Skip Navigation
You Are In: Visas to the U.S. > Non-Immigrant Visas > Guide to NIV > Step 1
Skip Left Section Navigation

Guide to NIV

STEP 1: Do you need an appointment?

All applicants must appear in person for an interview with a consular officer, with the exception of:

Reuse applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

A. already provided 10-finger digital fingerprints at the Embassy in Ankara or at the Consulate in Istanbul (on or after May 1, 2007)

B. submit a new application at the same consular section, either Ankara or Istanbul, where he/she provided 10-finger digital fingerprints before

C. are applying for the same visa classification (only the following: B-1/B-2, C-1/D, F, H-1B, H-4, I, J, L, O, and P)

D. their bio data has not changed (name, place of birth and date of birth)

Qualified reuse applicants do not need to schedule an appointment or appear for an interview or fingerprinting. They may submit an application with the following documents:

  • valid passport
  • DS-156 application form (must be EVAF)
  • photograph taken within the last six months (white background, size 5 cm X 5 cm)
  • No additional documents are necessary for B-1/B-2 visa applications.
  • Limited additional supporting documents may be necessary depending on visa classification.
  • Receipt for $131 visa application fee paid to a Fortis Bank branch

Check your old visa first!

Do you have a new passport and a U.S. visitor’s visa in your previous passport? You might be able to save yourself the $131 application fee and trip to the Embassy or Consulate. If your U.S. visa in your old passport is still valid, you do not need to get a new visa. All you need to do is travel with your new passport and your old passport together.

All other applicants should continue to step #2.

Emergencies

In case of a life or death emergency, it may be possible for you to be interviewed immediately, without an appointment. For an immediate appointment in Ankara, fax a document that proves the emergency to +90 312-466-1586, along with your contact information.  For an immediate appointment in Istanbul, fax the document to +90 212-335-9094.  We will consider this information and will telephone you promptly if an immediate interview can be arranged.  If we do not call back within 24 hours, you will need to make a regular appointment through the VIS +90 212-340-4444.