The Visa Interview

Applicants aged 14 - 79 are required to appear in person for an interview with a consular officer through a pre-arranged appointment.  The appointment may only be scheduled by calling the Operator Assisted Information Service.

Written confirmation of the date and time of the scheduled appointment and the receipt for the MRV application will be emailed to the applicant within approximately one hour of booking the appointment.  If the email is not received, we suggest that you check your spam filter. If that proves unsuccesful, please either call the Operator Assisted Information Service in order for them to retransmit the email or download the appointment confirmation letter from the Embassy website - See "Ïnterview Appointment Letter"on right-hand side of the page.    

You must bring the Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Confirmation letter and MRV Fee receipt with you for presentation to the security guards at the gate. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the appointment.

Access to the Embassy

Only applicants with a scheduled appointment will be admitted into the Embassy. The exception being children under the age of 18 accompanied by a parent, translators and assistants for the disabled. If you require assistance, please give the name of the person who will accompany you to the operator when callling to schedule the appointment.  Click on "Embassy Location" and "Security Information" for further information.

The Interview

On the day of your interview, a set of your fingerprints will be electronically scanned. If you have a cut or blister on any of your fingers or thumbs, your application will not be processed. You will be required to reschedule an appointment for a later date.

All visaed passports will be returned to the applicant by DX Secure, a courier agency contracted to the U.S. Embassy.  Click on "Courier Service" on the left-hand navigation bar for further information.  

Processing Times

The average visa processing time for successful applicants is five business days during which time the applicant's passport must remain with the Embassy. Once processed your visa and passport will be handed to the courier company, DX Secure for delivery. Applicants who are advised at the visa interview that their application requires additional processing should allow approximately 90 days for their application to be processed. However, in some cases, processing can extend to six months or longer.  Applicants who are found ineligible to receive a visa under U.S. visa law and require a waiver of ineligibility, should allow 6 months for their application to be processed.  

Applicants who attended a visa interview on or after October 1, 2009 and who received a 221(g) "Administrative Processing" handout at the interview, can check the status of their case on-line.   Click on "Administrative Processing" on the left-hand Navigation bar for further information. 

For a further explanation concerning additional administrative processing,  please see the Department of State website

Note:  The processing times quoted are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. It is important that you keep this in mind when applying for the visa. It is not be possible to expedite a case simply because an applicant has not allowed sufficient time for the application to be processed.

Please note: 

• Applicants who arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes after their scheduled appointment will not be seen by a consular officer. They will be required to reschedule a new appointment for another day.
• You should anticipate being at the Embassy for approximately two to three hours.
• Applicants with prearranged appointments are asked to bring a friend, relative or carer if they are disabled and require assistance. Nonimmigrant visa applicants should provide the Operator Assisted Information Service with the name of that person when calling to schedule an appointment for an interview. Immigrant visa applicants should call the Operator Assisted Information Service to notify them of the name of the person accompanying them.