U.S. visa law states that NIV applicants are in fact intending immigrants. Successful NIV visitor (B1/B2) applicants must demonstrate that they will return to a life outside the U.S. after a temporary stay in the U.S. The law places the burden of proof on all applicants to overcome presumed immigrant intent and makes ineligible any applicant who cannot overcome this presumption. Doubts about an applicant's intent or identity often lead to NIV ineligibility. An NIV is no substitute for an immigrant visa.

The law does not allow us to advise applicants on how to qualify for a NIV or overcome ineligibility. It is up to applicants to show evidence of ties abroad so compelling that they would be forced to leave the U.S. While the law requires that we decide each application on its own merits, and not on any particular document or personal assurance, submission of the following items will speed the application process:

• Applicant's current passport, with any covers removed, showing SOFA/Korean reentry status if not Korean;
• NIV application in electronic format (DS-156 e-form), completed and signed, with photo attached and NIV supplemental application (DS-157).
• Original receipt showing payment of NIV application fee at Shinhan Bank;
• Official letter stating sponsor's transfer date; USG orders showing stay in Korea or onward assignment outside of the U.S.; employment contract; house lease; school enrollment or other evidence of an ongoing life in Korea the applicant must resume after a temporary stay in the U.S.;
• Birth, adoption, divorce, death, marriage certificates or family census register for each applicant to show identity and complete relationship to sponsor;
• Evidence of sponsor's U.S. citizenship/immigration status; Evidence of loss of U.S. legal permanent residency (I-407) or U.S. citizenship (FS-348), if applicable;
• Written explanation of travel plans; Previous passport(s).
• Proof of immigrant petition on file, unless U.S. citizen sponsor holds permanent status in Korea (i.e., more than two years).
• Detailed instructions and downloadable forms are available at this site.

Family members/fiancees of USFK personnel or of U.S. citizens/immigrants living in Korea are likely to be future immigrants. An NIV applicant may have "dual intent" for a temporary stay now and to be an immigrant later. We suggest that sponsors file immigrant petitions (I-130) for eligible children, parents and spouses right away with the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration. Filing an I-130 early allows sufficient time for immigrant visa processing and an approved I-130 does not expire.

All applicants should only come after they thoroughly review our website for downloadable forms and information, and fully comply with all NIV instructions. Please remember that appearing for an interview does not equal eligibility and if an applicant is found eligible it will take at least several days to process a visa. U.S. law makes it solely the applicant's responsibility to qualify for the appropriate visa in time to suit travel plans.

Spouses and minor children (under 18) of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel (U.S. military or civilian) may have interviews for nonimmigrant visas to visit the U.S. without appointments.  These applicants must fall in line at the Embassy's side entry at 9:30 am, any workday, Monday-Friday, with all documents fully prepared and necessary fees paid in advance. The U.S. Embassy is closed to the public on Wednesday afternoon, all U.S. and Korean holidays, and all weekends. Please review the information on this website for detailed information about documents and fees for the appropriate visa category, and downloadable forms, including an electronic application form (DS-156).

All other applicants including fiancees who wish to apply for B1/B2 visas must make an appointment through Visa Information Web Services, www.us-visaservices.com or by calling 003-08-131-420 (toll number from within Korea, M-F, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM) before appearing for an interview.

Click here for immigrant visa (IV) information including fiance( K) visa.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please go to USA VISA Information Services at http://www.us-visaservices.com. USA VISA Information Services is available 24 hours a day, and can be accessed from both inside and outside of Korea.

For nonimmigrant visa (NIV) inquiries (excluding E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries), please e-mail us at : seoulniv@state.gov. For E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries, please e-mail us at : seoulgoldteam@state.gov.

The applicant, not the U.S. Government, assumes full responsibility for all documents and materials submitted in connection with any consular or visa matter, and for qualifying for the required visa or travel document in time to meet the applicant's needs.

This is an official U.S. Government source of information on the WWW. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links or information does not imply endorsement of contents.

Updated July 18, 2008