FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Visa Definitions
What is an Immigrant Visa?
What is a Non-Immigrant Visa?
Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa
How do I apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?
Where can I have my visa photo taken?
Do I have to apply in person?
What do I present to apply for a visa?
Qualifying for a Non-Immigrant Visa
Is there help available to fill out my application form?
When should I begin applying for a visa?
Should I wait for my visa to expire to apply for a new one?
For how long must my passport be valid to receive a visa?
Who may accompany me to the visa interview?
What happens if I miss my visa interview appointment?
I lost my visa interview “MRV” fee receipt. Can I still come for my interview?
Does every applicant need to buy a PIN to schedule an appointment, or can a family/group buy one PIN to schedule the appointments?
Can I confirm my visa interview appointment with the Consulate?
What effect does my association with a citizen of the United States have on my application for a visa?
How do I apply for a visa for my domestic employee?
I am a foreigner living in Nicaragua. Can I apply for a visa to the United States here at the U.S. Consulate in Managua, Nicaragua?
Applicants from Visa Waiver Countries
Why my fingerprints are taken?
Visa Types
What type of visa do I need?
Temporary Visitor for Business or Tourism (B1/B2)
Medical Treatment (B2)
Transit (C1)
Crew Member (Ship or Airplane - C1/D)
Student/Spouse or Child of Student (F1/F2)
Exchange Visitor/Spouse or Child of Exchange Visitor (J1/J2)
Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P and Q)
Getting/Having the Visa
How much time does it take to process a visa?
Validity of a Non-Immigrant Visa and period of stay in the United States
I still have a valid visa, or had a visa in the past. Can I just renew without going through the entire application process?
I lost my passport with my valid U.S visa. What do I need to present to have my visa replaced?
I have a valid visa, but it is in my expired passport. May I still travel with the visa?
I was denied/delayed admission to the United States at the Port of Entry. I want to make a complaint. What can I do?
I did not turn in my I-94 departure record upon leaving the United States. What should I do?
Can I extend my stay once I am in the United States?
Denied a Visa
I was just denied the visa. Why was I denied?
How long do I have to wait to apply again for a visa after a denial?
Why was I not told when I called for an appointment that I would not get a visa?
My visa application was denied. Are the $131.00 application and $12.00 Call Center fees refundable?
Contacts
How can I contact the Consular Section?
Should I send any of the required interview documentation to the Consulate in advance of my interview?
The address of the United States Embassy in Managua
THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Visa Definitions
What is an Immigrant Visa?
An immigrant visa is a document issued by a U.S. consular officer abroad that allows you to travel to the U.S. and apply for admission as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). An immigration inspector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security makes the final decision as to whether or not to admit you as an LPR. Once you are admitted as an LPR, you generally have the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security will mail your permanent resident card (often called a “green card”) to your new address in the U.S., usually within three months of your entry into the U.S.
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What is a Non-Immigrant Visa?
A non-immigrant visa permits an individual to enter and remain in the United States for a temporary visit and to take part in the activities allowed under the particular visa classification issued. The alien may remain in the U.S. for the period of time determined by INS at the port of entry and may engage only in activities allowed for the assigned visa category. top
Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa
How do I apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?
Click here for Instructions on how to schedule and apply for a visitor’s visa, and who qualifies.
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Where can I have my visa photo taken?
Managua
FOTOMAX: Frente donde fue el cine Cabrera. Telf.: 265-0368.
AGFA: Frente a Policlínica Nicaragüense. Telf.: 266-2830
Konica Quick Photo: Metrocentro III Etp. Telf.: 271-9179
Departamentos
FOTO AMERICA Igl. El Calvario 50 vrs oeste, 311-2665, León. C$80.00, 2 Unds.
FOTO PONCE: Bomberos 10vrs abajo, por el Parque. Telf.: 341-3049 Chinandega
FOTO SANCHEZ: Banic 75 vrs. al Norte, Telf.: 563-0837 Rivas
FOTO DEMETRIO: Tel. 552-5410/552-5471, Granada
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Do I have to apply in person?
Every alien seeking a non-immigrant visa is required to apply in person before a Consular officer in the consular district in which the applicant resides and to which they have their economic, family and professional ties. Minors between the ages of 2 to 18 yrs. old should be accompanied by their parents and present an original birth certificate at the time of the interview.
