Breaking News

H-2B cap has been reached for the fiscal year 2005 After the H-1B cap for the fiscal year 2005 had already been reached in October 2004, the H-2B cap (approximately 66,000 visas) has now been reached as well. This means the earliest employment start date for these categories is now October 2005. However, H-2B applications should be submitted earlier than that, since they will probably be in very high demand again.

New processing fee for US consulates Anyone applying for non-immigration visas at the US consulates, please note:

The processing fee for a non-immigration visa has, due to the weak Dollar, been lowered to €80 per person, instead of the previous fee of €85. By the way, if you pay the higher fee, you cannot be reimbursed.

Biometric passport As we have reported several times already, the US insist on the introduction of new security regulations for European passports. Germany will probably meet these demands by the end of 2005. According to the German government, the citizens will have to carry the entire costs for the new passports with biometric features (digitalized photo and chip with fingerprints). It remains uncertain just how expensive this new travel document will be. According to the Member of the Bundestag Silke Stokar (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen = Germany's green party) the costs will probably amount to ca. €130. Meanwhile, the German department of the interior has denied this, without stating a different price, however. So far, a German passport costs €26, people under 26 pay €13.

Do you have any questions concerning application processes at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the US consulates? Or do you need individual consultation? Our experts of our visa and consular service offer fast and comfortable advice via our hotline. Or use our free contact form on our website.