Non-Immigrant Visas
How Do I Apply?
Step 1: Complete the DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form online and print it out. Complete and print out any other required forms. See the Aplication Forms Page for more information. Step 2: Attach a recent photo (taken within the past six months) to the application. Photo specifications are very exact. Click here for specific instructions. Step 3: Gather all the required documents: (1) the completed application form, (2) a passport valid for more than six months beyond the intended stay in the United States, (4) all previous U.S. visas, even if expired, (5) your appointment confirmation sheet and (6) supporting documents. Step 4: Schedule your interview appointment online (Please schedule one appointment per person. Every member of a family needs their own appointment) Step 6: Go to the Embassy at your exact time specified on your appointment letter. If you arrive at the Embassy early you will not be allowed inside. If you arrive late you will not be allowed inside and will have to make a new appointment.
Step 7: Pay the 131 U.S. dollar application fee in U.S. dollars to the consular cashier, the exact amount only. The cashier will also accept your forms and supporting documents. Please wait for the interview with the American consular officer. Step 8: The consular officer will inform applicants immediately following the interview whether or not they will be granted a visa. Applicants who qualify for a visa should return to the cashier to pay the reciprocity fee in U.S. dollars. The reciprocity fee for citizens of the Republic of the Congo is 20 U.S. dollars; citizens of other countries may check here for the reciprocity fee for other countries. Reciprocity fees must be paid in U.S. dollars, exact amount only, as the Embassy does not accept local currency. Applicants who do not qualify for a visa will receive an explanation and a letter explaining the law from the consular officer. Step 9: Successful applicants will collect their passports and visas at 14:00 on the next working day following the visa interview. In rare instances, technical difficulties may extend the time required to complete the visa. Therefore, please apply for visa well in advance of your intended time of travel.
Step 5: Obtain sufficient U.S. dollars to pay the 131 U.S. dollar application fee. If the visa is granted, citizens of the Republic of the Congo are required to pay a 20 U.S. dollar reciprocity fee. Citizens of other countries may have to pay a different reciprocity fee, please click here to check. Bring the exact amounts in U.S. dollars. Please note that the Embassy does not accept local currency and does not make change.
All persons and property entering the U.S. Embassy are subject to search for security purposes. Weapons or any item that may be used as a weapon, all electronic devices, any liquids and/or flammable items (including cigarette lighters and matches) are not allowed in the Embassy grounds, so please leave such items at home. After inspection, mobile telephones may be checked at the entrance to the Embassy, but may not be brought inside.
At the interview, the primary applicant will be the only person allowed into the building, except in the case of minor children (age 17 and under). Parents or guardians are advised to accompany a minor child.
