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.

Personal Appearance Waivers (PAW):

The following applicants are exempt from a personal interview in the visa application process and must be physically present in Ireland to apply.

• Applicants under 14 years of age
• Applicants over 79 years of age, who have no previous violations of U.S. immigration law or criminal convictions

Please click here for further information.

Also, applicants travelling to the U.S. on official government business:

• Officials of Foreign Governments, A-1 and A-2 visas
• Accredited Foreign Government officials in transit, C-3 visa
• International Organization, G-1, G-2, G-3, and G4 visas
• NATO representatives officials and employees, N visas

Please click here for further information.

Visa types for temporary visitors

Application Procedures

Step 1 - Please read carefully instructions to establish if you are eligible to Renew your Visa by Mail. If you do not meet the requirements to renew your visa by mail, you must schedule an appointment and apply in person at the Embassy. To schedule an appointment for your interview, please follow this link to the Visa Information Service (Monday through Friday 08:00-18:30, excepting Irish Bank Holidays) for further information.

Step 2 - Complete and submit your visa application DS-160. The DS-160 is web-based and once completed, transmits the applicant’s data to the post where s/he will apply for the visa. U.S. Embassy Dublin will only accept the online application (DS-160) for all nonimmigrant visas. This web-based visa application is mandatory - previous versions are now obselete. Review the instructions on completing the DS-160 online form.

Step 3 - You need a valid passport:

Step 4 - You need the printout of your DS-160 Confirmation Sheet:

Step 5 - You need a Euro bank draft or postal order for the visa application fee. The bank draft/postal order should be made payable to "U.S. Embassy" and be presented to the cashier at the Embassy in Dublin on the day of your appointment.

Step 6 - You need a stamped addressed envelope (SAE) (6in x 9 1/2in approx, 250g) 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 €5.75 regular postage stamp or a combination of stamps to the value of €5.75. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Passports can only be returned by mail. Passports cannot be collected by applicants at the Embassy.


Step 7 - You need 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. Please, do not send any supporting documents in advance of your interview.

Step 8 - You need evidence such as a Bank Statement showing 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 person.

Please review NIV Checklist for additional documents you will require to submit based on the visa category for which you are applying.

How long does it take to get a visa?

Due to the requirements of biometric processing, we cannot provide same-day issuance. Please plan to be without your passport for at least three working days after your interview to allow for visa issuance and return. Please visit travel.state.gov for further information on processing times.

Some applicants may be subject to additional clearances or administrative procedures that may add weeks to the processing time. Do NOT make travel commitments or purchase tickets until the visa has been received.