Nonimmigrant Visas

Important:  Nonimmigrant Visa MRV fee increase effective January 1, 2008.

Nonimmigrant visas are visas for travelers who wish to visit the United States temporarily to visit family, to attend school, for work, or for tourism. There are several kinds of nonimmigrant visas. When you apply for a visa, the Consular Officer will determine what kind of visa is right for your intended travel.

How to Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa

Step 1. Check the Validity of Your Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you intend to enter the U.S. If you try to enter the U.S. with a passport that is valid for less than six months, immigration officials may not let you enter when you arrive!

Step 2. Schedule an Interview Appointment

Schedule an interview appointment by writing an email to Consularrangoo@state.gov. Include in the email your name and the names of anyone else applying with you. Our office will schedule you for the next available interview date and reply to your email with that information. Alternatively, you can call (95)(1) 536-509 between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm any working day. Be aware that the phone lines are often busy.

Step 3. Complete the Visa Application Forms

Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application as follows:

• Required Completed DS-156: Nonimmigrant Visa Application with a 2 x 2 inch color photo of the applicant on a light or white background. Click here for photograph details. The DS-156 must be completed online at http://evisaforms.state.gov and printed out for submission. All three printed pages (the third page has the barcode) must be submitted.

• Required Completed DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application and DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Application

• Required Completed Additional Forms

Step 5. Submit Your Passport and Visa Application Forms

Submit the completed visa application, and a valid passport, to the Consular Office one week before your scheduled interview date.

• The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you enter the United States. United States immigration officials may refuse entry to anyone attempting to enter with a passport valid less than six months.

Step 6. Pay the MRV Fee

On the day of your interview, pay the $131.00 USD or FEC 131.00 nonrefundable application fee when you arrive.

Step 7. Interview

Interview for your visa with the Consular Officer

Step 8. Pay the Visa Issuance Fee

If your visa is issued, you may be required to pay an additional fee depending on the type of visa issued. If you are issued a tourist visa, you will need to pay an additional fee of $32.00.

Step 9. Return to Collect Your Passport and Visa

If you are issued the visa, return the following workday at 3:30 pm to collect your passport and visa.