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Diversity Visa Program Registration Begins For 2014

Visas are still in high demand for the US and the Diversity Visa Program was instituted by the Department of State to give immigrants the opportunity to obtain one. The program holds only a certain amount, therefore, it is of essence to be aware that the registration for 2014 is here.

The Department of State has announced the Diversity Visa Program registration for 2014 will begin on October 2, 2012. The registration will continue until approximately 12 noon on Saturday, November 3, 1012. The government will strictly follow this timeline eligibility. Applications must be electronically submitted using the DV-2014 registration (E-DV) on the www.dvlottery.travel.gov website. This is important to know because no paper entries will be accepted. The electronic registration was created in 2005 by the Department of State to promote efficiency and security. This aids in preventing duplicate entries as well.

The Immigrant Diversity Program is held annually, offering 50,000 diversity visas to countries that have low rates of immigration into the US. 5,500 of this amount is set aside under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) to be used for their region. Whether an aspiring student or business person, this is a great program for those desiring to migrate to the United States.

Here is how the Diversity Program is administered. There is a computer-generated drawing held for the available Diversity Visas. It is comprised of persons that meet the simple requirements. The selectees are made and the visas are split up into 6 geographic regions. The system is fair. Most of the visas available are then offered to the countries with low immigration rates. In contrast, the least amount of the visas are given to the countries that had over 50,000 immigrants migrate to the US over the last 5 years. Also, only up to 7% of the Diversity Visas are allowed to be given to one country annually.
The press release addressed some countries specifically relative to the DV Program:

  • Natives of Guatemala are now eligible to enter the program.
  • Natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply because more than 50,000 immigrants came to the United States in the previous 5 years: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
  • Natives of Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.

The Department of State notifies those selected via an online process. Those selected will then submit their information regarding their visa application and interview. As of May 1, 2013, the applicants will be able to check via Entry Status Check on the DV website and see whether they were selected. After which, those selected will be notified on how they and eligible family members will specifically apply for the Diversity Visa.

If you need assistance obtaining a standard or other types of visa, you do not have to look any farther. Visa and passport expedited services like Washington Express Visas can help you meet all of your travel needs. Washington Express Visas has 30 years of experience, specializing in Visa Processing and Authentication. Our expedited service provides same day pick-up and specially trained visa processing agents to deliver your visa applications for processing and authentication to every Embassy in the Washington, DC area. We are an Single Source Provider with tracking capabilities and technologies that integrate our services. We also provide all cash and other fees up front for you so there are no delays in processing. Call us at 1-877-675-5571 today!

References: 10.2.12, www.state.gov, Department of State, 2014 Diversity Visa Program Registration

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How To Be Healthy While Traveling Abroad

Health is not just a part of daily life where you are, but also where you travel. Traveling within your native country is one thing, however, traveling outside of your country is another.

Having optimal health in a foreign country is very serious. The territory is unfamiliar to your body, therefore, you want to make sure you have everything you need to adapt and remain healthy. Dr Deborah Mills is the author of “Traveling Well”. She stated in a recent CNN article, “Don’t assume it’s going to be OK. You plan for your passport, your visas and you save your money, but health should be on your little checklist”. In the same article, Here are some ways you can stay healthy while traveling.

One way you can stay healthy is to first register with STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a great tool to begin with because it requests information about your trip. It is used to send alerts in the country you are in. Most of all, your information is used in case of an emergency to help you. This is critical for your life overall.

You can also find out through the World Health Organization information about the health risks of a country. The WHO travel and health guide can be used and is a great resource to help you prepare for your travel. The article encourages visiting a doctor that specializes in travel health or the area you are traveling to. This way, you can be treated and get wisdom for anything you may encounter specific to your body.

