The US Embassy in Vietnam has announced that some significant changes will take place with regards to US visa procedures. The US Embassy has said that this is part of the US Department of State’s continual effort to “streamline” the visa application process and provide a better, more accessible service.
From 22 February 2014, the Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Saigon will implement a new visa service system to help non-immigrant and K1 Fiancé(e) visa applicants. According to Tuoi Tre, benefits of the new system include scheduling appointments, accessing information about the visa application process and arranging for the home delivery of passports. All of this is priced at one standardised fee.
How do you go about utilising the new visa system? There are three simple steps:
1. Non-immigrant or K1 Fiancé(e) applicants should visit www.ustraveldocs.com and print a personalised bank deposit slip. The slip should be taken to any HSBC or Vietnam Post to pay the aforementioned fee.
2. Applicants will then complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application and choose a time that suits to attend the interview. Scheduling the appointment can be chosen on the website noted above or by telephoning the Call Centre from 8am to 8pm (Monday to Friday). This doesn’t cost any extra!
3. Finally, once the appointment is scheduled applicants will specify the delivery address for the passport and visa. If the application is given the stamp of approval, the passport and visa will be delivered to the given address – also for no additional fee.
If you are already in the process of obtaining your visa and passport from the US Embassy please don’t fret! The new procedures will not affect the application process and you should attend your scheduled appointment as arranged.
If you have paid your fee at Citibank or Eximbank but have not yet booked an appointment, you will not be able to use the new appointment system. You should schedule the interview under the existing appointment system before the 22 February. If you aren’t able to do this, please call the Call Centre for further guidelines.
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[Tuoi Tre]
