Embassy NewsCentre

Embassy News

A group of Journalists during the Press conference (Photo: Yacouba Soro/US Embassy)

The Consul of the American Embassy Spoke with the Press on Visa Issues

The Consul of the United States Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, Robert Thomas, met with journalists from public and private newspapers on February 16 to talk about how to apply for American visas. Mr. Thomas, who was flanked by staff of the Consular Section, tried to answer questions on different types of visas and on the conditions each applicant must meet to obtain them.

According to the Consul, there are different types of visas, including immigrant, non-immigrant, student, and the Diversity Lottery. Mr. Thomas used the occasion to underscore that each visa application is treated with transparency and fairness. “The procedure is transparent for everybody. Every application is evaluated according to American immigration laws,” he declared. He indicated that “obtaining an American visa is not a question of chance.”  

Mr. Thomas invited the general public not to turn to individuals who announce themselves as visa agents. “Asking for the services of these people can have a negative impact on a visa application,” he said. The Consul urged applicants to always seek information relating to visa applications from the Consular Section or to visit the web site of the Embassy of the United States: http://abidjan.usembassy.gov