Integrity Legal

Those who view this blog with any regularity may have noticed that the administration routinely posts the holiday closing schedules of the various United States Embassies and United States Consulates in the Southern and Southeast Asia region as a courtesy to readers. The following is quoted directly from the official website of the American Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia:

Those seeking services such as the issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, US Passport, or additional visa pages for a previously issued US Passport are well advised to contact an American Citizen Services Section of the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate with appropriate Consular jurisdiction. It should be noted that in many cases it is possible for one to set an appointment with American Citizen Services in advance. In many cases, setting such an appointment in advance can greatly streamline the processing of requests brought before the Post.

Generally, visa applicant seeking non-immigrant visas such as the B-2 visa (US Tourist Visa), B-1 visa (US Business Visa), F-1 visa (US Student Visa), J-1 visa (Cultural Exchange) are required to process their application through a Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Unit abroad. Those seeking non-immigrant visas are generally scrutinized pursuant to section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.

Those seeking US family visas for loved ones from Indonesia are likely to process their request through an Immigrant Visa Unit. However, it should be noted that most immigrant visa applications are only processed after the initial adjudication and approval of an immigration petition at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). For spouses the CR-1 and the IR-1 visa categories have seen increasing popularity since the administrative closure of many K-3 visa applications. For application processing purposes the K-1 visa, although a US fiance visa classified as a non-immigrant travel document, is treated in much the same way as its immigrant visa counterpart.

The Investor visa category commonly referred to as the EB-5 visa requires the applicant to initially process an immigration petition through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). This is also generally true for L-1 visa seekers. In some cases, those seeking an E-2 visa do not need to process an immigration petition if the applicant is not within the jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in the US Immigration and Nationality Act).

For those wishing to visit the official homepage of the US Embassy in Jakarta please click HERE.

Those seeking information related to recent developments in Indonesia please see: EB-5 Visa Indonesia, US Visa Indonesia, or K1 Visa Indonesia.

Tags: American Embassy Indonesia, B-1 Visa Indonesia, B-2 Visa Indonesia, CR-1 Visa Indonesia, EB-5 Visa Indonesia, IR-1 Visa Indonesia, K-1 Visa Indonesia, K-3 Visa Indonesia, L-1 Visa Indonesia, US Consular Report of Birth Abroad Indonesia, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Indonesia Holidays, US Passport Renewal Indonesia, US Student Visa Indonesia, US Tourist Visa Indonesia, US Visa Indonesia
Posted in US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta | No Comments »

It recently came to this blogger’s attention that the United States Embassy in Indonesia has made great progress in showcasing the USA to the people of Indonesia. In fact, it was recently reported that a new cultural center has been opened in Jakarta, Indonesia with the sole purpose of encouraging American and Indonesian exploration of new technology. To quote directly from the website America.gov:

NEW AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER IN JAKARTA

After many months of planning, @america, the United States’ first high-tech cultural center, opened to the Indonesian public December 2…

According to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, @america is a one-of-a-kind, high-technology American cultural center where visitors can explore, experience and express their interests about the United States in innovative ways. In the physical and virtual spaces of @america, visitors will experience cutting-edge technology, interactive games and live events designed to facilitate people-to-people exchanges virtually and in real life.

The new center, developed by the embassy in collaboration with Indonesian and U.S. partners, aims to expand engagement between young Indonesians and young Americans. The Indonesian firm PT Ganesha Aggies Jaya designed and will manage @america. The center is located in the Pacific Place Mall in Central Jakarta and admission is free.

This author must point out the obvious fact that this new technology center could prove to be a significant platform for cross-cultural communication. It would appear that in the coming years the United States and Indonesia may have increasingly close relations both diplomatically and economically as Indonesia (along with many other countries in Southern and Southeastern Asia) matures both as a nation and as an economic, trade, and manufacturing center. The details of future American-Indonesia relations remain to be seen, but it is clear that both countries can be very beneficial to one another as increased ties and trade is generally a mutually beneficial phenomenon.

Recently, the American President Barack Obama made a highly celebrated visit to Indonesia. It would appear that trip was a success with the Citizens of Indonesia as the President remains popular in this Southeast Asia nation. As many nations in Asia experience economic growth and success the United States of America will hopefully act as a role model for other countries in matters pertaining to technology as the technology sector in the United States remains vibrant compared to industries which were more hard hit by recent economic downturns. It could be argued that through greater technological integration the USA and countries such as Indonesia could form mutually beneficial relationships which result in innovation and increased business opportunities.

For related information please see: US Visa Indonesia, K-1 Visa Indonesia, or  EB-5 Visa Indonesia.

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Posted in EB5 Visa, K1 Visa, US Business, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US State Department, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration | No Comments »

A frequently asked question from those Americans with a special someone in Indonesia is: “Can I get my Indonesian girlfriend (or boyfriend) a US Tourist Visa?” In many cases, the answer to this question is: No. However, a better understanding of the relevant laws and regulations  can be highly illuminating for those with an Indonesian significant other.

Many Americans are unfamiliar with section 214 (b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act. This legislation creates a legal presumption that an American Consular Officer must take into consideration when adjudicating non-immigrant visa applications. The section requires the Consular Officer to presume that the applicant for a non-immigrant visa is actually an undisclosed intending immigrant unless the applicant can produce strong evidence to the contrary. This creates a so-called “strong ties” vs. “weak ties” analysis whereby the applicant must show “strong ties” to their native country, or another country outside of the United States of America and “weak ties” to the USA. Therefore, the Indonesian girlfriend (or boyfriend) of an American Citizen (or Lawful Permanent Resident) must show that they have strong ties to Indonesia and weak ties to the USA. In general, the mere existence of an American significant other is enough to mitigate against many “strong ties” outside of the USA and thereby lead to a denial of an American B2 tourist visa application.

