Ask the U.S. Consul

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, in collaboration with The Sunday Times, is pleased to announce a new monthly column “Ask the Consul”.

This column, which begins today will provide an opportunity for Sri Lankans interested in visiting, studying, or living in the United States to ask questions about U.S. visas, immigration laws and procedures, and other questions relating to travel to America.

Sri Lankans wishing to apply for U.S. visas often have many questions about the application process and eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, potential applicants are sometimes misled by incorrect information and rumours about eligibility requirements, or about how visas are adjudicated. This column aims to provide accurate information to better inform visa applicants.

Questions concerning all types of visas are welcome, including tourist and student visas, employment visas, and visas for permanent migration. We also welcome questions from American citizens who are interested in petitioning for Sri Lankan relatives to immigrate to the United States.

To submit your question, simply email The Sunday Times at: features@sundaytimes.wnl.lk or post your query to: Ask the Consul, c/o The Sunday Times, No. 8, Hunupitiya Cross Road, Colombo 2.

On the first Sunday of each month, The Sunday Times will publish a selection of these questions as well as answers from American Consular officers.

Below are some sample answers to questions the Embassy commonly receives about U.S. visas, but all types of inquiries are welcome:

Question: My son is an American citizen. How can he sponsor me to immigrate?

Answer: American citizens can petition for certain immediate relatives, including parents, by filing an I-130 petition (available on the website www.uscis.gov) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
Your son must follow the instructions carefully, and provide all documents required. When the petition is approved, your file will be forwarded to the Embassy in Colombo, and we will contact you to schedule your interview and inform you of any other required documents.

Question: How do I make an interview appointment for a tourist visa?

Answer: Appointments for all categories of non-immigrant visas, including for tourism, can be made by contacting our scheduler, TT Services. The website for TT Services can be found at http://www.ttsusvisas.lk/ and contains contact information as well as the visa application form, which must be filled out online. The wait time for an appointment varies depending on the time of year, but all travellers are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid potential delays.

Question: Do I need an American sponsor to apply for a visa? What documents do I need?

Answer: A sponsor is not needed. Eligibility for a non-immigrant visa is primarily based on the applicant demonstrating sufficiently compelling ties to Sri Lanka to ensure their return. Travelling to visit a friend, relative, or business associate can help establish the purpose of your travel, but is not alone sufficient for visa issuance. Most important are your ties to Sri Lanka. Since what constitutes compelling ties is different for each applicant, you should be prepared to explain to the officer your ties and should feel free to bring whatever documents you feel best help illustrate your current situation and the things that would compel you to return after a short stay in the United States.

Question: I want to study in the U.S. How can I get information about education opportunities in America? Do I need an agent?

Answer: There are many sources of information about U.S. education. One of the best is the U.S.-Fulbright Commission in Colombo, which has numerous resource books and an informed staff that can assist you with finding a school that is right for you, and can guide you through the application process. You may also engage the services of an agent, but this is not required.

The internet is also a great resource, as all U.S. colleges and universities also maintain websites with lots of information. Lastly, the Embassy regularly schedules student visa seminars at the Fulbright Commission where a Consular officer can answer other questions you might have.