The consular officer may waive the requirement of personal appearance for:
A child under 2 year of age;
An applicant for a diplomatic or official visa. top
What do I present to apply for a visa?
You MUST bring to your visa interview:
• Valid Passport, with an expiration date no less than six months beyond the date of travel.
• Complete Application Form, in English.
Click here for a
Translation Table to help you complete the DS-156 application form in English.
Click here for a
List of Cyber Cafes to assist you in printing out the forms using a required high quality printer (laser or inkjet).
• $131 Paid BanCentro Fee receipt marked “MRV.” (Paid in córdobas).
• Proper Photograph.
• Any supporting documentation as discussed in the immediately following question, “Qualifying for a Non-Immigrant Visa.” top
Qualifying for a Non-Immigrant Visa
According to U.S. Immigration and Naturalization laws and statutes, every applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant until he/she establishes to the full satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of interview and to the immigration officer at the time of application for admission at any port of entry, that he/she is entitled to non-immigrant status and intends to return to his/her own country after completing the purpose of their travel in the U.S.
The burden of proof is on the applicant to establish qualification for non-immigrant status and the type of non-immigrant visa for which the application is made. U.S consular officers base issuance or denial of visas on the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended. To obtain a visitors visa, applicants must demonstrate they have a residence abroad, sufficient financial resources to undertake the trip, and family and professional ties to their home country to establish that they will depart the U.S after completion of the trip.
The focus of an interview will not be documents. However, the consular officer may wish to see documentary evidence supporting your case. Supporting documentation must be in original and should support your visa application by detailing employment, reason for travel, and/or current financial status (for example: pay stubs, job letter, and bank statements or account booklets). In most cases, these documents should demonstrate that you have motives and intention to return to your country at the end of your visit. you will also need to bring the following documents:
-- prior passports with U.S. visas (and/or of spouses/children/parents);
-- marriage certificates (original);
-- birth certificates of children (originals), REQUIRED for all first-time, minor travelers to the United States. top
Is there help available to fill out my application form?
The DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form must be completed electronically. Click here for the form In Spanish, and here for the form In English. The form must also be completed in the English language. The form in Spanish, when printed, converts most, but not all, fields to English. For the remaining fields, please click here for a Translation Table to help you complete the remaining fields in English.
You must print out the forms using a high quality laser or inkjet printer. Click here for a list of cyber cafes. You do not need the services of these places if you have Internet access, in which case you can fill out the form DS-156 directly on the Internet for free. The United States Embassy does not take any responsibility for the integrity or professional skills of the listed Internet cafes. The people that represent these Internet cafes were instructed by the Consulate on filling out the DS-156 form. The list is organized in alphabetical order. Listed fees are established by each private business and the Consulate has no participation with this issue. Whether you complete the form at an Internet café, listed here or otherwise, with the assistance of an Internet employee or not, the form will be deemed to be from you, the applicant, and you alone. You are required to sign your application form. Any errors or omissions are of you, the applicant, entirely.
Once inside the Consulate, your name will be checked for entrance based on the list of that day’s approved appointments, and your form will be checked for completeness. Individuals without approved appointments, with incomplete forms or forms not in English can expect to be turned away.
!!!! Outside the Consulate, on the street, on the sidewalk or in a cyber café, there are no U.S. Consular representatives authorized to assist you or to help you complete your form. Any such individual purporting to offer a form-filling service has no authorization from or affiliation with the U.S. Embassy whatsoever. Any guidance purported to be offered by any such individual should be regarded with suspicion and is not recommended. You, the applicant, will bare all risks of applicant errors, omissions or overcharges. !!!! top
When should I begin applying for a visa?
Begin the process of applying for a visa at least two (2) months in advance of your travel plans.
Appointment wait times between payment of the application fee and an interview appointment vary periodically according to demand. Plan accordingly - please take these times into account in arranging visas for your travel dates.
You should not purchase your airline tickets until your visa has been issued. top
Should I wait for my visa to expire to apply for a new one?
No. You can begin the process of applying for a visa two months before the visa expires. Remember that any application for a visa is a new application, requiring a new and complete application form, fee, passport, photo, interview and establishment of qualifications to receive the visa. top
For how long must my passport be valid to receive a visa?
The passport should have an expiration date no less than six (6) months beyond the date of travel. top
Who may accompany me to the visa interview?
