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Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Expedited Visa Reissuance Program for H-1B and L-1 Visas


This program provides expedited reissuance procedures for H-1B and L-1 visa applicants and their qualified derivative family members. 

You can use this program when all four of the following qualifications are met:

  1. Korean nationality
  2. Received previous H-1B or L-1 visa issued in Seoul
  3. Have H-1B or L-1 visa extension Approval Notice I-797 from USCIS
  4. Previous H-1B or L-1 visa issued in Seoul for the same employer as the current I-797 extension approval notice

How to apply

Qualified applicants and their family members are required to schedule an interview through Visa Information Web Services at www.us-visaservices.com and bring all their application materials with them at the time of their interview.  Appointments are available every Wednesday at 08:30 a.m.  Even if you are qualified for the Visa Reissuance Program, you can select to schedule an appointment on any available appointment date.

What is Needed to Apply?

Applicants must submit the following items:

  • A passport valid for travel to the United States with any plastic/leather cases removed. (Note: A passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States is required for certain countries, unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions.  Korean and certain other country passports are exempt from this requirement.)

    Please obtain a new passport prior to your interview if:

    1. the biographic page of your passport is separating from the remainder of your passport, or
    2. your passport is otherwise torn, damaged or mutilated.

    • U.S. visas cannot be placed in damaged passports.

  • A completed and signed Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156) with photo (See "photo requirements" ) for each applicant.  All applicants are required to use the Electronic Visa Application DS-156 Form (EVAF).  You must type the information required into the appropriate spaces on the DS-156 and then print the completed DS-156.

  • Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required to be submitted with Form DS-156 by all male nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants between the age of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality or place of application.

  • A receipt from Shinhan Bank for the visa processing fee. The NIV processing fee can be paid for at any Shinhan Bank branch within Korea.  There is a branch only a short walk from the Embassy; click for map.  A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed.

  • The old passport holding the previous H-1B or L-1 visa (H-4 or L-2 visa for dependents)

  • A copy of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Extension Approval Notice of Action (I-797). 

  • A copy of I-129 with supporting documents.

  • Current employment letter from your U.S. employer confirming your employment.  The letter must be dated within one month of your visa interview date.

  • A copy of your most recent W-2 form and pay slips.

  • A courier service form (Ilyang: 1588-0002; Hanjin:1588-0011).  Courier service receipt should be presented to the U.S. Embassy along with other visa application material.  This receipt will be needed to return your passport to you after the visa issuance.  Each passport must have a separate courier service form attached.  Courier forms are available through the Ilyang (1588-0002; www.ilyanglogis.com) or Hanjin (1588-0011; www.hanjin.co.kr) courier companies.

  • Please submit the following documents to prove family relationship. Each certificate must be issued within one month of your visa interview date.
  1. The former Family Census Register/Jejeok Deung-Bon (one copy for the entire family)
  2. Certificate of Family Relationship (one copy for the entire family)
  3. Basic Certificate for each person
  4. Marital Status for each person
  5. Adoption Certificate for each children
  • All non-English documents must be translated into English. Does not need to be notarized.

Processing Time

Passports are delivered back to applicants via the selected courier (Ilyang or Hanjin) within three to five business days.  Applicants should also keep in mind the anticipated time of delivery of their passports and visas when making travel plans to the United States.


 

 

Updated: October 13, 2009