Hello johnfrommelbourne-ga,
In doing the research for your question I discovered that you asked a
very similar question two years ago. Based on your current question,
my guess is that you and your wife didn?t make the visit to North
Carolina back then.
Most of the information contained in the July 2002 answer is still
current. I?ve updated the links and collected all the information
again so that you can quickly review the current situation of an
Indonesian citizen wanting to travel to the US.
Unfortunately, travel to the US since 9/11 has gotten to be much more
of a hassle than it used to be. Part of the problem is that because of
the new rules for the more stringent security measures have made the
process more time consuming and less predictable than it used to be.
Now, for your travel plans.
You, as an Australian citizen, don?t need to get a visa to travel to
the US for pleasure. Your Indonesian wife has to apply for a B-2,
non-immigrant visitor visa. US laws assume that all visitors are
potential immigrants and the visa procedures require the visitor to
prove that they will return home. Before getting your visa, you must
pass an immigration interview at the US embassy showing that you meet
all the requirements for visiting the US. The most important
requirement is that you will return home. The immigration interviews
are extremely brief (less than two minutes) and the decision of the
consular official conducting the interview is final. Below I?ve
emphasized the instructions for all the documents you will need to
provide strong ties to your home country and convincing evidence that
your will return there.
As you suspected, visitors from Indonesia are subject to extra
scrutiny. Indonesia is considered to be a terrorist risk country and
certain visitors may be subject to the Special Registration Rules.
These rules normally apply to men and boys over 16 but are a precursor
for future tracking systems for all visitors from these countries.
I?ve included a selection of articles to help you evaluate the
situation for yourself.
I?ve included the links to help you get detailed information about the
visa application process. I suggest that you get thoroughly familiar
with all the instructions and then apply as early as possible.
I hope you and your wife will be able to make your planned visit to
North Carolina without any difficulties.
Best wishes for the trip.
~ czh ~
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YOUR PRIOR QUESTION
===================
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=36173
Q: Indonesian travelling to USA for vacation
Posted: 03 Jul 2002
Answered By: fugitive-ga on 03 Jul 2002
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VISA PROCEDURES FOR INDONESIAN AND AUSTRALIAN VISITORS TO THE US
================================================================
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/surabaya/visitorvisas-u.pdf
Summary of visa procedures
***** This document gives you a quick overview of the visa process.
-------------------------------------------------
http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Visa Services
Important Notices:
Apply Early - Current Visa Processing Situation
***** This is the best starting point for information about getting a
visa to travel to the United States.
-------------------------------------------------
http://travel.state.gov/specialnotice.html
Notice on Current Visa Processing Situation
Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than
in the past. For many applicants, a personal appearance interview is
required as a standard part of visa processing. Additionally,
applicants affected by these procedures are informed of the need for
additional screening at the time they submit their applications and
are being advised to expect delays. The time needed for adjudication
of individual cases will continue to be difficult to predict. For
travelers, the need for an interview will mean additional coordination
with the embassy or consulate is needed to schedule an interview
appointment. We recommend that individuals build in ample time before
their planned travel date when seeking to obtain a visa.
***** All indications are that the application process has gotten
tougher and takes longer since 9/11.
-------------------------------------------------
http://travel.state.gov/vwp.html
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to
travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or
less without obtaining a visa. Not all countries participate in the
VWP. Some restrictions apply to this program as explained below and in
the section, "What Do I Need to Enter the United States under the
VWP?".
Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program,
including Australia.
***** Since you are Australian you don?t need a visa to travel to the
U.S. Your wife, traveling under an Indonesian passport, must meet more
stringent visa requirements.
-------------------------------------------------
http://travel.state.gov/visa;visitors.html
Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the
United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for
temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The
"visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter
the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or
medical treatment (B-2). ? if the purpose of your planned travel is
recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with
friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a
fraternal, social, or service nature, then you would apply for a
vistors visa.
Qualifying for a Visa
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under
provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants must
demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S.
law.
#####################
The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an
intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must
overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
-- The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business,
pleasure, or medical treatment;
-- That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
-- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
-- Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
-- That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other
binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the
visit.
