Non-Immigrant Visas

How to Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa

At the visa window

STEP 1 : Fill out the application 

Complete the DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application online at the following link: http://evisaforms.state.gov. 
 
The application is available in French at:http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_French.asp.  Once you have completed the application online, print out all three pages of the form with the barcode on the last page (Note: Be sure the barcode is clear and complete).  All applicants MUST use the online form.   Handwritten copies of the DS-156 form will not be accepted at any time.  Please note: Male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also complete Supplemental Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157.  Unlike the DS-156, the DS-157 is not filled out online.  This supplemental form is available from La Poste or at the link below free of charge.

Links to visa forms :

• Fill a Non Immigrant Visa Application Online
• Supplemental Non Immigrant Visa Application Form DS-157
• Contact Information and Work History for Non Immigrant Visa Applicant Form DS-158 (Students (F visas), exchange visitors (J visas), and vocational students or other non-academic students (M visas) should complete and present along with Form DS-156)

When completing the application :

• Answer all questions.  Do not leave any blanks.  If the answer is "None,"  "Nobody," or "Not Applicable," please indicate.  Applications with fields left blank will not be accepted.
• If another person assists you to complete your application, that person must sign the form in the space provided above your signature.  You must ensure all information is true and accurate before signing the application.  YOU, the applicant, are solely responsible for the accuracy of all information provided.
• Sign and date the application.

STEP 2 : Make Appointment

After completing the online application, link to the online appointment system. Please note that you MUST have completed the online application before scheduling an appointment. You will be asked for the barcode of your completed application before you can schedule an appointment. After scheduling your appointment, please print the confirmation page and bring it with you on the day of your appointment.

STEP 3 : Photographs  

• Obtain one recent photograph, 5 cm X 5 cm (2 in X 2 in).  The photo must be full face, with a white or off-white background.  No photographs with dark glasses or head-coverings other than religious wear which shows face, ears, and hairline.
• Photos are available near the Embassy in Riviera Golf, next to the Leader Price shopping area.

STEP 4 : Passport

• Ensure that your passport is current, and has at least six months remaining validity after the date you intend to depart the United States.

STEP 5 : Gather Necessary Documents And Information

Our website lists documents which are required for the application process.  However, in many cases other supporting documents may be required.  Applicants should make sure to bring in any and all supporting documents/information, which may be relevant to their application (e.g. old passports, employment letters, bank statements, statement of salary, employment contract, etc.).

Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may provide documentation substantiating the trip's purpose and specifying the nature of binding obligations, such as family ties or employment, which would compel their return abroad.

Applicants will also need to know the exact address and phone number of the place where they will be staying, even if it is a hotel.  Please remember: the above list, as well as the one on the website, is not exhaustive.  Depending on the situation of the applicants, additional documents may be required. Applicants should use their best judgment in determining what documents or information will be necessary to support their application, as well as referring to the website for the documentation required for their particular visa category.

Be sure to bring the following items to your interview:

• Appointment Confirmation Printout

• Money to pay for the application fee ($131 USD, currently 59,000 CFA subject to change in the exchange rate). Cash only, no checks or credit cards accepted.
  Applicants must have exact change.

• Your valid passport (must have at least six months remaining validity after the date you intend to depart the United States).
  
• Your completed Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156 (as noted above, male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also complete Form DS-157).  All fields must be completed.  A separate application must be completed for each child traveling on a parent’s passport.  All applicants, including children, are required to attend the interview.
  

Presentation of documents does not guarantee visa issuance.

STEP 6 : Appear for Personal Interview at the Embassy

Once you have fully completed all of the steps above, you may come to the Consular Section of the Embassy for your interview on any working day, Monday through Thursday between 8:00 and 10:00 only.  Please note that we do not accept applicants after 10:00 am, and that we are not open for non-immigrant visa processing on Fridays. 

STEP 7 : Present your Documents, Pay the Fee & Wait

When your number is called, you will present your passport and documents at Window 3. After documents are accepted and screened, you wait for your name to be called by the Cashier at Window 6. After you pay your fee at the Cashier's Window, wait for your name to be called by a Consular Officer. Please be patient! We would like to stress that the consular staff at the U.S. Embassy tries to minimize waiting time for visa applicants.

You will be interviewed personally by a commissioned US Consular Officer.  Be ready to discuss your travel plans and your personal circumstances in your home country in an honest and forthright manner.