The United States (US) Embassy says it will no longer accept any documents other than application forms and photographs from persons applying for visas for routine travel to the US.
In a press release, the embassy said it is no longer accepting employment letters, bank statements, transports or letters of support from friends and family from persons applying for the B-1/B-2 visa for routine tourist travel. The embassy said it is restricting the acceptance of such documents owing to concerns about document validity and fraud in the visa process. Visa adjudications for most applicants will be made solely based on the interview with the applicant, the embassy said.
However, specific documents will still be required for applications for visa categories with legal requirements for certain documents, including student visas, seaman visas, employment visas and tourist visas for individuals seeking medical treatment in the US.
The embassy also said that applicants for visas to attend training or conferences will also be permitted to submit documents attesting to the training or conference that they wish to attend.
For example, the release said, persons applying for an F-1, student visa, must submit an I-20; the SEVIS payment receipt; proof of funds to cover their education and transcripts in the case of a returning student.
In order to obtain a C1, transit visa, the applicant must have a visa for his/her final destination; this requirement is waived for seamen. However, seamen requiring a C1/D, transit\crewman visa must have a seaman’s book and an original letter of employment.
For work visas, H-1B, applicants must present an 1-29, evidence of managerial, executive or specialized knowledge, resumes and transcripts or degrees. Employees being transferred would require an intra-company transferee visa, L-1, and must present an I-29, proof of employment, intended job description, resume and transcripts or degrees.
Persons requiring visas for medical purposes, B1/2, would need to present a letter from a local physician stating the medical condition and certifying that treatment is not available in Guyana or the Caribbean. They would also need a letter from a doctor in the US agreeing to see the patient and estimating the total cost of care and length of stay, proof of funds to cover all medical and travel expenses as well as a letter from the organization agreeing to pay for medical/travel expenses if applicable.
Persons applying for a visa to attend a conference in the US, B1/2, must present the conference schedule, valid registration and a letter from the organization paying for the trip.