Visa interviews are between the applicant and the interviewing consular officer. Third parties, unless accompanying a minor to the interview or assisting a physically or disabled applicant, are generally not permitted to enter the Consulate. For other special circumstances, please inquire to consularmanagua@state.gov for guidance. Should the interviewing officer require information from a third party pertinent to the applicant's qualifications, the applicant will be asked to provide any such additional information through established procedures at the visa interview. top
What happens if I miss my visa interview appointment?
If you miss your visa interview appointment, you will need to reschedule another appointment with the international Call Center at 001 – 800 – 226 – 0231. This Call Center number is a pay-for-information call service, obtained by purchasing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at any branch of BanCentro bank. This number can only be accessed from a touch-tone, land-based telephone with international service. (If calling from the United States, use 1 – 866 – 329 – 9471 to purchase a PIN number using a Visa or MasterCard.) A $12 fee buys 8 minutes of call time, is valid for 6 months and is effective only 24 hours after purchase. If you have sufficient time remaining from your initial purchase, you may use those minutes; if not, you will have to purchase an additional PIN number. top
I lost my visa interview “MRV” fee receipt. Can I still come for my interview?
Applicants much demonstrate that they have paid the required MRV processing fee before they enter the Consulate. If you lost your interview fee receipt, the one marked “MRV,” you should send an e-mail to consularmanagua@state.gov including the applicant’s name and specific date of purchase at BanCentro. Please include the full name of the applicant and the reference to a “lost fee” in the “Subject” line. The important receipt and date of purchase is not that for the $12 PIN number from the Call Center, but for the $131 visa interview service fee. If your information is correct, we will respond by e-mail confirming your payment. You must bring a copy of this confirmation message with you to your visa interview. top
Does every applicant need to buy a PIN to schedule an appointment, or can a family/group buy one PIN to schedule the appointments?
Your PIN purchases 8 minutes of call time, sufficient to schedule an average size family or a small group of related travelers. Larger groups, particularly temporary workers, crews, trade/craft show attendees and religious conferees, will need to buy separate, individual PIN numbers. top
Can I confirm my visa interview appointment with the Consulate?
The Consulate does not determine Non-Immigrant Visa appointment schedules. These are handled through a contracted out Call Center. We do not receive lists of scheduled appointment until the day before the appointments occur, and thus are unable to confirm any visa interview appointments. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Call Center at 001 800 226-0231, a pay-for-service call. top
What effect does my association with a citizen of the United States have on my application for a visa?
An individual can be invited by a citizen of the United States. However, every applicant must qualify for the visa on their own individual merits. Letters of support by an organization or individual may be submitted, however, the applicant him or herself must overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.
While we understand that your American relative/friend/contact may wish to sponsor you, each applicant must qualify for a Non-Immigrant Visa on his or her own merits, even though you are being invited by them. It follows then that the applicant’s financial well-being is the subject of the interview, not the sponsor’s.
The law does not allow for a visa to be issued based on a sponsor’s guarantee of financial support. There exists no mechanism for the posting of a bond or financial guarantee on the applicant’s behalf. Additionally, the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support does not generally apply to Non-Immigrant Visa adjudications. Such documentation is generally used for consideration only in Immigrant Visa cases.
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How do I apply for a visa for my domestic employee?
Personal or domestic servants who are accompanying or following to join an employer in the United States are eligible for B-1 visas; those accompanying or following to join an employer who is a foreign diplomat or official are eligible for A-3 or G-5 visas, depending on the visa status of their employer.
This category of persons includes, but is not limited to, cooks, butlers, chauffeurs, housemaids, parlormaids, valets, footmen, nannies, au pairs, mothers' helpers, gardeners, and paid companions.
Accompanying a Nonimmigrant Visa Holder
An employer-employee relationship must already have existed between the employer and the visa applicant. This can be demonstrated in the following ways: 1. The employee has been employed outside the United States by the employer for at least one year prior to the date of the employer's admission to the United States. 2. If the employer-employee relationship existed immediately prior to the time of application, the employer can demonstrate that he has regularly employed the applicant as domestic help over a period of years preceding the time of application either year-round or seasonally. If the employer-employee relationship is less than one year in duration, the employee must have had at least one year's experience as a personal or domestic servant as attested to by statements from previous employers. A responsibility of the employer is that he/she will be the only provider of employment for the visa holder. Additionally, he/she will provide the employee room and board and round trip airfare as indicated under the terms of the employment contract.
