STANDARD CHARTERED BANK TO HANDLE US VISA APPLICATION FEES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Beginning Wednesday, all payments for the
United States visa application fees are to be made via the Standard Chartered
Bank.

According to the Embassy, the Alliance Bank will no longer serve as its
collector of visa application fees but receipt purchased from the bank will
still be valid for one year after the date of payment.

"Beginning Wednesday as well, the CGI Group Inc (formerly Stanley
Assocatiates) will be responsible for making non-immigrant visa (NIV)
appointments and providing information on the visa process," it said in a statement
Tuesday.

With the changes, it said that the current RM37 fee (US$11.73) to make an
appointment will be abolished and only a single application fee will be
required.

Furthermore, passport with newly issued US visas will also be returned to
applicants at their home or business address via courier service at no extra
cost and they will also receive e-mail or short messaging services (SMS) when
their passports are ready for delivery or pick up.

Applicants who were requested to provide additional documentation at the time of
interview could now bring it to one of several courier services instead of the
embassy.

The embassy said that the overall changes of visa application procedures will
result in better service to applicants, and those who need more information may
contact 03-2303 3988 or via www.ustraveldocs.com/my.