From September 27 the United States Interests Section in Havana (USINT) will implement a new system for the coordination of visitors and fiancés visas that will reduce costs and improve information services for interested persons.
According to a press release issued by USINT, Type B-1, B-2, J, F and P, fiancé (e) (K-1 and K-2) visa applicants may make appointments through site in English: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cu, and in Spanish: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cu_es or by phone in the United States through the number ( 786) 408-5995.
Both sites will allow applicants to use an interactive calendar that will enable them to choose time and date of the interviews at their convenience. This procedure will now be free, and if the applicant makes it by phone must only pay the normal cost of the call.
Current rates for applications may be paid in cash at any establishment of the chains Family Dollar, 7-Eleven or ACE Cash Express in the United States or by debit cards in the aforementioned sites.
The note clarifies that concerted appointments to date remain as before and the changes only apply to those from September26th. The steps to follow are only three: fill DS-160 chart online, issue the payment in approved establishments and apply for interview online or by phone.
The cases of diplomat residents in Cuba and official cases handled by the government of Cuba will remain in compliance with existing procedures. The National Visa Center in the United States will continue to process all immigrant visa cases except for those few cases that are requested from Cuba and those requesting fiancé visas.
Those who choose the Family Reunification Parole Program will continue requesting interviews as heretofore.
According to the USINT, 29 700 visitor visas were granted between October last year and June 2014, 25 percent higher than the same period last year. In turn, until the end of August this year 17,000 immigrant visas were issued, so it is expected the agreement signed between the two governments in 1994 of 20,000 annual visas of this kind will be met.
