non-immigrant visas

Visitor Visa Information
U. S. Embassy Managua, Nicaragua

Visitor (nonimmigrant) visas are for short trips to the U.S. for tourism, business, training, studies, ship and airline crew, exchange visits, transit or other special travel requiring petitions.  Visitor visas are not for those who intend to reside in the U.S.

To apply for a visitor visa: 

 Fill out the visa application form DS-156 online in English at one of the following secure websites:

https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp

https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156_spanish.asp
(Note: although this website provides the questions in Spanish, the answers must be typed in English)

 Print out the DS-156 form using a high quality printer (laser or inkjet) which will consist of three pages.  The last page contains a barcode with all the application information in it which will be scanned at the Consulate.  No personal information remains on the Internet website.  Protect this barcode so that it can be scanned.

 Men who are 16-45 years old must also complete form DS-157, which contains supplemental information. Please go to http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79964.pdf .

 Attach one 2” x 2” photograph that contains a white background.  No hats or sunglasses should be worn.

 Pay the non-refundable $131 visa processing fee at any branch of Bancentro (local bank) in córdobas.  At the time of payment, you should present your passport and/or a copy of your passport to ensure that the name on the receipt matches the name in the passport. You will need to bring the receipt, marked “MRV,” with you to the interview. 

 Schedule a visa interview appointment through the international Call Center.  To pay the Call Center’s $12 fee and schedule the appointment, you may:

o 1) From Nicaragua -- pay the fee at Bancentro, receive a PIN, and then contact the Call Center with a touch tone land line phone that has international access, dialing 1-800-226-0231. The number is not accessible through cell phones or cybercafés.
o 2) From the U.S. -- contact the Call Center at 866-329-9471 and pay the fee with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
 
This $12 fee buys 8 minutes of call time, is valid for 6 months and is effective only 24 hours after purchase.
 
 Submit the signed visa application, receipt and photo upon arrival at the Consulate, along with a current passport in good condition with at least six months validity.

 If the interviewing consular officer approves the visa, your passport with visa will be sent via courier service to your nearest post office within 2-5 days.

Note:  If you miss your visa interview appointment, please reschedule with the Call Center.

To qualify for a visitor visa: 

To qualify for a visitor visa you must demonstrate to the consular officer that: 1) you have strong ties that prove you will return to your home in Nicaragua after a short visit to the U.S.; and, 2) you will only engage in activities in the U.S. which are appropriate for temporary visitors.

Your intention to return to Nicaragua after a short visit in the U.S. can be demonstrated by strong economic, professional and personal ties.  These include, but are not limited to, a well-paying job, bank accounts and other real assets, professional credentials, academic courses of study, family relations and community ties in Nicaragua.  You should not purchase your airline tickets until after a visa is granted.

Suggested documents you may bring with you to demonstrate your economic, professional and personal ties include, but are not limited to:

-- prior passports with U.S. visas (and/or of spouses/parents);
-- proof of employment and salary (pay stubs, INSS tax receipt, or “colilla”, etc.);
-- bank statements or account booklets (not credit cards);
-- professional accreditations;
-- school registration;
-- business registration and tax receipts of sales;
-- property and car registrations;
-- marriage certificates (original);
-- birth certificates of children (original), REQUIRED for all first-time, minor travelers to the U.S.

You must qualify for visitor visas on your own merits.  Although other persons (including American citizens, U.S. residents, and Nicaraguan friends) can supply written letters and other documents pertaining to the motive of your trip, the consular officer’s decision is grounded by U.S. law through your own ties to Nicaragua.  Third parties cannot legally take responsibility for your ties to Nicaragua by sponsoring you, paying for your travel or presenting guarantees of your intentions.  Invitations from the U.S. are not enough to qualify your for a visitor visa.

* Additional information for minor applicants:

Children under two years of age do not need to appear for the interview.  One parent must accompany children over two years old (generally, the one who will be traveling with the child).  An original birth certificate must be presented.  Parents should present their valid U.S. visitor visas or be prepared to demonstrate their own strong ties to Nicaragua during their interview if they do not have visas.

* Additional information for transit (C1) visa applicants:

You must present evidence of transportation arrangements for your final destination (such as an airline reservation).  Do not purchase your ticket until you have obtained the transit visa. 

* Additional information for student (F-1) visa applicants:

You must present an original I-20 form from the U.S. school, as well as documents that demonstrate your ability to pay for your course of studies and stay in the U.S.  Applicants for Student Status (F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3) must also pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee (see Item 10 on the form I-20).  You may do it by accessing the web page www.fmjfee.com, pay the fee by credit card and print the receipt, or visit your local Western Union office.  You must also fill out forms DS-158 available at the Consulate.

* Additional information for exchange visitor (J1) visa applicants:

You must present an original DS-2019 (former IAP-66) form from the U.S. organization and also submit form DS-158 available at the consulate or go to http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79965.pdf .

* Additional information for those seeking medical treatment:

If you require medical treatment in the U.S., you should present a diagnosis from your doctor in Nicaragua.  You should also present documents from the doctor or hospital in the U.S. that will treat you which show the type of treatment you will receive, how long your treatment will last, and what the approximate cost of treatment will be.  You must present evidence that the financial costs of your medical treatment in the U.S. can be covered.

* Additional information for crew (C1/D) visa applicants:

You must present an original, valid crew letter from a cruise, shipping, or airline company employer, as well as any current or expired visas.

 

Last update: October 23, 2007