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Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant Visas


Welcome to the U.S. Embassy's Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) website! We are pleased that you are interested in traveling to the United States and hope that this website makes it easier for you to select and apply for the proper visa.

Who needs a visa?

Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement, or whose registration has been denied under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

We strongly encourage you to apply for a visa well in advance of your proposed journey, and not to make irrevocable travel plans until you receive your passport with a visa.

How to Apply for a Visa

To learn about our visa application process and to schedule an appointment, please visit the Global Support Strategy (GSS) website.

Diplomatic visas and government-sponsored programs

Applicants for no-fee visas in categories including A, G, C-3, government-sponsored J programs, and diplomatic passport holders, please see this page for details on visa processing.

Application Status Check

  • Thread Starting December 20, 2012, applicants for nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) can view the status of their visa cases through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) by entering their DS-160 barcode number and the interview location.

    Please note, all nonimmigrant cases created within the past year that have not been closed will be available in CEAC Visa Status Check.  Nonimmigrant visa cases that have been closed will be available for three months from the date they are closed. 

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