VISA FAQ

Can My American Friend Help?

• I have letters of guarantee that I will return to China. Why isn't that considered to be enough proof that I actually will return?
• If I am denied a visa, would it help to have a high ranking official or an American friend contact the embassy?
• Can an American friend speak on my behalf to an embassy employee about my case or be present during my interview?

I have letters of guarantee that I will return to China. Why isn't that considered to be enough proof that I actually will return?

A guarantee letter, like other forms of written documentation, will be considered by the interviewing officer. However, a letter, by itself, does not establish the applicant's ties to a permanent residence outside of the United States. Similarly, pledges from highly placed persons that an applicant will return to China do not automatically enable the applicant to overcome section 214(b). This is because U.S. law does not permit visa officers to delegate to others their authority to evaluate the applicant's actual overall circumstances. 

If I am denied a visa, would it help to have a high ranking official or an American friend contact the embassy?

No. United States law assigns the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. Additionally, United States law is designed to insulate the decisions in visa cases from outside influences. An applicant can influence a reversal of a prior denial only through presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties. 

Can an American friend speak on my behalf to an embassy employee about my case or be present during my interview?

In order to afford American citizens an opportunity to speak directly with a consular officer, the Visa Unit will make an officer available Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 4PM to 5PM.  Inquiries will be entertained on a first come first served basis.  All American citizens present by 4PM will have an opportunity to speak to an officer that day, inquires from anyone arriving after 4PM will only be entertained if time permits.  No one will be admitted after 4:30PM. 

Only American citizens will be allowed to take advantage of this opportunity, citizens of other countries (including legal permanent residents of the United States) will not be afforded this opportunity.

As an alternative, inquiries into specific cases may be faxed to the NIV Unit at (86-10) 6532-3178.  Replies are generally sent within five business days.

We do not allow third parties, including American citizens, to either submit individual visa applications or be present during visa interviews. Documents in support of an individual application should be forwarded directly to the applicant. The interviewing officer will consider the third party information together with the other information the applicant presents.