Non-Immigrant Visas

Frequently Asked Questions: General | Fees | Student Visas 

How long is my non-immigrant visa valid?
You may use your visa to travel to the United States until the expiration date on the visa. The Immigration Officers at the port of entry make the final decision as to whether you may be admitted to the United States, and how long you may stay.

My passport has expired, but my visa is still valid. I've obtained a new passport; do I need a new visa?
If the passport in which your visa has been placed has expired, the visa in the old passport still can be used, if you also carry a valid passport from the same country.  Transferring a visa between passports is not possible. 

Important Note: If, when canceling your old passport, the passport authority has damaged the U.S. visa in any way, that visa is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel to the United States.

My passport will expire soon; do I need to get a new passport?
All non-immigrant visa applicant passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated date of travel.

What if the visa does not cover my entire stay in the United States?
The visa expiration date is the last date on which you may enter the United States. Most countries use the visa expiration date as the date by which a visitor must depart the country.

Does a visa guarantee that I can enter the United States?
A valid visa allows you to apply for admission to the United States when you arrive at the airport (or other port of entry) in the United States. The Immigration Officers at the port of entry make the final decision as to whether you may be admitted to the United States, and how long you may stay in the United States.

How long can I stay in the United States?
The visa expiration date does not determine how long you may remain in the country; length of stay is determined by the admitting Immigration Officer at the U.S. port of entry. If you believe that you need to stay in the United States longer than the period of time initially granted to you, you must contact the nearest USCIS office to apply for an extension of your stay.

If I have a visitor (B1/B2) visa, can I work in the United States?
A tourist visa is only valid for travel to the United States for a temporary visit for pleasure. You are not permitted to earn income or to study if you have been admitted to the United States on a visitor visa.
 
What should I do if my application requires administrative processing?
We are unable to estimate the date on which administrative processing will be completed. Administrative requirements are complex and time consuming.  Please do not make any final departure plans to the U.S. until you have your visa in hand.  You may check the status of your application online here.


Fees
I paid the application fee but decided not to apply. Can I get a refund?
No.  Once you have paid the visa application fee at Saimon Overseas Ltd. or Standard Chartered Bank, the fee cannot be refunded.

My application was refused. Can I get a refund?
No.  The fee that you paid is an application fee.  Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa must pay this fee, which covers the cost of adjudicating your application. The application fee is non-refundable whether or not you are issued a visa.  If you choose to reapply for a visa, whether at this Embassy or elsewhere, you must pay the application fee again.

I paid the visa application fee.  What other fees do I need to pay?
All visa applicants are required to pay an application fee, which is charged to cover the costs involved in the processing of a visa application. Students and exchange visitors are required to pay a SEVIS fee.  Nationals of certain countries are required to pay a reciprocity fee in order for the visa to be issued. These fees reflect the fees charged by the applicant's government for a similar service to a U.S. citizen. Currently, there is no reciprocity fee for Bangladeshi passport holders.
 
How do I pay the reciprocity fee?
The reciprocity fee must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars or taka) at the Consular Section at the time of the interview.  Please note that reciprocity fees may not be paid to Saimon Overseas Ltd. or to Standard Chartered Bank.

How long is the non-immigrant visa application fee valid?
The non-immigrant visa application fee is valid for 90 days.  If you do not come for an interview within 90 days of paying the fee, you will need to pay the fee again.   

If I did not come to the scheduled appointment, what should I do?
Please return to Saimon Overseas Ltd. within the 90-day validity of the visa application fee payment, on any Saturday from 9am-1pm in order to reschedule your appointment.

What if I do not bring the application fee receipt to my interview?
The Consular Officer will not conduct the interview unless you present the original visa application fee receipt.  If you do not present an original visa application fee receipt (green copy), your appointment will be rescheduled for the next available interview date.


Student visas
Can I enter the United States on my student visa or exchange visitor visa before the school/exchange program begins?
Holders of F, M and J nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States until 30 days before the beginning of the program date, as printed on the I-20 form (for student visas) or DS-2019 (for exchange visitor visas).

How do I know if I am a bona fide student or not?
The interviewing Consular Officer determines this based on the information presented in your application and the facts you present during your student visa interview.

How can I show that I am financially prepared?
You must present evidence that shows sufficient resources to completely fund your first year of study and a continuing source of funds for the following years.

What are “Ties to your home country”?
You must show that you have compelling reasons to return to Bangladesh.

What is a SEVIS Fee and how do I pay it?
Student visa and exchange visitor visa applicants with an I-20 form or a DS-2019 are required to pay an additional SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This is in addition to the non-immigrant application fee.  Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee is required at the time of your interview.

Where can I get information about higher education in the U.S.?
The American Center in Dhaka provides a great deal of information for students seeking to study in the United States. If you are considering studying in the U.S., the American Center should be your first stop.

The American Center services include:

• Individual advising sessions with the Educational Advisor about studying and living in the United States.  Note:  The American Center cannot provide advice about your visa interview.
• Pre-departure orientation programs for groups or individuals to prepare students for their stay at American colleges and universities.
• Updated test prep software for TOEFL, SAT I, GRE, GMAT, USMLE and GED.
• Test information and application bulletins for the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT and USMLE exams, and information on how to register and pay for the tests.
• Peterson’s undergraduate and graduate guides for sale
• Catalogs and CDs from colleges and universities in the United States.
• Undergraduate advising group sessions, every Monday from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. 
• Academic reference materials and directories for undergraduate and graduate study; subject guides and test preparation guides.
  
  Visit the international student guide to U.S. education site at www.educationusa.state.gov

How long may I remain in the U.S. after I have completed my student/exchange program?
If you have a student visa you may remain in the United States for up to 60 days after the end of your studies. Holders of exchange visitor visas may remain for up to 30 days. If you wish to remain longer, you will need to apply with USCIS for an adjustment of status from student/exchange visitor to a tourist.

I have not yet received my I-20 form, but my classes begin soon. What should I do? As soon as you receive an acceptance letter from the school, you can schedule your visa interview appointment. If you do not receive your I-20 form before your scheduled visa interview date, you should bring all relevant documents to your interview. If you are found otherwise qualified, your application will be held pending receipt of your I-20.

Your student visa will not be issued until you provide the original, signed I-20 to the Consular Section.

Important note: Some students require administrative processing before a student visa may be issued. We urge student visa applicants to complete their applications and to schedule a student visa interview as soon as you receive the letter of acceptance from the college/university you plan to attend.