The Visa Interview

Applicants aged 14 - 79 are required to appear in person for an interview with a consular officer through a pre-arranged appointment.  The appointment may only be scheduled by calling the Operator Assisted Information Service.

Written confirmation of the date and time of the scheduled appointment and the receipt for the MRV application will be emailed to the applicant within approximately one hour of booking the appointment.  If the email is not received, we suggest that you check your spam filter. If that proves unsuccesful, please either call the Operator Assisted Information Service in order for them to retransmit the email or download the appointment confirmation letter from the Embassy website.   

You must bring the Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Confirmation letter and MRV Fee receipt with you for presentation to the security guards at the gate. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the appointment.

Access to the Consulate

Only applicants with a scheduled appointment will be admitted into the Consulate.  The exception being children under the age of 16 accompanied by a parent, translators and assistants for the disabled. If you require assistance, please give the name of the person who will accompany you to the operator when callling to schedule the appointment.  See Consulate Location and Security Information for details.

The Interview

On the day of your interview, a set of your fingerprints will be electronically scanned. If you have a cut or blister on any of your fingers or thumbs, your application will not be processed. You will be required to reschedule an appointment for a later date.

All visaed passports will be returned by Royal Mail "Special Delivery".  You are required to furnish a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope with your completed visa application.    

Processing Times

The average visa processing time for successful applicants is approximately two workdays.  Once processed your visa and passport will be handed to Royal Mail for delivery. Applicants who answered "Yes" to any of the Security and Background questions on the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application should allow 20-25 weeks for their application to be processed. Those who were advised at the time of the visa interview that their application requires additional processing should allow approximately 90 days for their application to be processed. However, in some cases, processing can extend to six months or longer. 

Note:  The processing times quoted are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. It is important that you keep this in mind when applying for the visa. It is not be possible to expedite a case simply because an applicant has not allowed sufficient time for the application to be processed.

You should also note, that no assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.