礼节美语 Business Etiquette 183 Applying for a Visa (2)
王小姐到美国使馆签证，签证官Bob Jones受理她的申请，Bob得知王小姐是研究古迹的专家后，觉得这个行业很有意思。
B: Wow, that sounds like an interesting line of work. I see here you are a citizen of People's Republic of China.
W: That's correct.
B: According to United States law, I'm required to ask you some reasonably personal questions. Please understand that these are formalities and are required of everyone.
W: No problem. Ask away.
B: Do you have proof of your financial stability? I'll need to see a bank statement.
W: Yes. I remembered to bring my bankbook. Here you are.
签证官Bob说，王小姐从事的行业似乎很有意思，line of work，指的是工作，行业。签证官Bob说，他要问王小姐一些个人问题，these are formalities. Formalities，意思是必要的形式。首先，签证申请人要证明自己的 financial stability，经济实力。
B: Have you ever been involved with terrorism or groups that support terrorism?
W: Absolutely not.
B: Do you have a criminal record in China?
W: No. Not even a parking ticket.
B: Ok...now I'm going to ask you sign a statement that affirms everything you just told me. If you sign this document, it's legally considered the same as swearing an oath in court. Do you affirm that everything you just told me is the truth?
W: I do.
签证官问王小姐是否参与过恐怖活动，be involved with，意思是参与，涉及。签证官又问，do you have a criminal record in China? 在中国有没有犯罪记录。王小姐回答说，她连违章停车的罚单都没吃过。违章停车的罚单在英语里叫parking ticket. 签证官最后让王小姐在一份文件上签字，保证自己所说的一切属实。
B: Then please sign here. Thank you. Now I must inform you that anyone applying for a visa to the United States is required to have their fingerprints 1 taken.
W: That's not a problem. So...how long before I'll know if my visa is approved.
B: The processing time is usually about 5 days. If there is some problem, you'll get a call or an email.
W: Excellent. Thank you for your assistance Mr. Jones, you've been a great help.
B: Not at all...just doing my job. Enjoy your trip to the United States.
W: I certainly will!
王小姐签好字，还要做指纹取样，按签证官说的，anyone applying for a visa to the United States is required to have fingerprints taken. 凡是申请入境美国签证的人，都要提取指纹。
王小姐问签证申请几天才会有结果，签证官回答说，The processing time is about 5 days，办理签证大约要五天的时间，如果有问题，会电话或是电邮通知申请人，签证官最后还预祝王小姐去美国旅程顺利。
- Everyone's fingerprints are unique. 每个人的指纹都是独一无二的。
- They wore gloves so as not to leave any fingerprints behind (them). 他们戴着手套，以免留下指纹。 来自《简明英汉词典》