USA: Changes to visas for children and young people
16/06/2025 11:00

Good afternoon,

We understand from current communication that applications for visas for children and young people under 14 years of age in visa categories M, F and J may no longer be submitted by post.

In addition, the availability of appointments at the consulate is increasingly limited. It is currently not possible to book current appointments in the aforementioned visa categories.

If you have any questions, the GCS / DVKG consular advisors will be happy to help.

Your GCS / DVKG Team

USA: ESTA - new: passport photo required
02/06/2025 08:00

Good afternoon,

We would like to inform you that a passport photo must now also be uploaded for the ESTA application, all requirements for the photo can be found in your GCS / DVKG portal.

If you have any questions, the GCS / DVKG consular advisors will be happy to help.

Your GCS / DVKG team.

USA suspends the granting of visas for foreign students
28/05/2025 09:00

Good afternoon,

According to consistent press reports, the USA wants to expand the screening of foreign students and exchange students in social networks and initially not issue any new F, M and J visas. New guidelines are now being drawn up for the US diplomatic missions abroad.

If you have any questions, the GCS / DVKG consular advisors will be happy to help you.

Your GCS / DVKG Team

USA: CAUTION Fake calls regarding requests for US Visa information and personal data
09/05/2025 08:00

Good afternoon,

Currently there are an increasing number of fake calls with the following content:

A person introduces themselves as a US Border Control official. A US number (area code 001) appears on the display. The caller's aim is to obtain the following information:

  • Visa number
  • Passport number
  • Residence
  • Other personal information, especially that of the US visa application

    • When asked if the person can clearly prove their identity, the caller becomes aggressive and threatens that US authorities will appear at the caller's home within 30 minutes, expel them from the country and impose sanctions.

    In the cases known to us, no checks were carried out. We assume that the calls are fake.

    Please remain calm. The following procedure may be appropriate:

    • Inquire about the legitimacy of the caller
      • .
    • To inform them that you will call them back. Please ask for a telephone number for this purpose.
    • If the caller behaves aggressively, continue to inform them that you will be called back. Then hang up and contact the authorities directly.

    Best regards

    Your DVKG Team

    USA: Obligation to register for stays longer than 30 days
    02/05/2025 13:00

    Dear ladies and gentlemen,

    We would like to draw your attention to the following communication from the US authorities that all foreign nationals over the age of 14 who have not been registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa at a US consulate or embassy abroad and who have been in the US for 30 days or longer must register.

    Further information can be found on the following page:

    https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration

    We ask you to take this into account when planning your trip - especially if you are planning to enter the USA with an ESTA.

    If you have any questions, the GCS / DVKG consular advisors will be happy to help you.

    Your GCS / DVKG team