The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section processes nonimmigrant visa applications on a year-round basis. Below are answers to common questions regarding a nonimmigrant visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
Q: Where is the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section located?
A: The US Embassy is located at 100 Duke and Young Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana. Use the Duke Street entrance of the Embassy for access to the consular section.
Q: How early should I arrive for my nonimmigrant visa appointment?
A: Don’t come too early, or you’ll have to wait in line longer. Nonimmigrant visa applicants may arrive up to 15 minutes before their appointment time.
Q: Who should come to the nonimmigrant visa appointment?
A: For security and space limitations, you cannot bring extra people—friends, relatives, attorneys, or business contacts—to attend your visa interview. Minor children, people with disabilities, and people who need special assistance may bring a family member or caretaker to the interview. Applicants who do not speak English or Spanish should bring a translator.
Some applicants, such as those under 14 years of age or above 79 years of age, may qualify to forego a visa interview. For information on interview waivers, please read the “Interview Waiver” section of the following webpage: https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/
Q: What should I bring to the appointment?
A: Bring your passport, one 2×2 inch photo, and your application confirmation page. Applicants under the age of 18 must also submit original birth certificates issued within the past two (2) years by the General Registrar’s Office.
Q: What should I not bring to the appointment?
A: You will be screened by security personnel before entry. Certain items are not permitted in the Embassy including food, liquids, guns, weapons, cellular telephones, photographic or video cameras, radios, computers or other electronic equipment. For a complete list of prohibited items, please visit: https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/prohibited-items/.
Supporting documents are generally not required for regular B1/B2 visa applications. The information submitted on the application form as well as at the interview is sufficient for the officer to make a decision. Certain documents are required for specific nonimmigrant visa classifications (e.g. F, H, J, L, M, O, and P visas), such as SEVIS documents for student visas. Be ready to clearly and concisely describe your intended travel plans during the interview.
Q: What can I expect during the nonimmigrant visa interview?
A: A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process.
Q: What should I do if I missed my appointment, or need to cancel or reschedule?
A: You can cancel or reschedule an appointment only if the appointment date is in the future. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, sign-in to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv, click “Continue”, select the option to “Cancel Appointment” or “Reschedule Appointment” and then follow the provided instructions.
If you miss your interview appointment, you must sign-in to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv, click “Continue”, select the “Missed My Appointment” link and follow the instructions. Please note that you must wait 24 hours before you will be able to request approval to reschedule a missed appointment.
Q: Should I hire a visa consultant to help me through the nonimmigrant visa process?
A: The U.S. Embassy does not endorse or recommend any third-party consultants, agents, advisors, etc. Additionally, there are no internet cafes officially endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Embassy. The best way to ensure that your application is accurate and complete is to fill out the application yourself. All the information and forms you need to apply for a visa are available on the Embassy’s website https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ free of charge.
Q: Where can I find more information about nonimmigrant visas?
A: For more information on nonimmigrant visas, visit https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/. Additionally, you can call 1-877-246-6788 (local) or 703-988-5765 (U.S.) from Monday to Friday – 7:00AM to 7:00PM.
“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information about visas and travel can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.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. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center on toll free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.
