The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States. We achieve this by processing thousands of nonimmigrant visa applications on a year-round basis. Below are answers to some common questions about visiting the Embassy to apply for a nonimmigrant visa.
Where is the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section located?
The US Embassy is located at 100 Duke and Young Streets, Kingston, Georgetown. Use the Duke Street entrance of the Embassy for access to the Consular Section. Due to limited parking in the immediate vicinity, you may wish to consider a drop-off/pick-up option. We do not encourage parking and waiting by family members. If you have accessibility concerns, such as the need to enter via a wheelchair, please inform our Greeters at the Consular entrance immediately upon arrival so that we can expedite your entry.
How early should I arrive for my non-immigrant visa appointment?
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. The interview process from arrival at the Embassy to the visa interview may take about 1 – 3 hours, so having breakfast prior to arriving at the Embassy is recommended since there is no food service available once you enter the Embassy.
Who should come to the nonimmigrant visa appointment?
For security reasons and due to space limitations, you cannot bring extra people (friends, relatives, attorneys, or business contacts) with you to the visa interview. Minors between age 14 – 18, persons 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. Those accompanying persons must have a photo identification to gain access into the Embassy.
Minors under age 14 do not need to miss school to come to the Embassy for a nonimmigrant visa interview. If the child does not pre-qualify to have his/her interview waived, one parent or a court-appointed legal guardian will need to appear for the in-person interview on the child’s behalf.
For more information on who qualifies to have an interview waived, please review the information at https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring your current passport, any previous passport containing your most recently issued visa (if applicable), one 2×2-inch photo, and your application confirmation page. Applicants under the age of 18 must also submit original birth certificates.
Some visa classes, like student visas and employment type visas will require additional documents. See our complete list of required documents at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/required_docs.
What should I NOT bring to the appointment?
You will be screened by security personnel before entry. Certain items are not permitted in the Embassy including large bags, backpacks, briefcases, food, liquids, weapons, cell phones, smart watches, 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/.
What can I expect after I enter the Embassy?
An Embassy Greeter will provide directions about where to go once you enter the Embassy. Follow their instructions or ask for assistance if you are confused.
Once our document intake staff verifies your application information and takes your fingerprints, a Consular Officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive the visa you applied for. Be ready to describe your intended travel plans and your ties to Guyana clearly and concisely. You must establish that you meet the eligibility requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
What happens after the Interview?
If your visa application is approved, the Consular Officer will provide you with visa pick-up instructions. Applicants will be able to pick-up their passports at our CSRA Document Service Center (DSC) at 223 Camp Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown (the building before Shell Gas Station). Applicants will receive an email notification when the DSC has processed their documents. Please do not go to the DSC without first receiving this email.
If you are refused the visa, you will receive a letter which explains the refusal. Nonimmigrant visa refusals cannot be appealed.
If I’m refused, can I request a refund of the fee I paid?
Nonimmigrant visa fees are not refundable. The fee you paid is an application processing fee and not a visa issuance fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee which covers the cost of processing your application to conclusion.
Where can I find more information about nonimmigrant visas?
For more information on nonimmigrant visas, visit https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/. Additionally, you can call our Visa Information Service on toll free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 (GTT Callers), 1-800-759-6504 (Digicel callers) or 703-988-5765 (U.S. Callers) from Monday to Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00pm.
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“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 using the Contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.”
