Non-Immigrant Visas
How to Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa
The information on this site is applicable to visa applications made at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. Those making applications at other U.S. Embassies or Consulates should consult the websites for those missions. If you reside in Northern Ireland, please visit the U.S. Consulate General Belfast web site for information about applying for a visa at the U.S. Consulate General, Belfast.
We recommend that you apply for your visa well in advance of your proposed date of travel to the United States to allow sufficient time for the application to be processed. Once an application has been submitted it will not be possible to expedite processing. Final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.
Application Procedures
You must schedule an appointment and attend an interview at the Embassy to apply for most categories of nonimmigrant visas. To make an appointment, please call the Visa Information Service Monday through Friday 08:00-18:30, excepting Irish Bank Holidays. (A live operator will schedule your appointment and provide visa information)
Average Visa Processing Time is approximately two working days. This means the number of working days for the passport with visa to be returned to applicants by mail after a consular officer's decision to issue a visa. All applicants should be aware that the times given are AVERAGES, and that the processing time of a specific case can vary due to individual circumstances and other specific requirements.
Visa Application Forms and Documentation
(The Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158, DS-2007 can be downloaded using the Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0. Follow this link to register for the Acrobat Reader for free).
The DS-156 visa application form is required of all applicants. This form must be filled in online and signed by the applicant once the form has been printed. Please read the information on the form DS-156 very carefully. The applicant must print this three-page form, sign it, and bring it to the visa interview.
The DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for all males between 16-45 years).
Your valid passport. If more than one person is listed on the passport, a separate visa application is needed for each person who is traveling to the United States.
One recent color or black and white photograph. PLEASE READ THE PHOTOGRAPH REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY.
A Euro bank draft or postal order for the visa application fee. The bank draft/postal order must be presented to the cashier at the Embassy in Dublin on the day of your appointment.
A stamped addressed envelope (SAE) (6in x 9 1/2in approx) with an address in Ireland to where you wish to have your passport returned. We do not mail passports to addresses outside of Ireland. In cases where a family is applying, we require a separate envelope for each passport being returned. Please affix to the SAE a €5.25 regular postage stamp or a combination of stamps to the value of €5.25. When purchasing the stamp/s at the post office, please do not request the dated Riposte Mails Label. We will return your passport and documentation to you by Express Post mail.
Documents that show that you are traveling to the United States for a temporary stay, that you have a permanent residence outside the United States and other binding ties that assure your departure from the United States after your temporary stay, and that you have sufficient funds to cover all expenses in the United States or convincing documents to show how those expenses will be met by another.
In addition to these required documents, some visa categories require additional documents. Please call the Visa Information Service for information about specific visa categories and the documents they require.
Additional Information on the most common categories of non-immigrant visas:
C1/D Visa(for airline/ship crew):
-- A letter from your employer stating occupation; length of employment; whether the position is permanent or temporary and your purpose of travel.
F and M Visa (for academic and nonacademic students):
-- A completed Form I-20A-B (for F-1 students) or, Form I-20M-N (for M-1 students) properly completed and signed by the Designated School Official (DSO) and signed by the applicant. All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail. See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee.
-- You also must provide evidence that you have the necessary funds at your disposal to finance your education as well as evidence of your intent to return to a residence outside the United States after completion of your studies.
-- Form DS-158 is required of all applicants for Student Visas and Exchange Visitor Visas (visa types F, M, and J). Any person applying for a derivative Student or Exchange Visitor Visa must submit a DS-158 with their application.
J Visa (for Exchange Visitors):
-- A completed Form DS-2019 must match exactly the name in your passport. Proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid is also required. See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee.
-- Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002. All exchange visitor (J visa) trainee or intern visa applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19, 2007 (based on Box 7 on form) must also present Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 when applying for your visa. If your Form DS-2019 is issued prior to July 19, 2007 a Form DS-7002 is not required. For more information about the new rules for trainee and intern programs, see the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Exchange Visitor Program, Private Sector Programs.
-- You also must provide evidence that you have the necessary funds at your disposal to finance your exchange visit.
-- Provide evidence of your intent to return to a residence outside the United States after completion of your program.
-- Form DS-158 - A Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant must also be submitted.
H, L, O, and P Visa (for temporary workers and trainees):
-- An original Form I-797 notice of approval and a copy of the petition that your prospective employer filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
I Visa (for media representatives):
-- A letter from your employer stating occupation; length of employment; whether the position is permanent or temporary and your purpose of travel. Submit evidence of credentials issued by a professional journalistic association. In addition, freelance media workers must submit a valid contract of employment.
We regret that failure to provide all required documents will result in delaying the processing of your visa application.