Accompanying an American Citizen
Personal or domestic servants who are accompanying or following to join their United States citizen employer in the United States may be eligible for the B-1 visa classification if their employer ordinarily resides outside the United States and is traveling to the United States temporarily, or the employer is subject to frequent international transfers lasting two years or more and who, as a condition of employment, is going to reside in the United States for a stay not to exceed four years.
Note: It is not possible to qualify for a B-1 visa if the United States citizen will reside permanently in the United States, even if the individual concerned has previously been in the United States citizen's employ abroad.
In addition:
• The employer-employee relationship must have existed for at least six months prior to the employer's admission to the United States or, alternatively, that the employer has regularly employed a domestic servant in the same capacity while abroad;
• The employee has had at least one year experiences as a personal or domestic servant by producing statements from previous employers attesting to such experience;
• The employer will be the only provider of employment, and will provide the employee free room and board and round trip airfare as indicated under the terms of the employment contract.
Employment Contract
When applying for the visa applicants must be able to show that he/she will receive a fair wage comparable to that offered in the area of employment in the United States. Additionally, applicants are required to submit an English language contact signed by both employer and employee that at a minimum must include the following:
• hours of work;
• medical insurance;
• guarantee that the employee will be compensated at the prevailing wage;
• the employee will not accept any other employment while working for the employer; and
• the employer agrees not to withhold the passport of the employee.
REQUIRED FORMS:
• A recent 5cm x 5cm photograph
• Valid Passport
• Receipt from Bancentro
• DS-156
• DS-157 for men ages 16-45
• English language employment contract.
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I am a foreigner living in Nicaragua. Can I apply for a visa to the United States here at the U.S. Consulate in Managua, Nicaragua?
Individuals should apply where they have permanent residence and are working, or have other means of demonstrating their ties outside the U.S. Generally, those who are not legal residents of Nicaragua should apply for a visa to the United States in their country of residency due to the difficulty in demonstrating their ties to their home country when outside of that country. top
Applicants from Visa Waiver Countries
Individuals who are citizens of countries which participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may travel to the U.S. without a U.S. visa if traveling with an appropriate machine-readable passport meeting the requirements of VWP travel.
Please note that temporary, emergency, official and diplomatic passports are exempted from biometric digital photo and chip requirements, but must be machine-readable. German temporary or emergency passports are not included in this biometric e-passport exemption.
If your passport does not meet VWP requirements, you need a U.S. visa and must apply as described above at How do I apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the VWP.
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States. It is anticipated that ESTA will become mandatory for VWP travelers on January 12, 2009. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. top
Why my fingerprints are taken?
Fingerprints reduce the value of a lost or stolen document and protect the identity of the visa applicant from document misuse. Also, taking 10 fingerprints puts applicants in the position of potentially qualifying for a waiver of personal appearance for future applications. Where 10 prints are expected to accompany the visa, the absence of those prints could well send the applicant into secondary inspection and fingerprint collection on arrival at port of entry. Misinformed applicants still think that fingerprints are dirty, inked, and rolled on a card. They are often surprised to learn fingerprinting is a simple electronic collection process. top
Visa Types
What type of visa do I need?
The purpose of entry into the U.S. determines the classification of the visa that is issued. The following is a list with the most commonly sought Non-immigrant Visa categories and an explanation for each. top
The purpose of entry into the U.S. determines the classification of the visa that is issued. The following is a list with the most commonly sought Non-immigrant Visa categories and an explanation for each. The purpose of entry into the U.S. determines the classification of the visa that is issued. The following is a list with the most commonly sought Non-immigrant Visa categories and an explanation for each. The purpose of entry into the U.S. determines the classification of the visa that is issued. The following is a list with the most commonly sought Non-immigrant Visa categories and an explanation for each. Fingerprints reduce the value of a lost or stolen document and protect the identity of the visa applicant from document misuse. Also, taking 10 fingerprints puts applicants in the position of potentially qualifying for a waiver of personal appearance for future applications. Where 10 prints are expected to accompany the visa, the absence of those prints could well send the applicant into secondary inspection and fingerprint collection on arrival at port of entry.