######################
***** This is the most crucial section that governs the granting of
visitor visas. The visa applicant must overcome the assumption that
they desire to immigrate to the U.S.
Required Documentation
Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit these forms and
documentation, and submit fees as explained below:
An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156
https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp?lang=1
What are the Required Fees?
Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee - Each applicant for a
visitor visa must pay a nonrefundable US $100 nonimmigrant visa
application processing fee.
Visa issuance fee ? Additionally, if the visa is issued, there will be
an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. Please
consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa
issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is. If there is a fee
for issuance for the visa, it is equal as nearly as possible to the
fee charged to United States citizens by the applicant's country of
nationality.
http://travel.state.gov/reciprocity/index.htm
Visa Reciprocity and Country Documents Finder
http://travel.state.gov/reciprocity/Country%20Folder/I/Indonesia.htm
Indonesia
Reciprocity Schedule
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/
U.S. Embassy, Jakarta
***** This is the main page of the US Embassy in Jakarta. There are
many postings about travel and other warnings for Indonesia.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/consular.html
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Consular Section
Jl. Merdeka Selatan No. 5, Jakarta Pusat
Tel. (62-21) 3435-9000, Fax. (62-021) 385-7189
Consul General: Mary Grandfield
The following information is provided to assist those intending to
apply for US visas in Indonesia. More detailed information is
available at the main Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
web site (http://travel.state.gov) and the US Immigration and
Naturalization Service site (http://www.ins.usdoj.gov).
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/evisaforms.html
Electronic U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa Application Forms
Applicants for non-immigrant visas can now speed their processing time
both in preparing their applications and in having their applications
processed at the Embassy by using Electronic Visa Application Forms.
Applicants can enter all their data on an Internet web site that
produces a version of the application form with a bar code. This bar
code allows Embassy employees to upload the information quickly and
easily into the Embassy computer systems. Applicants with properly
completed electronic visa application forms will go to the front of
the check-in line and will spend less time waiting to be called up for
their interview.
https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp
Electronic Visa Application Form
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/aboutcons.html
Nonimmigrant visa applicants include visitors to the United States for
business and pleasure, students who plan to study in the United
States, and others whose purpose in visiting the United States is
temporary in nature and who intend to return to Indonesia upon
completion of the purpose of their visit.
Visa applications are accepted from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. No application are accepted
on Wednesdays.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/visa_new.html
U.S. Embassy Visa Appointment Policy
June 13, 2001
Beginning June 18, 2001 the United States Embassy in Jakarta will
implement a new system for scheduling non-immigrant visa appointments.
We are establishing this appointment system to make the visa
application process as efficient and user-friendly as possible for the
Indonesian community .
The system will enable applicants for non-immigrant visas -including
tourist, business and student visas -to schedule an interview for a
specific date and time by calling our appointment line at 3435-9888
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by emailing
us at: jakvisa@state.gov
-------------------------------------------------
http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/
Welcome to UnitedStatesVisas.gov, an official source of information
about U.S. visa policy and procedures. Use this site to learn about
the visa application process, understand current requirements, and get
updates on recent developments.
This site serves as a single point of access to U.S. visa information.
It will connect you to additional, in-depth information found on Web
sites managed by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/visiting2.html
Applying for a Tourist Visa
Under U.S. law, applicants for visitor visas must qualify on their own
for visas to visit the United States.
This is what applicants must do when they apply for visitor visas:
-- Complete and sign the required application forms;
-- Bring evidence that their visit is temporary and that they will
leave the United States after their legally authorized stay; and
-- Undergo security clearance procedures
All visa applicants, even babies in their parents' passports, must
have these things:
-- Application Form DS-156 completed and signed
-- Current, valid passport or travel document
-- Photograph. Requirements are strict for photograph size, type and
quality. Please check with your nearest consulate for specifications
before you get your picture taken.
-- Application fees. All applicants must pay the application fee.
Some applicants, according to nationality and type of visa, must also
pay an issuance fee.
