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Frequently Asked Questions

Request an Emergency appointment Request an appointment for a Group of 25 persons or more.

Non-immigrant visas are issued to persons wishing to travel to the United States temporarily who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Who can use the Visa Waiver Program?

Citizens of certain countries, including Japan, who are traveling to the U.S. for 90 days or less for business or tourism may not need a visa. For information on persons eligible to travel visa free to the United States, see here.

Who needs a Visa?

Anyone not eligible to enter the United States on the Visa Waiver Program will be required to get a visa.

Note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

How do I apply for a non-immigrant Visa?

Please use the three step non-immigrant visa application appointment system.

For applicants who do not require an in-person interview, see here.

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Note: No visa or other documentation shall be issued to an alien if it appears to the consular officer, from statements in the application, or in the papers submitted therewith, that such alien is ineligible to receive a visa.

Visa Issuance:

No assurance regarding the issuance of non-immigrant visas can be given in advance. Final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until you have been approved and have received your visa.

Visa Denials:

For more information on visa denials, see here.

Visa Processing Time:

Most applicants receive their visas in about seven to fourteen days from their interviews. However, we do not guarantee that every case will be processed in the seven to fourteen days time frame. Do not/not make final travel plans until you have your passport in your possession. Also, some cases may require further administrative processing, which could result in a delay of up to six weeks or more. For further information on administrative processing, see here.

Please note that once an application is submitted processing cannot be expedited.

Visa Wait Times:

Wait times for a non-immigrant visa interview appointment may differ greatly depending on the time of the year. Please apply early. For more about "visa wait times", see here.