T5 B71 Saudi Visa Policy 1 Of 2 Fdr- Post-9-11 Press Release- Us Embassy Riyadh- Visa Eligibility Has Not Changed 618

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PRESS RELEASE Neither the United States Embassy in Riyadh nor the United States Consulate General in Jeddah has changed its policy in determining visa eligibility as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Nonimmigrant visa eligibility, particularly in the case of tourists and students, is based on a determination by a consular officer that an applicant has adequate resources to fully fund his or her travel or education expenses in the United States and has sufficiently strong ties to his or her country of residence to clearly indicate the intention to return to that country once the purpose of travel to the United States has been completed. While many applicants may have family or friends in either the United States or Saudi Arabia willing to assist the applicant in defraying the cost of travel or education, the responsibility to qualify for a visa always remains with the applicant. In Saudi Arabia, nonimmigrant visa applications are presented through designated travel agencies. In most cases, a visa is issued without the necessity of a personal interview. However, in those cases where the consular officer feels that the information presented is not clear or complete, a personal interview may be requested to clarify the unresolved issues and, ultimately, to determine visa eligibility. These standards conform to long-standing Department of State guidelines. For further information regarding the Embassy's nonimmigrant visa application process, applicants may wish to visit the U.S. Embassy website at: http://usembassy.state.gov/rivadh or call the Embassy at (1) 488-3800, which provides recorded information in English and Arabic on application procedures.

Released by Pobl.c Affairs Office, U.S. Embassy- P.O. Box 94309 Riyadh 11693, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- Tel 4883800

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