Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

General Information

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

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 are approved and have the visa in hand.

For information about visa wait times click here

Requirements

Except for Visa Waiver Program countries, all visitors to the United States require a visa, including citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Those wishing to travel to the United States for business, tourism, studies, medical treatment, or to visit family or friends, must submit an application for a non-immigrant visa.

Non-immigrant visas are also required for official government employees or recognized international organization employees (such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund) who are traveling to the Unites States for meetings or to work at foreign missions or recognized international organizations.

Those wishing to travel to the United States for business, tourism, studies, medical treatment, or to visit family or friends, must submit an application for a non-immigrant visa.  Non-immigrant visas are also required for official government employees or recognized international organization employees (such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund) who are traveling to the Unites States for meetings or to work at foreign missions or recognized international organizations.

Visa U.S. immigration and naturalization laws presume that each visa applicant is an intending immigrant. It is up to the applicant to overcome this presumption by presenting evidence of strong ties to his country of residence that would compel him/her to return at the end of the visit to the United States. Compelling financial, family, and social ties are generally required to overcome this burden.  

Instructions for an appointment  

Helpful links for more information: 

• Visas for temporary visitors-http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php
  
• USCIS Temporary Workers for petition based employment visas- http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/tempworker.htm
  
• USCIS forms- http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/index.htm
  
• Wait times for NIV appointments - https://cadata.ca.state.gov/pls/public/ccd_report_display.report