Visa and More

New in our newsletter from January 2004: Visa Questions & Answers Upon request by many of our readers, we will start our Visa Questions and Answers section in January 2004. In a Q&A format we will present some questions we received online with the respective answers. All questions will be standard questions. Please note that we cannot go into the more complex questions about visa types and processes in this format, please continue to use our online form or our phone hotline for that. In anticipation of that, we will today tell you about the US-Visit system (q.v. our Breaking News section).

What is the US-Visit system? The US-Visit system is part of a new admission control system that can check the millions of people who enter the US with the help of biometric identification data.

What does the program do? The new program is supposed to improve US border security and at the same time make it easier for travelers to enter and leave the US while their privacy is still guaranteed.

When will it become effective? Introduction is planned for January 5, 2004, by then it is supposed to be ready for use at eleven US airports and fourteen sea ports. Only ten airports and one sea port will already register the travelers' departure. Not before the spring of 2004, however. The US Department of Homeland Security is hoping that all airports and sea ports will be equipped with the new system by October 2004.

Who will be affected? The new system will affect all those who need a visa for the US or are already holding one. That means that people who qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program will, for now, not have to have their data collected there.

What data will be collected specifically? Two fingerprints will be taken from all foreign travelers with a special fingerprint scanner. In addition, a digital photo will be taken. Both sets of data together are called biometric data.

Can there be delays with my admission due to this? According to official statements in connection with this, the entire process will be completed within a matter of seconds. Realistically, however, you should count on technical difficulties and thus delays during the initial period. The introduction of other systems in the past have proved that.

How exactly does the registration process during departure work? Upon departure, travelers do not have to sit through an interview as they have to upon departure. Their data will be collected at electronic kiosks. This is meant to ensure that no traveler overstays his granted length of stay in the US. In addition, the documents, as well as the fingerprints will be collected in the same way again.

What happens if I overstay my granted length of stay? The consequences may be quite different in kind. It depends on the respective circumstances and on how long exactly you overstayed your granted length of stay. You may get a lifelong ban on visa-free travel (for any length of overstayed time, even if it is just a matter of hours), or long-term entry bans (even if you are holding a visa) of between one to ten years. In some cases, you may even be deported.

Why biometric data at all? Biometric data can better recognize special characteristics that usual databases cannot register. In addition, they also protect persons whose documents were stolen and are used by others to enter the US.

How will my data be used? Your data will only be used by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the US Department of State and other authorities affiliated with these.

Immigration Services: new website On November 1, US Citizenship and Immigration Services has also changed the name of its internet presence. Previously to be found under www.bcis.gov, they are now to be found under www.uscis.gov. From the old web pages you will be referred to the new one.

What is interesting is that apart from the online check for pending applications, you can also check the official processing times. Up to now, this has only been possible via the American Immigration Lawyers Association.