Another way to be healthy is to get insurance for travel overseas. This is something you may have to discuss with your health care provider. Find out whether your current insurance covers you. If not, what is required to have travel coverage. This is very crucial to enable you if needed, to be able to visit a foreign hospital. Dr Brendan O’Brien, director of American Citizens Services with the U.S. State Department stated an emergency evacuation to the US can cost more than $50,000. Without insurance, this could be very costly, not just your health, but to your wallet. Feel free to visit the US State Department website for details on travel insurance policy providers.

Make sure you pack all your necessary medical documents and supplies. Whatever medication you normally or even rarely use, it is recommended to pack extra doses of it. Do not be caught unawares if where your are traveling does not have that specific medication or if they run out. That can result in you having to spend money to have it shipped to you right away. This can be risky in case of an emergency and you can’t wait a day without that vital medication. Also, bring things that are normal to the US, such as bandages, needles, antibiotics, etc. They may not be standard in the foreign country you are in or they may use something else not familiar to your body.

Finally, if you are sick in a country, do not hesitate to seek help as soon as possible. Diseases can surprise you in foreign countries. In the article, Dr Mills commented, ”We call malaria a ‘cliff disease.’ People don’t really feel too bad, and then all of a sudden they’re over the cliff, and they’re dead.” Therefore, it is imperative to take heed to body signals and seek help.

Being healthy while traveling is very important, yet you also need to make sure you have your visa or passport to get there. Visa expedited services like Washington Express Visas can get your visa and passport needs met fast. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service.

Washington Express has been in business for 30 years with offices in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. We provide prompt and reliable service- you’ll always speak with a live person. Washington Express’ service times are the fastest available in the region with a 99% on-time track record. Call 202-393-3030 today!

References: 9.13.12, www.cnn.com, Jacque Wilson, 5 ways to stay healthy while traveling abroad

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Faster Trips Though Airport Security Is Coming

Travellers know the drill when they go through airport security, and it all equates to long lines and a whole lot of time.  The Federal Aviation Administration is in preparation of doing something about it to make screening better.
CNN reported yesterday the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a worldwide travel industry group representing 240 airlines, hopes to make security  screening faster by implementing fingerprint or retinal screening technology to obtain boarding passes.  After which, travelers are at liberty to advance through security checkpoints non-stop.  This would make a lot of travelers very happy, especially frequent flyers.
This is an exciting new development for the travel industry.  350 people per hour went through airport checkpoints prior to 9/11.  Now, improvements since then have lowered that number significantly to 150 per hour.  The IATA is after totally eliminating long security queues.  The association has even created a video headlining their effortson their website.  The video voices their mission to the public that there is airport and intelligence technology under development coming that will change our future airport security experience.
“The goal of the checkpoint of the future is to make security even better than today but to remove those hassles and to make it streamlined and a better experience for the passenger,” said IATA Spokesman Perry Flint.  Currently, the US Transportation Security Administration Primarily utilizes the latest technology PreCheck, along with other scanners and X-ray machines for airport security.  These measures, although effective, still take time, as travelers must take off clothing, shoes, etc. throughout the process.
PreCheck has been used for more than 2.5 million passengers to minimize screening time.  It is the technology being used as we make strides to optimal security screening.  Frequent travelers can at least bypass some security measures such as checking liquids they have in their bags.  The report stated the TSA plans to expand PreCheck to 35 of the busiest airports by the end of this year.  The Federal Aviation Administration states 1.3 billion people will be flying is the US annually.  It makes sense to seek after a faster trip through airport security.
Faster security screening is not the only demand for a quicker and happier travel experience.  Travelers also would like to obtain their passports and visas faster asl well before the trip even begins.  Expedited service providers like Washington Express Visas can help you with any of you passport and visa needs.  With Washington Express Visas expedited visa and passport services, our professional visa and passport services staff will have one of our specially trained visa agents take your visa and passport processing documents to the appropriate Embassy or agency and get your documents processed properly for less than traditional visa and passport processing services charge.  Call Us at (202) 393-3030 or Toll Free (877) 675-5571 and let us make your travel experience faster today!
References:  9.11.12, www.cnn.com, Jim Barnett-Goal:  Speedier Trip Through Airport Security Could Come Within A Decade
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US Announces New Deportation Policy

With so many immigration talks in our government this year, it is priceless to now have an option for young immigrants. There is a peace of mind knowing there is now a way not be deported out of the US as a young immigrant.

