Question:

I recently paid the visa application fee at a Scotiabank in the morning. That afternoon, I contacted the call centre to schedule my appointment. The attendant I spoke with said my receipt number from the bank is not yet in the system, and it could take up to 48 hours before I could schedule my appointment. Is this true? I thought I could get an appointment immediately after I paid? I plan to travel to the United States next month and would really like an appointment as soon as possible.

Sandra in Tunapuna

Answer:

Thank you for your question. We are excited to hear that you are using our new visa process. You finished the first two steps by completing an online visa application and printing your payment slip to bring to Scotiabank to pay your visa application fee.

As you have encountered, with our new system, you must first pay the fee at Scotiabank before you can schedule an appointment. Once you have paid the fee, it can take up to two business days before the payment is recognised in our computer system, so that you can make an appointment. Most of our applicants to date have been able to schedule their appointments the next business day, but occasionally, it can take 48 hours. When your fee has posted, you can schedule your appointment on our new website, usvisa-info.com, or through the call centre.

We are happy to say that the vast majority of our applicants since the March 7 rollout have been pleased with the new service. Specific benefits have been that the overall cost to successful applicants has decreased thanks to delivery of your passport now being included in the US$160 fee, payable in the Trinidad and Tobago dollar equivalent. We have also had positive feedback on our new call centre at 224-3099, which is currently open for extended hours, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The biggest benefit of the new system for many Trinidadians and Tobagonians is the possibility of having your interview waived altogether. This is possible for some children, some older applicants, as well as some applicants who are renewing a tourist or crew visa. To see if you qualify, you can visit our website at usvisa-info.com and review the details on the "Personal Appearance Waiver" and "Interview Waiver" tabs. If you have any additional questions you can reach out to our call centre at 224-3099.

• Send your questions and comments to: askUSconsultrinidad@state.gov