Non-Immigrant Visas

Applying for a Non Immigran Visa

Part One: Do I need a visa?

Under the Visa Waiver Program, Dutch citizens and nationals of 26 other countries can travel to the U.S for tourism or business stays of less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

Part Two: What do I need to apply for a U.S. visa?

If your visit does not meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, you need to apply for a visa.

All applicants (except officials and diplomats, whose requirements differ slightly) must have the following:

• Application Form DS-156 (online EVAF edition only): this form must be completed by all applicants for all visa types.  Failure to answer all questions on this form could result in significant delays.  Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 years old should sign this form on their behalf.  After filling out the DS-156 online, please print out all three pages of the form and bring them with you on the day of the interview. Please note that filling out the form online does not transmit the form to the Consulate.  Handwritten forms will not be accepted. Form DS-156 is available here.
• A color photo.  The photo must be less than six months old, 5 X 5 cm, against a white background, and show you facing the camera directly.  Photo requirements.
• A valid passport or travel document. If you have held previous passports please bring them on the day of the interview.
• The current application fee of $131 U.S. dollars.
• If you will not pick up your passport in person from the Consulate, you need to bring a self-addressed, pre-paid commercial courier waybill for the return of your documents.  Alternately, you can bring additional cash and pay for this service on the day of your interview.  Courier service rates vary, but are usually less than $40 dollars.
• Additional issuance fees may apply, depending upon the applicant's citizenship.  Generally, Dutch passport holders do not need to pay additional issuance fees.  Fee information.
• Additional documents as required (see below)

All male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, as well as all applicants who are citizens of Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea and Sudan must also submit:

• Supplemental Application Form DS-157

Additional documents: Certain types of visas require additional forms or documents. Please click on a visa type in the left menu to read detailed instructions and find out what additional documentation is required. There are also additional requirements if you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

Part Three: How do I apply?

All Applicants must appear in person for an interview.  Children under 14 years of age and adults over 80 years of age and official and diplomatic visitors do not need to appear in person.

Anyone in the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles) applying for the tyoes of nonimmigrant visas offered by the Consulate General must first make an appointment by accessing the "Visa Information Service."  To use this service, you must purchase a Personal Identification Number (PIN)  for $19 dollars, using a mastercard or visa credit card.  The PIN will allow you to obtain visa and documentation information and to schedule nonimmigrant visa appointments for up to five family members residing at the same address.

For more information please consult the NIV Call Center FAQ, and to schedule your appointment call 001-602-567-9833 (charges apply).

Part Four: What else do I need to know?

Please do not contact the Consulate to inquire about the progress of your visa application, as we are unable to provide this service.  If you have an appointment from the call center, you do not need to confirm it with the Consulate.

Direct all inquiries to our user-pays service at (charges apply):

• 001-602-567-9833

Still have questions? See our non-immigrant visas frequently asked questions.

Note: You should never pay for travel arrangements (airfare, hotels, etc.) prior to obtaining the necessary visa first. The U.S. Consulate General accepts no responsibility if you do so, nor will we expedite processing because you have fixed travel dates. You risk significant financial losses if you ignore this advice.

Last updated: NOVEMBER 2009