The Embassy has remained open to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services throughout the pandemic. In September 2020, we resumed scheduling nonimmigrant and immigrant visa interview appointments, giving priority to certain categories of visas. Below are answers to common questions regarding visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy.
Q: What measures is the U.S. Embassy taking to protect applicants and Embassy staff during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: The U.S. Embassy is resuming visa operations in phases under State Department’s Diplomacy Strong framework and local safety and health guidelines. We continue to closely monitor local conditions in Guyana and implement safeguards to keep our staff and customers safe, including physical distancing in our waiting rooms, scheduling fewer interviews at a time, frequent disinfection of high touch areas, and requiring masks in all indoor spaces.
Q: What type of appointments are being scheduled at this time?
A: The five geographical COVID-19 Proclamations (P.P. 9984, 9992, 9993, 9996, 10041) and the two COVID-19 Labor Market Proclamations suspending the entry of certain aliens (P.P. 10014 and 10052) remain in effect. Under the Presidential Proclamations, we are currently unable to move forward with most IR5, F2A, FX, F1, F3 and F4 immigrant visas until after March 31, 2021,unless the Presidential Proclamation is extended.
Appointments for some categories of routine non-immigrant visas, including visitor visas for vacation travel (B1/B2) are still limited at this time. We are reviewing expedite requests on a case by case basis. To schedule or request an expedited visitor visa appointment, please follow the instructions on our Non-Immigrant Visa Page online at https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/.
Q: Who should come with me and what should I bring to the visa appointment?
A: For the safety and security of applicants and staff, you cannot bring extra people—friends, relatives, attorneys, translators or business contacts—to your visa interview. The Embassy has qualified translators to assist during your appointment. Minor children, people with disabilities, and people who need special assistance may bring a family member or caretaker to the interview. You must review the list of required documents for your visa category prior to your interview appointment. Passport, 2×2inch photos, application confirmation page and original civil documents issued after 2010; are some of the most common documents required for immigrant visa appointments.
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. Be ready to clearly and concisely describe your intended travel plans during the interview.
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 visas?
A: For more information on visas, visit https://gy.usembassy.gov/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.
