Who makes the final decision whether a person can enter the United States?

W: Good morning, Mr. Harley. Thank you very much for coming on our radio talk. You have been working for the American Embassy for 26 years and you’ve been assigned to 4 different countries on different continents. What do you think of working here in London?
M: London is a city bearing a great atmosphere of culture. There are castles here in the country and there are so many theaters in the city. My family does enjoy our life here. Before I came here, I was worried about the notorious fog in London. But while I am here, I find fine weather and agreeable temperature.
W: I’m glad you have such a good impression on London. What about your job here?
M: For me, I am mainly working on the visa processing section in the embassy. You know, a visa is issued by a U. S. Embassy or Consulate. It entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission. But it does not guarantee entry, while a lot of applicants take for granted that it does. (1) An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States.
W: Well, I am the one who take for granted that getting a visa means no problem in getting into U.S. But I am perfectly sure that without a visa, a person can not get into the country legally.
M: I am afraid you are not 100% correct. Somebody does not need a visa. (2) We have a Visa Waiver Program. Anybody who meets the requirement can get into the United States without getting a visa beforehand. Generally, citizens of the United Kingdom will qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program if they: first, travel on a valid, full validity, machine readable or e-passport with an electronic chip; second, for business, pleasure or transit for less than 90 days.
W: What about those who plan to study in the United States?
M: No. They need visas, even their planning study period is shorter than 90 days.
W: I get it. Since they need visas, how should they apply?
M: (3) With limited exceptions, nonimmigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule an appointment for an interview with a U. S. consular officer. Interviews are by appointment only. We do not accept walk-in applications. In certain circumstances applicants under the age of 14 or those aged 80 are exempt from appearing in person. Of course, when you come for the interview, bring necessary material with you.
W: I heard that applicants need to get their fingerprints scanned. Does everybody have to do that? What if they happened to cut their fingers right before the interview?
M: (3) Yes. On the day of the interview, a set of the applicant’s fingerprints will be electronically scanned. If you have a cut or blister on any of your fingers or thumbs, your application will not be processed. I feel sorry, but that is a set rule we have to follow. You will be required to reschedule an appointment for a later date. This is a new policy after the 911 terrorist attack and it is issued for security reasons.
W: I understand. Great Britain is also a target of those terrorists. A little inconvenience is much better than being hurt. If the officer decides the person can get a visa, how long does the applicant need to wait for the notice?
M: The average visa processing time for successful applicants is five business days, during which time the applicant’s passport must remain with the Embassy. (4) Once processed, your visa and passport will be handed to the courier company for delivery. Applicants who are advised at the visa interview that their application requires additional processing should allow approximately 90 days for their application to be processed. However, in some cases, processing can extend to six months or longer.
W: That can be an anxious waiting time! But as far as I know, British citizens usually do not need to wait too long to get their visas issued.
M: That’s true. But sometimes, I see applicants who have to rearrange their schedule because of careless mistakes. So first, make sure they arrive on time. Applicants who arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes after their scheduled appointment will not be seen by a consular officer. They will be required to reschedule a new appointment for another day.
W: What a pity! But punctuality is always valued in our western culture. This is a reasonable rule. If you give them the privilege, those scheduled after them will be affected.
M: Thank you for your understanding. (5) Another thing is that the applicant should anticipate being at the Embassy for approximately two to three hours. Do not make yourself in a hurry being somewhere else.
W: I see. What about the handicapped applicants? Do you have some special cares for them? You know how things can get difficult for them.
M: Yes. Applicants with prearranged appointments are asked to bring a friend, relative or carer if they are disabled and require assistance.
W: That’s nice. Thank you, Mr. Harley. We have learned a lot about visa application. You do have an official website, I assume.
M: Sure. Just google it. Find more detailed information online or contact us by phone. Hope today’s introduction can be helpful to our listeners.
W: I’m sure this will help a lot. Thank you again for coming here.
M: It’s my pleasure.