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Changes in Visa Processing Fees

The U.S. Department of State has announced world-wide changes in nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing fees, also called Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees. The changes will be effective on April 13, 2012. Please see "Changes in Visa Fees" for details.

It is Important to Apply Early

Summer is a traveling busy season, we strongly encourage intending travelers to apply for visas well in advance of their proposed travel. This will ensure we have enough time to process your application.

Rainy and Typhoon Season

Rainy and Typhoon Season: The annual rainy and typhoon season has begun and is expected to last until November. Please be advised that if Black Rainstorm Warning OR Typhoon Signal 8 or above is announced by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Consulate General will be closed. In such a situation, there will be no need to reschedule your appointment. Please see "Consular Services During the Rainy and Typhoon Season" for details.

All nonimmigrant visa applicants must go through the same process. Please read the seven steps carefully before process your visa application.

Step 1: Pay the non-refundable application fee per application in advance at Dah Sing Bank in Hong Kong, or at Banco Comercial de Macau in Macau. The fee receipt is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Please check with your local Dah Sing Bank branch, or Banco Comercial de Macau branch, to ensure that it accepts payment of the application fee. For branch locations, please see Dah Sing Bank Branch Network, or Banco Comercial de Macau Branch Network.

Step 2: Visa applicants will be required to upload a proper photo when filling in the DS-160 application form. Applicants must also bring a photo with them to their interview. We prefer applicants bring the same photo used in the DS-160 application. Photo specifications are very exact. Please see Photograph Requirement for instructions.

Step 3: Gather the required documents: (1) the DS-160 application form confirmation page, (2) the application fee bank receipt, (3) a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States, (4) Passports containing 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 month 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. However, it is recommended that all applicants have at least six months validity.

Petition based visa applicants (H, L, O, P, Q and R visas) should provide the receipt number of the approved I-129 or I-797 to us within five business days before your visa interview. You may do this by emailing the scheduled visa interview date, the receipt number of the approved I-129 or I-797 and the name of the petitioner and beneficiary to hongkongpims@state.gov. Please note that this email address is not for inquiries. If you have any questions about visa matters, please use our Visa Inquiry Form.

All petition receipt numbers emailed as directed above must include your scheduled visa interview date. Please ensure that you have scheduled an interview prior to emailing the information.

Step 4: ALL visa applicants are required to fill in the online application form (DS-160) which can be filled out on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. After completing the DS-160, the applicant will electronically transmit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code with a confirmation number. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to their interview. Please see Step 5 to make an appointment for interview.

The DS-160 is also available in Chinese (simplified and traditional). You may select "中文(簡体)" or "中文(繁體)" in the "Select Tooltip Language" box at the top of the page. When you move the cursor and point it to the English text, a box with translation in simplified Chinese or traditional Chinese will pop up.

If the online application has not been completed fully and accurately, the applicant will be requested to return with a new completed application. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for the Online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application for more information.

Step 5: Please see Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment System to make an appointment online. We usually have next-day availability. (Please schedule only one appointment per each visa applicant. 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, please see Visa Inquiries.

For information on emergency appointments, please see Emergency Appointments.

For information on expedited appointment for business travel, please see Expedited Appointments for Business Travel.

Certain applicants, including fiancée /spouse (K) and spouse (V) visa applicants, applicants age 80 or over, and applicants under age 14, do not require appointments. Please see No Appointments Necessary for more information. Please note that student visa (F/J/M) applicants cannot use the drop-box system.

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, children must be physically present in Hong Kong or Macau. 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 see Drop Box Requirements for Applicants under age 14 applying for Tourist (B2) Visa 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 see Drop Box Requirements for Applicants age 80 or over for more information.

Step 7: Most applicants will be told immediately following the interview whether or not they will be granted a visa. Approved 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 HK96 for residents of Macau. The fee will be assessed per applicant and must be paid in cash. Please see "How long will it take for me to get my passport and visa back?" for more information on the courier service.

 

Last modified: May 1, 2012

Immigration and travel