The Embassy has remained open to provide emergency and critical visa services across the pandemic. In September 2020, we resumed scheduling nonimmigrant and immigrant visa interview appointments, prioritizing certain categories of visas. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about visa appointments at the US Embassy.
Q: What measures is the US Embassy taking to protect Embassy candidates and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: The US Embassy is resuming phased visa operations under a strong State Department Diplomacy framework and local safety and health guidelines. We continue to closely monitor local conditions in Guyana and implement security measures to keep our staff and customers safe, including physical distractions in our waiting rooms, scheduling fewer interviews at a time, disinfecting high-touch areas often, and ask for masks everywhere indoors.
Q: What type of appointments are currently scheduled?
A: The five geographic COVID-19 Publications (PP 9984, 9992, 9993, 9996, 10041) and the two COVID-19 Labor Market Announcements that block the entry of certain aliens (PP 10014 and 10052) remain effectively. Under the President’s Announcements, we are currently unable to proceed with most IR5, F2A, FX, F1, F3 and F4 immigrant visas until after March 31, 2021, unless the President’s Announcement is extension.
Appointments for certain categories of normal non-immigrant visas, including visitor visas for vacation travel (B1 / B2) are currently limited. We review expedited applications on a case-by-case basis. To schedule or request a quick visitor visa appointment, follow the instructions on our online Immigrant Visa Page at https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/.
Q: Who should accompany me and what should I bring with me to the visa appointment?
A: For the safety of applicants and staff, you cannot bring additional people – friends, relatives, attorneys, translators or business contacts – to your visa interview. The Embassy has qualified translators to assist during your appointment. Toddlers, people with disabilities, and people who need special help can bring a family member or carer to the interview. You must review the list of required documents for your visa category before your interview appointment. Passport, 2 × 2 inch photos, application confirmation page and original civil documents issued after 2010; are some of the most common documents required for immigrant visa appointments.
Q: What should I not bring to the appointment?
A: You will be screened by security personnel before entry. Some items are not permitted at the Embassy including food, liquids, guns, weapons, mobile phones, photographic or video cameras, radios, computers or other electronic equipment. For a complete list of prohibited items, visit: https://gy.usembassy.gov/us-citizen-services/passports/prohibited-items/.
Regular B1 / B2 visa applications generally do not require supporting documentation. The information presented on the application form as well as at the interview is sufficient for the officer to make a decision. Certain documents are required for a specific non-cumulative visa. Be prepared to describe your proposed travel plans clearly and concisely during the interview.
Q: What should I do if I miss my appointment or need to cancel or reschedule?
A: You can only cancel or reschedule an appointment if the appointment date is in the future. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, log in to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ga-gy/niv, click “Continue”, select the option to “Cancel an Appointment” or “Reschedule an Appointment” and then follow the instructions and provided.
If you miss your interview appointment, you must log on to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv, click “Continue”, select the “Missed My Appointment” link and follow the instructions. Please note that you must wait 24 hours before you can seek approval to reschedule a missed appointment.
Q: Should I hire a visa consultant to help me through the non-cumulative visa process?
A: The US Embassy does not endorse or recommend any consultants, agents, advisers and the like. The best way to ensure that your application is accurate and complete is to complete the application yourself. All the information and forms you need to apply for a visa are available on the Embassy website https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ free of charge.
Q: Where can I find more information on visas?
A: For more information on visas, visit https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/. Additionally, you can call 1-877-246-6788 (local) or 703-988-5765 (US) Monday through Friday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the US Embassy that answers questions about US immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information on visas and travel can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.gov/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third party advice. US consular rules change frequently, and government advisers outside the US often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Contact our Visa Information Service Center at toll-free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.