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Visa Services

What is a visa?

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A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry.
An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.


Who needs a visa?

Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Please 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.

What type of visas are available?

 

IMMIGRANT Visa Webchat 30 October 2009
Immigrant U.S. Visas: Your questions Answered at 10:00 BST
A Consular Officer from our Visa section will be on hand to answer your Immigrant visa questions at 10:00-11:00 on Friday, 30 October 2009.

Please note that for privacy reasons we cannot accept case-specific questions but you are welcome to provide a generic question. Do note that this webchat will ONLY be about immigrant visas and matters regarding emigration. We encourage you to submit your questions ahead of time at https://statedept.connectsolutions.com/london, as this will help us answer as many questions as possible during the actual chat.

If you would like to participate in these webchats, please go to https://statedept.connectsolutions.com/london . No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name, and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.

American Citizen Services & Visa Applicants with Flu-Like Symptoms

If you have a visa appointment or an American citizen service appointment and you are experiencing flu-like symptoms which you believe may be related to the H1N1 Flu, please do not come to the U.S. Embassy, London. We will provide priority re-scheduling of your appointment should you need to cancel for this reason as follows:-
 • To reschedule Visa appointments
 • To reschedule U.S. Passport and Citizenship services
 • To reschedule U.S. Special Consular Services appointments


Security - How To Get Into The Embassy

Please do NOT bring mobile phones, laptops or briefcases! Please be aware of our security requirements.

If you fail to follow these security requirements you may face delays or cancellations to your visit.



The Visa Blog

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Visit the Visa Section's blog!

We've got up-to-the-minute information on visa issues affecting travelers to the United States.

Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants




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— Appointment Letter & MRV Fee Receipt —

Scheduled an appointment?
Need your appointment letter?
>> Click here to get it! <<

 
— Our Blog —

Blog logo.  This one is for the Environment and Science blog.Visit the Visa Section's blog for up-to-the-minute information on visa issues!

 
— Contact Information —

Operator Assisted Visa Information and Appointment Line

The service will be unavailable during the period December 25 – December 28 and January 1 & 2 and will close at 4:00 pm on December 24 and January 31st. The service will be available on US public holidays during November.

 
— Lost/Stolen Non-US Passports —

If your passport containing a valid U.S. visa is lost or stolen, you are required to report the loss or theft to the Embassy.
Please click here for further information.

 
— Location of the Embassy —



Access to the Visa Section is by appointment only !

 
— Useful Links —

Department of Homeland Security

Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

US Customs and Border Control

USA.gov

 
 
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