-- Evidence of funds to cover your expenses in the United States
-- Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
Consular officers do security checks for all visa applicants. They
will make special security clearances for some applicants as required
by law. These clearances may take several weeks or longer. Please plan
for the possibility of a delay in the issuance of a visa. Make your
visa application well in advance of your intended travel.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/nonimmigrant.html
NONIMMIGRANT VISA TIPS
The following is a list of documentation that may be used to support
your application for a nonimmigrant visa. Other documentation may be
used if it is appropriate; this list is not all-inclusive. However,
documentation is not a guarantee of approval for the visa application.
Every applicant must prove that he/she intends to return to his/her
place of residence after a temporary stay in the United States. Please
note that all applicants must pay a nonrefundable application fee of
USD 100, or its equivalent in Rupiah.
***** See list of documents and other information to help with your
immigration interview.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/visitor.html
INFORMATION SHEET ON VISITOR VISAS FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country wishing to enter the United
States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for
temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The
"visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter
the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical
treatment (B-2).
***** Be sure to read the section on the interview process.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/consular.html
CONTACTING THE CONSULAR SECTION
Callers from the U.S. should check on the time difference to avoid
calling outside normal office hours in Jakarta, which are 7:30 am to
3:30 pm. To avoid the time factor, you can send a fax to the Consular
Section at (62-21) 385-7189
Some callers have complained of difficulties in reaching the Embassy,
particularly the Consular Section, by telephone. Callers should be
aware that although the Embassy has a large number of phone lines,
these sometimes fail and generate a false ring. If the phone has not
been answered within eight to ten rings, please hang up and try again.
When you call back, you will be connected to a new trunk line.
===============================
SPECIAL REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
===============================
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=29019
September 21, 2002
INS to vet Indonesia, Malaysia travelers
Nations among 15 mostly Muslim states that fall under secret criteria
WASHINGTON ? Beginning Oct. 1, U.S. immigration inspectors will be
allowed to fingerprint, photograph and track visiting aliens who have
traveled to Indonesia or Malaysia and can't credibly explain their
trips there, authorizes a confidential Justice Department memo, a copy
of which was obtained by WorldNetDaily.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/spec_registration.html
SPECIAL REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
Terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of thousands of Americans, as
well as nationals from many other countries. As a result, new
regulations have gone into effect to help ensure the safety of all
persons in the United States. These regulations require the
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to register certain
individuals in the interest of national security or law enforcement.
Who has to follow the special registration procedures?
As part of the nonimmigrant visa application process, consular
officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates are required to identify
individuals who will have to follow the special registration
requirements in the United States. Likewise, INS officers at ports of
entry may identify nonimmigrants who will have to follow the special
registration requirements.
***** It doesn?t sound likely that your wife will be selected for the
special registration procedures but there is very little information
about how this process works.
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http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/imm_sr.htm
IMMIGRATION -- Special Registration
http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/immigrants/special_registration.htm#footnote10
Immigrants and Minorities
Special Registration (National Security Entry-Exit Registration System)
Of the many discriminatory and intrusive policies targeting immigrants
that have come into force since September 11, the "National Security
Entry-Exit Registration System" (NSEERS), commonly known as "Special
Registration," is arguably the one which has caused the most
widespread concern within affected immigrant communities, primarily
among Arabs and Muslims.1 Under this program, men and boys over 16
years of age from 25 countries must report to the INS where they will
be photographed, fingerprinted, and interviewed under oath.2 Failure
to comply with requirements of the program is a deportable offense.
The Indonesian government has advised its citizens to avoid travel to
the United States, saying that the policy is arbitrary and
confusing.10
http://www.ipanet.org/newsletter/nl-0302.pdf
Special Call-in Registrations Procedures for Certain Nonimmigrant
***** See page 1 for a report on Indonesian concerns with special
registration rules.
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http://www.ipanet.org/newsletter/nl-0303.pdf
Special Call-in Registrations Procedures for Certain Nonimmigrant
***** See page 2 for a report on Indonesian concerns with special
registration rules.
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http://www.citylimits.org/images_pdfs/pdfs/SpecialRegistrationReport.pdf
Special Registration ? Discrimination and Xenophobia as Government Policy
November 2003
***** This is a 50 page report explaining the workings of the special
registration program.
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