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Indonesia

Business Visa Program

The U.S. Embassy Jakarta Business Visa Program is designed to process as many legitimate business travelers as quickly as possible, while still following all the required security guidelines. The more companies that join the BVP and send their employees to apply for visas early, the better the Embassy can meet the needs of legitimate business travelers.

HOW TO REGISTER:

Prepare a one-page letter on company letterhead including:

  • The nature of your company’s business in the U.S. and how it supports American business.
  • Contact information for branch offices in the U.S.
  • Address, phone and fax number for your company in Indonesia.
  • The signature and email addresses of two corporate officers.

The completed registration letter should then be submitted to the Consular Section at the Embassy.

The Consular Section will review each registration request and notify the company if it has been accepted for participation. The Consular Section has the final authority to accept or deny the registration of any company.

AFTER REGISTRATION

Employees from your company may come for walk-in interviews on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, between the hours of 0700-0900, provided they bring the following:

  • Completed ELECTRONIC U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 (EVAF).
  • Completed DS-157 if required (males between the ages of 16-45).
  • One 5cm X 5cm photograph with white background.
  • Cover-letter on corporate letterhead signed by one of the two authorized signatories stating your purpose of travel.
  • Application fee in Rupiah (US$100.00).
  • ALL old passports.
  • Any other documents that you feel may help you to prove your ties to Indonesia.

INTERVIEW PROCEDURES

  • All applicants must come in person for the interview. Children under the age of 14 may be represented by their parents.
  • Electronic fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview.
  • All applicants must be able to demonstrate to a consular officer that they are fully qualified for a visa.

PROCESSING TIME

  • Visas usually take 3-5 business days to process.
  • Some applicants are subject to additional administrative processing. In such cases, the applicant must wait for two to four weeks. When the visa is ready, the applicant’s passport number will be posted on a special website. Procedural details will be given to the applicant on the day of interview.
  • If you are subject to additional administrative processing, your application is not refused; it is pending. (2-4 weeks on average).

FAQs
Question (Q): If I receive a visa, does that mean I’m guaranteed admission to the U.S.?
Answer (A): Permission to apply to enter the U.S. admits you to the U.S.

Q: How long can I stay in the U.S. on my visa?
A:
Example 1: A businessperson wants to enter the U.S. on June 10th for a 2 week trip. His visa expires June 15th. Does he/she need a new visa? NO

Example 2: A businessperson is working in the U.S. on an L1 visa that expired Feb 2nd, but has a petition that is valid until Sept 5th 2006. He wants to travel back home to Indonesia for a visit. Does he/she need a new visa to re-enter the U.S.? YES

Q: Can my spouse and children apply with me using the BVP?
A: Yes. Spouses and children under the age of 21 may apply using the BVP if they will be joining you on your business trip.

Q: I already have one visa (i.e. B1/B2). May I still apply for an L1 and keep my B1/B2 (tourist)?
A: Yes. You may have two visas at the same time as long as they are different visa type
(B1/B2), J1, L1 etc.)

Q: Why was my employee’s visa refused?
A: Each person who applies must personally qualify under section 214b of U.S. Immigration Law, and prove to a consular officer that they are not an intending immigrant to the U.S.

Q: When should I apply?
A: As early as possible. B1/B2 visas are generally valid for 5 years. If you plan to travel on business within the next year, plan ahead, come now!

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Appoint a person from your company who will be responsible for ensuring all applications are filled out correctly before sending applicants. This will save time and energy for everyone.
  • U.S.$500 fee for all L1 blanket petitions.
  • B1/B2 visa holders for short-term business may not receive income from any company in the U.S.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT:

Call (021) 3435-9888
E-mail: jakvisa@N0SPAM.state.gov

For more information on the Business Visa Program, visit the Consular section web page in http://indonesian.jakarta.usembassy.gov/id/visas/bvp_id.html, or

E-mail to: jakbusiness@N0SPAM.state.gov