Summer Travel to the United States – Stabroek News

Ask-the-Consul Installment  24-06

In this edition of our Ask-the-Consul, we will answer common questions as people make summer plans to visit family and friends or to visit one of the many attractions in the United States.

How early should I apply for a U.S. visa?

If you are making plans to visit family or friends in the United States this summer, NOW is the time to apply for your U.S. visa!  Ideally, applicants should make their appointments at least two months before the date they wish to travel.  Apply early to avoid the inconvenience of disrupted travel plans.  You may apply by following the instructions at https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/.

What is the current wait-time for an appointment?

The waiting period for an interview appointment varies with demand.  At this time of year, appointment wait-times can be higher than usual.  Currently, the wait for an appointment at Embassy Georgetown is approximately 30 calendar days.

You may stay informed of wait-times by entering “Georgetown” at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.

What if I’m renewing my visa under the Interview Waiver Program?  Isn’t that faster?

Applicants renewing their visas should also apply early.  We recommend doing so within two months of your visa’s expiration date.  While you may not need an interview, our internal processing of your application may take 2-3 weeks.  Also, some cases may require additional administrative processing, which may mean longer wait-times for your passport to be returned to you.  In every case, the adjudicating officer may request an interview with the applicant, even if applying for a renewal through the Interview Waiver Program.

I already have a visa, but it will expire during my trip to the United States, and I don’t have time to renew it prior to traveling.  Will that be a problem?

No, this is not a problem.  A valid visa is required to ENTER the United States.  The visa does not have to be valid for the duration of your stay.  If you are granted entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will note your authorized period of stay on your admission stamp or to your electronic I-94 record.  You will be able to remain in the United States during this authorized period, even if your visa expires during that time.  You may access your I-94 record online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home.   

I’m applying with my children.  Do I need to bring them to the visa interview?

Applicants under age 14 are not required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview.  Their application documents may be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.  Children over age 14 must appear with at least one parent.

What if I need an expedited appointment?

Applicants with emergency travel needs should first try to obtain a timely appointment through our online appointment system before requesting an expedited appointment.  Failure to plan for non-emergency travel, like your vacation, is not grounds for an expedited appointment.  Emergency appointments are generally reserved for urgent medical needs of the applicant or family emergencies such as a family member passing away in the United States.  The Visa Section will determine whether to grant an expedited appointment and will only do so in cases where there is a genuine emergency. 

More information on expedited appointments is available at:  https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/.

If I am issued a Visitor (B1/B2) Visa, when will the visa be ready?Qualified applicants generally receive their visas in 3-5 business days after their visa interview.

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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics.  Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/.  Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice.  Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information.  Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.