How do I apply for a Visa?

All persons applying for a non-immigrant visa must convince the Consular Officer that they do not intend to immigrate to the United States.  Person who cannot, or do not, convince the Consular Officer of that, will be denied a visa.  Applicants are therefore advised NOT to make final travel arrangements until their visa has been approved.

All visa applicants are advised to schedule their interview AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance of their intended date of travel. All applicants, including minor children, must schedule a separate appointment.

Follow the following steps to apply for a visa:

1.  Click on Schedule on Appointment

This link will take you to a website where you can both schedule your appointment and complete the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF). Click here for detailed instructions in Portuguese for filling out this form. ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY USING THE EVAF.  Handwritten or typed DS-156 forms are not accepted.

2.  Print out the form, INCLUDING THE BARCODE, sign it,  and bring it with you to your visa interview.

3.  Follow the instructions on-line for scheduling an appointment for your visa interview.  All visa applications are advised to schedule their interview AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance of their intended date of travel. 

4.  Print out the confirmation page with your interview date and time and bring it with you to the interview.

5.  Arrive ON TIME for your interview.  Late applicants will have to re-schedule their interview by using the on-line system again.

6.  When you arrive for your interview, submit your DS-156 with barcode page, the DS-157, if required, the DS-158, if required, any supporting documentation, your passport, photos, and your interview confirmation sheet (see below for a list of all required and recommended documents).  At this time, you will need to pay the $131 application fee, payable in U.S. dollars only.  Credit cards, checks, and non-U.S. currency is not accepted. If your visa is issued, you may also have to pay a visa issuance fee, depending upon bilateral agreements between your country and the United States.  For Angolans, there is a $10.00 visa issuance fee.

7.  Visas are generally ready for pick-up the next business day. Visas issued Monday-Wednesday are generally ready for pick-up at 4:30 p.m. the next business day.  Visas issued on Thursdays are generally ready for pick-up 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

Note: In order to access the visa forms listed on this page, the user needs to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Reader, download the latest version. 

Requirements for a Visa Application:

• Form DS-156 is required to be completed and signed.
  
• Form DS-157 is required to be completed and signed for all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 years.
  
• Form DS-158 is required of applicants for academic (F) or vocational (M) student visas, as well as exchange visitor (J) visas. 
  
• Applicants for F and M visas must submit an I-20 form generated by the institution they will attend, and applicants for J visas must submit a DS-2019 form generated by their exchange program.  All student and exchange visitors must also appear in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).  All students, as well as exchange visitors not funded by the U.S. government, must also show a receipt indicating payment of the SEVIS fee.
  
• One recent full-face photograph measuring two inches square (approximately 50 mm square), taken within the last six months in front of a white or off-white background, without a hat, dark glasses, or any other accessories.
  
• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of arrival in the United States is required.

Recommended Additional Documentation

• Minors should provide evidence of both parents' permission to travel, or a death certificate if a parent is deceased, as well as a letter stating who is responsible for their travels and proof of financial resources.
  
• A letter from your employer stating your position, duration of employment, base salary, reason for travel, when you will travel and return, and who is financially responsible for your travel is recommended.
  
• If you are self-employed, providing a letter as stated above, a copy of your business registration and a copy of the bank statement of your business showing six months of activity is recommended.
  
• If you are attending a conference, training or business meetings, providing any correspondence you have had with the United States host organization/company is recommended.
  
• Proof of your financial resources to travel to the United States (e.g., bank statements and/or your monthly salary receipts for the past six months) is recommended.
  
• Foreign residents should present their foreign resident card or a work visa.

Note: The Consular Officer may request additional documentation during the interview.