US visa applications to involve interview

By ANGELA GREGORY

Thousands of New Zealanders can expect to face an interview when they apply for United States visas from Friday.

The new global policy means obtaining a visa is likely to involve fronting up to an Auckland consular officer.

The tightening of procedures over who can travel to, or through, the United States is a fallout of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington in 2001.

United States Embassy staff have been reminding intending travellers to double-check their visa requirements and apply early.

Auckland consul Doug Berry said he was expecting the transition to go smoothly. Travel agents had been advised of the change.

It applies to intending visitors between the ages of 16 and 60 who need a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States.

Interviews will be required for up to 15,000 people who are either New Zealanders or third-country nationals living in New Zealand.

Embassy spokeswoman Janine Burns said that was thousands more than were interviewed previously, and would substantially lengthen the time needed to process visa applications.

Most New Zealanders visit the United States without a visa under a waiver scheme for those travelling for general business or pleasure reasons, and staying less than 90 days.

Travellers who are not eligible for the waiver scheme - such as students, workers, working journalists, exchange visitors or anyone who wants to stay more than 90 days - should apply for a visa well in advance of their expected date of departure, says the embassy.

It is recommending that such applicants buy their air tickets only after receiving a visa.

Any traveller who has a criminal conviction, who overstayed during a previous visit, or who has been denied either admission to the United States or a visa, does not qualify for the waiver.