Applying for a Visa

With limited exceptions, nonimmigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule an appointment for an interview with a U.S. consular officer. Interviews are by appointment only. The Embassy does not accept walk-in applications. Applicants under the age of 14 or those aged 80 and over may be eligible to apply for a visa by mail.

Do not schedule an appointment or mail your application to the Embassy until you have read the following information. Incomplete visa applications considerably delay the application process.

The following is a list of forms and documents that all nonimmigrant visa applications, with the exception of A and G visa applicants, are required to furnish. It is important to check the relevant section for the additional documents required when applying for a specific category of visa. Failure to include the additional documents and forms will result in the application being denied.

All nonimmigrant visa applicants, even children and babies listed in parents' passports, are required to:

• Complete the visa application form DS-156;


• Pay a visa application fee;


• Present a passport or other travel document valid for at least six months beyond the holder's period of stay in the United States with at least one blank page - the six-month requirement does not apply to United Kingdom passports (please follow this link for more information);


• Provide one photograph which meets State Department regulations.

Note: Visa applicants who appear in person for an interview with a consular officer will have their passports returned to them by a courier service, Secure Mail Services (SMS) contracted to the U.S. Embassy. Visa applicants eligible to process their application by mail, or those who have been notified that they are required to submit additional documents in order for the application to be processed will be required to arrange with the courier service for the delivery of their documents to and from the Embassy.

Issuance fees

Issuance fees: Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved visa to be issued. A British Citizen passport holder is required to pay an issuance fee for an L-2 and E-2 visa.

Important Notice: Visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past which means that in some instances visa applications are taking longer to process to conclusion than has been customary. You will be advised at the time of the interview if your application requires additional processing.

We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.

Visa Category Information

Please refer to the following for detailed information, including the additional forms and documents required when applying for a specific visa category:

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