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STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES TWO NEW NON-IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
FORMS
by Michael J. Gurfinkel, Esq.
In another aftermath of the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks, the State Department has issued two new
non-immigrant visa application forms, the DS-156 and DS-157. These
new forms will be used by United States Embassies and consulates
all over the world to elicit information that could alert US ports
of entry and law enforcement agencies on the possibility of a
terrorist suspect entering the United States.
The new forms (DS-156 and DS-157) will replace the old OF-156
non-immigrant visa application form and supplement, and will be
required for all non-immigrant visa applicants in Manila.
The new forms have most of the questions in the old OF-156 and
supplement, and added new questions designed to determine whether
a person may have possible links with any terrorist organization.
Some of the questions include:
1. Do you seek to enter the United States to engage in export
control violations, subversive or terrorist activities, or any
other unlawful purpose? Are you a member or representative of
a terrorist organization as currently designated by the U.S. Secretary
of State?
2. List all countries you have entered in the last 10 years.
3. List all countries that have ever issued you a passport.
4. Have you ever lost a passport or had one stolen?
5. List all professional, social and charitable organizations
to which you belong (belonged), contribute (contributed) or with
which you work (have worked).
6. Do you have any specialized skills or training, including firearms,
explosives, nuclear, biological, or chemical experience?
7. Have you ever performed military service? If yes, give name
of country, branch of service, rank/position, military specialty,
and dates of service.
8. Have you ever been in armed conflict, either as a participant
or a victim?
9. List all education institutions you attend, or have attended.
Include vocational schools, but not elementary schools.
10. Have you made specific travel arrangements? If yes, please
provide a complete itinerary for your travel, including arrival/departure
dates, flight information, specific location you will visit, and
a point of contact at each location.
11. The DS-156 has a blank space (# 10) for a "National identification
number". It is a worldwide question, that does NOT apply to the
Philippines. This space may be marked "n/a".
These new forms do not contain the detailed questions about an
applicant's employment and income history that were previously
on the old OF-156. Nevertheless, you should still come to the
interview prepared to discuss and show your employment and income
history. Even though there are no longer any questions on the
new forms about income and assets, you will still be asked questions,
and may be required to provide verifiable documentation concerning
your employment and assets.
Although it is doubtful that terrorists will provide truthful
information or answers to the above questions, the forms are still
expected to deter or make it harder for terrorists to enter the
United States undetected.
In the past, non-immigrant visa applicants primarily had to prove
that they have "reasonably good and permanent employment, meaningful
business or financial connections, close family ties, or social
or cultural associations, which would indicate a strong inducement"
for them to return to their home country. The new forms helps
were designed to focus on the issues of proving that applicant
will return to his home country, as well as possible terrorist
links.
The new DS-156 and DS-157 forms have already been distributed
in BPI and Citibank branches, and travel agencies all over the
Philippines. The forms can also be downloaded from the U.S. Embassy's
website page: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwh3024.html
Non-immigrant visa applicants are advised to use the new forms,
because the old OF-156 forms will no longer be accepted by the
US Embassy. Applicants only need to be truthful in filling out
the forms, providing documents, and answering questions during
consular interview. If a person really intends to return to his
country is qualified for a visa, and is not a terrorist or terrorist
supporter, there is absolutely no reason for you to be worried.
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