Visas - General Information

•  I have a visa in my old passport; can I just transfer it over?
• My passport containing a valid visa has expired. I've obtained a new passport; do I need a new visa?
• My old visa says "Indefinite"; is it still valid?
• Why, when I've always held an indefinite visa, was I recently issued with a B-1/B-2 visa valid for only ten years?
• The validity period of my visa does not cover my intended stay in the United States.
• How long can I stay in the United States?
• If I just have a tourist visa, what sort of activities can I do in the States?
• I have a visa; do I also need a return ticket?
• What else do I need to bring to my interview?
• Do I need to show a bank account and/or an invitation letter?
• How can I renew the visa?
• How can I cancel/rescedule my appointment?
• If I ask to reschedule my appointment, do I need to pay the visa processing fee again?
• If my visa application is refused, when can I apply again?
• Can I apply if I am unable to upload the photo on my application?
• Where can I go to fill out my applicaton form?
• I have been found subject to required administrative processing procedures.  How long does this process take?

I have a visa in my old passport; can I just transfer it over?

It is not possible to transfer a visa from one passport to another without making a new visa application.   Please know that having been issued a visa before does not automatically guarantee that you will receive a new visa.  You should approach the visa interview knowing that you will have to demonstrate your qualifications, and be prepared to explain your purpose of travel, your use of your past visa(s), and your current circumstances in Lebanon.

My passport containing a valid visa has expired. I've obtained a new passport; do I need a new visa?

If the passport in which your visa has expired or been cancelled, the visa in that passport can still be used, provided that you also carry a valid passport of the same nationality. Note: If, when canceling your old passport, the passport authority has clipped the corners of the passport, and, in so doing, has damaged the visa in any way, that visa is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel to the United States.

My old visa says "Indefinite"; is it still valid?

An "indefinite" validity visa is no longer valid for travel to the United States. If you wish to travel for business or pleasure, you are either required to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html), if qualified, or apply for a new B1/B2 visa.

Why, when I've always held an indefinite visa, was I recently issued with a B-1/B-2 visa valid for only ten years?

The U.S. Government no longer issues "indefinite" validity visas.   The maximum validity period of a B-1/B-2 visa is five years for Lebanese citizens and ten years for citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries. The ten-year validity period applies regardless of the fact that the applicant may have previously held an "indefinite" visa.

The validity period of my visa does not cover my intended stay in the United States.

The validity period of a visa relates only to the period of time in which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission. It does not determine the length of stay. This is a matter for U.S. immigration at the port of entry.

How long can I stay in the United States?

The period of validity of a visa relates only to the length of time during which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission at a port of entry. It does not determine the length of stay.  Instead, U.S. immigration authorities at the port of entry determine this when you enter the U.S.. If, while you are in the United States, you find that you need to stay there longer than the period of time initially granted to you, you must contact the nearest office of the USCIS to apply for an extension of your stay.  USCIS has sole jurisdiction over such matters. It is not possible to extend your stay if you entered visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

If I just have a tourist visa, what sort of activities can I do in the States?

The B-2 visa is only valid for travel to the United States for a temporary visit for pleasure. For a visit for business purposes you need a classification B-1.   Please note that some business activities require other classes of visas and may not be done on a B1 visa.  It may be possible for you to travel to the U.S. without a visa if your trip is for less than 90 days and you meet all the conditions for Visa Free Travel (http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html).

I have a visa; do I also need a return ticket?

If you hold a visa of any classification, including a B-1/B-2 visa, you are not required to hold a return ticket; you may enter the United States on a one-way ticket.  All travelers should carry with them for presentation to U.S. officials, if required, evidence of funds sufficient for their visit and, with the exception of H and L visa holders, evidence that they have a residence abroad to which they intend to return at the end of their stay. Some examples of such evidence include: traveler's checks; return tickets; copy of latest bank statement; letter from parents saying they will support you; evidence of current employment; evidence of enrollment at an academic institution.

