On the day of your interview, please arrive at the Embassy at the time indicated on your printed appointment confirmation page. Appointment times are staggered in half-hour intervals starting at 7:30 a.m. and typically finishing at 11 a.m. This system is designed to decrease applicants’ wait times, so please do not arrive more than five minutes later or earlier than your scheduled time. Only applicants and their immediate family members will be admitted to the Embassy for the interview.
Q: What should I bring to my interview?
A: All applicants, regardless of age or visa type, must obtain and present the following items at their visa appointment:
Passport: This must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of travel to the United States.
Appointment Confirmation Page: This document is printed by the applicant after they have scheduled an appointment interview from our Visa Information website at https://usvisa-info.com/
Photos: Applicants must provide one current, front-facing, full-face photograph measuring 2 inches by 2 inches.
Q: What should I not bring to the Embassy?
A: Any person found with the following items will be turned away from the Embassy and denied entry:
Electronic items including cell phones, cameras, audio and video players, laptops, pagers, MP3 players, and portable gaming devices.
Weapons, ammunition, items that may be confused for weapons, and replicas of weapons including guns, knives, pepper spray, explosives, metal razors, nail clippers, and scissors.
Lighters.
Sealed envelopes (all envelopes must be opened).
Large bags including travel bags, backpacks and briefcases (small handbags will be allowed).
The Embassy does not provide storage for personal items and does not take responsibility for any items you chose to leave with other individuals.
Also, in order to expedite security screening, please do not wear any obtrusive jewelry and do not bring any food or beverages with you. Snacks and beverages may be purchased inside the Embassy once applicants have completed security screening.
Please note: The list provided above is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited based on discretion of the security staff.
Q: What should I bring if I am applying for a visa for a child?
A: Parents are encouraged to accompany their children under the age of 18 to the Embassy. Bringing a birth certificate for any children under the age of 14 is required. Non-travelling parents should give permission, in person, for the child to travel. A non-travelling parent residing outside of Guyana may give consent for the child to travel by way of a notarized letter of consent.
Q: What should I bring if I am applying for a student visa?
A: In addition to presenting the documents listed above, student visa applicants must present the following:
Form I-20A or I-20M (provided by the educational institution).
Receipt for the SEVIS fee. Visit www.fmjfee.com for information and payment instructions. We recommend payment at least three business days prior to the date of appointment.
Evidence of possession of sufficient funds.
Evidence of minimum preparation for course of study such as exam results and transcripts.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for my interview?
A: Be truthful and straightforward about your reason for temporary travel to the United States, and about your life in Guyana. You should be prepared to answer a range of questions about your job, family situation, living arrangement, investments, education, travel history, contractual obligations, civic commitments and lifestyle. If you have traveled to the United States previously, make sure to point that out to the officer. Be aware that intentional deceit or misrepresentation can result in a lifetime ban from traveling to the United States.
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“Ask the Consul” is a regular column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and visa issues. If you have a general question about visa policy please email it to us at AskGeorge@state.gov. Information about visas and travel can be viewed at http://georgetown.usembassy.gov, http://travel.state.gov, and at http://www.dhs.gov. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. U.S. Consular rules change frequently and non-US government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information.