Visa Information

The following information has been provided by the U.S. Department of State to assist foreign attendees in obtaining their visas. For additional information, please see their visa services website at: travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html and also www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html.

Since the September 11, 2001, attack in New York City, visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. The timeframes for visa processing today are difficult to predict with accuracy for any individual applicant, and will vary significantly by country. The State Department is working hard with other government agencies to rationalize clearance procedures in ways that continue to protect U.S. borders, our first priority, while facilitating legitimate travel.

For many nonimmigrant visa applicants, a personal appearance interview is now required as a standard part of visa processing, and contact will need to made by the traveler with the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for an interview. Additionally, applicants who need additional screening are informed at the time they submit their applications. These steps can take additional time to process a visa.

Please note that Embassy Consular Sections overseas have sole responsibility for issuance of visas, and they generally are the first point of contact for visa processing status. Visa Services at the Department of State is not able to expedite the processing of visa applications.