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Important Announcements

The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Web site. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites that charge a fee to provide information about ESTA and to submit ESTA applications on behalf of the VWP traveler. These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the United States Government. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite the granting of approval.

Travelers must visit the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov to apply.

  1. Nonimmigrant Visa applicants will only be admitted to the Embassy 15 minutes before their scheduled interview time. They must bring the required application materials including an appointment slip.


  2. Applicants are required to bring all visa application materials listed on our website to their scheduled interview.  Failure to bring required materials may result in delays in application processing and possible forfeiture of scheduled interview appointment time. 


  3. Due to new processing requirements, we must now retain passports for a minimum of 24 hours before they can be returned to applicants with a newly issued visa.  We encourage all visa applicants take this into consideration in making travel plans.


  4. When you are working or studying in the United States temporarily, we want to ensure each nonimmigrant is aware of his/her rights, as well as protections and resources available, To learn more Information on Legal rights and Protections for Nonimmigrants (The William Wilberforce Trafficking Vicims Protection Reauthorization Act), please click here.

  5. Applicants Encouraged to Apply Early

  6. Emergency Medical Cases

  7. Expedited Appointment Requests

  8. All applicants are required to use the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF)

  9. The NIV processing Fee (MRV)

  10. All applicants are required to GLUE a picture and a visa processing fee receipt (MRV) from Shinhan Bank on the electronic visa application form (EVAF) DS-156.  Please glue the MRV receipt to the 2-D barcode page of the EVAF DS-156. Please click here to see an example of the DS-156 3rd page with the 2-D barcode page. 

  11. Question #40 on the DS-156: If a third party prepares the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Application (DS-156) on an applicant's behalf, the preparer MUST fill in question #40 on the DS-156.





Updated: October 23, 2009