant Visa Information

• Bank and Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Security Regulations

Nonimmigrant Visa Application

• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address
• Retrieve My Passport/Visa
• Apply for an Expedited Appointment
• Renew My Visa
• Application Pending Further Action

Immigrant Visas

• Visa Information
• Check My Petition Status
• Visa Wait Times
• Select Document Delivery Address

Local Visa Programs

• Travel Coordinator
• Priority Interview Program
• Crew and Manning Program
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy, Manila
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Bank Locations

General Information

• Holidays and Closures
• Helpful Links

© CGI Federal Inc.

Department of State

• usvisas.state.gov

Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?

Thay đổi Ngôn ngữ: Change to Vietnamese

Apply for a U.S. Visa

The U.S. Mission in Vietnam will change its consular exchange rate from US$1=25,000VND to US$1=26,000VND effective April 10, 2024. All applicants for nonimmigrant visas and K visas who pay the visa processing fee on or after April 10, 2024, must pay at the new exchange rate of US$1=26,000VND. Applicants who paid the visa processing fee at the exchange rate of US$1=25,000VND on or before April 10, 2024 may still use their receipt before it expires. For any inquiries or assistance related to new exchange rate, please contact the U.S. Visa Service Desk at [email protected] or call 19006444 (Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 16:00, except on holidays)

All receipts for payment of Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees issued before October 1, 2022, will expire September 30, 2023. There will be no extensions of fee validity. Applicants must schedule an appointment or submit an interview waiver application before September 30, 2023 to avoid paying a new fee. Please note that the interview itself does not need to take place before September 30, 2023, but an interview appointment needs to be made in the system, even if it is scheduled months into the future. Furthermore, applicants using MRV fees paid before October 1, 2022 to book an appointment are cautioned not to attempt to change their appointment dates on or after October 1, 2023. Doing so will result in forfeiture of both the original appointment slot and the MRV fee receipt. The applicant will be required to pay a new fee and submit a new application package.

Service fee for Pick-up / Drop off of your passport / documents at the courier locations and delivery of your passport / documents are as follows:

• Pick-up / Dropoff of passport / documents at Bưu cục Thanh Xuân (Hanoi) and Văn phòng 18A Cộng Hòa (Ho Chi Minh city): free of charge to applicant
• Drop-off of passport / documents at any other courier locations: VND133,000 per passport / document at the time of drop-off.
• Pick-up of passport / documents at any other courier locations: VND143,000 per passport / document at the time of pick-up.

For detailed information, please click here

Select here to learn more about an important update on waivers of the interview requirement for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants.

Starting May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. For further information, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website here

All nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued for payment of the MRV fee. Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application during this 365-day period. Please note applicants must only schedule their interview or submit their waiver application within the 365-day period. There is no requirement the interview must occur during the 365-day period. All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date

• Applicants should use the Vietnamese-language video guide to complete the DS-160 . All applicants must fill out a new Form DS-160 for every new application for a U.S. visa. All previously submitted DS-160 forms cannot be used for a new visa interview.
• Using a barcode number from the DS-160 that is not submitted to schedule an interview appointment will result in appointment cancellation.
• The barcode number on the DS-160 Confirmation page that visa applicants bring on their interview dates must be exactly the same one used to schedule the appointment. Failure to present the DS-160 Confirmation page with the same barcode number that you used for scheduling your appointment will result in the cancellation of your visa interview appointment.
• Correction of the DS-160 confirmation number after you have scheduled an appointment is available until two business days before your visa interview. To correct the number, please log in to your profile , and select “Update profile” or contact the call center for assistance. If your DS-160 confirmation number is not corrected before two business days prior to your appointment, your interview will be cancelled, and you will have to reschedule your interview appointment.
• Please make sure you come to your interview with an Appointment Confirmation Sheet bearing the most up-to-date DS-160 barcode number; and the new/valid DS-160 Confirmation page

Welcome to the U.S. Visa Information Service for Vietnam. On this website you can find information about U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas and the requirements to apply for each. You can also learn how to pay the required visa application fee, and book an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City

This is the official visa information website of the U.S. Mission in Vietnam.

Nonimmigrant Visa Information

• Payment Locations and Instructions
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program

Nonimmigrant Visa Application

• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address or Service
• Track & Retrieve My Passport
• Apply for Expedited Visa Processing
• Visa Renewals
• Application Refused Under INA 221(g)

Immigrant Visa Information

• Visa Information
• IV Address Registration
• Check My Immigrant Visa Petition Status
• Immigrant Visa Wait Times
• Select Document Delivery Address

Local Visa Programs

• Travel Coordinator
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• No Fee J Visas
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy and Consulate
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Fee Payment Locations

General Information

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Helpful Links
• Security Regulations

© CGI Federal Inc.

Department of State

• usvisas.state.gov

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Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections .

One of the final rules announced Wednesday requires airlines to show the full price of travel before passengers pay for their tickets. The other will force airlines to provide prompt cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly changed.

"Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement announcing the new rules.

Taking on junk fees is popular. But can it win Biden more voters?

Surprise junk fees have become a large and growing source of revenue for airlines in recent years, according to the DOT.

"Today's announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches," Buttigieg said.

The airline industry is unlikely to welcome the new rules. At a hearing on the proposed fee rule in March 2023, an industry lobbying group representing American, Delta and United said it would be too difficult for airlines to disclose their charges more clearly.

"The amount of unwanted and unneeded information forced upon passengers" by the new policy would only cause "confusion and frustration," warned Doug Mullen, the deputy general counsel at Airlines for America . "Very few, if any, need or want this information, and especially when they are initially trying to understand schedule and fare options."

But the DOT insists its new rule will give consumers the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel.

Transportation Department cracks down on airline 'junk fees'

"I believe this is to the benefit of the sector as a whole," Buttigieg said in an interview with NPR's Morning Edition , because passengers will have "more confidence in the aviation sector."

The new rules require airlines to disclose all baggage, change, and cancellation fees, and to share that information with third-party booking sites and travel agents.

The regulation also prohibits bait-and-switch tactics, the DOT says, that disguise the true cost of flights by advertising a low base fare that does not include all mandatory fees.

"This is really about making sure that we create a better experience for passengers, and a stronger aviation sector in the United States," Buttigieg said in the NPR interview.