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I have a visa in my old passport. Do I need a new visa in my current passport?

If you have a valid, undamaged visa in a passport which has expired or been canceled, and the old passport is from the same country as your current passport, you do not need to obtain a new visa. You may simply carry the old passport which contains the valid visa, together with your current valid passport to enter the U.S. The two passports need not be attached or sealed. If you want to have a visa placed in your new passport, you will need to make an appointment, pay the application fee and come in for an interview. We do not "transfer" visas. Any changes to name, nationality, or date of birth from one passport to another require a new visa. Thank you very much for joining us today. We are out of time.

I'm a Singaporean citizen. Do I need a visa to travel to the U.S.?

It depends on the purpose of your travel. The Visa Waiver program allows for travel to the United States without a visa for persons who are citizens of approved countries such as Singapore, the United Kingdom, most EU Countries, and Japan. For a full list see http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#2) Travelers under this program must: --carry a machine-readable passport that is valid for more than 6 months beyond the last day of stay; --stay in the United States for less than 90 days; --have a round-trip or through transportation ticket; --have no serious criminal record; --have no prior immigration problems in the United States; --have no prior visa refusals; and --have proof of sufficient funds for temporary stay in the U. S. To find more information about machine-readable passports, please see our website at http://singapore.usembassy.gov/faq3.html When traveling on the Visa Waiver Program: --you cannot extend your stay in the United States beyond 90 days; --you cannot change your status in the U.S.; and --you cannot work or study in the U.S. For stays longer than 90 days, for purposes other than those described above, and/or for those who have had a visa refused, a visa is required. Please read and follow the application procedures outlined on our website. http://singapore.usembassy.gov/how_to_apply2.html

At what time onwards can we go online on Feb 22nd and at which website address in your portal? Is it 24 hours? Roughly how many appointments are entertained daily?

The start time on February 22 will depend on how long it takes for system replication on servers in the United States. Once available, it will be a 24 hour service. Do not worry -- we will make sure that sufficient appointment slots are available to meet demand. Daily numbers will vary depending on staffing and demand. Currently we receive up to 200 applicants on a busy day.

My visa was refused under 214(b). Can I reapply for a visa?

Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as it relates to a visitor's visa, requires the applicant prove that he or she: a) is a bona fide, genuine visitor; and b) overcomes the legal presumption that he or she intends to remain in the United States. When a visa is denied under Section 214(b) it usually means that the applicant did not demonstrate strong ties outside the United States and was not able to demonstrate that his/her intended activities in the U.S. would be temporary and consistent with temporary status. In these circumstances, the officer has no choice by to deny the visa. Ties outside the United States that might generally satisfy legal requirements include strong and stable economic, professional, academic, or family situations; each case is different and there is no formula for qualifying for a visa. The decision made by the consular officer cannot be appealed. If the applicant has additional evidence to demonstrate compelling reasons to depart the United States that were not presented to the officer during the interview, the applicant may apply again. However, applicants should consider reapplying only after there has been a significant change in their current situation. To reapply, the applicant must submit a new application form and photo and pay the visa application fee again. There is no refund.

How do you get a student visa?

You must be accepted into a US school and have a Form I-20 to apply for a student visa. You may apply for the visa up to 120 days before the start date listed on your I-20. You may enter the US up to 30 days before the start date listed on your I-20. Please refer to our website, http://singapore.usembassy.gov, for information on student visas at http://singapore.usembassy.gov/student_visas.html. You can also find additional information at www.travel.state.gov. Please don't forget to bring a receipt showing you have paid your SEVIS fee; instructions for paying that fee will be included with your I-20.

Does on line service start today? Should only applicant of visa apply on line and must appliction be 60days before or can it be later depending upon when we need it?

Appointments will be required starting March 5. Appointments for March, April, and May will be available for on-line booking starting February 22. We will generally have appointments available for booking 90 days in advance.

How will an applicant keep track of their appointment date and time?

You must print out a confirmation letter at the time the appointment is scheduled; printing the confirmation letter is the last step in the on-line appointment service process. Applicants must bring this Confirmation Letter and the completed, printed Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) with them to the Embassy at the time of the scheduled appointment. The Confirmation Letter contains guidance on photos as well as security restrictions regarding entrance to the Embassy. Things to note: · No large bags or backpacks are allowed into the Embassy. · No hand phones or food/beverages are allowed in the Visa Applicant Waiting Room. · There is no parking available at the Embassy.