Hello from U.S. Embassy Freetown! Here is this week’s installation of consular questions. Please send any additional questions to ConsularFreetown@state.gov.
Question: What are the differences between H-1B, O-1 and L-1 visas?
Answer: An H-1B visa allows you to work in the United States. To qualify you must be hired, and sponsored by, a company in the U.S. You typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and work experience in your field to qualify for an H-1B visa.
An O-1 visa is specifically for someone with an “extraordinary ability” in their field. You typically need highly specialized training and at least 10 years of experience in your field to qualify for an O-1 visa.
An L-1 visa is another type of work visa that allows someone who already works for an international company to work for one of their branches in the United States.
Question: If my B1/B2 will expire in four months, can I apply for a new one now or do I need to wait until it expires?
Answer: Yes, you can, and should, apply for a new visa now.
Question: Can I marry in the U.S. if I’m there on an F-1 or B1/B2 visa?
Answer: Yes, you can but you still need to depart the U.S. by your “admitted until” date that will be stamped in your passport when you enter the country.
Question: I have a scholarship to attend a university in the U.S. Do I need to pay the visa fee?
Answer: Yes, every visa applicant must submit an application and pay the visa fee.
Question: Do I need to bring my petition to my immigrant visa interview?
Answer: No, we have all immigrant visa petitions at the embassy. The National Visa Center will schedule your immigrant visa interview. You will need to bring all required civil documents, listed in your confirmation email, such as your original birth certificate, to your appointment.
Question: Please explain with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is.
Answer: STEP is a program set up for American citizens traveling or living abroad. You can enroll in STEP at step.state.gov and, once you do, you’ll receive email updates, both routine and emergency, about the country you are visiting. Updates can range from information about voting abroad to news about civil unrest in the country.
Question: How long does it take for an applicant to receive their visa after they’ve applied?
Answer: It typically takes about one week to receive your visa after your interview, although it can take longer if your case requires additional administrative processing.
Question: What are P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas?
Answer: A P-1 visa is specifically for athletes, entertainers and their coaches and support staff to enter the U.S. for events, competitions or performances. A P-1 visa is for people who are known or compete at an internationally recognized level.
A P-2 visa is for artists or entertainers who are part of a reciprocal exchange program. There needs to be two organizations involved in this program – one in the U.S. and one in Sierra Leone – and they should be visiting each other to share their art.
A P-3 visa is for an individual or group traveling to the U.S. to teach, coach or perform a culturally unique program, something that is unique to Sierra Leone and can’t be found in the United States.
Question: What is an I-20?
Answer: An I-20 proves that you are legally enrolled in a study program in the United States. It is issued by the school you have enrolled in, and have been accepted into, and is a requirement for a student visa.
Question: I have been to the U.S. previously. I want to travel with my wife and children to the U.S. Do they qualify for visas?
Answer: Anyone can apply for a visa at any time. However, your family would need to attend an interview with a consular officer and qualify for visas on their own.
Please send in your questions! We will continue this column twice a month.
