Breaking News

US consulate in Frankfurt, Germany has moved
The consular department (visa department and American Citizen Services) in Frankfurt on Main has moved into the new building on he weekend from October 8 - 10, 2005. So all persons who are waiting for their interview appointment or are about to schedule theirs have to show up at the following new address. The same applies to all our green card winners.

NEW ADDRESS:

Giessener Strasse 30
60435 Frankfurt (the phone numbers have not changed)

The hotline for the scheduling of interview appointment s has not changed either: 0190 - 85 00 55 (1.86 Euro per minute)

As always, please refer to the official homepage of the US consulate for further information: www.us-botschaft.de/germany-ger/adressen.html#Frankfurt

Fees for L-visas have been raised
The judiciary committee of the US House of Representatives has agreed to raise the fees for L-visas to $2,000 on September 29, 2005. The law is supposed to contribute to the $60 million savings decided upon in the budget proposal for 2006. L-1 Visas, just like E-2 Visas, are mainly used by large companies for the transfer of executive personnel. The debate about the raising of the fees has led to some rather unusual political alliances. The Republican majority in the committee has the support of the unions, who are in favor of larger obstacles for foreign employees who wish to enter the US labor market. Democrats are opposed to the bill, as is the US Camber of Commerce that worries about possible negative consequences for the US as a business location.

ADVICE: Companies looking for an alternative to the L-1 should consider the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, quite frequently the better option for personnel transfer of a secure long-term, significantly easier nature. We will be glad to assist you.