CNN reported The US has announced a new deportation policy for illegal immigrants. The new deportation program applies to illegal immigrants that are under the age of 30 and have lived in the US since the age of 16. More details of the program are to come, however, young immigrants are already preparing to take advantage the opportunity. It will allow qualifying immigrants to receive a 2-year deferred deployment program, which can be renewed every two years.

Young immigrants must not only meet the age specifications, but also other requirements such as not being a criminal or a threat to US security. They must also be successful students or serve in the military. The policy does want to make sure our homeland is safe.

One requirement for young immigrants is they must actually acquire a passport from their own native country. This may present challenges because some immigrants, such as a Mexican teen in the report, can not hardly speak his native Mexican language, let alone know how to obtain a passport from the Mexican Government. They may not even have a birth certificate either. Some don’t even know their fathers, which Mexican law requires for a passport, a birth certificate and finger prints of both parents. The Mexican consulates in the US have stated they will help those that qualify, but have issues with getting their passport or document legalizations.

All 50 consulates in the US have information on the new program and are available for any illegal that desire to get started. With support from Latino leaders and even Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, this new policy appears to be going in the right direction for an ultimate immigration resolve.

For anyone needing a passport quickly and desire to take part in the new deportation program, expedited passport services such as Washington Express Visas can help you. We provide expedited passport processing and document legalization services to consulates with same day pick up and specially trained passport processing agents to deliver your passport applications for processing at the Washington, DC Passport Agency. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines. Call us at (202) 393-3030 or Toll Free (877) 675-5571 today!

Reference: 8.1.12, www.cnn.com, Gustavo Valdes-Young immigrants prepare for new U.S. deportation policy

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Japan Tourism Recovery After Tsunami

March 11, 2011 marks one year to date when the horrific tsunami and earthquake hit Japan.  The devastation took over 15, 000 lives and parts of the growing country demolished.  The catastrophe hurt various steady and constant industries, including tourism.

Japan has begun to see some daylight with tourism growth in Tokyo and surrounding areas per a recent Newsday-Associated Press report.  Shuichi Kameyama, director of the International Tourism Promotion Division at Japan Tourism Agency, stated tourist numbers in January this year are only 4% lower  than January 2011.  This is heading in the right direction, as projected tourist recovery would occur in 2012 by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Tokyo is one of the major areas for tourism.  The three disasters caused a nuclear plant meltdown in Fukushima, about 180 miles from Tokyo.  However, signs of recovery is showing in the hotel industry.  Malcolm Thompson, general manager of The Peninsula Tokyo hotel, said in the report, “Corporate business is 95 percent back,” he said. “It’s really the high-end leisure traveler from America and Europe. They’re the ones we are not seeing yet. They’re the ones who are still very tentative about Japan. We here know that everything is fine and life is back to normal in most parts of Japan, but that’s not the perception.”

Promotional campaigns are being made by Japan to help tourism recover.  Japanese tourism officials will be launching a “Japan: Thank You” campaign to build tourist support.  In the US, they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of flowering cherry trees to Washington DC, which draws a million people.  In New York there will be marked what will be called “Japan Week”.  Digital cherry blossom displays will be held in Times Square and “Dine Out for Japan-Restaurant Week from March 7-11.  Donations will given toward the disaster relief.

You can aid tourism recovery in Japan, yet, you will need a visa or passport  to get there.  Expedited visa and passport services provided by  Washington Express Visas can meet all your travel needs.  Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver all our services to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area.  Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References:  3.9.12, Newsday-Associated Press, Beth J Harpaz-Japan tourism recovering a year after disaster

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U.S. Announces Online Application For Passport Cards

As of 2012, reports have found over 110 million of United States citizens possess a passport.  This is one-third of the total US population and a record number for the world giant.  Due to further attempts to make travel as safe as possible, this record indicates passports are being viewed by many now as a necessity for travel.

