How Important is the DS-160 Online Application When Applying for a U.S. Visa?

For certain U.S. visas, specifically, a B-1/ B-2 visitor visa (commonly known as a tourist visa), the DS-160 online application is the most important part of the U.S. visa process. Not only does the DS-160 require important personal information needed for a consular officer to adjudicate the visa application, it is the only document that the consular officer is required to review when determining if a person is eligible to receive a U.S. visa.

In the event that a person is refused a U.S. visa under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the DS-160 can also be used in a subsequent application to demonstrate that the U.S. visa applicant has sufficient ties to their home country in order to overcome their previous refusal. For example, the DS-160 specifically asks if an applicant has ever been refused a visa and provides space in order to explain the circumstances. Since the DS-160 does have a maximum number of characters that can be used, applicants are free to write in enough information as necessary to explain the events of the previous application and refusal which will hopefully give the consular officer a better understanding of the previous interview(s). Such explanation can be further used to show that the U.S. visa applicant has sufficient ties outside of the United States to which he or she would return and that would hopefully enable them to overcome a further refusal.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING
Ad: 3F, IBC building, 1A Cong Truong Me Linh Str, District 1, HCMC.
Tel: 0933 301 488
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

U.S. To Require Visa Applicants To Disclose Social Media Handles

U.S. visa applicants will now be required to provide their social media identities on social media platforms during the five years preceding the date of application – with an option to voluntarily list other handles not explicitly required.

The new requirement follows the Trump administration’s promise of “extreme vetting” of foreigners entering the U.S. for national security. 

This is an extension of the previous administration’s instructions to collect social media identifiers when the State Department determines “that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting.”

Greater attention was placed on immigrants’ social media use after it was revealed that one of the attackers of the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack had, under a pseudonym, advocated Jihad in posts on a private social media account. Authorities did not find the account until after she was allowed entry into the United States and had carried on the attack.

Approximately 15 million people will be affected annually, including applicants for permanent residency.

Some expressed their concerns on the proposal’s effects on freedom of speech and association and on privacy.

On a more practical note, critics also complain that the proposal could make it harder to legally immigrate to the U.S. as the proposal could make the process slower.

In addition to social media handles, U.S. visa applicants are also required to submit five years of previously used telephone numbers, email addresses, and international travel, and whether specified family members have been involved in terrorist activities, regardless of visa application type. For applicants for Immigrant Visas, applicants will be required to disclose all prior immigration violations, while applicants for Nonimmigrant Visas will be asked whether they have been deported or removed from any country, not just the United States. 

The State Department intends not to routinely ask the question of applicants for most diplomatic and official visa applicants.

Can I apply for a U.S. Visa in a Country Where I am not a Citizen or Where I Don’t Live?

Even if you are not a citizen of a particular country but you reside in that country, it is still possible to apply for a U.S. visa in your country of residence. Likewise, if you are a citizen of a country but you don’t live in that country, you may still be able to apply for a U.S. visa in that country. Suppose for example you are a Vietnamese citizen who is living and working in Singapore. Instead of flying back to Vietnam and apply for a U.S. visa at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, you may nonetheless apply for your U.S. visa in Singapore. If however, if you live in Vietnam, have Vietnamese citizenship but you also obtained citizenship through investment in St. Lucia or the Commonwealth of Dominica, you may be able to apply for your U.S. visa either in Vietnam or at the U.S. Consulate in Barbados which has jurisdiction over St. Lucia and Dominica. 

While most U.S. Embassies and Consulates allow those to attend visa interviews the country where they reside (citizens and non-citizens of the country), some Embassies and Consulates may restrict U.S. visa interviews to only those who reside in the country 

For more information on applying for a U.S. visa in a country where you are not a resident or a citizen, contact us today at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with an experienced U.S. immigration attorney.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

🏢 3F, IBC building, 1A Cong Truong Me Linh Str, District 1, HCMC.

📞 0933 301 488

📧 info@enterlinepartners.com

🌎 http://enterlinepartners.com

What Do You Need to Get a Visa for the USA?

In order to be issued a U.S. visa, you must apply directly through either the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. All applicants are required to fill out a DS 160 online application and pay the visa processing fee. The fee depends on the type of visa you are applying for which ranges from US$160 (VND3,840,000) to US$265 (VND4,920,000). The fee can be paid over the counter at any Vietnam Post branch. All visa processing fees are non-refundable once paid.

After you have paid your visa processing fee and completed the DS 160 online application, you may schedule an appointment. Scheduling an appointment can be done either over the phone or online.

On the day of your scheduled interview, it is recommended that you arrive between 20-30 minutes early. In addition to the DS 160 online application confirmation page and your passport, you are welcome to bring supplemental documentation such as tax returns, bank statements, proof of home ownership, employment certificates, and any additional information that could be used to demonstrate that you fully intend on returning to Vietnam following your temporary trip to the United States. While supplemental documentation is not required, the interviewing consular officer may request to see the documentation.

Always remember to smile at the consular officer and answer the questions truthfully. If approved, your visa will be issued and sent via courier to your designated address.

For more information, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com