2006 Press Releases

U.S.  Embassy Urges Use of Electronic Visa Application Forms

July 11, 2006

The U.S. Embassy's Consular Section would like to take this opportunity to remind applicants that summer is our busiest season due to the high volume of applicants and special group requests.  Due to high call volume the TTPOST appointment line may be busy during peak hours.  Please try again or leave a message.  We urge applicants to make travel plans well in advance of their intended travel dates and to be prepared on the date of the interview.  Presently, appointments are being provided 2-3 months from the date of request.  Please refer to "Visas to the U.S" for information on what to bring to the interview.

We have scheduled the maximum number of appointments that our facility and staff can handle. Applicants can expect a full waiting area and a wait for processing on the date of the appointment.  In order to help expedite processing, we urge ALL applicants to fill out the application forms electronically.  Electronic application forms can be accessed at https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp.  Applicants must fill the form out completely on line at this website and then print out the completed application form. Applicants must bring all printed pages of the application form, including the bar code on page 3, on the interview date.  Do not send the application electronically. Those applicants who fill out the form electronically will receive priority processing on the date of the appointment and should experience a shorter wait to be called to the interview window.

Please note that individuals already in possession of a valid US visa in an expired T&T passport may still use that US visa to travel.  The unexpired US visa does NOT need to be transferred to the new T&T passport.   Applicants must travel with both passports.  In addition, please note that Trinidadian nationals may use their passports and US visas to travel up to their dates of expiration.  

Also, we would like to remind all visa applicants that they should bring to their visa interview only those items relevant to the visa application.  Because the visa waiting area is a secure location, all items that enter must be thoroughly examined by the security guard force.  The line will move more quickly for all concerned if applicants do not bring along valuables, pocketbooks, backpacks, and other items not vital to the visa interview.