The process of Non-Immigrant Visa issuance differed strongly from country to country concerning the way information were provided, fees were collected and appointments were scheduled. Now the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has decided to standardize the procedure by 2014.

For applicants the Consulate General of the USA in Germany lists the following improvements:
•    Fees can be paid by an online “Sofort” System, online via EC or Debit card and electronic funds transfer, as well as by “Überweisung”. Paying online has the advantage that the applicant can schedule an interview immediately.
•    An overview lists all the possible dates for an interview in the consulates in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, so that the applicant can pick the day of his preference.
•    Pre-paid and self-addressed envelopes do no longer need to be provided. The applicant will give his address information and the issuing post will send the passport by registered mail. The applicant will be notified by SMS or e-mail when the passport is sent out.
•    If the processing of an application takes longer, the applicant will be informed by SMS or e-mail, when his Visa can be issued. They can then send their passports free of charge from any “Deutsche Post” service point.
Source: http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa_neuigkeiten.html
Even if immigration rules are becoming more complex and complicated, the ICUnet.AG will accompany you by every step of your international processes. Please feel free to contact our expert Gesa Lipke, if you have any questions:
E-mail: gesa.lipke @ icunet.ag
Phone: +49 (0) 851 988666-0