October 2, 2023

How Long Does My Passport Have to Be Valid Before Being Issued a U.S. Visa?

Most countries require foreign nationals to have a passport valid for at least six (6) months prior to the date of entry. The U.S. also has similar rules for entry and also for the issuance of a visa. While many countries have agreements with the United States whereby their national’s passports must be valid for six (6) months beyond the expiration date, for U.S. visas and entry, some passports require a longer period of validity.

Vietnamese passport holders must have eight (8) months validity remaining on their passport as a condition of being issued a U.S. visa. This includes the normal six (6) months plus an additional sixty (60) days for a total of eight (8) months.

The Philippines passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended date of entry to the United States at the time of applying for a U.S. visa.

Most Taiwan passport holders applying for a U.S. visa at the American Institute in Taiwan require passport validity of at least six (6) months. However, because Taiwanese passport holders are allowed to enter the United States visa-free for up to ninety (90) days, one may enter the United States on a Taiwanese passport with less than 6 months although they will not be permitted to remain in the United States beyond the validity of their passports.

Thailand passport holders must have at least six (6) months validity remaining on their passport beyond the intended date of travel at the time of applying for a specific visa category.

Chinese citizens holding passports from the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) must have at least six (6) months validity on their passport. PRC passport holders who are traveling to the United States under a B-1, B-2 or B-1/ B-2 visitor visa are also required to register with the Electronic Visa Update System https://www.evus.gov/.

The United States also has agreements with certain countries that waive the six (6) month validity requirement at the time of entry. Citizens of these countries can enter and stay even if their passports are close to expiring. In addition to the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, a detailed list can be found here.

If you have any U.S. visas, immigration or passport entry questions, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office

146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,
District 2, Thu Duc City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 933 301 488

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ

YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting

Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

Manila, Philippines Office

LKG Tower 37th Floor

6801 Ayala Avenue

Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +63 917 543 7926

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines

Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/

Copyright 2023. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.

Categories: Immigrant Visa, Non-immigrant Visa

Tags: passport, passport validity, U.S. Visa, validity, Visa interview

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions, Emphasizing Vetting and Security

What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?

Vietnamese Passport Name Order: Common Issues with U.S. Immigration Documents

What Is Capital In The RIA?

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

What is a Form I-130A?

A Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is required in every marriage-based Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”). The supplemental form is submitted with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) at the time of filing the Form I-130 which contains important background details about the foreign spouse. Additionally, it helps confirm the legitimacy of the marriage. For many couples, this form feels like additional burdensome paperwork, but it carries real weight. If the information is incomplete or inconsistent, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) or delay your case. Hence, it’s worth taking the time to understand what the form asks for and how to complete it correctly. Enterline and Partners has guided countless families through the marriage-based lawful permanent resident “Green Card” process, and we know the common mistakes that can cause problems later. In this article, we will walk you through who

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions, Emphasizing Vetting and Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced an interim final rule that will significantly change how Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”) are renewed. Effective October 30, 2025, foreign nationals filing for EAD renewal will no longer receive automatic extensions while their applications are pending—except in limited cases provided by law or under Temporary Protected Status notices. Under the new rule, DHS aims to strengthen screening and vetting procedures before renewing work authorization. The agency notes that this change will allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to review applicants’ backgrounds more frequently, helping to deter fraud and identify individuals who may pose security risks. The USCIS Director, Joseph Edlow, emphasized the administration’s focus on national security, stating that prior policies “prioritized aliens’ convenience ahead of Americans’ safety and security.” He called the new rule “a commonsense measure to ensure all appropriate vetting is completed before extending employment authorization”, underscoring

What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?

If you are applying for lawful permanent residency (“Green Card”) from within the United States, you have to submit Form I-693, which is a medical exam and vaccination record completed by a specific doctor. Submitting this form shows that you are eligible for a Green Card based on health reasons. Who Can Complete Form I-693? Only a doctor listed on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) website at www.uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon can perform the exam. How Much Does it Cost to Have the Form I-693 Completed? Rates vary by physician. We encourage you to do your research and compare charges for civil surgeons in your area. When scheduling the appointment, tell the office that it is for an immigration medical examination. What Should I Bring to My Medical Examination Appointment? What Happens at the Appointment? You will sign a certification confirming that the information you provide is true. The civil

How Long Does My Passport Have to Be Valid Before Being Issued a U.S. Visa?

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News