Nonimmigrant Visas
Interview Preparation
STEP 1: Complete and Print your application forms
- Complete electronically, and print Form DS-156. Notice the barcode number located on the last page of your printed electronic visa application form.
- Each application must include a photograph of the applicant. Please follow the photograph instructions at Nonimmigrant Visa Photograph Requirements
- Male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also complete Form DS-157
- Students must also complete Form DS-158.
For a complete list of forms, click Visa Application Forms
STEP 2: Pay the Application and Processing Fee
- Each applicant must pay the non-refundable processing fee of US $131.00 or the equivalent in Guyana dollars, to Demerara Bank Limited.
- Applicants must pay the processing fee prior to the visa appointment and bring the payment receipt to the Embassy on the day of their appointment.
The following Demerara Bank Limited branches accept Nonimmigrant Visa processing fees:
- 230 Camp & South Streets, Georgetown: 8:00 – 14:00 hrs (Mondays - Thursdays); 8:00 – 14:30 hrs (Fridays)
- 71 Public Road, Rose Hall, Corentyne: 8:00 – 14:00 hrs (Mondays – Thursdays); 8:00 – 14:30 hrs (Fridays)
- Corriverton Branch, Lot K & L No. 78 Village, Corentyne, Berbice: 8:00 - 14:00 hrs (Mondays - Thursdays); 8:00 - 14:30 hrs (Fridays)
STEP 3: Schedule your appointment
- Click here and enter your application barcode.
- Select a preferred time for your appointment, and then enter your Surname, Given Name, Telephone Number, Email Address, Receipt Number and Barcode.
- Print the appointment confirmation page and bring it with you to your appointment.
Applicants who are unable to secure appropriate appointments, and wish to travel due to an emergency, may contact the Visa Inquiries Unit, by telephone at 225-7965 or 225-7966 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM), or by email at visageorge@state.gov, to request consideration for an earlier appointment.
Earlier appointments are accommodated on a case by case basis. While we will consider requests for earlier appointments in extremely emergent circumstances, our caseload and staffing will also affect our decision.
An earlier appointment is not a guarantee of visa issuance.
STEP 4: Required Documents
All Applicants:
- Passport: Each person, including children must have a passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel to the United States.
- Application: Each person, including children must have an application. Ensure that you have followed the instructions in STEP 1 carefully.
- Receipt: Each applicant must present a receipt for the non-refundable processing fee.
- Appointment Confirmation Page: Each applicant must present the appointment confirmation page.
In general, U.S. immigration law presumes that every nonimmigrant visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Applicants must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that they have compelling reasons to return to Guyana at the end of their visit to the United States. Applicants should be able to articulate this to the Consular Officer during the interview.
Tourist Visa Applicants
Tourist Visa Applicants are required to present only the documents listed above for All Applicants.
We no longer accept any documents, other than the application forms and photograph, from persons applying for B2 visas for routine tourist travel to the United States. Applicants for tourist visas are no longer required to present employment letters, bank statements, transports, or letters of support from friends and family.
We are restricting the acceptance of documents in support of tourist visa applications due to concerns about document validity and fraud in the visa process. Visa adjudications for most visa applications will be made based solely on the interview with the applicant.
Tourist Visa Applicants (Medical Treatment)
In addition to presenting the documents listed above for All Applicants, persons traveling to the United States for medical reasons must provide proof that they cannot obtain treatment in Guyana or the Caribbean, a letter from the local hospital and/or doctor stating the patient’s medical condition, a letter from the U.S. hospital and/or doctor stating approximate cost and length of stay required for treatment, and proof of ability to pay for treatment.
Business Visa Applicants
In addition to presenting the documents listed above for All Applicants, business travelers should provide a letter from their firm indicating the purpose of the trip, the intended length of stay, and the firm’s intent regarding travel costs. Business travelers should be able to demonstrate their social, financial, and family ties in Guyana whether or not their firm is paying for the trip.
Transit Visa Applicants
Transit Visa Applicants are required to present the documents listed above for All Applicants and, if applicable, a visa for the destination country.
Student Visa Applicants
In addition to presenting the documents listed above for All Applicants, Student Visa Applicants must present the following:
- Form I-20A or I-20M (provided by the educational institution).
- Receipt for the SEVIS fee (US$100). Visit www.fmjfee.com for information and payment instructions. We recommend payment at least three business days prior to the date of appointment.
- Evidence of possession of sufficient funds.
- Evidence of minimum preparation for course of study e.g. exam results (such as CXC, SAT).
Students are also required to demonstrate present intent to leave the U.S. at conclusion of studies.
Please note that student visa-holders will not be permitted to enter the United States until 30 days prior to the designated registration date.
Crew Visa Applicants (Flight Attendants/Seamen)
In addition to presenting the documents listed above for All Applicants, Crew Visa Applicants are required submit an original letter of employment. Seamen should also present a seaman’s book. First-time seamen should bring licenses/certificates for any training received.
Other Applicants
Please contact us if you require additional information or if your visa classification is not listed above.
STEP 5: Attend the interview
- Come to the Embassy for your interview on your scheduled appointment date. You should arrive at the Embassy at the time indicated. The Embassy has instituted staggered appointments to decrease applicants’ wait time. However due to security screening and staffing constraints, applicants should be prepared to wait for two to four hours from their scheduled appointment time until the actual interview.
- Only applicants are admitted to the interview – except children under 18 years of age, who must be accompanied by both parents or a court appointed legal guardian with proof of identification. Please note that consular officers will generally require the consent of both parents before issuing a visa to a minor. Elderly or disabled persons may be accompanied by an able-bodied adult with some form of photo identification.
- A consular officer will interview the applicant on the date of appointment. The case will be offered our fullest consideration, consistent with U.S. immigration law and regulations. Applicants must satisfy the interviewing officer that they are entitled to the type of visa for which they are applying. Applicants are expected to clearly and concisely describe their intentions
Please do NOT bring any of the following Prohibited Items:
All battery operated or electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3’s, floppies, laptops, palmtops or portable music players. Food items, sealed envelopes or packages, cigarettes, cigars, match boxes and lighters. Sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives, nail files, weapons or explosive material of any kind. Bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a small ladies handbag and/or a plastic bag containing application-related papers will be permitted.
The list provided above is not finite. Other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion.