Frequently Asked Questions – Non-immigrant Visas
- My passport has expired, but it has a valid US visa inside. What do I do?
- If I already have a 10-year visa and I change my name (either through marriage, or for other reasons) can I use my old visa?
- Do I have to use the appointment and the courier passport return systems?
- I have a valid United States visa in an expired (old) passport. Can it still be used?
- Do I need a visa to go to the United States?
- How do I pay the visa fee?
- My visa was denied. Can the decision be overturned?
- What documents do I need for my visa to be approved?
- I have a student visa that was approved, when can I enter the United States?
- I need to leave immediately, can my appointment be expedited?
- What should I do if I lose my Appointment Confirmation Letter before my interview?
- What happens if I lose my passport and obtain another one after I scheduled my appointment but before my appointment date?
- What happens if I cannot attend the interview on the appointment date? Can I give the appointment to someone else to attend instead?
- Am I going to be fingerprinted?
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Q: My passport has expired, but it has a valid US visa inside. What do I do?
A: If your passport containing a still valid visa has expired, you may travel with two passports - your expired passport containing the valid U.S. visa and your unexpired passport.
Q: If I already have a 10-year visa and I change my name (either through marriage, or for other reasons) can I use my old visa?
A: Yes. As long as your visa is still valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan on traveling, you may still use it.
Q: Do I have to use the appointment and the courier passport return systems?
A: Yes, these systems are mandatory, and designed to speed up visa processing.
Q: I have a valid United States visa in an expired (old) passport. Can it still be used?
A: Yes, if you will be entering the United States for a reason consistent with the type of valid visa you have. You should carry the old passport that contains the valid visa and your current (new) passport. You will use both for entry to the United States.
Q: Do I need a visa to go to the United States?
A: Thai citizens require a visa to enter the United States. Some nationalities do not require a visa. For details, please see the Visa Waiver Program.
A: Most applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $100 or the 3600 Thai baht. Effective January 1, 2008, the MRV fee will increase to $131. At the same time, the exchange rate will decrease to 34 baht per dollar, making the new MRV fee to be 4454 baht. Any visa applicants who have paid the prior $100 application fee before January 1, 2008 will be processed only if they are scheduled and appear for a visa interview before January 31. Applicants who paid the prior $100 application fee and appear for a visa interview after January 31, 2008 must pay the difference $31 before they will be interviewed. The only exceptions are government officials traveling on official business and diplomatic passport holders. The fee can be paid at any Thailand Post office in the Bangkok Metropolitan area and at any of the 246 "Pay at Post" counters found in Thailand Post offices nationwide.
Q: My visa was denied. Can the decision be overturned?
A: One must reapply and have a second interview for the case to be reconsidered. A refused applicant may reapply at any time should circumstances change or should they become able to present additional evidence of compelling ties to the home country.
Q: What documents do I need for my visa to be approved?
A: Consular officers evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis. There is no one document that guarantees issuance (or refusal) of a visa as each case is different and what may demonstrate strong ties in one case may not do so in another.
Q: I have a student visa that was approved, when can I enter the United States?
A: You can enter the US no earlier than one month before the start date listed on your I-20 Form.
Q: I need to leave immediately, can my appointment be expedited?
A: All applicants for tourist and business visas are encouraged to apply early. We expedite legitimate business, APEC Business Travel Card holders and educational travel based on pressing need. To apply for an expedited appointment, please send an email in English to visasbkk@state.gov with the subject line "Request to Expedite a Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment." Please provide your full name, appointment confirmation number, a contact telephone number in Thailand, and the reason for requesting an earlier appointment.
Q: What should I do if I lose my Appointment Confirmation Letter before my interview?
A: You should attend your interview as scheduled with all the required application documents.
Q: What happens if I lose my passport and obtain another one after I scheduled my appointment but before my appointment date?
A: You can attend the scheduled appointment and present the new passport. If you are not able to obtain a new passport before your appointment date you must contact the Visa Information Service again and cancel or reschedule your appointment. You will not be able to apply for a visa without a valid passport.
Q: What happens if I cannot attend the interview on the appointment date? Can I give the appointment to someone else to attend instead?
A: If it is impossible to attend the interview on the date you scheduled you can contact the Visa Information Service again and cancel and/or reschedule your appointment. Another person cannot attend your appointment. The appointment is person and non-transferable. Only the person(s) scheduled will be allowed to enter the Consulate.
Q: Am I going to be fingerprinted?
A: Fingerprints have been collected during the interview process. The 10 fingerprints are done using an inkless, electronic process. This requirement will not increase significantly the length of your interview.
