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Visa Video

[DSL/Cable] [dial-up]  [audio] [broadcast glossary]

  

Secretary Powell Visa Video Greeting Script: Welcome to the United States of America. We are a nation of nations. We touch every nation and in return we are touched by every nation in the world. We are a country that has embraced foreign visitors since our earliest days. This openness has enriched our democracy, our culture and our economy. At the same time, we must take effective measures to secure our borders and protect our citizens and our visitors.

We have created this video to help you understand the visa application and issuance process, as well as what to expect when you enter the United States. We want you to share the American experience. We want you to come and visit. You enrich us and we will enrich you. Thank you.


SUPERS (Text messages that flash across the screen to support key voice-over points) AUDIO

Is your destination the United States of America?

If so, this brief video will explain new visa policies and procedures for visitors to the United States - a nation with secure borders and open doors.

SUPER: Many travelers must have a
visa to enter the U.S.

Today, as in the past, the United States welcomes visitors from around the World. many travelers must have a visa to enter the United States. As you plan your trip, whether your journey is for business or pleasure, we want you to be aware of changes in visa policies that may affect your travel. These changes enhance our ability to verify the identity of the millions of legitimate vistors we welcome each year.

SUPER: Complete an application.

SUPER: Interview at the U.S. embassy
or consulate in your country.

To apply for a visa, you must complete an application, and in most cases be interviewed at the United States Embassy or consulate in your country,

SUPER: Provide information
demonstrating that you
intend to return to your
country at the end of your
visit.
In most cases, you must provide information demonstrating that you intend to return to your country at the end of your visit.

SUPER: Your two index fingers will be
scanned by a special inkless
fingerprinting device.

SUPER: Left index finger.
SUPER: Right index finger.

Stricter security measures require that your application undergo a more thorough inspection than in the past. At your interview, your two index fingers will be scanned by a special, inkless digital scanner. Your left index finger, then your right index finger.

While most visas are delivered within a week, in some cases, these security measures may add several weeks to the processing time for your visa application, so please add extra time in planning your trip.
If you have internet access, please log on to www.unitedstatesvisas.gov - where you will find the latest information about the different types of visas, the fee for your visa application, and where to pay your fee.

You can complete and print the forms from this web site.

You can also call or visit the website of the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you need to be interviewed, schedule your interview appointment at the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate as soon as you know you are traveling to the United States.
Reconfirm the application fee and how to pay your visa application fee.

SUPER: Application fees should be
paid prior to your interview.

Application fees should be paid prior to your personal appearance at the United States consulate or embassy.

Be prepared. You must submit a variety of documents to support your visa application, and if an interview is required, you may need to bring these documents to your interview.
SUPER: Passport
SUPER: Visa application
SUPER: Receipt for your application
fee
SUPER: One Photograph

SUPER: Proof of employment
SUPER: Financial status
SUPER: Property ownership
SUPER: The reason for your visit to
the U.S.

These include: a valid passport, your visa application, a receipt for your application fee, and one photograph.

In addition, you may need to present documents to assist you in demonstrating personal ties to your home country, such as proof of employment, your financial status, property ownership, as well as the reason for your visit to the United States.

You may be asked to bring personal financial documents.
SUPER: As a visitor to the U.S., you
must demonstrate that you
intend to return home after
your visit.

As a visitor to the United States, you must demonstrate that you intend to return home by providing information about your ties to your country, including your financial and employment status.

As always, we proudly welcome students from other countries to study in the United States. Student visa applicants must include additional documents with their application from the academic institution or exchange program sponsoring them.

A very small percentage of visa applications may undergo further review by officials in Washington, D.C. For cases that are reviewed, waiting times vary, but most are processed within a few weeks. However, your application does not guarantee you will be issued a visa.


SUPER: When you apply for a visa you
will be checked.

SUPER: If further investigation is
required, your visa will be
delayed.


When you apply for a visa, you will be checked against available records of people who are ineligible for visas or whose application requires additional review by United States government agencies before a visa can be issued. If your name or a close variation indicates further investigation of your application is needed, your visa application will require additional processing time. However, we will work diligently to
minimize any impact on your travel.


Upon your arrival at an air or seaport in the United States, a Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your travel documents to determine if you may enter the United States, and the length of your stay.


SUPER: Your two index fingers will be
scanned by a special inkless
fingerprinting device
.

SUPER: Left index finger.
SUPER: Right index finger.
SUPER: A digital photograph will be
taken.

As part of the new US-VISIT procedures, a Customs and Border Protection Officer will need to verify your identity. First, your two index fingers will be scanned by a special inkless fingerprinting device: Your left index finger, then your right index finger. A digital photograph will also be taken.

SUPER: Regulations and registration
procedures may change
over
time to accommodate our
future environment.

The United States of America welcomes legitimate visitors from around the world, these security measures are neccesary for the protection of our visitors and our citizens. Please remember that regulations and registration procedures may change over time to accommodate our future environment.
Please log on to www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

or call the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate for the most current information about travel requirements.

Thank you for selecting the United States as your destination. We are a nation that welcomes you with secure borders and open doors, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

-------------------------------------------------
(Include information here about specific locations of United States Embassy and Consulates and local embassy website address.)

  
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