The US Department of State continues to help passport holders ability to travel and has announced a pilot program of an online application for passport cards.  It will be valid for 10 years.  This card can be used to travel from the US into nearby countries such as the Caribbeans, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico.  It can not be used for international travel via air, therefore, travelers can turn to companies like Washington Express Visas to meet their standard and expedited passport needs.The requirements for eligibility reported to enter into the pilot passport card program are below:

  • Must be 16 years of age of older
  • Valid, 10 year U.S. passport book
  • At least 12 months of validity remaining on your passport book before expiration
  • U.S. or Canadian mailing address
  • E-mail address

There are some other measures taken in the process of identity confirmation.  The online application will request information such as your social security number, mother’s maiden name, the emergency contact name and full permanent address on your most recent previous passport application.  Also, the online application is secure with encryption technology and e-signature is required.

If the new program is successful, the greatest benefits will be the saving of what everyone desires when it comes to passports−money and time.  There will be the elimination of postage costs for mailing and the application is available 24 hours/7days a week online.  The pilot is scheduled for a 90-day trial (January 24 to April 22), after which, it will be analyzed for merit to becoming implemented permanently.

Whether a passport card or standard passport, both are valuable and can help you take advantage of most of the traveling we have come to enjoy.  Do you need a passport? Washington Express Visas can help you.  Washington Express Visas provides expedited passport processing service with same day pick up and specially trained passport processing agents to deliver your passport applications for processing at the Washington, DC Passport Agency. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines.  Call 1-(202)-393-3030 today!

References:  www.travel.state.gov/passport

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New 2012 Visa Requirements For Tourism In Turkey

Turkey has released there will be new visa requirements for tourists in 2012.  Beginning in February, visitors will only be able to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.  This will also affect traveling of extended cruisers who will have to exit the country now, opposed to simply renewing in Rhodes.  The change appears to be coming right before the main tourist season hits next year.The visa change is definitely informative, considering Turkey takes violating visa regulations very seriously. A violator can be fined upon departure, and the fine amount may be determined the be length of time overstayed. An individual can even be banned from re-entering Turkey if they overstay and are fined. Also if this occurs, a tourist will have to apply for their next visa at the Turkey Embassy or Consulate overseas.

Turkey is one of the highest traveled countries in the world today.  Over 23 million people visit Turkey every year.  The country is traveled by many for its’ diverse history, culture, and yachting, which is a favorite due to 5200 mile coastline.  If you are considering traveling there and need a visa, Washington Express Visas expedited visa and passport services can assist you in obtaining the most current visa needs.

Our professional visa and passport services staff will have one of our specially trained visa agents take your visa and passport processing documents to the appropriate Embassy or agency and get your documents processed properly for less than traditional visa and passport processing services charge.  Call us at 877-675-5571 today!

12.7.11, www.noonsite.com; Sue, New Turkish Visa Rules – starting February 2012 – Updated

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Traveler Successfully Uses iPad Instead Of Actual Passport

MSNBC recently reported a man successfully uses his iPad to cross the border into the United States.  Canadian traveler Martin Reisch was thirty minutes to border crossing, realizing he had left his actual passport at home.  He decided to make an attempt of displaying to the U.S. Border officer a scanned copy of his passport from his iPad.  “I thought I’d at least give it a try,” Reisch said. “He took the iPad into the little border hut. He was in there a good five, six minutes. It seemed like an eternity. When he came back he took a good long pause before wishing me a Merry Christmas.”  He also used it tocross the border back home that same day.
There are other stated facts about the incident by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that aided to Mr. Reisch success.  No one can cross the U.S. border with merely a scanned image alone.  “In this case, the individual had both a driver’s license and birth certificate, which the CBP officer used to determine identity and citizenship in order to admit the traveler into the country,” said spokeswoman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Jenny Burke.  Canada ended the driver’s license only policy to cross the border in 2009.

