Nonimmigrant Visas

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Pay the non-refundable application fee of HK$1040 (the equivalent of US$131) per application at Dah Sing Bank in Hong Kong (Please click here for updated fee information). Please check with your local Dah Sing Bank branch to ensure that it accepts payment of the application fee. For branch locations, click here.

Step 2: Complete the electronic visa application form, which can be filled out on-line by clicking here. Applications will not be accepted unless completed on the electronic form. For the Chinese version, click here. (All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also fill out and submit a DS-157. Student visa applicants must also fill out the DS-158. Applicants who are required to complete these forms but who fail to do so will not be allowed to see a Consular Officer and will be asked to make another appointment after they have completed the required forms.)

Step 3: Attach a recent photo (taken within the past six months) to the application. Photo specifications are very exact. Click here for instructions.

Step 4: Gather the required documents: (1) the completed application form, (2) the application fee bank receipt, (3) a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States, (4) all previous U.S. visas, even if expired, (5) your appointment confirmation sheet (see below,) and (6) suggested supporting documents. In certain circumstances, an applicant may apply using a passport with less than six months' validity. For example, HKSAR, British National (Overseas) ("BNO") and Macau SAR passport holders may apply for a new visa even if their passports have less than six months validity remaining.

Step 5: Make an appointment by clicking here. (Please schedule only one appointment per person. If you schedule numerous appointments, they will not be accepted.) Alternatively, for information on how you can make an appointment through our Visa Information Call Center, click here. For information on emergency appointments, click here. No appointments are necessary for some applicants. Please click here for more information.

Step 6: Go to the Consulate General at your specified appointment time. All persons and property entering the U.S. Consulate are subject to search for security purposes. Weapons or any item that may be used as a weapon, all electronic devices, any liquids and/or flammable items (including cigarette lighters and matches) are not allowed in the Consulate building, so please leave such items at home. After inspection, mobile telephones may be checked at the door of the Consulate building, but may not be brought inside. At the interview, the primary applicant will be the only person allowed into the building, except in the case of minor children (age 17 and under). Parents or guardians are advised to accompany a minor child. Children under age 14 who are resident in Hong Kong or Macau and have not been refused a visa do not need to appear in person. However, if the child is not present, only the parent or legal guardian can apply on the child’s behalf. Please bring proof of relationship or legal guardianship such as an original birth certificate or court document. Please click here for more information. Applicants age 80 or over who are resident in Hong Kong or Macau and have not been refused a visa do not need to appear in person. Please click here for more information.

Step 7: Most applicants will be told immediately following the interview whether or not they will be granted a visa. Successful applicants must then go to the Hongkong Post Services window in the Non-Immigrant Visa section waiting room to arrange for delivery and to pay the postage fee. Hong Kong Post will deliver the passport and visa approximately 3-4 working days after the interview. Please note that there is no same day delivery of visas except in rare cases of humanitarian or medical emergency. The courier service fee is HK $25 for Hong Kong residents and HK $65 for residents of Macau. The fee will be assessed per applicant and must be paid in cash. Please click here for more information on the courier service.

 

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Last modified: June 2, 2008