Embassy of the United States

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 nonimmigrant visa (NIV) or overcome ineligibility. It is up to applicants to show evidence of ties abroad that would compel them 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;
• Electronic Visa application (EVAF DS-156), completed and signed, with photo attached
• Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required to be submitted with Form DS-156 by all male nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants between the age of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality or place of application.
• 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.

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. (Please see http://seoul.usembassy.gov/spouse_of_american.html for more details)

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 NIVs 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 afternoons, 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.

For more information on B visas, please click here.

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

Updated: October 21, 2009