Scanned passports are not anything unknown for several countries, especially Canada.  Scanned passports have been the basis of creating the highly anticipated e-passports.  In fact, Passport Canada, the agency that is responsible for canadian passports, is set to introduce e-passports by the end of 2012.  Special diplomat pilot e-passport projects already exist and currently there are no difficulties reported.

Indeed, e-passports may be the way of the future.  Until then, passports are still needed and there are companies like Washington Express Visas that can meet your needs.  We are the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists.  Washington Express Visas has 29 years of experience and is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service.  Call (202) 393-3030 and let us help you today!

1.4.12, Msnbc.com staff and news service reports-updated, Canadian man uses iPad to enter US; 9.15.11,, Future Travel Experience, Canada set for 2012 ePassport rollout

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Visa and Passports for the Holidays

Holiday travel is a great time, but can be an awful time if we don’t pack properly. It can be stressful when we’re trying to make our flight and things just seem to make the packing aspect of your holiday experience difficult. There are recommended ways to pack this time of year to help you travel during the holidays with ease.

First of all, take only basic outfits. Coordinate your shoes, stockings, undergarments, and other accessories you are planning to bring. Roll the clothing up as well. Keep traveling with jewelry to a minimum. Put your socks inside your shoes. Store items such as jewelry, medications, and toiletries in pouches or ziplock bags between your clothing. This makes for space maximization and easy accessibility. If you are taking a short trip, decide you are going to take your dirty laundry home and pack a large plastic bag.

A great way to pack is to get everything you are traveling with into one soft side bag. One that is roughly 9″ + 14″ + 22″ = 45″ total. This size can fit under the airline seat in front of you. It will give you a sigh of relief if any delays or unexpected flight transfer occur due to the holiday travel volume, and all you have carry is one bag to make it to your connecting flight.

Most importantly, if you are traveling outside the country, don’t forgot your passport. Your holiday travel will come to a scretching halt if you leave your passport on the nightstand at home. If you need a passport, companies like Washington Express Visas can assist you. Their expertise in expediting passport and visa services can help meet your immediate travel needs and still enjoy your holidays.

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England Has New Student Visa Policy

This year the British government has enacted a new student visa policy. The new policy is expected to decrease foreign student immigration by 25%. Per the home secretary, Theresa May, two of the goals of the new policy is to control immigration and protect legitimate students from poor-quality colleges. Universities did campaign against the new government policy.

Under the new student visa policy rules, a student visa will be limited to five years for study toward a bachelor’s degree or beyond. The new policy has created a no limit timeframe for students seeking a degree. There was a three-year limit on students’ study in nondegree courses, which will not change. Also, foreign students are restricted from bringing family members to Britain with them. Britain will only allow graduate students enrolled at universities and government-sponsored students to admit family members into the country with them.

Students entering Britain for degree-level courses will have to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in English and can be refused if they cannot speak English without an interpreter. Also, the Post-Study Work Route gives students two years to remain in Britain and seek jobs after their programs end. This has been eliminated. Only university and public “further education” college students will retain the right to work while pursuing their studies, but all other students will be prohibited from seeking employment. Only graduates with an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer will be allowed to remain in Britain to work once they have finished their studies.

Washington Express can meet your student visa needs. Washington Express Visas specializes in Visa Processing and Authentication. Our expedited service provides same day pick-up and specially trained visa processing agents to deliver your visa applications for processing and authentication to every Embassy in the Washington, DC area. Call us at 1-202-393-3030 and let Washington Express help with your visa today.

References: http://chronicle.com/section/Home/5

Washington Express Visas is a private company that is not affiliated with any government agency. We charge a fee to process and expedite passports, visas and document leglization applications at consulates and passport agencies.

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