And while I'm at it, do US visas stay valid if the passport they're in has expired? I have have a G-1 visa that is technically valid forever (and exempt from the new regulations), but it's in a passport that expired ten years ago...

As of February 1, 1995 all visas initially issued with "indefinite" validity have been deemed to expire 10 years from the date of issue. Hence, the visa is no longer valid.

However, any visa located in an expired passport remains valid provided it has not been defaced or damaged and it is within the visa validity period (maximum of 10 years).

I second this!
B747-437B:
I believe they still issue B1/B2 visas "indefinite" (=10 years).

i am now completely confused, as a German citizen, here on a Student visa (F1),
which of the following applies to me:
- i need an interview BEFORE i come
- i need an interview AFTER i arrive (within 30 days?!?)
- i need an interview BEFORE i depart (for vacation etc.?!)
- i need an interview WHILE i depart?
- i need fingerprinting and a picture at ANY time (coming leaving...?!?)

thanks!

MazdaMP, as far as I understand it (don't sue me if INS disagrees!) --

1) you don't need an interview before you come, because Germany is in the Visa Waiver Program
2) you don't need one after you come, unless you've been to the suspicious Muslim countries listed earlier and can't give a good reason why
3) see number 1
4) see number 2
5) see number 1

So you don't have much to worry about... unless there are special requirements for the F-1 visa itself.

thank you very much....i got all nervous here... (i thought i'd need the fingerprint and pic, but not the rest...little do i know )

thanks!

The VWP is only applicable to B1/B2 status and not F1 status, so you do require an interview prior to appearing at the Port of Entry (only exception to this is Canadian citizens).

At the Port of Entry, the examining officer will make a determination whether to enrol you in the NSEERS process. If you are selected you will be fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed again. You would also need to appear for a 30 day interview, a 12-month interview and an exit interview - as well as file form AR-11SR everytime you travel within the United States.

Regardless of your enrolment in the NSEERS process, effective from August 2003 you will have responsibility to ensure that your data in SEVIS (speak to the institute that sponsored the I-20 for SEVIS details) is up-to-date as long as you remain in F1 status.

Technically, you do need to file a standard AR-11 for all domestic travel you undertake, but rule of thumb is that this is not enforced except for trips exeeding one week away from the address on file. If you are a NSEERS registrant though, the AR-11SR filing is mandatory even if you just drive 2 hours to visit a friend.

[This message has been edited by B747-437B (edited Nov 16, 2003).]

so considering I am here already, the "next" time i enter the country will be the deciding factor whether I will be enrolled in NSEERS?!
I am already in the SEVIS, so that's taken care of...

Who wants to bet that all of the following explanations would, in the US government's infinite wisdom, "lack credibility":

• "I was on holiday."
• "I was sightseeing."
• "I was relaxing on the beach."
• "My employer does considerable business in Kuala Lumpur."

This is yet another weapon of mass harassment for whimsical immigration officers who are convinced that everyone coming to the USA is a terrorist waiting to be "weeded out".

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/...027021940.html

I assume this person was travelling on an Australian passport...I thought after the Brits, we were the US's best ally on the war on terrorism...we even sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq even though a significant number of the population disaproved.

What happened to the person in the article could easily be me or you

------------------
kpc

No, neither am I. But I do enjoy discussion And if I can point out with the greatest of respect, that you didn't actually answer my question!

I was making the point that I shouldn't have to feel like a criminal just to visit another country - especially if my visit may be bringing benefit to that country.

Hmm, must have missed that declaration. And if they are at war, why aren't they treating the detainees at Guantanamo Bay under the Geneva Convention? And I come from a country meant to be their bestest friend - why am I being treated like an enemy? In fact why are they treating citizens from virtually any other country (excepting maybe Canada, and I bet some Canadians will fall within these rules as well) like their enemies?