Frequently Asked Questions

• The information on the print-out application form is wrong for Previous Schengen Visas and/or Invitee, what do I do? This is a bug in the system - the information you entered will still show up when we process your application. Notify the visa officer when you are interviewed.
  
  

• Do I really have to show up at the consulate?Can I do the interview somewhere else? There are no exceptions to the interview in San Francisco. Common queries include: "I live in places like Hawaii, Alaska or Idaho and think it's too far to travel"; "I cannot afford going to San Francisco"; "I have a previous Schengen Visa"; "I did not have to do this in the past"; "My trip is coming up very soon"; "I was hoping to do the interview at an honorary consulate". Though these are valid comments, none are reason for giving an exception. All applicants have to appear in person at the Consulate in San Francisco. 
  
  
• I received a business visitor's visa from the Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco after March 20, 2011 - do I have to come for an interview again? As a business traveler who received a visa from our specific consulate after March 20, 2011, you may be exempt from appearing in person. Consult visa.sfo@mfa.no before sending your application.
  
  
• Should I select 1, 2, or Multiple entry? As a rule you should apply for 1 entry with the exact dates of your travel. This will allow you to travel between all the Schengen countries similar to travel between U.S. states. If you are joining a cruise that leaves and enters the Schengen area you should pick either 2 or Multiple entries. Commonly, a cruise leaves Schengen and goes to Ireland, the UK or Russia, and the returns to the Schengen area. As a tourist you should very rarely select Multiple entry. Business travelers may apply for a Multiple entry visa if they have previously received a visa from the Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco. If so, both the letter of employment and invitation letter should reflect this request. Multiple entry visas are always given at the discretion of the visa department.
• I have a USCIS to Issue Employment Authorization and Advance Parole Card, is this a valid re-entry visa to the U.S.? No, according to USCIS, this is not a valid visa for re-entry. Please read more information about this at the USCIS Website. 

• Can I use services like HQ Visa, which promise to do everything via mail? No, we do not accept these services. The applicant must appear in person.
  
  
• My H1B has expired. Can I attach my H1B  approval notice and US visa appointment confirmation to my application  to fulfill the requirement for a valid US visa? No, as this document clearly states, ”this is not a valid visa”. You must have renewed your H1B before applying.
  
  
• Can you rush my application – I have an upcoming meeting, etc? No, we do not offer rushed processing under any circumstances.
  
  
• How can I check the status of my application? You can check the status of your application by logging back in to the UDI Application Portal. Do not call to check your status to avoid clogging the phone lines.
• The booking calendar is full for weeks ahead - what do I do? Make sure you go through the entire registration process, including payment, as the system does not always give correct times when it notifies you of "the earliest appointment available". Normally there is at least a 2 week backlog for appointments.
  
  
• I've tried registering on the UDI Application Portal, but have not received the registration confirmation: This problem is rare and may affect some e-mail providers (particularly sbcglobal addresses). Try checking your spam folder, wait a day or two, and/or try using a different e-mail address. Next you may contact UDI support, linked at the bottom of the portal website. After trying these steps you may  contact tge consulate.
  
  
• I'm with a group - should we schedule separate appointments? Yes, schedule an appointment for each applicant. If you are unable to schedule them all on the same day, e-mail the consulate in question. You may all show up together for the first interview slot you have booked.
  
  
• How can I change my interview booking? You can do this online yourself - consult the FAQ on the UDI Application Portal website for directions.
  
  
• My travel plans have changed and I've decided to withdraw my application - can I get a refund? Once you have submitted your online application in the system we do not issue refunds.
  
  
• Fedex / USPS requires me to put in a shipping date, what do I put down? You may put the shipping date for three days after your interview date. If you are not allowed to pick a different date you may use the date you entered the shipping label. This will not cause any delay to your shipment.
  
  
• Will I get exact dates for the visa? Yes, we issue visas based on your travel dates.
  
  
• I made a mistake when filling out my form and now I cannot change it - what do I do? No need to notify us before your interview. Please inform the interviewing officer of your desired changes.  

Was your question not answered here? Email the consulate in question - no phone enquiries.