To win right to visa exemptions, fewer application errors needed

Koreans will need to be more careful preparing documents to obtain a U.S. visa for the nation to meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, a manager from the U.S. Embassy advised yesterday.
At a seminar organized by the Federation of Korean Industries, Thomas Jung, deputy manager of the Non-Immigration Department at the embassy, cited submission of false information and incomplete documentation as key reasons for Koreans being rejected for U.S. visas.
The seminar was the second since last July, and aimed to help lower the visa rejection ratio among Korean citizens by educating the 110 employees of tourism agencies in charge of visa issuance in attendance.
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. There are currently 27 countries eligible for the exemption. To be eligible for the program, the United States requires less than 3 percent of a country’s visa applications be rejected. The ratio for Korea is 3.5 percent.
“U.S. President George W. Bush is committed to Seoul’s entry into the program, saying he would offer more flexibility on the 3-percent standard,” said a researcher at the business lobby. “Simply waiting for the day to arrive involves too much inconvenience and expenditure for Koreans.”
The tedious visa-issuing process has long been a matter of frustration for Koreans planning short-term U.S. trips because applicants have to wait at least two weeks.
The federation earlier last week sent letters to the presidents of both Korea and the United States, urging them to work for Korea’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program.

By Seo Ji-eun Staff Writer [spring@joongang.co.kr]