Breaking News

US consulate: walk-ins no longer possible! Starting March 1, 2004, all applicants of student visas F-1, exchange visitor visas J-1, crewman visas C1/D and Treaty Trader / Investor visas E-1/E-2 must schedule an appointment with the visa information service at the consulate, please refer to the embassy website for more information. A walk-in application in case the visa is required really soon - which has been possible up to now - will no longer be an option.

However, a greater number of time slots will be reserved for applicants for the J, F, M and C1/D Visa. Despite the fact that this already seems to be working (waiting times of about a week at present), we recommend to schedule the appointment in good time.

Study and exchange information - new service From now on, a compilation of web resources about study and exchange programs is available on the website of the US diplomatic mission in Germany under www.usembassy.de/ austausch. Furthermore, you will find information in English and German on everything from choosing an academic or other exchange program to the actual application. The website has an integrated online information service. Users can enter questions about specific issues and receive additional material via email.

Another new feature of this study information service of the embassy is the telephone hotline. This is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 2pm and 5pm for any questions about study and exchange options. No additional fees will be raised.

L-Visa: Status not revoked for maternity leave, vacation and illness As US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced in an internal memo, L-Visa holders may keep their status even if they are not available for their employer due to maternity leave, vacation or illness. The memo continued that continuation of payments and employment was admissible in such cases. The administration explained that this is not a violation of current law and therefore the employer does not have to report this to the authorities. The employment, however, must continue even after that.

US Visa: Questions and consulting

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.