Temporary Visitor for Business or Tourism (B1/B2 – B1 Business/B2 Tourism)
A temporary visitor for business or tourism is any alien who:
-- Has a residence in a foreign country which they do not intend to abandon;
-- Seeks admission for the sole purpose of engaging in legitimate activities related to business or pleasure;
-- Intends to enter the United States for a period of specifically limited duration; and
-- Has an adequate financial arrangement to enable him/her to carry out the purpose of the visit to and departure from the U.S. top
Medical Treatment (B2)
To apply for a visa for medical treatment in the United States, the following information, where relevant, should be provided at the visa interview:
-- Information on the approximate costs of the treatment;
-- Show proof on how those costs will be covered;
-- In the case of an individual sponsor, we would need to see evidence of sufficient financial resources to meet the sometimes substantial costs of medical treatment and/or surgery in the U.S.;
-- Affidavits from the hospital/organization that will cover the expenses beyond those borne by the individual sponsors;
-- An epicrisis from the Doctor that has been treating the patient (in Nicaragua);
-- A signed letter from the Hospital explaining the treatment required, the amount of time the patient is expected to be treated, the recovery time, and how much the treatment is estimated to cost;
-- A signed letter from the Specialist that will be treating the patient explaining the medical procedure and the estimated length of treatment;
-- Evidence of the applicant’s economic and family ties to Nicaragua that demonstrate that the applicant intends to return to Nicaragua after being treated in the U.S. top
Transit (C1)
An alien in Transit is any alien who:
-- Intends to pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States;
-- Has onward transportation arrangements that takes the alien directly through the United States;
-- Is in possession of sufficient funds to carry out the purpose of the transit journey, or has sufficient funds otherwise available for that purpose; and
-- Has permission to enter some country other than the U.S. following the transit through the U.S., unless the alien submits satisfactory evidence that such advance permission is not required.
-- The alien is usually admitted, in practice, only until the next available onward transportation. top
Crew Member (Ship or Airplane - C1/D)
A crewmember (Sea or Air) is any alien who is employed on board a vessel or aircraft of a company registered with the Embassy and is employed in a capacity required for normal operation and service as a regular member of the crew.
For C1/D visas applicants should bring an original copy of their current employment contract letter from the company they work for and any current or expired visas from the last five years. top
Student/Spouse or Child of Student (F1/F2)
When applying for a student visa the applicant must present:
-- A form I-20 properly completed and signed by the applicant, a designated school official and, if necessary, the parents of the student.
-- All male applicants between the ages of 16 to 45 years, must also fill-out the DS-157 – Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
-- Applicants for F1 student visas (as well as for categories F3, M1, M3 and J1) must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) I-901 Fee. You may do this by visiting the SEVIS I-901 Fee Web page of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), paying the fee by credit card and printing the receipt, or by visiting your local Western Union office. Present the SEVIS Fee receipt at the visa interview.
-- One passport style photo on a white background.
-- A valid passport.
-- The bank receipt showing payment of the US$131.00 “MRV” application fee.
-- Evidence of having sufficient financial resources to cover expenses while in the United States or information to satisfy the consular officer that other arrangements have been made to meet those expenses.
-- Evidence of sufficient ties to Nicaragua that proves the intention and ability to depart the United States upon completion of studies.
-- A student visa may not be issued to an applicant more than 120 days in advance of his or her studies and the applicant may not enter the United States more than 30 days in advance of the beginning of studies as shown on the Form I-20. Applicants continuing on a student visa are not subject to this restriction.
The alien spouse and minor children of an alien who has been or will be issued a student visa may receive an F2 visa if the consular officer is satisfied:
-- That they will be accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
-- That sufficient funds are available to cover their expenses during their stay in the United States.
-- That there is evidence of sufficient ties to Nicaragua that will prove their intention to depart the United States upon the termination of the status of the principal alien.
-- F2 visa applicants should also present original copies of marriage and birth certificates, plus an original I-20 form.
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Exchange Visitor/Spouse or Child of Exchange Visitor (J1/J2)
An applicant applying for an exchange visitor must meet the following requirements in order to qualify:
-- Acceptance to a designated exchange visitor program, as evidenced by presentation of Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J1) Status.
-- Possession of sufficient funds, or adequate arrangements, to cover expenses.
-- Sufficient proficiency in the English language to undertake the anticipated program successfully.
-- Present intent to leave the United States at conclusion of program.
-- Possession of qualifications for the program offered.
-- Applicants for J1 exchange visitor status must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) I-901 Fee. You may do this by visiting the SEVIS I-901 Fee Web page of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), paying the fee by credit card and printing the receipt, or by visiting your local Western Union office. Present the SEVIS Fee receipt at the visa interview.
