Please review the Department of State’s website for updated information on the Interview Waiver Program for certain Nonimmigrant visa applicants. You may be eligible to apply for a new visa or renew your visa at U.S. Embassy London or U.S. Consulate General Belfast without an interview if you meet the conditions. The determination on whether you qualify for the program will be made through the Visa Appointment Service website once you have answered the qualifying questions. For any further questions or if you think you answered a question on your account incorrectly, please contact the Visa Appointment Service directly.
Once you have submitted your application by courier, a consular officer may still determine that you are required to appear in person at the Embassy. If that is the case you will be contacted with further instructions.
Please note: If a visa is approved, the average processing time is currently approximately 21 working days from the date the visa application has been received. This includes applications submitted via courier. If you have upcoming travel plans, please plan accordingly.
Reminder: A Consular Officer reserves the right to request that an applicant appear in person for an interview after reviewing his or her application.
How to Apply
Application Instructions
Step One: Complete the online DS-160 and print the confirmation page for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age. Answer the questions to the best of your ability; we cannot assist you in completing the form. Before you begin, see our video and SlideShare presentation for additional tips, and information on photo specifications.
Step Two: Go to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb and click on “Apply” if you are a first time user or “Continue” if you already have an account.
After creating your account, please follow the process and guidance for each of the below steps:
1. Provide your DS-160 number;
2. Determine your visa type;
3. Select a courier return location**;
4. Pay your U.S. visa fee via debit card (Visa or Mastercard);
5. Arrange to courier-in your application;
6. Select and pay the optional home delivery document option for each applicant by credit or debit card.
Please note: that for nonimmigrant visa applicants, the authorized method to send your passport and/or documents to the Embassy or Consulate General is through the contracted courier. This service is already included as part of the visa fee that you have paid and will not incur any additional costs. We are generally not able to accept passports and documents sent by other methods. You cannot drop off or pick up your documents directly at the Embassy. Please visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-GB/niv/information/courier for full details.
Documents you are required to submit with your application
A list of documents you are required to present in support of the visa application is available by clicking on this link and selecting the type of visa required for travel.
Processing and Return of Passports
As a general guideline, visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy or Consulate. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of your passport. These timelines are guidelines only and can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
As soon as your application has been processed, your passport will be handed to the courier company for delivery and they will email you a tacking number. You can use this number to track your delivery by signing into your account online at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb
We cannot answer any questions concerning the delivery. Applicants choose how their passport is returned to them as part of the appointment booking process. If you change your address or the location of the delivery, or cannot remember where your passport is to be delivered, you must contact the Visa Appointment Service.
Group Applications: If you submit a group application and we are unable to process one or more of that group, the unprocessed application(s) will be returned to you through the courier service who will contact you with regard to payment prior to delivery. Once the remaining applications have been processed, they will be returned in the pre-paid envelope initially provided for the delivery.
Reminder: A Consular Officer reserves the right to request that an applicant appear in person for an interview after reviewing his or her application.
