International Visitors to the U.S.
Reminder
Citizens of visa waiver countries must apply for "Travel Authorization" before traveling to the U.S.
Apply at ESTA
Passport Alert!
Applicants for U.S. Visa Do Not Need to Leave Passport with Consular Officer
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services of the U.S. Department of State says that Consular Officers do not need to retain applicants’ passports. Print this letter and bring it to your visa interview.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Letter
Applying for Your Visa
Visa Application Information
The United States government is the official source of information about U.S. visa policy and procedures. The U.S. government visa website is managed by the U.S. Department of State.
United States Visa Information Website
Visa Wait Times
Estimate how long it may take to process a nonimmigrant visa application. The Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Department of State provides Visa Wait Times at every U.S. Consular offices world-wide.
Visa Wait Times
Administrative Processing
Some applications require additional "administrative processing" and this adds several weeks to the application process. Applicants involved in scientific fields are often subjected to administrative processing. Thus, apply for your visa as early as possible, preferably 3-4 months in advance. Bring your C.V. to the visa interview as this will help facilitate any administrative processing.
Administrative Processing Information
Visa Problems
Visa Delays
Learn what causes visa application delays and how to report excessive delays to The National Academies' International Visitors Office (IVO).
Visa Delays
Making a Temporary Visit Outside of the U.S.
Visitors currently in the U.S. who plan to temporarily visit their home country and reapply for a U.S. visa can make some of their return preparations before leaving the U.S.
Tips for Temporary Visits