The SEVIS I-901 fee is $180, and is non-refundable. Short-term exchange visitors such as au pairs, summer work/travel (SWT), and camp counselors pay a reduced $35 fee. Individuals participating in a program sponsored by the Federal Government with program codes of G1, G2 or G3 are statutorily exempt from the fee.
-- All J exchange visitors, and J2 spouse and dependents, must enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the applicant's program start date as shown on the Form DS-2019.
-- Special Note: If an exchange visitor is subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of INA 212(e), he or she cannot change his or status to that of H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR) until he or she has returned to his/her home country for at least two-years or received a waiver of that requirement. An exchange visitor is subject to this requirement if the following conditions exist:
The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the United States government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;
The exchange visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the exchange visitor was engaged or the duration of their program (Exchange Visitor Skills);
The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training.
The alien spouse and minor children of an alien who has been or will be issued an exchange visitor visa may receive a J2 visa if the consular officer is satisfied:
-- That they will be accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
-- That sufficient funds are available to cover their expenses during their stay in the United States.
-- That there is evidence of sufficient ties to Nicaragua that will prove their intention to depart the United States upon the termination of the status of the principal alien.
-- J2 visa applicants should also present original copies of marriage and birth certificates, plus an original DS-2019 form. top
Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P and Q)
A Special Work Visa is the end result of a petition to be filed with INS by the prospective employer. To be considered for a Special Worker Visa, an applicant must present the consular officer with a form I-797A Notice of Approval or the Consulate must be in receipt of an approved Form I-129 notification from the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the United States. It should be noted that an approved petition does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa if they do not otherwise qualify. Applicants for these types of work visas should bring additional documentation to demonstrate that they are qualified for the work which they will be performing. Further information can be found at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Temporary Workers Web page. top
Getting/Having the Visa
How much time does it take to process a visa?
In the majority of cases, visas that have been approved can be printed into the passport by the next business day. In some special cases, more administrative time is needed. After printing, the applicant's passport is returned to the applicant via a mandatory local courier service, Correos de Nicaragua, to the Correos de Nicaragua branch office nearest to the address given by the applicant. The fee for this courier service is US$6.00 + tax. Once the visa has been issued, general delivery time takes from two days (in Managua and environs) to five days (destinations beyond). The US$6.00 fee is paid upon collection of the passport from the designated Correos de Nicaragua branch. It is recommended that individuals apply at least two months before the intended date of travel. top
Validity of a Non-Immigrant Visa and period of stay in the United States
A visa is used to apply for entry to the United States. The validity of a visa represents the time period during which the holder may apply for admission to the U.S. At the port-of-entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will determine whether or not an alien is admitted to the United States.
The period of visa validity has no relation to the period of time the immigration authorities at a port of entry may authorize the alien to stay in the United States. When the holder of a visa applies for admission to the United States at a port of entry, an immigration official will issue an I-94 form that will indicate the length of time the holder of the visa is allowed to remain in the U.S. top
I still have a valid visa, or had a visa in the past. Can I just renew without going through the entire application process?
Any application for a visa is a new application, requiring a new, complete application process (as described above at How do I apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?), including an application form, fee, passport, photo, interview and establishment of qualifications to receive the visa. top
I lost my passport with my valid U.S visa. What do I need to present to have my visa replaced?
As explained in the immediately preceding question, any application for a visa is a new application, requiring a new, complete application process (as described above at How do I apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?), including an application form, fee, passport, photo, interview and establishment of qualifications to receive the visa. Persons that have lost their passport with a valid visa have to present themselves for a personal interview to have the visa replaced. They should also bring the following additional documents:
-- A copy of the police report, “denuncia,” explaining the loss or theft of the passport;
-- A "Movimiento Migratorio,” a document issued by the Nicaraguan immigration authorities available at the Nicaraguan Immigration office;
-- A letter explaining the situation; and
-- A photocopy of the visa, if available. top
I have a valid visa, but it is in my expired passport. May I still travel with the visa?
If you have obtained a new passport, you may travel with both passports. top
I was denied/delayed admission to the United States at the Port of Entry. I want to make a complaint. What can I do?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a redress process for reviewing individual traveler requests to be clearly identified as not the target of a lookout. Travelers can request an audit of their case through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) by completing and signing the redress request form and following the Website instructions for submission to DHS.
Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Web page on denial of entry to the U.S. for further details on denied entry to the United States, seeking waivers on ineligibilities to enter, discharges, pardons and an address for contacting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on denied entry matters. top
I did not turn in my I-94 departure record upon leaving the United States. What should I do?
You must send a letter and enclose your I-94 departure record to the following address:
ACS – CBP SBU
1084 S Laurel Rd
London, KY 40744
USA
Please send the I-94 along with any documentation that proves you left the United States. Documentation to prove your departure can include the boarding passes from your flight, copies of entry or departure stamps in your passport indicating entry to your home or another country after you departed the United States, or other supporting documents such as pay slips, bank or school records, or credit card receipts demonstrating presence and transactions in another country after your U.S. departure. Please keep a copy of what you send to ACS-CBP and carry it with you the next time you come to the United States.
!!!! Do not mail your I-94 Departure Record or any supporting information to a Consulate, Embassy, other U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office in the U.S. Only at the above address can the necessary corrections to CBP records be made to prevent future inconvenience to you. Please visit the CBP Web page on failure to turn in an I-94 for further details. !!!! top
Can I extend my stay once I am in the United States?
Permission to enter and/or remain in the U.S. and extensions of stay in this country are granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you came to the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, and you want to extend your stay in the U.S., then you must ask for permission from DHS’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires. If you have a date on your Form I-94, you should apply for your extension of stay with USCIS well in advance of its expiration. Providing permission to remain in the U.S, called extensions of stay, to persons in the U.S. holding nonimmigrant visas is not the responsibility of the Department of State or any U.S. Consulate or Embassy, and such offices are therefore unable assist you in this regard. Please visit the USCIS Web page on Extensions of Stay for further details. top
Denied a Visa
I was just denied the visa. Why was I denied?
All applicants denied visas are provided with a written explanation as to the reasons for the denial. If you did not receive such a note, please send an e-mail message to the address listed below at Contacts.
Please visit the U.S. Department of State Visa Denials Web page for further information. top
How long do I have to wait to apply again for a visa after a denial?
You should consider reapplying only after there has been a significant change in your current situation. If you have additional evidence to demonstrate compelling reasons to depart the United States that were not presented at the original visa interview, you should bring that with you. Otherwise, visa decisions cannot be appealed. If you do decide to reapply, you must submit a new application form and photo, and pay the visa application fee again. There can be no guarantee that you will receive a different decision. Only a new interview can determine that. top
Why was I not told when I called for an appointment that I would not get a visa?
Each visa application is thoroughly examined and evaluated on its own merits. Since it is impossible to obtain all relevant facts without seeing your completed application, we are unable to tell you by phone whether you will or will not receive a visa. (Appointments are scheduled by an independent contractor. The individual setting your interview appointment is not a U.S. government official and is unable, by law, to make decisions on your application.) !!!! Under no circumstances is someone able to guarantee in advance that you will receive a U.S. visa. !!!! top
My visa application was denied. Are the $131.00 application and $12.00 Call Center fees refundable?
No, the fees are not refundable. The fees cover the administrative costs of providing services to the public. top
Contacts
How can I contact the Consular Section?
To speak with someone specifically about visas, please call 001 – 800 – 226 – 0231. This Call Center number is a pay-for-information call service, obtained by purchasing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at any branch of BanCentro bank. This number can only be accessed from a touch-tone, land-based telephone with international service. A $12 fee buys 8 minutes of call time, is valid for 6 months and is effective only 24 hours after purchase.
From the United States please call 1-866-329-9471 to purchase a PIN number using a Visa or MasterCard.
You may direct specific questions about pending or existing cases by e-mail to consularmanagua@state.gov . Please include the full name of the applicant and the date of the interview in the “Subject” line.
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Should I send any of the required interview documentation to the Consulate in advance of my interview?
We cannot keep supporting documentation on file in advance of an appointment. All supporting documents should be presented at the interview by the applicant him or herself.
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The address of the United States Embassy in Managua
The address of the U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua is:
Embassy of the United States of AmericaKilometer 5 ½ Carretera SurIn front of the “Parque las Piedrecitas”Managua, Nicaragua top
last update November 14, 2008
Visa Services
Non-Immigrant Visas
How to Apply
Application Form DS-156
Application Form DS-157
Translation Table
Interview Wait Times
Advance Appointments
