Consular Section

NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

INFORMATION ABOUT OBTAINING U.S. VISAS

Information for all applicants

The Department of State now requires all non-immigrant visa applicants to complete the visa application (DS-156) online. The electronic application must be completed on the computer screen, then printed, signed and presented at the U.S. Consulate at the time of the interview.

During the interview you will have to prove that you have binding economic, social, and family ties outside the U.S. If you are not a resident of Mozambique, you are encouraged to apply in your country of residence where it will be easier for you to prove your ties and for the Consular Officer to evaluate your case.

If the visa application is approved, the visa will generally be ready the following workday.

Who needs a visa?

Everyone traveling to the U.S. as temporary workers, students, exchange visitors, religious workers, performers and artists, crew, or journalist/media representatives needs a visa. Citizens of Mozambique require visas for tourist or business trips as well.Procedures for applying for a visa

1. Complete and print the three-page electronic application form DS-156. This form is available in English and Portuguese. It must be completed in English. Each person applying for a visa requires an application form, including minor children who are included in their parents’ passports.

2. Make an appointment for an interview at least three weeks before the intended date of travel via the on-line appointment system. Click here to access the on-line appointment system.

Please only make one appointment per person. Additional appointmens for the same person will be canceled.

Interview appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 am, excluding U.S. and Mozambican holidays.

3. Verify that your passport will be valid for at least six months past the date you intend to enter the U.S.

** * Applicants who appear without a properly completed application form, valid passport, appropriate photograph or fees will have to reschedule their interview* * *

On the day of the interview…

No guarantees regarding your visa application can be made prior to the interview, and applicants are encouraged not to make non-refundable travel arrangements until the visa has been approved. Applicants will be told at the interview if the visa application has been approved. If an application for a visa has been approved the visa and passport will be returned at the Consulate the following workday. If the application is subject to additional security clearances or if additional information is required, the applicant will be informed at the interview.

Machine Readable Visa application fee payment instructions

When you arrive at the Consulate to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, you must pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee is currently 131 U.S. dollars.

This fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is denied.

. .

Only applicants for diplomatic visas (A, G, or C-3), bearers of diplomatic passports, and exchange visitors sponsored by the Public Affairs Division of the U.S. Department of State are exempt from paying this application fee.

Additional fees

Nationals of some countries will have to pay an additional visa issuance fee based on fees their governments charge U.S. citizens applying for similar visas. There is no reciprocal issuance fee for Mozambican citizens. This fee is only applicable if the visa application is approved. It can be paid at the Consulate in cash (U.S. dollars or meticais).

What type of visa do I need?

The purpose of your trip to the United States determines the kind of visa you will need. The following provides information on visa requirements for travelers to the U.S. who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period.

Visa Waiver Program. U.S. visa policy permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa for less than 90 days for purposes of tourism or business.

The requirement for tourist / business (B1/B2) visas may also be waived for nationals of certain countries that have an agreement with the U.S. government. If a national of Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico for additional information on traveling without a visa.

Applying for a work visa once a petition has been approved.

Applying for a student visa.

General documentation needed at time of interview

Visa applicants are required to appear in person for the interview (unless they are 13-years old or younger, 80-years old or older, or are applying for an A, G or C-3 visa). Please bring the following documents:

	A valid passport with at least two blank pages
	Application forms: 1. DS-156 - the visa application form DS-156 must be completed on-line, printed with the bar code and signed. Please, follow the instructions carefully. Note: the latest Adobe Acrobat version is needed to complete the form properly. 2. DS-157 - required for all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 (this form may still be completed by hand) 3. DS-158 - required only for students and exchange visitors (this form may still be completed by hand)
	A 5cm by 5cm passport-type photograph taken within the past six months against a white background. Two places in Maputo that take photos correctly are: Kodak in the Shoprite complex and Foto Imagem in the Interfranca building.
	Necessary documents pertaining to certain visa categories, including but not limited to: approved petitions (P, O, L, and H Visas), original I-20 (F and M student visas), original DS-2019 (J exchange visas)
	Applicants for derivative status must provide proof of their relationship to the principal applicant. For example, a spouse must provide a marriage certificate or a child must provide a birth certificate.
	Information regarding your financial solvency and ties to your country of residence. This may include documents regarding your current employment, tax statement, ownership of property, etc.
	Information regarding the purpose of your trip or additional information that is relevant to your application.

Visa interviews are usually brief. However, the time an applicant waits before their interview depends on how many people are applying for visas that day. Please allow 1 to 3 hours for the entire application process. Applicants are interviewed in the order they submit their completed application.

If you have additional questions you may reach consular staff at:

consularmaputo@state.gov

Consular Section

NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

** * Applicants who appear without a properly completed application form, valid passport, appropriate photograph or fees will have to reschedule their interview* * *

Address

U.S. Embassy Maputo

Hours:

Johannesburg Consulate

Visa interview appointment system

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