Visa Services, U.S. Embassy London

Update on the Operator Assisted Information Service

While call volumes are beginning to return to normal, the Operator Assisted Information Service continues to be busy. If travel is not imminent, please delay making the call. On calling the Service you will hear an opening message before making your selection. If an agent is not available to take your call within 20 seconds of you making that selection, you will receive a message advising you to call...

My nonimmigrant visa was issued to me in Barbados. I need to get it renewed. Can I renew it in London where I now live?

You may apply for a visa at the Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast.  As with all nonimmigrants, you will be required to establish your eligibility for the visa under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  This section of law stipulates that all visa applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants until they can establish otherwise. Applicants typically confirm...

Just watched the video. What happens if my visa application is refused?

If you are found ineligible for a visa under U.S. visa law, your passport will be returned to you together with a written explanation of why you did not qualify for the visa.  Your passport will also be returned to you at the interview if your application is subject to additional processing, as your application could take 90 days or more to process.  Once processing has been completed, the Nonimmigrant...

I have just finished watching the YouTube video. It says that only the visa applicant will be allowed into the Embassy for the interview. This is a problem for me as I am disabled and need assistance. What do I do?

If you are disabled and need assistance, you can arrange for someone to accompany you to the visa interview.  If you have not yet booked the interview you should notify the agent at the time of your call of the name of the person who will accompany you.  They will take his or her details and add their name to the access list.  If the interview is booked, then please call the Operator Assisted Information...

Just seen the YouTube video that says I have to leave my passsport at the Embassy. I cannot do that as I am traveling to France a couple of days after my interview.

If your application is successful and we are able to issue you with a visa, you will be required to leave your passport at the Embassy.  If you are unable to do this, you should consider rescheduling the appointment for a time when you will not require your passport.  If you wish to go ahead with the interview, you may ask that your passport is returned to you while your application is processed. ...

I have just seen your YouTube video. It’s great, but doesn’t tell me how long I should expect to be at the interview.

As you can see, the interview is a two-stage process.  You will be called up to hand in your visa application forms and documents and have a set of your fingerprints scanned electronically.  You will then be asked to take a seat and wait for the visa interview which will be conducted by a U.S. consular officer.  While the period of time this takes will vary depending on the time of day and number...