State Department Modifies the Application Forms for USA Visas

Important changes in the official forms for use in connection with applications for United States entrance visas have now been introduced by the Visa Division of the State Department, it was learned here today.

At first Form B, the biographical form, specified that it was to be filled out “by the person most familiar with the history and background of the alien desiring admission.” As undoubtedly in many cases the visa applicant himself will be the only one who can furnish such information, Form B has been revised on this point. It now provides that “in cases where it is impossible for any valid reason for an interested party” to fill out the form, the Department of State or an American Consular officer may permit the visa applicant to fill it out in his own behalf “with appropriate modifications.” Two letters of reference must be submitted by any person who fills out form B. Originally it was not required that these letters be from American citizens – the language was “two letters of reference, preferably from reputable and responsible American citizens” – but the revised form makes American citizenship a requisite. Where the visa applicant himself fills out form B, outside the United States, this requirement that the references be from American citizens seems likely to prove a serious obstacle, unless it may be waived under the above quoted phrase “with appropriate modifications.”

The original version of Form C did not mention that every visa applicant must have two sponsors but the new Form C makes it clear that such is the case. Another important change is this: the two letters of reference which the person filling out Form C must furnish are now required to be from American citizens; formerly they might be either from American citizens or from “aliens lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence.”