What else do I need to bring to my interview?

We do not specify any documents that the applicant must present at the time of interview.  The burden of proof is upon the applicant to present documentation showing their strong ties to their country.  Please note that visa decisions are not solely based on documentation.   Documents can be helpful in establishing proof of employment, evidence of finances or property ownership.  Documents, do not however, establish the applicant's visa eligibility.  The purpose of the interview is to evaluate the applicant's stated intentions and his personal circumstances.  Consular officers may not always look at documents and may consider the applicant’s verbal responses as well.  Visa applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to come to their interview prepared to discuss their purpose of travel, their circumstances in Lebanon, and use of any past visas

Do I need to show a bank account and/or an invitation letter?

You are welcome to present any documents that you believe might be important to your case, however, documents by themselves do not establish visa eligibility, and consular officers do not always look at documents.

How can I renew my visa?

There is no automatic renewal of a visa.  You must apply for a new visa: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html

How can I cancel/reschedule my appointment?

If you wish to cancel/reschedule the scheduled appointment, you should write to BeirutNIV@state.gov, or send a fax to 961-4-544037.  Unless you are applying to travel for a serious emergency, you will need to book your appointment through Credit Libanais before requesting the earlier appointment.

If I ask to reschedule my appointment, do I need to pay the visa processing fee again?

The visa processing fee remains valid for one year from the date on which the fee was paid. 

If my visa application is refused, when can I apply again?

Although there is no specific time limit, we recommend that applicants wait until they are able to present new evidence which addresses the previous grounds of ineligibility.

Can I apply if I am unable to upload the photo on my visa application?

Uploading the photo is part of the application process, and we still require visa applicants to bring one photo with them in the event that the system will not accept the uploaded version.

Where can I go to fill out my visa application form?

List of Some Internet Shops electronic nonimmigrant visa applications

E-visa applications can be filled out at the following internet shops:

The American Embassy in Beirut assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the internet shops listed below.  Make sure the application is signed either by the applicant himself or by the person who actually filled out the form.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  the visa applicant is responsible for all the information on the application, whether he filled it out himself or had someone assist him.  Applicants who seek assistance from someone in completing the on-line application should make sure that the person entering the data has asked them all the questions, so that they can give the all correct information that will be needed for the form.

Malik’s Bookshop:

1.  Abraj Center, Furn El Chebbak, Tel: 01-293619
2.  Sanayeh area, facing Haigazian University, Tel: 01-744289
3.  Jbeil, Blat, facing Lebanese American University, Tel: 09-546620
4.  Kaslik, near USEK University, Tel: 09-637306
5.  Koraytem, facing Lebanese American University, upper gate,
     Tel: 01-791842/3
6.  Ras Beirut, Bliss Street, facing AUB main gate, Tel: 01-741975
7.  City Mall, Dora, Tel: 01-892342
8. Verdun, near Goodies, Tel: 01-791571

Doculand Branches: (sister company of Malik’s Bookshop, opens till midnight)

1. Ras Beirut, Bliss Street, Audi Bank Bldg., Tel: 01-365025
2. Sin El Fil, Freeway Center, Tel: 01-489763/4
3. Gemayzeh, near Electricity of  Lebanon, Tel: 01-567422

I have been found subject to administrative processing.  How long does this process take?

Administrative processing usually lasts about 60 days or less, but can take longer in some instances.  We realize that any period of wait can be frustrating, and we are sensitive to the fact that the purpose of the nonimmigrant visa program is to facilitate legitimate travel to the U.S.  Nonetheless, the Embassy in Beirut, like all U.S. Embassies and Consulates, must adjudicate visas in accordance with the provisions of the law, and, in some cases, this may involve extensive administrative processing. 

While we cannot predict when the processing of your case will be completed, please be assured that the Embassy is aware of your concerns and will do all we can to see that it is adjudicated as soon as your qualifications have been verified.