The reason for this state of affairs is first due to the fact that the the presumption contained in section 214b is quite stringent when applied to the facts of many individual cases. Many who are rejected under this provision feel that the denial is some sort of personal rejection. Nothing could be further from the reality of the situation as a US Consulate or US Embassy will routinely issue these denials for no reason other than the application of relevant law. Meanwhile, there are some who speculate that part of the reason for the relative increase in these denials over the course of the past 10 years is due in part to the tragedy of 9/11 which lead to increased scrutiny of all immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications. Furthermore, there have been those who inappropriately use the US tourist visa to circumvent the comparatively longer processing time associated with a US fiance visa (K1 visa) or a US Marriage Visa (K3 Visa, CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa).

Those who have a foreign girlfriend (or boyfriend) and can show genuine ties to countries abroad may still be able to get a US Tourist Visa. That said, this post is merely meant to explain the relatively higher denial rate that seems to exist in B2 visa applications for the significant others of Americans. Those with a bona fide relationship and genuine intentions may be able to obtain an American fiance visa or marriage visa, but it should be noted that no one should ever enter into a relationship strictly to obtain visa benefits. A family based visa application should be based upon a bona fide relationship.

For related information please see: US Visa Cambodian Girlfriend or K1 Visa Indonesia.

Tags: American Embassy Indonesia, American Embassy Jakarta, American Tourist Visa, American Visa Indonesia, B2 Visa, CR1 Visa, Fiance Visa, Immigrant Visa, IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa Unit, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Fiance Visa, US Tourist Visa, US Visa Indonesia
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Tourist Visa, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration | No Comments »

On this blog, we regularly discuss the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. However, we relatively rarely discuss the US Embassies and Consulates located throughout Southeastern Asia. There are many other American Diplomatic and Consular facilities in Southern Asia and one of those Posts is the US Embassy Jakarta. This Embassy is located in the capital city of Indonesia and routinely processes US visas such as the K1 visa, the K3 Visa, as well as the CR1 and IR1 visa categories. Just like any other US Consulate, the Consulate at the US Embassy in Jakarta is also tasked with adjudicating non-immigrant visa applications for categories such as the B1 visa, the B2 visa, the F1 visa, and the J1 visa (to name just a few).

Recently, this author came across an interesting statement from the US Embassy in Indonesia’s website which is quoted here:

The decision whether or not to hire a lawyer is yours alone.  We cannot tell you whether or not to obtain representation, nor can we recommend any specific lawyers.  If you do hire an attorney or other representative, that person may accompany you to your visa interview but may not/not answer questions on your behalf.  You, the applicant, must answer the consular officer’s questions.  If your case is complicated, or if you cannot devote the necessary care to properly prepare, then we encourage you to find a lawyer qualified in immigration law by visiting www.aila.org.

Generally, each Consulate sets its own rules regarding participation by American attorneys in the Consular processing phase of the US Immigration process. Some posts refuse to allow anyone except the beneficiary into the Consulate on the date of interview (this policy is generally based upon space considerations) while others allow virtually unfettered participation by American attorneys. Many ask: which is the better approach? For the most part, there is no “best” approach to Consular processing as each country is unique and certain considerations in one country may lead to one type of policy while different circumstances in another country results in a different policy decision by the US Consulate in that country. Furthermore, circumstances are always fluid and policies can change. For this reason, it is always wise to frequently check the status of the regulations at any facility in which one’s visa petition or application is awaiting adjudication.

Recently discussed fee increases are likely to impact those processing through US Embassies and Consulates worldwide as the Department of State recently raised the fees associated with many visa categories most notably those visas categorized as K visas.

Tags: American Consulate, American Embassy, B1 visa, B2 Visa, CR1 Visa, F1 Visa, IR1 Visa, J1 visa, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, US Consulate, US Consulate Indonesia, US Consulate Jakarta, US Embassy, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Embassy Jakarta Indonesia
Posted in IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta | No Comments »

As explained in previous posts on this blog, the United States Embassies and Consulates overseas generally close for both national US holidays as well as those holidays recognized by the host country. The US Embassy in Indonesia closes in recognition of many Indonesian holidays as well as American holidays. Below is the scheduled closings for the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The following holiday schedule is posted on the American Embassy in Jakarta’s website:

Oftentimes it is difficult to go to a US Embassy abroad for those who are living, working, or traveling through a foreign country. Expatriates and prospective immigrants who have lives to lead in the host country often find that going to the US Embassy requires a whole day to get an important issue resolved. Therefore, we have provided the above information on this blog in an effort to forestall a fruitless trip to an Embassy due to lack of foreknowledge on the part of American expats regarding the Post’s operating hours.

That being said, a Diplomatic or Consular Post is not required to be open at all times and there are times when Embassies and Consulates close without warning. For this reason, it may be prudent to go directly to the United States Embassy website in order to check if the post will be open at a certain time. To proceed to the US Embassy in Jakarta’s official website please click here.

For those American Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents  overseas who wish to obtain a new passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a notarized document, or other services at the Embassy it may be possible to make an appointment with American Citizen Services (ACS). This provides convenience to the individual as well as the post as the Consular personnel can anticipate the needs of the Citizen and plan accordingly.

Tags: American Citizen Services, American Embassy Indonesia, American Embassy Jakarta, American Visa Indonesia, Holiday Closings US Embassy Indonesia, Holiday Schedule, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Visa Indonesia
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Tourist Visa, US Visa and Immigration | No Comments »